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People are always looking for the best way to do things, and that includes finding the best quietest mechanical keyboard switches. There are a variety of different types of keyboard switches available, and some are much quieter than others. If you’re looking for a keyboard that doesn’t make a lot of noise, you’ll want to choose one that has silent switches. There are a few different companies that make silent switches, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today we will look at some of the best quietest mechanical keyboard switches on the market and see which ones are the best for you!
Types of Technology Used in the Keyboard Switches
I think the switch technology is too critical to learning to overlook. Computer keyboards include between 80 and 110 switches, making it easy to enter any type of text onto a computer’s text field. One key is used to represent a single button. The switches are the physical interface between the keyboard and your PC. The switch determines how a key feels when it’s pressed and released, as well as how loud the sound will be.
There are three primary types of switch technology used in mechanical keyboards: membrane, scissor, and mechanical. Each has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Membrane:
The most common type of switch technology used in quiet mechanical keyboard switches is membrane. This type of switch uses a flexible membrane to create a seal between two layers of circuit board material. When a key is pressed, the membrane pushes down on a rubber dome, which completes the electrical circuit and registers the keystroke.
Benefits:
– Low cost
– Good durability
– Spill resistant
Drawbacks:
– Not as responsive as other types of switches
– keys can feel “mushy”
Scissor:
Scissor switches are similar to membrane switches, but they use a scissors-like mechanism to connect the keycap to the base of the switch. This gives the key a more stable platform, which results in a more consistent keystroke. Scissor switches are often used in laptop keyboards.
Benefits:
– More responsive than membrane switches
– Stable key platform
Drawbacks:
– Higher cost
– Not as durable as membrane or mechanical switches
Mechanical:
Mechanical switches are the most popular type of switch used in mechanical keyboards. They use a physical spring-loaded mechanism to register a keystroke. When a key is pressed, the spring pushes back against the keycap, which completes the electrical circuit and registers the keystroke.
Benefits:
– Highly responsive
– Durable
– Customizable
Drawbacks:
– Noisier than other types of switches
– Higher cost
Types of Mechanical Switches
Mechanical keyboard switches come in two primary varieties: linear and tactile.
Linear switches
Linear switches are the simplest; they go down smoothly and evenly from the top until they reach the bottom. There is no “bump” or “click” when you press them down past a certain point. Many people prefer linear switches because they’re easy to press and don’t require as much force as the others.
Tactile switches
Tactile feedback switches have a small bump in them, so you can feel when you’ve pressed them down far enough. They’re more resistant to being pressed accidentally than linear switches, but they’re still easy to press on purpose. Many people find them more comfortable to use than linear switches.
Linear vs. Tactile
To get the most out of this guide, you’ll need to know the terms “linear” and “tactile.” Most mechanical switches are one or the other, and the distinction between them is simple to grasp. ” Linear switches are activated by pushing them all the way down, like a membrane button. After pushing it halfway, you can either keep pressing the key or remove your finger and advance to the next one immediately away, which is how a tactile feedback switch works.
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Some feel linear switches are better for gaming, whereas tactile switches are better for typing, according to some enthusiasts. I don’t have an opinion on this argument because I’ve utilized both linear and tactile feedback switches satisfactorily for both of my needs.
What Are Clicky Switches?
Clicky switches are similar to tactile switches, but they make a clicking noise when you press them down past the bump. This can be helpful in some situations (like typing in the dark), but it can also be annoying. Clicky switches require more force to press than either linear or tactile switches.
Review of the Quietest Mechanical Keyboard Switches for Gaming
Let’s take a closer look at the best mechanical switches for quiet operation and have a better understanding of them.
Cherry MX Silent Black
Linear Cherry MX Black has a very low click sound. Thus, it is categorized as a “silent switch.” If you want a mechanical keyboard experience but don’t want to deal with the noise, this is the keyboard for you! Choose a Cherry MX Black keyboard if you plan to film or stream your gaming or other activities.
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Simply said, this switch requires more actuation force than the Cherry MX Silent Red, which only needs 45 grams. Because it requires 60 grams of actuation force to work, Cherry MX Silent Black is a great choice for gamers who prefer a less responsive mechanical switch.
Healios by ZealPC
ZealPC has unveiled a new linear switch that is completely silent. They are the quietest switches now on the market, according to the ratings. A good choice for people who want to keep their typing sounds as low as possible is this application.
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The key switch uses a sound-dampening bumper to reduce the loud clicks. Because of this, mechanical key switches are a full solution for the quietest mechanical switches. These switches are among the greatest in terms of both quality and while still being one of the quietest keyboard switches, which should explain why they’re so popular.
Romer G Switch
Nearly every need for the quietest mechanical keyboard switches has been met by Romer G switches. Switches like this one are noted for their responsiveness and low noise output.
In their widespread use, the Romer G key switches have been tested to endure 70 million key presses. This 3 mm-deep light keyboard switch should be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quiet keyboard switch. Romer G keyboards are a good option if you’re searching for a combination of responsiveness and quietness.
Gateron Silent (Black or Red)
For those who prefer a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Red and Black mechanical switches are the ones to go for. The linear key switch type, of which these keys are a part, is known to have a small sound.
Each keystroke requires a force of 60 grams, which includes a fairly heavy switch for a linear type switch that typically requires a force of between 40 and 50 grams. The feedback is really smooth and the typing sound is very quiet. For mechanical custom keyboard fans who want silent typing, Gateron Silent Black is a popular choice.
While the Cherry MX key switches are smoother to operate, they also come at a less affordable price, making them a more worthwhile investment. However, the key switches have been tested to endure only 50 million keystrokes, which may be a concern. That shouldn’t be an issue, though, given the price range at which they are offered.
Kailh BOX Silent Pink
Custom mechanical keyboard fans are a big fan of the linear type silent switch The stem of this switch is formed like a box, giving it a unique appearance. Kailh BOX Silent Pink’s rubber dampers and thick shell make it one of the quietest switches on the market today, allowing it to provide a very quiet typing sound.
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Only roughly 45 grams of actuation force is needed for the Kailh BOX Silent Pink, which means that the switch travel for each type is only 3.6mm, making it extremely responsive and muffled every time you type.
Cherry MX Speed
Check out the Cherry MX Speed switch in case you don’t like the feel of the Cherry MX Black switches. These switches are small and light, and they don’t have any visual indication of the color they’re set to.
The key switches on this silent keyboard have actuation points that are shorter than those on Cherry MX Reds, measuring roughly 4 millimeters deep. In addition, the key switches have a 50 million key press lifespan. To put it simply, the key switches are slightly smaller than the Cherry MX Reds, which measure 2mm in diameter.
Type-S Topre
Switches of the linear type such as the Type-S Topre include a silent switch design. The actuation force of this mechanical switch is 45 grams, which is a light and responsive switch. Type-S Topre’s entire actuation distance (3.8mm) means that this switch can lower the distance and reduce typing sound when pushing it.
The Type-S Topre is a capacitive switch with a different design from the mechanical switches of the MX series. This switch creates a very quiet sound and a very smooth typing feedback due to its thick housing design and usage of a capacitive mechanism in its design. If you’re looking for custom keycaps for this stem switch, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The Type-S Topre is probably the quietest switch available on the market.
Cherry MX Brown
Some of the most commonly used switches in gaming keyboards are Cherry MX Browns. When activated, the tactile switches known as browns demand 45 g of force. They don’t create a lot of noise and bounce right back after being activated.
The brown mechanical keyboard switches are also great for people who want a little more feedback than what the reds can provide without being too loud. The cherry on top, so to speak, is that they’re also very affordable.
Matias Quiet Linear
The Matias Quiet Linear is a new mechanical keyboard switch that has been designed to be as quiet as possible. The switch uses a design that is similar to the Cherry MX Red, but with a few key differences.
First of all, the switch itself is shorter, measuring 2mm instead of 4mm. This means that there is less travel time for each keystroke, making the switch more responsive. In addition, the switch uses a damping system that absorbs some of the noise that is typically produced when a key is pressed.
One of the benefits of the Matias Quiet Linear is that it is compatible with most existing mechanical keyboard designs. This means that you can upgrade your existing keyboard to a quieter one without having to replace the entire keyboard.
While the Matias Quiet Linear is more expensive than some of the other switches on this list, it is still a very affordable option when compared to other high-end mechanical keyboard switches.
Why Is Sound Important?
For a mechanical keyboard, the sound of the switch is one of the most important considerations. The switch’s tactile sensation is another important consideration.
The loudest and clickiest switch types should be avoided when working in a noisy environment like a studio or in front of a camera. To get an idea of how different frequencies sound, here’s a link to a decibel level chart with example sounds.
As you can see from the chart, some switches will have keystrokes that are within the same range of human hearing (20-20,000 Hz), while others will be above or below it.
There will be more background noise and microphones will pick up the sound of each keystroke as a result of these noisy changes. Also, bear in mind that most people don’t love the sound of your keyboard, especially if you’re in a crowded environment.
Loud Switches to Avoid:
Cherry MX White, Blue, and Green Colors
Black, Navy Blue, and Jade are the colors of the Kailh BOX.
Not All Keyboard Sounds Are Equal
When looking for which mechanical keyboard switch is quietest, don’t consider only the decibels (db) of the key strikes. This is because the human ear perceives some frequencies as being louder than others and microphones will pickup some frequencies more prominent than others as well.
Some people may prefer a softer, more mellow sound while others will like the higher pitched sounds. It really comes down to personal preference in the end.
Switches that produce a higher-pitched sound are more likely to be picked up by microphones, even if they are quieter than others. While a high-pitched sounding switch may be more noticeable, a lower-pitched one will be less so, even if it’s louder.
A switch that rattles is one whose moving parts are banging against each other rather than gliding smoothly up and down because the switch has not been securely fastened or machined to a tight tolerance.
The shaking of the keyboard enhances the keyboard’s noise production and makes the sound more unpleasant. As a result, we took this into account when compiling our top five ranking of mechanical keyboards.
Best Quietest Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming
The keyboards below have been selected because they offer a good blend of low noise output with high quality construction.
SteelSeries Apex M750 – Best Quietest Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Quietest Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
In the SteelSeries Apex M750, for example, they use Gateron’s QX2 high-end linear offers, which are akin to Cherry’s MX series of linear products. With a configurable RGB lighting system that can be linked to Discord, this keyboard certainly stands out from the rest of the crowd.
It has a low-profile design, which means that the keys don’t protrude as much as some of the other keyboards on this list. This can help to reduce the amount of noise that is produced when typing.
In addition, the SteelSeries Apex M750 comes with a detachable wrist rest, which is always a nice touch.
CHERRY G80-3000 – Runner-up Keyboard
Runner-up Keyboard
This gaming keyboard features linear mechanical switches in the Cherry MC Black family. These are characterized by their fast response time and low operating noise. The keys have a travel distance of 4 mm and an actuation point of 2 mm.
The keyboard has a USB interface with a gold-plated connector and is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7. It also features N-key rollover, which means that each key is scanned independently by the keyboard hardware, so every keystroke will be registered, no matter how fast you type.
The keyboard has a black anodized aluminum top panel and a white LED backlight. The keycaps are laser-etched and have a UV coating to prevent fading.
Filco Majestouch 2 TKL – Best for Work and Play
Best for Work and Play
This is my go to office keyboard. It has Cherry MX Silent Red switches, which are quiet and have a nice tactile bump. The keyboard is also available with other switch types, including Cherry MX Brown and Black.
It’s a tenkeyless design, so it doesn’t have a numeric keypad, which makes it more compact and easier to transport. And because it’s a mechanical keyboard, it has a nice, solid feel to it that you just don’t get with membrane keyboards.
The keyboard has a detachable USB cable and comes with a keycap puller, so you can easily remove the keycaps for cleaning. It’s also available in white and black.
CORSAIR STRAFE RGB MK.2 – Best Value
CORSAIR STRAFE RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Value
Considering the build quality to the price, it is hard to beat the Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2. It has a brushed aluminum frame with Cherry MX red switches, which are very quiet.
The keyboard also has per-key RGB backlighting, which is customizable using CORSAIR’s iCUE software. In addition, the keyboard comes with a detachable wrist rest and has media controls and a USB pass-through port.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional – Honorable Mention
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard
Honorable Mention
It is one of the best tactile keyboards I have tested and uses Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches. The keys are laser-etched and have a UV protective coating to prevent fading.
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The keyboard has a full N-key rollover and a Windows lock key to prevent accidental presses of the Windows key during gaming. It also has an extra long USB cable that is detachable for easy transportation.
Razer BlackWidow Elite – Honorable Mention
Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Honorable Mention
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is a great keyboard for gaming and general use. It has Razer’s Green mechanical switches, which are similar to Cherry MX Blue switches. They have a tactile bump and an audible click.
The keyboard also has per-key RGB backlighting that can be customized using Razer’s Chroma software. In addition, the keyboard has a detachable wrist rest and media controls along with cloud storage to save your game profiles.
HHKB HYBRID Type-S Keyboard – Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
If you are looking for great performance from a quiet mechanical keyboard, the HHKB Hybrid Type-S is worth considering. It uses Topre capacitive switches, which are very quiet and have a nice tactile feel.
The keyboard has Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity and comes with a detachable USB cable. It is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
Looking at it you would not expect it to be special but it has a lot of features that make it a great keyboard. Of course, all of this comes with a price and it is one of the more expensive keyboards on this list.
Wrapping Up the Best Quietest Mechanical Keyboard Switches and Keyboards
So, there you have it! These are the best quietest mechanical keyboard switches and keyboards for gaming. If you are looking for a keyboard that will not disturb others around you, then one of these should be perfect for you. With any of these keyboards, you can enjoy your gaming without worrying about making too much noise.