Mechanical keyboards have quickly become a favored choice for both gamers and typists with their incredible tactile response and audible actuation, enhancing the overall computer interaction experience. However, the persistent rattling noise produced by them may not sit too well for some users. If you are on this boat, fret not; this article presents practical methods to reduce noise in mechanical keyboards, or, as aptly named, “battling rattles.”
The rattling noise originates from several primary sources. We’ll investigate these sources, providing comprehensive insights into various noise-reduction techniques for a quieter mechanical keyboard. These methods range from using the right switches to adding stability, using sound dampening materials, lubricating elements, and choosing the right keycaps.
Identifying the Right Keyboard Switches
Mechanical keyboards feature three primary types of switches – linear, tactile, and clicky switches. Clicky switches, with a loud ‘click’ noise upon activation, are the noisiest. Tactile switches exude a ‘bump’ feeling upon activation and produce less noise than clicky switches. Linear switches are the quietest, with a smooth keystroke and minimal sound production. Therefore, for a quieter operation, opt for linear switches like Cherry MX Reds or Blacks, or their equivalents like Gateron Reds or Blacks.
Adding Stability to Reduce Rattle
Stabilizers are other potential sources of rattling noise in mechanical keyboards. They support larger keys such as the Spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace. Loose or poor-quality stabilizers could generate excessive noise during keyboard usage. Consider using high-quality stabilizers that create less sound, or modify existing ones. Band-aid modding is a popular stabilization technique reducing metal-on-plastic sound for a quieter performance.
Utilizing Sound Dampening Materials
Incorporating sound-dampening materials can significantly reduce keyboard noise. Place sound-absorbing mats made of foam or rubber inside the keyboard case, directly beneath the PCB. They absorb the sound waves from keypresses, reducing the overall noise output. For the switches, consider using Zealencio silencing clips or QMX clips. These clips encase the switch entirely, reducing the upper clack noise.
Lubricating Keyboard Components
Lubrication dramatically reduces friction between moving parts, resulting in quieter keyboard operation. Lubricate the keyboard switches, the stabilizers, and even the keycaps. Thin lubricants designed for plastics, like GPL 205 Grade 0 or TriboSys 3204, are desirable. For the stabilizers, thicker lubes such as SuperLube or Dielectric Grease work best. To lubricate keycaps, it’s best to use PTFE-based dry lube spray. However, remember that over-lubrication could compromise the switch feel and further lead to keycap slippage.
Choosing the Right Keycaps
Keycaps are important not only for the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal but also for the sound it produces. By choosing the right keycaps, you can significantly cut down on the keyboard noise. ABS and PBT are two prevalent keycap materials, with PBT keycaps having a denser composition that results in lower sound emission. Add o-rings or dental bands to the keycaps to dampen the sound resulting from key ‘bottoming out.’
Optimal Switch and Keyboard Selection
Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to switch out one type of switch for another without soldering. They offer a versatile pathway to explore different switch options and find the one best suited to your auditory preferences. However, if the noise level is your primary concern and compromise is not an option, consider Topre keyboards. They employ a unique electrostatic capacitive switch offering supremely quiet operating, albeit at a higher price point.
Modifying Techniques for a Quieter Experience
You may also explore several modifying techniques to lessen the keyboard noise. Installing foam pads under each key, switching to linear switches or quieter clicky switches, and adding rubber rings to the keyboard feet can be productive steps towards achieving a quieter mechanical keyboard operation.
Professionally Built Quiet Keyboards
If DIY modifications seem daunting, several professionally built quiet mechanical keyboards, like Matias Quiet Pro or Cherry G80-3000 MX Board Silent, feature in-built sound-reducing technologies and are ready to provide a quiet typing or gaming experience right out of the box.
In summary, while managing noise levels in mechanical keyboards can be challenging, it is far from an impossible task. Be sure to follow the listed techniques carefully to help keep the “battling rattles” in check, ensuring a smoother computing experience without compromising on the delightful tactile feel of mechanical keyboards.
