Mechanical keyboards are loved for their tactile feedback and durability, but they can be noisy. Whether you’re typing at home, working in an office, or gaming late at night, a loud keyboard can disrupt those around you.
Fortunately, you don’t need to sacrifice your favorite keyboard for the sake of silence. With a few keyboard modifications and adjustments, you can achieve silent typing without compromising performance.
In this Beginner’s Guide, we’ll cover 7 simple tips to reduce keyboard noise. From adding foam to switching to quieter keys, these steps are easy and effective.
Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Noisy?
The main reason mechanical keyboards are noisy lies in their design. Unlike membrane keyboards, which rely on a single rubber layer to register keypresses, mechanical keyboards use individual switches for each key.
These switches produce sound at different stages, from the impact of the keystroke to the “bottom-out” noise when a key hits the keyboard’s base.
Read More: Essential Keyboard Features: NKRO and Anti-Ghosting
Switch types, such as clicky switches, tactile switches, and linear switches, also influence noise levels, with clicky switches being the loudest.
External factors, like your desk’s surface and loose keycaps, amplify the noise. Vibrations from typing can transfer to hard surfaces, making even quiet switches sound louder.
Additionally, keyboards with poor build quality or low vibration tolerance may rattle during use. Understanding these causes is the first step in mastering keyboard soundproofing.
Switches
Switches are the heart of any mechanical keyboard and play a major role in how loud it is. Clicky switches, like Cherry MX Blues, are the noisiest because they include an audible “click” in their design.
In contrast, tactile switches provide feedback without the extra noise, while linear switches are even quieter, offering smooth key presses without any tactile bump. Upgrading to silent switches, such as Cherry MX Silent Red or Gateron Silent switches, can significantly reduce noise.
Mounting Plate
A keyboard’s mounting plate stabilizes the switches and adds rigidity. However, a poor-quality or loosely installed plate can lead to extra vibrations and noise.
Replacing a metal plate with a sound-dampening material or ensuring it’s securely mounted can lower unnecessary sound. Investing in a keyboard with a gasket-mounted or foam-filled design is also a great way to improve keyboard dampening.
Type of Working Surface
Your desk plays a surprising role in typing noise solutions. Hard surfaces like glass or wood amplify vibrations, while softer materials absorb them.
Using a keyboard mat or desk mat benefits noise reduction by cushioning the keyboard and preventing sound from traveling through the desk. Neoprene or Sorbothane pads work especially well for this purpose.
Loose Keycaps
Loose or ill-fitting keycaps create rattling sounds when typing. This is especially true for lightweight ABS plastic keycaps, which tend to wobble more than PBT keycaps.
If you notice a keycap noise problem, switching to high-quality, tightly fitting keycaps can help. Silent keycaps, like rubberized or double-shot PBT keycaps, can further dampen sound.
Low Vibration Tolerance
Low vibration tolerance in some keyboards causes noise to echo through the case. Cheap plastic cases are particularly prone to this.
Adding keyboard dampening foam, such as neoprene or shelf-liner foam, inside the keyboard can reduce internal vibrations. PCB foam installation also absorbs noise effectively.
Tips on How to Make a Mechanical Keyboard Quiet
Place a Desk Mat Under Your Keyboard
Adding a desk mat is one of the simplest ways to reduce keyboard noise. Mats made of rubber, fabric, or neoprene absorb vibrations caused by typing and prevent sound from traveling to your desk. Not only do they make your setup quieter, but they also provide a non-slip surface for better stability.
Install Rubber O-Rings as Dampers
Using rubber O-rings for keyboards is another popular solution. These tiny rings sit under each keycap, cushioning the “bottom-out” impact and softening the noise.
O-rings are easy to install and affordable, making them ideal for anyone looking to make quick, effective modifications to their keyboard.
Lubricate Your Switches
Switch lubrication is a game-changer for reducing mechanical keyboard noise. Switch lubrication minimizes friction within the switch housing, resulting in quieter and smoother key presses.
While the process requires patience and the right tools, the payoff is worth it. You can use lubricants like Krytox 205g0 for optimal results.
Add Foam Inside the Keyboard
To tackle internal noise, consider installing keyboard dampening foam. Materials like shelf liner, neoprene foam, or Sorbothane pads can fill the hollow spaces inside your keyboard, reducing echoes and vibrations. This method works particularly well for prebuilt keyboards with noisy cases.
Modify Your Key Stabilizers: Band-Aid, Clip, and Lube
Stabilizers are responsible for keeping larger keys, like the spacebar and Enter key, steady. Unfortunately, they often rattle. Stabilizer modding, such as the Band-Aid mod, involves placing soft padding under the stabilizer housing to absorb sound. Clipping and lubing stabilizers further eliminate rattling and enhance overall quietness.
Replace Your Switches
For a permanent solution, switch to quiet switches vs. clicky switches. Brands like Cherry MX Silent and Gater on Silent offer excellent options for quieter typing. Although replacing switches requires some technical knowledge, it’s one of the best ways to achieve a silent mechanical keyboard.
Keeping a Keyboard Silent
Maintaining a quiet keyboard requires regular care. Dust and debris can make switches louder over time, so cleaning your keyboard is essential. Perform routine cleaning weekly, including dusting and wiping down the surface.
For long-term care, schedule deep cleaning every few months. During deep cleaning, remove and wash keycaps, vacuum the keyboard, and check for loose parts.
Proper maintenance not only keeps your keyboard quieter but also extends its lifespan. A well-cared-for keyboard is a quieter and more efficient tool for both work and play.
Read More: How to Use Akko 5098B Mechanical Keyboard? : A Beginner’s Guide
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making a mechanical keyboard quieter doesn’t require expert skills or a big budget. By following the tips shared here, such as using rubber O-rings, adding foam, or switching to silent keycaps, you can enjoy a peaceful typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Small changes can make a big difference in reducing keyboard noise. Whether for work, gaming, or general use, a quieter keyboard creates a more comfortable environment for everyone around you. With regular maintenance and smart modifications, you can keep your keyboard silent and efficient for years to come.
FAQ
Is It True That Electrostatic Capacitive Key Mechanisms Are Much Quieter?
Electrostatic capacitive key mechanisms, like Topre switches, are quieter because they rely on a non-mechanical design. These keyboards combine the best features of mechanical vs. membrane keyboards, offering tactile feedback with minimal noise.
Can Mechanical Keyboards Be Quiet?
Absolutely. With the right keyboard modifications, mechanical keyboards can be nearly silent. Switching to silent switches and adding dampening materials are the most effective methods.
Do Mechanical Keyboards Get Quieter Over Time?
While lubrication and regular use can smooth out some switches, accumulated dust and debris may make the keyboard noisier. Routine maintenance ensures your keyboard stays as quiet as possible.
Lily Watkins is an experienced tech writer specializing in the latest trends and innovations. She is passionate about making complex technology accessible and shares her insights on TechThingPro.com.