Author Topic: Anyway to mod a HHKB to make it quieter? (Read 6055 times)

f4d3 · « **on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 11:45:23 »

Is there anyway to make a HHKB more quiet besides buying the type-s, is it possible to o-ring mod them or do topres work differently?

limmy · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 17:28:32 »

You could do the o-ring mod / sponge mod to make similar structure with type-s.

I didn't do those mods, but when I applied some lube to the switches my HHKB became quieter. It seems if you use thicker oil, the dampening effect is greater but it would at the same time change the feel. If you are interested in the sound samples, you could download sound samples in http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/3857844 (look for HHKB typing sounds.zip) However, the silent version is significant quieter than the lubed one. (I just received RF silent version and am comparing it with my lubed HHKB)

f4d3 · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 17:31:00 »

Do topres make that thuck when it springs back up or when it bottoms out? I can't figure it out.

limmy · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 17:40:41 »

Both. They are however different in the sense that the collision is between plastic and rubber when bottoming out, plastic and plastic when springing up.

hasu · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 06:23:14 »

This has some links about Topre silencing.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18935-New-HHKB-The-HHKB-Pro-Type-S/page3&p=364477#post364477

My result is not so significant but still the difference is recognizable.
[video=youtube;Km2G8vdLXmw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km2G8vdLXmw[/video]

limmy · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 08:22:31 »

This is how Realforce silent version silences bounding up sound. The sponge is about 0.5mm when not depressed.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 47697[/ATTACH]

You also see some lube on a relatively new board. This is why RF and HHKB are smooth. It looks to me the lube used is some kind of grease with very low viscosity. That is my best guess.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 47698[/ATTACH]

f4d3 · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 18:04:49 »

Quote from: hasu;569705

This has some links about Topre silencing.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18935-New-HHKB-The-HHKB-Pro-Type-S/page3&p=364477#post364477

My result is not so significant but still the difference is recognizable.
[video=youtube;Km2G8vdLXmw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km2G8vdLXmw[/video]

Anymore info on that? I haven't gotten my HHKB but I already got loads of plans for it.

guilleguillaume · « **Reply #7 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 19:56:19 »

Not my video:

[video=youtube;G7RaGXm27QA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7RaGXm27QA&list=FLLW4WlCwh1x33Yo9rr_50yw&index=18&feature=plpp_video[/video]

tp4tissue · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 22:15:24 »

Quote from: guilleguillaume;570211

Not my video:

[video=youtube;G7RaGXm27QA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7RaGXm27QA&list=FLLW4WlCwh1x33Yo9rr_50yw&index=18&feature=plpp_video[/video]

I am amazed that this dude was able to cut such perfect circles, wonder what tool he used.

hxu1 · « **Reply #9 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 22:55:50 »

Quote from: guilleguillaume;570211

Not my video:

[video=youtube;G7RaGXm27QA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7RaGXm27QA&list=FLLW4WlCwh1x33Yo9rr_50yw&index=18&feature=plpp_video[/video]

how's your hhkb jp? ^.^

seferphier · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 08 April 2012, 02:39:26 »

wish it would be easier to make those silencers.. would be interested in some if someone could produce them.

fossala · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 08 April 2012, 02:41:59 »

Quote from: seferphier;570439

wish it would be easier to make those silencers.. would be interested in some if someone could produce them.

Some one does, PFU. They are $500 a set but you get a free HHKB.

seferphier · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 08 April 2012, 03:48:03 »

Quote from: fossala;570441

Some one does, PFU. They are $500 a set but you get a free HHKB.

sounds like a deal to me. hahaha

limmy · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 08 April 2012, 05:11:25 »

I think silicone thermal pads along with hollow hole punches could do the job.

I found some silicone pads in digikey. It is a little pricey(I am guessing you would need two of those), but whole lot less than type-s.
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/H48-2K-150-150-0.2-0/1168-1206-ND/3042035
The pad is made of silicone, has thickness of 0.2mm, is without adhesives on both sides and has shore A measurement of 60A.

Also, here are hollow punches in different sizes:
http://store.harryepstein.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=HolePunches
(the video above says the diameter of cylinder shape measures about 8.4mm)
so, you might want to purchase 5/16", 6/16", 7/16" punch to try out. I am guessing 5/16"(7.94mm) and 7/16"(11.11mm) will be enough assuming the silicone pad stretches out a bit.

Hmm.. but this is a lot of investment for a mod. The mod will require two silicone pads, 8mm, 9mm, 12mm punching tools. Including shipping and all it would be something like $40 and the tools purchased are not likely to be used elsewhere, unless you have many Topre boards to silence. Finally there is no guarantee of success....

f4d3 · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 08 April 2012, 19:43:34 »

If I were to buy nylon washer, does anyone have the sizes or a site that sells them?

hasu · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 09 April 2012, 03:33:14 »

Washers whose inside diameter is 8.2mm and outside diameter 12mm are suit for this purpose.
But 8.2mm is a bit small for plungers, you might need to file inside of washer.

Most washers available in Japan is metric system size, I don't know about US size.

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Author Topic: Anyway to mod a HHKB to make it quieter? (Read 6055 times)

fossala