The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Mechanical Keyboard Quieter

Mechanical keyboards are beloved for their tactile feel and satisfying feedback, but their sound isn’t always welcome, especially in shared or quiet environments. Fortunately, there are various techniques to make any mechanical keyboard quieter without compromising performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering all the tips you need to know.

Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Noisy?

The satisfying clickiness of mechanical keyboards often comes down to their design. Each key has a dedicated switch that produces a specific sound based on the switch type. Key noise generally stems from the following factors:

1. Switch Type – Clicky switches like Cherry MX Blues are inherently loud.
2. Key Travel Distance – A long travel distance can create extra noise.
3. Keyboard Housing and Plate – These materials impact the keyboard’s acoustics.

By addressing these elements, you can significantly reduce noise levels.

1. Choose Silent Switches or Modify Existing Ones

If you’re building a custom keyboard or are willing to modify an existing one, selecting the right switch is critical. Silent switches, such as Cherry MX Silent Reds or Blacks, offer a softer, dampened actuation. Here’s a breakdown of quieter switch options:

• Cherry MX Silent Red/Black – These switches offer a smooth, quieter experience.
• Gateron Silent – Known for their softness, Gateron’s silent line provides a quieter alternative.
• Kailh Box Silent Pink – Kailh’s silent line is an excellent choice for dampened sound and tactile feel.

If replacing switches is not an option, consider lubing the current switches to smooth out the keystroke, which can reduce noise slightly.

2. Add O-Rings or Dampeners to Your Keycaps

O-rings are small rubber rings that fit onto each keycap stem, cushioning the impact when the key bottoms out. This is a straightforward and budget-friendly solution for most keyboards:

• How to Install O-Rings: Remove each keycap, slip an O-ring onto the stem, and reattach it to your keyboard.
• Choosing the Right Thickness: O-rings come in different thicknesses, which influence both the noise reduction and the travel distance.

O-rings are easy to apply and ideal for people looking to make a noticeable noise reduction without extensive modifications.

3. Use Sound-Dampening Foam Inside the Keyboard Case

Adding foam inside your keyboard case helps absorb sound and prevents it from reverberating through the keyboard body. This method requires opening your keyboard, so make sure it’s compatible with your setup and comfort level:

• Types of Foam to Use: Materials like neoprene, EVA, or even craft foam work well.
• Application Process: Open the case, measure and cut the foam to fit, and place it between the PCB and the bottom case.

This method can significantly decrease the noise output and is perfect for users who want a more professional and refined quieting solution.

4. Lubricate the Switches and Stabilizers

Lubricating your keyboard’s switches and stabilizers reduces friction and creates a smoother keystroke, which can lessen noise, especially for larger keys like the space bar and enter key:

• What You’ll Need: A high-quality, non-conductive lubricant (e.g., Krytox 205g0 or Super Lube).
• How to Apply: Disassemble each switch if possible, apply a thin layer of lube to the internal parts, and reassemble.

While time-consuming, lubricating switches can improve the feel and quietness of your keyboard.

5. Opt for a Desk Mat or Sound-Absorbing Surface

A simple way to reduce keyboard noise is by placing it on a desk mat or a sound-absorbing surface. Hard surfaces can amplify typing sounds, while a desk mat dampens vibrations:

• Popular Desk Mat Materials: Rubber or cloth mats work best as they absorb the keyboard’s impact.
• Placement Tips: Ensure your keyboard is stable on the mat to prevent slipping.

This is an easy, non-invasive method that can be paired with other quieting techniques for even better results.

6. Adjust Your Typing Style

Sometimes, keyboard noise is also influenced by the user’s typing habits. Typing with a softer touch can be an effective, cost-free way to reduce noise:

• Practice Light Typing: This technique may take some time to get used to but can have a noticeable impact on noise.
• Avoid Bottoming Out: A gentler typing style can significantly reduce the volume, especially if you have a keyboard with O-rings or silent switches.

Improving your typing style may also lead to faster, more efficient typing over time.

7. Consider a Keyboard Cover

For an immediate, temporary fix, a keyboard cover might be all you need. Though it can change the typing feel, it’s effective for muffling sound when necessary:

• Silicone Keyboard Covers: These are easy to find and simple to apply.
• Noise Reduction Level: A keyboard cover dampens noise by blocking the direct impact sound of each keystroke.

Reducing the noise of a mechanical keyboard involves understanding the specific factors contributing to sound. From modifying switches to using sound-dampening foam, there are various solutions for different skill levels and budgets. By combining these tips, you can enjoy the tactile benefits of mechanical keyboards without the excess noise, making them more suitable for any environment.