Mechanical keyboards are awesome. They feel great to type on, they last a long time, and many people love the “click-clack” sound they make. But let’s face it—sometimes that sound can be way too loud, especially if you’re working late, sharing a room, or trying not to wake someone up. So, what can you do?
This article is your go-to guide on how to make your mechanical keyboard quieter so you can enjoy typing without all the noise. We’ll cover easy tips and tricks anyone can try, no matter your skill level.
Let’s get started!
🧐 Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Loud?
Before we fix it, let’s understand why these keyboards make so much noise:
- 🧱 Mechanical Switches: Each key has its own switch, and each switch makes sound.
- ⚙️ Switch Type: Some switches (like Cherry MX Blue) are made to be noisy for feedback.
- 🔁 Spring Sound: The little spring inside the switch can “ping” when pressed.
- 💥 Bottom-Out Noise: When you press a key all the way down, it hits the bottom hard.
- 🧩 Empty Space: The inside of the keyboard case can echo and make sounds louder.
Now, let’s look at some real-world ways to fix that.
🎧 How to Make a Mechanical Keyboard Quieter: Top Tips
These tips go from easiest to more advanced. Try what works best for you!
1. 🔄 Change to Quieter Switches
The kind of switch your keyboard uses makes the biggest difference in noise. If you have loud, clicky switches, changing them is a smart move.
Quieter Switch Picks:
- Cherry MX Red (quiet and smooth)
- Cherry MX Silent Red (extra quiet)
- Gateron Silent Red or Silent Brown (budget-friendly and quiet)
- Zealios V2 (tactile, but not clicky)
💡 Hot-Swap Boards: Some keyboards let you pull switches out easily—no soldering needed! If yours isn’t hot-swappable, you’ll need soldering tools or help from someone who’s done it before.
2. 🟢 Add O-Rings to Your Keycaps
O-rings are tiny rubber rings that go around the part of the keycap that presses into the switch. They cushion the key when you bottom out—so you don’t hear that loud “clack” anymore.
How to Add O-Rings:
- Pull off the keycaps using a keycap puller.
- Slide one O-ring onto the bottom stem of each keycap.
- Put the caps back on. Done!
Tips:
- Softer O-rings (like 40A) are quieter.
- Thicker O-rings reduce key travel more (your keys won’t go down as far).
- 🔧 Lubricate the Switches
Lubing switches makes them move smoother and sound much quieter. It’s one of the best ways to improve feel AND reduce sound—but it does take some time.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Switch opener
- Small brush or switch lube station
- Quiet switch lube (like Krytox 205g0 or Tribosys 3204)
Parts to Lube:
- Springs (stops spring “ping”)
- Stem rails (makes press smooth and soft)
- Stabilizers (especially for large keys: enter, spacebar, shift)
⚠️ Don’t try this with clicky switches unless you know what you’re doing—it may ruin their click.
- 🎨 Swap Your Keycaps
Did you know your keycaps can make a sound difference too?
Quieter Keycap Materials:
- PBT: Thicker and more solid—less sound.
- ABS: Tends to be thinner and louder.
- Double-shot PBT: Even better; perfect for quiet use and long-lasting legends.
💡 Big Bonus: New keycaps can also make your board look cooler!
- 🧼 Add Foam Inside the Keyboard
Adding foam can seriously reduce the echo and hollow sound inside your keyboard case.
Types of Foam to Use:
- Poron: Lightweight and great for sound absorption.
- EVA: Affordable and works well.
- Sorbothane: Amazing at stopping vibration (but more expensive).
Where to Put It:
- Under the PCB (bottom foam)
- Between the plate and PCB (plate foam)
- Under each switch (switch pads)
🎯 Keyword: keyboard noise reduction
- 🚫 Fix or Replace Stabilizers
The stabilizers are the parts that help large keys (like spacebar or shift) stay steady. If they’re not good, they rattle and make noise.
Ways to Make Them Quieter:
- Band-Aid Mod: Add tiny soft pads under where they hit.
- Clip Them: Cut off extra plastic legs to stop shaking.
- Lube Them: A small amount of lube helps reduce friction and noise.
Premium Stabilizer Choices:
- Durock V2
- GMK Screw-In
- Zeal Stabilizers
- 🧻 Use a Desk Mat or Keyboard Mat
This is the EASIEST fix with a big improvement in sound.
Benefits of a Desk Mat:
- Less keyboard vibration
- Less “thud” when typing
- Adds a clean look to your desk
📌 Try a thick cloth or rubber mat for extra dampening. It also protects your table AND your keyboard!
- 🖥️ Just Get a Silent Mechanical Keyboard
If all this sounds like too much work, you can buy a keyboard that’s ready to go quiet right out of the box.
Top Quiet Keyboard Picks:
- Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (low sound, premium feel)
- Keychron Q2 with silent switches (customizable and quiet)
- Ducky One 3 Silent (great sound-dampened board)
Look for keyboards that have:
- Silent switches
- Foam inside the case
- Gasket-mount design (soft and flexible typing feel)
🛠️ Bonus Tips for Super-Silencers
If you’re serious about having the quietest keyboard, try these next-level ideas:
- Use switch films to tighten the fit and reduce shake
- Go for a gasket-mount keyboard build
- Add silicone pads inside the case
- Use software to turn off noisy macros or sounds from typing feedback
🧘 Final Thoughts
Your mechanical keyboard doesn’t have to sound like a typewriter from the 1980s. With a few tools and tricks, you can enjoy that satisfying mechanical feel while keeping things peaceful for you and the people around you.
We hope this guide on how to make your mechanical keyboard quieter gave you everything you need, whether you’re just getting started or ready to dive into keyboard mods like a pro.
Try a simple fix—like O-rings or a desk mat—today, and see how much quieter your keyboard becomes. You might just love typing even more!
🎯 Take Action: Ready to Silence Your Keys? 🔇
Pick one of the tips above and give it a shot. You’ll be amazed at how small changes can make a big difference in sound—and fun!
Have a favorite tip? Tried a new mod that worked really well? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading—and happy (quiet) typing! ⌨️😌