A quieter mechanical keyboard refers to a keyboard that produces less sound when typing. Mechanical keyboards can be loud due to their switches and design. Many users seek quieter options to make their typing experience more comfortable and less distracting.
If you’re tired of your noisy mechanical keyboard, you’re not alone. Noise can be a big issue, especially in quiet environments. Fortunately, with a few tweaks, you can enjoy a peaceful typing experience without sacrificing performance.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore 11 hacks to make your mechanical keyboard quieter. These simple tips will help reduce the noise caused by switches, keycaps, and more. Whether you’re a casual user or a gamer, these changes will make your keyboard less disruptive.
Tips on How to Make a Mechanical Keyboard Quiet
Mechanical keyboards are known for their distinct sound, but if you’re looking for a quieter typing experience, there are several techniques you can try. From modifying your keyboard to adding accessories, these tips can significantly reduce the noise without sacrificing performance.
Place a Desk Mat Under Your Keyboard
A desk mat helps to absorb vibrations that would otherwise transfer to your desk surface. By placing your keyboard on a soft desk mat, you can dampen some of the noise created by key presses and reduce the sound that bounces off the desk. Opt for a thicker, more cushioned mat for better noise reduction.
Install Rubber O-Rings as Dampers
Rubber O-rings fit around the stems of your keycaps and act as dampers to soften the impact of the key when it hits the bottom of the switch.
These O-rings absorb the shock, leading to a quieter bottom-out sound when typing. They’re easy to install and come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose the level of noise reduction you prefer.
Lubricate Your Switches
Lubing your switches can drastically reduce friction and noise caused by the mechanical parts. The smooth movement of lubed switches produces a softer, quieter sound when typing.
You can disassemble your keyboard, take apart each switch, and apply a thin layer of lubricant to the moving parts. It’s a bit time-consuming but worth the effort for a quieter keyboard.
Add Foam Inside the Keyboard
Adding foam inside the keyboard case can help absorb sound and dampen vibrations. This technique reduces the hollow, echo-like noises that can occur when typing.
Foam is placed between the PCB (printed circuit board) and the case, and also under the key switches, providing a more muted and dampened typing experience.
Modify Your Key Stabilizers: Band-Aid, Clip, and Lube
Key stabilizers help to reduce wobble in larger keys like the spacebar, enter, and shift keys. Modifying these stabilizers with Band-Aid mods, clipping, and lubrication can help reduce their noise.
The Band-Aid mod involves placing a small piece of foam under the stabilizer to prevent it from bottoming out too loudly. Lubing the stabilizers also helps to smoothen their movement and cut down on noise.
Replace Your Switches
If your switches are inherently noisy, replacing them with quieter alternatives can make a significant difference.
Consider using switches like Cherry MX Reds, Browns, or even silent variants like Cherry MX Silent Reds or Gateron Silent switches, which are specifically designed to be quieter than traditional mechanical switches.
Buy Silent Mechanical Keyboard Keys
Some key manufacturers produce silent mechanical keycaps that are specifically designed to minimize noise.
These keycaps are built with a more cushioned feel, reducing the impact sound when typing. You can purchase these keycaps to replace the stock ones, making your keyboard quieter right out of the box.
The Source of Mechanical Keyboard Noise
1. Switch
The keyboard switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) play a significant role in the sound profile of your mechanical keyboard. Clicky switches are the noisiest due to their distinct feedback, while linear switches are quieter and smooth. Tactile switches fall in between, offering feedback with less noise.
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To achieve a quiet mechanical typing solution, replacing clicky switches with silent keyboard switches can make a big difference. These specialized switches come with dampeners inside to reduce the bottom-out and upstroke noise effectively.
If you’re already using linear switches, consider keyboard lubrication techniques. Lubing the switches reduces internal friction and smoothens keystrokes, which helps with keyboard switch sound reduction. A proper lubricant, like Krytox 205g, can make a huge difference in the typing experience.
2. Keyboard Resonance
Keyboard resonance issues occur due to vibrations amplified by the case material and internal structure. Metal cases like aluminum amplify sound more than plastic ones, creating a louder resonance. Additionally, loosely fitted components or poor build quality can worsen the issue.
A gasket mount keyboard, which uses gasket material to cushion vibrations, is a great solution to reduce resonance. Switching to acoustic dampening for keyboards can also help. Adding soundproofing materials like Poron or EVA foam between the PCB and case is a common keyboard customization step. These materials absorb sound and vibrations, lowering the overall noise.
3. Echo
Keyboard echo happens when sound reflects between internal cavities, such as the PCB and case or plate. This problem enhances the noise rather than dampening it. Keyboard echo elimination requires filling these cavities with foam or silicone pads.
For beginners, pre-cut foam dampeners are an easy way to start. If you enjoy DIY, you can try foam installation in keyboards by inserting Poron or EVA foam in the gaps. These foam materials for soundproofing are affordable, and the results significantly improve your enhanced typing sound profile.
4. Stabilizer
Stabilizers, especially those supporting larger keys like the spacebar or enter key, often cause rattling sounds. This stabilizer rattle solution involves lubricating or clipping the stabilizers to reduce unwanted noise. Stabilizer lubrication tips suggest using dielectric grease for smoother movement and quieter performance.
The clip mod, on the other hand, trims excess plastic for better stability and sound control. Modern keyboards like gasket mounts support screw-in stabilizers, which allow more precise adjustments. These are perfect for achieving a comfortable typing environment without rattling.
5. Keycap
The keycap sound impact depends on its height, material, and profile. High-profile keycaps like SA generate more noise due to their larger cavities. Opting for lower profiles such as OEM or XDA minimizes noise dispersion.
Additionally, PBT keycap material benefits include durability and reduced sound compared to ABS keycaps, making them a popular choice for quiet keyboard accessories.
Ways to Make the Mechanical Keyboard Quieter
1. Switch Dampeners (O-Rings)
Installing O-rings for keyboards is one of the simplest methods to dampen noise. These small rubber rings cushion keystrokes and prevent the keycap from hitting the bottom with force. O-rings come in varying hardness levels softer ones offer better mechanical keyboard noise damping, while harder ones maintain the original typing feel.
2. Lubing Switches
Proper lubrication enhances smoothness and reduces noise from internal friction. For linear switches, Krytox 205g is a great option, while TriboSys 3204 works well for tactile ones. The process might require some patience, but it’s one of the most effective keyboard modding techniques for a quieter setup.
3. Silent Switches
For a long-term fix, switching to silent keyboard mods for beginners is ideal. Silent switches come with built-in dampeners, significantly reducing both bottom-out and upstroke sounds. Popular options like the Akko Fairy Silent Switch are highly recommended for noise-free typing.
4. Keyboard Case and Plate Material
Upgrading your keyboard case to include acoustic dampening layers or using a softer plate material can address keyboard noise reduction methods effectively. Gasket mounts are often preferred for their ability to absorb vibrations.
5. Gasket Mount Structure
The gasket mount structure is a game-changer for reducing keyboard resonance issues. It cushions the plate, minimizes vibrations, and prevents noise from echoing through the case. This setup is highly recommended for users seeking a quieter experience.
6. Foam Dampening
Adding foam dampening material is a must for noise-reducing keyboard hacks. EVA or Poron foam can be installed between the PCB and bottom case or between the plate and PCB for maximum sound absorption.
7. Lubing Stabilizers
Rattling stabilizers can ruin even the quietest keyboards. Apply grease to the stabilizers to eliminate noise and ensure smooth keypresses. This simple fix is highly effective and part of any serious DIY keyboard modifications.
8. Clip Modding Stabilizers
The stabilizer clip mod trims excess plastic from the stabilizer, improving its fit and reducing rattles. This modification is easy for beginners and adds to the acoustic-friendly keyboard setup.
9. Choosing the Right Keycap Material and Profile
Lower-profile keycaps like XDA or OEM are great for keycap profile noise comparison, and PBT material is durable with better noise control. This simple change can greatly improve your typing sound profile.
10. Desk Mats
Using a desk mat for noise reduction is one of the easiest hacks. It absorbs vibrations, prevents noise from transferring to the desk, and adds style to your workspace. A good mat offers an immediate improvement in overall noise levels.
11. Tempest Mod
The tempest mod for keyboards uses layers of masking tape on the PCB to alter the sound profile. This quick and adjustable mod allows you to customize the acoustic feel of your keyboard without much cost.
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Conclusion
Tackling mechanical keyboard noise is all about understanding its sources and knowing how to address them effectively. Whether it’s the switch type, keyboard resonance, or stabilizer rattle, each element plays a role in the overall sound profile of your keyboard.
By using lubrication techniques, switching to silent switches, or incorporating foam materials for soundproofing, you can significantly reduce noise. The right combination of keyboard modifications and accessories like O-rings, desk mats, and gasket mount keyboards can make a huge difference in achieving a quieter typing experience.
As you experiment with these DIY keyboard modifications, you’ll find the perfect balance of sound and performance. Ultimately, quieting your mechanical keyboard enhances your comfort and creates a more pleasant typing environment, whether you’re working or gaming.
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.
