For Keyboard Designers & Builders

Iterate on your PCB, plate, and case designs with real acoustics data. Validate prototypes. Make informed material decisions backed by measurement.

Why Builders Need Data

Designing a keyboard is balancing act: flexi-case? Gasket strips? PCB material? Plate thickness? Clackalyzer lets you measure the impact of each decision in Hz and dB.

✓Quantify the acoustic impact of material choices (PCB FR-4 vs. aluminum, plate FR-4 vs. brass)
✓Validate that your flexi-mount design achieves the target resonance frequency
✓Measure your prototype against acoustic targets objectively
✓Document design iterations: Rev 1 → Rev 2 with before-after acoustic proof
✓Communicate acoustic performance to GB buyers with real measurements, not marketing hype
✓Make data-driven decisions on gasket strips, stabilizer mounting, foam placement

Design Iteration Loop

Rev 1

Refine CAD based on measurements and feedback

Rev 2

Build updated prototype with new materials or geometry

Rev 3

Record 2-3 keystrokes with standardized settings

Rev 4

Review peak frequency, click timing, resonance peaks against Rev N-1

Rev 5

Adjust design and repeat

Prototype Testing Workflow

From CAD to build to measurement in one seamless loop:

1

Design Phase

CAD mockup of your PCB, plate, case, and stabilizer mount strategy.

Clackalyzer: Not yet. Planning phase.

2

Prototype Build

Fabricate first sample. Test basic functionality and structural integrity.

Clackalyzer: Record baseline acoustics. Document with session notes and reference photo.

3

Measurement

Hook up Clackalyzer. Record several keystrokes with consistent FFT size and settings.

Clackalyzer: Capture peak frequency, click timing, resonance profile. Take snapshots for design docs.

4

Analysis

Review spectrum. Identify resonances, dampening, or unexpected peaks.

Clackalyzer: Use frequency filters to isolate problem bands. Measure against target prototype.

5

Iteration Decision

Decide: accept, tweak material, or redesign structure.

Clackalyzer: Store WAV file in library. Document decision rationale.

6

Next Revision

Incorporate changes. Build Rev 2 and re-measure with the same protocol.

Clackalyzer: Same measurement protocol. Before-after measurements show your optimization worked.

Measuring Design Decisions

Every material and structural choice affects acoustics. Use Clackalyzer to quantify the impact:

Plate Material

Variable to Test:

FR-4 vs. Aluminum vs. Brass

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • Resonance frequency shift (material density)
  • • Click character (damping properties)
  • • Sustain length (flex behavior)

Gasket Strip Stiffness

Variable to Test:

Softer vs. Stiffer strips

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • Flex resonance peak frequency
  • • Vertical key travel acoustics
  • • Impact on overall loudness (RMS dB)

Case Mounting

Variable to Test:

Tray vs. Gasket vs. Flexi-mount

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • PCB vibration damping
  • • Fundamental resonance mode
  • • How case material affects sustain

Stabilizer Mounting

Variable to Test:

PCB-mounted vs. Screw-in vs. Custom

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • Spacebar click frequency
  • • Mod key resonance patterns
  • • Rattle or loose coupling (noise)

Foam Placement

Variable to Test:

Case foam, PCB foam, tape mod

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • Overall damping increase (RMS change)
  • • Mid-range smoothing
  • • Loss of desirable resonances

PCB Thickness

Variable to Test:

Standard vs. Thick vs. Thin

What Clackalyzer Reveals:

  • • Flex resonance frequency shift
  • • Structural rigidity (faster clicks)
  • • Click timing (attack/decay)

📋 Documentation & Sharing

Build a design portfolio with real acoustic evidence. Share with collaborators, investors, or your community:

→Snapshots for design docs: Include Clackalyzer spectrum plots in your keyboard spec sheets and GitHub repos
→WAV files for review: Share uncompressed audio with advisors or co-designers for blind listening tests
→Revision archive: Record each prototype. Track acoustic changes from Rev 1 → Rev 2 → Rev 3
→GB marketing: Use Clackalyzer snapshots in your Geekhack / IC posts to prove acoustic performance

Common Builder Questions

How many prototypes should I test before finalizing?

Minimum 2-3 iterations. Rev 1 identifies major issues, Rev 2 validates fixes, Rev 3 tunes details. Use Clackalyzer to quantify improvements at each step.

Should I always target the same frequency as competitors?

No. Your design identity is your target frequency. Measure competitors for reference, but optimize for your intended sonic character. Document your target in your spec sheet.

Can I use Clackalyzer data in my Geekhack IC post?

Absolutely. Snapshots with frequency plots are compelling proof of acoustic design. Include them in your GB post to build buyer confidence.

What FFT size should I use for all my testing?

Pick one and stick with it. 4096 or 8192 are good standards. All your prototypes should use the same FFT size so Rev-to-Rev measurements are consistent.

How do I document acoustic targets for my team?

Record your "reference prototype" and export the snapshots. Store in a shared folder with frequency peak target, click timing range, and acceptable resonance bands. Measure new builds against this baseline.

Builder's Testing Checklist

☐✓ Define target frequency (peak click frequency for your design)
☐✓ Document mic placement and distance (use default 20 cm)
☐✓ Use consistent FFT size across all prototypes (4096 or 8192)
☐✓ Record baseline with reference switch/stabilizer combination
☐✓ Take snapshots of peak moments for design docs
☐✓ Enable noise calibration if testing in non-ideal acoustics
☐✓ Export WAV files for archival (lossless)
☐✓ Review Rev N-1 → Rev N acoustic measurements
☐✓ Document design decision + measurement impact in notebook
☐✓ Share results with team/collaborators before mass production
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