The Ultimate Guide to Silent Custom Keyboards: 10 Steps to Build Your Quiet Typing Sanctuary [2024] šŸ¤«

Video: The Worlds QUIETEST Keyboard. .







Tired of the incessant clicking of your keyboard echoing through your home office? Youā€™re not alone. Weā€™ve all been there, yearning for the satisfying tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard without the distracting noise. Thatā€™s where silent custom keyboards come in. Theyā€™re the perfect solution for those who want the best of both worlds: a quiet typing experience that doesnā€™t sacrifice the feel of a mechanical keyboard.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about silent custom keyboards, from choosing the right switches to building your own keyboard from scratch. Weā€™ll also explore the pros and cons of silent custom keyboards and help you find the perfect keyboard for your needs.

Remember, building a silent custom keyboard is a journey of discovery. Itā€™s about finding the perfect balance of quietness, tactile feedback, and customizability. So, letā€™s dive in and discover the secrets to building your own quiet typing sanctuary.

Key Takeaways

  • Silent custom keyboards offer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards. Theyā€™re perfect for gamers, writers, coders, and anyone who spends a lot of time typing.
  • You can choose from a wide variety of silent switches, keycaps, and even keyboard layouts to create a keyboard thatā€™s perfectly tailored to your needs.
  • Building your own silent custom keyboard is a rewarding experience, but it can be a bit daunting for beginners. There are many resources available online to help you learn more about the process.
  • There are other ways to quiet your keyboard beyond using silent switches. You can use a desk mat, add foam to the inside of your keyboard case, lubricate the stabilizers, and use PBT keycaps.

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Table of Contents


Quick Tips and Facts

Silent custom keyboards are the ultimate solution for those who crave the tactile feedback of mechanical switches but want to avoid the loud clicking sounds that can be distracting in shared spaces or late-night typing sessions.

Think of it like this: Imagine the satisfying ā€œthunkā€ of a well-oiled machine, but without the jarring noise.

Here are some quick facts about silent custom keyboards:

  • Theyā€™re not just for gamers: While gamers often appreciate the quietness for competitive play, silent custom keyboards are also perfect for writers, coders, and anyone who spends a lot of time typing.
  • Theyā€™re incredibly customizable: You can choose from a wide variety of switches, keycaps, and even keyboard layouts to create a keyboard thatā€™s perfectly tailored to your needs.
  • They can be surprisingly affordable: While some high-end custom keyboards can be expensive, there are many affordable options available.
  • Theyā€™re surprisingly durable: With proper care, a silent custom keyboard can last for years.

But before you dive into the world of silent custom keyboards, letā€™s explore some key considerations:

  • Switch type: Linear, tactile, or clicky? Youā€™ll want to choose a switch type that provides the right amount of feedback and resistance for your typing style. Read more about linear vs tactile switches here.
  • Noise level: How quiet do you need your keyboard to be? Some silent switches are quieter than others.
  • Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Custom keyboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Letā€™s dive into the fascinating world of silent custom keyboards and uncover the secrets to building your own quiet typing sanctuary.

The Rise of Silent Switches: A History of Quiet Keyboards

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The quest for a quieter keyboard experience has been a long one. Weā€™ve come a long way from the days of clunky, noisy typewriters.

Hereā€™s a brief timeline of the evolution of silent keyboards:

  • Early mechanical keyboards: These keyboards were notorious for their loud clicking sounds. Think of the classic IBM Model M keyboard, a favorite among retro enthusiasts.
  • The rise of membrane keyboards: In the 1980s, membrane keyboards became popular due to their quieter operation. However, they lacked the tactile feedback and responsiveness of mechanical keyboards.
  • The return of mechanical keyboards: In the 2000s, mechanical keyboards made a comeback, thanks to their superior typing experience. But the noise remained a concern for many.
  • The introduction of silent switches: In 2014, Cherry MX introduced the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, a quieter version of their popular MX Red switch. This marked a turning point in the quest for quiet mechanical keyboards.

Today, there are a wide variety of silent switches available from different manufacturers, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Silent Custom Keyboard Switches: A Deep Dive

Video: I Built THE QUIETEST Keyboard to NOT GET FIRED!







Silent custom keyboard switches are the heart and soul of a quiet typing experience. They offer the same satisfying tactile feedback as traditional mechanical switches, but with a significantly reduced noise level.

Hereā€™s how silent switches work:

  • Dampeners: Silent switches typically incorporate a dampener, a small piece of rubber or silicone that absorbs the impact of the keystroke, reducing the noise.
  • Lubrication: Many silent switches are also pre-lubricated, which further reduces friction and noise.

Hereā€™s a closer look at some of the most popular silent switch types:

Cherry MX Silent Red

  • Type: Linear
  • Feel: Smooth, light, and quiet
  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Pros: Excellent for gaming, typing, and coding. Offers a smooth, consistent feel.
  • Cons: Lacks tactile feedback, which some users may find less satisfying.

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Gateron Silent Black

  • Type: Linear
  • Feel: Smooth, heavier than Silent Red, quiet
  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Pros: Offers a more substantial feel than Silent Red, making it a good choice for those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
  • Cons: May be too heavy for some users.

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Kailh BOX Silent

  • Type: Linear, tactile, or clicky
  • Feel: Smooth, quiet, and offers a variety of tactile and clicky options.
  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Pros: Offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences. Known for their durability.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than other silent switch options.

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Matias Quiet Click

  • Type: Clicky
  • Feel: Clicky, quiet, and offers a satisfying tactile bump.
  • Noise level: Quieter than traditional clicky switches.
  • Pros: Offers a unique clicky experience that is both satisfying and quiet. Known for their durability.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than other silent switch options.

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Remember, the best silent switch for you will depend on your individual preferences. We recommend trying out a few different switches before making a decision.

Top Silent Switch Options for Your Custom Keyboard

Video: I built the Quietest Keyboard (so I can finally sleep).






Choosing the right silent switch for your custom keyboard is like finding the perfect pair of shoes: Itā€™s all about finding the right fit.

Hereā€™s a quick comparison table of some of the top silent switch options:

Switch Type Tactile Feedback Noise Level Feel Price
Cherry MX Silent Red āŒ Very quiet Smooth, light šŸ’°šŸ’°
Gateron Silent Black āŒ Very quiet Smooth, heavier šŸ’°
Kailh BOX Silent āœ…/āŒ Very quiet Smooth, variety of options šŸ’°šŸ’°
Matias Quiet Click āœ… Quieter than traditional clicky Clicky, tactile bump šŸ’°šŸ’°šŸ’°

Hereā€™s a breakdown of some of our top picks:

Cherry MX Silent Red

The classic choice for a quiet linear switch. The Silent Red offers a smooth, consistent feel thatā€™s perfect for gaming and typing. Itā€™s also very quiet, making it a good choice for those who want to minimize noise.

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Gateron Silent Black

A great alternative to the Silent Red for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. The Silent Black offers a similar smooth feel, but with a slightly heavier actuation force. Itā€™s also very quiet.

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Kailh BOX Silent

A versatile option that offers a wide range of tactile and clicky options. The BOX Silent is known for its durability and smooth feel. Itā€™s also very quiet.

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Matias Quiet Click

A unique option for those who want a quiet clicky switch. The Matias Quiet Click offers a satisfying clicky feel thatā€™s significantly quieter than traditional clicky switches. Itā€™s also known for its durability.

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We recommend trying out a few different silent switches before making a decision. You can find a variety of switch testers online or at local computer stores.

Building Your Silent Custom Keyboard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Video: How to Build your FIRST Custom Keyboard (In 2024).







Building your own silent custom keyboard is a rewarding experience. It allows you to create a keyboard thatā€™s perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences.

Hereā€™s a step-by-step guide to building your own silent custom keyboard:

  1. Choose your keyboard components:
    • Keyboard case: This is the shell of your keyboard. You can choose from a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum, and brass.
    • PCB: This is the circuit board that houses the switches and other components. You can choose from a variety of PCBs, including hot-swappable PCBs that allow you to easily change switches without soldering.
    • Switches: This is where youā€™ll choose your silent switches. Weā€™ve already discussed some of the top options.
    • Keycaps: These are the caps that go on top of the switches. You can choose from a variety of materials, including ABS, PBT, and even metal.
    • Stabilizers: These are small pieces of plastic that help to stabilize the larger keys, such as the space bar and enter key.
    • Cable: Youā€™ll need a cable to connect your keyboard to your computer. You can choose from a variety of cables, including braided cables and USB-C cables.
  2. Assemble your keyboard:
    • Install the switches: This is the most time-consuming part of the process. Youā€™ll need to carefully insert each switch into the PCB.
    • Install the stabilizers: Youā€™ll need to clip the stabilizers onto the PCB and then attach the keycaps.
    • Install the keycaps: Carefully press each keycap onto the switch.
    • Attach the cable: Connect the cable to the PCB.
  3. Test your keyboard:
    • Plug in your keyboard: Connect the cable to your computer and test out your new keyboard.
    • Adjust the keycaps: You may need to adjust the keycaps to ensure that they are properly aligned.
    • Lubricate the switches: If you want to make your keyboard even quieter, you can lubricate the switches. This will help to reduce friction and noise.

Building a custom keyboard can be a bit daunting at first, but itā€™s a rewarding experience. There are many resources available online to help you learn more about the process. We recommend checking out the MechanicalKeyboards.com forum for tips and advice.

Beyond the Switches: Other Ways to Quiet Your Keyboard

Video: How to Make Your Keyboard Quieter!







Silent switches are a great starting point for a quieter keyboard, but there are other ways to reduce noise.

Here are some additional tips:

  • Use a desk mat: A desk mat can help to absorb vibrations and reduce noise.
  • Add foam: You can add foam to the inside of your keyboard case to further reduce noise.
  • Lubricate the stabilizers: Lubricating the stabilizers can help to reduce rattling noise.
  • Use PBT keycaps: PBT keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps and tend to be quieter.
  • Clean your keyboard regularly: Dust and dirt can build up on your keyboard and make it louder.

Remember, the goal is to create a keyboard thatā€™s quiet enough for your needs without sacrificing the tactile feedback that you love.

Silent Custom Keyboards: The Pros and Cons

Video: The Quietest Keyboard.. (You Can Actually Buy).







Silent custom keyboards offer a unique combination of features and benefits. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Hereā€™s a breakdown of the pros and cons of silent custom keyboards:

Pros

  • Quieter typing experience: This is the main advantage of silent custom keyboards. They offer a significantly quieter typing experience than traditional mechanical keyboards.
  • Customizability: You can choose from a wide variety of components to create a keyboard thatā€™s perfectly tailored to your needs.
  • Durability: With proper care, a silent custom keyboard can last for years.
  • Tactile feedback: Silent custom keyboards still offer the satisfying tactile feedback that you love about mechanical keyboards.

Cons

  • Cost: Silent custom keyboards can be more expensive than traditional mechanical keyboards.
  • Complexity: Building your own custom keyboard can be a bit daunting, especially for beginners.
  • Availability: Not all components are readily available, and you may need to wait for certain parts to be shipped.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to build a silent custom keyboard is a personal one. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget before making a decision.

Silent Custom Keyboards vs. Regular Keyboards: Which is Right for You?

Video: Beginner's Guide To Mechanical Keyboards.







Choosing between a silent custom keyboard and a regular keyboard depends on your priorities.

Hereā€™s a quick comparison:

Feature Silent Custom Keyboard Regular Keyboard
Noise level Very quiet Louder
Customizability Highly customizable Limited customization
Cost More expensive Less expensive
Durability More durable Less durable
Tactile feedback Yes Yes

If youā€™re looking for a quiet keyboard thatā€™s highly customizable and durable, then a silent custom keyboard is a great option. However, if youā€™re on a budget or donā€™t want to deal with the complexity of building your own keyboard, then a regular keyboard may be a better choice.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

  • Your typing style: If you prefer a smooth, linear typing experience, then a silent custom keyboard with linear switches is a good option. If you prefer a tactile typing experience, then a silent custom keyboard with tactile switches is a good option.
  • Your environment: If youā€™re in a shared space or work from home, then a silent custom keyboard is a good option to minimize noise.
  • Your budget: Silent custom keyboards can be more expensive than regular keyboards. Consider your budget before making a decision.

Ultimately, the best keyboard for you is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences.

Finding the Perfect Silent Keyboard for Your Needs

Video: Best Quiet Keyboard In 2024 ā€“ Top 10 Quiet Keyboards Review.







Finding the perfect silent keyboard for your needs can be a bit of a journey. There are so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect silent keyboard:

  • Define your needs: What are your priorities? Do you need a quiet keyboard for gaming, typing, or coding? Whatā€™s your budget?
  • Research different keyboard brands and models: There are many great brands that offer silent custom keyboards, including Keychron, Ducky, Leopold, and Varmilo.
  • Read reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the pros and cons of different keyboards.
  • Try out different keyboards: If possible, try out different keyboards in person to get a feel for them. You can find keyboard testers at local computer stores or online.
  • Consider building your own keyboard: If youā€™re feeling adventurous, you can build your own silent custom keyboard. This allows you to choose all of the components yourself and create a keyboard thatā€™s perfectly tailored to your needs.

Remember, finding the perfect silent keyboard is a process. Donā€™t be afraid to experiment and try out different options until you find the one thatā€™s right for you.

Conclusion

pink balloon tied on white wooden chair

Building a silent custom keyboard is a journey of discovery. Itā€™s about finding the perfect balance of quietness, tactile feedback, and customizability. Whether youā€™re a gamer, writer, or simply someone who appreciates a quiet typing experience, a silent custom keyboard can be a game-changer.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find the components that work best for you. Donā€™t be afraid to try out different switches, keycaps, and even keyboard layouts until you find the perfect combination.

We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the world of silent custom keyboards. Now, go forth and build your own quiet typing sanctuary!

šŸ‘‰ Shop Silent Switch Brands:

šŸ‘‰ Shop Silent Custom Keyboard Brands:

Recommended Books:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Mechanical Keyboards: Amazon
  • The Mechanical Keyboard Handbook: Amazon

FAQ

MacBook Pro on table beside white iMac and Magic Mouse

How can I make my custom keyboard quieter?

There are several ways to make your custom keyboard quieter, even if youā€™re not using silent switches:

  • Use a desk mat: A desk mat can help to absorb vibrations and reduce noise.
  • Add foam: You can add foam to the inside of your keyboard case to further reduce noise.
  • Lubricate the stabilizers: Lubricating the stabilizers can help to reduce rattling noise.
  • Use PBT keycaps: PBT keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps and tend to be quieter.
  • Clean your keyboard regularly: Dust and dirt can build up on your keyboard and make it louder.

What are the best foam options for a custom keyboard?

There are many foam options available, each with its own pros and cons:

  • Sorbothane: This is the best choice for reducing noise and vibrations, but itā€™s also the most expensive.
  • Neoprene: This is a good alternative to Sorbothane thatā€™s less expensive.
  • Shelf-liner: This is a budget-friendly option, but it requires more work to install.
  • Packing foam: This is a simple solution that can lower noise and vibrations.

Read more about ā€œIs Linear or Tactile Quieter? Discover the Ultimate Switch Showdown! ā€¦ šŸ”ā€

Is there a keyboard that doesnā€™t make noise?

While thereā€™s no keyboard thatā€™s completely silent, silent custom keyboards with the right components can be incredibly quiet. The key is to choose the right switches, keycaps, and other components that minimize noise.

Read more about ā€œCan You Really Have a Silent Mechanical Keyboard? Discover the Top 10 Options for 2024! šŸ¤«ā€

What is the most silent keyboard?

Itā€™s difficult to say definitively which keyboard is the most silent, as noise levels can vary depending on the components used and the individual userā€™s typing style. However, some of the quietest keyboards on the market include:

  • Keychron K8: This keyboard features Gateron Silent Black switches and a double-shot PBT keycap set, making it incredibly quiet.
  • Ducky One 3 SF: This keyboard features Cherry MX Silent Red switches and a PBT keycap set, making it a popular choice for those who want a quiet keyboard.
  • Leopold FC980C: This keyboard features Cherry MX Silent Red switches and a PBT keycap set, making it a premium choice for those who want a quiet keyboard.

Read more about ā€œWhich Cherry Keys are Quietest? ā€¦ šŸ¤«ā€

Is it possible to have a quiet mechanical keyboard?

Absolutely! Silent custom keyboards are a testament to the fact that you can have a quiet mechanical keyboard. By choosing the right components and taking steps to reduce noise, you can create a keyboard thatā€™s both satisfying to type on and quiet enough for any environment.

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