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
My Setup :
This is my beloved current clacker, the Ducky Shine 3 TKL, that I picked up for 35 euros. One of the LED's is defective (the "W" key), which is why it was so amazingly cheap. (Repairing and modding hardware is a hobby of mine, just look at the Deathadder 3.5G on the desk --> different scrollwheel, carbon fiber sides and different slippy feet) I'm planning to solder blue leds in the WASD and ESC keys. It's outfitted with the Vortex backlit PBT keycaps, an artisan gem ESC keycap and translucent WASD keycaps. I'm also using the nice braided cable that came with my Quickfire TK. I might also do some more fun stuff with the case, cable and keycaps, I have not yet decided though.
The Ducky Shine 3 TKL :
The Artisan "Gem" Keycap :
I also have a French AZERTY Blackwidow Chroma which I bought for 20 euros and repaired, which, of course, I'm, going to sell again, and a blue CM Storm Quickfire TK, which was my very first mechanical keyboard and has been such for about 2 years :) I have also had and repaired a Logitech G710+ and a Corsair Vengeance K70.
I do apologize for the terribly long story, I got a bit too much into it I guess... Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day/night/etc, and don't be afraid to ask if you want to know something, of course !