Are you new to mechanical keyboards? Or perhaps you already own a mechanical keyboard and are curious about your switch noise. One question often asked is, are all mechanical keyboards loud? If you’re wondering the same, then read on!
Not all mechanical keyboards are loud. Choosing a mechanical keyboard with a silent switch will ensure your typing noise level is kept to a minimum.
In this article, I explore are all mechanical keyboards loud, can a mechanical keyboard be quiet, which mechanical keyboard switch is the quietest, and much more.
Can A Mechanical Keyboard Be Quiet?
How quiet any mechanical keyboard is will depend on a few factors such as the mechanical switch selection, the keyboard’s chassis, and keycap material choice. Room acoustics, noise levels, and how heavily you type also play a role in how quiet a mechanical keyboard can be.
One of the primary factors towards a quiet mechanical keyboard is the mechanical switch itself. Many companies are making mechanical switches these days. By far, the most common and well know switches are Cherry MX Switches.
In keeping with the theme of a quiet mechanical keyboard, I do not recommend using a clicky-style mechanical switch like Cherry MX’s Blue switch. Cherry MX Blue switches are one of the more noisy switches available and will likely annoy any work colleagues or housemates if you use your mechanical keyboard within a shared environment.
Cherry MX Silent Red Switch Wired Mechanical Keyboard With Aluminum Housing
Which Cherry MX Mechanical Switch Is The Quietest?
There are two Cherry MX mechanical switches that can be considered the quietest and they are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Cherry MX Silent Black.
The silent Cherry MX key switch, is the original with no compromises. The noise reduction reliably minimizes any operating noises. This is the most silent form of quality, precision, and reliability. Let’s take a look at the two silent Cherry MX switches in a little more detail below:
Cherry MX Silent Red, Smooth And Silent:
- Linear switching characteristics
- 45 cN operating force
- 1.9 mm pre travel
- 3.7 mm total travel
- Silent
- MX and MX RGB
Cherry MX Silent Black, Powerful And Silent:
- Linear switching characteristics
- 60 cN operating force
- 1.9 mm pre travel
- 3.7 mm total travel
- Silent
- MX and MX RGB
How Can I Soundproof My Mechanical Keyboard?
There are many ways to soundproof your mechanical keyboard, the most popular are, using a desk pad, fitting rubber o-rings to the keycaps, or replacing your noisy mechanical switches with a silent ones.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways to soundproof your mechanical keyboard that won’t break the bank.
1. Use A Keyboard Pad
The surface material that your mechanical keyboard is placed on will affect the sound it produces. Surfaces like wood, glass, and metal are known to be noisier since they can amplify sound.
Before making any significant changes to your mechanical keyboard, consider placing your keyboard on a rubber-style keyboard mat. A rubber-style mat will offer good soundproofing by absorbing the vibrations created while typing.
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2. Install Rubber O-rings On To Your Keycaps
Installing rubber o-ring dampeners to keycaps is an easy and inexpensive option that will have a significant impact on your loud mechanical keyboard.
An o-ring acts as a sound dampener and prevents the keycap from clattering against the surface of its switch below it. However, installing a rubber o-ring dampener won’t silence your keyboard completely, but it will go a long way in reducing the sound of a loud mechanical keyboard.
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3. Replace Your Switches
Mechanical switches are responsible for making most of a mechanical keyboard’s noise. What makes the noise is the action of the individual switches. Replacing your switches to a silent version will give you a huge improvement towards reducing your keyboard from being too loud.
I recommend replacing your switches with a Cherry MX Silent Red or Black, both of these switches will ensure you have little to no noise when you type. If you have an RGB keyboard you will want to replace your current switches with RGB Cherry MX Silent Red versions.
Authentic Plate Mount Cherry MX Silent Red Switches For Loud Mechanical Keyboards
Of course, there are many other options you could try like installing foam into the base of the keyboard, applying lube to the mechanical switches, or even replacing your existing desk – which in all honesty will likely cost more than buying a new silent mechanical keyboard.
However, as a daily mechanical keyboard user, it’s my opinion these options will only reduce the noise slightly, and you will most likely still think your keyboard is loud. Replacing your mechanical switches and installing o-rings are by far the most effective way to reduce how loud your mechanical keyboard is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all your questions on, are all mechanical keyboards loud. Below I answer a few additional mechanical keyboard frequently asked questions.
Are mechanical keyboards supposed to be loud?
Are mechanical keyboards quieter?
Are clicky keyboards loud?
Final Thoughts On Are All Mechanical Keyboards Loud
So, in conclusion, are all mechanical keyboards loud? Not all mechanical keyboards are loud. Choosing a keyboard that uses silent mechanical switches will ensure your keyboard typing noise is kept to a minimum. If you already have a mechanical keyboard, replacing the switches or installing rubber o-rings will ensure the noise is reduced too.
Looking for some additional reading? Check out my other articles on the best mechanical keyboard for school or are mechanical keyboards easier to type on.
