Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Loud?

Mechanical keyboards are notorious for being very noisy. While people understand this, they are unaware of the factors that make these mechanical keyboards so loud.

So, in this article, not only will we explore the causes of mechanical keyboards being so loud, but also its pros and cons, and some tips for you to quiet down these keyboards.

Reasons why mechanical keyboards are so loud

1. Mechanical switches are loud

Mechanical switches use a lot of force to activate, which means they are quite loud. These switches are spring-loaded which causes a lot of clicking when typing. In fact, some keyboards even use double-shot keycaps to help reduce the noise produced by the switches. However, mechanical switches will be quite noisy regardless of whether or not they have double-shot keycaps. But there is a range of noise levels associated with mechanical keyboards, depending on the type of switches used.

There are 3 main types of mechanical switches

Tactile: when the actuation point is hit, more tactile feedback is given. When pressing the key, you can notice a small bump. This gives you the physiological feedback that the key has been pressed.
Linear: Throughout the typing process, the feel of it remains consistent. These are the quietest switches, with no tactile feedback.
Clicky: these are louder than the tactile ones when the actuation point is hit. People who want loud, clicky noise prefer these switches.

2. The boards themselves are loud.

Some mechanical keyboards use fancy, high-quality boards that make a lot of noise when they’re being operated. This is especially true if the board has hard drives or other components mounted on it – these boards can generate a lot of sound when activated. Additionally, some mechanical keyboards use special materials that make them sound louder than typical boards. For example, some keyboards use rubber membranes between the keys and the board to dampen the sound created when typing. But while these materials may make the keyboard quieter overall, they also add an audible “thunk” when typed on.

3. Keycap noise is also loud.

One of the biggest contributors to keyboard noise is keycap noise – this is basically the sound that keys make when pressed down onto them (or when they’re being lifted up). While most keycaps don’t create too much noise on their own (especially if used with good keyboard mechanics), some do – and these can be very noticeable in a noisy environment like a computer lab or office setting.

4. Keyboard layout matters.

One of the other major factors contributing to keyboard noise is the layout of the keys. For example, a QWERTY keyboard layout (the most common type of keyboard) has lots of keys in close proximity to each other, which makes it easier for your fingers to hit multiple keys at once. But some layouts – like an AZERTY or Dvorak keyboard – are designed to minimize finger movement and thus reduce keycap noise.

Pros and Cons of loud mechanical keyboards:

There are a few benefits to choosing a loud mechanical keyboard over a quieter one:

1. They’re more comfortable to type on.

One of the biggest complaints about quieter keyboards is that they’re just not as comfortable to use – especially if you’re used to working on a laptop or desktop with a louder keyboard. With a loud mechanical keyboard, you can actually increase your typing speed and accuracy by making the keys harder to hit.

2. They’re more durable.

A common complaint about quieter keyboards is that they often start to make noise after only a few months of use – which can be pretty frustrating when you’re trying to take notes in class or work on an important project. But with a loud mechanical keyboard, you can actually expect it to last much longer, since there’s less chance of it breaking down due to keycap noise or other defects.

3. They’re easier to hear in noisy environments.

One of the biggest problems with using a computer in an environment where there’s lots of background noise is that you often have trouble hearing what’s being said over the sound of the computer fan and other electronics. But with a loud mechanical keyboard, you’ll be able to hear everything that’s being said much better than with a quieter keyboard.

However, Mechanical keyboards can become so loud that they:

1. Decrease co-worker performance

One study found people working in noisy environments were more likely to make mistakes when they typed on a mechanical keyboard than when they typed on a standard keyboard. The noise from other people and machines made it difficult for them to concentrate and type accurately.

2. Make you avoid work

If you dislike the noise created by the keyboard then it is most likely the case that you will start to avoid work. In this case, it becomes crucial to look for quieter options out there.

3. Cause Tension reactions

There are many people who experience headaches and other tension reactions when using a mechanical keyboard. These reactions are caused by the sudden increase in pressure on the brain that comes with typing on a keyboard. The increased pressure can cause pain, discomfort, and even migraines. Some people also experience these reactions when they work on a computer for long periods of time. In these cases, the constant banging of the keys can cause physical and mental stress.

Tips to quiet down your loud keyboard

One way to reduce the noise level of your mechanical keyboard is to swap out the switches. This can help to reduce the overall volume of your keyboard, as well as customize its keystroke feel.

Apart from this, a mechanical keyboard uses switches and stabilizers to actuate the key press. This can generate a high level of friction and rattle, which can lead to a loud sound. To reduce this noise, it is important to lube the switches and stabilizers. Other options include adding a sound dampening foam or getting a desk mat.

Conclusion

We hope you can now point out the reasons why mechanical keyboards are so loud. We have discussed both sides of having a loud keyboard, but the final choice comes down to the user and their preferences. Also, no need to worry if you have a loud mechanical keyboard and you want to quiet it down because we have discussed tips for that too.

We hope this article was helpful for you!