Mechanical keyboards have surged in popularity in recent years, prized for their durability, customization options, and responsive key feel. But the familiar, loud “click-clack” sound of typing on mechanical key switches isn’t ideal for all users and environments. This has driven demand for “silent” mechanical switches designed to retain the benefits of mechanical keyboards while reducing noise levels significantly.
But how are some mechanical keyboard switches silent? What design factors reduce mechanical keyboard switch noise? And are silent switches good for gaming?
What Makes a Mechanical Keyboard Switch Silent?
Every mechanical keyboard user has been there. You’re tip-tapping away on the keyboard, then suddenly realize your thunderous key presses and noisy mechanical switches are causing a disturbance throughout the office. Or the library. Or waking up your sleeping kids, and so on. That’s where silent mechanical keyboard switches step in.
Silent switches don’t actually do as they say on the tin; they’re meant to significantly reduce sound, but you’ll never have a truly silent switch due to the mechanical workings and the very fact you’re hitting something down with force. It’ll always create a sound. You’ll still have tochoose between thocky and clacky switch sounds.
Several core design elements contribute to a hushed typing sound on mechanical keyboards:
By combining several of these noise-reducing design elements, the most advanced silent switches on the market today achieve impressive reductions in noise levels compared to standard, non-silent mechanical switches.
However, if you can’t or don’t want to buy silent switches, there are severalother ways you can silence your mechanical keyboard.
How Quiet Is “Silent”?
No single decibel (dB) rating universally defines a switch as “silent.” The noise levels vary depending on the specific switch design, materials used, keyboard case, keycaps, and other factors. However, we can look at approximate noise levels produced during typing for some popular quiet switch options:
For comparison, many standard mechanical switches without noise dampening can range from 55-70dB when typing normally. So, in general, aim for switches rated at 50dB or less for an effectively hushed typing experience. The case, keycaps, and stabilizers also impact noise, so consider the full keyboard system.
Consider the following switch audio comparison using a Cherry MX Red and a Cherry MX Red Silent. The first sound is the standard Red switch, and the second is the Red Silent.
The Cherry MX Red Silent is definitely quieter than the original, reducing the sound by several decibels.
Lubrication Significantly Reduces Mechanical Keyboard Switch Noise
Lubricating your mechanical keyboard switches' plastic stems, spring coils, and contact points inside a mechanical switch housing with a specialty lubricant can lower noise levels substantially—typically by 5-10 dB. The lubricant minimizes friction, spring ping, and other sources of unpleasant noise. For linear switches, proper lubrication may be the single most impactful noise reduction modification.
The benefit is less pronounced on intentionally tactile and clicky switch variants, as lubrication could dampen the tactile feedback those users desire. However,properly lubed stabilizers(for larger keys like spacebar and enter) can reduce rattle and harmonic noises by a solid 5-7 dB, even on tactile switches.
Are Silent Switches Good for Gaming and Typing?
Silent mechanical key switches offer a versatile option suitable for both gaming and typing applications, though they cater especially well to typing:
Testing different switch samples hands-on or listening to sound tests online can determine whether a silent mechanical switch suits your needs and preferences. Overall, silent switches strike an excellent balance for mixed gaming and typing uses due to their versatility.
What Are the Best Silent Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
The best silent switches will really come down to personal feel and sound. Given there are so many variables, calling a single silent mechanical keyboard switch “the best” is, in my experience, impossible. Everyone likes different factors, and everyone wants a different sound.
That said, here is a table detailing some of the best silent mechanical keyboard switches to get the ball rolling in your quest to quieten down your keyboard.
Actuation Force
Cherry MX Silent Red
Smooth, quiet, linear switch
Gateron Silent Red
Smooth, quiet linear switch, similar to Cherry silent red
Aliaz Silent Switch
Noticeable but muted tactile bump, dampened upstroke
Large rounded tactile bump, very quiet
Smooth linear, exceptionally quiet with silicone dampeners
Boba U4 Silent Tactile
Large rounded tactile bump, silent stems greatly reduce noise
Durock Silent Shrimp
Light linear switch, silencing pads reduce noise
Silent Switches Won’t Annoy Your Neighbors
Silent mechanical switches utilize integrated noise dampeners, specialized materials, lubrication techniques, and careful design to substantially lower noise levels compared to standard mechanical switches by over 50% in some cases. While not completely noiseless, the most advanced silent switch designs provide a whisper-quiet typing experience for gaming, working, or any application where noise could be disruptive.
If you appreciate the durability, customization, and feel of mechanical keyboards but want minimal noise, silent switches deliver the best of both worlds.
