Silent mechanical keyboards are a game-changer for those who love the feel of mechanical switches but prefer a quieter typing experience.
These quiet mechanical keyboards are designed to reduce the noise typically associated with mechanical switches, making them perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. With advancements in technology, these keyboards now offer the same durability and performance as their louder counterparts.
Their demand has skyrocketed in recent years. Whether you are into gaming seeking a quieter setup or a professional who needs to type without disturbing others, these keyboards provide the perfect solution.
Let us dive into the world of silent mechanical keyboards and explore their features, benefits and top models.
What Makes a Mechanical Keyboard Silent?
The secret behind silent mechanical keyboards lies in their switches. Compared to standard keyboards, traditional non silent mechanical switches produce a distinct clicking sound, which can be distracting in quiet environments.
Silent switches, as opposed to clicky switches, are designed to minimize this noise. They achieve this through various mechanisms, such as dampening rings or modified switch designs or soft plates.
Cherry MX Silent switches are one of quietest switches for silent mechanical keyboards. These keys are one of the quieter switches using a unique design that reduces the noise produced during key presses.
Other manufacturers have also developed their own silent key switches, offering a range of options for users. The result is a keyboard that provides the tactile feedback of a mechanical switch without the accompanying noise.
Types of Silent Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Silent mechanical keyboard switches come in different varieties, each offering a unique typing experience. The most common types are linear and tactile.
Linear switches provide a smooth, linear, consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, making them ideal for speed typists and gaming professionals.
Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that many typists prefer.
Cherry MX Silent Red and Black switches are among the most popular silent mechanical keyboard switches. The Silent Red switches are linear, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience.
The Silent Black switches are also linear but require more force to press, making them suitable for users who prefer a heavier keypress.
Other manufacturers, such as Razer and Logitech, have also developed their own silent key switches, providing a wide range of options for users.
Benefits of Silent Mechanical Keyboards
Silent mechanical keyboards offer several benefits over traditional mechanical keyboards.
The most obvious advantage is the device's reduced noise level. This makes them ideal for shared workspaces, open offices, and home environments where noise can be a distraction. The quieter operation also makes them suitable for late-night gaming sessions or working in a library.
Another benefit is the improved typing experience. Such a keyboard will still provide the tactile feedback and durability of a traditional mechanical keyboard, but without the loud clicking sound. This makes them a great option for users who want the best of both worlds.
Additionally, many such keyboards come with advanced features such as RGB backlighting, customizable macros, and wireless connectivity, making them a good choice for both work and play.
Wireless Silent Mechanical Keyboards
Wireless keyboards offer the convenience of a clutter-free setup, and silent mechanical keyboards are no exception. Though wireless mechanical keyboards provide the same quiet typing experience without the hassle of cables, there may be slight latency experienced with such devices.
Some of the top notable ones include the Logitech G613, the Corsair K63 Wireless, and the Keychron K2.
The Logitech G613 features Romer-G Tactile switches, providing a quiet and responsive typing experience. It also comes with customizable macros and shortcuts, dedicated media controls, and a long battery life.
The Corsair K63 Wireless features Cherry MX Silent Red switches, providing a quiet and responsive typing experience. It also comes with customizable backlighting and a compact and sleek design throughout.
The Keychron K2 wireless keyboard offers a compact design with Gateron Brown switches, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, along with customizable backlighting and wireless connectivity.
Compact Silent Mechanical Keyboards
Compact keyboards are ideal for users who need a portable and space-saving solution rather than a full size version. Silent mechanical keyboards are available in compact designs, providing the same quiet typing experience in a smaller form factor, without a function row or numeric pad.
Some of the top notable ones include the Anne Pro 2, the Varmilo VA87M, and the Ducky One 2 Mini.
The Anne Pro 2 features Gateron Brown switches, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. It also comes with customizable backlighting and wireless connectivity.
The Varmilo VA87M offers a minimalist design with Cherry Silent Red switches, providing a quiet and responsive typing experience.
The Ducky One 2 Mini features a compact aluminum design with customizable backlighting and Cherry Silent switch, making it a versatile choice for users who need a portable mouse and keyboard as opposed to a full size one.
Customizing Your Silent Mechanical Keyboard
One of the advantages of mechanical keyboards is their customizability. Silent mechanical keyboards are no exception, allowing users to customize their keyboards to suit their preferences and style. This can include changing the keycaps, adding dampening rings, or even swapping out the switches.
Custom keycaps can enhance the look and feel of the keyboard. There are many options available, from colorful PBT keycaps to artisan keycaps.
Dampening rings can further reduce the noise of the keyboard by cushioning the impact of the keypress.
Swapping out the switches can also change the typing experience, allowing you more room to switch around to find the perfect balance between noise and tactile feedback.
Silent Mechanical Keyboards with RGB Backlighting
RGB backlighting is a popular feature in mechanical keyboards, allowing users to customize the lighting to match their setup. Keyboards with such lighting provide the same quiet typing experience with the added benefit of customizable lighting.
Some of the top notable ones with include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Ducky One 2 RGB.
For Gaming
Gamers often prefer mechanical keyboards for their tactile feedback, speed and durability. However, with gaming keyboards, the loud clicking sound can be distracting, especially during intense gaming sessions.
Silent keyboards offer a solution to this sound problem, providing the same performance without the noise. Some of the top notable ones for gaming include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Logitech G513.
For Professionals
Professionals who spend long hours typing need a keyboard that is both comfortable and quiet.
Some of the top notable ones for professionals include the Das Keyboard 4 Professional, the Filco Majestouch 2, and the Ducky One 2.
For Mac Users
Mac users often face compatibility issues when it comes to such keyboards. However, there are several ones that are compatible with macOS, providing a quiet and responsive typing experience.
Some of the top notable ones for Mac users include the Keychron K2, the Matias Quiet Pro, and the Varmilo VA87M Mac.
For Programmers
Programmers often spend long hours typing, and a quiet and comfortable keyboard is essential. Silent mechanical keyboards provide the most perfect keyboard solution, offering a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Some of the top notable quiet keyboards for programmers include the CODE Keyboard, the Varmilo VA87M, and the Ducky One 2.
For Writers
Writers need a keyboard that is both comfortable and quiet, allowing them to focus on their work without distractions.
Some of the top notable quiet mechanical keyboards for writers include the Das Keyboard 4 Professional, the Filco Majestouch 2, and the Ducky One 2.
For Office Use
An office environment often require a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions. Silent mechanical keyboards are an excellent choice for office use, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Some of the top notable quiet mechanical keyboards for office use include the Logitech G613, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, and the Keychron K2.
For Students
Students often need a quiet keyboard for studying and taking notes.
Some of the top notable ones for students include the Anne Pro 2, the Varmilo VA87M, and the Ducky One 2 Mini.
For Home Use
Home desktop environments often require a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions. Silent mechanical keyboards are an excellent choice for home use, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Some of the top notable quiet mechanical keyboards for home use include the Logitech G613, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, and the Keychron K2.
For Travel
Travelers often need a portable and quiet keyboard for use on the go. Silent mechanical keyboards provide the perfect solution, offering a quiet typing experience in a compact form factor.
Some of the top notable ones for travel include the Anne Pro 2, the Varmilo VA87M, and the Ducky One 2 Mini.
For Music Production
Music producers often need a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions during their creative process.
Some of the top notable ones for music production include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Logitech G513.
For Video Editing
Video editors often need a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions during their editing process.
Some of the top notable ones for video editing include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Logitech G513.
For Graphic Design
Graphic designers often need a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions during their creative process.
Some of the top silent mechanical keyboards for graphic design include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Logitech G513.
For Data Entry
Data entry professionals often need a quiet keyboard to minimize distractions during their work.
Some of the top silent mechanical keyboards for data entry include the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Razer BlackWidow Elite, and the Logitech G513.
Key Takeaways:
- Silent mechanical keyboards offer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback and durability of traditional mechanical keyboards.
- Various switch types, such as Cherry MX Silent Red and Black, provide different levels of noise reduction and feedback.
- Features like wireless connectivity, RGB backlighting, and customizable macros make such keyboards a versatile choice for both gamers and professionals looking for a bit of silence.
Summary
Silent mechanical keyboards offer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback and durability of traditional ones. With various switch types, such as Cherry MX Silent Red and Black, users can choose the level of noise reduction and feedback that suits their preferences for a perfect first mechanical keyboard.
Silent Mechanical Keyboard FAQ
1. How do I make my mechanical keyboard silent?
By choosing the right switches, such as silent linear and silent tactical ones or employing noise-reduction techniques, such as using O-rings, lubrication or sound dampening foam, you can enjoy the benefits of a mechanical keyboard with minimal noise.
2. What type of mechanical keyboard is the quietest?
The most quiet mechanical keyboards typically contain switches specifically designed to minimize noise. Among them those with Cherry MX Silent switches or other similar silent switch technologies are highly regarded.
3. Are all mechanical keyboards noisy?
Not all mechanical keyboards are noisy. The noise level of a mechanical keyboard depends on several factors: such as switch type, key cap material, typing style and usage of O-rings. Keyboards with silent switches such as Cherry MX Red, Brown or similar variants are designed for quieter operations.
4. What do O-rings do on a keyboard?
O-rings are small rubber or plastic rings that can be placed on the stem of mechanical key switches in keyboards. They improving the typing experience through noise dampening, key feel adjustment, keystroke comfort and also protection of the plastic of the keys from excessive wear and tear over time. Overall, O-rings provide a simple and effective way to modify the acoustics and feel of a mechanical keyboard, tailoring it to better suit individual preferences for typing comfort and noise levels.
5. Are mechanical keyboards actually better?
Though mechanical keyboards are often preferred for their durability, tactile feedback, customization options, and performance benefits in typing and gaming the "better" choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, typing habits, and specific requirements for comfort, noise level, and budget.
6. Do mechanical keyboard dampeners work?
Yes, mechanical keyboard dampeners, such as O-rings, work effectively to reduce the noise and impact of key presses. At the same time, they do not compromise the benefits of mechanical switches, such as durability and feedback. They are particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the feel and performance of mechanical keyboards but prefer a quieter typing experience for home, office, or shared environments.
7. Why do people want loud keyboards?
People may prefer a bit more noise with loud keyboards for several reasons, such as tactile and auditory feedback, aesthetics and key press feel, perceived build quality and, gaming and typing and performance.
8. Why does everyone want a mechanical keyboard?
People usually state that the tactile response of fingers to keys and auditory response of the keys helps one type faster and more accurately. Other reasons may be the nostalgic feeling or the feeling of being able to customize one's own keyboard.
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