Mechanical Keyboard Sound Dampening Tips and Best Picks

Mechanical keyboards are fantastic. The tactile feedback, the customization, and the overall feel are unmatched. But let’s be honest: they can be LOUD. If you're sharing a workspace, live in a small apartment, or just prefer a more serene typing experience, sound dampening is crucial. This guide will walk you through various techniques to quiet your mechanical keyboard and highlight some of the best pre-built quiet options on the market.

Why is My Mechanical Keyboard So Loud?

Before we dive into solutions, let's understand the sources of the noise:

• Switch Type: Clicky switches (like Cherry MX Blues) are designed to be loud. Tactile and linear switches are generally quieter, but still produce sound.
• Keycaps: Thinner keycaps, especially those made of ABS plastic, tend to be noisier than thicker PBT keycaps.
• Keyboard Case: The case material and construction play a significant role. Hollow plastic cases amplify sound, while heavier, more solid cases dampen it.
• Mounting Style: Plate-mounted keyboards can transmit vibrations more readily than gasket-mounted ones.
• Stabilizers: Rattling stabilizers on larger keys (like the spacebar, shift, and enter) are a common source of unwanted noise.

Sound Dampening Techniques

Here are several methods to reduce the noise your mechanical keyboard produces:

1. Switch Selection

The easiest way to reduce noise is to choose quieter switches. Consider these options:

• Silent Linear Switches: These switches have dampeners built into the stem to reduce bottom-out and top-out noise. Popular options include Cherry MX Silent Reds, Gateron Silent Browns, and Boba U4 Silents.
• Tactile Switches: While not as quiet as silent linears, tactile switches without a click bar are generally quieter than clicky switches. Examples include Cherry MX Browns, Gateron Browns, and Zealios V2.

2. Keycap Material

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps are generally thicker and more durable than ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps. They also tend to produce a deeper, more muted sound. Consider investing in a set of thick PBT keycaps.

3. Case Dampening

Adding sound-dampening material inside the keyboard case can significantly reduce noise. Options include:

• Foam: Cut foam to fit the bottom of the case. This absorbs vibrations and reduces resonance.
• Shelf Liner: A cheaper alternative to foam. Line the case with non-adhesive shelf liner to dampen sound.
• Specialized Dampening Pads: Some companies sell pre-cut dampening pads specifically designed for keyboard cases.

4. Gasket Mounts

Gasket-mounted keyboards use a system of gaskets to isolate the plate (where the switches are mounted) from the case. This reduces vibrations and noise. Many pre-built keyboards now feature gasket mounts, such as the EPOMAKER EA75.

The EPOMAKER EA75 is a fantastic example of a keyboard designed with sound dampening in mind. Its gasket-mounted design, combined with multiple layers of sound dampening, creates a smooth and quiet typing experience. The factory-lubed switches further contribute to the reduced noise levels. If you're looking for a quiet 75% keyboard right out of the box, the EA75 is an excellent choice.

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5. Stabilizer Modification

Rattling stabilizers are a common source of noise. Here's how to address them:

• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of grease (such as Krytox 205g0 or dielectric grease) to the stabilizer wires and housings. This reduces friction and prevents rattling.
• Clipping: Clipping the stabilizer stems can reduce bottom-out noise. There are many guides and videos available online that demonstrate this process.
• Band-Aid Mod: Applying small pieces of Band-Aid or similar material to the PCB where the stabilizers mount can further dampen noise.

6. O-Rings

O-rings are small rubber rings that you can place around the stem of each keycap. They reduce the bottom-out distance and soften the impact, resulting in a quieter typing experience. However, they can also make the keys feel mushier.

Pre-Built Quiet Mechanical Keyboards

If you don't want to modify your keyboard, consider buying a pre-built keyboard designed for quiet operation. Here are some excellent options:

Keychron K2 HE

The Keychron K2 HE takes a different approach to quietness with its Hall-Effect Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. While not specifically designed for sound dampening in the traditional sense, the smoothness and responsiveness of these switches contribute to a more refined and less noisy typing experience. The gasket-mounted design further isolates vibrations. It's a great choice if you want a high-performance keyboard that's also relatively quiet.

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AULA F99

The AULA F99 is another great option for those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard. It features a gasket-mounted structure and five-layer sound dampening, which effectively reduces noise. The pre-lubed linear switches provide a smooth and quiet typing experience. Plus, the large battery capacity ensures you can type for hours without worrying about running out of power.

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WOBKEY Rainy75

For a truly premium and quiet experience, the WOBKEY Rainy75 is an excellent choice. Its solid aluminum case, combined with five-layer acoustic dampening and a gasket-mounted design, creates a remarkably quiet typing experience. The high-quality keycaps and hot-swappable switches further enhance the overall feel and sound. If you're willing to invest in a top-tier keyboard, the Rainy75 is hard to beat.

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Akko 5075B Plus Air

The Akko 5075B Plus Air offers a balance of features and affordability. While not as focused on extreme sound dampening as some other options, its hot-swappable sockets allow you to easily install quieter switches. The durable PBT keycaps also contribute to a slightly more muted sound compared to ABS keycaps. Plus, the customizable knob and programmable RGB backlight add extra flair.

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Which Keyboard is Right for You?

• For the Budget-Conscious: The Akko 5075B Plus Air offers a good starting point with the flexibility to upgrade switches later.
• For the Gamer: The Keychron K2 HE's Hall-Effect switches provide ultra-fast response times, making it ideal for gaming.
• For the Office Professional: The EPOMAKER EA75 and WOBKEY Rainy75 are excellent choices for a quiet and comfortable typing experience in a shared workspace.

Additional Tips

• Desk Mat: Using a desk mat under your keyboard can help absorb vibrations and reduce noise.
• Typing Technique: Avoid bottoming out the keys. A lighter touch can significantly reduce noise.

Conclusion

Sound dampening your mechanical keyboard is a worthwhile endeavor, especially if you value a quiet typing experience or share a workspace. Whether you choose to modify your existing keyboard or invest in a pre-built quiet option, the techniques and products discussed in this guide will help you achieve a more serene and enjoyable typing experience. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, explore the options and find the perfect quiet mechanical keyboard for your needs!

What are your favorite sound dampening techniques? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!