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
I have a K95 Platinum with Cherry Browns, but I'm a bit disappointed by the inconsistency of the switches.
Though I'm a bit worried about opening this board. The K70 has a hidden screw under the company logo which is just glued on, so it can be wedged off. The K95 Platinum has an RGB logo in the same location, with the light bar right next to it. I'll try to find out if that needs to be removed, but I really don't want to damage it.
I think the best solution might be to pop the tops off the switches, lube them and replace any bad springs or sliders. I think all Cherry MXs share the same case, so with a bit of luck I might even be able to change them into Blues or Clears without opening the board.
Naturally I'll practice on something less expensive first. :)
I have made a hobby of collecting switch testers, so I have a large variety to choose from. The Zealios are a good option - they're noticeably smoother than Cherries or clones.
I will be sure to practice desoldering, resoldering and lubing on one of the secondhand keyboards I have, before doing it for real.