So I came to the conclusion that my keycaps have to be PBT and also as thick as possible. But should I go with OEM profile or Cherry profile for the most thock sound? Do the profile make them sound different?

I want something similar to This, I know those are SA profile but I dont like this profile, its too high for me, this is just reference to the sound I look for

Hey I am getting my 60HE+ delivered tomorrow and I am planning on lubing the switches already but I also want to get a nice high quality set of gradient key caps that will not worsen the sound of the keyboard, I’m looking for something that will get a nice creamy thocky sound so if you have any suggestions please comment😁 I heard that dye sub key caps are usually the better quality to get.

I'd like something like black/dark grey with gold or bronze accents, or any dark earth tone accents, but afraid to take a shot at some off-brand Amazon caps. This is my first keyboard build and I don't have a ton of money to blow on various sets until I find something I like. Do I want double shot PBT or SA profile?

What caps are you using and how do you like them?

I'm planning on building a new keyboard soon and I'm gonna be trying to make it as thocky as possible. What would be the best keycaps for a deeper sounding board? I'm fine using weird materials like wood or silicone. (I'm also on a budget so nothing too pricey) Thanks!

Hi all,

I am in the process of building my first mechanical keyboard and have discovered the satisfaction that is thock (This is coming from someone who used to think cherry mx blues were and would always be the best). I understand that the sound profile of a keyboard is unique as each part contributes to the sound, currently I have a YMDK Wood case, Polycarbonate plate, Gateron Black Inks v2, PCB Foam, Stabilizer Pads, and Switch Films. I am still currently deciding what profile of keycaps would synergise well, my current favourites are XDA but wanted to know what the community's thoughts are on the matter.

Thanks

Hello po, ask ko lang po what is the best keycap profile to achieve a thocky or creamy na sound po? Ang keyboard ko po ay rakk pirah plus and I use ktt kang whites v3 as my switch po and naka tempest mod na rin po ang aking keeb. Thanks.

Im looking for a keycap set for my GMMK using MX switches. Right now I have the stock keys on the GMMK and Im guessing in the Cherry profile.

Id really like some shine through caps, but I know that there isnt many quality sets out there in that style.

I like the Dolch caps and DSA styled ones too, but I dont know if that profile is going to work out well or would feel right to me.

Im mainly chasing the thock, Id like to increase it if possible. Id like to spend a little as possible, because in the end I dont type much on the PC anymore so its not technically money well spent lol.

Just purchased a KBD67 lite and I’m looking for some thoccy sounding keycaps

Any recommendation would be very much appreciated!

Budget ~$150

I got the Keychron Q6. Ive heard that material plays a role too and lubed switches. For the switches i thought of the Banana Split switches but the problem is i can find them anywhere to buy and for they keycaps I dont know what to look for. I have a 100% keyboard and i dont like Q6 caps.

Im not into keyboard modding by anymeans, just like having a good decent keyboard out of the box but I do want to change my keycaps. I tried cheap brands and they feel low quality but when I look at high end they can go past the cost of my keyboard. Any ideas on what to get?

I want to match my desk set up which is black and wood themed. So I was thinking maybe just black keycaps with potentially orange or green? I like a warm vibe.

Also id like to get keys that have extras in them that I can put my custom buttons on. Like I noticed keychron has extra keys with shapes and even a screenshot key. I also found ones with a small bleed on the caps to indicate its on which is cool imo. Thoughts?

For years, people have been looking how to get a thocky keyboard, and I'm here to help.

I have spent years perfecting my keyboard with the perfect thock formula. If you are new to the scene, or want a deep, thocky keyboard that doesn't sound cheap or use a cheap case and materials, then follow my formula.

I was initially inspired by Brendan B's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOFnLntygwE (i would say ive outdone him)

Case: if you want thock, then a general rule is, the less open space, and the denser everything is, the more thocky and lower pitched it will be. Therefore, you want a dense metal case (I went for the TOFU 65 2.0).

Plate: you must go for a polycarb plate here, not debatable, this is really what creates the thock. Don't worry, the plate isn't visible, and it is only just for the audio. It also gives a more flexible feel when typing, and won't make your build look or feel cheap.

Keycaps: there are a couple go to options:

1. If you are looking for tactile, then go for the  Boba U4T V2 Thocky (I use these personally)

2. Linear, I think there are many options, but Oil Kings are critically acclaimed.

Keycaps: Keycap profile, in terms of sound, is overrated. Don't stress it too much, but just make sure you have PBT and Double Shot. If you are really dedicated, then go for something like this: https://spkeyboards.com/products/sa-p-snow-cap?srsltid=AfmBOoqbCj0TUQ0z90xg33NUkWZQ09tXj0idSw3cSaVn1vGO3N64LRET, (not promotional) or a really thick set.

Foam: Foam really makes or breaks the build. In my experience, and this will be very controversial, but try to pack the build with as much space as possible. Really cram it in there, layer, after layer. Some may say it makes the board sound muted, but if you use the right PE Foam, then it kills the high notes and any amount of ping, and keeps the bassier, deeper notes, while still making the overall keyboard sound slightly poppy/thocky. (Stay away from any rubber/silicon sound dampner, really doesn't do the best).

Misc/Mods: This is personal, experiment with the tightness of the screws, whether to tape mod, and what surface you have the keyboard on. If you have the keyboard on top of a desk mat ontop of a solid desk, then you should get the thockiest results.

Lube: Just use Krytox 205g0

Gaskets: It depends on what you get, usually doesn't impact the sound profile very much, but if it hinders the application of foam then definetly forgo them.

Good luck!

I'm planning on using SA keycaps to really get a good thock sound when I type. So now I just need to know what switch is the most suitable to get that delicious thock sound?

At this point, I'm assuming that I'll need linears since tactiles can sound noisy (and I feel like the silent tactiles sound mushy from the vids I've watched?)

Does anyone have any good recommendations for switches? I currently know of the H1... but I think it might be a bit too heavy from what I read for me though (78g).

I basically want my keeb to sound like this when I use SA caps: :3ildcat H1 Switch Typing Sounds

Of course, I also know there's other factors like dampening too but I'd like to know about possible switch options~

I would like to preface this by saying that keycap profiles and materials are purely preference based.

MT3 Profile: MT3 Profile is a medium height (somewhere inbetween OEM and SA, from what I can tell) keycap profile. They can only be obtained from Drop, and most of the sets are Doubleshot ABS, with the exception being MT3 /dev/tty, which is dye-sub PBT. MT3 keycaps are a very thick plastic, and are very high quality. They produce a crisp sound profile, that I really enjoy. The "deep dish" also helps guide my hands to the correct key, so no more hitting the key right next to the one you're trying to hit!

I do not feel it necessary to foam the spacebar.

SA Profile: SA profile is slightly taller than MT3 Profile, and is less deep dish like. It has a deeper sound signature than MT3, due to it being taller, and being PBT. It is also pleasant to type on, but your wrist rest should be a little taller than for other keycap profiles.

I feel that it is necessary to foam the spacebar.

KAT Profile: KAT Profile, along with MT3 profile, is one of my favorite keycap profiles to date. The set I have used (KAT Alpha) is made of thick dye-sub PBT, and is quite high quality. I would not recommend joining any KAT groupbuys right now, as Keyreative is kind of a mess as of late. KBDFans does offer KAT Alpha and KAT BoW, though, which are both great sets. It produces a sound signature similar to MT3, but a little higher pitched and more muted. It's a great profile as well, despite being more flat. Be warned, that you might end up hitting the key next to the intended one. KAT is also smooth to the touch in my experience, at least KAT Alpha is. Think a piano key, but without the gloss.

I feel that it is up to you if you want to foam the spacebar. I personally did. I used Stupidfish KAT Spacebar Foam.

Cherry Profile: You've all heard of cherry profile. It's easily the most popular profile in the modern custom keyboard world, and for good reason. It sits at a relatively low height, so if you don't have a wrist rest or you just want a shorter profile, it's great. Cherry profile is also a great option if you want the clackier sound signature, as it isn't as tall as any of the other profiles.

OEM Profile: OEM profile feels like Cherry profile tried to be SA profile, and failed 1/4 the way through. It's about half the height of SA profile, and has the same shape as Cherry. Most OEM profile sets are low quality, and as such, I can only really recommend Tai Hao for OEM profile sets. It also doesn't produce the greatest sound, and is most similar to cherry, but just a little louder.

I do not feel it necessary to foam the spacebar.

Comparisons: Cherry profile is the shortest of the group, and has the most options. OEM Profile is between Cherry and SA, and easily has the least options. KAT profile is between OEM and SA, but it's actually good, and pleasant to type on. I would recommend KAT profile to anyone who likes the height of OEM profile and wants a less sculpted version of SA profile. SA profile is the tallest of the group, and as such, is the "thockiest". I would recommend SA profile to anyone who has big hands or a tall wrist rest, and wants the "thock". MT3 profile is my personal favorite, as it has consistently great quality, vibrant colors, and a great sound and feel, and is great for typing.

For gaming, I recommend Cherry, KAT, or OEM profile, as SA and MT3 are very sculpted, and might make it difficult to accurately press your hotkeys.

For typing, I recommend MT3, as it's deep dish keys make it very easy to tell that you're right in the center of the key. As long as you vaguely understand how to touch type, you won't really ever need to look down at the board.

SA is just kind of.. there. It's not good or bad for anything.

If anyone has any feedback, just leave it in the comments and I'd be happy to explain something to you, or update my post.