Most people now use either membrane or mechanical keyboards.
Membrane keyboards are more common because they’re cheap and quiet.
However, mechanical keyboards are enjoying a rise in popularity nowadays among gamers and people who input a lot of data.
They allow for faster and more precise typing than membrane keyboards.
Despite the popularity of mechanical keyboards, many people worry that they might be loud and annoying.
In this post, we answer the question: Do mechanical keyboards make noise?
Are mechanical keyboards noisy?
Yes, mechanical keyboards do make noise but they’re not as loud as the older mechanical keyboards that were effectively as loud as a typewriter.
When people think of mechanical keyboards, they tend to think of the loud clicky noise they make.
Some find the typing sound satisfying and calming.
Others say that it gets on their nerves.
So, to answer your question, mechanical keyboards do make noise.
But, do all mechanical keyboards make noise?
The answer is no.
Not all mechanical keyboards make noise. The amount of noise generated depends on the type of switch used – we’ll discuss this in more detail a little later.
Also, there are plenty of ways to reduce the noise of mechanical keyboards while still enjoying all the benefits of owning one.
You don’t have to choose one over the other.
Types of mechanical keyboard switches
Mechanical keyboard switches are classified into three types: linear, tactile, and clicky. To know which type is loud and which one is quiet, you need to know the difference between each type.
Linear switches
Linear switches are the simplest type of them all. The keys have no tactile feedback, which means that you won’t get the “bump” feeling. Also, linear switches don’t produce any clicking noise.
This type allows for a smooth keypress that delivers faster actuation with consistent keystrokes. This is why gamers prefer linear switches, as it allows them to have more precise control in challenging games.
However, most linear switches require you to bottom out. In other words, you need to press all the way down for the key to be successfully registered.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches provide tactile feedback, hence the name. This means that you feel a slight bump halfway through the travel, letting you know that the keypress is activated.
Typists tend to use tactile switches because they don’t have to push the key all the way down, allowing for faster typing.
Also, the tactile sensation lets them know that they didn’t miss the keystroke.
Clicky switches
Clicky switches are the same as tactile switches, but they provide an extra click sound.
This type is perfect for those who love the click sound. You see this type of switch in most ASMR videos.
The best thing about clicky switches and tactile ones is that you don’t have to bottom out the key.
They need a light press, and you release the switch instantly after feeling the feedback, which is the bump sensation or the click sound.
But they are, without doubt, the loudest of all switches used in mechanical keyboards.
What is the quietest type of mechanical switch?
Of course, it’s not going to be the clicky type. So, is it the tactile or the linear switch?
Some people say linear switches are quieter. Others think that tactile switches are the quietest.
It also depends on the brand.
Some tactile switches are silent, and others make moderate noise. Also, some linear switches are quiet, but others are loud.
When you’re unsure which type of key switches to choose, I recommend buying a mechanical key switch tester. It’s a small keyboard with 5 to 10 keys of different types.
You can use the key switch tester to find out which switch type with the feel and sound you prefer. I recommend you buy a tester with the Cherry MX switches because the brand is known for its high-quality products.
If you don’t want to buy a switch tester, you can watch people on YouTube doing sound tests for different switch types.
Can you make mechanical keyboards quieter?
Yes, there are many ways to make your mechanical keyboard quieter. The easiest way to make it quieter is by using a desk mat under your keyboard.
The desk mat dampens the vibrations produced by the keyboard and silences it. Another way to silence your mechanical keyboard is by padding it using rubber O-rings.
O-rings are tiny silicone rings that you can install around the stems of your keyboard switches.
They will make your keyboard way quieter; however, you might not like how mushy your keys will feel.
These two options are the easiest to silence your mechanical keyboard. But, I highly recommend you try a key switch tester before you commit to a full keyboard.
