Last updated: March 22, 2023 at 10:59 am
With more and more of us working from home, either through choice or necessity, a quiet keyboard can be a life saver to keep noise to a minimum and reduce the constant clicking of typing.
Those who are from the 90’s and remember the first generations of the personal computer can recall the loud typing sound from keyboards of that time. However, the modern generation is switching to advanced technology and prefers quiet keyboards. Gamers and office workers are still in need of quiet keyboards. If you are working from home due to the current pandemic, you need a quiet keyboard even more so you can work silently without disturbing others.
When looking for a quiet keyboard, you will find them in a variety of designs and shapes, but you must not forget that you are looking for quietness. You can’t find that out without testing the keyboard. So, make sure you don’t buy one based on its looks only.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top Quiet Keyboards – Summary
| Brand & Model | Quiet Score | Best For |
| Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2 Keyboard | 4/5 | Gaming |
| KLIM Chroma Wireless/Wired Quiet Keyboard | 3/5 | Gaming |
| Razer Ornata V2 Gaming Keyboard | 3/5 | Gaming |
| Logitech K800 Wireless Keyboard | 4/5 | Home Working |
| Arteck Wireless Ultra Slim Quiet Keyboard | 5/5 | Home Working |
Why a Quiet Keyboard?
The quiet keyboard mechanism redistributes the force you apply on the keys and makes your keyboard noticeably quieter. While designing these keyboards, creators often add some padding to prevent keys from hitting the plastic.
Keyboards are likely to have a loud clicking sound to give feedback to users, especially when they press a key. Frequent keyboard users are always looking for that tactility and responsive feel of the traditional keyboards. However, the clicking sound can become annoying after sometime. With quiet keyboards, their manufacturers do their best to keep the tactility alive while making the keys silent.
Placing a rubber sheet underneath the keys sounds like a great idea to muffle the clicking sound of the keyboard keys. However, gamers and frequent types do not appreciate this addition alone because it takes away the punch and crispiness from typing.
So, the manufacturers of mechanical keyboards use ingenious methods to come up with keyboards that are not only quiet but pleasantly “clicky” as well.
Features to Consider When Purchasing a Quiet Keyboard
Certain mechanical factors can make your keyboard great or a failure. You have to look into these features so you buy the right product.
✔ Switch Type (Most significant) – The switch type is significant in buying a quiet keyboard. It directly affects the keystroke noise level. Some of the options you will have to look through are scissor key, membrane, and mechanical switches.
✔ Membrane/Dome – Membrane is the most fundamental key switch mechanism, and you can find it on almost every keyboard. Generally, this option is good for typing and other office works. Nevertheless, it’s not the best option when you are looking for high quality keys. Because of its cheap quality, it can vibrate, make squeaky sounds, and other noises.
✔ Compatibility – You want to make sure that the keyboard you are buying is actually compatible with the operating system on your computer. There are some keyboards you can only use on Apple computers, while others are compatible with Windows. But you can also find one that works on both Apple and Windows computers.
✔ Wired or Wireless – Wireless keyboards are not a preferred choice for gamers. These keyboards are susceptible to interference during live gaming sessions. The wireless connection is not as reliable as a wired connection. However, wireless keyboards are suitable for use in office spaces for promoting ergonomic environment. They also allow you to sit a bit away from your computer and protect your eyes. Also, wireless keyboards save space on your workstation so that you can have additional devices.
However, wired keyboards are still better because you don’t have to use batteries at all. Besides the battery, the response of a wired keyboard to your clicks is much quicker, which makes it ideal for gaming.
✔ Mouse Combos – Many manufactures of quiet keyboards offer their buyers a combination of both keyboard and a mouse. This combo allows you to connect both of them with a single USB. These combos might save you the hassle of dealing with wires and cables. However, they are usually of low or mediocre quality. If you are a gamer, you will mostly likely not use a combo.
✔ Advanced Keys for Gaming – If you are an enthusiastic gamer, you will definitely consider extra and advanced keys. You can use these keys for a variety of purposes. They can configure them with your games to perform certain actions. Additionally, you can have keyboards with dedicated multimedia keys on them.
Best Quiet Keyboards for Gaming
1. Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Corsair STRAFE offers quiet keys, RGB lighting and mechanical functionality for an all round great gaming keyboard choice. The quality of the build is strong, and will certainly last a few years at least. As you can see above, a wrist rest comes as standard for some extra comfort when playing. A stand is also mounted on the bottom which offer more angling if you prefer.
A handy USB 3.0 socket is located on the back, which can be used for a mouse or any other peripheral, and the keys can be lit with a hefty 16.8 million colour choices. The sides are also equipped with lights, which offers something different to standard key lights.
The keys are are quiet as possible. No, it’s not completely silent due to the fact it’s a mechanical keyboard, but it’s the quietest you will find.
Overall, the Corsair STRAFE is a fantastic gaming keyboard which offers quiet keys, RGB and a striking design. Corsair have really pulled this one out the bag, definitely a top choice.
Main Features
- MX silent keys for 30% noise reduction
- Separate volume and multimedia controls
- On-board storage for light and macro saving
- Over 16 million colour options for keys
2. KLIM Chroma Wireless/Wired Quiet Keyboard
The KLIM keyboard is the least known brand on our gaming keyboard list, and also the cheapest. However, don’t let fool you… KLIM offers a solid and quiet choice at an affordable price.
Rainbow light effects come into play when you’re typing, and stop when you’re not. A nice touch for those who like gaming in the dark. They do switch off after about 15 seconds which can be annoying when gaming but not using the keyboard for that amount of time.
The keys are a little more raised than you’re probably used to, but it doesn’t take long to get used to. This makes it very easy to type on and rarely press other keys by mistake.
For the price, the KLIM offers an affordable, sturdy and great budge option for all your gaming needs.
Main Features
- RGB effects
- Wireless or wired capability
- Cheap compared to benefits
- Sturdy
3. Razer Ornata V2 Gaming Keyboard with Mecha-Membrane Keys
A great choice for a gaming keyboard, the Razer Ornata V2 offers everything you’ll need. The keys are very quiet thanks to the mecha-membrane which offers the feeling of a conventional keyboard but with feedback of a mechanical.
Fully customisable RGB lighting means you have full control over the look and style. Although wired, it offers braided cable and a gold plated connector.
Again, the keys take a little getting used to if you’re used to a standard office keyboard, but well worth it when you do. The Razer software it comes with is super easy to use as well, potentially easier than the Corsair.
Overall, the Razer offers a fully customisable and quiet keyboard solution. The speed it great so if gaming is you’re number one priority, this certainly won’t disappoint.
Main Features
- Mecha-membrane keys for light and quiet strokes
- Customisable RGB colours
- Full integrate macros
- Solid software integration
Best Quiet Keyboards for Home Working
1. Logitech K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard
A top end office keyboard, the Logitech K800 offers simplistic design with features focused on use and function. An optional backlight offers some much needed colour, and can be increased or decreased depending on your lighting conditions.
The keys are shallow, so some who are used to higher keys may struggle initially to type without any mistakes. However, once being used for a couple of weeks, it offers greater smoothness compared to higher ones.
A unifying receiver means the wireless functionality can be used for certain Logitech mouse models, freeing up USB space on your machine.
The K800 offers a good solution for home working, however the downside is the price compared to other similar models. You may get a little more, you have to decide whether that’s worth the higher price tag.
Main Features
- Illuminated backlight (optional)
- PerfectStroke key system
- Solid wireless connection
- Unifying receiver so can be used in conjunction with Logitech mouse
2. Arteck Wireless Ultra Slim Quiet Keyboard
An incredibly light, sturdy and powerful keyboard, the Arteck is a fantastic choice for those looking for a slim model. A handy micro USB helps with space, and easy set up means it’s plug and play. Since it’s so light, anti split backing is also in place to stop it slipping on your desk whilst typing.
Low profile keys means it’s very quiet and easy to type on, and a long battery life ensures there’s no need to constantly change batteries.
We can’t recommend the Arteck enough as it outperforms most in terms of size, speed and connectivity. Sure, it’s simple, yet that adds to it’s charm.
Main Features
- Ultra slim and lightweight option
- Stainless backing
- Up to 6 month battery life
- Low profile keys for quietness
Benefits of Using a Quiet Keyboard
Increased Focus and Attention
Office work requires attention. Take the example of a room where you have writers writing website content or articles and ad copies for newspapers. Their work requires attention to be creative, and a loud environment is the last thing they want.
With quiet keyboards, these workers can enjoy a serene environment in their offices even if there are dozens of people typing at the same time.
A Friendly Environment for People with Sensitivities
Some people cannot be in a noisy and loud environment, not because they don’t like but because they have a medical condition. For example, there is a condition called Misophonia. The people who have this condition can have an extreme psychological and emotional reaction to the clicking of the keyboard. Quiet keyboards can be a solution to this problem.
Improved Satisfaction while Working
So, these keyboards are silent but the feel of typing on them is pretty similar to typing on a high-end mechanical keyboard from the past.
Furthermore, the keys on modern keyboards usually have a small height. The height of keys on traditional keyboards can get tiring after some minutes of typing. In short, you can type quietly without tiring your fingers on these keyboards.
Bottom Line
A quiet keyboard can offer you all the benefits of a traditional keyboard and some more. Whether you play games all day or have to do a lot of typing every day, a quiet keyboard can definitely a great companion for you. You can type and play games without disturbing the people around you.
Make sure check the keyboard by typing on it for a few minutes before you pay for it. The only way you can tell a good keyboard from a bad one is by typing on them for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
