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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: euclydian on Sat, 27 August 2016, 02:19:40

Title: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: euclydian on Sat, 27 August 2016, 02:19:40

Hey,

I silenced my Novatouch with Hypersphere rings the other day but now I'm much more aware of a sound coming from the springs on many of the keys when released.
It sounds like this video (not mine).

I'm weighing up if this sound is more annoying than an unsilenced Novatouch and I think it is.

Has anyone experienced this or has any suggestions to reduce these noises?

Thanks for any help.

EDIT: I tried them on my HHKB with the same results, hence I have given up on them.  At least the HHKB sounds alright stock.

Title: Re: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: praaseyn on Sat, 27 August 2016, 05:40:40

I have this sound on a number of keys on my HHKB type-s. Some are loud, some almost inaudible. Since resting my keyboard on a cloth surface though, I've found that I can't hear the springing unless I've my ear next to the keyboard. This might be sufficient for you. I was advised that reseating the springs could fix the problem, but I'm satisfied with my solution for now.

Excellent taste in music, by the way!  ;D

Title: Re: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 27 August 2016, 06:04:52

OMG that's annoying.

How can it be fixed? A particularly careful positioning of the springs?

Maybe hypersphere can suggest something?

Title: Re: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: xtrafrood on Sat, 27 August 2016, 06:59:13

First of all, best album ever. Easy Hastings has been one of my favorite tracks for over a decade :)

I can't speak from experience but some GH members have used other methods in combination with hyperspheres like o-rings, and sound dampening mats laid underneath the keyboard (large mousepad or something else).

Title: Re: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: euclydian on Sat, 27 August 2016, 07:54:46

Haha, I have used this picture on forums for close to ten years and no one has ever mentioned it.  This must be where the cool people hang out.  :thumb: 
(I saw them a few months ago, amazing)

Anyway... I actually took the hypersphere rings out yesterday but I am determined to make it work so will put them back in later.  I didn't even try a mat underneath so maybe I will try that first.  I'm sure the springs were correctly aligned so I don't think it's that.  I did find some comments about lubing the springs but I'm reluctant to try that at this stage.  I'm not sure if the rings are contributing to the problem, it may just be that the sound is only audible when it's not being obscured by the loud noises the NT usually makes.

Thanks for the help so far, I will try a few things and report back...

Title: Re: Reducing spring noise on a Novatouch?
Post by: Hypersphere on Sat, 27 August 2016, 08:04:49

I've installed Silencing Rings in 3 Novatouch keyboards plus several HHKBs and RF87U keyboards, and I have not noticed the noise you have described. I would not recommend lubing the springs, but I do lube the stabilizers and guide rails of the switches using SuperLube 51010 oil applied sparingly with a small pointed paintbrush. My desktop setup includes an extra large mouse/keyboard mat, but I also test keyboards on a wooden desk with no mat.