The experiment work, i just let the video play without looking and noticed no difference. Would be interesting to see if you took out the plate foam to see if switch character would be heard. If anything what i notice more is the springs affect on the typing experience
really well made video quality and the for the sound test for my opinion I though they did sound very similar specially the ones that were close "reference' to that switched or another version like some company or different weight etc sounded almost identical part from the pitch or settle differences but other switches for example the aplacas still had that alpacas sound and feel of the sound it although it was still sounding very similar
My personal verdict: the modded lineages sound nearly the same because the lube makes it slightly less quiet and dampens it allowing you to hear mostly the pop and less of the switch. Stock switches aren’t lubed therefore louder so you be an hear the individual switch more. Basically modded switches sound ab the same and stock sound less similar
Thanks for making this video! Clearly they do sound similar, but I LOVE the sound so I'm not complaining. People knock it but I would rather use it and have a sound I know I'll like instead of having a "unique" sound for the sake of being unique.
I would have to agree with you! by all means, if this is your taste (which I admit, is my taste as well lol). I also do think it levels the playing field. If PE foam can make a tofu close to a jelly/Suit, I am all for it!
You can hear some slight pitch differences on the lubed, but its so minimal. Stock sound definitely brings out the differences. Either way.. I love the sound of PE modded boards. I know its kind of hated on now.. But its just a great mod, especially for lower tier boards. I'm a sucker for it for sure :>
They sound similar, and very close to each other but I wouldn't say they sound THE SAME. They a have the same marble-y quality to the sound, but I'm surprised at how different the cherry blacks sounded from the rest of the stock linears. They still had that iconic pop/clack.
my theory at least for the tape mode is that, you definitely just hear the tape and it masks every other sound. It sits right on the point of impact and most of vibrations are transferred to it. So you are hearing the vibrations that the tape or PE foam makes and they are loud relative to the sound of the switch. Its a large area that is vibrating and dispersing every source of sound (switches) across a large area, thats why it makes a low pitch bassy sound with longer wavelengths being generated. I tried switch pads from kbdfans, the sound is lot quieter with those compared with packing PE foam. I am guessing its because they are small separate pieces as opposed to a large sealing layer and they dont really have that big of a effect. Overall, for tray mount cases I think these mods, specially tape mod is really positive since it gets rid of any ringing in the case much more effectively than any foam can do and it reduces the effect of the mounting points on the sound as well. For anything higher end, I wouldnt do it. The case should have enough mass to sound decent and not hollow or bad. If it doesnt then its not worth several hundreds of dollars. Just listen to this video without watching, its impossible to tell at all if or when switches are changing. You are hearing the foam which is fine for average user that likes this kind of sound but not for enthusiasts.
@@axiechronous9800 For tray mount, use the plate foam. It does more good than bad. It makes the plate/pcb assembly stiffer, that's why a lot of people don't like it. It reduces the effect of the the cavity and air of the case and you have more of the sound of the switch. This can be both be bad or good. For tray mount, it is usually good.
@@cutcorners6005 how about for gummy o-ring mount style keyboards like my bakeneko 60? Do you suggest getting some plate foam or ixPE sheet if I am chasing a clacky sound profile? Also, do you think it will also benefit from tempest tape mod? If so how many layers will be the sweet spot? Thank you very much!
It all really did sound the same, and it was actually really relaxing hearing this, the only switch that really sounded different were the Tecsee Sapphires, they sounded a little deeper than all the other tactiles. Overall, great video!
For me, i think what changes is volume of sound produced and not the pitch. If you choose switches for their sound please dont pe mod. Choose switches for feel instead. Also i really recommend using switch pads instead of pe foam!
You video definitely presents that the switches sound very similar, but in my personal experience I definitely notice distinct differences in the way my switches sound switching between them on the same board with PE foam. While they all do maintain that extra bit of popping sound that is added with the PE foam.
When I first watched this I was like they all sound the same. Now that I watch it again I can pick up on the differences more. Like the Tescee Carrot L+F sounds great
So everyone saying that they end up being indistinguishable.... Yes, PE foam does make switches sound INCREDIBLY similar, just refer to nearLucid's video covering how we believe PE foam works. HOWEVER, you also need to remember that this is a sound test, and that sound tests do not 100% reflect how a board sounds irl, and that there is nuance and characteristics that you will pick up in person that just aren't translated in full in a recording. The board still matters, and there's a reason my Jelly Epoch with PE foam sounds better than most other boards I've built with PE foam (albeit very few). I don't what that reason is, but it is there nonetheless. That being said, PE foam, in my opinion, really is the great equalizer LOL, and can turn a bad board into something amazing, and I find it odd that this mod gets so much hate. Let people do their thing! Great video, Jaeyou, this definitely helps add to the discussion surrounding this mod!
When listening to this with my eyes closed, I had a hard time catching the transitions between different switches. Very, very similar. I still liked that sound though, it's a nice one.
harder to differentiate for sure and you could probably care less about which switch you are getting if your aim is to have this sound signature. I personally quite like it, sounds like popping bubble wrap
My conclusion on PE foam is that it is just adding a heavy layer of a "marbely" coating onto the switch. It is similar to compressing audio to make it sound more "podcast"/"radio" like. Every person has a different voice, similar to how every switch has a different sound, but after compressing (adding PE foam), they all gain a filter that makes it sound similar. So yes, and no.
I closed my eyes for a good 2-3 mins and I can definitely say, everything sounded the same to me. Maybe the compression in the RUclips upload or the mic capture has changed the subtle nuisances between switches but without looking at the names I can absolutely say everything sounds the same
I would say it makes switches sound more similar for sure. Different board/plate/switch/PE foam configs are distinct from each other, but foamed up boards (PE foam especially) do have a characteristic "sound signature" to them. What's funny to me is that this phenomenon isn't really anything new - checkout roydaboy's linear comparison on his Vega for example LOL Not sure what it is exactly about foam that causes this, but my theory is that foam attenuates certain frequencies, and narrows each switch's "sound profile" a bit, leading to less distinction between them. I kind of want to talk to an audio engineer or foam expert to figure this out LOL
The spacebar was the only thing, which sounded a bit different, although still the same type of sound all across. Nonetheless my inner clack enthusiast screams.
yeah modded sw and spacebars is really similar just a tiny difference like 9,5 vs 10, others like stock, i can hear more clearly but not that so much. PE so god noww
Actually everything you showed sounded different sure you can hear the pe foam sound but people keep relating it. Try the Mr suit with only pe foam see what happens it won't sound the same. It's the combo and this board sounds incredible and if people couldn't hear the didfernce then they are full of crap lol. Like the vega for example use the worse switches and it still sounds like a Vega. Plates still make a differnce in the Mr suit and all boards but all boards have a sound signature period.
@@JaeyouPark thanks for the quick answer! Got the POM plate initially for my suit but ordered the pc plate afterwards and liked it better with the pe foam sound :)
You could argue it makes them all sound the same, or incredibly similar to be a bit more accurate. ... Or, you could argue it makes the decision making of the buying process a lot simpler 😅 I'm just joking, still sounds great accross the board though, badum tss... I know, I know I'll see myself out.
My first board is a GMMK pro with pe foam pads. It has an Alu plate with alpacas(deskeys+205g0) and tbh it sounded a lot thoccy without the PE foam and Extra gaskets.
1. L&F JWK Quartz and L&F Tecsee carrot sound *barely* different, I think the Quartz is lighter/softer. 2. Retooled Cherry Black is obviously higher pitched then stock Alpaca and stock JWK Moss is more solid then stock Alpaca. 3. Stock Amethyst sounds poppier then lubed Tecsee Sapphire FINAL: I think all of them sound different and "filtered". They just follow the same patterns.
I think people forget use any board made it will sound similair with only slight variations I can do the ssme test snd it comes out the same on 80 perineum tof the boards that's just there sound profile. The Mr suit uses such a small pe foam layer tbh it's main sound comes from the combination use only pe foam on the Mr suit and you will see what I'm saying the switches come out snd you hear more of the variation with just pe foam by itself. People are really wrong about these boards it's nit like an nk65 with pe foam lol. Pe foam does have a sound signature but to say the ssme is wrong. Just like all top mount have similair singantures if it's a traditional style tkl. Bit all have different variations this is just now something peope have to point an excuse to. The foam haters started this crap. That's all ir is then people who loved the sound of rhe jelly started hoping on the hate bandwagon just to be part of the crowd haha. Ita sad!
Of course switches from the same manufacturer sound similar, pe mod probably has nothing to do with it. There are only 3 manufacturers represented in this video (cherry, tecsee, jwk) and 2 of them happen to sound the same, which to me is not a big finding... Where's durock, gateron, even khail?
I don’t think it’s a very valid argument when a lot of the linear switches used are JWK variants with the same housing moulds. No wonder they’re gonna sound similar. A wider variety from more manufacturers would have been nice if possible. I understand it’s also difficult to own that many sets of switches, so regardless of that this video was still great. I think it’s a much needed discussion. I’m personally not a fan of mods that make everyone’s board the same. Have some character. Build it for yourself. Chose identity over conformity
The only JWK recolor used here was the Moss and Alpacas. Quartz switches have a different stem material and it still doesn't explain how the Cherry Blacks sounded so much like the Alpaca/Moss switches, the Carrots like the Quartz and the Tecsee Sapphire sounded exactly like the Amethyst switches.
What is your verdict? Would love to hear what you all thought in the comments 🙃
The experiment work, i just let the video play without looking and noticed no difference. Would be interesting to see if you took out the plate foam to see if switch character would be heard. If anything what i notice more is the springs affect on the typing experience
Most switches definitely sound very similar to each other but not all. I can tell the difference between the mx black and the alpaca v2 pretty easily.
@@cengi I mean thats mainly if not only the spacebar which sounds a bit different.
really well made video quality and the for the sound test for my opinion I though they did sound very similar specially the ones that were close "reference' to that switched or another version like some company or different weight etc sounded almost identical part from the pitch or settle differences but other switches for example the aplacas still had that alpacas sound and feel of the sound it although it was still sounding very similar
The real end game for PE foam is clicky switches
My personal verdict: the modded lineages sound nearly the same because the lube makes it slightly less quiet and dampens it allowing you to hear mostly the pop and less of the switch. Stock switches aren’t lubed therefore louder so you be an hear the individual switch more. Basically modded switches sound ab the same and stock sound less similar
I enjoyed this more than I should've ... it's so calming, but also, they do all sound the same?
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for making this video! Clearly they do sound similar, but I LOVE the sound so I'm not complaining. People knock it but I would rather use it and have a sound I know I'll like instead of having a "unique" sound for the sake of being unique.
I would have to agree with you! by all means, if this is your taste (which I admit, is my taste as well lol). I also do think it levels the playing field. If PE foam can make a tofu close to a jelly/Suit, I am all for it!
You can hear some slight pitch differences on the lubed, but its so minimal. Stock sound definitely brings out the differences. Either way.. I love the sound of PE modded boards. I know its kind of hated on now.. But its just a great mod, especially for lower tier boards. I'm a sucker for it for sure :>
They sound similar, and very close to each other but I wouldn't say they sound THE SAME. They a have the same marble-y quality to the sound, but I'm surprised at how different the cherry blacks sounded from the rest of the stock linears. They still had that iconic pop/clack.
my theory at least for the tape mode is that, you definitely just hear the tape and it masks every other sound. It sits right on the point of impact and most of vibrations are transferred to it. So you are hearing the vibrations that the tape or PE foam makes and they are loud relative to the sound of the switch. Its a large area that is vibrating and dispersing every source of sound (switches) across a large area, thats why it makes a low pitch bassy sound with longer wavelengths being generated. I tried switch pads from kbdfans, the sound is lot quieter with those compared with packing PE foam. I am guessing its because they are small separate pieces as opposed to a large sealing layer and they dont really have that big of a effect.
Overall, for tray mount cases I think these mods, specially tape mod is really positive since it gets rid of any ringing in the case much more effectively than any foam can do and it reduces the effect of the mounting points on the sound as well. For anything higher end, I wouldnt do it. The case should have enough mass to sound decent and not hollow or bad. If it doesnt then its not worth several hundreds of dollars.
Just listen to this video without watching, its impossible to tell at all if or when switches are changing. You are hearing the foam which is fine for average user that likes this kind of sound but not for enthusiasts.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
ooo thanks!
Hi bro, I am new to the hobby, how about plate foam (poron) how does it impact to the acoustics of a board specifically to tray mount cases?
@@axiechronous9800 For tray mount, use the plate foam. It does more good than bad. It makes the plate/pcb assembly stiffer, that's why a lot of people don't like it. It reduces the effect of the the cavity and air of the case and you have more of the sound of the switch. This can be both be bad or good. For tray mount, it is usually good.
@@cutcorners6005 how about for gummy o-ring mount style keyboards like my bakeneko 60? Do you suggest getting some plate foam or ixPE sheet if I am chasing a clacky sound profile? Also, do you think it will also benefit from tempest tape mod? If so how many layers will be the sweet spot? Thank you very much!
Cherry really the goat for having the only unique sounding switch on pcb foam
"Every board and twitch" - 0:12. Seriously though, thanks for showing all the different switches!
haha I swear I was trying to say "switch" T_T haha glad you found it useful!
It all really did sound the same, and it was actually really relaxing hearing this, the only switch that really sounded different were the Tecsee Sapphires, they sounded a little deeper than all the other tactiles. Overall, great video!
Those quartz switches were my favv, soo good.
That novelty keycap at the end 😩
For me, i think what changes is volume of sound produced and not the pitch. If you choose switches for their sound please dont pe mod. Choose switches for feel instead. Also i really recommend using switch pads instead of pe foam!
You video definitely presents that the switches sound very similar, but in my personal experience I definitely notice distinct differences in the way my switches sound switching between them on the same board with PE foam. While they all do maintain that extra bit of popping sound that is added with the PE foam.
thing is, they still all sound so good
they are all very similar but you can hear a difference. between the lubed linears it's a lot harder though
When I first watched this I was like they all sound the same. Now that I watch it again I can pick up on the differences more. Like the Tescee Carrot L+F sounds great
So everyone saying that they end up being indistinguishable.... Yes, PE foam does make switches sound INCREDIBLY similar, just refer to nearLucid's video covering how we believe PE foam works. HOWEVER, you also need to remember that this is a sound test, and that sound tests do not 100% reflect how a board sounds irl, and that there is nuance and characteristics that you will pick up in person that just aren't translated in full in a recording. The board still matters, and there's a reason my Jelly Epoch with PE foam sounds better than most other boards I've built with PE foam (albeit very few). I don't what that reason is, but it is there nonetheless.
That being said, PE foam, in my opinion, really is the great equalizer LOL, and can turn a bad board into something amazing, and I find it odd that this mod gets so much hate. Let people do their thing! Great video, Jaeyou, this definitely helps add to the discussion surrounding this mod!
Couldn't have said it better. 💛
A much needed discussion.
When listening to this with my eyes closed, I had a hard time catching the transitions between different switches. Very, very similar. I still liked that sound though, it's a nice one.
harder to differentiate for sure and you could probably care less about which switch you are getting if your aim is to have this sound signature. I personally quite like it, sounds like popping bubble wrap
Retooled blacks are 🔥
Woke up 9 minutes before it started, I can’t wait!
For the first comparison I would say that the only dif sounding thing was the spacebar and that was minute.
My conclusion on PE foam is that it is just adding a heavy layer of a "marbely" coating onto the switch. It is similar to compressing audio to make it sound more "podcast"/"radio" like. Every person has a different voice, similar to how every switch has a different sound, but after compressing (adding PE foam), they all gain a filter that makes it sound similar. So yes, and no.
I closed my eyes for a good 2-3 mins and I can definitely say, everything sounded the same to me. Maybe the compression in the RUclips upload or the mic capture has changed the subtle nuisances between switches but without looking at the names I can absolutely say everything sounds the same
You're deaf how you couldnt hear the variation just means you can't hear pitch we are all humans and have flaws yours is just your hearing lol
Tbh I couldn't tell when different switches were being tested but still a nice sound nonetheless
Are those the blue samurais in the thumbnail? They look different
yep!
I would say it makes switches sound more similar for sure. Different board/plate/switch/PE foam configs are distinct from each other, but foamed up boards (PE foam especially) do have a characteristic "sound signature" to them. What's funny to me is that this phenomenon isn't really anything new - checkout roydaboy's linear comparison on his Vega for example LOL
Not sure what it is exactly about foam that causes this, but my theory is that foam attenuates certain frequencies, and narrows each switch's "sound profile" a bit, leading to less distinction between them. I kind of want to talk to an audio engineer or foam expert to figure this out LOL
Also, great comparison video Jaeyou! This will be a helpful resource :)
so sound wise, if the PE foam eliminates the same sound frequency range, then it will make all the switches sound the same
The spacebar was the only thing, which sounded a bit different, although still the same type of sound all across. Nonetheless my inner clack enthusiast screams.
Should I use PE Foam for KBD67 Lite? because I see the sound switches are all the same when using PE Foam
mx blacks are the only sound that really stands out in the linears haha.
they do have a "Cherry" sound for sure!
yeah modded sw and spacebars is really similar just a tiny difference like 9,5 vs 10, others like stock, i can hear more clearly but not that so much. PE so god noww
Actually everything you showed sounded different sure you can hear the pe foam sound but people keep relating it. Try the Mr suit with only pe foam see what happens it won't sound the same. It's the combo and this board sounds incredible and if people couldn't hear the didfernce then they are full of crap lol. Like the vega for example use the worse switches and it still sounds like a Vega. Plates still make a differnce in the Mr suit and all boards but all boards have a sound signature period.
You can still hear the scratchiness in the mx blacks lol
haha yes especially since theyre stock
What was the plate material used?
What plate material was used? I think it's the pom plate but couldn't really see!
it was pom
my bad for leaving that out in the description! it was POM as you guessed :)
@@JaeyouPark thanks for the quick answer! Got the POM plate initially for my suit but ordered the pc plate afterwards and liked it better with the pe foam sound :)
@@JaeyouPark also wondering did you use the standoffs for the pcb? :)
@@justinfournier2521 no standoffs :)
I was thinking about trying KTT rose/strawberry for the sound but after watching this hmm I’ll think about it 😂 (my keyboard has PE foam)
You could argue it makes them all sound the same, or incredibly similar to be a bit more accurate.
...
Or, you could argue it makes the decision making of the buying process a lot simpler 😅
I'm just joking, still sounds great accross the board though, badum tss... I know, I know I'll see myself out.
I personally think it does 😂
CANT WAITTT
My bet is... yes 😅
My first board is a GMMK pro with pe foam pads.
It has an Alu plate with alpacas(deskeys+205g0) and tbh it sounded a lot thoccy without the PE foam and Extra gaskets.
what is the tactility of the tecsee sapphires?
Yes
Honestly I just think it makes it harder to differentiate across switches, not necessarily make them sound the same
1. L&F JWK Quartz and L&F Tecsee carrot sound *barely* different, I think the Quartz is lighter/softer.
2. Retooled Cherry Black is obviously higher pitched then stock Alpaca and stock JWK Moss is more solid then stock Alpaca.
3. Stock Amethyst sounds poppier then lubed Tecsee Sapphire
FINAL: I think all of them sound different and "filtered". They just follow the same patterns.
I think people forget use any board made it will sound similair with only slight variations I can do the ssme test snd it comes out the same on 80 perineum tof the boards that's just there sound profile. The Mr suit uses such a small pe foam layer tbh it's main sound comes from the combination use only pe foam on the Mr suit and you will see what I'm saying the switches come out snd you hear more of the variation with just pe foam by itself. People are really wrong about these boards it's nit like an nk65 with pe foam lol. Pe foam does have a sound signature but to say the ssme is wrong. Just like all top mount have similair singantures if it's a traditional style tkl. Bit all have different variations this is just now something peope have to point an excuse to. The foam haters started this crap. That's all ir is then people who loved the sound of rhe jelly started hoping on the hate bandwagon just to be part of the crowd haha. Ita sad!
5:08 🇰🇷
Good ears!
I borrowed my friends GMKK Pro with a pe mod, tape moded and damn I tried 6 switches all of them sounds the same lmaoo
Of course switches from the same manufacturer sound similar, pe mod probably has nothing to do with it. There are only 3 manufacturers represented in this video (cherry, tecsee, jwk) and 2 of them happen to sound the same, which to me is not a big finding... Where's durock, gateron, even khail?
Why did I watch this video???? It was obv lmao
thanks for the view ;)
Where are the clicky switches tho...
ah shoot, I totally forgot that I had box jades and gat blues ready for this video! T_T
I can’t tell anymore
I am sure you can tell your favourite Cherry blacks though ;)
@@JaeyouPark
Basically PE foam to keyboards is like auto tune to the music industry
They are not entirely the same and even if they did sound the same it still sounds nice
looks away - when is this dood gonna switch the switches?
sounds boringly good
I don’t think it’s a very valid argument when a lot of the linear switches used are JWK variants with the same housing moulds. No wonder they’re gonna sound similar. A wider variety from more manufacturers would have been nice if possible.
I understand it’s also difficult to own that many sets of switches, so regardless of that this video was still great. I think it’s a much needed discussion. I’m personally not a fan of mods that make everyone’s board the same. Have some character. Build it for yourself. Chose identity over conformity
The only JWK recolor used here was the Moss and Alpacas.
Quartz switches have a different stem material and it still doesn't explain how the Cherry Blacks sounded so much like the Alpaca/Moss switches, the Carrots like the Quartz and the Tecsee Sapphire sounded exactly like the Amethyst switches.
PE foam doesn't add to the sound. Makes it too poppy and muted in a weird way. Pass for me.
i think i creamed
Keyboard sound tests are lies - nearLucid
Relative tests like this are valid for showing differences.
hahah yes NL did an amazing job with his video!
pe foam + tape mod 🤮