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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Hyde on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:34:28

Title: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:34:28
The other day I opened up my Filco to switch the LED.  Then just for fun I lay the bare plate/pcb on my lap and I did some typing.

And man I have to say my keyboard start to sound/feel like those keyboard with aluminum casing + lubed switches.  (I got a chance to test it out another day off someone)

So this raise the question that is it possible to stuff my Filco interior with foam/rubber mat to make it sounds more solid than it is.  (Keep in mind I'm using stock plastic case now)

I heard it was a common practice on Poker since it has such a flimsy case, but anyone know if it's possible on Filco?  Also would the soldering joints get hot enough at any point to burn the foam/rubber?

I'm currently using a cheaper "towel under keyboard" method but I think stuffing the case might work better.  I was tempted to buy a $15 yoga mat today to cut it up and try it out.

Any idea?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:39:43
I know some people use the drawer liner stuff(you can just get it at the dollar store) and put it under the pcb.  Photoelectric tried it recently and noticed a difference but I don't remember in what way.  I think it dampened the sound more rather than making it sound more "solid".  But I have never typed on an aluminum case or a cushioned board.

edit:
random google image to show what I'm talking about (http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/images/Supplies/NonSlipDrawerLiner2.jpg)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 18 August 2013, 18:01:23
Um.. If you really want a solid feel

Take the rubber feet off the keyboard,
 
knife-flat the protrusions around the keyboard feet if you can, and lay that flat against a BIG rubber sheet/mousepad
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:43:18
Mmmmmmm I wonder if I should try stuffing my case full of drawer liner first then, at least it's a reversible process so if I mess up I can easily remove it.

My only concern now is if it would "melt" onto the PCB.  If I remember correctly PCBs are designed to dissipate heat fast.  So wouldn't stuffing PCB full of rubber make it store heat?

As for the method tp4tissue mentioned, I'm currently placed my keyboard on a folded face towel.  I'd imagine it has similar effect though maybe your method would work better.

Though I always wonder if those protrusions have any intended functions, I'd avoid shaving it off before I find out what they're for.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:02:20
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:07:03
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:15:12
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

y not concrete?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:19:51
I used $2 drawer liner from Target that works great :D
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:26:53
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

y not concrete?

Why not put an Ergo Dox in an industrial blender, and then pack the pieces into a keyboard, held in with some sort of glue?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:29:42
Yup, Ive used that rubbery foamy liner in my Filco, and I do like the result.  I'll add a layer to my other Filco soon as well.  It's such a simple addition that if you open up your keyboard for anything anyway, might as well try the liner ;)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:31:26
How are you liking it Photoelectric? I never heard your afterthoughts about the mod.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: ___q on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:33:38
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

A lot of yoga mats might be too thick -- at least in the alu vortex cases, there is a lot less clearance than you think at the bottom of the case.

I have a manduka yoga mat, and there's no way that a piece of that would fit under the pcb.  Perhaps there is more room in the stock case, though.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: chaumeow on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:43:59
Good idea! I think I have some in my kitchen! This looks better than a towel!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:47:09
I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

y not concrete?

Why not put an Ergo Dox in an industrial blender, and then pack the pieces into a keyboard, held in with some sort of glue?

LOL be nice people, but I have to admit I had a good laugh out of this.

I've done this to my FC700R. One of the best mods I've ever done. It feels great and I wouldn't worry about the melting.

Sweet this shall be my project next weekend then.  :)

Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

A lot of yoga mats might be too thick -- at least in the alu vortex cases, there is a lot less clearance than you think at the bottom of the case.

I have a manduka yoga mat, and there's no way that a piece of that would fit under the pcb.  Perhaps there is more room in the stock case, though.

lol well I was thinking maybe stuff in those "waffles" area inside the case but maybe I'll try drawer liner first.

Good idea! I think I have some in my kitchen! This looks better than a towel!  :thumb:

Cool let's do this soon then.  :)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:50:24
How are you liking it Photoelectric? I never heard your afterthoughts about the mod.

I swapped most of my ergo-Clears to vintage Blacks when my switch tool arrived, at least in part because I disliked the sound in my Filco.  I have stock Clears in my OH's Ducky Shine, and those feel and sound delightful, quite possibly because the LEDs make the switches completely non-wobbly and add to overall dampening, and something else about that board (maybe the Shine caps) results in a pleasant sound.  On my Filco with thick PBTs, the switch reset was making an annoying clanky sound, and overall, I just didn't like the feel. 

So now that I have the drawer liner in place, I can tell that the Clears I left on the function row and the 6-key cluster are definitely more dampened, and the keyboard overall is quieter (but my lubed vintage Blacks were already super quiet).  It's not a dramatic difference, but I can tell it's there. I'm almost considering swapping back to Clears if I didn't like Blacks so much ;) 
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: meiosis on Sun, 18 August 2013, 22:01:50
Koreans use memory foam on their KMAC's, but that seems quite expensive if you can't find a small piece. I guess foam or the yoga mat would work well as well :).
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 18 August 2013, 22:12:02
I couldn't find a thin enough piece or Id try it.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 18 August 2013, 23:11:48
I've done this with most keyboard I type on a lot. Case resonance = evil.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:41:55
lol originally I was gonna wait till weekend but I got impatient and jumped the gun.

So this is layer 1:

3 x sheets top
3 x sheets 2nd row
2 x sheets 3rd row
1 x sheet bottom row

[attach=1]

This is layer 2:

1 x sheet

[attach=2]

BUT I noticed layer 1 + layer 2 = too thick and I didn't want to force it.  So I end up only using layer 1 and so far but it turns out pretty good.

However I guess it's still not as solid as laying the bare PCB/Plate on my lap, but I guess that can't be helped.  Maybe I'll try typing with no case one day, and just have my bare PCB/Plate over a towel or something and see if that works.  :P

On a side note, $1 got me 2 sheets of drawer liner and I only used 1 sheet so far.  This is a super cheap mod lol.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: digi on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:43:46
Put some sub-woofers in that bad boy  :cool:
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Photoelectric on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:43:59
I only added 1 layer to my Filco--didn't seem like there'd be room for 2.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:49:05
lol yeah originally I thought since those things are soft and flexible so it might fit.  But in the end I didn't want to force it.

However when I do "layer 1" I actually lay down:

3 layers on top row
3 layers on 2nd row
2 layers on 3rd row
1 layer on bottom row

To fill in the gaps for the incline.

LOL maybe cuz I'm an art student so I'm a bit anal regarding making it neat and organized.  :P
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Dreamre on Wed, 21 August 2013, 21:43:58
I did exactly what you did with my Filco. This does feel a lot more solid!

Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: PolaBurrr on Wed, 29 January 2014, 18:35:43
going to resurrect this old thread here because it seems to be the only thread talking about stuffing the inside of the filco with rubber/foam to minimize hollow sound. So it seems like you guys have just been using one "layer", with different number of sheets in four rows. Even though a second single layer seems tight, would forcing the plate+pcb down on it harm the board? I mean, its rubber... but you can never too sure.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: demik on Wed, 29 January 2014, 19:09:18
wish i could find the picture of that one dude that filled his keyboard with window foam or something like that.

here we go!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=18886.0
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: PolaBurrr on Wed, 29 January 2014, 19:15:31
wish i could find the picture of that one dude that filled his keyboard with window foam or something like that.

here we go!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=18886.0

lolol seems a bit over the top. not quite badass enough to try that on mine lol.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 29 January 2014, 19:23:12
wish i could find the picture of that one dude that filled his keyboard with window foam or something like that.

here we go!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=18886.0

That is awesome. I want to bump that thread so bad.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 29 January 2014, 21:28:38
That's kinda weird - what's the risk of foam getting into the switches?  You'd have to desolder the switch if that happened, but you couldn't, because you'd have to remove all the foam first!
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 29 January 2014, 21:45:21
This sounds like a great mod actually. It's very simple and not costly in the slightest.
I have noticed that my keyboard has had a noticeably higher pitch to it after putting in an aluminium case so I will try this and report back! (hopefully I remember)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: PolaBurrr on Wed, 29 January 2014, 21:54:22
I'm getting this really weird high pitched clack on a few of my keys on my filco tkl with reds. These few keys have a much higher pitched clack, almost to the frequency of a rattle, on the down stroke, and sometimes on the upstroke. The location of these keys are mostly near the center of the keyboard (not typing area, the entire keyboard). Has anyone else experienced this? I was wondering if it is a loose switch housing, but I took of my keycaps and it didn't seem any more loose than all the other keys. Maybe it's just how it resonates on that area of the keyboard?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 29 January 2014, 22:02:02
I'm getting this really weird high pitched clack on a few of my keys on my filco tkl with reds. These few keys have a much higher pitched clack, almost to the frequency of a rattle, on the down stroke, and sometimes on the upstroke. The location of these keys are mostly near the center of the keyboard (not typing area, the entire keyboard). Has anyone else experienced this? I was wondering if it is a loose switch housing, but I took of my keycaps and it didn't seem any more loose than all the other keys. Maybe it's just how it resonates on that area of the keyboard?

I think it's just how the vibrations go through the keyboard. I have noticed some twang on my reds and some when I recently installed an aluminium case for my poker with blues. Try doing this mod and see if that dampens that sound, it should be easy enough to try.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 30 January 2014, 09:05:07
Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

I have used a lot of drawer liner with good results in flat sheets, and also in cylindrical rolls where I needed 3-dimensional thickness along edges.

I have also done exactly the same thing with felt. The rubber works better but in a very thin situation only felt will fit.

The "upgrade" from there, for underlying desk mat, is not a yoga mat but rather the silicone kitchen mat sold in places like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/real-simple-professional-silicone-baking-mat/1014715754

Since I have access to construction sites, I once grabbed a cut-off slice of EPDM 60-mil roofing membrane that is very nice.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 30 January 2014, 09:08:10
Did you use drawer liner?  I'm debating to use drawer liner or yoga mat (since it's pretty cheap too and are typically thicker/denser).

I have used a lot of drawer liner with good results in flat sheets, and also in cylindrical rolls where I needed 3-dimensional thickness along edges.

I have also done exactly the same thing with felt. The rubber works better but in a very thin situation only felt will fit.

The "upgrade" from there, for underlying desk mat, is not a yoga mat but rather the silicone kitchen mat sold in places like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/real-simple-professional-silicone-baking-mat/1014715754

Since I have access to construction sites, I once grabbed a cut-off slice of EPDM 60-mil roofing membrane that is very nice.

That thing from Bed Bath and Beyond is just a Silpat (http://www.silpat.com/) right? That's a damn good idea regardless fohat.digs.

Could you get the EDPM roofing membrane at Lowe's or Home Depot?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 30 January 2014, 09:17:56
Could you get the EDPM roofing membrane at Lowe's or Home Depot?

No, it comes from roofing supply companies in $500+ rolls.

If I find more scraps I may snag them and cut up more pads.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: nickatnite on Thu, 30 January 2014, 10:01:54
Could you get the EDPM roofing membrane at Lowe's or Home Depot?

No, it comes from roofing supply companies in $500+ rolls.

If I find more scraps I may snag them and cut up more pads.

I'm not sure about Home Depot but Lowes sells them by the feet. It's not the heavy duty 45mm thickness but good enough. It's in the pond/pool area in the Garden Center.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 30 January 2014, 10:09:54
It's not the heavy duty 45mm thickness but good enough. It's in the pond/pool area in the Garden Center.

I had not thought of pond liner. I think it is about 30 mils, about 1/32" thick.

Art foam from a craft store like Michaels might be better, both thicker and softer. Also very cheap.

PS - mils are thousandths of an inch. 45mm would be impressive indeed!
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 30 January 2014, 23:33:32
Well I just went to Home Depot and grabbed a roll of this foam mat sort of thing and cut it out and shoved it under the PCB of my keyboard and it feels much more solid. Before the keyboard sounded a bit hollow however the foam really dampened that out and I am quite liking this mod.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Jumpjet on Fri, 31 January 2014, 04:02:39
My filco doubleshots made a huge difference to the feel and sound of my Majlstouch 2. The thickness of the caps insulates the sound and mutes any bottoming out impact. Combining theses doubleshots with a modded PCB would really transform the typing experience.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Kamen Rider Blade on Fri, 31 January 2014, 05:16:09
So did the expanding foam under the keycaps really dampen that much sound?

Which modification works the best for sound dampening?

Rubber Grip kitchen mat in casing?

Sound proof matting in casing?

Silicone bake sheet mats in casing?

Expanding sealing foam under keycaps?

Rubber O-Ring under keycaps?

Square Dampeners under keycaps?

Has anybody thought of filling the keyboard case with non conductive putty on all sides to dampen sound?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 31 January 2014, 10:35:57
So did the expanding foam under the keycaps really dampen that much sound?

Which modification works the best for sound dampening?

Rubber Grip kitchen mat in casing?

Sound proof matting in casing?

Silicone bake sheet mats in casing?

Expanding sealing foam under keycaps?

Rubber O-Ring under keycaps?

Square Dampeners under keycaps?

Has anybody thought of filling the keyboard case with non conductive putty on all sides to dampen sound?

I filled my keyboard with a grip liner and it dampened the sound to the point where the click from my blues were practically the only thing you heard. You can barely hear the bottoming out.
[edit] You can hear bottoming out, but it really sounds like one loud click instead of a click and a thock.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 31 January 2014, 13:21:43
Could you get the EDPM roofing membrane at Lowe's or Home Depot?

No, it comes from roofing supply companies in $500+ rolls.

If I find more scraps I may snag them and cut up more pads.

I'm not sure about Home Depot but Lowes sells them by the feet. It's not the heavy duty 45mm thickness but good enough. It's in the pond/pool area in the Garden Center.

Cool, I'll have to check that out next time I'm at Lowes. Have you compared it to the drawer liners? I have that in a couple of my boards and I think it's nice.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Elrick on Fri, 31 January 2014, 19:23:27
So did the expanding foam under the keycaps really dampen that much sound?

Which modification works the best for sound dampening?

Rubber Grip kitchen mat in casing?

Sound proof matting in casing?

Silicone bake sheet mats in casing?

Expanding sealing foam under keycaps?

Rubber O-Ring under keycaps?

Square Dampeners under keycaps?

Has anybody thought of filling the keyboard case with non conductive putty on all sides to dampen sound?

Quite a few ideas here.  Might try some out, but I would go for the silicone tube effect.  Easy to dispense with and it sticks to just about anything permanently without causing any problems.  Also completely non-electrical hence no worries about shorts ever occurring.

You can still by a tube for only a couple of dollars at your local hardware store in clear, black or white colour.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: terrpn on Fri, 31 January 2014, 21:40:29
i must be a red neck as i used duct tape on the inside of bottom top cases :eek:
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: sdothum on Thu, 12 February 2015, 16:36:30
I have a Tex case coming for my Poker 2 in a few days  :) and plan to line the inside with "Weather Shield Crack Seal". It's a dense putty like substance and comes in roll as a ribbed ribbon (which you can shape like plasticine). I've used it alot to provide sound dampening to audio equipment (one of those really anal tweaks audiophiles get obsessed with.. have spent a small fortune on isolation devices but this is a cheap tweak). It should add more weight to the kbd and, I'm guessing, dampen any vibrations effectively. Will know in a short while..
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: sdothum on Mon, 16 February 2015, 22:33:14
Well.. got my Tex. Only needed a single layer of Crack Seal to create a perfect seal between the PCB and the aluminium base. Tearing the ribbed Crack Seal ribbon down the middle (4 + 4 strands wide), it press fit between the milled aisles. The thickness requires seating it firmly to the base, otherwise, there may be a gap in the middle sufficient to preventing screwing down the middle of the PCB. Tightening up the screws and the PCB seats into the malleable but dense putty like sealer (which does not dry out -- I've used it in audio isolation mods and the substance remains malleable for years). It can easily be removed as its surface is only mildly tacky -- doesn't stick permanently. It is dense (adds more weight to the keyboard) and deadens any vibration. My Poker 2 feels like a completely different keyboard: lovin' the Reds even more.

Word of warning: when you get the PCB/plate screwed down tight, it creates a very solid contact with the Crack Seal.. the ribbed material flattens out under pressure, even if it is less than a mm. That makes removing the keyboard assembly tricky as you have to pry it off the semi-tacky material. I don't plan to do any mods requiring access to the PCB to desolder anything so, barring failure of a component, it is staying as is. If I were to do this again, I would line the top of the Crack Seal with tissue paper.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 February 2018, 18:31:08
LOL sorry to resurrect this thread.

The other day I bought some craft foam sheets from Michaels for some other project, but I had some left over so I tried to find some use for it.

This thing:  http://www.michaels.com/12x18-foam-sheet-by-creatology/M10597609.html

So I decide to lay it under my keyboard just to see what happens.  Keep in mind my keyboard is already filled with drawer liner on the interior so it's already dampened.  So I wasn't expecting much difference.

BUT WOAH what a difference, I think the drawer liner eliminates any noise inside the keyboard and the foam sheet lay under the keyboard eliminates any echo from the desk.

The combination between both basically eliminate ANY noise so now the only noise I heard is when I bottom out on the switch also when the switch come back up and hits the housing (sort of like Topre noise before silencing).


This get you really close to the feel of using aluminum case except I'm still using the stock plastic case.

[attach=1] [attach=2] [attach=3] [attach=4]

The good news is, the sheets is very close in height to the keyboard legs, so I just cut the groove around the leg and the sheet kind of just wedge itself between the legs (also cut a few slits for the dome looking things under the board).  And when you lay flat on the table it's completely invisible (because it doesn't change the height).  People won't even know you lay a sheet under.

Someone should try this on Cherry MX Red Silent then do the drawer liner mod + craft foam sheet under keyboard to see how silent this gets.

The foam sheet is also super cheap so if you screw up just buy another one.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: TheInverseKey on Sun, 18 February 2018, 18:46:07
LOL sorry to resurrect this thread.

The other day I bought some craft foam sheets from Michaels for some other project, but I had some left over so I tried to find some use for it.

This thing:  http://www.michaels.com/12x18-foam-sheet-by-creatology/M10597609.html

So I decide to lay it under my keyboard just to see what happens.  Keep in mind my keyboard is already filled with drawer liner on the interior so it's already dampened.  So I wasn't expecting much difference.

BUT WOAH what a difference, I think the drawer liner eliminates any noise inside the keyboard and the foam sheet lay under the keyboard eliminates any echo from the desk.

The combination between both basically eliminate ANY noise so now the only noise I heard is when I bottom out on the switch also when the switch come back up and hits the housing (sort of like Topre noise before silencing).


This get you really close to the feel of using aluminum case except I'm still using the stock plastic case.

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

The good news is, the sheets is very close in height to the keyboard legs, so I just cut the groove around the leg and the sheet kind of just wedge itself between the legs (also cut a few slits for the dome looking things under the board).  And when you lay flat on the table it's completely invisible (because it doesn't change the height).  People won't even know you lay a sheet under.

Someone should try this on Cherry MX Red Silent then do the drawer liner mod + craft foam sheet under keyboard to see how silent this gets.

The foam sheet is also super cheap so if you screw up just buy another one.  :thumb:

Does the sound still sound good if you have the the feet out and the keyboard raised?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 18 February 2018, 19:13:50
LOL sorry to resurrect this thread.

The other day I bought some craft foam sheets from Michaels for some other project, but I had some left over so I tried to find some use for it.

This thing:  http://www.michaels.com/12x18-foam-sheet-by-creatology/M10597609.html

So I decide to lay it under my keyboard just to see what happens.  Keep in mind my keyboard is already filled with drawer liner on the interior so it's already dampened.  So I wasn't expecting much difference.

BUT WOAH what a difference, I think the drawer liner eliminates any noise inside the keyboard and the foam sheet lay under the keyboard eliminates any echo from the desk.

The combination between both basically eliminate ANY noise so now the only noise I heard is when I bottom out on the switch also when the switch come back up and hits the housing (sort of like Topre noise before silencing).


This get you really close to the feel of using aluminum case except I'm still using the stock plastic case.

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

The good news is, the sheets is very close in height to the keyboard legs, so I just cut the groove around the leg and the sheet kind of just wedge itself between the legs (also cut a few slits for the dome looking things under the board).  And when you lay flat on the table it's completely invisible (because it doesn't change the height).  People won't even know you lay a sheet under.

Someone should try this on Cherry MX Red Silent then do the drawer liner mod + craft foam sheet under keyboard to see how silent this gets.

The foam sheet is also super cheap so if you screw up just buy another one.  :thumb:

Does the sound still sound good if you have the the feet out and the keyboard raised?

Hmmmm I just test it I don't think it works as well.

Because I think the idea is that instead of the 4 legs now this spread out the dampening area to the entire bottom of keyboard (basically anywhere the sheet is touching).

With the legs raised you're emphasizing the contacting point to the 4 legs.  I think it still works a little bit but just not as well.

Probably need to put a lot of dampen material into those 4 points and it might increase the keyboard height quite a bit more (say like 2-3 layer of foams as oppose to 1 to get the same effect).

It's like stopping someone from falling using a bed of mattress vs stopping the same force with only your 2 arms padded (LOL not the best example but you get the idea).

But I know it's fairly common for people to use the keyboard with legs raised.  So I'll let you know if I manage to find out workaround around it later.  :)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: spiceBar on Fri, 13 April 2018, 17:47:25
LOL sorry to resurrect this thread.

The other day I bought some craft foam sheets from Michaels for some other project, but I had some left over so I tried to find some use for it.

This thing:  http://www.michaels.com/12x18-foam-sheet-by-creatology/M10597609.html

So I decide to lay it under my keyboard just to see what happens.  Keep in mind my keyboard is already filled with drawer liner on the interior so it's already dampened.  So I wasn't expecting much difference.

BUT WOAH what a difference, I think the drawer liner eliminates any noise inside the keyboard and the foam sheet lay under the keyboard eliminates any echo from the desk.

The combination between both basically eliminate ANY noise so now the only noise I heard is when I bottom out on the switch also when the switch come back up and hits the housing (sort of like Topre noise before silencing).


This get you really close to the feel of using aluminum case except I'm still using the stock plastic case.

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

The good news is, the sheets is very close in height to the keyboard legs, so I just cut the groove around the leg and the sheet kind of just wedge itself between the legs (also cut a few slits for the dome looking things under the board).  And when you lay flat on the table it's completely invisible (because it doesn't change the height).  People won't even know you lay a sheet under.

Someone should try this on Cherry MX Red Silent then do the drawer liner mod + craft foam sheet under keyboard to see how silent this gets.

The foam sheet is also super cheap so if you screw up just buy another one.  :thumb:


Thank you for reporting on your technique. I like to reduce the sound coming out of my keyboards as well.

One thing I would like to point out, though, is that aluminum cases do not sound like you think they sound.

Actually in my experience they amplify the sounds. They do the opposite of the dampening you have achieved by filling the case and putting material underneath.

An aluminum case sounds like, maybe, a glass or crystal case. They are extremely noisy, even when you put dampening material inside.

As a general rule, I would say that the stiffer the material of the case, the more sound gets out of it. Plastic or wood is better than aluminum or glass, in this regard.

I have two beautiful aluminum cases for my Pokers, and I have unfortunately stopped using them. I have put the plastic cases back, because they are much more quiet.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: bitzie on Sat, 14 April 2018, 18:47:23
For the BananaSplit V2 build that I did a little while ago I used a chunk of a Lululemon yoga mat. It is the exact height of the standoffs in the aluminum case I used so it completely fills the void between the case and the pcb. Not only that, it's quite dense so it really dampens any sounds and adds a bit of weight to the board. One mat gave me enough material to cover my work table and have enough left over to fill probably a dozen boards.

https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi (https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi)

(https://imgur.com/PLyeEId)
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: duckboi on Sun, 15 April 2018, 06:53:09
For the BananaSplit V2 build that I did a little while ago I used a chunk of a Lululemon yoga mat. It is the exact height of the standoffs in the aluminum case I used so it completely fills the void between the case and the pcb. Not only that, it's quite dense so it really dampens any sounds and adds a bit of weight to the board. One mat gave me enough material to cover my work table and have enough left over to fill probably a dozen boards.

https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi (https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi)
Show Image
(https://imgur.com/PLyeEId)


I just wanna say that I'm LOVING the look of that case bottom! you did a great job on that  :thumb:
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 15 April 2018, 08:51:55
Check out one of Felion1337's builds (https://www.sweclockers.com/galleri/14469-ett-gratt-tangentbord).(The gallery is in Swedish but the images are very descriptive)
He uses 5 mm foam sheets between plate and PCB, automotive bitumen sheets to fill cavities in the case and electrical tape where things make contact (such as under the Cherry stabilisers).

You don't have to cut out a square for each switch. I have also seen people cut strips that go only in-between the rows.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: bitzie on Sun, 15 April 2018, 11:48:26
For the BananaSplit V2 build that I did a little while ago I used a chunk of a Lululemon yoga mat. It is the exact height of the standoffs in the aluminum case I used so it completely fills the void between the case and the pcb. Not only that, it's quite dense so it really dampens any sounds and adds a bit of weight to the board. One mat gave me enough material to cover my work table and have enough left over to fill probably a dozen boards.

https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi (https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi)
Show Image
(https://imgur.com/PLyeEId)


I just wanna say that I'm LOVING the look of that case bottom! you did a great job on that  :thumb:

Thanks! It was quite a bit of fun to do.
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Tue, 24 April 2018, 01:06:52
Leopold  has a felt mat on the bottom of the board.  I have no idea what it does- maybe a sound dampener?
Title: Re: Fill up keyboard interior for a better sound/feel? (On Filco)
Post by: killyou on Tue, 24 April 2018, 12:04:04
I put a 7mm layer of felt on my entire desk (looks nice and pleasant for the hands) as well as I stuffed it inside my Pok3r. Works great.