Keyboard enthusiasts love the satisfying sounds of keystrokes, but not everyone feels the same way. Many people find them obtrusive and distracting—especially when typing in an office or home environment where others are present. Sound dampening materials help reduce the noise generated by mechanical and membrane keyboards without sacrificing the sensation of typing.
Within this niche category, there are quite a few different types of sound dampening materials each having distinct properties and advantages. Some of the most commonly used materials include different types of rubber, foam, fabric pads, and sorbothane. Within this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into properties and applications, installation methods, and performance aspects of each material.
1. Rubber
Rubber is known for its excellent sound insulation properties which translate well when it’s used in the context of keyboard noise reduction. O-rings and dampening pads are two types of rubber dampening materials regularly used with keyboards.
O-rings are placed on the keycap stem, which helps to reduce the clacking noise when a key is bottomed out. They are generally most effective on mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX or compatible switches. However, they can also work on other types of keyboards, although the resulting sound dampening effect may vary.
Rubber dampening pads, on the other hand, are usually placed between the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and the keyboard chassis. They physically muffle the sound, preventing it from resonating through the keyboard’s body.
2. Foam
The foam, particularly open-cell foam, has outstanding sound-absorbing properties. Case foam and plate foam are two types commonly used in keyboards. Case foam is typically placed between the PCB and the bottom case, while plate foam is situated between the PCB and the plate. They reduce the reverberation and ringing sound that occurs when keys are pressed, providing a quieter and more muted typing experience.
3. Fabric Pads
Fabric sound dampening pads use a completely different mechanism to reduce noise compared with foam and rubber. Fabric pads help control acoustic resonance and dampen sound vibrations, ultimately reducing overall keyboard noise. They are usually placed beneath the keyboard, acting as a physical barrier between the keyboard and the desk, absorbing the impact of keystrokes.
4. Sorbothane
Sorbothane is a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer used widely for its sound dampening and shock absorption properties. As a sound dampening material for keyboards, sorbothane sheets are typically cut to size and placed between the keyboard’s PCB and the case.
These materials work together or in isolation to reduce the sound generated by keyboards effectively. Their application often depends on the user’s preference and the design of the keyboard. For a dampened typing experience, multiple materials are often used in combination, with O-rings on the keycaps, foam inside the keyboard, and a fabric pad underneath.
However, the efficacy of these materials is not solely confined to their inherent sound-dampening properties. The installation process plays an equally vital role in their overall performance. It includes cutting the material into the correct shape and size, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit, and positioning it correctly within the keyboard.
One of the salient aspects to consider when installing these materials is their thickness. For instance, foam that’s too thick might push against the PCB and interfere with key-press registration, while a fabric pad that’s too thin may not sufficiently dampen the noise. Similarly, using multiple O-rings on a keycap might limit key travel to an uncomfortable degree.
Considering these factors when installing sound dampeners can make a significant difference in reducing keyboard noise levels while retaining a pleasing tactile response.
One common reservation keyboard enthusiasts have about using sound dampening materials is the potential change in typing feel. However, this largely depends on the type of material used and the installation method. Rubber O-rings, for instance, can change the key travel slightly but also make the bottoming-out process softer and less jarring. Equally, foam used within the keyboard may significantly alter the keystroke sound, making it less high-pitched and more muted.
In conclusion, sound dampening materials are an effective solution for those who wish to reduce keyboard noise. They come in a variety of types, each with unique sound dampening properties, and can be combined in different ways to achieve an optimal level of noise reduction. Correct installation is crucial to ensure their effectiveness, and while they may slightly alter the typing experience, this can often lead to a more comfortable, enjoyable typing experience overall.
