YOU Make Your Keyboard Clack or Thock - Featuring Wind X65

[@Keybored]

Hi Everyone! Thank you for the great comments! I also received some great technical comments from great technical minds about sound speed. I mentioned that higher frequency sounds have higher speeds Vs. Low frequency sounds having lower speeds, but at the same time, sound speed is pretty much set in a given controlled medium (air, 345 m/s). There is an equation to determine speed of sound based on frequency and wavelength, and it's Speed = Frequency * Wavelength. Per said equation, it would mean that as frequency increases, so should sound. However, one fact that I didn't go deep into was that Frequency and Wavelength are actually inversely proportional. So as one increases, the other decreases. Given that information, as Frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and the speed will pretty much stay constant. With acoustic dispersion, there is a chance that higher frequencies will travel faster than lower frequencies... but that is getting too deep into this. Sorry if anyone was confused at all by my generalization! However, the impact this has on the sound and the foam usage still remains, so thicker foam is needed to block deeper sounds!

[@honghobbies3413]

This is the best video I've seen explaining some aspects of keyboard acoustics. I'd love to have a chat to share knowledge and bounce ideas off each other to help our community understand acoustics even further.

[@bradyvilhauer4445]

You are not getting too deep into this!!! I would have read 7 more paragraphs haha but I’m studying audio for a living by passion so maybe I’m alone in that XD

[@meh6513]

Now put the clacky switches on the thocc build and thocc switch in clack build

[@julesy1x810]

I love he you went into the science of it as a beginner I understand a lot more about foam and modding because of it

[@rubenscheuer519]

I love that you explained the science behind it. But what about PE foam (PE-HD)? It seems to be less of a foam but more like a foil. I have heard that some really recommend using PE foam for their builds, but how does it really impact sound? Is it more like a inbetween of regular foam and masking tape kind of?

[@PatrickSchraner]

Please keep up the science! Nothing more satisfying than getting to learn the science behind your hobby and understanding why tings like sound behave the way they do!

[@Keybored]

:) Definitely will!

[@AndrewMcDreamy]

Yes yes yes!

[@jesseyu9738]

lol i just throw whatever i see into a keyboard and i screw around with everything untill it sounds decently ok in a office situation

[@wil-]

I fully agree :)

[@gameboyv1790]

@@jesseyu9738lol

[@MatthewEncina]

The reason I enjoy your videos is because of how objective they are, and are the most scientific in approach, compared to other channels. I especially value the comparisons. This is what makes you unique. Keep it going.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much Matthew! Really appreciate your feedback and it'll help me find my niche and shape the channel :) will keep it up as best as I can! Love your channel!

[@nobody-bt7mu]

Matthew's into keyboards?! Nice!

[@MatthewEncina]

@@Keybored Thanks! For this video, what was super helpful was learning about thick foam, and how that kills deeper sounds. I was struggling to remove the clacky, high-pitched, sound from my Q2 build, but didn't even think that the culprit could be the thick foam between the PCB and plate (thought it was helping). I'll try this next. Thanks!

[@MatthewEncina]

@@nobody-bt7mu 👌🏽

[@lone0017]

Second this 👍

[@ashutosh026]

You explaining that clackthock and thickthin foam relationship was REALLY IMPRESSIVE. Please share such gold knowledge with us more often.

[@errvega2705]

Bro you shouldve known from 5ghz vs 2.4ghz wifi

[@geehian8477]

I loveddd the inclusion of the explanation about the foam and high/low frequency sounds. It's really cool to see how science affects keyboarding in general. I personally would like to see more of this in the future :D

[@Keybored]

:) Will do! Will keep working on that

[@rlnwvr]

@@Keybored I assume different foam material give out different sound profile. Would be great to know which material affect which frequency.

[@AndresGarcia-qk3sj]

@@rlnwvr it depends more on the density of the foam, since there are a shit ton of different materials

[@felixanthony8104]

This is how I am supposed to be researching when getting into hobbies, not just buying things and spending all the money. This channel is keeping up education as much as hobby. Great work!

[@thetechrrangerr2392]

thank you so much for this video, I recently bought a royal kludge rk68 and now they come with foam in the case and under the pcb. it kept clacking but I thought it was primarily because of my interfering cherry profile keycaps. after watching your video I removed the PCB foam, and voila ! it finally thoccs !

[@rollercoaster2609]

Thanks

[@snows2211]

The best kind of thock is the thock that's backed up by science.

[@Ray.F]

The section about explaining scientifically in great details about how thickness of foam affects sound is definitely welcomed! For ages I have been seeing keyboard contents "guesstimating" what foam does for your keyboard, with the myth of more foam = Deep Sound, which you have debunked scientifically. That also explains why my ID67 sounds fuller and deeper if I use lesser layers of foam. Bottomline is, most of us aren't knowledgeable in the scientific side of things, so your input is really what we didn't know we needed in this hobby. Thank you and keep it up!

[@jacobpotash8690]

Thank you so much for making this video! I recently got into the hobby and have wondered why certain boards sound a certain way. Your explanation of how sound works was easily understandable and helped me understand how I want to mod my keyboards for now on. You're a legend in this community who doesn't get enough credit. Keep up the videos!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you so much! I'm glad the content is helpful and I'll keep it up!

[@KcCake]

I LOVE the science thats hidden in the background. Not only does this allow me (and other people) to understand more about keyboards, but it also sets you apart from other youtubers! Explaining the science helps me understand and remember the mods going into my keyboard. Having a background in aerospace engineering makes you a special yter that can explain the science better than anybody else.

[@XSAoRAD]

Never knew keyboards could be tuned this much, and I like that you explained how each change modifies the sound. Subbed!

[@reillocb]

LOVE the technical breakdown, it's always so cool to hear what types of expertise fellow keeb enthusiasts have

[@jamqc24]

What a really great in depth video! I love the scientific explanation for it! Love this man

[@Keybored]

Glad it was enjoyable! Hope it's helpful for many!

[@har2252]

This is just great content for someone looking to get into the hobby but doesn’t know where to start. Please make this a series!

[@Keybored]

:) Great to hear that! I'll keep working on bringing out more content like this!

[@reillocb]

@@Keybored humbly requesting a video on lubing, I still don't really understand the motivation for the mod

[@tazzoholic]

@@Keybored if this is going to be a series, I'm waiting for the more in depth explanation on which foam material to use like PE, poron, silicone etc... like when you explain why you chose certain foams to use when making it thocky

[@farhanfaiaze2469]

please don't stop doing the scientific explanations. it's really enjoyable to know why something acts the way it does. love your content and specially the modding videos. the creativity is just unreal in my opinion.

[@13Anant]

After watching dozens of videos on how to make keyboards sound a certain way (clacky, thocky, creamy, marbly) - this by far is the best and the most descriptive. Kudos dude, you're a legend!

[@evilkamatis542]

give this man a degree in modding keyboards! You are the only person in this world who was able to scientifically explain how to make the sound thocky or clacky in modding your keyboard. my guys is so underrated.

[@olehendricks6160]

As an absolute beginners guide this is a masterpiece!

[@manceirvin7068]

I’m confused tho he said that thicker foam is what reduces low frequency sounds(Thock) but then I hear him say thin foam does the same thing. I don’t understand how decreasing the foam makes it thock if he said the opposite of that.😥

[@manceirvin7068]

Also where do I buy foam if my keyboard doesn’t come with it?

[@slaycg2536]

Not only do I like hearing the science behind audio performance of keyboards from you but it's exactly why I just subscribed. Every channel demonstrates things but given there's too many factors to find your desired build just from observing others learning the underlying concepts is a big help to figuring out the process.

[@LewisToh]

actually the only lecture i listened till the end

[@Keybored]

Haha thanks Lewis! Appreciate you stopping by!

[@dc_gator]

The profile of the keycaps makes a huge difference too, I noticed you had the SA's on the thoc and cherry profile on the clack build. Learned a lot though, thanks.

[@2b2c1d2]

Such a big brain in this community, thanks for being here as the engineer for all of us

[@arpeykeys]

Absolutely love the approach to sound! A lot of mods that come about come simply from trial and error, and less so scientific approach with how sound travels through certain materials. Its great to see someone in the community explaining the certain aspects of sound in a more detailed way

[@Densetsu_no_hakkuri]

Dude that foam breakdown on what creates clack and thock was amazing. I’ve been chasing a thocky sound on my boards and couldn’t ever quite get it right and now I realize it was definitely the way I was utilizing the foams

[@zhieson]

#1 keyboard KZbinr imo. Another great analysis and breakdown, especially with the acoustics and foam. I have the Wind-X, and even with Gat Oil Kings, it's a bit clacky. I'm going to try some thinner foam now. Thanks again!

[@Keybored]

Hope it works out!

[@BanShogo]

This is how conversation goes every time with my mother, when talking about almost everything that I know a lot more than her, the difference is that she doesn't always reply with questions but sometimes with statements.

[@bradyvilhauer4445]

I do some audio stuff for a living, this so far has easily been my favorite keyboard mod video hands down. Absolutely keep up the science & reasoning & strategy. This is phenomenal

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much Brady! Good to see some great technical minds gather here!

[@bablusonavne384]

8:20 , you're not just cutting out lower end but rather lower as well as higher frequencies with thicker foam,( basically balanced sound with low volume) Whereas in low amounts of roam the higher frequencies are reduced and the lower are unaffected making it seem more low end. I suppose the volumes were different form both the clack and thocc keyboards and were adjusted in post.

[@XemnasTM]

As a fellow engineer (mechanical for me), I really love all this technical info you have been incorporating into your videos lately!

[@Keybored]

:) Great to hear! Science!

[@bergenknudsen1037]

Thank you so much for explaining it this way. The fact you explained it with science but also used the same keyboard for both builds gives me hope!

[@Green-Man]

Finally glad to see some science in this hobby. I feel like a lot of mods are just "this works" without any evidence or reason so it's interesting to see why. Great video!

[@liraco_mx]

Actually learned from this one video than certain other channels watching tens of them and having it seem like almost random trial and error without any idea (from them or myself) why their mods have the effect they do. Kudos!

[@johnkessenich]

Your content has been getting fantastic recently! I love the skits you've been doing and please continue your use of more scientific explanations. I think a lot in this hobby is extremely subjective and hard to portray, so i think having some objective measurements and explanations really helps. Keep it up and I look forward to more videos!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! I'll keep it up!

[@KEK-yw3fo]

If my professors were like you, I would have not failed some of my classes. I just found out about this channel and after watching 1-3 videos, I'm hooked. Subscribed!!!

[@ivovass195]

Thank for bringing reason and logic to the possible mods on a keyboard thus allowing us to make an educated decision on what to do (and more importantly why) depending on our goals. Great content. The difference between the two setups on the same case is mind-blowing, personally loved the thocky one but the middle option was surprisingly pleasant as well

[@Keybored]

:) glad it was enjoyable!

[@korosaki13]

Really like the insight on foam. Ive seen so many smaller channel do it with what they have on hand and clearly failing to THOC. Now I know why.

[@9000ryan]

Something interesting to note about the clacky builds, the all-foam build was not necessarily higher pitched. I'm hearing a lot of higher mid frequencies, hence the "clack". the no-foam build added a lot of bass and low mids, scooped the higher mids, and allowed the highest end frequencies to be more noticeable. It sounds both higher pitched and deeper at the same time. I'm also specifically referring to the alphas; the spacebar sound really skews your perception of the overall sound unless you're actively trying to ignore it. I'd love to send the alpha sounds through an EQ analyzer and see exactly what frequencies I'm hearing.

[@neology81]

This video was way more informative than tons of others on this topic. Thanks for staying grounded on the topic and science instead of resorting to silly antics to garner views.

[@asdasfdfgewqgrgyjh]

Keep up the detailed explanation. This kind of content is desperately needed in the keyboard community.

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! Will keep trying to incorporate some objectivity into this hobby!

[@blurryface9910]

Getting deep into the science/physics of how/why things work the way they do is the best way I learn, so I appreciate those little tid bits. This video was very helpful largely because of that. Keep it!

[@MrSkullface]

Insane. I love the aerospace engineer background take. It’s refreshing to see actual objective science behind sound profiles vs guessing. Subscribed for sure.

[@lordpestilencetv]

that breakdown with the NRC chart was my eureka moment to understanding what types of foam to put for what sound. i don’t know why that made it click for me but thank you immensely lol

[@JesseInSharpie]

I think learning about the science behind the hobby will help fine tune your board to what you want it to sound like. I for sure had a takeaway from this video about foam and sound and what I should do to make my next board sound great. Keep up the good work man!

[@dman1848]

I could listen to this all day. It has the same soothing sounds as raindrops hitting a tin roof to me.

[@msjoycetan8]

Loving the technicality! ❤️ Well done.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much!

[@theunexpectedua]

The BEST video anyone would need to understand how to shape your keyboard sound. Thank you!

[@NameyNames]

Thanks for the very interesting information! One thing though: since you didn't use the same switch for both the "clack" and the "thock" builds, for all we know, maybe the switch IS the most important for the sound? I don't think it is, and I believe what you showed us, but I think it might be interesting to test this with a "neutral" sounding switch (whatever that may be) in both build variants. :)

[@Random-oj2yr]

Switch does play a role, however even if you were to put the gateron inks into a clacks build, it would still sound clacky a little bit deeper but still clacky. I tried this on my kbd75 because I had the same doubt xd

[@hingekeebs]

I love how you're using science to explain keyboards! It gives us enthusiasts a deeper understanding of how everything works, and it's very useful!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you!

[@Ragnorok64]

This video is fantastic! It also helps me understand why my Tofu65 build sounds the way that it does. I have StipidFish foam in it and it's my clackiest board by far.

[@Keybored]

:) Glad it helps!

[@HandsomeAlex25]

Aerospace engineer to the rescue! As a Mechanical engineer, I appreciate the science explainers as it builds understanding rather than just presenting steps to follow.

[@Adam4]

Great video. There's definitely a lot of conflicting information regarding what affects a keyboard's sound, all of it with little to no citation. This is really helpful, I hope you can detail more stuff like this, would love one on stabiliser rattle/ticking and what actually causes it/how different fixes work.

[@Keybored]

Sounds good! I appreciate the support!

[@SotosPapas-x2d]

Well thank for all the technical reasons behind "Clack" and "thock" . From all the videos that i have watched it seems that the KEYCAPS is the the ultimate decision maker for the sound!!!!

[@tyosh8635]

Great informational video! When I originally got into mech keyboards, everyone kept talking about thocc. But I realized I liked the "creamy" sound better which seems to fall in line with the muted clack sound.

[@Keybored]

:) I know exactly what you're talking about... That smooth velvety sound

[@stephenprentiss1021]

Please keep including more technical talk. It's so refreshing compared to other videos that just show off "thock" with no explanation.

[@JSwag69]

did the thock build have plate foam?

[@KJ-on6eg]

Please keep the science up. I was planning on taking classes in mechanical engineering on the side and maybe even picking up a double major in it because I wanted to know more about how sound works

[@Keybored]

:) it's a very interesting concept! I wish I could tap some musical instrument makers to get their insights

[@Caution40404]

Man, this video was just on point!! Up until now I thought thicker foam = more thocc. Well, this video changed it. Thank you so much!!

[@Keybored]

:) Glad to hear that! I hope it was helpful!

[@jasondarien4006]

just started into keyboard hobby, and randomly hooked with your video. As gamer and also Aerospace engineer, i really like how you approach the details how sounds behave and explain it thoruoghly. Thank you for this great content!

[@MangoGalaxyYT]

The beginning is actually so true lol, when I first got into the keyboard hobby I really thought that switches made the most difference in sound. But I am a well-informed keyboard nerd now, and I understand that switches make a subtle difference to your keyboard.

[@TheKingOfHarrtz]

i have watached my share of video on keyboards but you are the first to explain foams in a way that i properly understood, great stuff

[@BrinK-s]

this.video.is.incredible. One of the best content about custom keyboards for sure ! everything is just... explained but... the right way ! I don't know ! it's just... YES !

[@casiopea1979]

Bro that was impressive!! Yes more science please. Especially comparison videos between different materials, like plastic case vs aluminium case, and on vs off ones. We need more content covering all of that

[@MichaelMorikawa]

Yes yes yes! Please more science! A video like this helps to demystify the way certain keyboards and combination of mods sound.

[@Keybored]

I hope so too! Will keep trying!

[@ocieward]

The quantitative science you are bringing to our hobby is fantastic. As a fellow engineer, I am very happy to have your perspective

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! Fellow engineer!

[@mangopmc]

I love the the segments in your videos where you explain things keep doing it please

[@Keybored]

Will try my best!

[@f4ls381]

I really liked the scientific explaination as to why keyboards sound the way the sound. Keep it up!

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much!

[@HuyNguyen-no1uq]

Your clip has helped me understand more about clack and thock sound. Thank you very much

[@cortjezter]

Beginner; the concise yet technical explanations really helped understand a variety of concepts that appear throughout so many other enthusiast videos; ace efficiency. Thank you!!

[@yux8331]

I made my first build around 2 weeks ago and I was very happy with everything but the sound. I'm so glad I came across this video

[@pododododoehoh3550]

love the science, keyboard building is a design hobby, and as an Engineer myself, the lack of scientific coverage is exactly what its missing rn.

[@TheFeriner]

Giving people the foundational tools to understand how things work and create new constructions that achieve their desired result faster/in a more creative way is just incredible. I have no doubt it will also inspire some future scientists in the hobby. Thank you for being such a unique channel in the keyboard space :)

[@sctvfan1313]

I know this is over a year old video - but great video. Man that orange and black combo looks amazing on that keyboard...love it

[@PWzhouster]

Loved your explanation for foams and sound-modifying/amplifying materials. Would love to hear you talk about the resonance frequency of different materials as well! For the future, the more technical, the better!

[@Keybored]

:) Absolutely!

[@jb5234]

Out of all of the other videos I have found down this rabbit hole, yours is the only one that actually get's into the science of it and makes it understandable. Thank you for the info :) also, you didn't tell me what switch will get that thock thought..

[@thatUtsavRatti]

Love the science-based component of this video! Please keep it up. Huge differentiator over other keyboard KZbinrs and I learn a lot about how to make my own builds and videos from yours.

[@Keybored]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@SadWitchBree]

I love this video. Please, never stop including the science behind what makes keyboards tick.

[@IssacharLee]

Hi there, I'm fairly new to custom keyboard and also as a audiophile, I like your explanation in acoustic way, your channel is one of my favorite one.

[@hairtoss7975]

Wow! Great tutorial using science. Armed with this knowledge we can tune our keyboard sounds using science instead of just trial and error. Good stuff.

[@nanoluciani]

These intros are getting better and better 🤣 I now get really excited when you upload, Scott! Awesome video!

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you so much!

[@destyrian]

Thanks for this - I was under the impression that more foam would have made a deeper sound. A simple tape mod, Gateron milky yellow pros and silicone rings around the key stems has made my keyboard the thockiest thock that ever thocked.

[@xavierbonet945]

Please don't "stop doing that"! It's great! In truth, the best resource there is to fully understand what's going on. Because normally one person recommends "put this," another person says "put that," and all of them say "it will make your kb sound better". But, really, what is "sound better"? It's completely subjective. Plus, if I don't have exactly "this" or exactly "that" available to me, then essentially I'm out of luck, as the properties of every material differ greatly. So the best option is to fully understand what is going on and why in order to be able to make an informed decision: Ok, so I like my kb to sound ____, so I need to find a material that has A, B and C characteristics. So, in fact, please upload more technical videos like this one! (Make them more technical still!) 🙌

[@jaydingiesler5280]

I’ve watched this like fifteen times. Why? Science 🥰 MOAR!!! Please please MORE science!! 😘

[@Keybored]

Got it! I haven't had a good topic to address yet, but will do when the opportunity arises!

[@underdoglucifer]

This video really changed my opinion on foam. I really enjoy technical content such as this. People do more of this type on content.

[@joannetantra2810]

THIS IS SO SATISYING TO WATCH. Thank you for explaining this all step by step! Appreciate it!

[@hymayra]

thank you so much for this video! i've just started doing research on making my own keyboard which led me down a rabbit hole of different switches, then different keycaps, then lubing switches, then lubing stabilizers, then modding stabilizers, then the tape mod, and then the foam mod- and at this point i knew i loved the thocky keyboards, but saw how many people suggested the foam mod and i was planning on doing that despite wondering why those keyboards sounded much higher pitched. but thanks to this video, it helped me realize what i need to do by clearly explaining the science behind it and a night and day comparison between thock and clack while also showing what you did to get the results. i can't thank you enough!

[@jessie8718]

Love th video, especially the technical part. Now it makes so much sense!

[@WingCommanderZ]

Your sciencey explanation has saved me thousands of money I would have spent experimenting. Now I can just go with this vid & make my home office a clack museum instead.

[@chrisdotdash5154]

I have the Wind-X, it’s an incredible keyboard for a very affordable price for what you get. It’s so versatile and sounds so good even without foam! Great video, it’s very informative.

[@Keybored]

You're correct! The wind x actually sounds pretty good just completely empty :)

[@dandan1364]

Love the tech details! Thin foam affecting high freq was totally counter intuitive!

[@AntiMason]

Switches = speakers and pitch (the little note that will play when you press the switch) Case = the room your playing in (wood will sound different than thin plastic) Internals (PCB, etc) = curtains, sound deadening, acoustic dampeners to reduce echo and reverb (do you want to sound like you’re at the Grand Canyon or a recording studio?) Just my way of thinking about how and why the components create certain sounds. I am brand new to this though

[@CarlosAugS]

In love with this Thock build! Simply awesome!!

[@ResumedPausing]

I love these technical deep dives, please do more of them!

[@Keybored]

Thanks! Will do!

[@KhoaTran-sh1do]

Please create more content like this, explaining what we need using science in a very simple way.

[@rafidbinsadeque499]

MAN the effort and background study you put in these videos is outstanding.

[@Keybored]

:) Glad it was helpful, and if so, I'll keep trying to incorporate more!

[@d.k.6015]

rly rly happy to see actual technical information in a way that most people would easily understand too, v cash money

[@reytampubolon6390]

this video is very smart and a huge contribution the community. I dont want to spend too much on something fun & trivial like keyboard, just to change the "sound", so i really experimented with my Keychron K2 w Gat Reds. It really is more about the materials/linings/dampenings that were stuffed in the keyboard (packaging foam, thick foam, pe foam, coins, paper-tapes) that influences the sound, with the case material, density, and thickness being the biggest influencer (like a guitar)

[@Keybored]

Yup! It's so interesting that all these different aspects have such a impact!

[@Gnomelotte]

Well, the sound comparison at the end taught me that I clearly enjoy thock over clack.

[@Sir_Lanceuhlot]

Please keep up the science! I know I'm late to the game with this video but I just discovered your channel and I'm getting deeper into this hobby and your videos are a Godsend!