Gamer and professional workers often require fast and heavy typing, which means accuracy and speed are crucial.
Mechanical keyboards are ideal for this type of situation, but there are necessary features to make them quiet.
Clicky-clacky-clicky-clacky…
Oh, the insufferable sound of keyboards. Even the quietest keyboards would still produce those sounds.
Good thing because new mechanical keyboards are now built with less noise producing keystrokes while guaranteeing effective key registration.
Mechanical keyboards have a variety of features that help them lessen the noise. When choosing quiet mechanical keyboard, it’s essential to learn which design and features are appropriate for your needs.
Hence, we’ve come up with this buying guide and product review of 7 of the best silent mechanical keyboard. Control noise, speed, and precision using your fingertips.
Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards Quick Comparison
Based on the figures above, we can see that the Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard and the Logitech G513 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard are good choices.
However, you must first understand how a combination of these factors can lead you to the quietest mechanical keyboard and cost-effective model.
Quiet Mechanical Keyboard | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
1: Top Pick For Proffessionals: Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard
|   | |
2: Runner Up For Proffessionals : Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard
|   | |
3: Most Co-Friendly: Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard |   | |
4: Good For Travelling: Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
|   | |
5: Top Recommended For Gaming: Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
|   | |
6: Runner-Up For Gaming: CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Gaming Keyboard
|   | |
7: Most Affordable For Gaming: SteelSeries Apex 7 Gaming Keyboard
|   |
7 Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards In 2021
Keyboards will always produce sounds; the key is to identify the features that will produce the least noise.
In this product review, you’ll see how customization and certain keyboard parts will work in your favor.
1:Top Pick For Professionals: Code V3 Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard
The Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard is equipped with the popular Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches. Because of this, you get a very balanced feel, especially if you have frequent typing tasks.
The Cherry MX Brown also combines a nice tactile bump, medium actuation force with quiet, and non-click activation on every keystroke.
This provides a greater typing experience over cheap rubber dome keyboards. On top of it-- you won’t make your workmates deaf.
The NKRO technology enables you to press any number of keys simultaneously over the PS/2 USB.There’s a hardware-level configurable output mode with a built-in DIP switch.
Unlike software-based keyboard controls, the Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard is built with a dip switch hardware-based user inputs for ease of use.
The keyboard enables you to lock or disable Windows. You also gain optimized multimedia shortcuts.
If brightness level affects the way you work, then you will definitely love this model’s full white LED backlighting with seven levels of brightness adjustment.
The onboard memory even saves your last lighting preference. Also, there are customizable RGB LED lock indicators.
Because of its high quality, gold plated switches, you can use the Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard up to 50 million keystrokes.
It also boasts a slim case design with a 5-way cable routing system, detachable Type-C USB, and rubberized flip-out feet.
This unit is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Thus, most companies and even freelancers can use this mechanical keyboard.
Taking everything into account, the Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard is safe to use in an office environment because you won’t disturb anyone—you won’t even annoy yourself.
Because of its user-friendly application, this unit is worth trying especially if this is your first time using a mechanical keyboard.
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 2.42 pounds
- Type/Style: Tactile Quiet
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 3 years
2:Runner-Up For Professional Work: Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard
The Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue key switches. With this feature alone, you get satisfying quiet tactile switches.
This is one of the top choices when it comes to typing accuracy and speed.
It provides a tactile bump, but without the typical clicks and clacks. The audio feedback helps boost typing speed and precision while decreasing effort in pushing keys down.
Likewise, you will see laser-etched key inscriptions with bumps on the F and J keys. There’s also a full N-key rollover with anti-ghosting.
This keyboard does not have backlights, but it is quieter than some other mechanical keyboards, so it is safe for office use.
The Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard provides quick access to dedicated media controls such as play, pause, mute, next, and previous track.
There’s also an oversized volume control knob. Meanwhile, it comes with an instant sleep button to save energy.
Additionally, this model supports a full N-key rollover (NKRO) over USB for faster typing and programming.
Press shift + mute to toggle NKRO. This feature is beneficial for Mac and Mac OS specific key functions.
As a result, this mechanical keyboard makes it simple to toggle between screens.
This is convenient when you are working and you have to view your desktop along with other open applications.
Don’t worry because the Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard is compatible with Windows, Lino, and Chrome.
The rugged construction, gold-plating, and anodized aluminum top panel can withstand 50 million keystrokes.
It’s also made with UV hard coat-protected keycaps to prevent fading. The keycaps come with readable fonts and durable inscriptions.
When it comes to the parts, you’ll get a two-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub with a 201 cm USB cable.
The hub can transfer music, high resolution pictures, and large videos at up to 5GB per second. As a bonus, there’s a magnetically detachable keyboard footbar.
In a nutshell, the Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard is specifically designed for maximum Mac compatibility.
With its robust construction and high quality materials, you get a combination of durable craftsmanship and tactile feel when typing.
3: Most Cost-Friendly: Filco Majestouch-2 Quiet Click Mechanical Keyboard
The Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard has a Cherry MX Silent Red as its switch type.
With Filco being one of the most treasured names in mechanical boards, you are already guaranteed with a stellar performance.
If you want a clean and toned down look, then this keyboard is for you. It may look plain, but hidden in its minimalist design is a wide range of top-of-the-line features.
So, its laidback design is ideal for a professional office set-up.
This Japanese-designed keyboard has lesser actuation force. This equates to less pressure to press the key down and consequently, less noise.
Cherry’s silent switches do not provide tactile feedback, but you’ll not have a springboard for a typing teacher.
It provides users the leeway to choose which switches are built into it. There are five options available, but the MX Silent Reds are the quietest choice.
The Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard is a tenkeyless keyboard, which means it doesn’t include a 10-keypad.
Should you need a number pad, you can snag those keyboards for a slightly higher price.
Even if the keycaps flaunt black pad printed ABS, the keys tend to wear off in the long run. Yet, this medium-sized keyboard can withstand at least 50 million keystrokes.
At 2.16 pounds, this may be somehow heavy. But when gamers use the keyboard, the unit doesn’t move, no matter how hard you pound on it.
If you are veering toward buying this keyboard, then you are in for a treat because this model is the most affordable quiet mechanical keyboard for professional work.
All things considered, the Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent investment for professionals who are looking for no-frills design.It’s simply all about pure typing experience.
- Dimensions: 14.13 x 5.39 x 1.52 inches
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Type/Style: Linear
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 1 year
4:Good For Travelling: Vortexgear POK3R Silent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is built with Cherry MX Brown switch that allows at least 50 million keystrokes.
This makes it a soft, tactile, quiet, and reliable partner for years of typing and gaming.
With a bump along the travel path, you get a confirmation every time a keypress is registered.
This provides a balance between click switches and linear switches. Consequently, there’s balanced audio feedback and force, which makes the keyboard quiet, yet effective.
This is a good choice for workers who need accuracy, but won’t get too much noise because of speed typing.
It is a compact unit with 61 keys. You won’t see Function buttons and numpad. But this model remains ideal for office and work-from-home use because of other features.
For one, the compact body integrates Colemark, Dvorak, and QWERTY into one.
The Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Gaming Keyboard also boasts three-layer customization options for programmable key codes and LEDs.
The four DIP switches on the back of the keyboard enable a quick switch from a Caps Lock key into an FN key. You can also reposition FN and PN keys wherever you want on the board.
With upgraded arbitrary programming features, every key is capable of doing 32 keystrokes. There’s also a full anti-ghosting mode or N-key rollover.
The onboard memory even saves your settings. In this way, you don’t need to install extra drivers on your computer.
A solid metal bezel case with an aluminum cast frame protects the Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Gaming Keyboard from wear and tear.
This guarantees you lasting performance for jobs that require heavy and frequent typing.
Similarly, the hardware comes with thick PBT laser-etched keycaps. This feature provides a great finger feel, high resistance to solvents, and durability. The PCB and switches protect the plate for extra rigidity.
Note that the model is compatible with Mac OS, Linux, and Windows XP/7/Vista/10.
All in all, you get no audible click with the Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
At 1.76 pounds, this is the most lightweight option for professional work. Despite being compact, it still guarantees durability and quiet operation.
- Dimensions: 11.60 x 4 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Type/Style: Linear
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 2 years
5:TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR Gaming: Logitech G513 Quiet Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Advanced comes with a Romer-G Tactile Mechanical key switches.
As a result, you’ll get 25% faster responsiveness, direct, and actuation feedback in every keypress.
The feedback is a noticeable bump, but thanks to the key switches, it compensates with a 1-millisecond responsiveness from keypress to screen.
Aside from that, the Romer-G Tactile provides minimal feedback without being too loud or distracting. Indeed, this is ideal for competitive and FPS gaming.
The Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has 12 extra keycaps, which allows you to upgrade critical gaming keys.
You can make swapping movements fast and easy using the puller to remove your Romer-G keycaps. With the help of the 26-key rollover, you can press multiple keys simultaneously.
You can boost this with the anti-ghosting feature that provides reliable control when you give multiple commands.
During our test, we discovered that the Logitech Gaming Software can easily program a full row of Function keys to put lighting, volume, media control at your fingertips.
Similarly, you can download the Logitech Gaming Software to customize key color lighting, lighting effects, game profiles, macro commands and more.
The Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers a customizable full spectrum color lighting per key.
If you want some kind of extra lighting, the LIGHTSYNC technology enables game-driven lighting colors and effects.
The software provides a full spectrum of 16.8 million brilliant colors. At 1.11 pounds, this is the most lightweight mechanical gaming keyboard.
For premium comfort, this unit comes with a soft, yet strong Memory Foam palm rest. Having said that, you can keep your hands and wrists comfortable.
It can help you find the perfect position to press keys with lightning-fast accuracy.
This is perfect for long hours of gaming. The palm rest can resist sweat, but you can also wipe it for further cleaning.
For a high end look, the Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has an aircraft-grade brushed aluminum alloy top case that seals components with rugged protection.
In addition, there’s a convenient USB passthrough port. In this way, you can easily plug the hardware in your phone, flash drive, or mouse for direct data transmission or charging.
The downside is that the model is only compatible with Windows operating systems. Still, Logitech is a household and one of the industry’s leading brands.
To sum it up, the Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard takes your game to a new level because of its advanced technologies in a modern and sleek design.
If you want a game-driven with lights and sounds experience, then this bad boy is a must-have.
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 17.5 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 1.11 pounds
- Type/Style: Tactile
- Lifespan: 70 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 2 years
6:Runner-up For Gaming: CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Quiet Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard comes with a 100% Cherry MX mechanical key switch that deliver the quietness, precision, and reliability you need.
Despite having 104 keys, the German-made key switches result in light tactile feedback.
The keys have a full key rollover with 100% anti-ghosting capabilities. Also, the keycaps are FPS and MOBA textured for easy grip and navigation.
Thus, every keystroke is registered accurately regardless of how fast you type. Consequently, you get to minimize interruptions despite using multiple keys.
What’s unique about this model is the powerful CORSAIR iCUE software that enables sophisticated macro programming.
It also manages vivid dynamic multicolor illumination and full-system lighting synchronization across compatible CORSAIR peripherals, fans, coolers, and more.
Some gamers like dim light environment when playing, so they will need a keyboard with lights.
Don’t worry because the CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has per-key dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting that controls and customizes colors.
A bonus feature that we like is the 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback.
In this way, you can access up to three stored profiles. The onboard profile storage permits users to take their gaming profiles with them.
Hardcore gaming often leads to more pressured typing. But with an aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame, this product is built to withstand a lifetime of gaming.
Moreover, the CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has a USB passthrough for easy access to an additional USB port for device charging or headset use. The USB cord is approximately six feet.
There is also a detachable rubber wrist rest. This keyboard is compatible with Windows/PC.
The downside is that this keyboard does not have an audio port. Yet, this is another budget-friendly option for gamers.
Overall, the CORSAIR K70 MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard delivers the reliability and accuracy you demand.
The included multimedia and volume keys make controlling your media while gaming simple and convenient.
- Dimensions: 17.24 x 6.53 x 1.53 inches
- Weight: 2.76 pounds
- Type/Style: Linear
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 2 years
7: Most Affordable For gaming: SteelSeries Apex 7 Silent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is armed with tactile brown switches.
This provides a soft, gentle feel when making about 50 million keypresses. With a 100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover, you never lose a keypress, even if you are in the heat of a battle.
Subsequently, the keyboard will register every single keypress, no matter how fast inputs are made.
Software-free customization for saving up to 5 unique profiles locally on the keyboard.
With an RGB illumination, the SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard lets you customize up to 16.8 million colors per key.
Our team discovered that a clickable metal roller and media keys permit the user to adjust volume and settings on the fly.
All at the touch of a button, you can pause, skip, rewind, change brightness, and more.
It is the only keyboard in this list with an OLED smart display. This feature provides an integrated command center for modifying settings and monitoring on-the-fly information straight from your game, Discord, Spotify, and more.
Furthermore, the aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and Series 5000 metal frame are manufactured for a lifetime of unbreakable durability and sturdiness.
Its premium magnetic wrist set provides full palm support and comfortable, ergonomic feel. The magnetic solution also means easy and secure attachment.
What’s also nice about this package is that it comes with a USB Passthrough Port and Cable Routing.
Therefore, all you need to do is insert a flash drive, wireless transmitter, or USB device directly into the keyboard.
On top of all these amazing features, this product is the most affordable mechanical gaming keyboard on this list.
To conclude, the SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has mechanical brown switches that provide a soft tactile feel.
With an integrated OLED Smart display and an unbreakable aluminum alloy frame, this is truly a standout silent mechanical keyboard.
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 14 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 3.05 pounds
- Type/Style: Tactile Quiet
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Warranty: 1 year
How We Selected Quietest Mechanical Keyboards
There are two categories of mechanical switches: tactile and linear. Most mechanical keyboards are divided into two: quiet and clicky.
Tactile Clicky – Original type of mechanical switch, which makes it the loudest and most distracting mechanism.
Tactile Quiet – Provides the feel of ‘clicky-clackly’ sound, but without the associated noise. It works on spring-loaded resistance, which creates a non-audible bump when pressing keys.
Linear – The quietest type. It delivers a more consistent level of resistance when pressing keys. Therefore, this type provides reliable keystrokes.
We’ve come up with the selection that offers all three categories. Weighing in manufacturer information, test results, and buyer testimonies, we trimmed the list to 7 choices.
Why You Should Use Mechanical Keyboards
Again, mechanical keyboards are not the quietest type. But if you are using Cherry MX Red or Brown switches, then you can lessen the noise.
The items in our product use Romer-G, MX Blue, MX Brown, or MX Red.
If you already find the least noise-producing mechanical keyboard, you also earn the best tactile response and actuation force.
Mechanical keyboards are built to last. Even if you do some keyboard smashing as gamer or speed typing as a worker, mechanical keyboards can handle it.
These high-end mechanical keyboards enable multiple keypresses at once, as well as the recording of custom macros and user-specific lighting profiles. Such features make a big difference on how you play and work.
How Do Cherry MX Switches Impact The Noise Level?
Cherry MX Switches are the most popular key switches in the market.They all sound different.
Aside from that, they need a different amount of pressure to be effective.Note that there’s no better switch than the other because it would still depend on your situation and preference.
For instance, some people have heavy hands, which would put extra pressure on the keys.
- MX Blue – Produces a tactile bump and a ‘click’ sound when you hit the activation point.
- MX Green – You can feel the tactile bump while hearing the ‘click’ when you hit the activation point.
- MX White – Rarely used on keyboards, but would produce a much softer click.
- MX Black – Favored key switch of most industrial keyboard brands.
- MX Brown – Light, tactile, and non-clicky. The tactile point is much less pronounced. It is easier to feel the tactile point when you press the key lightly.
- MX Red – Creates a linear smooth feel. This is a much lighter variant of the MX Black.
The MX Red and Brown are preferable for both professional work and gaming.Since they produce less noise, you won’t hear the sounds much when you need to record something or video call someone at work.
Even gamers don’t have to worry about the key noise overpowering the game sounds.
How to Buy a Quiet Mechanical Keyboard
As from what you’ve seen in our product review, a combination of factors makes up the noise level of a mechanical keyboard.
Such features can either boost or decrease the performance of your tool. Thus, you must consider noise, size, layout, lifespan, design, and durability.
Noise
Mechanical keyboards are known for being loud. If you are using it for music or gaming, you can block the noise somehow.
But if you are sharing a room with someone or in an office setting, you have to own a quiet model.
The noise depends on the material and features. For example, the switches and the distance of the keys are factors in keystrokes.
Likewise, a keyboard’s capacity to register each push creates the noise.
Lifespan
Lifespan equates to how long the keys can last. Standard common membrane keyboards have an average lifespan of five million keystrokes.
The good thing about mechanical keyboards is that they normally range from 30 million to 100 million keystrokes.
At 70 million keystrokes, the Logitech G513 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the most competitive. In terms of years, mechanical keyboards can do well for more than 30 years.
Size And Layout
A model’s layout can influence the usability of a mechanical keyboard. Some units contain both media and numerical keys. On the other hand, others don’t have a full-sized keyboard.
For professionals, especially writers or encoders, a full-sized keyboard with number keys is more advisable.
In general, gamers don’t need a full keyboard with number keys. Instead, it’s advisable for them to use a tenkeyless keyboard.
Despite not having a number pad, tenkeyless keyboards contain navigation or arrow keys. Yet, number pads are useful when gamers need to remap game commands.
If you need to travel with a keyboard or you have a small workspace, then size could be essential to you.
Compact models are easier to carry. However, most compact units do not include navigation keys.
At 1.11 pounds, the Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the most lightweight model on this list.
But if you need something suitable for professional work, then the Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard is a better option.
Design And Durability
Design and durability go hand in hand. There’s a couple of designs for mechanical keyboards.
The best one is having anti-ghosting keys, which are particularly useful for gamers who need to press multiple keys at once.
Some models have backlights, which is essential if you are working or playing in the dark.
Also, you can choose either a single color or multiple colors. Some mechanical keyboards even enable users to program the backlights.
However, you can do away without backlights if you are a touch-typist, which means you can type without looking at the keys.
More than that, some units include USB ports. Most mechanical keyboards come with 1, 2, or even more than 3 USB ports.
The last two important features are water resistance and rust-free. When these two are combined, you have the confidence that a bit of solvent won’t remove the etched keycaps.
This is worth considering especially if you like eating and drinking while gaming or working.
Another selling point of mechanical keyboards is that they are built to withstand falls or drops.
Best Silent Mechanical Keyboards: Test Winner
Yes, keyboards tend to produce unwanted sounds. But remember, the key is to combine the features we’ve explained to get the silent mechanical keyboards.
The key switches, materials, programmability, and customization can influence the noise.
For professional work, we recommend the Code V3 Mechanical Keyboard for swift, neat, and quiet operation.
But if you need speed and durability for hardcore gaming, then the Logitech G513 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a wise option.
You can also go for either the Filco Majestouch-2 Mechanical Keyboard or the SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard if you need something more budget-friendly. Regardless, the 7 products we’ve introduced can lessen the noise during typing jobs and gaming time.
Jessica is a Acoustical Engineer, currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. After graduating from her degree in Master of Engineering degree in Acoustics from Solent University in 2014, Jessica worked for a few companies before She will be blogging about her past and current experiences in the studio and sharing her journey as she pursues her career goals. She enjoy the balance of work inside and out of the office, solving practical problems on a daily basis as every project is different and requires a different solution, the variety of work (sound insulation testing, background noise survey, mechanical plant commissioning, external plant assessment, plant room breakout assessments) and the mix of independent and team work.
