Quietest Keyboard Switches for a Peaceful Typing Experience [2023]

Are you tired of hearing the constant typing noise coming from your keyboard? Do you want to enjoy a peaceful typing experience without disturbing your colleagues or family members? Look no further, as we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the quietest keyboard switches in the market.

A Beginner's Guide to Keyboard Switches

Before diving into which switches are the quietest, let's understand the difference between switches and which brands are the best in the market.

What Are Keyboard Switches?

Keyboard switches are the mechanism that translates your keystrokes into digital signals that the computer can understand. When you press a key, a switch under the keycap is activated, sending an electrical signal to your computer.

Types of Keyboard Switches

There are three main types of keyboard switches- linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without any feedback or clicking sound. Tactile switches have a bump when you press them, providing a tactile sensation when pressed. Clicky switches have a tactile bump and produce an audible click sound.

Best Switch Brands

When it comes to keyboard switch brands, Cherry MX dominates the market. They offer a wide variety of switch types and are commonly used in gaming keyboards. However, other brands such as Gateron, Kailh, and Durock are gaining popularity among keyboard enthusiasts.

Quietest Keyboard Switches in the Market

Now that you have a basic understanding of keyboard switches, let's dive into the quietest switches in the market.

1. Durock Silent Linears

Durock Silent Linears are hands down the quietest switches in the market. They are a linear switch and are rated at only 50 decibels (dB) compared to the standard 60 dB for most mechanical switches. They have a smooth keystroke and a pre-lubed stem that reduces friction and noise. These switches also come in various spring weights to match your typing preference.

2. Gateron Silent Inks

Gateron Silent Inks are silent tactile switches that offer a satisfying typing experience with little noise. These switches have a 60g bottom out force and a 45g actuation force, making them perfect for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. Gateron has recently gained popularity among keyboard enthusiasts due to their smooth keystrokes, and the Silent Inks offer a quieter typing experience than most Gateron switches in the market.

3. Kailh Box Silent Pink

Kailh Box Silent Pinks are a tactile switch that features a rubber damper that reduces the sound of the switch. They are rated at only 58 dB, making them quieter than most tactile switches on the market. These switches have a 45g actuation force and a 60g bottom-out force.

4. NovelKeys Cream

NovelKeys Cream switches are a linear switch that has become increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts due to their smooth keystrokes. They have a unique sound signature, producing a subtle hum that is not too distracting. These switches are also pre-lubed to reduce friction and noise.

5. Cherry MX Silent Red/Black

Cherry MX Silent Red and Black switches are known for their quiet operation and are a staple in the gaming world. They have a tactile bump, a light actuation force of 45g, and a noise reduction rating of up to 30% compared to standard Cherry MX switches.

6. Aliaz Silent Linears

Aliaz Silent Linears are a high-quality linear switch known for their silent operation. They have a 60g spring weight and a 50g actuation force, making them ideal for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. These switches are also pre-lubed and feature a polycarbonate top housing, which helps reduce noise.

7. Zilents V2

Zilents V2 are a popular tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience. They have a 65g spring weight and a 45g actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. These switches have a unique rubber dampening material that helps reduce noise.

Quietest Switch Type and Brand

In terms of the quietest switch type and brand, Durock Silent Linears are currently the best option on the market for a silent keyboard. They offer a quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke, making them perfect for any environment.

Favorite Quiet Mechanical Keyboards

Choosing the right keyboard for your needs can make or break your typing experience. Here are some of our favorite mechanical keyboards that incorporate silent switches.

1. Keychron K6

The Keychron K6 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard that features a hot-swappable PCB that allows you to change your switches on the fly. It comes equipped with Gateron Low Profile Red switches that have a smooth keystroke and are relatively quiet.

2. Anne Pro 2

The Anne Pro 2 is a 60% wireless mechanical keyboard that features a variety of switch choices, including Gateron Brown, Red, and Blue switches. The Gateron Brown switches are tactile and offer a quiet typing experience.

3. Logitech G915 TKL

The Logitech G915 TKL is a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that features GL Tactile switches. These switches have a tactile bump and a quiet operation that makes gaming sessions more enjoyable.

Why Does Sound Matter?

Sound may seem like a minor issue when it comes to keyboards, but it can have a significant impact on your productivity and well-being. Here are some reasons why sound matters:

• Sound can be distracting to those around you, particularly in open offices or shared living spaces.
• Sound can cause stress and anxiety, leading to a decrease in productivity.
• Sound can also affect your mood and overall well-being.

Not All Sounds Are Created Equal

When it comes to keyboard sounds, not all sounds are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the different keyboard sounds:

• Clicky switches produce a loud clicking sound that can be audible from a distance.
• Tactile switches produce a bump sound that can be satisfying to type on but still produces noise.
• Linear switches produce a smooth and consistent sound that is less noticeable.

Your Keyboard Case and Stabilizers Matter

When building a silent keyboard, the switches are only one part of the equation. The keyboard case and stabilizers can also have a significant impact on noise reduction.

Keyboard Case

A keyboard case that is made of plastic or aluminum can amplify the sound of the switch. Choosing a keyboard case that is made of a noise-dampening material such as foam can help reduce noise significantly.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are the mechanical components of the larger keys on your keyboard, such as the spacebar, shift, and enter keys. Most pre-built keyboards come with rattly stabilizers that can produce a significant amount of noise. Upgrading your stabilizers to ones that are pre-lubed and have a dampening material can help reduce noise significantly.

How to Make Your Keyboard Even Quieter

If you want to make your keyboard even quieter, there are a few things you can do:

• Lubricate your switches: This will help reduce friction and noise.
• Install O-rings: O-rings act as a cushion for the switch, reducing the sound of the keycap hitting the keyboard base.
• Add foam padding: Adding foam padding inside your keyboard case can help absorb sound.
• Upgrade your stabilizers: Upgrading your stabilizers to ones that are pre-lubed and have a dampening material can help reduce noise significantly.

FAQ

What is the most quietest switch?

Durock Silent Linears are currently the quietest switch in the market, producing only 50 dB of noise.

What Colour key switches are the quietest?

When it comes to the quietest key switches, the color doesn't matter as much as the type of switch. Linear switches are significantly quieter than tactile or clicky switches.

What switches are tactile but silent?

Kailh Box Silent Pink switches are tactile but silent switches that offer a quiet typing experience.

What Are the Most Silent Mechanical Switches On the Market?

The Durock Silent Linears are currently the most silent mechanical switch on the market.

Are Quiet Mechanical Keyboard Switches Worth It?

If you work in a shared office or open workspace, or if you live with other people and don't want to disturb them with your typing noise, then quiet mechanical keyboard switches are definitely worth it.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Durock Silent Linears are the quietest switches on the market, producing only 50 dB of noise.
• Linear switches are significantly quieter than tactile or clicky switches.
• Lubricating your switches and upgrading your stabilizers can help reduce keyboard noise.
• A keyboard case made of foam can help absorb keyboard noise.
• Choosing a keyboard with silent switches can help reduce sound-related stress and improve your overall well-being.

In conclusion, quiet mechanical keyboard switches are essential if you want a peaceful and productive typing experience. The Durock Silent Linears are currently the quietest switches in the market, but other options such as the Gateron Silent Inks and Kailh Box Silent Pinks also offer a great typing experience with minimal noise. When building a silent keyboard, don't forget about the keyboard case and stabilizers, which can also impact keyboard noise significantly. So, choose wisely and enjoy the peaceful typing experience you've always dreamed of!