There are reasons why you might want a mechanical keyboard, the tactile feel and reassuring, audible click. But they can be damn loud! That’s why we searched for the best quiet mechanical keyboard…
Gamers, programmers, and writers tend to gravitate towards the satisfying ‘clickety-clack’ of mechanical keyboards, rather than a laptop. The downside is that they can annoy people in shared spaces, late-night work sessions, or even video calls.
You have two obvious choices – switch to a membrane keyboard, or get a quiet mechanical keyboard.
In this article, we’ll offer quiet typing tips, present 4 of the quietest mechanical keyboards, and discuss what to look for when buying.
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Tips for quieter typing
If you want to persist with your current keyboard, try these practical strategies to reduce noise:
⌨️ Switch to silent or linear switches
We’ll show you some examples of these in the next section.
The type of switch (the mechanism below the keypad that registers key presses) matters.
Silent linear switches are smooth and don’t have the loud click or bump. You can also buy pre-lubed switches – the lubrication reduces internal friction and clatter. More on that, later.
⌨️ Use O-rings or dampening rings
You’ll need a key puller if you want to do this yourself…
You can add O-rings under the keycaps. These small rubber rings cushion the keystroke, softening the impact and dampening the sound.
They are fairly easy to install—just remove the keycap and slide the ring onto the stem. If this sounds too fiddly, skip to the next section for a quieter keyboard.
They won’t make the switches completely silent, but they will reduce a fair amount of noise (some say 30%)..
⌨️ Change your typing habits
If you’re a heavy-handed typist, try adjusting your technique:
Type with a lighter touch: Practice letting your fingers glide rather than hammering each key.
Don’t bottom out: Learn to release the key as soon as the actuation point is reached.
Use wrist support: (such as a support pad). It helps maintain hand positioning and reduce force.
⌨️ Lubricate your switches and stabilizers
Again, this might be fiddly but it works.
Lubricating mechanical keyboard switches and stabilizers can reduce the scratchy sound and rattle, especially on larger keys like the spacebar or enter key. Use switch-specific lubricant (like Krytox 205g0) and a switch opener.
This might be a time-consuming process, but it can make a noticeable difference in both feel and sound (although not making your keyboard silent).
Quiet mechanical keyboard: 4 of the best
We’ll help you look for the best quiet mechanical keyboard.
Here are some best buys for noise-sensitive environments, all available on Amazon. We’ll talk about why they are quiet, as well as other features you might be interested in…
#1 – Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (Silent Edition)
With a low profile, and silent, floating keys, the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is designed to be quieter and more discreet; it is also fast-charging and comes in two sizes.
Logitech is a keyboard brand trusted the world over, and they have come up trumps with the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (Silent Edition).
This keyboard has silent, floating mechanical keys that simply make less noise. They are low profile and comfortable.
You’ll also get smart lighting from this Bluetooth keyboard, illuminating when you touch the keyboard and automatically adapting to your current surrounding lighting.
The keyboard fast chargers via USB-C and offers the chance to customise the Fn keys.
There are two options – a mini, more portable version, and the full version with a number pad.
Pros
- Silent floating keys
- Bluetooth
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Keys not hot-swappable (but you probably won’t need to swap them)
Best for: Remote workers and digital nomads
#2 Keychron Q1
The Gateron G Pro keys on the Keychron Q1 make for some of the quietest mechanical typing around, and that’s why this model is a hit with reviewers seeking a quiet keyboard.
The Keychron Q1 is equipped with Gateron G Pro keys, and that’s good news if you want quiet typing.
These keys have won a unanimous thumbs-up among computer users online. Reviews pick them out as some of the quietest out there, even quieter than the Cherry MX Silent Reds.
This is a keyboard which is smooth and comfortable. The Gateron G Pro keys are pre-lubed and have PBT keycaps, two features that bring the noise level down even further.
What else? You will get a 75% layout, making the Keychron Q1 easily portable. It’s also fully customisable, meaning you can get the most out of that 75%.
It’s responsive enough to be an option for gamers. In fact, it has been put in the category of the fastest gaming keyboards on the market. South-facing backlighting illuminates the keyboard from the gamer’s or typist’s angle. The build quality is exceptional with an all-metal body.
Pros
- Quiet Gateron G Pro switches
- PBT keycaps
- Fast and responsive
Cons
- Wired, not Bluetooth
Best for: Gamers
#3 – Ducky One 3
With its sound dampeners and a structure designed for noise reduction, the Ducky One 3 is an all-round quiet mechanical keyboard with a speedy response time, making it an option for gamers.
The Ducky One 3 has EVA foam sound dampeners and is made with dual-layer high-grade silicone.
It has Cherry MX Silver keys, which although not quite as quiet as Cherry MX Silent Reds, are extremely responsive and smooth. If you want to change them for Cherry MX Silent Reds you can, easily, because the Ducky One 3 has Kalih yellow hotswap sockets.
Thick PBT double-shot seamless keycaps are another volume reducer, and this low profile keyboard also offers an excellent response time.
Lastly, we loved the futuristic, silver look! Very cool.
Pros
- EVA foam sound dampeners
- Cherry MX Silver keys
- Cool, futuristic look
Cons
- One color option (via this seller)
Best for: Combination of quietness and fast response
#4 – Leopold FC750RBT
With Cherry Red MX switches and a sound absorbing pad, the Leopold FC750RBT makes an excellent value quiet mechanical keyboard option.
The fact that the Leopold FC750RBT has Cherry Red MX switches makes them an excellent choice for the price!
There is a sound absorbing pad for extra noise reduction. It’s Bluetooth, but can also be connected with a USB-C cable.
A study frame houses 1.5mm thick PBT Double Shot keycaps which are responsive, as well as being quiet. You can also customize some key functions with dip switches.
Pros
- Cherry MX Red keys
- Sound absorbing pad
- Excellent value
Cons
- Switches aren’t hot swappable
Best for: Quiet budget option
What to look for
When choosing a quiet mechanical keyboard, there are some key features. Here are the most important factors to consider:
🔎 Switch type
This is the most critical element. Look for:
- Silent linear switches: Smooth and quiet (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Red)
- Silent tactile switches: Gentle bump without the click (e.g., Zealios V2 Silent)
🔎 Build quality and case design
Choose a keyboard with materials and internal build that are conducive to quiet typing. This involves:
- Gasket-mount keyboards – which provide softer keystrokes and reduce case noise.
- Foam dampening layers – reduce echo inside the keyboard.
- Plastic vs metal cases – plastic tends to absorb sound better than aluminum but feels less premium.
🔎 Keycap material
Keycaps made from PBT plastic tend to produce a lower-pitched, more muted sound compared to ABS. You can rely on the keyboards we’ve suggested above to be made of these quieter materials.
If you are looking at other keyboards, check for, or ask your retailer for:
- Thick PBT keycaps
- Double-shot or dye-sub legends
🔎 Modifiability
If your mechanical keyboard hasn’t already got quiet switches, like the ones above, you may want to look for keyboards that are hot-swappable.
This means you can change switches yourself easily, with no soldering involved!
