Introduction

In today's fast-paced digital world, having a responsive and satisfying typing experience is crucial, especially for avid typists and gamers. If you're someone who spends hours on the keyboard, you've probably heard of the term "thocky." The thocky sound refers to the deep and satisfying noise produced when pressing the keys on a mechanical keyboard. Many enthusiasts strive to achieve that thocky typing experience, but it's often associated with expensive custom keyboards and high-end switches. However, fear not! In this article, we'll explore the top five methods to make your keyboard thocky without breaking the bank. So, let's dive right in!

1. Tape MOD 

Tape MOD is a simplest method by simply putting tape on the back of your keyboard's PCB. This method sounds ridiculous but you have the try it before leaving such a comment =).  We have done the experiments and 2-3 layer tape have the best result. 

Only use painter tape if your keyboard do not have battery and use electric tape is your keyboard are with battery to prevent a fire hazard just in case. Press the tape thoroughly and make sure you get rid of all the bubbles in between. 

Now you can press on the keys and enjoy the sound by spending less than USD5 on this !

2. Plastic Wrap 

This method might sounds easy but it is more complicated as compared to tape MOD and have a little risk of applying this, so we suggest you to try this on a budget keyboard or whatever you can afford to lose. 

Wrap the plastic food wrap surrounding your barebone PCB Board with no switches installed (only a barebone keyboard can do this). Like we said there is chances of breaking the PCB board, it is due to there are chance of building up static that can zap your board. There is no guarantee that it will zap your PCB board but there are still some chances, if you manage to done this without zap, then congratulations, you managed to improve your thocky sound on your keyboard with a USD 3 plastic seal.

3. Switch Lubrication

Switch lubrication is a popular technique among keyboard enthusiasts to enhance the typing experience and achieve that sought-after thocky sound. By applying lubricant to the mechanical switches, you can reduce friction and make the keys feel smoother and more enjoyable to press. Silicone-based lubricants like Krytox and Tribosys are commonly used for this purpose. Before lubricating your switches, ensure that you research and follow proper switch disassembly and lubrication techniques to avoid any damage.

Some switches come factory lubed and you dont really need to redoing it but some switches come quite dry. In fact, some factory lubed switches can still be a little bit improved if you lubed it. 

Lubing do takes some times but you only need to do it for once for your keyboard and thats it. 

4. Foam and Dampening Materials

Another effective way to achieve a thocky sound is by adding foam or dampening materials to your keyboard. Foam inserts can be placed inside the keyboard case to reduce reverberation and dampen the sound produced by the switches. This helps to create a deeper and more satisfying thocky noise. Some enthusiasts even experiment with different foam densities and thicknesses to find the perfect balance between sound dampening and key feel.

The materials that are proven works as a dampening materials are Sorbothane, Neoprene, Packing Foam, silicone fills and even sands. These options only cost from $0.50 to $20 as most of them can be easily get from your home.  Enjoy Dampening =)

5. Keycaps Keycaps Keycaps

Getting a thocky keyboard doesn't only rely on a single elements but it is a few factors combined to get a good thocky outcome !

Keycaps are the most direct components when one pressed the keys to create the thocky sound. Of course pressing on a thicker keycaps will produce a more bold sound, when we are talking about thick keycaps it will be PBT keycaps or thicker ABS keycaps.

Ceramic keycaps are a better thick keycaps for thocky sound but they are less available and much pricey. So it is much practical to go for a PBT keycaps or thick ABS keycaps if you want a thocky keyboard with affordable amount of money. 

Conclusion

Getting a good Thocky keyboard doesn't necessarily break your bank by purchasing famous premium brands like Keychron Keyboard. You can always start with a budget keyboard and improve it based on the methods we mentioned at above.

Every steps only takes around $0.50 to $20 to improve every elements of getting thocky sound. Of course you have to understand the logic behind it and choose wisely the methods that suit you best. Happy Thocking !