Mechanical keyboards are used widely throughout the world and are well-liked by users with high ratings. That is true mechanical keyboards are best computer keyboards that are really worth for gaming, typing, office use and even for your hands but as always nothing can be perfect mechanical keyboards has downsides and of its drawback is the noise produced by keystrokes from mechanical keyboards. Here we will discuss how to make a mechanical keyboard quieter in 8 simple techniques.
If you found your mechanical keyboard making a large noise while typing then you should follow my guide to silence your mechanical keyboard to enjoy your experience with your computer. Before we begin it is essential to find why mechanical keyboards produce noisy sounds.
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Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Loud
There may be several reasons behind it. Because mechanical keyboards are machines, and machines can malfunction in different ways. The reasons behind the noise of mechanical keyboards may be switches, mounting plates, loose keycaps, or low vibration tolerance of your keyboard.
In the case of mechanical keyboards, most of the noise is produced by switches that are used under every key in mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards produce noise according to switch type, used in them for further information first you need to know the main three types of mechanical keyboard switches.
Linear: Smooth and consistent switches, produce minimum sound at the keystroke
Tactile: Produce a moderate noise at each keystroke with a small bump.
Clicky: Produce a loud noise at each keystroke with a small bump
Keyboards produce sound inconsequential to switches. Find out what type of switches are used in your mechanical keyboard.
2) Mounting Plate
The other thing that determines the loudness of the keyboard is the mounting plate. Where key buttons are welded. It controls the audibility of the mechanical keyboard. If a low-quality mounting plate is used in your keyboard or if it is damaged then it will produce unusual noise.
3) Loose Keycaps
When you stroke a keycap it hits the switch to register the keystroke and produces noise. If the grip between keycap and switch is poor then it will produce noise. And the distance between keycaps and switches is also responsible for creating noise.
4) Low Vibration Tolerance
The connection of the keyboard with its environment also matters for noise production. When you hit a key it produces a vibration that can produce odd noise. If something is attached to the keyboard loosely or improper placing of the keyboard at the table can produce noise. This is an uncommon reason but it can be. Recheck your keyboard and fix it properly at your table or use a desk mat.
These are some major reasons behind the loudness of your keyboard. If it is caused or not for you my guide will cover your problem from every aspect that may cause a single noise. Bu using these simple 8 DIY techniques you can make your mechanical keyboard quieter.
How to make mechanical keyboard Quieter
There are several reasons behind the noise of your keyboard. It may be by switches, or something else but mostly you can make your mechanical keyboard quieter by using DIY techniques at home. Here I am going to discuss 8 simple methods to reduce noise from your mechanical keyboard.
- GMK Switch Clips
- Rubber O-Rings
- Swap Your Switches
- Topre Switches
- Use a Desk Mat
- Silence Cover for Keyboards
- Modify Key Stabilizers
- Lubricate Switches
These are the 8 DIY techniques to reduce noise from your mechanical keyboard. Now we are going to discuss every method one by one.
1. GMK Switch Clips
GMK switch clips are another form of keycaps manufactured with rubber to reduce noise making from keycaps. These clips are available at Amazon and used at the top of your keycaps. They capture noise from keycaps and do not let it go outside. Another advantage of using GMK switch clips is the reduced quantity of dust entering your mechanical keyboard and they are easily cleanable. GMK switch clips can reduce noise up to 10db.
At first order GMK switch clips according to your keyboard mostly they are not specific. And put them at the top of every keycap according to word marks. GMK clips are available in different colours and styles.
2. Rubber O-Rings
By using rubber O-rings you can reduce noise greatly. Rubber O-rings are O shaped rings manufactured by rubber. These rings are used under keycaps of mechanical keyboards to reduce noise.
As it is rubber it absorbs noise from keycaps resulting from keystrokes. Basically, it reduces the distance between keycap and switch and minimizes clattering. It greatly reduces noise produced from keystrokes.
To install rubber O-rings you just have to remove keycaps from the keyboard and place O-rings on switches or a tale of keycaps and put the keycap back to the keyboard. Rubber O-rings are available in different colours and patterns usually they are non-specific.
You may feel odd while using rubber rings as it feels mushy but it reduces noise greatly.
3. Swap You Switches
Mostly the source of keyboard noise is switched. If clicky switches are used then definitely your keyboard will be loud. Or it may be due to friction in switches. But mostly it is due to switch type clicky or tactile. I already mentioned three types of switches: clicky most noisy, tactile moderate noisy, and linear silent are switches.
If your keyboard has tactile or clicky switches then the only option to silence your mechanical keyboard is to change your switches with linear switches. Here I am going to guide you on how to successfully replace mechanical keyboard switches.
First, identify what type of switches are used in your mechanical keyboard. It may mention the backside of your keyboard, you can find this in the user manual or research about your keyboard at the manufacturer company website in this way you can find which type of switches are used. If they are linear switches then skip this DIY method, and if they are tactile or clicky then follow me below.
- Remove Keycaps: Remove all the keycaps from the keyboard.
- Disassemble mechanical keyboard case: Remove upper case of keyboard, by removing six screws.
- De-Solder your switches: De-Solder switches from PCB board of mechanical keyboard.
- Remove switches: After desoldering remove each switch from the keyboard.
- Clean PCB Board from Dust (Optional): Clean PCB from dust using brush or cotton.
- Install new switch: Add switches to their places at PCB and weld them here.
- Test Each Switch: Last step is testing every switch before reassembling.
- Reassemble Keyboard Case and Keycaps: After tasting, reassemble your mechanical keyboard.
After replacing each switch, I hope your mechanical keyboard will be quiet and you will feel the smoothness of your new linear switches.
This DIY technique is most effective but costly because you have to buy a new switch that will cost high. Not only if you do not have technical information about keyboards then you have to pay someone expert to replace switches that will add extra cost. But it is really worth the silence.
4. Topre Switches
Topre switches are the most advanced type of mechanical keyboard switches manufactured by Japan’s company Topre Corporations.
The Topre switches are considered the quietest mechanical keyboard switches and according to experts, they are the quietest switches available in the market. But they are expensive.
Topre switches are available in the market with different variations and styles. They differ from working principles that affect their functionality; you will feel totally different by switching to Topre switches.
Unfortunately, you cannot replace your tactile or clicky switches with Topre. You have to buy a new mechanical keyboard with Topre switches.
5. Use a Desk Mat
Sometimes noise is produced by the contraction of the keyboard with your desk or table. That may be due to poor settlement of the keyboard with desk or desk is too smooth due to which mechanical keyboard slips from it when you strike a keystroke and it produces noise.
Use a desk mat at your desk or table to reduce noise from it. Trust me it is really worth it if you will feel a noticeable change to your keyboard noise by using a desk mat.
Desk mats are available in the market with different variations like size, colour, smoothness, softness, and design. Choose a desk mat as you want. I suggest buying a big desk mat that will cover your keyboard and mouse too. In this way, you do not have to use a mouse mat.
6. Use Silence Covers
If you want to silence your mechanical keyboard at low cost and through the easiest way then try silence covers. Silence covers also known as silicone covers are used to reduce noise from keyboards.
Silicone cover covers the mechanical keyboard top side and captures noise from keystrokes to maintain a quiet environment. Silence covers are alternatives to GMK switch clips; the difference is GMK clips are available for a single switch but silicone covers are made for the whole keyboard.
There are different colours and designs available for silicone covers. But mostly silicone covers are specific according to keyboard shape. Because they are made for the whole keyboard upper side they cannot fit on different keyboards.
7. Modify Key Stabilizers
Click on different short and long keyboard keys, click on space then click at enter key then click “A” key you will find a huge noise difference among these keys. That is probably due to key stabilizers used under large keys to balance these keys.
Now you have to modify these key stabilizers to reduce noise. You can do it by following three simple DIY steps.
- Lubricate it, when you remove the keycap you will find out where you should lubricate it.
- Clipping as another way to reduce noise from key stabilizers. Clip the surface where the key stabilizer connects to PCB or keycap.
Modify key stabilizer technique is only applicable to large keys like, “Space”, “Enter”, “Backspace” and “shift” keys. But mostly these keys produce more noise, especially the “Space” key. Try this method if you have noise problems from large keys.
8. Lubricate Switches
Lubricating switches are really worth it to reduce noise from mechanical keyboards. When you strike a keystroke switch each stem of the switch rubs with other stems resulting in friction and noise. Or maybe there is some dust in switch stems that results in noise.
Caution this method is risky and time taking because you have to de-solder switches from the keyboard and then open each switch to lubricate it. There are risks, first improper disassembling and reassembling of switches may result in a fatal error to switch maybe it stop working or start malfunctioning as a result of an improper assembly of switches. Second is lubricants grab dust in them that will result in more friction and noise in future. I recommend not to use this technique if you have any doubt about it.
First, remove switches from the keyboard by using the guide that is provided above. Disassemble switch parts then lubricate switch stems where they rub with each other. You can use any type of lubricant from the market. Reassemble the switch carefully and install it on the keyboard and test. Hope this method will work fine and result in noise loss.
How to Remove Typing Noise While Recording
In order to remove noise while recording you do not need to put in too much, you can do it easily by following me here.
Most people get irritated from typing noise while recording a video, in calls, recording audio, in digital conferences, or in presentations. Video or audio editing software contains a noise remove the feature to remove typing noise this method results well without any hard work. This feature is also present in presentation software. If you still need something more then use individual noise removing programs like Krisp, noise blocker, etc.
Mechanical keyboards are best but it creates noise if it irritates you then you should quiet it. There are several easy and hard methods for how to make a mechanical keyboard quieter. For most of the working techniques I have mentioned above you can use any technique individually to reduce noise from your mechanical keyboard.
I recommend first identifying which technique you have to follow. Each technique is a solution for a particular problem, and if you use the wrong technique your time and assets may go to waste so be careful before starting a solution to remove noise from your keyboard.
I recommend using noise reduction software if you have noise problems while recording. After it, if you want it through the easiest and affordable way then try a desk mat and silicone cover to reduce noise but the best DIY technique is to replace your clicky switches with linear switches that will result very good for how to make a mechanical keyboard quieter.