If you want to have the best typing experience possible, you can consider purchasing a good mechanical keyboard. But, are all mechanical keyboards loud? How loud are mechanical keyboards?
In this post, FittingChairs will show you!
Mechanical keyboard switches
Over the years, keyboard manufacturers have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of their products. This is no longer a simple device that has long been an afterthought for most computer users.
A high-quality mechanical keyboard will provide an excellent typing experience, will last for many years, and will meet the demands of modern computing.
They are extremely popular among typists, programmers, developers, and gamers, as you’ve probably heard or seen.
Are mechanical keyboards loud? In fact, from clacky and noisy keys, they now offer a wide range of options, from full-size to compact models.
Let’s take a look at how loud are mechanical keyboards, why mechanical keyboards are so loud, what mechanical keyboard manufacturers have done about it, and what you can do if you end up with a keyboard that’s simply too loud for you.
Overall, the main advantage that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate is the way they operate by using special switches to perform a keypress operation which also means pressing down a key.
These switches are mechanical in nature, with several moving parts that when combined create a truly unique and high-performance typing and gaming experience.
However, you’ve probably heard that they can be quite loud. Is that correct? So, what is a detailed answer regarding to whether are mechanical keyboards loud?
It depends. Mechanical keyboards can be silent or loud, depending on your preferences. The type of switch you choose with your mechanical keyboard determines the loudness of your typing.
In case you like the sound of keyboard switches, you can get them loud and clicky. With this feature, you can consider choosing the Cherry MX Blues.
Mechanical keyboard switches are classified into 3 types:
- Linear switches
- Tactile switches
- Clicky switches
Each switch performs the same function. The main difference is the feedback a user receives when using a mechanical keyboard.
Let’s go over the features of each type of mechanical keyboard switch below!
Linear switches
Linear mechanical keyboard switches move straight up and down without any tactile or auditory feedback and are popular among gamers due to their quick response rate and smooth action.
The Cherry MX Red is the most common type of linear switch used in mechanical keyboards.
Other common linear switch types include:
Tactile switches
When you press a tactile switch, you get tactile feedback in the form of a noticeable bump. It’s similar to how some smartphones provide haptic feedback.
Cherry MX Brown switches are the most commonly used tactile switches in mechanical keyboards.
Other common ideal choices include:
Clicky Switches
Clicky switches are exactly what they sound like. They produce an audible click when activated and are ideal if you enjoy that distinct click when typing.
Cherry MX Blue switches are the most common type of clicky switch found on mechanical keyboards.
Other popular choices include:
Comparing The Loudness Of Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches
After clarifying characteristics according to various types of switches available, let’s discuss the noise level of each type of switch: linear, tactile, and clicky.
In terms of mechanical keyboard noise, each individual has a distinct approach to how they respond audibly.
Linear mechanical keyboard switches tend to be quieter. They provide a quiet, smooth actuation both up and down, with a consistent feel throughout the keypress operation.
Tactile switches produce a louder volume when activated, which is due in part to the noticeable “bump” that occurs during a keypress.
This kind of mechanical keyboard will be a good choice if you plan on carrying your mechanical keyboard around with you but are concerned about noise levels.
Tactile switches are quieter than clicky switches. They are specifically designed to produce a clearly audible click sound on every key operation.
What To Do If You Want To Change Your Mechanical Switches
Now that you understand the audible feedback you get from various switch types, what do you do if you’re not satisfied with the key switches you already have?
If your mechanical keyboard is a hot-swappable model, simply swap out the current key switches for a new set. No matter whether you want to replace just a few key switches or the entire keyboard, a hot-swappable keyboard allows you to swap out virtually anything.
Generally, mechanical gaming keyboards are well-known for their extremely cool design.
Mechanical gaming keyboards are well-known for their very cool RGB backlit displays, which are often adjustable and can produce a really cool visual effect.
Let’s find out what to do if you want to change your mechanical switches! This is also a good time to consider what ideal features in your keyboard.
In case you don’t want mechanical keyboards, consider membrane keyboards instead!
Actuation Force
When it comes to the actuation force, it’s applied to operate the keys and also influences how loud a mechanical keyboard is.
It refers to the amount of physical effort required to press a key and register a keystroke. This can have an effect on how loud your keyboard is.
In most gaming situations, the amount of actuation force required to operate a key is a finely tuned setting that you’ve got just right for how you operate.
Even if your mechanical keyboards are not supposed to be loud, if you have a habit of hitting your keys hard, they’ll make more noise, especially if the effect you’re going for is the auditory feedback from a clicky switch.
In summary, the actuation force required will vary from switch to switch, regardless of the type of keyboard you have. It doesn’t matter as much unless the noise becomes a nuisance.
Regarding to actuation force of this kind of keyboard, you would like to know “why do i type slower on a mechanical keyboard?”
How To Silence Your Mechanical Keyboard
Are mechanical keyboards too loud for office? If yes, you still enjoy the features but despise loud keyboards with a helpful workaround.
It’s installing a set of rubber O-rings for your switches.
You can use them on a few switches to completely customize how your keyboard works, or you can use them on the entire keyboard.
This is a popular choice for those who prefer the tactile feel of the Cherry MX Brown switches but want to reduce noise. Some can use it to reduce the loud clicking of the Cherry MX Blue switches.
If you don’t want to use O-rings, another option for replacing all of your switches is to train yourself to type without bottoming out.
Key presses that go too far or are pressed too hard will make noise, which can be annoying at times.
Although it’s true mechanical keyboards may be too loud but not all of them. Through this article, FittingChairs hope you find your own answer regarding mechanical keyboard noise, how loud are mechanical keyboards and how it works.
