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
First of all, you need to remove the keycaps themselves. I'd also recommend removing the caps in the immediate area around the stabilized keys, just to give you some extra room to work with. Since we're on the subject of removing the stabilized keys, be extra careful with them. Occasionally the stabilizers on a new board can fit into the keycaps somewhat tightly, and applying too much force can break them. Using the included wire puller, simply rock the cap back and forth while gently pulling on it and it will pop loose without issue.
I'm using a tube of silicone grease that I picked up a couple years ago from WASD Keyboards, and wearing gloves because this stuff can be messy.
Now that your caps are off, before the stabilizers can be removed and properly lubed, you'll need to pull the switches. Use the switch removal tool bundled with the board to remove said switches by grabbing them at the top and bottom of the switch with the pullers metal prongs, give it a bit of a squeeze, and gently lift up. You don't want to dig in too much with the puller or you'll risk scratching your plate.
The second area is a little trickier to do unless you want to take apart your stabilizer, but I didn't, because I'm lazy :p Anyway, you need to get the lube between the MX mount (center) and the housing itself (sides), here-
And that's all there is to it! From there simply put your stabilizers back in, clip them down, reseat your switches (you won't need the tool this time), and put your keycaps back on. I do this with all my stabilizers, and while it doesn't eliminate all of the noise, it does cut down on it quite a bit. Enjoy, and I hope this helped! : )