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BKachur t1_isp6yga wrote

Reply to comment by n0ahhhhh in Novelkeys Dream Cream Switch Review by ThereminGoat

Depends on the sound you want, both switches are nice. I have a board with the U4Ts and just tuned a buddy's board with glorious pandas. The U4Ts, while a great feeling switch, are loud as shit, even after lubing them. When I play games online people frequently comment on how fucking loud the U4Ts, my favorite is "hey man, can you bang out that email later, we are trying to beat this raid boss." I eventually built another board with aqua kings and can't go back to bobas because they are downright disruptive when working/gaming long periods of time compared to the relatively silent aqua kings.

So the question you need to answer is how loud do you want your keyboard to be. Also, are your pandas lubed or unlubed? If they are lubed (not sure about the factory job, I handlubed with 2304), they are relatively quiet so the U4Ts will be a huge change in sound. If they are stock, then it will be comparable, but the bobas will still be louder. After I lubed a set of pandas, I ended up liking them better in terms of usability than my U4Ts. Sure they didn't feel as nice, but the sound was just better IMO. You should also consider the new Drop Holy Panda Xs, which are quite nice (and reviewed favorably by Goat as well). I got a set of them and they are indeed nicer than Glorious Panda (also expensive), and IMO have a really nice muted clacky profile when lubed. I'm currently lubing a full set of the Drop X to replace the U4Ts in my tactile board. But I tend to like a quieter switch over mega thok, which is why my favorite overall switch is the boba u4 (silent tactile) they retain 90% of the feel of the U4Ts and are quieter than anything discussed previously. I have U4s on my work board, and just build my GF a keyboard with them as well, although they lack the nice sounds from the other switches, it's all about the tactility.

So my recommendations, from lots of trial, error, and wasted money, are (1) to go for the U4Ts if you are a thok slut, (2) go for Drop X if you want to upgrade to your current setup, (3) if you want nice quiet clack either hand lube your pandas or hand lube the drop X and (4) go the U4s if you want a silent board.

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n0ahhhhh t1_ispyboz wrote

Oh man, thank you for mentioning the sound! I love quieter thocc's personally. I have lubed and filmed my pandas with Krytox 205G0. They're acceptable in terms of volume, but I really like the quieter, more subtle tactile sound.

I used to have these DSA PBT keycaps that made the most amazing sound ever - but I couldn't stand the profile, and it was very frustrating trying to type on it. I haven't been able to find a nice PBT keycap set (that I like), so I've been using the DCX Cyber set from Drop. Much nicer feel, but the sound is still a bit too loud for what I want.

Based on your write up, it sounds like BobaU4's are the answer?

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BKachur t1_isqlix2 wrote

That's funny you mention that, the keyboard I mentioned in my post with the pandas was a GMMK Pro with Mito Lazer, so very similar to what you are using, so very familiar with what you are working with.

If you are going to for a silent switch, the U4s is definitely your best bet, and would definitely check the boxes in terms of quiet switches. The only thing I'll note is that they are truly a silent switch, even quieter than my buddy's Filco with silent reds. This means there is minimal thock, if any, to really speak of. Now, this is perfect for a work keyboard, but I wonder if it maybe goes too far, so you aren't even getting the "subtle tactile sound" you are looking for. Typing on them atm, its basically nonexistent because it's so good as a silent switch. I think you may be happy with the lubed Drop X, they are quieter than the lubed pandas but still retain that nice tactile sound. But, they aren't exactly cheap.

I'm personally not a fan of sound tests online since there are always way too many variables to consider, but that may be helpful if you are on a tight budget. You may want to consider ordering at least some U4s to see if they fit the bill before you invest in a full set, but if you are ever going to be in the market for a work keyboard, they basically cannot be beaten, so I don't think you'd regret your purchase regardless.

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n0ahhhhh t1_isrms1k wrote

Eyyy, I have my pandas & Mito Cyber on a GMMK Pro too! A "work keyboard" is a great way of describing what I'd like. I do enjoy satisfying thocks and all that.. but that really quiet, almost bass-y, slightly muted thock sound... *chef's kiss*. I'll have to research the Drop X and the Boba's some more for sure.

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