Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
Many of you had had problems with stabilizer clearance. I've got a pretty good handle on what happened and have written a post about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/clueboard/comments/7qf41g/stabilizer_clearance_problems_with_latest/
TL;DR: You will be receiving a part to correct this problem in a few weeks.
I apologize for this. I know this hasn't been the smoothest drop but I'm committed to solving this problem.
As always you can ask me questions here, in the reddit post above, or through our support channels: https://clueboard.co/support
After testing out several materials and methods I have settled on 0.85 mm acrylic as the best available option. I have designed and cut several test pieces and will be shipping them to select people to test. If these tests look good I will be shipping out these pieces to everyone.
These spacers do shift the USB port down, which is not ideal. I will be including a frosted white spacer in every fix kit to address this. I know for some of you this will be a bonus, and for others it will be a detraction. If you can't live with the spacer please contact me and I will see what I can do.
We've sent out several fix kits, with a couple people reporting back success. I've started on production of the frosted white spacers, and have ordered super-thin acrylic for the pcb spacers. This means I should have the fix kits assembled and ready to start shipping in 2-3 weeks. We have a couple of the prototype spacers left, if you'd like to give us feedback and get your fix kit early just drop an email to info@clueboard.co with your address and massdrop order number.
I have also received feedback that some people would prefer a color other than frosted white for their spacer. If you'd like to choose your color you can email info@clueboard.co with your massdrop order number, and specify one of the following:
Production of the fix kits is underway. I expect to start sending them out in about 2 weeks.
So, I'm making new PCB's. The bad news is we'll be delayed by the Chinese New Year holiday, but the good news is you'll have a keyboard that looks and works exactly as promised. If you do nothing you'll receive a new PCB in the mail.
We also have cases that are compatible with the existing PCB now! If you would rather exchange your case now instead of waiting for a replacement PCB we can do that! You will have to pay to ship the case to us, but we will pay for the shipping back to you. Simply email us (info@clueboard.co) and we'll get that setup for you.
https://www.reddit.com/r/clueboard/comments/7qf41g/stabilizer_clearance_problems_with_latest/ said they should be shipping about now. Still on schedule?
I built 3 using the new PCB's. There's still some stickiness/weirdness that happens, I think because there's not enough clearance at the usb port. On all 3 the spacers work and move without issue. When I set the top on the bottom 2/3 work fine still, the 3rd one gets sticky. As I tighten the screws the stickiness gets worse on all 3.
I tried 0.85mm spacers which improved it a little, but not completely. I tried 1.1mm spacers which improved more, but not completely. With a 1.5mm spacer even my most stubborn build was working completely fine. The good news is that it's a much smaller spacer than the ones designed for underlight. I think you'll find it doesn't detract from the aesthetics, although it does change them slightly.
1. This new spacer goes between case top & bottom? 2. With the new spacer & PCB, there's no insert anymore, right? (i.e. https://clueboard.co/support/clueboard-66-fix-kit?#6) 3. Would the 3mm underlight spacer + new PCB also work with the cases from this drop? 4. Will the original PCBs from this drop work with the next round of cases?
Thanks for continuing to follow through on a fix.