Different Keyboard Modifications

Why do people modify their keyboards?

Keyboard enthusiasts are often obsessed with altering and experimenting with their keyboards’ acoustic profiles. They are always searching for ways to make their keyboards sound the best and they often use questionable methods to do so. 

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Silicone Dampening Mod

This mod improves the keyboard’s acoustic profile. Pouring the silicone in the case fills the space between the keyboard’s PCB and case. This removes the keyboard’s hollow sound that people usually aim to avoid. The silicone sheet must be custom fit to your keyboard for it to work, which is why you can’t buy silicone sheets and put them in your keyboard.

For this mod you will need:

• A silicon making kit

• Protective equipment; gloves, mask, etc.

• A keyboard

• Tape

• Exacto Knife

Steps:

• First, set aside your keyboard case and remove all the other parts. Use your tape and exacto knife to properly cover any holes in the keyboard so the silicone doesn’t spill out. Most keyboards are set at an angle to achieve that ergonomic feel; because of this, you’ll need to make sure your keyboard is completely balanced. To do this, you could use a stack of cards or papers. 

• Next, use your silicone-making kit and prepare the silicone by mixing the two containers labeled “Part a” and “Part b.” Ideally, you should follow the instructions the kit came with. When the mixture is ready, pour it into the keyboard case, making sure to stop before reaching the screw standoffs.

P.s.

Don’t forget your protective gear

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Because of silicone transparency, RGB lighting would easily be able to shine through.

• Since the silicone is poured to the exact measurements of your keyboard case, it generally looks better than pre-cut foam would.

Disadvantages:

• Time consuming

• Easy to make mistakes

• Long drying time

• Risk of damaging PCB if you decide to keep the PCB mounted while adding the silicon.

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Band-aid Mod

This modification is for keyboard stabilizers. It helps reduce the wobbliness and scratchiness that most stabilizers often acquire. Modifying your stabilizers is one of the best things you could do to your keyboard because it’s so easy, AND it helps a ton with the acoustic profile.

For this mod, you’ll need:

• Band-aids

• Scissors

• Keyboard Stabilizers (and a keyboard obviously)

Steps:

• First, you’ll have to remove all the keycaps, switches, and stabilizers from your keyboard. Set all your parts aside (you’ll need to reassemble them after modding the stabilizers). 

• Then, you need to cut your band-aids to ¼ inch strips. You need two strips per stabilizer.

• Place the band-aid strips where the stabilizers should be in the PCB. You’ll notice two vertical slots adjacent to the switch holes that need stabilizers. That’s where the band-aids should be.

• Reassemble your parts.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Easy to acquire required materials

• Generally easy to do

Disadvantages:

• The process could be tedious if you have large fingers and no nails

• People who are new to the hobby won’t be able to tell the difference.

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Foam Mod

What does this mod do?

The PE foam mod flattens the sound signature. It is meant to reflect the sound from typing back to you instead of through the PCB and plate into the case. If the sound goes into the hollow case, it creates a louder, more echo-ey sound.

For this mod, you will need:

• PE foam (less than 1.0mm)

• Hole poker (you could use anything that gets the job done)

• Keyboard

Steps

• Disassemble your keyboard and set aside your PCB. Place it on top of the PE foam sheet. 

• Trace your PCB on the PE foam sheet.

• Place the PE foam on top of the PCB.

• Poke holes through the foam for where the switches are meant to be (center and two plastic pins).

• Attach your Stabilizers to plate or PCB (depending on type of stabilizers).

• Attach your stabilizers to the PCB and plate.

• Trim the foam to where you traced the line. 

• Reassemble your keyboard.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Helps largely with acoustic profile.

• Helps further secure your parts together as it eliminates the extra space between the PCB and plate that causes some extra noise.

Disadvantages:

• The foam would be visible if you were to use a clear or acrylic case, so it could potentially take away from the overall aesthetic.

• If not done properly, it could potentially damage your keyboard because of how easily breakable the switch pins are.