Mechanical keyboards are beloved by many for their tactile feedback, durability, and customizable features. However, there’s one issue which is often brought up: the noise. The distinctive clatter of mechanical keyboards can be disruptive in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Fortunately, several techniques can help reduce the clattering sound.
## Understanding the Noise
The noise from a mechanical keyboard originates from three primary sources. Firstly, ‘down-strokes’ produce noise when keys are pressed, and the switches strike the backplate. Secondly, the ‘up-strokes’ create noise when keys are released, and the switches rebound to their initial position. Lastly, the ‘spring ping’ refers to the reverberation of the switch’s internal spring, audible in some keyboard models.
## Switch Type
The type of switch in use can significantly affect the noise level. Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh are some of the popular switches available. These switch types vary in terms of their tactile feel, actuation force, and noise level.
Typically, mechanical switches are categorized into linear, tactile, and clicky switches. Linear switches such as Cherry MX Red and Black are smooth and silent, ideal for gamers. Tactile switches like the Cherry MX Brown offer a middle ground with a gentle bump, perceptible feedback without a clicking sound. Clicky switches like Cherry MX Blue, on the other hand, provides a pronounced click sound and tactile feedback, a favorite by typists but notoriously loud.
## Sound Dampening Techniques
### O-rings
O-rings are small pieces of rubber that can be installed underneath the keycaps. They cushion the down-strokes, reducing both the bottom-out noise and key travel distance. However, the use of O-rings doesn’t have any significant effect on up-stroke noise or the ping noise.
### Switch Dampeners/Silencing Clips
Switch dampeners, also known as silencing clips, are installed onto the switch itself. These devices help reduce noise from both down-strokes and up-strokes, offering a more significant decrease in noise compared to O-rings. Notably, Zeal’s Zilent V2 switches have incorporated this technology, combining a tactile feel with silent operation.
### Lubrication
Lubrication of the switches can also help reduce the apparent ‘ping’ noise. Thin films of lubricant reduce the friction between the spring’s coils, reducing resonance. However, lubrication can be a laborious process, requiring disassembly of each switch.
## Case Foam
Adding a layer of foam inside the keyboard case can absorb the sound echoing within the keyboard. This reduction in echo can transform the clattery noise into a muted, deeper sound. Acoustic foam, neoprene, and sorbothane are commonly used materials.
## Desk Mat
Using a desk mat underneath the keyboard can also aid in noise reduction. A substantial desk mat can absorb some of the sound and vibration, preventing it from resonating through the desk.
## Alternative Silent Switches
Consider using inherently quieter switches. Silent switches have been designed with in-built dampeners to reduce noise from both up-stroke and down-stroke. Notable examples include the Cherry MX Silent Red/Black, Gateron Silent switches, and the Zilent V2s by Zeal PC.
## Keyboard Case Material
The material and size of the keyboard case also affect the noise level. A sturdier, heavier, and denser case will generally produce a quieter sound as it reduces the amount of sound resonance. Metal cases, for example, are quieter than plastic ones.
## Plate Material
The plate on which the switches are mounted significantly affects the sound. Metal plates, especially steel, tend to reverberate more, amplifying the noise. On the other hand, materials like polycarbonate and POM offer quieter typing experiences.
## Keycaps
Keycaps can also influence the sound. Thicker and denser keycaps tend to produce a lower-pitched, quieter sound. PBT keycaps are generally thicker than ABS keycaps and may help reduce the noise slightly.
## Band-aid Mod
The band-aid mod is a technique where pieces of fabric bandage are applied to the PCB under the stabilizers’ spots to dampen the noise from stabilized keys such as the Space bar, Enter, and Shift keys.
In conclusion, reducing the clatter in mechanical keyboards involves understanding the noise origin and utilizing various materials and strategies for sound dampening. Some methods require minor adjustments, while others might need significant modifications. Yet, all these efforts ensure that the typing or gaming experience remains enjoyable without bearing the brunt of the noise. Happy typing!
