What is the best thickness for PE foam mod?

The PE foam mod is among the most popular keyboard modifications, alongside lubing switches and tape mods. If you're a new keyboard modder, chances are you want to try this mod on your keyboard. Are you eager to enhance your typing experience?

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No matter the case, this comprehensive article has everything you need to know, from basic information about the mod to the preparations needed, and detailed instructions on how to perform it. Lastly, I will address some common questions you might have.

While this mod is informative, it's worth noting that it may not be the best starting point for beginners. I advise against attempting the standard method as your first mod. Instead, I've developed my own technique—a TypingDoneWell original—that we'll explore later.

Essential Tools for the PE Foam Mod

Before you start, you'll need some tools:

• Foam: This is the primary material you will need for the mod. For guidance on choosing the right foam, consult PE Foam Machine.
• Scissors: A standard pair of scissors will work, but longer blades may provide added convenience.
• Box Cutter: Depending on your chosen method, a box cutter may be necessary. If you don't have one at home, wait to purchase until you've read the entire article.
• Screwdriver: A small screwdriver will suffice for disassembling your keyboard. No need for fancy tools; a regular one from the hardware store will do. You can also buy a precise screwdriver set here.
• Sharpened Stick or Pen: This is optional but useful for making holes in the foam. While a screwdriver works, you can use a stick if you prefer.
• Tape: Not mandatory, but tape can simplify securing the foam in place.
• Keycap Puller: If you're unfamiliar with disassembling keyboards, this tool is necessary and can be purchased here.
• Switch Puller: Similar to the keycap puller, you will need this tool. More information can be found here.
• Cutting Board: Optional, but recommended if you're working with a box cutter.

While it may seem like a lot, we can categorize these tools into two groups: those needed for disassembly (keycap puller, switch puller, screwdriver) and those for the actual foam mod (foam, scissors, box cutter, stick, and cutting board).

What is a PE Foam Mod?

The PE foam mod originated from someone’s ingenious idea to place foam under keyboard switches. Its inspiration is attributed to the Jelly Epoch keyboard from Owlabs, featuring a thin layer of PE foam between the plate and the PCB.

Although it's called the PE foam mod, you can use various materials—not just PE foam—to achieve similar results. A more fitting term for this technique would be "plate foam mod," as the effectiveness lies in how the material is placed rather than the material itself.

In essence, the PE foam mod involves placing a piece of foam between the keyboard plate and PCB, modifying the keyboard's sound. However, feel free to experiment with other materials for unique sounds.

How Does a PE Foam Mod Work?

The discovery of this mod is fascinating, as is its functionality. PE foam selectively absorbs certain frequencies while amplifying others, acting as a filter that alters the sound produced by the keyboard switches situated above it.

Essentially, PE foam reduces lower frequency sounds while enhancing middle frequencies. A scientific study even explored its acoustic properties, though many may find the research difficult to digest.

In summary, PE foam serves as a sound filter that modifies sound transmission, allowing modulation of keyboard switch noises.

What Foam Should You Use for the PE Foam Mod?

Your choice of foam can significantly affect your keyboard's sounds. While PE foam is an excellent option, you don't have to limit yourself to just that material. Here are three alternatives:

Many additional foams and materials can affect sound, offering limitless possibilities for personalization. If you're curious about more materials and guidelines for experimentation, check out my detailed article on this topic here.

What is the Best Thickness for PE Foam Mod?

After selecting your material, consider thickness. The optimal thickness for the foam is around 1 mm, although you can use up to 1.5 mm. This thin layer fits well between the switches and PCB.

It's crucial to ensure your foam doesn't exceed 1.5 mm in thickness. If it's thicker, you'll encounter installation issues—switches may not fit correctly, making it difficult to press them without potential damage.

Can You PE Foam Mod a Soldered PCB Keyboard?

This discussion primarily focused on hot-swappable keyboards, leaving the question of soldered PCB keyboards. Generally, it is advised not to attempt PE foam mods on soldered keyboards. Soldering generates high heat, which could cause the foam to melt and damage PCB components.

Under normal conditions, PE foam is stable, but the heat from soldering can be detrimental. Thus, if you own a hot-swap keyboard, feel free to carry out the mod, but if it's a soldered PCB, avoid it entirely.

How to PE Foam Mod Your Keyboard?

Now we arrive at the crux of the mod—execution! Before diving in, ensure you have read through the preparations mentioned earlier.

The initial step is disassembling your keyboard. A detailed guide, complete with photos and videos, can be found here.

After disassembly, your keyboard's PCB and plate will be before you. From here, you can choose between the traditional method and my unique approach, which we'll explore shortly.

How to PE Foam Mod Your Keyboard? (Regular Method)

This method is not recommended for beginners due to the risk of damaging switch pins. Exercise caution and take your time while performing this mod.

• Inspect the plate for any protruding parts.
• Lay the foam over the plate, making holes and cutting sections for protrusions and stabilizers.
• Fasten the PCB and plate together to hold the foam in place, securing it with tape if necessary.
• Make holes for the switches in the foam.
• Insert a few switches in the corner and center to secure the foam further.
• Reassemble the keyboard components carefully.

This method has its downsides, such as blocking RGB lights, making it less preferable for those who want to maintain keyboard illumination. Therefore, I developed an alternative method.

How to PE Foam Mod Your Keyboard? (TypingDoneWell Method)

This method breaks the foam into small pieces, applying individual segments for each switch, which allows for enhanced customization.

I encourage content creators to respect the original creator's method and provide credit when discussing it.

Advantages of My Method:

• Greater safety for switches, making it beginner-friendly.
• Preserves RGB lights due to increased precision.
• More customization options since each switch has an individual foam piece.
• Facilitates testing the sound difference of new materials without the need to modify the entire PCB.

Disadvantages of My Method:

• The process is more time-consuming.
• May yield slightly less impact on sound.

Choose the method that best suits your preferences, as both have their pros and cons.

Is PE Foam Mod Safe for the Keyboard?

Given its popularity, it’s essential to consider whether the PE foam mod is safe for keyboards. This mod poses risks for switches during implementation; however, after installation, it is safe for hot-swap keyboards. It is not suitable for soldered PCB keyboards, as previously mentioned.

Continual caution is necessary, especially for first-timers, which is why my original method was designed with beginner safety in mind.

Does PE Foam Mod Block RGB?

A critical consideration for many: Does this mod obstruct RGB lighting? With the traditional method, yes, it typically does block RGB lights as the foam covers the LEDs responsible for illumination. However, by utilizing the TypingDoneWell method, you can keep your RGB intact.

Implementing a precise piece of foam with RGB holes is quite challenging. If maintaining keyboard lighting is a priority, either skip the mod or use my modified technique.

As we conclude, I hope my original method aids you in your PE foam modding journey. Regardless of which method you choose, remember to exercise caution to avoid damaging switches or PCB components. Patience is key, and you will certainly appreciate it later.

Share your experiences in the comments! Happy modding!

What thickness of PE foam do you consider appropriate? 1mm or 0.5mm?

Is it safe to use PE Foam Mod with a soldered PCB?

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