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Keycap Kevin: The Sound of Mechanical Keyboards – Episode 4

23.8.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Do you like mechanical keyboards and how they sound? Then let me flatter your ears in part four of this mini-series, featuring the same number of keyboards.

Alice, 65, 70 and 75 per cent. In part four of The Sound of Mechanical Keyboards, you’ll get to know four of my keyboards in different form factors.

Ergo

The Ergo from Neo is my second Alice-style keyboard, and the newest addition to my keyboard collection. I didn’t warm to the first one – it was cheap, I bought it during the first lockdown. I like the Ergo much better – visually and for typing. This is also thanks to the fact it’s a so-called Tented Alice Keyboard. Both sides are tilted upwards towards the centre of the keyboard, which means my wrists don’t lie flat on the keyboard. That’s much better for them. Here are the specs of my Neo Ergo:

Switches: SWK Ripple (linear)
Keycaps: Osume Tsukimi (PBT plastic)
Cover plate material: none
Insulation material: none

The Ergo also has various design elements on its underside.
Source: Kevin Hofer

Here’s what the keyboard sounds like:

Although the Ergo stands out visually, its design uses a classic gasket mount. Gaskets are attached to the circuit board, and that in turn is clamped between the upper and lower part of the keyboard. On the one hand, this gives the Ergo a soft typing feel, it yields. On the other hand, the circuit board is isolated from the housing, which has an effect on the acoustics. With such keyboards, the sound of the switches and keycaps should stand out, not the housing.

Envoy

Manufacturer Mode takes a different approach to mounting the board with the Envoy. A so-called lattice block mount involves attaching blocks of 3D-printed material to the bottom of the keyboard. The circuit board and cover plate are then placed on top of this. Two screws ensure it doesn’t fall out of the housing, while still moving downwards. The housing consists of only one part – most keyboards have a lower and upper part. The typing feel is similar to that of a Gasket Mount. If you’re interested in the structure and the keyboard, you can find more information here. Here are the specs of my Envoy:

Switches: JWK Autumn Rain Switches (linear)
Keycaps: GMK Mudbeam (ABS plastic)
Cover plate material: POM
Insulation material: none

In addition to polycarbonate, my Envoy has a copper weight.
Source: Kevin Hofer

Here’s what the keyboard sounds like:

The Envoy is now my only custom keyboard made of plastic, or more precisely, CNC-milled polycarbonate. At 950 grammes, it’s light compared to my metal keyboards, making it my go-to device. Although I don’t really like RGB LEDs, I always activate the lighting on the Envoy. This allows me to match the colour of the keyboard to the keycap set. I should really do this. In the video, lighting adapted to a different set is still active.

XOX70

The profile stands out from other keyboards thanks to a curve at the back.
Source: Kevin Hofer

My XOX70 from Thocc Supply is a different calibre in terms of weight. It weighs in at 1,660 grammes. This heaviness isn’t only due to the aluminium housing, but also to the two internal brass weights. The fact that keyboards have built-in weights is nothing new. My Envoy and Ergo also have weights in them. They’re installed for both aesthetics and acoustics. The internal brass parts on the XOX70 are designed to dampen reverberation when typing. In addition to the 70 per cent form factor, the keyboard is special in that I can hot swap myself. It also uses a gasket mount. Here are the specs of my XOX70:

Switches: Gateron Irene (linear)
Keycaps: GMK Tuzi (ABS plastic)
Cover plate material: none
Insulation material: none

The XOX70 lettering is milled onto the back.
Source: Kevin Hofer

Here’s what the keyboard sounds like:

I like several things about the XOX70. I’ve been a fan of the 70 per cent form factor for about a year and a half, I like long, narrow keyboards. I also think a top and bottom in different colours are a nice design element. The round back is eye-catching, and the milled lettering on the underside is simply sexy.

Zoom75

The Zoom75 also has an attractive underside – literally, when it comes to fingerprints. It’s made of glass, and the weight is PVT-coated. Nevertheless, I think it just looks great. The screen at the top right can display the time, system status or a GIF, pretty snazzy. The keycaps, including the split space bar, do the rest. Unfortunately, the Community is less convinced by my Zoom75 than I am. I had a duel with my colleague Michelle: which keyboard is nicer? With 58 per cent of users preferring her keyboard, I suffered a resounding defeat. Still, I have to like the keyboard, no one else. Here are the specs of my Zoom75:

Switches: Kinetic Labs Hippo (linear)
Keycaps: GMK Symbiote (ABS plastic)
Cover plate material: POM
Insulation material: plate aluminium and case foam

The symmetrically split space bar is a highlight of the keyboard for me.
Source: Kevin Hofer

Here’s what the keyboard sounds like:

In contrast to the other keyboards, my Zoom75 is quiet thanks to all the insulating material. So, I often use it when the family is already in bed or early in the morning, that way I don’t annoy anyone with my typing. The keyboard also relies on a gasket mount for its design.

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Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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