Layout remapping and macros

For those who are looking for an even more extensive customization, it may be possible to remapthe layout. However, this assumes that the PCB has built-in firmware supporting this, and that you possess the right software.

QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) is a type of open source firmware that many keyboards support. Remapping with QMK is a relatively complicated task that requires knowledge of coding, but fortunately there is software that simplifies the process and makes it possible for even novice people to remap their keyboard. VIA is one such software, and it is available online VIA (caniusevia.com). With VIA you can remap your keyboard directly from the webbrowser.

The purpose of remapping is to create your own customized keyboard layout. Here are some examples of what you can do with QMK/VIA:

• Give keys a different location. For example, swap [Home] to [Delete] or [Ctrl] to [Fn].
• Choose where you want keys for adjusting volume, rgb lights, screenshots, etc.
• Create a command activated by one key or combination of keys. For example, put the machine into sleepmode or open a specific program.
• Create a sequence of commands with one key or combination of keys, e.g. open the browser and load a specific URL.
• Type a phrase (single word or phrase) with a specific key or key combination. For example, signature on an email, or a single word that you use frequently.

The possibilities are obviously many. In theory, you can create long sequences of commands. Your imagination is the only limit to how you you can configure your keyboard. Worth noting is that VIA has a user-friendly interface. When creating commands for the keys, you may use the "record function" where your keystrokes are recorded in real time and saved as a macro function for an optional key. Quite convenient!

It is relatively easy to adjust the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard (i.e. what sound you get from the keystrokes). Creative souls have tried out a bunch of different ways to change the sound profile. A quick Google search will give you an idea. There is almost no limit to what people can do to create exactly the sound profile they want. Here is a brief summary of the most common methods to adjust the sound profile on a mecanical keyboard.

• Swap switches. This is perhaps the one factor that has the most impact on sound.
• Lubricate switches. Both feel and sound will change for the better with proper lubrication.
  Read more about switches and lubrication here.
• Swap keycaps. Generally speaking, thin and low keycaps provide a higher-pitched sound profile, while thicker and taller keycaps provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. ABS and PBT will also produce different sounds, since ABS is a softer material than PBT, which is relatively hard. Read more about keycaps here.
• Swap the mounting-plate. In general, softer materials produce deeper sounds, while stiffer materials produce a more high-pitch sound. From softest to hardest, the most commonly used materials can be ranked as follows: POM (Polyoxymethylene), PC (polycarbonate), acrylic, FR4, aluminum, brass, steel, carbon fiber.
• Stuff the keyboard with cushioning materials such as foam/rubber, silicone, plasticine, wadding, fabrics etc. Keyboards that have a lot of empty space below the PCB will usually produce a more hollow sound than keyboards with less/no voids. Filling such voids with softer materials can contribute to less resonance from the keystrokes, and provide a more muffled/muted sound profile.
• PE foam mod: put a thin layer of foam/rubber between the PCB and the switches. You can also buy  switch-pads that serve the same purpose, but these are adhered directly onto the PCB. Using them will dampen the sound of keystrokes.
• Tape mod: tape several layers of masking/electrical tape over the bottom side of the PCB. This will give a slightly louder sound from keystrokes, but at the same time the deep frequencies are enhanced, and the sound is perceived as more "popping".
• Force break mod: mount gaskets between impacting parts. For example, a piece of tape can act as a gasket. If you have a keyboard consisting of an enclosure with both top and bottom, you can add gaskets to the frame where the top and bottom meet. The gaskets/tapes will help reduce resonance, and give less reverberation from keystrokes. This has a particular effect on aluminium/metal parts.
• Mount o-rings on keycaps. The purpose of o-rings is to muffle sound and to provide a softer feeling when a key is pressed. O-rings come in different sizes and hardness. Generally speaking, thin rings will provide less cushioning than thick ones. And soft rings will give a more spongy feeling than hard rings.

Stabilizers in a mechanical keyboard are responsible for ensuring that the larger keys do not tilt or move abnormally when pressed. You'll only find stabilizers on large and wide keys such as space, enter, shift and backspace. Although many mechanical keyboards come with pre-assembled stabilizers, there are possibilities to enhance them for even better stability and less rattle.

One way to improve stabilizers is to lubricate them. This will help reduce friction between parts and prevent them from rattling when releasing the key. It is important to use the right lubricant and quantity for proper function. Another way of improving the stability of the keys is to adjust the tension of the springs in the stabilizers. This is done by adjusting the screws that hold the stabilizers in place. To reduce the sound of the stabilizers, attach stabilizer-pads onto the PCB (underneath the stabilizers). Some people opts for replacing the standard stabilizers with new stabilizers of better quality and tighter tolerances. Staebies and TX stabilizers are considered high quality by many keyboard enthusiasts.