Top 6 ways to reduce the annoying click of a mechanical keyboard

Do you like the feeling of typing on a computer with a mechanical keyboard, but don't like the clicking sound of it? Try these 6 tips right away to help reduce the noise of a mechanical keyboard.

Method to help reduce noise when typing on a mechanical keyboard

Anything that moves makes a sound, and your keyboard is no exception. Unfortunately, there are no mechanical keyboards that are completely silent, and their level of noise is based on the bounce of the keys.

There are a number of ways that can help you reduce the noise of a mechanical keyboard if the clicking sound disturbs those around you every time you play a game or while working in the middle of the office. Although it can't make the clicking sound completely disappear, it will certainly reduce the loudness significantly.

If you have nothing to worry about, let's find out why mechanical keyboards are so noisy and how to reduce the noise.

 Below each keycap (keycap) there is a slide switch (switch).

Why do mechanical keyboards have a loud click?

The origin of the clicking noises emanating from mechanical keyboards is largely due to the mechanical mechanism of this type of keyboard. Below each keycap (keycap) there is a slide switch (switch) that transmits force from the finger pressing the key down to the spring and activates the electronic circuit. The pressing process makes a noise, but that's how the keyboard enters data into the system.

After years of use, the slide switch below the key will gradually stiffer and produce a louder sound due to friction, or your mechanical keyboard has had a rather loud clack since the day you bought it. Whatever the reason, this clicking sound is still quite annoying to those who are not used to it.

Then you know why the mechanical keyboard is so noisy, so let's start 'mute' it!

1. Change the desk top

The position of the keyboard also contributes to the clicking sound when typing.

The tabletop where you place the keyboard can act as an amplifier or a muffler. When using an old table top with lots of grooves, the mechanical keyboard will sound louder than usual. Switch to a smoother surface and you'll notice the difference.

The position of the keyboard also contributes to the clicking sound when typing. Normally, pressing force from the finger will be transmitted to the spring inside the slide switch below the key and continues to be transmitted to the surface below. When placing the keyboard on an uneven place, the pressure will not fully escape and make the click sound louder. Similarly, when you put the keyboard on your lap, the sound output is also louder than when placed on the table.

Therefore, you should check the keyboard plane and change it if possible. Or a desk mat is also a pretty effective choice if you can't change the workplace.

2. Use a desk mat

 The tablecloth will help you absorb as much pressure as possible before it comes into contact with the tabletop.

You probably have a mouse pad next to you. Try putting the keyboard on it and try typing. The noise has been reduced quite a bit right? If satisfied, consider buying a desk mat.

When typing on the keyboard, the pressure will be transmitted to the desk surface. The movements created by the pressure will form oscillations that help amplify the sound. So what you can do is suppress as much pressure as you can before it makes contact with the tabletop. And a tablecloth will help you.

Currently on the market there are quite a lot of mattress products from brands with very diverse sizes and materials.

If, after swapping out your desk top and using a table mat, the clack is still too loud for you, then it's time to take your keyboard apart and tweak it a bit.

3. Using O-Ring . damping ring

Normally, an O-Ring is fitted around the face of the drum to reduce overtones. On keyboards, they are used to reduce the noise emitted when typing.

First, you need to remove all the buttons, then install the O-Ring on each slide switch below and finally re-insert the keys. The shock absorber ring will help reduce the noise emitted every time you press the key and your mechanical keyboard will be 'smaller' than before.

However, if you use this method, the bounce of the keys will be greatly affected and it will almost be meaningless for you to spend a large amount of money to buy a mechanical keyboard. Besides, depending on how often the keyboard is used, the shock absorbers will quickly age and you will need to replace them often.

So if you accept these, just stick with the O-Ring. If not, consider other tips.

4. Add foam layer inside the keyboard

The foam layer can help reduce the noise generated right from the inside of your keyboard. This is a fairly simple and low-cost way to reduce the noise of a mechanical keyboard. The only downside is that it takes quite a while to install. You can easily remove the plastic joints or remove the whole keyboard, then put the foam layer between the bottom cover of the keyboard and the printed circuit board (PCB).

Sobrathane and Neoprene are two commonly used materials to make foam layers. Sobrathane has better noise reduction, but it will make your keyboard heavier. On the other hand, Neoprene is lighter in weight and cheaper in price, but has less noise reduction than Sobrathane.

You can also use the foam used to pack the keyboard if you don't have a lot of money. If you've thrown away the keyboard case by mistake, you can also use a temporary replacement shelf. Although these two emergency solutions do not cost any money, the level of effectiveness is not too great.

5. Slide switch lubrication

This is also an effective way to reduce noise, but it also takes a lot of time to prepare. The lubricant will help reduce the friction between the spring and the slider inside each slide switch.

You'll need to remove each key, then switch, to add lubricant and reassemble, a process that will take quite a while so it's not an immediate solution. But if you have time, it's worth a try.

In addition, you need to be careful not to add too much lubricant, otherwise it will reduce the bounce of the key. At the same time, some keys will also not work properly. A final note when using a lubricant is to be sure to choose one that is safe for plastics. You can only implement this solution when you have a clear understanding of what you are going to do.

6. Get a new keyboard or make one yourself

If you still can't reduce the noise to the level you need after trying all 5 ways above, then it's time to give up on this keyboard effort. Instead, switch to a new keyboard with longer key travel instead of a highly bouncy keyboard. And if you're a fan of mechanical keyboards, you can even create your own.

You can buy the cover, keys, and slide switch individually to assemble it just the way you want, and you'll be able to create a super-quiet mechanical keyboard that won't be a nuisance to those around you.

Hope the tips above can help your mechanical keyboard to be somewhat quiet. If you're not a handy person, don't try these tips for taking apart keyboard components. And if there are any errors when you move your hands and feet, don't worry, you can still bring it to the technicians to handle.