Have you ever been irritated or distracted by the noise of a mechanical keyboard? There is no question that mechanical keyboards offer excellent performance due to their unique typing feel and durability. However, they can be quite loud compared to other types of keyboards.
Don't worry! In this article, we will introduce you to the factors that affect the volume of mechanical keyboards and offer you step-by-step solutions.
The noise source of a mechanical keyboard
1st switch
The type of switch used on a mechanical keyboard can significantly affect the noise level. If you use a "clicky" switch, it will definitely be very loud. Swapping it out for a linear switch or a quieter "silent" switch can significantly reduce the noise. Even when using a linear switch, lubricating the switch or swapping it out for a "silent" switch can significantly reduce the noise level.
2. Keyboard resonance
The resonance of a keyboard depends on the structure and material. For example, keyboards made of aluminum alloys tend to have a more noticeable resonance than those with plastic casings. Keyboards with a tray structure resonate more strongly than those with a gasket structure.
A keyboard with poor workmanship will resonate more than one with good workmanship, tight connections between components, and fewer gaps. Therefore, swapping for a keyboard with a stiffer gasket structure may reduce the noise, although not as noticeable as changing the switch.
3rd Echo
The echo is created between the keyboard PCB and the bottom case, and between the plate and the PCB. When sound passes through these two cavities, it is reflected and amplified, creating an echo.
The solution is to place materials such as felt, sponge, foam or silicone pads between the PCB and the bottom case and between the PCB and the positioning plate. This can eliminate the cavity echo and reduce the resonance of the keyboard structure.
4. Stabilizers
Stabilizers are another important factor that can affect the noise level of a mechanical keyboard, especially on larger keys like the spacebar, shift, enter, and backspace.
Our double-injected plate mount stabilizers with POM housing and POM+TPU stems are engineered to reduce rattles and pings and provide improved performance right out of the box. Additionally, our keyboards support screw-in stabilizers for additional adjustments, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, quiet keyboards. Get a keyboard with Akko doubleshot plate mount stabilizers now!
Ways to make the mechanical keyboard quieter
In the following sections, we offer targeted solutions for each source of noise on mechanical keyboards.
If you want to reduce the noise of the switch, you can try the following methods:
1. Silencer (O-rings)
O-rings are a simple and effective way to reduce noise. They are small rubber rings that are placed on the stem under each keycap to dampen the impact between the keycap and the keyboard body.
- Hardness: O-rings come in different hardness levels (measured in A, the higher the value, the harder). A hardness of 40A-50A is recommended to effectively reduce impact without affecting key travel too much.
- Thickness: A thickness of 0.2 mm–0.4 mm is ideal to balance noise reduction and key travel.
- Pros and Cons: They are effective and easy to install, but can slightly alter the typing feel.
2. Lubricate the switch
Lubricating switches can significantly reduce the friction noise inside the switch. Commonly used lubricants include Krytox 205g, TriboSys 3204 and Super Lube.
- Krytox 205g: Ideal for linear switches, provides an extremely smooth typing feel.
- TriboSys 3204: Suitable for tactile switches, provides a pleasant feel and reduces noise.
- Super Lube: A cheaper alternative for economical users.
- Advantages and disadvantages: Significant noise reduction and better typing feel, but time-consuming and requires disassembly.
3. Quiet switches
Quiet switches are specifically designed to minimize noise. They often have dampening elements or other sound-absorbing structures to reduce the noise when the switch is triggered.
- Advantages and disadvantages: Very effective, but more expensive and complex to install.
Order the Akko Fairy Silent Switches and Akko Penguin Silent Switches now to make your mechanical keyboard quieter!
4. Keyboard housing and plate material
Using better housing and panel material can further reduce the noise level. Housing and panels made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel provide better rigidity and sound absorption. In addition, some floor covers are equipped with soundproofing and shock-absorbing materials, which can further reduce the noise level.
5. Damping structure (Gasket Mount)
This structure uses dampening materials to cushion the plate and reduce vibration and noise. Choose a keyboard with this structure or modify your existing keyboard accordingly.
To counteract the resonance echo within the keyboard, you can use the following methods:
6. Foam cushioning
Installing sound-absorbing foam between the PCB and the case and between the plate and the PCB can reduce resonance and noise. Common materials include Poron foam and EVA foam.
- Poron foam: High-density foam with excellent sound absorption.
- EVA foam: inexpensive and good at absorbing sound.
- Advantages: Absorbs sound and reduces echo, resulting in a quieter typing experience.
Reducing noise by adjusting the stabilizer:
7. Lubricate stabilizers
Stabilizers can cause rattling, especially on larger keys. Apply lubricant to the stabilizers to reduce friction and noise. Remove the stabilizers, apply the lubricant, and reinstall them.
8. Clip-Mod for Stabilizers
Trimming excess plastic from the stabilizers can reduce the amount of shaking and rattling. Remove the stabilizers, trim the plastic legs if necessary, and reinstall.
Tips for choosing the right keycaps:
9. Choose the right keycap material and profile
The material and design of the keycaps have a big impact on the noise level. PBT material is durable, does not wear out as quickly, has a non-slip surface and feels comfortable. Due to the thicker material, there is less noise when typing. Shorter keycaps, such as the OEM or XDA profiles, have smaller cavities, which concentrates the sound and reduces noise dispersion.
Switching to PBT keycaps and choosing a lower profile can help minimize noise levels.
Additional noise reduction techniques:
10. Desk pads
Placing a sound-absorbing pad under the keyboard can reduce the noise transmitted to the table when typing. The pad also protects the table from scratches and provides a more comfortable typing experience.
- Advantages: Simple, effective and visually appealing.
11th Tempest Mod
A popular modification is to stick small strips of tape on the printed circuit board (PCB) to change the sound profile. Open the keyboard, apply the tape in the right places and reassemble the keyboard.
- Advantages: Highly customizable and allows significant changes to the sound profile.
Conclusion
Understanding the sources of noise—such as switches, keyboard resonance, echo, stabilizers, and keycaps—will help you address each challenge. Whether it's using silencers like O-rings, lubricating your switches, purchasing quiet switches, or choosing the right keycap material, each step will lead to a more comfortable and quieter typing experience.
Try it out! :)
