Mechanical keyboards are beloved for their tactile feedback and durability. However, their characteristic clicking sounds can be distracting or unwelcome in shared workspaces. If you prefer a quieter typing experience but still want the excellent build quality and responsiveness of a mechanical keyboard, you've come to the right place.
Why Noise Level Matters for Mechanical Keyboards
One of the defining traits of mechanical keyboards is the audible click produced by each key press. This sound is created by the physical interaction between the key switch and the plate underneath. While some mechanical keyboard enthusiasts enjoy and even seek out loudest possible sound, others prefer a more subdued typing experience.
Noise level is especially important to consider if you share your workspace with others. Loud typing on a traditional mechanical keyboard could be distracting to coworkers in an open office or disruptive if others are on phone calls. It's also worth taking noise into account if you do a lot of late night or early morning work when others may be sleeping.
Fortunately, mechanical keyboard manufacturers have developed techniques to dampen sound without sacrificing tactility. By selecting the right switch type and casing material, you can find an option as quiet as any rubber dome keyboard while keeping the benefits of mechanical.
Key Switch Types That Produce Less Noise
The key switch is the primary determinant of sound level on a mechanical keyboard. Here are some of the quietest switch options:
Cherry MX Red Switches
Cherry MX Red switches have a linear, non-clicky design that produces very little sound on each key press. These are among the most silent options available while still offering tactile feedback. Reds are a great choice if absolute minimal noise is the top priority.
Cherry MX Brown Switches
Brown switches have a tactile bump but no audible click. They provide clear feedback without disturbing others. Browns produce only a subtle tap sound that doesn't travel far. Overall one of the quietest clicky-style switches.
Cherry MX Silent Red Switches
As the name implies, Silent Red switches are designed specifically for silent operation. They have additional rubber dampeners inside to absorb sound. Silent Reds are about as quiet as any keyboard while keeping the general smooth, linear key response.
Gateron Red/Brown Switches
Gateron offers their own versions of linear Red and tactile Brown switches. Most find Gateron switches slightly smoother and often quieter than comparable Cherry switches. Gateron Browns make an excellent silent-but-still-tactile option.
Quieter Keyboard Casing and Construction
In addition to switch selection, the overall build quality and materials used in a keyboard's casing can influence noise levels. Some manufacturers prioritize sound damping in these areas:
Aluminum Case
Solid aluminum cases conduct sound vibration better than plastic. Premium boards with CNC-machined aluminum bodies tend to have a lower overall noise profile.
Internal Rubber Dampeners
Many quality keyboards include additional rubber or silicone strips and pads inside the casing. These dampeners absorb vibrations between the PCB and case to reduce unwanted sound resonances.
Denser PCB Mounting
Some manufacturers opt for denser PCB mounting techniques rather than cheaper tray-mount or cost-saving designs. This helps minimize unstable PCB movement that could exacerbate noise.
Sound-Absorbent Case Foam
Open-cell foams and other acoustically treated materials lining the interior case walls can trap escaping sound waves for a quieter typing experience.
Top Quiet Mechanical Keyboard Picks
Now that you understand the factors that influence noise levels, here are some of the absolute quietest mechanical keyboards on the market:
Ducky One 2 SF
The Ducky One 2 SF is a 65% board featuring Gateron Brown switches wrapped in a premium aluminum case. Its compact layout, quality components and dampening materials make it impressively quiet yet still highly tactile.
Keychron K2
The hot-swappable Keychron K2 is available with Gateron Brown or Red switches for a muted sound profile. Its solid ABS case effectively traps noise inside for minimal acoustic leakage.
Varmilo VA87M
Top-tier components and dense double-enclosure construction give the Varmilo VA87M an exceptionally subdued sound. It employs aluminum internal supports and tight switch mounting for excellent vibration isolation.
Leopold FC750R
Renowned enthusiast brand Leopold makes some of the quietest pre-built keyboards period. The compact tenkeyless FC750R uses PBT dyesub keycaps and internal soundproofing for whisper-quiet satisfaction.
Keychron Q1 Knob
The Q1 delivers premium quality at an affordable price. Its gasket-mounted aluminum case paired with optional lubed and filmed Gateteon Pro Milky switches produces a silky-smooth, hushed typing experience.
WASD V3
Fully customizable, the WASD V3 is handcrafted with meticulous quality control. Choose silentCherry or Gateron switches then add further noise control with optionaldampening switch films and case foam for very quiet results.
Modding Tactics for Quieter Operation
Sometimes even the most silent pre-built keyboards can benefit from some modding. Here are ways to further tame noise levels:
Lubricate Switches
Apply a thin film of lubricant like Krytox GPL205 inside switches to reduce spring ping and smooth out travel. This quiets operation noticeably.
Install Silencing Rings/Clips
Thin silicone or rubber rings fitted under the keycap stem help silence the upward travel bottoming out sound.
Case Foam Mod
Inserting additional open-cell foam inside the case cavity absorbs stray vibrations before they escape the chassis.
Hot-Swap to Quieter Switches
On boards that support switch swapping, you can easily upgrade to even more muted Gateron Silent or other quiet models.
PE Foam Mod
Thick, dense PE foam sheets layered inside the case wall can exceptionally well for acoustically sealing the interior.
Finding the Perfect Balance of Silence and Satisfaction
With the right combinations of switch selection, build quality prioritization, and modification know-how, there's a perfect quiet mechanical keyboard solution. Consider your priorities around noise, feel, size and budget. the options above should help you successfully balance usability with peace and quiet.