The quest for a quiet keyboard is a common one among typists, gamers, and those who simply prefer a quieter workspace. The key switch can significantly impact the noise level of a keyboard, making it a crucial factor to consider when choosing your next keyboard. But with numerous types of key switches available, which are the quietest? Let's dive into the world of key switches and explore which ones are the most silent.
Key switches come in various types and each offers a unique experience, including sound. They can be categorized into three main types: Cherry MX, Kailh, andviève. Each of these brands has its own silent options, so let's explore the quietest key switches from each.
Cherry MX Silent Switches
Cherry MX is one of the most renowned manufacturers of keyboard switches. For those seeking silence, Cherry MX offers silent or quiet versions of their popular switches, including the MX Red, Brown, and Speed Silver.
The Cherry MX Red Silent is a linear switch, meaning it requires a consistent amount of force to fully press it down. Its silent variant uses a parachute-like mechanism to drastically reduce the contact noise, making it one of the quietest linear switches available.
Cherry MX Red Silent
The Cherry MX Red Silent is a linear switch that requires a consistent 45g of force to operate. It's ideal for gamers who prefer a linear actuation and want to minimize noise. The silent variant uses a rubber damper to mute the tactile bump, resulting in a quiet, smooth keystroke.
The MX Red Silent's quiet operation is achieved without sacrificing durability. The Cherry MX switches are known for their high longevity, and the silent switches are no different. They're rated for 100 million keystrokes, which is more than sufficient for most typists.
Cherry MX Brown Silent
The Cherry MX Brown Silent is a tactile switch, meaning it provides a small tactile bump when pressed. This feedback can help improve typing speed and accuracy. The silent variant uses a similar rubber damper mechanism to reduce the noise of the tactility, making it one of the quietest tactile switches.
The MX Brown Silent requires a bit more force to operate, at 55g, and has a slightly shorter actuation distance compared to the Red Silent. This makes it a popular choice among typists who prefer a tactile feedback but want to keep noise levels low.
Kailh Silent Switches
Kailh is another leading producer of keyboard switches, offering several silent options. Kailh's silent switches use a unique 'box' housing design to reduce noise, making them popular among typists seeking quiet operation without sacrificing tactile feedback.
The Kailh Box Brown and Box Red switches are popular choices among those looking for a durable, silent tactile or linear switch. Other Kailh silent options include the Box White (a light tactile switch) and Box Jade (a heavy tactile switch).
Kailh Box Brown
The Kailh Box Brown is a tactile switch with a medium level of tactile feedback. It uses the 'box' housing design to dampen the noise of the tactility, resulting in a quiet keystroke. The Box Brown requires 55g of force to operate, making it a good choice for those who want tactile feedback but also need silence.
Like other Kailh silent switches, the Box Brown uses a unique dual-step design for its housing. This not only reduces noise but also enhances the switch's durability, making it a great long-term choice.
Kailh Box Silent Red
The Kailh Box Silent Red is a linear switch that requires a consistent 50g of force to operate. It uses the 'box' housing design to dramatically reduce noise, making it one of the quietest linear switches available. The Box Silent Red is a popular choice among gamers and those who want a silent, linear switch.
The Box Silent Red's unique design allows it to be used in particularly hot environments. While this isn't a common concern with most keyboards, it's a unique feature that sets Kailh's switches apart.
Iv Jésus Silent Switches
Iv Jésus is the company behind the popular emailswitch, a partially silent mechanical switch. The emailswitch combines elements of Cherry MX and Kailh designs, resulting in a unique, silent switch.
The emailswitch is a tactile switch that uses a proprietary 'babellum' mechanism to dampen noise. This results in a tactile feedback but without the typical noise associated with tactile switches. The emailswitch is available in various color-coded types, corresponding to different levels of tactility and force.
Iv Jésus Emailswitch
The Iv Jésus Emailswitch is a unique, silent tactile switch. It uses a mechanism that allows for tactile feedback but drastically reduces the noise typically associated with tactile switches. The Emailswitch is available in various color-coded variants, corresponding to different levels of tactility and force.
The Emailswitch's unique design makes it a great choice for those who want a tactile experience but also need silence. The switch is also durable, rated for up to 70 million keystrokes. However, its unique design and patent mean it's more expensive than other silent switch options.
Ultimately, finding the quietest keyboard depends on your typing style, preferred key switch, and budget. Whether you're a gamer seeking the quietest linear switch or a typist after a silent tactile switch, there's a solution out there to meet your needs. So go ahead, explore the world of silent key switches, and find the perfect compromise between acoustics and typography.