The Ultimate Guide to Quiet Mechanical Keyboards
Introduction
Mechanical keyboards are highly praised for their satisfying tactile feedback, long-lasting durability, and extensive customization options. However, one common downside—especially in shared or quiet environments—is the noise. The signature click-clack of mechanical switches can be distracting, particularly if you're on video calls, gaming late at night, or simply trying not to annoy your coworkers or housemates.
The good news? You don’t have to give up your beloved mechanical keyboard to enjoy a quieter typing experience. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or looking for an out-of-the-box silent option, this guide will walk you through the best ways to achieve a silent mechanical keyboard, covering everything from keyboard noise reduction mods to choosing the right components like O-rings, silent switches, and keyboard dampening materials.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Mechanical Keyboard Clack?
The sound you hear when typing on a mechanical keyboard comes from multiple factors—not just the switch itself. Unlike membrane keyboards, which have soft rubber domes, mechanical switches contain moving parts that generate noise in different ways.
Here are the primary sources of mechanical keyboard noise:
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Switch Type:
Clicky switches like Cherry MX Blue or Green are designed to produce an audible "click" at the actuation point. In contrast, linear switches like MX Red are much quieter due to their smooth travel. -
Bottoming Out:
When you press a key fully, the stem bottoms out against the switch housing, producing a sharp "thud"—often the loudest sound during typing. -
Topping Out:
When the key resets and snaps back up, the top-out sound can also contribute to the overall volume. -
Stabilizers:
Larger keys (like spacebar, enter, and shift) use stabilizers to prevent wobble. If these aren’t lubricated properly, they can rattle loudly.
Keycap Material:
Thin ABS keycaps usually produce more noise compared to thicker PBT keycaps, which help dampen and absorb sound. -
Keyboard Case & Mounting Style:
A hollow plastic case can amplify internal vibrations, whereas a solid, gasket-mounted case will naturally dampen some of the noise. -
Desk Surface:
The surface your keyboard is placed on plays a role too—hard desks reflect sound more, whereas softer or padded surfaces help absorb and minimize noise.
How to Silence a Mechanical Keyboard
Want to enjoy the feel of mechanical switches without the noisy distractions? Here are the most effective methods to transform your keyboard into a silent mechanical keyboard, using popular noise reduction techniques.Whether you're a beginner or a keyboard modder, these steps range from simple to advanced and can be mixed and matched for best results.
- Use Silent Switches
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How it works: Replace your current switches with ones that have built-in silicone dampeners to quiet both the press and release sounds.
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Time / Cost: 30 minutes / around $30
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Pros: Significantly lowers typing noise.
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Cons: Requires a hot-swap PCB or soldering skills.
If you're building or modifying a keyboard, the easiest way to reduce noise is to choose silent switches from the start. These switches have built-in dampeners that soften both the bottom-out and top-out sounds.
Popular Silent Switches Include:
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Cherry MX Silent Red / Silent Black
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Gateron Silent Red / Brown
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ZealPC Zilents
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Kailh Silent Box switches
2. Install O-Rings
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How it works: Place small rubber rings on the keycap stems to soften the impact when keys bottom out.
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Time / Cost: 10 minutes / $5
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Pros: Instantly reduces bottom-out noise.
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Cons: Slightly reduces key travel and makes typing feel softer.
O-rings are tiny rubber rings that fit on the stem of each keycap. They reduce the distance a key travels before hitting the bottom, which helps soften the bottom-out sound.
3. Lubricate the Stabilizers
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How it works: Apply dielectric grease to the stabilizer wires and housings to eliminate rattling from large keys.
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Time / Cost: 15 minutes / $2
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Pros: Makes spacebar and larger keys much quieter.
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Cons: Over-lubing can cause a mushy feel.
Stabilizers help balance larger keys, but they can rattle if not properly lubed. Applying stabilizer lube will eliminate that annoying metallic sound and make keystrokes feel smoother.
Recommended Lube Types:
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Krytox 205g0 (for smoothness)
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Dielectric grease (for wire lubing)
4. Add Keyboard Foam
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How it works: Insert foam or PORON sheets inside the case to dampen echoes and reduce the hollow sound of key presses.
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Time / Cost: 30 minutes / $10
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Pros: Affordable way to improve keyboard acoustics.
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Cons: Slightly alters the typing feel.
Keyboard foam reduces noise and vibrations within the case. You can install it in different layers depending on how deep you want the sound dampening to go.
Foam placement options:
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Between the PCB and bottom case
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Between the plate and PCB
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Switch foam pads (optional, go under each switch)
Foam materials: Poron, EVA, PE, neoprene
5. Try the Tape Mod
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How it works: Adding painter’s tape to the back of the PCB enhances the keyboard’s acoustics, producing a deeper and fuller sound.
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Time / Cost: 15 minutes / $1
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Pros: Highly effective and easy to reverse.
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Cons: Multiple openings may leave sticky residue.
The tape mod is a popular DIY trick where you apply painter's tape to the back of the PCB. It helps to mute harsh sounds and slightly changes the keyboard's acoustic profile.
6. Use a Gasket Mount Keyboard
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How it works: Install poron gaskets between the plate and the case so the plate floats slightly, softening each keystroke and reducing noise.
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Time / Cost: 1 hour / $15
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Pros: Provides a softer, cushioned typing sensation with a more subdued tone.
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Cons: Requires some DIY skills.
Keyboards with a gasket mount design use rubber or silicone strips placed between the plate and the case to absorb vibrations and reduce noise. This mounting style isolates vibrations and produces a softer, quieter typing sound compared to tray or top-mount keyboards.
Why it helps:
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Reduces harsh impact noise
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Adds flexibility and softness to keystrokes
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Minimizes case vibration
7. Filming Switches
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How it works: Place a thin pre-cut film or tape between the switch’s top and bottom housing to minimize wobble and dampen small vibrations.
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Time / Cost: 30–60 minutes / $5–$10
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Pros: Minimizes switch rattling and produces a more stable, quieter keypress.
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Cons: Requires disassembling switches; can be fiddly for beginners.
Most mechanical switches have slight gaps between the top and bottom housing that cause extra noise. Filming fills these gaps, stabilizing the switch components and reducing high-pitched clicks without affecting actuation.
8. Band-Aid Mod
How it works: Place a small piece of soft material, like a Band-Aid or fabric tape, under the stabilizer housing to soften bottom-out impacts.
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Time / Cost: 15–30 minutes / <$5
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Pros: Reduces harsh landing sounds on larger keys and improves typing comfort.
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Cons: Slightly modifies the original stabilizer setup; material may need replacing over time.
The Band-Aid mod acts as a tiny cushion for stabilizers, absorbing impact when a key bottoms out. This simple modification can make a noticeable difference in the overall sound profile of your keyboard.
9. Clipping Stabilizer Wires
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How it works: Trim or adjust the ends of stabilizer wires to prevent excess movement inside the housing.
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Time / Cost: 15–30 minutes / Free
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Pros: Eliminates key chatter and enhances stabilizer performance.
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Cons: Requires precision; incorrect clipping can damage the stabilizer.
Some stabilizers have wire ends that cause small rattles when pressing large keys. By carefully clipping or aligning the wires, these vibrations are minimized, complementing lubing and the Band-Aid mod for a quieter typing experience.
Looking to make your mechanical keyboard quieter on your own?
Check out our full customization guide for detailed tips, mods, and expert advice.
Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Loud?
Not all mechanical keyboardas are loud—but those using clicky switches, like Cherry MX Blue or Green, are designed to produce audible feedback. This is intentional for typists who want sound confirmation with each keystroke.
Other contributing factors include:
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Hollow keyboard cases that amplify sound
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Unlubed stabilizers that rattle
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Thin or poorly mounted keycaps
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Lack of dampening materials inside the case
DIY Mods vs. Pre-Silenced Keyboards
When it comes to achieving a quieter typing experience, you have two main paths: modifying your existing mechanical keyboard yourself or purchasing a pre-silenced keyboard straight from the factory.
DIY Mods
DIY noise reduction mods offer a customizable approach that can fit your specific needs and budget. Popular modifications include installing O-rings, lubricating stabilizers, applying keyboard foam, and performing the tape mod. These techniques allow you to tailor sound dampening precisely to your preferences.
Advantages:
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Cost-effective compared to buying a new keyboard
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Allows fine-tuning of sound and feel
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Satisfying for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing
Challenges:
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Requires time and some technical knowledge
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Risk of damaging components if done improperly
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Results can vary based on materials and skill
Pre-Silenced Keyboards
Pre-silenced or factory-silent keyboards come equipped with quiet switches and sound dampening features installed during manufacturing. They often use silent mechanical switches, built-in foam layers, and sometimes employ gasket mounts for sound reduction.
Advantages:
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Ready to use out of the box
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Consistent and reliable noise reduction
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No risk of self-inflicted damage
Limitations:
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Usually more expensive
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Less customizable post-purchase
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Limited selection compared to DIY mod options
Choosing between DIY mods and a pre-silenced keyboard depends on your budget, patience, and how much customization you want. For many, a mix of both—buying a good base keyboard and adding simple mods—is the ideal middle ground.
Redragon Silent Keyboard
If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that delivers excellent performance without the distracting noise, Redragon has several models designed with silence and comfort in mind. These keyboards combine premium features like silent switches, gasket mount structures, and 5-layer noise dampening, making them ideal for both productivity and gaming in quiet environments.
GALATIN PRO K719
If you want a keyboard that’s quiet out of the box and still feels premium, the Redragon K719 is a great fit for work, study, and late-night gaming.
Why it’s quiet
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Gasket-Mount Structure – The plate “floats” on gaskets to absorb impact and cut down case vibrations.
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5-Layer Noise Dampening – Internal acoustic foams tame hollowness and reduce both bottom-out and top-out noise.
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Custom Linear Switches – Smooth travel with no click jacket means inherently lower volume versus clicky/tactile click mechanisms.
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Solid 95-Key Layout – A compact full-feature layout reduces case resonance compared with many hollow, larger housings.
Quality of life & control
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Easy-Control 1.14’’ TFT Info Display (“Hype Screen”) – Quickly check and adjust settings without leaving your game or workflow.
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Dedicated Knob – One-hand volume/lighting tweaks keep noise under control (turn down system volume fast).
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Wireless convenience – Cable-free desk pads and desk mats help further damp reflections from hard surfaces.
Who it’s for
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Users in shared/quiet spaces who want mechanical feel without mechanical volume.
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Creators and gamers who value on-board controls and quick status visibility.
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Anyone who wants a great base that can still be tuned with lube, O-rings, or desk mats for ultra-quiet setups.
ANTONIUM K745 PRO — Full-Size + 4 Hotkeys
Want a near-silent full-size board with extra controls for work and play? The Redragon K745 PRO brings premium acoustics and productivity keys in one package.
Why it’s quiet
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Gasket-Mount Structure – Isolates the plate from the case to absorb impact and reduce vibration transfer.
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5-Layer Noise Dampening – Multi-stage internal foams tame hollowness and cut both bottom-out and top-out noise.
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Mint Mambo Linear Switches – Smooth, non-clicky travel avoids sharp click mechanisms and keeps overall volume low.
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Round PBT Keycaps – Thicker PBT caps add mass and subtly attenuate higher-pitched keystroke overtones.
Build & control
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108-Key Layout + 4 Dedicated Hotkeys – Full navigation and media/shortcut control without software diving.
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Hot-Swap (South-Facing LED Sockets) – Drop in silent-tuned linears or tactiles without soldering; south-facing LEDs improve cap compatibility and reduce LED ping.
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Wireless convenience – Cleaner desk setup pairs well with a soft desk mat, further dampening desk reflections.
Who it’s for
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Users who need a quiet, full-size board for spreadsheets, coding, or gaming after hours.
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Creators who appreciate dedicated hotkeys for media/macros yet want subdued acoustics.
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Anyone who wants a factory-quiet baseline with easy upgrade paths (switch swaps, lube, O-rings).
OTIIM K729 PRO – 80% TKL Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
The OTIIM K729 PRO is a versatile, noise-conscious keyboard that blends performance with a sleek, compact layout. Designed for silence without sacrificing features, it’s built with a focus on keyboard dampening and customization.
Key Features:
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Gasket Mount Structure – Dampens keystrokes and minimizes vibrations for quieter operation.
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Custom Silent Peach Switches – Pre-installed linear switches with a smooth, quiet actuation.
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5-Layer Noise Dampening – Internal foam layers reduce case echo and key impact noise.
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Hot-Swap Functionality – Easily swap switches without soldering.
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South-Facing RGB – Improves lighting consistency and switch compatibility.
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3-Mode Connectivity – Use it wired, via Bluetooth, or with 2.4GHz wireless.
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ONE-Knob Control – Convenient rotary knob for volume and function switching.
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Mix-Color PBT Keycaps – Durable, fade-resistant, and acoustically dampened keycaps.
UCAL K673 PRO (Side Printed PBT Keycaps) — Compact & Quiet
Need a quieter, space-saving board that still feels premium? The Redragon K673 GB brings gasket acoustics and on-board controls to a compact 75% layout.
Why it’s quiet
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Gasket-Mount Structure – Isolates the plate to absorb impact and cut case vibration.
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5-Layer Noise Dampening – Internal foams reduce hollowness and tame both bottom-out and top-out sounds.
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Custom Linear Switches – Smooth, non-clicky travel avoids sharp click mechanisms for lower overall volume.
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PBT Keycaps – Thicker caps add mass and soften higher-pitched keystroke overtones.
Build & control
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3-Mode Connectivity – Wired / Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz for flexible, clutter-free setups (soft desk mats further reduce noise reflections).
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Dedicated Knob Control – Instant volume/lighting tweaks help keep sound levels in check.
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Hot-Swap Sockets – Easily drop in your favorite silent linears without soldering.
Who it’s for
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Users who want a quiet daily driver for office, dorm, or shared spaces.
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Gamers/creators who prefer a compact footprint without sacrificing control.
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Anyone seeking a factory-quiet baseline with simple upgrade paths (lube, O-rings, silent switch swaps).
Conclusion
Mechanical keyboards bring unmatched typing comfort and performance, but their signature sound isn’t always welcome in every environment. Luckily, with the right combination of keyboard noise reduction methods—whether through DIY mods or purchasing a pre-silenced keyboard like those offered by Redragon—you can enjoy the best of both worlds: satisfying mechanical switches and a quieter experience.
From simple additions like O-rings and stabilizer lube to advanced modifications such as keyboard foam installation and gasket mounts, there are options for every skill level and budget. By understanding what causes mechanical keyboard noise and how to tackle it, you can tailor your setup to fit your unique needs and surroundings.
FAQ:
Q: How can I dampen the sound of a mechanical keyboard?
A: To reduce noise, you can add foam inside the keyboard case, use softer switches, install O-rings on keycaps, apply lubricant to switches, and choose thicker or sound-absorbing keycaps.
Q: Why are blue switches so loud?
A: Blue switches feature a tactile click mechanism that generates a sharp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke, making them louder than most other switch types.
Q: Can keycaps make a keyboard quieter?
A: Keycaps that are thicker or made from PBT material absorb sound more effectively and reduce noise compared to thinner ABS keycaps.
Q: Does foam make a keyboard quieter?
A: Yes, placing foam inside the keyboard case absorbs sound and vibrations, significantly lowering the noise level.
Q: Are blue or red switches quieter?
A: Red switches are quieter because they have a smooth, linear action and don’t produce the tactile click that makes blue switches louder.
Q: What does plate foam do?
A: Plate foam is placed between the plate and PCB to reduce vibrations and dampen sound, creating a quieter typing experience.
Q: Why do people like noisy keyboards?
A: Many people appreciate the audible feedback and satisfying click sounds that noisy keyboards offer, as these can improve typing accuracy and make the experience more enjoyable.
Q: Is it safe to put foam in your keyboard?
A: Yes, it is safe as long as you use non-conductive foam and place it properly, ensuring no damage to the keyboard.
Q: Do O-rings make your keyboard quieter?
A: Yes, O-rings cushion the impact when keycaps bottom out, reducing noise and making typing quieter.
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