Hmm...well there is certainly something to be said for running a component sslightly outside of spec. I mean, yeah changing out the fans for something quieter does increase the heat quotient. Thing is, the switch gets piping hot already, even with stock fans! I honestly cant see adding another 5 degrees of heat causing major damage. I can attest that i have had the switch running quietly with the scythe kaze replacement fans from the time i bought my switch sometime in feb or so. Switch has never rebooted or went down. Not once. I havent had to restart or reboot involuntarily since i bought it.
Now my friends, nothing i can say will convince you to believe me if you dont want to, but i can tell you that i have had zero problems.
Now, dont get me wrong my peeps, i care greatly about my computer equipment. I have a pentium 3 still running in one of my test benches because i care about it and wont get rid of it. I love my electronics. Believe me when i tell you that i would not run the switch at any greater heat if i knew there was a chance of it going bad due to heat.
For those of you guys using the switch in a slightly louder environment/lab, there is kinda no reason to modify/replace the fans, but for anyone seeking to use it at home, the noise can really be disruptive and so i do recommend some sort of mod.
I agree though, the switch at full boot isnt as loud as other 1u electronics, but its still loud enough.