Sound & dampening
Tuning the acoustics — from hollow to deep "thock".
A keyboard's sound can be tuned by adding foam and dampening inside the case. Bare cases can sound hollow or pingy; case foam, plate foam, and mods like the "tape mod" deepen and tidy the sound toward the prized "thock". For total quiet, combine dampening with silent switches and a gasket mount. This is an optional finishing touch.
No dampening. The sound depends entirely on the case and plate — can be lively and clacky, or hollow on cheaper cases. Some enthusiasts deliberately leave a well-designed board bare.
A layer of foam in the bottom of the case absorbs hollowness and reverb for a cleaner, slightly deeper sound. The easiest, most common mod.
Foam between plate and PCB plus tape on the back of the PCB deepens the sound noticeably toward "thock". A popular combination.
Dampening foam, silent switches and a gasket mount together produce a near-silent, deep board — ideal for shared spaces and calls.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
Leave the acoustics to the case and plate. Fine on a well-designed board; can be hollow on budget cases.
- No extra cost
- Lively, clacky character
- Simplest build
- Can sound hollow/pingy
- Less refined
The simplest, most effective mod — a foam layer that cleans up reverb for a tidier, slightly deeper sound.
- Cheap and easy
- Removes hollowness
- Cleaner sound
- Modest effect alone
Plate foam plus the tape mod push the sound toward the coveted deep "thock". A favourite enthusiast combo.
- Noticeably deeper sound
- Inexpensive mods
- Popular, well-documented
- Fiddlier to assemble
- Can over-dampen if overdone
Everything combined for a whisper-quiet, deep board — ideal for offices, calls and late nights. Pairs best with silent switches and gasket mount.
- Near-silent typing
- Office / call friendly
- Deep, muted sound
- Best with silent switches
- Most effort