I wanted to know if someone already has made experience with modding the sound profile of the UHK60V2?
I have seen that there is a modding guide about how to add foam onto the keyboard but I wanted to know if someone has done that (aside from Wildcat on YouTube who modded the V1 due to the ping noises). Adding audial layers of film foam and absorbing padding + lubing their switches.
I am using different switches and I also wanted to know if hot-swapping onto the PCB too often could damage the boards internal hot-swap sockets.
I just want to alleviate the sound. I know that this issue stems more from the board itself, than the switches and various keycap profiles and materials I’ve used on the board so far.
Anyways I’d be glad if there is any help to this!
I haven’t foam modded any of my UHKs yet, but in my experience with other boards, the caps (thickness & material) will make the biggest difference in the overall character of sound. ABS is usually higher pitched (less dense), and PBT (especially double-shot) is usually lower (more dense).
Next would be the tape mod. It will generally bring both extreme ends of the spectrum toward the middle. Basically just reflecting/emphasizing the mid-range. If you have a higher pitched/clacky sound, tape will usually make it slightly deeper & vice-versa.
For foam, I’d just start with a light & airy bottom foam (under the PCB) to mute some of the case hollowness. I really doubt any other foams above the PCB will make much difference with the UHK. Quite often, the more foam you add, the quieter the board will get. Foams are mostly just removing reverberations, and as a result, will generally make the higher end sounds stand out more.
Pretty much; the more dense you make the board by stuffing it full of junk, the less of it’s natural ambient character you’ll hear, and the more you’ll reflect/emphasize the sound of the switches & keys bottoming out.
I’d just begin by eliminating any rattles & scratchiness in the stabilizers/caps/switches. Then the rest is really all about finding the preferred balance of high end clack, and low end ambiance (using mostly density changes). It’s all about personal taste.
Just make sure anything you use that touches the PCB isn’t conductive. Just in case…
As for the hotswaps, yeah, of course they’ll wear down over time. I’ve changed my switches a few times, & they do feel a little looser, but I don’t see any signs of failure so far.
I have two UHK60v2.
I ordered them in 2020 when I thought I would be returning to the office at some stage and I wanted one in the office that would be quiet and one at home that I could do whatever with.
My home one is unmodded and has Neopolitan Icecreams in it.
I have tried Box Jades, and Box Whites in it for a bit too.
My office one is modded and I have put GAZZEW Boba U4s in it.
I have since realised that, with the exception of the Whites and Jades, that the biggest way a keyboard makes noise is the technique of the person typing on it and someone loud on a membrane is going to be louder than most keyboards.
Anyways I also foamed the home UHK60v2 between the PCB and the base plate. That eliminated a lot of the “twang” sound. Good lubing of the stabilisers helps too.
I did try filming and lubed some switched too but I stopped very quickly as I preferred then without lube.
Have you tried any O-rings to soften the bottom out sound? I did that on one of my keyboards and it changed both the sound and the tactility of the keys. I actually quite like it.
Well I kinda like thocky or clicky switches for personal use but for office work and to not disturb others I am using TTC Silent Frozen Linear 45g V2 Glacier switches. I like that they are silent and i dont disturb anyone anymore with them.