Independent buying guides for mechanical keyboards

Buying guide

Thocky Sound Mod Kit

Updated How we research

Tune your board for deep, satisfying sound. The page is split into five sections (Case foam to kill hollow echo; Tape mod kits for a deeper tone; Switch lube to smooth every press; PE foam for a crisp poppy sound; Thick PBT keycaps to round it out), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.

A digital tablet attached to a keyboard case on a wooden table in an office setting
Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels

The short version

We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.0 to 8.8 out of 10.

Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score

Case foam to kill hollow echo

  1. YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard Poron Switch Pads, LE-32 Poron Sound Dampening Foam,Eva Keyboard PCB Modular Foam for Mechanical Gaming KeyboardOur score8.4/10
  2. RunJRX YIMAGUJRX Keyboard EVA Foam Case Foam Bottom Dampening 61/64/87/100/104/108Our score7.8/10
  3. HONKID Keyboard Foam Sound Dampening Bottom, LE-20 Poron (2mm)Our score7.8/10
  4. Mintcaps 2-Piece Keyboard Sound Dampening Foam - 68 Layout Silencer/Gasket EVAOur score7.6/10
Read the full guide: Best Keyboard Case Foam (2026) →

Tape mod kits for a deeper tone

  1. ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painters Tape, 1 Inch x 60 Yds (2090-24NC)Our score8.0/10
  2. HONKID Masking Tape (Beige White), 25mm x 20m, for Mechanical Keyboard Tape Mod (2pcs)Our score7.9/10
  3. HONKID Teflon PTFE Tape for Mechanical Keyboard, 0.59in x 32.81ft, High Temp, No Glue ResidueOur score7.6/10
  4. ScotchBlue 2090 Painters Masking Tape for Multi-Surfaces, 1-Inch, BlueOur score7.5/10
Read the full guide: Best Tape Mod Kits (2026) →

Switch lube to smooth every press

  1. Krytox GPL-205G0 0.35oz and GPL-105G0 0.35oz for Keyboard Switches and SpringsOur score8.8/10
  2. Krytox GPL-205 Grade 0 (205g0) Keyboard Linear Switch GreaseOur score8.3/10
  3. Krytox GPL 205 G0, White (Industrial & Scientific)Our score8.0/10
  4. EDC Plus Krytox GPL-205 G0 Keyboard Linear Switch GreaseOur score7.8/10
Read the full guide: Best Switch Lube (2026) →

PE foam for a crisp poppy sound

  1. YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard PE Switch Pads 0.5mm for 61/64/87/100/104/108 (120Pcs White)Our score8.4/10
  2. YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard PE Switch Pads 1mm for 61/64/87/100/104/108 (120Pcs White)Our score8.0/10
  3. YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard IXPE Switch Pads 0.5mm (120Pcs Black)Our score7.8/10
  4. PAKJEL Keyboard Switch Pad Mute Foam Sheet Silencer (IXPE, 84 Below Light)Our score7.6/10
Read the full guide: Best PE Foam (2026) →

Thick PBT keycaps to round it out

  1. Tsungup PBT Keycaps Set Landscape Painting Side Print Cherry Profile 135 KeysOur score8.0/10
  2. Womier Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set Custom Cherry Profile Key caps | Keycaps 138 Keys 60 65 75 100 Percent for 61/64/68/84/87/100/104/108 Retro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Brown GrayOur score8.0/10
  3. ENHANCE PBT Keycaps Set Doubleshot Gaming Keyboard Upgrade KitOur score7.2/10
  4. PBT Keycaps 108-Key Ergonomic Oil Two-Tone Legend Keycap Set (Gray)Our score7.0/10
Read the full guide: Best PBT Keycaps (2026) →

All 20 picks, ranked by our score

Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.

Tick up to 3 picks to compare them side by side.
Krytox GPL-205G0 0.35oz and GPL-105G0 0.35oz for Keyboard Switches and Springs#1
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A Krytox bundle with 0.35oz of GPL-205G0 and 0.35oz of GPL-105G0 for switches and springs.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10

  • + 205G0 handles switch housings while 105G0 oil suits springs
  • + Two lubricants in one order cover a complete lube job
  • + Krytox is the trusted name in keyboard lubrication
  • - Using two lubes adds complexity for beginners
  • - Lubing a full board takes many hours of work
YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard Poron Switch Pads, LE-32 Poron Sound Dampening Foam,Eva Keyboard PCB Modular Foam for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard#2
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YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX sound kit with a full-layout LE-32 Poron bottom sheet, 120 Poron switch pads and 120 EVA modular pieces that fill the gap between the PCB and the plate.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Three mods in one pack: bottom case foam, switch pads and modular PCB-to-plate foam
  • + Modular EVA pieces fit any keyboard layout with no cutting, according to the listing
  • + Switch pads have a film layer and adhesive backing, and a plastic pry bar is included
  • - The Poron bottom sheet is not pre-cut and must be trimmed with scissors to fit the case
  • - 120 pads cover a 104 or 108 key board only once, with a small margin for mistakes
YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard PE Switch Pads 0.5mm for 61/64/87/100/104/108 (120Pcs White)#3
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YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX's white 0.5mm PE switch pads come in 120Pcs for 61, 64, 87, 100, 104 and 108 key boards.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 0.5mm PE pads create the popular poppy, marbly sound on hot-swap boards
  • + 120Pcs cover full size keyboards
  • + Thin pads rarely cause issues with switch seating
  • - PE sound profile is brighter, which not every typist likes
  • - Removing all switches to install is time consuming
Krytox GPL-205 Grade 0 (205g0) Keyboard Linear Switch Grease#4
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Krytox GPL-205 Grade 0 (205g0) is the standard grease for smoothing linear keyboard switches.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 205g0 is the most common switch lube in the enthusiast community
  • + Thick grease smooths linear switch travel and reduces scratch
  • + Also useful for tuning stabilizer housings
  • - Too thick for tactile bumps, which it can dull noticeably
  • - Check the included quantity, and hand lubing switches takes hours
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painters Tape, 1 Inch x 60 Yds (2090-24NC)#5
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ScotchBlue Original painters tape, 1 inch x 60 yds (2090-24NC), is a common choice for the keyboard tape mod.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10

  • + ScotchBlue is widely used in the community for PCB tape mods
  • + 60 yds roll lasts through many keyboards
  • + Clean removal helps if you want to undo the mod
  • - 1 inch width needs many strips on a large PCB
  • - Not designed specifically for electronics or heat
Krytox GPL 205 G0, White (Industrial & Scientific)#6
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Krytox GPL 205 G0 White, sold as an industrial and scientific grease, works for switch lubing.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Genuine Krytox GPL 205 G0 grease used by keyboard enthusiasts
  • + Industrial listing can be a cheaper source of the same grease
  • + Smooths linear switches and stabilizer housings
  • - Industrial packaging lacks keyboard specific brushes or tools
  • - Check the included quantity before ordering this grease
YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard PE Switch Pads 1mm for 61/64/87/100/104/108 (120Pcs White)#7
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YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX's white 1mm PE switch pads in 120Pcs give a stronger PE sound effect on keyboards.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 1mm thickness makes the PE sound effect more pronounced
  • + 120Pcs pack covers full size keyboard layouts
  • + Fits boards from 61 up to 108 keys
  • - Thicker pads can make switches sit high in some hot-swap sockets
  • - Stronger effect may feel too dampened for some typists
Tsungup PBT Keycaps Set Landscape Painting Side Print Cherry Profile 135 Keys#8
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Tsungup's 135-key PBT Cherry profile keycaps feature landscape painting artwork with side print legends.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Side print legends keep the top surface clean for the painted artwork
  • + Cherry profile is low and comfortable for fast typing
  • + 135 keys cover most common layouts including many compact boards
  • - Side print legends are harder to read for people who look at keys
  • - Artwork set suits a specific style, so it may not match every desk
Womier Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set Custom Cherry Profile Key caps | Keycaps 138 Keys 60 65 75 100 Percent for 61/64/68/84/87/100/104/108 Retro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Brown Gray#9
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Womier double-shot PBT keycap set with 138 Cherry-profile keys in brown and gray, made for 60, 65, 75 and 100 percent boards and listed as fitting 61 to 108 key layouts. A keycap puller is included.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Doubleshot PBT is listed as resistant to oiling, scratching and wear, which suits long daily use.
  • + A 138 key set in a Cherry profile that covers 60, 65, 75 and 100 percent layouts.
  • + A keycap puller is included, and the vintage gray scheme is easy to match to most boards.
  • - The listing is a single brown and gray color scheme, which is less flexible than a mixed color set.
  • - Fit is stated by key count, so check your layout (ANSI or ISO, bottom row) before ordering.
HONKID Masking Tape (Beige White), 25mm x 20m, for Mechanical Keyboard Tape Mod (2pcs)#10
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HONKID's 2pcs of beige white masking tape, each 25mm x 20m, are made for the mechanical keyboard tape mod.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Tape mod on the PCB back adds a deeper, poppy sound
  • + 25mm width covers PCB sections in fewer strips
  • + 2pcs give plenty of tape for multiple keyboards
  • - Needs full keyboard disassembly to apply to the PCB
  • - Tape adhesive may leave residue over long periods
RunJRX YIMAGUJRX Keyboard EVA Foam Case Foam Bottom Dampening 61/64/87/100/104/108#11
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RunJRX YIMAGUJRX's EVA case foam fits 61, 64, 87, 100, 104 and 108 key keyboards for bottom dampening.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Multiple size options cover compact through full size boards
  • + EVA bottom foam reduces hollow echo inside the case
  • + Budget friendly first step in sound tuning
  • - EVA dampens less than Poron at similar thickness
  • - Precut sizes may still need trimming around screws and standoffs
HONKID Keyboard Foam Sound Dampening Bottom, LE-20 Poron (2mm)#12
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HONKID's 2mm LE-20 Poron bottom foam reduces hollow case sound on mechanical keyboards.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 2mm thickness fits cases with limited internal space
  • + LE-20 Poron is a quality dampening material
  • + Bottom foam reduces echo and hollow ping
  • - Thinner foam gives less dampening than thicker options
  • - Must be cut or matched to your case size
EDC Plus Krytox GPL-205 G0 Keyboard Linear Switch Grease#13
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EDC Plus sells Krytox GPL-205 G0 linear switch grease in keyboard friendly packaging.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Repackaged for keyboard use, so amounts suit hobbyists
  • + Krytox GPL-205 G0 smooths linears and quiets housings
  • + Good for stabilizer lube as well
  • - Repackaged grease relies on the seller for authenticity
  • - Not ideal for tactile switches where it dulls the bump
YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX Keyboard IXPE Switch Pads 0.5mm (120Pcs Black)#14
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YIMAGUJRX RUNJRX's black 0.5mm IXPE switch pads come in a 120Pcs pack for hot-swap boards.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + IXPE foam gives a crisp, clean dampening effect
  • + Black pads blend in on dark PCBs
  • + 0.5mm thickness keeps switch fit reliable
  • - Check layout compatibility with your switches before ordering
  • - Effect is subtle on boards that already have plate foam
Mintcaps 2-Piece Keyboard Sound Dampening Foam - 68 Layout Silencer/Gasket EVA#15
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Mintcaps' 2-piece EVA sound dampening foam kit fits 68 layout keyboards as a silencer and gasket set.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 2-piece kit handles both case and plate dampening layers
  • + Made for 68 layout boards, a very common compact size
  • + EVA material is soft and easy to install
  • - Only fits 68 layout keyboards, so other sizes need a different kit
  • - EVA is less premium than Poron for sound absorption
HONKID Teflon PTFE Tape for Mechanical Keyboard, 0.59in x 32.81ft, High Temp, No Glue Residue#16
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HONKID's PTFE Teflon tape, 0.59in x 32.81ft, is a high temp, no glue residue tape for keyboard mods.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10

  • + PTFE tape reduces friction, useful for stabilizer and case mods
  • + High temp rating makes it safe near electronics
  • + No glue residue makes later removal clean
  • - Narrow width takes more strips to cover a PCB
  • - Pricier than painter's tape for simple tape mods
PAKJEL Keyboard Switch Pad Mute Foam Sheet Silencer (IXPE, 84 Below Light)#17
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PAKJEL's IXPE switch pad mute foam sheet silencer fits 84 key boards with below-mounted lighting.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 84 key sizing suits a very common compact layout
  • + Cutouts for below light LEDs keep lighting unobstructed
  • + IXPE sheet adds a muted, refined sound
  • - Only fits 84 key layouts with matching LED positions
  • - Sheet style can shift if not placed carefully
ScotchBlue 2090 Painters Masking Tape for Multi-Surfaces, 1-Inch, Blue#18
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ScotchBlue 2090 multi-surface painters masking tape in 1-inch blue suits DIY keyboard tape mods.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Same 2090 tape many builders use for PCB mods
  • + Clean removal protects the PCB from residue
  • + Blue tape is easy to see when applying strips
  • - Check the roll length covers your full PCB before buying
  • - Narrow width slows coverage on full size PCBs
ENHANCE PBT Keycaps Set Doubleshot Gaming Keyboard Upgrade Kit#19
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ENHANCE's doubleshot PBT keycap set is a gaming keyboard upgrade kit that replaces worn stock caps.

Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Doubleshot PBT legends will never fade and resist shine
  • + Upgrade kit framing suits gamers replacing thin stock ABS caps
  • + Thicker PBT gives a deeper sound than typical budget caps
  • - Confirm the key count and profile match your keyboard layout before you order
  • - Plain gaming style may look basic next to themed custom sets
PBT Keycaps 108-Key Ergonomic Oil Two-Tone Legend Keycap Set (Gray)#20
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A gray 108-key ergonomic PBT keycap set with oil two-tone legends, designed for standard full size keyboards.

Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10

  • + Ergonomic sculpted profile aims to reduce finger reach and strain
  • + Two-tone legends add a subtle modern look
  • + 108 keys suit full size boards out of the box
  • - Unusual ergonomic profile may not suit fans of flat Cherry sets
  • - Limited extra keys for compact or unusual layouts

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MechKeeb Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.