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
It's my understanding that you need
- Case (60% or Full)
- PCB
- Plate (optional - by build)
- Switches (and related stabilizers)
- Keycaps
Is this accurate? Individually, these sets and pieces can be expensive. More expensive than a pre-assembled board.Is it possible/ recommended to buy a pre-assembled board and modify it with different switches to save money?
Backstory:
That said, I saw that the mass drop community had an interest in the Gateron Switches so I committed blindly. I did some research and committed to the plate mount switches, as it seems like they are a good starting point for people who are new to the game and don't want to run the risk of breaking solder joints and their pcb.
I've looked into a couple of how-to's and generally understand the process, but was concerned with the price.