Gaming keyboards are known for their distinctive loudness, which can be both a source of satisfaction for gamers and a point of annoyance for those around them. Let’s explore why gaming keyboards are so loud and provide actionable tips to potentially reduce their noise levels.

Understanding the Loudness of Gaming Keyboards

1. Material and Construction

Gaming keyboards typically utilize mechanical switches which are housed under each keycap. The interaction between the plastic of the keycaps and the switches often results in a louder typing sound. The hollow spaces within the keyboard can amplify these sounds, making them more pronounced.

2. Mechanical Switch Types

The type of mechanical switch can greatly affect the noise level. Common types include:

Clicky switches: Known for their tactile feedback and loud click sound.
Tactile switches: These provide physical feedback when a key is pressed, without the loud click.
Linear switches: Smooth and quiet, these switches have no tactile feedback.

3. Stabilizers and Keycaps

Larger keys such as the spacebar and enter key are supported by stabilizers, which can rattle if not properly secured. Additionally, the material of the keycaps (ABS or PBT) can affect the sound—PBT keycaps tend to produce a deeper, more solid sound compared to the lighter, higher-pitched sound of ABS keycaps.

4. Keyboard Modifications

Modifying a keyboard by adding dampening materials like rubber o-rings or foam can significantly reduce noise. These modifications cushion the impact between the keycap and the switch, or fill empty spaces inside the keyboard casing, thus minimizing sound resonance.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Keyboard Noise

Installing Rubber O-Rings

These can be placed on the switches to dampen the impact when keys are pressed, reducing the clicking sound without altering the typing feel significantly.

Using Dampening Films or Foams

Applying these inside the keyboard or under keycaps can help in absorbing the sound, thus lessening the noise output.

Desk Mats

Placing a thick, cushioned mat under your keyboard can reduce noise by preventing hard contact between the keyboard and the desk.

Switch Replacement

For those who find the noise excessive, replacing clicky or tactile switches with linear ones can be a more drastic, yet effective solution.

Gamer Preferences and Cultural Impact

Many gamers prefer loud keyboards as they provide tactile feedback that enhances the gaming experience. This preference is culturally significant in the gaming community, where the auditory feedback from a keyboard is often associated with a more immersive and responsive gaming session.

Conclusion

While gaming keyboards are inherently loud due to their design and the preferences of their primary users, there are several ways to mitigate their noise. Whether through simple modifications like adding rubber o-rings or through more involved solutions like replacing switches, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of a mechanical keyboard without the excessive noise.

Why Gaming Keyboards Are So Loud