Why Silent Mechanical Keyboards are Worth It.
Mechanical keyboards are beloved for their satisfying tactile feedback and durability, but their conventionally loud sounds can be a point of contention in shared spaces or quiet environments. This is where silent mechanical keyboards come in, offering a solution for those who crave the benefits of a mechanical keyboard without the accompanying noise.
Unlike traditional mechanical keyboards that produce audible clicks or thocks with each keystroke, silent mechanical keyboards are specifically designed to minimize sound. They achieve this through various methods, primarily focusing on the switches themselves.
The most common approach involves using silent switches. These switches incorporate dampening materials, often made of rubber or silicone, built into the stem of the switch.
Credit: jackrabbit (Geekhack)
These dampeners cushion the impact when the key is pressed all the way down (bottom-out) and when it returns to its resting position (top-out), significantly reducing the noise generated. While they may feel slightly different from their non-silent counterparts, they still provide the distinct feel of a mechanical switch – whether you prefer a smooth linear press or a tactile bump.
Beyond the switches, other elements can contribute to a quieter mechanical keyboard experience. The materials and construction of the keyboard case, the presence of sound dampening foam inside the case, and even the material and profile of the keycaps can all play a role in mitigating noise.
How do they help you?
The primary problem silent mechanical keyboards address is noise pollution. In many settings, the sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard can be disruptive:
- Shared Offices and Coworking Spaces: Typing on a loud keyboard can be distracting and inconsiderate to colleagues working nearby.
- Home Environments: For those living with family or roommates, a noisy keyboard can disturb others, especially during late-night work or gaming sessions.
- Streaming and Content Creation: Microphone pickup of loud keystrokes can be unprofessional and annoying for viewers or listeners.
- Anyone Seeking Focus: Even in a personal workspace, excessive keyboard noise can break concentration and hinder productivity.
Silent mechanical keyboards provide a way to enjoy the benefits of mechanical keyboards – the satisfying feel, the durability, and often the aesthetic appeal and customization options – without creating a disturbance. They allow users to type comfortably and efficiently in any environment that requires a quieter presence.
Finding Your Silent Solution at Mecha.com.my
Unlike typical switch offerings where preference has a heavy weightage, Silent Switches have a clear objective metric of how effective the silencing actually is, and how mushy the push feel ends up feeling.
As such, we curate our options to only offer the best performance in it's price-point or typing experience.
You can browse our silent options with the "Silent" category in our switch offerings!
As of writing, we offer:
- Geon x Haimu Red Silent Linear Switch
- Geon x Haimu Yellow Silent Tactile Switch
- K Pro Silent Red Linear Switch