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circle26 t1_j98tgfz wrote

Reply to comment by JimmyTheDoor in 2023 Keyboard Building Guide. by JimmyTheDoor

I can't speak the actual material science behind both plastics, but generally PBT is know of a deeper sound, aka "thocc" and ABS higher pitched, aka "clack"

AFAIK (but some one please correct me if I'm wrong) PBT has a higher melting point but the material is still more malleable when solid so it resonates with lower pitches more; ABS on the other hand has a lower melting point but more brittle, hence the resonance with higher pitches

For all factors (but not definitive) aspects of a keyboard that could effect sound, [here's a link]!(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15XmznA5T9d4PkfBG0TDS82ou6ihBh0oqr8Aux24SNz0/edit#gid=1460450169)

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JimmyTheDoor OP t1_j99t72n wrote

Thanks for chipping in! I really had it wrong the more I look into it. That link is a great ressource as it goes in great details about all the keycap materials and thickness (which I have not really mention) that may be overlooked when shopping, I've added it to the guide thank you so much <3

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