Aerospace Engineer Explains Mechanical Keyboards

[@MatthewEncina]

This is why I appreciate this channel. The Bill Nye of keyboards.

[@Keybored]

:) thank you so much Matthew! Hope all is well with you

[@connorsprofile]

This is easily the best piece of educational content I've seen on keyboards bar none, thank you for this, I'm sure it took you a fair amount of time to compile.

[@JanosKehl]

This! ☝️

[@Lishtenbird]

Knowing the basics, I felt something was "wrong" in the slide at 20:05 - it's been bugging me, and I think now I got why. The slide says that 1) thin foam is used to reduce higher frequencies, and 2) thick foam is used to reduce lower frequencies. The wording makes it look like in both cases, it's used to filter out _only_ those specific frequencies. What it actually means is that 1) thin foam will reduce higher frequencies, while 2) thick foam will reduce higher frequencies _and also_ lower frequencies (as the NRC chart earlier shows), except those we actually may want to let through because we like them. If we mute both, we mostly leave the rest of unfoamed parts speak, which will change the sound a lot, likely not for the better. Some may say that's nitpicky and it was evident/explained well enough in this video and the Thock one, but I know I stumbled on this part both times, so I think the clarification at least won't hurt.

[@JakeTran141]

40 minutes of keyboard tech? on god this is way more interesting than any class in university I'm studying lol

[@tazzmania6292]

I have ADHD and I managed to watch this till the end.

[@ThBlueSalamander]

Same

[@ThBlueSalamander]

​@@tazzmania6292 same but I want to do this later lol

[@vanilsonnog]

Timestamps to help you all! Introduction 0:00 Types of Sounds - Air-bone Sound 0:51 Types of Sounds - Structure-borne Sound 1:28 Impact of Mass on Sound 2:30 Mouting Style and Keyboard Sound - Mass/Stiffness 7:01 Mouting Style and Keyboard Sound - Plate material 8:20 Mouting Style and Keyboard Sound - Flex cuts 13:47 Sound Modifiers - PE Foam Sheets 14:58 Sound Modifiers - Case Foams 16:45 Sound Modifiers - Case Fillers 19:46 Sound Modifiers - Flex Cut Sealer 22:18 Keyboard Technology, Keyboard Finish (Paint) - 25:50 Keyboard Technology, Keyboard Finish (Anodization) - 27:32 Keyboard Technology, Keyboard Finish (Electrophoresis) - 30:53 Keyboard Technology, Hall Effect - 32:54 Keyboard Technology, Adjustable Firmness - 38:07 Outro 40:44

[@Laughadaffadil]

youtubers need to just put the dang timestamps in their description

[@Laughadaffadil]

actually, seems like he almost did - but it aint there lmaoo

[@leinardesteves3987]

​@@Laughadaffadilyou're watching the video for free, giving you almost an hour of information that is quite difficult to research on your own. They put a lot of time and effort into the video, editing, research, writing the script, I think they can get a pass for not putting timestamps.

[@Laughadaffadil]

​@@leinardesteves3987 if you monetize your videos for a living, you should equally put in the effort to maintain a standard of production. if its the editor uploading, they get paid to do this. if its the creator uploading, comments should be left on how they can best improve. its free videos on a free video platform. chill with the meatriding.

[@leinardesteves3987]

@@Laughadaffadil Exactly, it's free videos on a free video platform and you still want to be spoonfed everything. The man gave you an hour of content, he edited the video, researched, and you want him to do the timestamps. Bit entitled there

[@CookieCurls]

Thank you sooo much for this. As someone with a degree in music and obsessed with sound but not enough knowledge of physics, I found this super interesting!

[@Keybored]

You're very welcome! As long as it's helpful :) its pretty long tho haha

[@Stew3223]

This is SUCH a helpful video. As someone new the hobby (and a fellow engineer) I was looking for EXACTLY this type of information. This can essentially be used as a tuning guide. Perfect. Thanks!!

[@Clackbait]

Notepad ready for the professor! So glad you put these together bro.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I think this was the longest video haha... 40 min of pure nerdy content

[@a_saker]

This video is a godsend to anyone who is trying to design something but is trying to tune the design of the case, material choice, and mounting style for sound. THANK YOU!

[@HipyoTech]

Now this is Keyboards 101

[@Keybored]

Haha thanks Hipyo! It's 40 min of keyboard nerdiness

[@alexkarthik1064]

Enjoyed this video A LOT! I like the fact this helps people understand/appreciate custom keyboards in depth instead of just owning a custom keyboard for show.

[@Keybored]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nekogma]

Thank you for putting all this together! I will definitely be going back to this video multiple times for my future builds!

[@Keybored]

:) you're welcome! Hope it helps!

[@captainkaiii]

I can't believe I just nerded out to 41 minutes of this 🤣 As a keyboard enthusiast who's studied math and physics in college, this was truly the video I didn't know I needed. Well done haha

[@FrosTBerQ]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for your dedication and devoted time for us!

[@Keybored]

No problem at all!

[@Kvantum]

This speaks to my Physics undergraduate's soul... even if it's been 20 years since I used any of it, working in IT. My fondness for your channel makes even more sense to me now, Scott.

[@Keybored]

:) really glad to hear that!

[@rubenalbrigtsen2554]

You are an absolute legend, my friend :) Thank you very much for putting in the time and knowledge. Working my way through each and every one of your videos.

[@Ragnorok64]

I wish I could like this vid more than once. This is my first time ever using this Super Thanks option.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much for the super thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@SHCTeva]

Congrats on 100k and Happy Holidays, Scott! The channel has come a long way. Excited to see what the future will bring.

[@Pluto-fz1lw]

Your videos have been on point lately, keep up the good work!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much!

[@siegekeebs]

Thank you so much for doing this! It's super helpful having this all in one place

[@punkshoo]

An all-in-one keyboard science lesson?! My guy! This is going into the bookmarks to share when questions come up. Thanks, Scott!

[@stereodark]

Wow this video is amazing! Thanks for making it, it’s not only for keyboard enthusiasts but I think it’s a great learning tool for everyone!

[@duct.q.4402]

Literally the best keyboard video to show to anyone new to the hobby. Maybe even some oldies who are stuck in folktales and spread misinformation

[@ImOnMy116]

Yess, this is great!! Thanks Scott!! Now we just need all of your skits thus far combined into one video!!

[@Keybored]

Hahaha skit compilation!

[@michaele.2826]

I love explaining my keyboards to my friends. Scott, I have to say thank you for making it so much easier for me now. Your videos never disappoint.

[@potynawowasanhee8073]

I got into this hobby because of you. You changed the way I look at the mechanical keyboard hobby that a good keyboard is not all about how thick your wallet is but how much you put your passion into them. Keep it up Scott!

[@xpinoyxgoodness]

YES WE LOVE KEYBORED KEYBOARD SCIENCE

[@Keybored]

Too many Scott's!

[@xpinoyxgoodness]

@@Keybored indeed, the Keybored Lore Universe grows exponentially with each new “Scott”

[@djethreii]

Start - 0:00 Understanding Keyboard Sound, Basics - 0:46 Understanding Keyboard Sound, Plates - 6:02 Understanding Keyboard Sound, Flex Cuts - 13:47 Sound Modifiers - PE Foam Sheets - 15:07 Sound Modifiers - Case Foams - 16:45 Sound Modifiers - Case Fillers - 19:46 Sound Modifiers - Flex Cut Sealer - 22:18 Keyboard Technology, Keyboard Finish - 26:00 Keyboard Technology, Hall Effect - 33:02 Keyboard Technology, Adjustable Firmness - 38:07 Thank you sooooooo much for putting all of these together!

[@idothinz4192]

I like to believe that there is a gigachad gigabrain scott that does the explanations and a different, goofy scott that does the skits

[@Keybored]

And a lazy Scott that is always complaining about having to make videos haha

[@Mototurtle]

Mate, I've been bingeing your channel and have learned so much! Going to pull the trigger on a Keychron Q2. Please choose the switches I should get!! A) Glorious Lynx Lubed Switches B) Gateron Box Inks V2 Switches C) Gateron North Pole Switches Thank you kindly!

[@MichaelMorikawa]

Thanks Scott! I refer to your videos often, so this makes things so much simpler!

[@xxmecabunnyxx]

this is by far one of the most interesting and beneficial videos I have watched its really cool to have this deeper understanding behind how each mod affects the keyboard sound, thanks so much for this!

[@WoollyMittens]

Every podcast I listen to turns into a "greatest of" clips show for December. 😢

[@cyanotypes]

love the scientific approach to the keyboard hobby! thanks for taking the time to make this have you seen Blacksimon's Keyboard Science spreadsheet? it's more anecdotal but it has a bunch of sound effects of different components (switch material, weight placement, case tightness, etc.)

[@Keybored]

Hmm I haven't, but I'll def go search it!

[@cgipodcast]

As a material engineer and scientist by training and hobby enthusiast by night, I love this video. Not only does this educate, but it communicates fundamental principles so well with a specific application in mind for keyboard enthusiasts! Bravo!! This made me subscribe with the excitement for future content like this and for the potential opportunity to collaborate on content together in the future. If you're willing to share your story on our podcast, please let me know. I'd also like to contribute to any further content like this with any of the physics/materials/chemistry research, builds, tests, or content editing.

[@jw4d]

It all comes together!! Great video Scott

[@hucklejoko]

I did not expect to see some professors I know in a keyboard related video. THATS AMAZING

[@clacksupreme]

Wow, amazing work Scott! Watching your videos has helped me lots when considering purchasing keyboards and mods. I bought a Tofu65 because of your vid! Lots of love

[@mgeren]

Fellow engineer here Scott, and I love this!

[@Keybored]

Welcome fellow engineer!

[@CheeseTurbulence]

I'm in awe... this is amazing.

[@jesuscostantino2925]

Dang, man. Super useful to have this all in one place.

[@Keybored]

Someone suggested I put all the skits into one hahaha

[@ResumedPausing]

40 minutes of keybored content? You absolute LEGEND

[@Keybored]

I know... It's so crazy long hahaha

[@RazerAsh98]

Jeez! Scott just went full super saiyan mode on us....this man's knowledge on keyboard science is dangerously vast

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much!

[@calvinlooi4500]

Respect my friend, I can feel your passion for the topic and hobby! Great stuff :)

[@Keybored]

:) hope you're doing well Calvin!

[@stevendang9582]

Thanks for this!! It's amazing!! Would love to watch on involving switch tech (silicon, holes, lube on springs, spring force curves) and materials science as well!

[@Ecks1118]

This is super useful. Thanks for the compilation and for making these videos.

[@Keybored]

You're absolutely welcome!

[@AzureOnyxscore]

I watched all 41 minutes of this video. I guess I was *that* interested all along

[@Levonrix]

i love these segments so much they're so intresting

[@mashygreen6974]

Amazing and very informative video! The only thing I kinda felt was missing is explaining a bit more the mechanical wave’s origin in terms of pressure and how pressure and more emphasis on the concept of energy conservation. But then, as a fellow aeronautical engineer, albeit from a fluid dynamics perspective, I’m more than a bit biased to seeing no everything in terms of fluids and energy conservation. 😅 Other than that this the best ‘physics for keyboards’ I have seem! Well done.

[@sugaruss]

Thanks!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much for the super thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@sparkplugbarrens]

"The perfect informative video about mechanical keyboards doesn't exi..." - Keyboard: "Hold my beer"

[@Keybored]

Hahaha thank you!

[@dakotaduncan6665]

Incredible work, greatly appreciated

[@lauhernsean6179]

This needs to be in my physics syllabus

[@Desmond987]

This is video is the best christmas gift!

[@poongie]

this is why i only took physics in gr11 made my brain hurt lol. but fr scott, this is so interesting, makes me want to experiment with different materials. thank you for this video!!

[@davelogan77]

Best keyboard channel on youtube, ^^^ right here^^^.

[@alexanderwang2484]

This is why you're the best keyboard youtuber

[@muCephei_]

This is such good information. Thanks Scott!

[@nzarthal]

I'm simping over this physics content

[@kipp14]

Reading some of the comments show how many people forget about trumpets and brass instruments in classical music and how deep some of them are

[@itslogical1381]

just wow, exactly what i was looking for

[@TheMonemone2]

Thanks for the tutorial! I learnt a lot!

[@aahlala]

Great content! I hope you make more like it.

[@Microjam]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@lucious8675]

That’s sick, I was just applying for aerospace engineering for my undergrad too

[@Keybored]

It's an interesting field of study haha. It's actually a little bit of every type of engineering which can make it fun... Or annoying haha

[@JanosKehl]

This video should be integrated in school education! I feel 300% more intelligent after 3 minutes in.

[@orkid2766]

a milestone for the hobby!

[@Keybored]

Hope it's helpful to the community!

[@holly_hacker]

Awesome video. Chapters would be really useful when coming back to this video for some specific information, though.

[@Keybored]

I thought I put them in, but if I missed it, will do!

[@philipp594]

The natural frequency also depends on the geometry of the object. Luckily those will most likely be the same in the same keyboard model.

[@sd9972-d9x]

keybored never make us bored

[@wangelite5279]

Its also interesting that our fingertips have more neurons so a larger brain area is receiving the signal input. Its crazy that I can feel a reduced travel of 0.2mm.

[@wangelite5279]

@@hundredfireify So if given a 3.4 vs 3.6mm travel, u are unable to feel shorter travel?

[@yooa]

Amazing video thank you!

[@ecn000]

What counts as "thin" foam and "thick" foam? For example QK75 has case, plate, PE foam. Are you saying all 3 together would be considered thick, 1 foam would be thin?

[@potatoman7475]

This is a physics lesson...enjoyable too.

[@xlancelot081]

thanks for the lecture scott , now i knew why korn sounds good kekw

[@Keybored]

The legend!

[@prathamsarkar1586]

I should be studying for my physics final but this is way more interesting lmao

[@Keybored]

It's kind of like studying physics :)

[@BakusanDayo]

OMG stop, you cant mix keyboard and science porn into a single video! This is simply too much 😱

[@Keybored]

Hahaha and 40 min worth

[@MonkeyNeuronActivation]

17:39 I don't think the frequency of a sound wave affects the speed of wave? Or do you mean the moving speed of each molecule of the medium?

[@EliasKadiri]

Dude this shit feels like university, but way cooler, thanks!

[@Sean1647]

I wonder what is causing brass to be audibly higher pitched than fr4 if they both have the same specific stiffness

[@itzcaleb1776]

I fill like I was back in math class with this video

[@pirateradioFPV]

So guess next we need a keyboard reflex port calculator for that ultimate thock 😂

[@DancinBananaz32]

A true 🐐 of the keeb community

[@Unknownmanufacturer]

Waiting for Scott's own keyboard drop.

[@lebonk0700]

Damn I learned so much from this video

[@Keybored]

Glad to be of help!

[@konsolidated]

Have you ever made a build with switches alternating between silent and loud? It seems like it would be interesting typing something at speed and only getting a portion of audible feedback.

[@MrSkullface]

I have a question that I would love to maybe see a video of. Exactly what does actuating switches do to the durability of the switch. Also something like polishing the rails correctly with a Dremel or something. And if you are smoothing switches its that only good for the parts that are being smoothed since its basically just matching grooves to slide easier vs something like real polishing. Also what about residue from all the actuation.

[@zizaozazi4804]

now we need a proper tape mod scientific explanation haha

[@Keybored]

Haha I think near lucid did one!

[@maho9150]

Thank you Sensei

[@Keybored]

Hope it's helpful!

[@maho9150]

@@Keybored Hands down the best keyboard content on the plattform!

[@bryanestrito]

@Keybored hello scott what keycaps is at 36:50

[@philipp594]

So brass sounds higher because it is so stiff it transfers more vibrations to the case? Or everyone is just wrong and brass sounds deeper in a built keyboard?

[@SideshowBeelzebub]

I just realized you're the Aerospace Engineer.

[@joeno9631]

Thanks for this nice video. When you tested the case sound of the bare aluminum case vs. aluminum + steel weight i think it was the same case. So the bare case had just air, where in the other case the steel weight is placed. So do you think if the steel weight is replaced with a alu weight, would they sound the same, especially the complete build keyboard? Because the specific stiffness of steel and alu is very similar as shown by you, with alu slightly more to the "thockier" side.

[@minhquanvu2944]

hey, you should realy check out the Fuhlen H75S, the FL Esport MK750 and the Monsgeek M1. They're pretty popular in south east asia

[@Baffledbeans]

You said that more foam or stacks of foam provides less thock and thin foam provides more thock, so does that mean the thinner the Pe foam the more thock and the thicker the Pe form the less thock?

[@martinptrb]

This is canon. Praise be.

[@Keybored]

Thank you!

[@기몽상]

요즘 자작으로 키보드 만들고 있는데 큰 도움이 되었습니다 감사합니다

[@victor_glekler]

So if the case is like the one of sound speakers, will the bass reflex tube in the case make the bass of the structure borne sound louder?

[@cupcakeobsession]

i love these sugar coated bitter medicine videos, i feel like this is more interesting than learning physics at school though its basically still physics. feels more tolerable and less boring 👌

[@JustFluxz]

in practice, how much stiffer does pom plates feel compared to PC?. also how much thockier is PC sound compared to pom? I generally prefer thockier sound but also prefer the feel of stiffer plates. Also to confirm, nonflex pcbs will have more thock over the flex pcbs? I would have thought the flex pcbs would have more thock due to being less stiff. I am trying to decide on getting a QK75N but unsure which pcb and plate to get.