If you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards, you’re likely hooked on their satisfying tactile feel and long-lasting build quality. But there’s a downside many users know all too well: they can be LOUD. Whether you’re working in a shared office space, streaming, gaming into the night, or trying to stay quiet around your family, mechanical keyboard noise can become a real issue.
The good news? There are scientifically backed and user-tested methods to make your
mechanical keyboard significantly quieter—without compromising performance.
In this post, we’ll break down the 10 best ways to silence your keyboard, based on research and real-world testing.
Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Noisy?
The sound from a mechanical keyboard primarily comes from two sources:
- The bottom-out impact when a key is pressed all the way down.
- The return noise when the key springs back into place.
Studies on PC keyboard acoustics have shown that the key’s impact on the base and the keyboard structure itself are the main contributors to noise
(Rustighi & Joseph, 2014). The vibrations from these actions can travel through the keyboard frame, the desk, and even the room—making typing much louder than expected.
10 Ways to Make Your Mechanical Keyboard Quieter
1. Switch to Quieter Mechanical Switches
Different mechanical switches make different amounts of noise. Clicky switches are notoriously loud because they produce both tactile and audible feedback. For a quieter experience, c
hoosing linear switches is a good way. These switches have smooth keystrokes and no tactile “click,” reducing the overall noise output (Fu, 2025).
2. Install O-Rings or Dampeners
O-rings are small rubber rings you can place on the stem of each keycap. When you press a key, the O-ring cushions the impact before it hits the base, significantly reducing bottom-out noise. Research on buffered keycaps supports the effectiveness of this approach
(Lin, Lai, Lin, & Chen, 2013).
3. Use Internal Foam Dampening
Installing foam inside your keyboard’s case helps absorb internal vibrations. This method quiets down the reverberations that occur inside the case when typing. Scientific studies confirm that structural vibrations significantly contribute to keyboard noise
(Rustighi & Joseph, 2014).
4. Choose a Gasket-Mounted Keyboard
Mounting style matters.
Gasket-mounted keyboards use rubber or silicone strips to isolate the switch plate from the case. This isolation absorbs vibrations and prevents them from spreading.
Compared to tray-mounted or top-mounted designs, gasket mounting is quieter and offers a more cushioned typing feel.
5. Use Buffered Keycaps
Some keycaps come with built-in buffer layers or padding that absorb the impact between the keycap and the switch or keyboard base. This design has been proven to lower both keystroke and return noise effectively
(Lin, Lai, Lin, & Chen, 2013).
6. Try Rattan Fiber Sound-Dampening Materials
New research shows that rattan fiber composites offer exceptional sound absorption—up to 0.97 on the absorption coefficient scale—while being eco-friendly and biodegradable
(Behera et al., 2023).
You can use this material as a custom foam layer or insulation within your keyboard for sustainable silence.
7. Use a Desk Mat or Keyboard Pad
Your desk surface matters more than you think. A hard desk amplifies keyboard vibrations, making your keystrokes louder.
Placing your keyboard on a thick desk mat or rubber
pad can significantly reduce the transmission of vibration through the table, lowering perceived noise.
8. Treat Your Room Acoustics
Rooms with hard floors, walls, and ceilings reflect sound. Adding soft furnishings like curtains, rugs, acoustic panels, or even plants can dampen echo and reduce how loud your typing sounds to others.
This isn’t about modifying your keyboard
but rather the environment it operates in—a proven method in acoustic design.
9. Explore Optical or Hybrid Switch Alternatives
Optical switches use light to register key presses, which means fewer moving parts and less friction—leading to quieter performance.
Similarly, membrane and silicone-based keyboards are nearly silent but still give some tactile feedback. These are excellent for offices or recording environments where silence is essential
(Shin, 2005).
10. Balance Noise and Tactile Feedback Based on Preference
Some users prefer clicky feedback, while others prioritize silence. Studies show user preferences are divided—with distinct groups favoring either a quiet or clicky typing experience
(Yoshitake et al., 1997).
If you’re building or buying a new board, consider your personal comfort vs. the noise impact on your environment.
Final Thoughts: Quiet Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Mechanical keyboards don’t have to be loud. Whether you’re modding your current keyboard or shopping for a new one, there are plenty of proven ways to reduce sound while keeping that satisfying typing experience.
From switch changes to desk setups to eco-friendly dampening materials, the right combination of strategies can make your
mechanical keyboard nearly as quiet as a membrane one—without losing the feel that made you love mechanicals in the first place.
References:
- Behera, S., Singh, P., Mohanty, J., & Nath, G. (2023). Designing and Analysis of Rattan Fiber Based Functional Material for Quieter Applications. Fibers and Polymers, 24, 1157-1165.
-
Fu, W. (2025). Impact of Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types on Typing Performance and User Experience. Applied and Computational Engineering.
- Lin,Y.-Y., Lai, Y.-B., Lin, P.-Z., & Chen, S.-Y. (2013). Keycap, key structure and keyboard with key structure.
- Rustighi, E., & Joseph, P. (2014). Investigation on the noise emission mechanism of PC keyboards.
- Shin, D. (2005). Performance and Usability of Flexible Membrane Keyboards.
- Yoshitake, R., Ise, N., Yamada, S., & Tsuchiya, K. (1997). An analysis of users' preference on keyboards through ergonomic comparison among four keyboards.. Applied human science : journal of physiological anthropology, 16 5, 205-11 .
