If you’ve ever seen a video of someone typing on a mechanical keyboard, you’ve likely heard it: the deep, buttery, poppy *”thock”* sound that seems to echo like music for keyboard lovers. That sound has become an internet sensation, with thousands chasing the perfect “thock.” But what is it really? Why does it happen?

Let’s break it down in simple terms, and take a fun dive into the world of mechanical keyboards and that sweet thocky vibe.

What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses individual switches for each key. Unlike cheap rubber dome keyboards, mechanical ones give you more feedback, durability, and—of course—a better sound.

Each switch comes with its own little mechanism. That’s where the magic happens.

Where Does the ‘Thock’ Come From?

The sound “thock” isn’t just random. It’s the result of several things happening together. Here are the main elements that create it:

  • Switch type
  • Keycap material
  • Case design
  • Lubing and mods
  • The typing surface

Let’s dig into each one of these, because they all have a say in how thocky your keyboard sounds.

1. Switch Type

Switches are like the heart of your keyboard.

There are many different types, like clicky, linear, and tactile. For thock lovers, people usually prefer linear or tactile switches. Those produce more of that smooth, muted sound.

Popular thocky switches include:

  • Gateron Ink Blacks
  • Boba U4s
  • Tangerines

The housing of the switch, the stem, and the spring all play a role in sound.

2. Keycap Material

This part surprises many people. Keycaps have a BIG impact on sound.

There are two main materials used in keycaps:

  • ABS – lighter, higher-pitched sound.
  • PBT – thicker, deeper, thockier sound.

If you want that deep, resonant thock, go for thick PBT keycaps.

Also, the profile of the keycaps matters. Taller profiles like SA or MT3 can sound deeper than flat ones like DSA.

3. Case Design

The keyboard case—what holds it all together—also influences sound. Heavier, thicker cases absorb sound better, making it deeper and richer.

Four common case materials:

  • Plastic – affordable, but can sound hollow.
  • Aluminum – solid and clean with a sharper thock.
  • Polycarbonate – more flexible, good for a muted sound.
  • Acrylic – light and bouncy feel, less deep thock.

Modding your case with foam also helps. Sound-dampening foam between layers cuts out echo and boosts thockiness.

4. Lubing Your Switches

This might sound strange, but yes—people lube their switches. Why? To make them smoother and quieter… or deeper sounding.

When switches are unlubed, they may wobble and squeak. That messes with sound. A good lube job tightens everything up.

You’ll often hear people say: “I lubed my switches and now it sounds SO thocky.”

Just make sure to use the right lube and don’t overdo it!

5. Sound from the Desk

Yep, even your desk adds flavor to that thock. A hard glass desk makes keys seem louder and sharper. A wooden desk? Softer and deeper tones.

Many people get felt desk mats to mute the harshness and bring out the good sounds.

What Does “Thock” Actually Sound Like?

Still confused? Imagine tapping on a big marshmallow drum that goes:

“Thooock… thock thock…thooock…”

It’s not clicky. It’s not clacky. It’s low-pitched, satisfying, like popping bubble wrap… but smoother.

The Science-y Side (But Still Easy)

Sound is just vibrations. When a key is pressed, everything from the switch to the case vibrates.

The material and design affect the frequency and how much gets absorbed vs. echoed.

For example, thick keycaps and dampened cases absorb higher frequencies. That isolates the bassy part of the sound—we call that “thock.”

Think of it like a bass guitar vs. a triangle. The triangle is sharp and treble-heavy. A bass guitar? That’s your “thock.”

People Are Obsessed. And That’s Okay.

The world of custom mechanical keyboards has become a full-on hobby. People build boards from scratch—just to chase the perfect sound.

Some record sound tests. Others compare switch lubes. There’s even a thing called “force curve graphs.”

But you don’t need to go hardcore. Start simple. Swap some keycaps. Try a desk mat. Maybe lubricate a switch or two. You’ll be surprised how different it sounds.

Meme Time – The “Thock” Craze

The internet made “thock” go viral. Reddit forums like r/MechanicalKeyboards are packed with sound test videos. People rate keystrokes like sommeliers sniffing wine.

You’ll often see comments like:

  • “That’s thock with an extra C.”
  • “This board cured my depression.”
  • “Chef’s kiss thock, bro.”

All in good fun. It’s about enjoying what your hands and ears love.

Should You Join the Thock Side?

Absolutely.

Mechanical keyboards are fun, customizable, and yes—they can make you enjoy typing more. Whether you write emails or essays, the “thock” makes it feel nice.

Just remember:

  • Start small—maybe with better keycaps.
  • Watch some sound test videos to get inspired.
  • Don’t chase perfection. Chase fun sounds.

Final Thocks (See What We Did There?)

That thocky sound isn’t just noise—it’s the result of good design, custom tweaks, and your personal style. It’s part of what makes mechanical keyboards so satisfying.

So go ahead. Thock away. Whether it’s day or night, those soothing keystrokes will keep you clicking, smiling, and maybe nerding out just a little bit.

And if someone asks why you’re obsessed with keyboards, just say:

“Because silence is overrated.”