The Sound of Mechanical Keyboards: "Thock," "Clack," "Click," and Why People Love Them
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One of the most magical parts of the mechanical keyboard world is the sound.
For some people, a mechanical keyboard is just a tool.
For others – music.
Click. Tac. Thock.
The combination of switches, keycap profiles, keycap material, stabilizers, and case creates a unique sound that can be deep, quiet, crisp, loud, or downright satisfyingly "thocky".
Let's explore the most popular sound "genres" and how to achieve them.
🎧 What affects the sound of a mechanical keyboard?
The main factors are:
| Component | Influence |
|---|---|
| Switches | The biggest factor – linear, tactile, clicky |
| Keycap material | PBT → deeper sound, ABS → brighter sound |
| Keycap profile | Cherry / SA / XDA affect resonance and pitch |
| Case (aluminum, plastic, acrylic) | Heavy cases create a deeper and "thocky" sound |
| Foam and gaskets | Reduce hollow sound and vibrations |
This means that the sound can be completely customized.
🎤 Sound types: "Thock", "Clack" and "Click"
1. THOCK — deep, bassy sound
The sound all enthusiasts chase.
What does it sound like?
"Thump," "deep impact," like closing a box or a drum with a soft sound.
How to achieve a THOCK sound:
-
PBT keycaps (preferred)
-
Low profiles like Cherry
-
Aluminum or dense plastic cases
-
Linear switches (most common) + lubricant
-
Foam between the case and the PCB (case foam / PE mods)
Examples of suitable switches:
-
Gateron Oil King
-
Gateron G Pro Milky Yellow
-
Akko Rosewood
-
Akko Lavender Purple Pro v3
- Akko x Monsgeek Green Fog
2. CLACK — sharp, echoey sound
Suitable for people who want a distinct sound without a "click".
What does it sound like?
A clear tac-tac, metallic and higher in pitch.
How to achieve a CLACK sound:
-
ABS keycaps (brighter sound than PBT)
-
SA profile (higher, more resonance)
-
Cases with rigid structure (high echo)
Examples of suitable switches:
-
HMX, almost all their offerings are oriented towards this sound profile, such as Joker, KD200, Game 1989, Ice Lotus and others
- Akko Botany and Akko Mirror / Stellar Rose
- Gateron G Pro Silver 3.0
3. CLICK — loud and distinct "click" sound
This is the sound of old keyboards from the 80s.
What does it sound like?
CLICK-CLICK-CLICK.
Which you might like. Or might drive your office colleagues away.
Clicky switches have a built-in clicking mechanism (called a click jacket or click bar).
Suitable switches:
-
Kailh Box White / Jade / Navy
-
Jerrzi Blue (classic)
⚠️ Not recommended for shared spaces – they are very loud.
Hard (plastic) versus soft (gasket mount) keyboards – difference in sound
| Mount | Sound | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Tray mount / rigid constructions | louder, brighter sound | stiffer press |
| Gasket mount | THOCK, soft and bassy sound | comfortable press, less vibrations |
Gasket mount + PBT keycaps + linear switches + foam = ultimate thock build.
Which sound is best for you?
| You're looking for… | Choose sound | Switch type |
|---|---|---|
| Deep and soft sound | THOCK | Linear |
| Clear and crisp sound | CLACK | Tactile / Linear |
| Old feel, noise | CLICK | Clicky |
🎯 Conclusion
Sound is not just a result of pressing a key – it's part of the experience.
With mechanical keyboards, you can customize absolutely everything:
sound, feel, look.
👉 Browse our selection of keycaps, switches, and barebone keyboards at
➡️ www.typehero.eu
You don't just type.
You express yourself.