Introduction

Are Mechanical Keyboards Too Loud for the Office? So, Mechanical keyboard are becoming increasingly popular for office use due to their tactile feedback, durability, and customization options. Contrary to popular belief, mechanical keyboards are not too loud for the office – in fact, depending on the switch you buy, they can be extremely silent. With a well-lubed linear switch, a mechanical keyboard is even quieter than membrane keyboards.

Description:

Are mechanical keyboards too loud for office use?” is a common question that many people ask when considering upgrading to one of these keyboards. While mechanical keyboards are typically louder than other types of keyboards, there are ways to reduce the noise and make them more suitable for office use.

Should You Use a Mechanical Keyboard in the Office?

mechanical keyboard use in office

Yes, using a mechanical keyboard in an office environment can be beneficial. Mechanical keyboards are known for their durability and reliability, which makes them ideal for an office environment where they will be used frequently. 

Additionally, mechanical keyboards can provide a tactile feedback that is often preferred by users. This feedback can help to increase typing accuracy and speed, which can be beneficial in an office setting. 

Furthermore, mechanical keyboards are often customizable, allowing users to adjust the size and layout of the keyboard to better suit their needs. 

Finally, mechanical keyboards typically come with additional features such as programmable keys or backlighting, which can be useful for certain tasks

Mechanical keyboard switches

Listing all keyboards with silent, linear switches for a workplace environment would be quite excessive. Instead, we will provide a comprehensive list of these types of switches that are suitable for office use.

Tactile switches

Tactile switches are a type of mechanical keyboard switch that provides tactile feedback when pressed, meaning users can feel a bump, or click, when they press the key. They are often used in gaming keyboards and are preferred by users who enjoy the feeling of pressing down a physical switch. Tactile switches are usually louder than linear switches, making them less suitable for office environments.

Linear switches

Linear switches are an increasingly popular choice for mechanical keyboards due to their smooth, consistent action and low actuation force. These switches provide a more comfortable typing experience than other types of switches, and they also have a longer lifespan. Linear switches are ideal for those who type or game frequently and require a reliable switch that will last through long typing sessions.

  1. Cherry MX Red
  2. Cherry MX Black
  3. Cherry MX Brown
  4. Gateron Red
  5. Gateron Black
  6. Gateron Brown
  7. Kailh Red
  8. Kailh Black
  9. Kailh Brown

Actuation Force

Mechanical keyboard switches come in a variety of types, each with different actuation forces. The actuation force is the amount of force required to register a keystroke. Common actuation forces for mechanical switches range from 45g to 110g.

Key switch testers

With the rise in demand for mechanical keyboards, the need for reliable key switch testers has also increased. Key switch testers allow users to quickly test out different types of mechanical keyboard switches in order to identify the ones that best suit their needs. By using a key switch tester, users can save time and energy while ensuring they purchase a keyboard that meets their individual preferences.

  1. Cherry MX Switches
  2. Kailh Switches
  3. Gateron Switches
  4. Topre Switches
  5. Box Switch
  6. Kaihua Switches
  7. Razer Switches
  8. Logitech GX Blue Switches
  9. Switch Tester Kit

Are Mechanical Keyboards Too Loud?

It depends on the type of mechanical keyboard. Some mechanical keyboards are quite loud due to the clicking sound of the keys, while others generate very little noise. Many mechanical keyboards come with adjustable switches that allow users to adjust the sound level of the keys.

Office Noise Considerations

  1. Ensure that the mechanical keyboard is place on a mat or other sound-dampening material to reduce the noise generated when typing.
  2. Consider purchasing a keyboard with quieter switches, such as a linear switch or rubber dome switch, which will generate less noise than a clicky switch.
  3. To further reduce noise, consider investing in o-rings to place underneath keycaps to absorb some of the noise when typing.
  4. Place the keyboard away from any walls or other sound-reflecting surfaces to reduce the echoing and reverberation of sound in the office. 
  5. Make sure that employees are aware of the office’s sound-reflective (and other) surfaces, and what the effects of these surfaces can be on the quality of the working environment.

Is it possible to reduce the noise of a mechanical keyboard?

  • With the use of silicone or O-rings reduce the mechanical keyboard noise. 
  • Silicone or O-rings are place between the switch and the keycap to reduce the sound of the switch when it is pressed. 
  • You can also get low-noise switches that have modified to produce less noise when activated. 
  • Additionally, some mechanical keyboards come with dampening feet that can help reduce noise.

What is the Noise Level of Mechanical Keyboards?

  • The noise level of mechanical keyboards can vary depending on the specific type of switch and keycap used. Generally, most mechanical keyboards are louder than standard rubber dome keyboards, but some may be quieter. 
  • On average, mechanical keyboards range from 50-60 decibels (dB) when typing, with some of the loudest reaching up to 78 dB or more on aggressive keystrokes. 
  • In comparison, membrane keyboards are much quieter, typically ranging between 40-45 dB when typing. 
  • Mechanical keyboards are well within the acceptable range of noise in typical office environments. In fact, most offices reach 60-65 dB levels which means mechanical keyboards are significantly quieter than the average workplace.
  • Furthermore, a lot of people make use of headphones to listen to music or block out the sound of an office environment while they work.

Conclusion

No, mechanical keyboards are not too loud for the office. While they may produce a louder sound than other types of keyboards, the sound is usually not distracting or disruptive to others. Mechanical keyboards also have features that allow users to adjust the sound and volume levels, making them suitable for use in a professional setting. If there are complaints about the sound generated by your mechanical keyboard, you can consider using silent switches, O-Rings, sound-dampening foam, or a desk mat to reduce noise and still benefit from the advantages it provides.