Author Topic: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different  (Read 1309 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline kelvinhall05

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 69
  • Location: London, Ontario
    • LinusTechTips
The two keyboards are a Dell AT101 that I've swapped white Alps into. It also has fairly thick double-shot ABS keycaps from a Lite-on SK-2002. The other keyboard is a Focus FK-9000. It's all stock.

I've attached a sound file that has both keyboards typing. The first one I type on is the Dell, the second is the Focus, and I alternate between the two in the audio clip. The difference is a bit less obvious in the recording than it is in person. Hopefully someone can help me out here as I'm kind of confused and am not a huge fan of the sound of the Focus. And yes, they are genuine Alps, not clones. And they're pretty damn clean, too.

Offline rxc92

  • Posts: 441
Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 26 December 2019, 12:14:33 »
Isn’t it obvious? Keycaps are different and make a huge difference, as does plate material, case material, and construction.

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6533
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 26 December 2019, 12:34:58 »
TL;DR

The Dell case is much more sturdy that the Focus. Check the original Dell key caps and consider using them if they are the PBT variant.
From the US Constitution, Article 1, Section 8 :

The   Congress   shall have Power
To declare War,  grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To provide for calling forth the Militia  to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

Offline envyy24

  • Posts: 156
  • Location: UK
Re: Two different keyboards with supposedly the same switches sound different
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 27 December 2019, 16:51:24 »
Well the switches are not the sole contributer to the typing sound.