What Is the Tape Mod? Does It Work and Is It Safe?
Updated
The tape mod is two or three layers of tape, usually painter's or masking tape, stuck to the back of a keyboard's PCB. It's one of the cheapest sound mods there is, and on most keyboards with empty space under the PCB it makes the sound deeper, poppier and less hollow.
What does the tape mod do?
Tape adds a thin damping layer to the back of the PCB and changes how the space under it resonates. Most people hear:
- A deeper, poppier bottom-out
- Less hollow echo from the case
- A sound often described as marbly: rounded and clicky-but-soft, like marbles knocking together
The effect is biggest on boards with a hollow case and little or no foam. If your keyboard already has thick case foam, the difference will be smaller.
How to do the tape mod
- Unplug the keyboard and, if it's wireless, disconnect the battery.
- Open the case and take the PCB out. On most boards that means removing the keycaps and screws; on hot-swap boards you can leave the switches in.
- Apply two or three layers of tape across the back of the PCB, pressing it flat.
- Cut around any connectors, battery contacts, screw holes and components you'll need to reach.
- Reassemble and test every key before you put the keycaps back on.
Record a sample before and after so you can compare honestly.
Is the tape mod safe?
Yes, if you use non-conductive tape like painter's or masking tape. Don't use aluminum foil tape or anything conductive, and keep tape off battery contacts and connectors. Tape doesn't damage the PCB and peels off cleanly if you change your mind.
Tape mod vs foam mod
- Tape tends to make the sound poppier and more defined.
- Case foam makes it more muted and solid.
They work well together, and many builds use both. Try them one at a time so you can hear what each contributes.
What does "marbly" sound like?
Marbly is one of the descriptors the RateMyKeyboard community votes on, and it's the sound many people are after with the tape mod. Here are the builds the community rates highest for it:
Want a deeper sound than the tape mod alone gives you? See what makes a keyboard thocky and thocky vs clacky.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tape mod actually work?
On most boards with empty space under the PCB, yes. It usually makes the sound deeper and poppier. On boards that already have thick case foam, the change is smaller.
Is the tape mod safe?
Yes, when you use non-conductive tape like painter's or masking tape and keep it off any connectors, battery contacts and hot-swap sockets you'll need to reach.
What tape should I use for the tape mod?
Painter's tape or masking tape. Two or three layers is typical. Avoid conductive tapes such as aluminum foil tape.
Tape mod or foam mod: which is better?
Tape tends to make the sound poppier and more defined; case foam makes it more muted and solid. Many builds use both. Try one at a time to hear the difference.
