In this article, we’ll reveal some of our top picks for quiet keyboards that offer great performance but don’t make nearly as much sound as traditional mechanical keyboards. So whether you’re planning on doing overtime work at home or aiming for championship levels in competitive esports titles, here are the best quiet keyboards you can get.
Features to Look For When Buying Quiet Keyboards
If you want to find the perfect keyboard for gaming or typing, you’ll need to know exactly what features to look for. Consider the following factors before buying a quiet keyboard.
Design
Keyboards come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and comfort levels. If you need a quiet keyboard for gaming, choose the gaming design. It’ll come with multimedia keys and programmable special keys that you can use for game macros. If you’re working long hours in front of a PC, opt for an ergonomic keyboard instead. It’ll be more comfortable and prevent muscle strain.
If you need to use your keyboard in darkness, or just want a flashy, good-looking device, consider a keyboard with lighting. You can also opt for a wired or wireless keyboard, or buy it as a combo with other peripherals.
Switch Type
Switch type should be your priority when you’re looking to buy a quiet keyboard. When it comes to mechanical keyboards, there are three types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Keyboard producers also label switch types with colors, red (linear), brown (tactile), and blue (clicky). There are other colors or even different producer-personalized labels for different types of switches. However, Cherry MX is the most popular switch at the moment, and with a reason. They are high-quality, silent, yet tactile. If you’re not into mechanical keyboards, you’ll have to decide between a membrane and rubber dome keyboard. Modern keyboards usually use both switch types in the form of rubber dome over the membrane. Membrane keyboards have electrical contacts on a plastic membrane sheet, while the rubber dome keyboard has little rubber domes inside each key that actuate the switch with pressure.
Anti-Ghosting and N-Key Rollover
The anti-ghosting feature in keyboards lets you press multiple keys at the same time, but the keys respond one by one. All key presses will be sent to your PC without an error, and the response will be accurate. N-key rollover also allows you to press multiple buttons simultaneously, but it is the keyboard registering each pressed button and not the PC. The result is accurate typing, even if you’re pressing a bunch of different keys at the same time.
The Size
There are different sizes of keyboards, and although the size refers to the physical dimensions of the keyboard, it also refers to the number of keys a keyboard has. A full-sized keyboard has 104 keys. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards have 87 keys, and 60% keyboards have 60 keys. There are other, less popular keyboard sizes and layouts out there so choose based on the form factor you need.
Compatibility
Finally, when choosing a quiet keyboard, you need to make sure it’s compatible with your PC and its operating system. Some keyboards are specifically made for Apple computers and won’t work on a Windows PC. On our list, you’ll only find keyboards that can work with both.
1. Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
Price: $65
Compatible with different devices Comes with a phone or tablet stand Premium comfort Wireless Battery life up to 2 years
Logitech K780 is a full-size keyboard with comfortable and quiet keys so you can type all day long in total silence. What’s the best thing about this keyboard is that it’s compatible with multiple devices and you can use it on a PC, tablet, or smartphone simultaneously. An easy-switch button allows you to toggle between three connected devices. It has an integrated stand where you can put your tablet or a phone to act as a screen. All you have to do is connect the keyboard via Bluetooth wireless connection or by using a USB cable. The keyboard is powered by a C battery that the producer guarantee works for up to 2 years without charging it. This keyboard works with Windows 8 or newer, Mac OS 10.10 or newer, Chrome OS, Android 5.0 or newer, and iOS 5 or newer. You can match the keyboard with your PC style by choosing one of the two looks Logitech offers: white or speckless.
2. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
Price: $157
Light-weight Aluminum frame Customizable RGB backlighting Cherry MX mechanical key switches USB port
Corsair K70 is a quiet mechanical keyboard designed for gamers. Its keys are highly responsive and 100% anti-ghosting, so it’s also a top choice for writers and programmers. No matter how fast you type or repeatedly hit your “I win button” in your favorite game, all the pressed keys will be registered. This keyboard displays nearly unlimited RGB colors that you can customize and control with Corsair iCUE software. You can also use this software for macro programming, and lighting synchronization with other Corsair peripherals, coolers, and fans. The keyboard also boasts a USB port which you can use to connect a mouse, or headphones, and make your PC set up more convenient.
3. Razer BlackWidow Elite
Price: $200
Razer Yellow Switches Full per-key RGB backlighting Fully programmable macros Magnetic wrist rest
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is another great choice for both gamers and professionals. What sets it apart from the rest of the keyboards on this list is the Razer yellow mechanical switches. They are linear and silent which means you’ll get a top solution for silent typing and gaming. Razer also sells this keyboard with Orange and Green switches, but those are significantly louder than the yellow ones.
The legacy speed keys allow this keyboard to be incredibly fast and precise. You can also remap all the keys and program keypress combos for various complex commands. You can also customize the RGB backlight and personalize your gaming and typing experience.
Finally, if you spend a lot of time in front of your PC, you’ll be happy to know that Razer BlackWidow Elite boasts an ergonomic magnetic wrist rest, made out of plush leatherette for your comfort.
4. SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB
Price: $45
Water resistant keyboard RGB illumination with reactive effects Whisper quiet switches Magnetic wrist rest Multimedia controls
Steelseries is a well-known company that uses the standard Black, Red, or Brown color schemes for their switches. But Apex 3 RGB is different because it uses Steelserie’s whisper-quiet gaming switches. That said, this is not a mechanical keyboard since the switches are rubber dome. Some consider this type of switch to lack tactile feedback, so professionals may not want to invest in this keyboard. If the looks are what matter to you, note that Steelseries Apex 3 RGB lighting is zone-lit. That means you won’t be able to customize each key’s illumination individually, but with SteelSeries’ Engine software, you can personalize the overall backlight. Maybe the lighting is not the selling point of this keyboard, but the fact it’s waterproof certainly makes it attractive. Rated at IP32, this keyboard can survive accidental spills during your heated gaming sessions.
5. Logitech G915 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Price: $250
Wireless gaming keyboard Lightsync RGB lighting technology Battery life 40 hours Low profile mechanical switches Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS
Logitech produces top of the line keyboards, and G915 is among the best quiet wireless gaming keyboards out there. Although this is a mechanical keyboard, it has low-profile keys. This makes it even quiet (though not completely silent) even if you don’t opt for the linear switches. And yes, you can choose between GL tactile, GL Linear, and GL Clicky switches. No matter your choice, you’ll have a comfortable experience typing on Logitech G915. Because G915 is a gaming keyboard, it has extra keys dedicated to gaming. It also comes with a num pad and media keys. All of them have comfortable RGB backlight that can be individually customized. With the brightness set to 100%, the keyboard battery can survive up to 40 hours on a single charge. The keyboard is thin but durable as it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
6. Corsair K95 Platinum XT
Price: $160
Per-key RGB backlighting Six dedicated macro keys for gamers Streaming commands with Elgato Stream Deck software Cherry MX Speed Silver switches Detachable cushioned palm rest
Corsair K95 Platinum XT is a keyboard with premium quality and comfortability. Its keys are double shot, made of PBT for durability. The included palm rest is made of soft cushioned leatherette, and can easily be detached. The K95 is a highly customizable keyboard. You can also personalize the RGB backlighting behind every individual key. The six additional macro keys on the left side of the keyboard are there for all your gaming needs. You can order Corsair K95 with Cherry MX Blue, Brown, or Speed Silver switches, but it is the latter ones that make all the difference. They were designed for a high-speed response. They provide 1.2-millimeter actuation and will remain reliable even after 100 million keystrokes. Speed Silver switches are also linear, which means quiet.
7. Razer BlackWidow Lite TKL Tenkeyless Keyboard
Price: $80.50
Silent orange Switch technology O-ring sound dampeners Adjustable brightness Programmable macros Tenkeyless design
Unlike its Elite version, this Razer BlackWidow keyboard uses Orange switch technology that needs only 45G of actuation force. Although not as popular as Yellow, it still greatly adds to the accuracy, speed, and quietness of the keyboard. The TKL version is also much more affordable and a great option if you are on a budget but still need a quiet gaming keyboard. Range switches are not the most silent option, but Razer also puts in the O-ring dampeners that further reduce the noise. The Razer BlackWidow has all the keys individually backlit, but without RGB lighting. Also, you can remap all the keys and create personal keypress combos with Razer’s programmable macro support. With a tenkeyless design (this keyboard doesn’t have a number pad), BlackWidow is a compact keyboard that can fit any small desk space. Furthermore, it has a USB Type-C detachable cable so you can take it with you on a business trip, or to a gaming-on-the-go session. If you’re looking for a quiet keyboard that will help you avoid disturbing others while you type or play games, any of the keyboards on our list should serve you well. Some are better suited for gaming, while others emphasize click-free typing experiences, but all of them will help keep the noise down. Do you have a favorite quiet keyboard? Let us know in the comments below.
