Budget Thocky Switches For Ajazz AK820 Black Upgrade
Are you looking to enhance the sound and feel of your Ajazz AK820 Black keyboard without breaking the bank? You're in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of thocky switches, exploring various budget-friendly options that can transform your typing experience. The Ajazz AK820 Black is a fantastic keyboard known for its build quality and customizability, making it an ideal platform for switch experimentation. Let's embark on this journey to find the perfect budget thocky switches for your beloved keyboard.
Understanding Thocky Switches
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's clarify what exactly makes a switch "thocky." The term "thock" refers to a deep, resonant, and satisfying sound produced when a key is pressed and released. This sound is often described as a more subdued and rounded version of the clicky sound associated with some mechanical keyboards. Thocky switches are highly sought after by keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize a premium sound profile and a smooth typing feel. Several factors contribute to the thockiness of a switch, including the materials used, the switch's design, and even the keyboard's case and mounting style.
One key aspect is the material of the switch housing and stem. Polycarbonate (PC) and nylon housings are known for producing a deeper sound compared to the more common ABS plastic. Stem materials like POM (polyoxymethylene) also contribute to a thocky sound signature due to their self-lubricating properties and softer feel. The internal design of the switch, particularly the shape of the stem and the leaf spring, also plays a crucial role. Switches with longer stems or modified stem designs can often produce a deeper sound. Furthermore, the keyboard's mounting style and case material significantly impact the overall sound profile. A keyboard with a tray mount or a plastic case may produce a higher-pitched sound compared to a gasket-mounted keyboard with an aluminum case, which tends to dampen vibrations and enhance the thock.
Achieving that coveted thock sound isn't just about the switch itself; it's about the synergy between all the components of your keyboard. Experimenting with different combinations of switches, keycaps, and case materials is key to finding the perfect thocky sound for your personal preference. Remember, the perception of sound is subjective, so what one person considers thocky, another might not. It's all about finding the sound that resonates with you. So, are you ready to explore the world of thocky switches and transform your Ajazz AK820 Black into a symphony of satisfying sounds?
Top Budget-Friendly Thocky Switch Options
Now that we understand what makes a switch thocky, let's explore some fantastic budget-friendly options that can deliver that satisfying sound on your Ajazz AK820 Black. These switches offer a great balance of performance, sound, and affordability, making them perfect for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their typing experience without emptying their wallets. We'll cover a range of linear and tactile switches, each with its unique characteristics and sound profile, ensuring you'll find the perfect match for your preferences.
1. Gateron Milky Yellows
The Gateron Milky Yellows are a classic choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a smooth and thocky linear switch. These switches feature a milky white housing made of a blend of materials that contributes to a deeper sound signature. They come pre-lubed from the factory, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience right out of the box. The Gateron Milky Yellows are known for their affordability and their surprisingly good performance for the price. They offer a smooth linear travel with a medium weight, making them suitable for both typing and gaming. The sound profile is characterized by a deep, resonant thock that is pleasing to the ears. Many users consider these switches to be one of the best budget linear options available, often comparing them favorably to more expensive alternatives.
Furthermore, the Gateron Milky Yellows are highly customizable. Their simple design makes them easy to disassemble and modify. Enthusiasts often choose to further lubricate these switches with their preferred lubricant for an even smoother feel and enhanced sound. Spring swapping is another popular modification, allowing users to fine-tune the weight and feel of the switch to their exact preferences. The Gateron Milky Yellows are also compatible with a wide range of keycaps, giving you the freedom to personalize the aesthetics of your keyboard to match your sound profile. Whether you're a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of custom mechanical keyboards, the Gateron Milky Yellows are an excellent option to consider for achieving that satisfying thock without breaking the bank.
2. Akko CS Switches (Lavender Purple, Matcha Green)
Akko CS switches have gained significant popularity in the keyboard community for their excellent performance and affordability. Within the Akko CS lineup, the Lavender Purple (tactile) and Matcha Green (linear) switches are particularly well-regarded for their thocky sound profiles. The Akko CS Lavender Purple switches are tactile switches that offer a noticeable tactile bump without being overly aggressive. This makes them a great choice for users who enjoy the feedback of a tactile switch but prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. The Lavender Purple switches are known for their deep and resonant thock, which is achieved through a combination of their housing material and internal design. They are pre-lubed from the factory, ensuring a smooth and consistent feel right out of the box.
On the other hand, the Akko CS Matcha Green switches are linear switches that provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. These switches are also pre-lubed, contributing to their smooth feel and thocky sound signature. The Matcha Green switches have a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Gateron Milky Yellows, which some users may prefer. Their sound profile is characterized by a deep and satisfying thock that is both pleasing and not overly loud. Both the Akko CS Lavender Purple and Matcha Green switches are excellent choices for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking to achieve a premium typing experience. They offer a great balance of performance, sound, and affordability, making them a fantastic addition to any mechanical keyboard.
3. Durock L Series Linear Switches
Durock L Series linear switches are another strong contender in the budget thocky switch category. These switches are known for their smoothness and deep sound signature, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts. The Durock L Series includes several variations, such as the Durock L Series Black and the Durock L Series White, each with slightly different characteristics. However, all switches in the L Series share the same fundamental design and commitment to quality.
The Durock L Series switches are made with high-quality materials, including a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This combination of materials contributes to the switch's deep and resonant sound profile. They also feature a smooth linear travel and a relatively light actuation force, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Many users appreciate the Durock L Series switches for their consistent performance and minimal wobble. These switches are often praised for their exceptional smoothness, rivaling even some of the more expensive options on the market. While they may require some break-in time to reach their full potential, the Durock L Series switches offer a remarkable typing experience for their price point. If you're seeking a budget-friendly linear switch with a focus on smoothness and sound, the Durock L Series is definitely worth considering.
Modding for Enhanced Thock
Beyond choosing the right switches, several modifications can further enhance the thockiness of your Ajazz AK820 Black. These mods can fine-tune the sound and feel of your keyboard, taking your typing experience to the next level. While some mods require more technical skill than others, many are relatively easy to perform and can make a significant difference in the overall sound profile of your keyboard. Let's explore some popular modding techniques that can help you achieve that perfect thock.
1. Lubrication
Lubricating your switches is one of the most effective mods for improving both the sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard. Applying a thin layer of lubricant to the internal components of a switch, such as the stem, housing, and spring, can significantly reduce friction and eliminate unwanted noise. This results in a smoother typing experience and a deeper, more consistent sound. There are various types of lubricants available, each with its own properties and characteristics. Popular options include Krytox 205g0, Tribosys 3203, and GPL 105. The choice of lubricant depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the switches you are using. It's essential to apply lubricant sparingly and evenly to avoid over-lubricating, which can lead to mushy-feeling switches. With proper lubrication, your switches will not only sound better but also feel smoother and more responsive.
2. Film
Switch films are thin plastic or polycarbonate sheets that are placed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. These films help to reduce switch wobble and improve the overall sound consistency. Switch wobble can cause unwanted noise and a less-than-ideal typing experience. By filling the gap between the housings, switch films create a tighter fit and minimize movement. This results in a more solid and stable feel, as well as a cleaner and more focused sound. Switch films are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a popular mod among keyboard enthusiasts. They are available in various thicknesses and materials, allowing you to fine-tune the sound and feel of your switches to your liking. If you're looking to improve the sound and feel of your switches without making any permanent modifications, switch films are a great option.
3. Case Foam
Adding foam to the case of your keyboard can significantly impact the overall sound profile. Case foam helps to dampen vibrations and reduce resonance, resulting in a deeper and more thocky sound. The Ajazz AK820 Black, like many keyboards, has some empty space within the case. This space can act as a resonance chamber, amplifying unwanted sounds and contributing to a higher-pitched sound profile. By filling this space with foam, you can dampen these vibrations and create a more controlled and satisfying sound. There are various types of foam that can be used, including neoprene, EVA foam, and acoustic foam. The thickness and density of the foam will affect the amount of sound dampening, so it's essential to experiment to find the right balance for your preferences. Adding case foam is a relatively simple mod that can make a noticeable difference in the sound of your keyboard.
4. O-Ring
O-rings are small rubber rings that can be placed on the stems of your keycaps. They are designed to cushion the bottom-out of the keypress, reducing noise and providing a softer typing feel. O-rings are a popular mod for those who find the bottom-out sound of their keyboard too harsh or loud. By absorbing some of the impact, O-rings can create a quieter and more comfortable typing experience. However, it's important to note that O-rings can also slightly reduce key travel and change the feel of the keypress. Some users find this change beneficial, while others may prefer the original feel of the keycaps. O-rings are available in various thicknesses and materials, allowing you to fine-tune the feel of your keyboard to your liking. If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive way to reduce noise and soften the feel of your keyboard, O-rings are worth considering.
Conclusion: Achieving Thock on a Budget
Finding the perfect thocky switches for your Ajazz AK820 Black doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. As we've explored, several budget-friendly options can deliver that satisfying sound and feel you're looking for. From the classic Gateron Milky Yellows to the versatile Akko CS switches and the smooth Durock L Series, there's a switch out there to suit your preferences and budget. Remember that the choice of switch is just one piece of the puzzle. Modding techniques like lubrication, filming, case foam, and O-rings can further enhance the thockiness of your keyboard, allowing you to fine-tune the sound and feel to your exact liking. So, dive in, experiment, and enjoy the journey of creating your perfect thocky keyboard!
