PE Foam modding your keyboard is a popular modification technique aimed at improving sound and feel. The basic idea is to add a layer of PE (Polyethylene) foam inside the keyboard case or between the PCB and the plate. This can reduce vibrations, dampen noise, and provide a softer, more refined acoustics for keypresses.
Materials You’ll Need
PE Foam Sheets: You can use 1mm or 2mm thick PE foam sheets. They’re lightweight, durable, and good at dampening sound.
1. Scissors or a Craft Knife: For cutting the foam to size.
2. Screwdriver: To open the keyboard and remove the screws.
3. Keyboard Tools: Keycap puller and possibly a switch puller (depending on the mod).
4. Ruler: To measure the foam for the correct size.
5. Keyboard (openable): A hot-swappable or soldered keyboard that allows for easy disassembly.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Disassemble the Keyboard
· Unplug the keyboard and remove the keycaps using a keycap puller.
· Unscrew the screws holding the case together (these are usually located on the bottom or inside the keyboard, depending on the model).
· Separate the top and bottom parts of the case carefully.
2. Remove the PCB and Plate (if necessary)
· If your keyboard has a plate, you may need to remove the PCB (printed circuit board) and plate to access the interior.
· You may need to remove the switches if you want to fully mod the inside, but it’s often not required if you're just adding PE foam between the PCB and the case.
3. Cut the PE Foam
· Take the PE foam sheet and cut it to fit inside the keyboard case. You want to ensure that the foam sits flat inside the case without interfering with the PCB or plate.
· Alternatively, if you are placing foam between the PCB and plate, cut the foam to the size of the PCB.
4. Place the Foam in the Keyboard
· Between PCB and Plate: Place the foam layer between the plate and PCB, ensuring it covers the entire surface without causing interference with any electrical components or the switch sockets.
· Inside the Case: Lay the foam on the bottom of the case. Some people also like to cut smaller pieces of foam to place around the edges of the case to reduce resonance further.
5. Reassemble the Keyboard
· Carefully reassemble the keyboard by placing the plate and PCB back into the case (if you removed them).
· Screw the case back together and ensure everything is snug.
· Reinstall the keycaps.
6. Test and Fine-Tune
· Plug the keyboard back in and test out the sound and feel. You should notice a reduction in hollow or tinny sounds, with a deeper, more muted tone.
· If the sound doesn’t change as much as you hoped, you can try adjusting the thickness of the foam or adding more layers if necessary.
Tips for Best Results
· Foam Thickness: Thicker foam tends to give a more noticeable change in sound, but too much thickness could lead to an overly muted or dampened feel. Start with thinner foam and adjust.
· Testing the Sound: Always test the sound of the keyboard before and after the mod to gauge its effectiveness. You can do this by typing in a quiet environment and listening closely to the acoustics.
· Additional Mods: PE foam can be combined with other mods such as lubing switches, using different case materials, or adding additional dampening inside the keyboard for a more customized feel.
By using PE foam, you’ll likely get a more refined sound, with less reverberation and a softer overall feel when typing. It’s a simple but effective mod that can make a big difference in keyboard acoustics.