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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: klikkyklik on Fri, 15 November 2013, 17:28:56

Title: Keycap sounds
Post by: klikkyklik on Fri, 15 November 2013, 17:28:56

I've scrounged this site - a lot.  Haven't came across the exact definitive answer I'm looking for.

I'm interested in changing the sound of my K70 w/Cherry Reds.  I'm keeping the switches but would like to change up the keycaps for something that has a "brighter," higher-pitch sound.  I came across this vid, and it kind of demonstrates what I'm looking for (even though it's a different keyboard).  The keys in the letter positions are brighter sounding, and the number keys are duller.  It's subtle, but it's there.

I've tried the Max Keyboard translucent keys as well as the WASD sampler, and they're both basically the exact same sound.

I -think- I might be after some thin ABS keycaps, but I'm not sure - so I'm asking for help, and particularly where I might find them.  A bonus would be translucent lettering as to go along with the K70 style.

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 16 November 2013, 01:48:32

What you have already tried are thin ABS.

You might look for some thick PBT keycaps.

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: Oobly on Sat, 16 November 2013, 12:10:23

IMHO, thick PBT are a bit more "clacky" than "clicky", due in large part to the weight. Thin ABS are more "clicky", but since that's what the board came with, you may want to try some thin PBT caps.

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: klikkyklik on Sun, 17 November 2013, 07:23:40

Thank you, gentlemen.  My quest continues.

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: terran5992 on Sun, 17 November 2013, 07:45:18

 http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/KBC-White-Gray-Dyesub-Red-Fonts-Thick-PBT-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/331011744897?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4d11d66481&_uhb=1 (http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/KBC-White-Gray-Dyesub-Red-Fonts-Thick-PBT-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/331011744897?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4d11d66481&_uhb=1)

Your quest continues

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: klikkyklik on Sun, 17 November 2013, 11:00:59

Not for that price, it doesn't!   :)

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: klikkyklik on Mon, 18 November 2013, 05:20:21

It would be pretty neat to have a video (or a site like Mr. Interface's) that demonstrates the difference in keycap sound using the same switch on the same board; perhaps using a Cherry Red or other non-clicky switch as to accentuate the difference in keycap sounds.

Unless something like this already exists?  If so, please let me know!

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 18 November 2013, 13:14:24

Quote from: klikkyklik on Mon, 18 November 2013, 05:20:21

It would be pretty neat to have a video (or a site like Mr. Interface's) that demonstrates the difference in keycap sound using the same switch on the same board; perhaps using a Cherry Red or other non-clicky switch as to accentuate the difference in keycap sounds.

Unless something like this already exists?  If so, please let me know!

But then it would vary depending on desk material and thickness, room acoustics, typing style and so on.  My keyboards (e.g. HHKB, Model M) do not sound much like the videos of the same I have seen.

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 18 November 2013, 13:15:12

I think Mr. Interface's simulations are pretty good.

Title: Re: Keycap sounds
Post by: klikkyklik on Mon, 18 November 2013, 13:27:59

Yes, the audio would depend on a lot of other factors, but at least you could get a relative sense of how thick vs. thin PBT might sound, for example.  Maybe...