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Why mechanical keyboards can be noisy
Because of their longevity and tactile feedback, mechanical keyboards are popular among typists, gamers, and tech aficionados. Nevertheless, people frequently complain about their noise. Mechanical keys make a unique sound with each key press, which some people find distracting in contrast to the quiet, gentle pressing of membrane keyboards.
– The appeal of a quieter typing experience
Many people prefer a quiet typing experience, whether for working in shared spaces, attending virtual meetings, or gaming in a quiet environment. The “clicky” nature of mechanical keyboards can disrupt the flow in these situations, leading some to seek alternatives or ways to dampen the noise.
- In shared spaces, such as offices or homes, loud keyboards can be bothersome to others.
- During meetings or Zoom calls, the sound of typing can be distracting and unprofessional.
- For gamers, too much noise can interfere with the overall immersive experience.
The demand for quieter alternatives has sparked the development of silent mechanical switches, noise-dampening keycaps, and modifications to reduce sound. But what causes the noise in the first place?
Understanding keyboard noise
Although their durability and tactile feedback make mechanical keyboards popular, they are also notoriously noisy. By being aware of the reasons for the sound and how various switch types impact it, you can select a keyboard that fits your tastes and your surroundings.
What causes the noise in mechanical keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches under each key, unlike membrane keyboards that use a single rubber sheet. Each keystroke results in physical components making contact, which creates audible feedback.
Sources of noise:
- The switch mechanism itself (especially with clicky switches)
- The keycap hitting the top of the switch housing
- The key returning to its resting position (upstroke noise)
- Stabilizers under large keys (like the spacebar) that can rattle if not properly tuned
Additional factors: Keyboard build quality, materials (like plastic vs. aluminum), and even the desk surface can amplify or dampen sound.
– Types of mechanical switches and their sound profiles
Mechanical switches come in three main categories—clicky, tactile, and linear—and each has a distinct feel and noise level.
Clicky switches (e.g., Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green):
- Loud, crisp “click” with every keypress
- Great for typing feedback but can be disruptive in shared spaces
- Best for: Typists who love sound and don’t mind noise
Tactile switches (e.g., Cherry MX Brown, Zealios V2):
- Gentle bump at the actuation point without a loud click
- Quieter than clicky switches but still offer physical feedback
- Best for: Balanced typing experience with moderate noise
Linear switches (e.g., Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow):
- Smooth keystrokes with no tactile bump or click
- Typically the quietest mechanical option
Best for: Gaming and fast typing with minimal sound
Genius tricks to make your mechanical keyboard silent
There are several ingenious techniques to lower the noise level without compromising the delightful tactile feedback if you enjoy typing on mechanical keyboards but would rather have a quieter experience. The greatest ways to silence your mechanical keyboard without sacrificing the feel you adore are listed below.
– Switch dampeners
Switch dampeners are small, often rubber-based components that fit inside each mechanical switch. Their primary job is to reduce the noise created by the key’s bottoming out, or the sound of the keycap hitting the switch housing when fully pressed. These dampeners create a softer landing, ensuring a quieter operation without losing the tactile feel.
- How they work: The dampeners absorb the impact between the key stem and switch housing, softening the noise produced when you press the key down and release it.
- Benefits: You can still enjoy the tactile feedback of mechanical switches, but with a quieter experience. The dampeners decrease keypress sounds but preserve the “click” or “bump” feel that many users love.
- Installation: Dampeners can be easily installed, and many options are available depending on the type of switch. They can be applied individually to each key, or you can buy a pre-assembled set that fits your keyboard.
– Using O-Rings to reduce keystroke sound
O-rings are small rubber rings that fit over the stems of the keycaps and sit on top of the switch. When you press a key, the O-ring cushions the impact, helping to reduce the noise when the key bottoms out. They are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your mechanical keyboard quieter.
- How they work: The O-ring prevents the keycap from slamming into the switch housing, absorbing the impact and reducing the “clack” sound that comes from releasing the key.
- Benefits: O-rings are widely available, very affordable, and easy to install. They provide a significant reduction in the overall noise of your keyboard without modifying its feel too much.
- Downside: Although O-rings do reduce noise, they can slightly dampen the key feel and make the keystroke feel softer, which may not be preferred by some users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
– Modding your key switches for quiet operation
For those looking to go a step further in quieting their mechanical keyboard, modding the switches is an excellent option. This can include lubing switches, replacing springs, or switching to quieter key switches entirely. By modifying the internal mechanics, you can significantly reduce the sound generated during key presses.
- Lubing switches: Applying lubricant inside the mechanical switches can reduce friction and quieten the movement of the switch. This results in a smoother, quieter keystroke.
- Switch to silent switches: Some mechanical switches are specifically designed to be quieter. Silent switches like the Cherry MX Silent Red or Silent Black are equipped with dampening materials that reduce both the noise when pressing and releasing the key.
- Switch mods: Enthusiasts often swap out switch springs for quieter ones or add dampening rings to reduce noise further. This mod can take some time and requires a bit of knowledge about the keyboard’s inner workings, but the result is a much quieter typing experience.
Other techniques for quieter typing
There are a few more methods you can employ if you’ve previously tried dampeners, O-rings, and silent switches but still wish to increase the quietness of your keyboard. Here are several more ways to cut down on typing noise, from lubricating switches to selecting quieter keycaps.
– Lubing the switches
One of the most effective yet often overlooked techniques for quieting your mechanical keyboard is lubing the switches. Lubing involves applying a special lubricant to the moving parts inside each switch, which can significantly reduce friction and the associated noise. This process can make the switches smoother to press and quieter overall.
- How it works: Lubing the switches reduces friction between the moving components inside the switch, leading to a quieter actuation. The smoother movement results in a more silent keystroke and release.
- Benefits: This technique provides a noticeable reduction in noise and improves the overall typing feel, making it smoother and less “scratchy.”
- Downside: Lubing switches requires opening up your keyboard and carefully applying the lubricant to each switch, which can be time-consuming and may void your warranty if done incorrectly.
– Choosing the right keycaps for less noise
Keycaps play a significant role in the amount of noise your keyboard generates. By switching to quieter keycaps, you can reduce the sound of each keystroke and make your typing experience more pleasant.
- How it works: Keycaps made of PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material often produce different sound profiles. PBT keycaps tend to be quieter and more durable, while ABS keycaps can produce louder, hollow sounds. The shape of the keycap also influences sound, with thicker keycaps absorbing more sound.
- Benefits: Thicker, high-quality keycaps reduce the echo and “clack” noises typically produced by thinner, cheaper keycaps.
- Downside: Swapping keycaps may change the look and feel of your keyboard. Some users may not like the new tactile experience depending on the material and design of the keycap.
– Adjusting typing force to reduce impact noise
Your typing style and the amount of pressure you apply when typing can directly affect how noisy your keyboard is. Adjusting your typing force can help reduce the loud impact noise that comes from bottoming out the keys.
- How it works: By applying lighter force when typing, you can prevent the keys from bottoming out with as much intensity. This reduces the “thud” or “clack” sound that happens when the key hits the bottom of the switch.
- Benefits: This technique makes your typing quieter without requiring any physical modifications to the keyboard. It can also lead to more ergonomic typing habits, as you may avoid putting too much pressure on your fingers.
Downside: This may take some practice to adjust your typing style and get used to lighter key presses, especially if you’re used to pressing keys firmly.