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
Mix n match Recently, I brought my Mint Qwertykeys QK60 to the “That Windy City Keyboard Meet” in Chicago, decked out with a mix of several different MT3 kits. Dusk, 3227 Magenta accents and 3227 teal blanks. I call it “Mint Dusk” and the caps echo its sandblasted chroma weight underneath. I’ve done mashups with other profiles before, but MT3 brings a unique continuity to the mix, in that the typefaces used on MT3 kits are very close in design and the keycaps can be interchanged without clashing or looking out of place. One of my favorite MT3 mashups is Black on White with Fairlane accents. It looks just like the Chicago flag, and really catches the eye.
Drop recently posted some of their own favorite mix and match sets, and asked the community to share their mash-ups. It was a blast to see all the different combinations that people came up with. Mash ups are a really valuable exercise for anyone just getting into the hobby, especially when DROP runs buy-one get-one promos on MT3. That way, you’re getting two unique sets, and two additional variations based on combinations. It’s a really cool feature that isn’t talked about enough. Closing thoughts To me, MT3’s success lies in effortlessly marrying the retro and modern aesthetics in a way that no other profile has so far. SA is relentlessly retro, but doesn’t care about finger comfort and is very high profile, making it slow to type on. Cherry and other low profile sets allow for faster typing experiences, but don’t cradle your fingers like MT3 does, or have the same nostalgic appeal. In the end, it’s a lot like switches. Different sound signatures attract different people, and depending on the unique board you build, what’s important at the end of the day is having options. MT3 is a phenomenal design at an affordable price, readily in-stock in a hobby that commonly waits for year plus group buys. Like everything, it comes down to personal preference, and for me MT3 is a classic profile that will stand the test of time. I’m interested in hearing which MT3 sets have impacted you the most, which ones you’d love to see made, or your unique take on this unique keycap profile. I’ll do my best to respond to your comments, and look forward to hearing all your thoughts! Thanks for reading. And until next time, keep finding the stories in everything you do. Best, James (@Storyboardtech)