So I need some recommendations. I have two 75% boards with gatearon reds and cherry mx blues. I really like these keyboards, but they are obviously not quiet. My issue arises because my desk shares a wall with my daughter’s bedroom, so while she is napping or asleep I am stuck using a Logitech G213. The G213 is much quieter but not as fun.

So my humble request is this: can anyone recommend a 100% (or any percent that has all the keys in smaller form factor) that is as close to absolutely silent as possible? I would prefer a good tactile feel but it’s not required and I’m looking into magnetic switches because those look cool too. I like that you can program them to behave like analog inputs. Also I’m on Ubuntu Linux (fuck you Microsoft) if that is important.

Thanks in advance if you have any ideas for me.

  • flesh@lemmy.zip
    9·
    2 months ago

    YMMV, but in my experience silent switch and o-rings are the biggest contributesrs to reducing noise. Films also help to a smaller degree. Stabilizers are also a big source of noise, as I understand, but I don’t have anything to advise there since none of my boards have had stabilizers.

    Of course, changing your typing habits will have a larger impact than hardware changes though.

    • iconic_admin@lemmy.worldOP
      3·
      2 months ago

      Are there boards that come with o-rings? I don’t know anything about them. Does each switch need an o-ring between the keycap and the switch or does it go somewhere else?

      I have tried to type quieter, to little avail.

      • Peasley@lemmy.world
        5·
        2 months ago

        There are probably boards that come with them but it’s not typical. You can buy a pack of 250 for probably $10 online, they are easy to come by.

        you put one o-ring around every key stem. The o-ring hits the edge of the switch after it actuates but before the key bottoms out, so you hear rubber on plastic rather than plastic on plastic

        I saw some images online with people using two o-rings, but i’m not sure if there is any point to doing so. Perhaps for very tall key caps.

      • fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        2·
        2 months ago

        Does each switch need an o-ring between the keycap

        Yup. It’s very tedious to install on a full sized keyboard. I’ve done actual O rings and those rubber bands for bracers. Honestly sometimes the bracer bands are easier.

        But learning to not bottom out will be the biggest way to quiet your keyboard after you get non clicky switches. O rings don’t magically make your keyboard silent, they just make bottoming out less loud.