Silent Mechanical Keyboards

John Hernandez
10 min readJun 21, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup of the Silent Mechanical Keyboards that are perfect for your workspace. These keyboards offer the tactile feel of mechanical keys without the loud clatter, making them a great choice for professionals and gamers alike. Read on as we introduce you to the top silent mechanical keyboards on the market today.

The Top 7 Best Silent Mechanical Keyboards

  1. Opal Base 65 Keyboard with Silent Glacier Switches — Experience the perfect blend of modern design and retro flair with Opal Base 65 Keyboard, featuring Silent Glacier Switches for silent precision, dual silicone dampening layers for rich thocc sound, and customizable hot-swappable design.
  2. Ducky Shine 7 Gunmetal Silent Keyboard — Experience a stylish, powerful, and whisper-quiet keyboard with the Ducky Shine 7 Gunmetal, featuring Cherry MX Silent Red switches and a Zinc Alloy top case that’s three times stronger than aluminum.
  3. Ducky Origin Black: Cherry MX Silent Red Mechanical Keyboard — Experience unparalleled typing comfort and unmatched functionality with the Ducky Origin Black Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard, featuring the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, perfect for daily use in any environment.
  4. Vortex Silent Mechanical Bluetooth Keyboard — The Vortex PC66 66-Key Beige Mechanical Keyboard boasts Silent Cherry MX switches, triple connectivity modes, and thoughtful design elements for an exceptional typing experience.
  5. Ducky One 3 Matcha Silent Mechanical Keyboard — Experience unparalleled style and top-notch performance with the Ducky One 3 Matcha TKL Silent Mechanical Keyboard, boasting a unique design, hot-swappable capabilities, acoustic excellence, and a user-friendly Macro layout.
  6. Ducky Origin Vintage Mechanical Quiet Keyboard — Take a nostalgic leap with the Ducky Origin Vintage Mechanical Keyboard, combining vintage aesthetics and modern features for an unmatched typing experience.
  7. DURGOD Silent Mechanical Keyboard for Gamers and Typists — Space Gray — Experience unmatched comfort and precision with the DURGOD Gaming Mechanical Keyboard — featuring Cherry MX Silent Red switches, N-key rollover, and an elegant, ergonomic design, making it perfect for gamers and typists alike.

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Reviews

Opal Base 65 Keyboard with Silent Glacier Switches

Introducing the Opal 65 Keyboard, an innovative gaming keyboard featuring the Silent Glacier Switches. This keyboard boasts an efficient 65% layout with arrow keys, making it perfect for gaming enthusiasts.

The nostalgic design is a blend of classic 90’s console style and contemporary flair, with its translucent polycarbonate frame and ABS keycaps. The satisfying weight and rich thocc sound come from the dual silicone dampening layers, which create an immersive feel. The keyboard also features whisper-quiet typing with the factory pre-lubed Silent Glacier Switches, providing a 2.0mm actuation, 3.5mm travel, and 39g actuation force.

With hot-swappable design, RGB lighting, software, and macros, customization is easy. To enhance the user experience, the package includes a detachable USB-C to A cable, wire keycap puller, and switch puller tool.

Ducky Shine 7 Gunmetal Silent Keyboard

The Ducky Shine 7 is a premium RGB mechanical keyboard that truly shines in terms of build quality. Its sturdy Zinc Alloy top case is three times stronger than traditional aluminum cases, making this keyboard an attractive choice for those seeking durability. This Ducky version comes with Cherry MX Silent Red switches, ensuring quiet keystrokes that won’t disturb the surrounding environment.

This keyboard also has a sleek and modern design, featuring PBT Double Shot keycaps and a detachable Type-C USB cable for added convenience. However, the brightness of the RGB lighting may not be as striking as some competitors, potentially deterring some consumers. With that being said, the Ducky Shine 7 remains a top-notch choice for anyone looking for a reliable keyboard with a great look and feel.

Ducky Origin Black: Cherry MX Silent Red Mechanical Keyboard

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Ducky Origin Black Keyboard, and it has become a staple in my gaming sessions. The Cherry MX Silent Red switches really shine, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience that reduces noise and distractions in my space. I particularly appreciate the detachable USB-C cable, which makes it convenient to swap out without any hassle. The south-facing switches and slim bezel design also add a sleek touch to its elegant profile.

However, there is one aspect that has been a bit annoying. The windows key cannot be disabled, which leads to accidental presses while using the keyboard. This can be quite frustrating, especially when I’m in the middle of an intense gaming session. Despite this minor inconvenience, I still find the Ducky Origin Black Keyboard to be a reliable and sleek choice for anyone seeking a silent and comfortable mechanical keyboard.

Vortex Silent Mechanical Bluetooth Keyboard

The Vortex PC66 is a versatile mechanical keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience thanks to its 65% layout and Hotswap technology. Featuring Cherry MX Silent Red switches, it delivers a silent yet satisfying feel, perfect for working or gaming in open spaces. This keyboard boasts multiple connectivity options, including wired, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4GHz Wireless modes, making it adaptable to various situations.

Plus, with programmable keys using Vortexgear GUI and a gasket mount design for added stability, the PC66 is not just stylish but functional as well. However, it consumes 2 AAA batteries in wireless mode, which might require frequent replacements. Overall, the Vortex PC66 provides a top-notch silent typing experience for those who appreciate efficiency and elegance.

Ducky One 3 Matcha Silent Mechanical Keyboard

As someone who spends a lot of time typing on a computer, I was intrigued to try the Ducky One 3 Matcha TKL Keyboard. The moment I opened the box, I was drawn to its sleek design and thoughtful color choices. The keyboard features Ducky’s QUACK Mechanics design philosophy, which combines hot-swappable functionality with a low-profile case, making it a great choice for typists like myself.

One of the standout features of this keyboard is the double-shot PBT keycaps. Compared to ABS keycaps, they have a more tactile feel and are less prone to wearing down over time. The keycaps are also available in a variety of colors, allowing users to personalize their setup.

However, as with any product, there were some minor drawbacks. The keyboard is not backlit, which some users may find limiting for low-light typing situations. Additionally, the 3-level adjustable feet can be a bit wobbly, making it difficult to find the perfect typing angle.

Overall, though, I am highly satisfied with my investment in the Ducky One 3 Matcha TKL Keyboard. It combines beautiful design, responsive keys, and hot-swappable functionality, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced typists.

Ducky Origin Vintage Mechanical Quiet Keyboard

I recently had the pleasure of using the Ducky Origin Vintage Mechanical Keyboard, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. This retro-inspired keyboard not only looks amazing but boasts some serious features that enhance your typing experience. The high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps offer a clear font that won’t fade, and the dual-layer PCB circuit board ensures a long lifespan and stable signals.

What really sets this keyboard apart is its hot-swappable and south-facing switch design. It means you can easily customize your key switches to find the perfect feel for your typing style. Plus, the classic ultra-thin bezel design in retro grey is both space-saving and sophisticated. And, with its detachable USB Type-C interface, you’ll enjoy high-speed connectivity.

Of course, with any mechanical keyboard, the sound it makes is a big factor. The Cherry MX Silent Red switch keeps things nice and quiet, making this an excellent option for those who want to minimize noise. But don’t worry, the mechanical switches still give you that satisfying click with each keystroke.

Overall, the Ducky Origin Vintage Mechanical Keyboard is a beautiful and functional addition to any desktop setup. Its vintage style, combined with modern features, is a win-win for those who appreciate both form and function.

DURGOD Silent Mechanical Keyboard for Gamers and Typists — Space Gray

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Introducing the DURGOD Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, a top-notch peripheral for both gamers and typists. With its sturdy construction and zero flex, this keyboard provides an excellent typing experience. Designed with high-quality Cherry MX Silent Red switches, it ensures a quiet, linear smooth feel for enhanced productivity. The 32-bit ARM Processor and 1000Hz Polling rate ensure responsiveness, while the multi-media keys enable easy customization.

Users appreciate the N-key rollover and independent software for customization, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts. Its compact, ergonomic design with wide Cherry MX profile PBT double-shot keycaps is attractive and durable. The color combination makes the keycaps and shell complement each other, providing an elegant look.

The adjustable feet offer three levels to find the perfect height and position, while the detachable USB Type-C provides convenience. The use of detachable USB Type-C cable and three-way direction management cater to users’ convenience. Although some users may miss LED illumination or a pass-through USB port, the overall satisfaction with this DURGOD keyboard is evident.

Buyer’s Guide

A silent mechanical keyboard is a popular choice among many computer users due to its performance and noise reduction features. This guide will help you understand the key characteristics of these keyboards and provide advice on choosing the right one for your needs.

Key Features of Silent Mechanical Keyboards

Silent mechanical keyboards combine the best of both worlds — the tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard and the quiet performance of an ergonomic keyboard. Some of the important features you should look for include:

  1. Linear or OLED switches, which reduce the noise and vibration generated when keys are pressed. 2) Cherry MX Red or Blue switches, which are known for their quick and smooth key travel, providing a comfortable typing experience. 3) Programmable keys or RGB lighting, which allow users to customize their keyboard according to their preferences.

Considerations before Purchasing a Silent Mechanical Keyboard

When looking for a silent mechanical keyboard, consider the following factors:

  1. Your budget — silent mechanical keyboards can come in a range of prices, depending on the brand, features, and quality. 2) Your typing needs — if you are a heavy typist, you may prefer a keyboard with a faster switch, while those with a lighter touch may prefer a slower one. 3) The size and layout — silent mechanical keyboards come in various sizes and layouts, so choose one that suits your typing style and hand positioning.

General Advice for Choosing the Best Silent Mechanical Keyboard

Here are some general tips to help you find the best silent mechanical keyboard for your needs:

  1. Read reviews and compare different brands and models to get an idea of their performance and reliability. 2) Check the warranty and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer, in case you need assistance or replacement parts. 3) Try out the keyboard in person or order from a reliable retailer, to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Silent mechanical keyboards offer an excellent typing experience without causing any noise distractions. When choosing one, consider the key features, your typing needs, and general advice to make an informed decision. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to find the perfect silent mechanical keyboard for your workplace or gaming setup.

FAQ

What are silent mechanical keyboards?

Silent mechanical keyboards are a type of keyboard that combines the tactile feedback and durability of mechanical keyboards with the noise reduction technology to minimize typing noise. They use special switches that provide the same level of feedback as standard mechanical keyboards but operate quietly.

These keyboards are ideal for those who prefer the feel of mechanical keyboards but work in shared spaces, such as offices or at home with family members, where noise can be disruptive. Silent mechanical keyboards often come with a variety of switch options, allowing users to customize the typing experience to their preference.

What are the advantages of using a silent mechanical keyboard?

The main advantages of using a silent mechanical keyboard are noise reduction, convenience, and productivity. By providing a quieter typing experience, these keyboards help maintain focus, reduce distractions, and minimize noise pollution. This makes them suitable for use in shared spaces where noise can be bothersome or disruptive.

Additionally, silent mechanical keyboards often come with a range of customizable features, such as adjustable brightness, backlit options, and programmable keys, which can enhance productivity and personalize the typing experience. Their durability and reliable typing performance make them a worthwhile investment for those who spend a significant amount of time typing.

What are some popular silent mechanical keyboard brands?

Popular brands of silent mechanical keyboards include Das Keyboard, Leopold, and Ducky. These companies offer a variety of silent mechanical models featuring different switches, colors, and layouts to cater to different user preferences. It’s essential to research each brand and model to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Some popular silent mechanical keyboard models include the Das Keyboard X50Q TKL, Leopold TKL10-E RGB, and Ducky ONE 2 Mini 60%. It’s crucial to consider factors such as switch type, layout, size, and additional features when choosing the best silent mechanical keyboard for yourself or your work environment.

What switches are available on silent mechanical keyboards?

Silent mechanical keyboards typically come with switches that provide tactile feedback and noise reduction technology. Examples of these switches include the Kaihua Silver Speed, Kailh Speed Silver, and Cherry MX Speed Silent. These switches provide the same level of feedback as standard mechanical switches but operate more quietly.

Switch options often vary by brand, model, and region. It’s essential to research the switch type and feel before purchasing a silent mechanical keyboard to ensure you find the best option for your needs. Some silent mechanical keyboards allow users to customize the switch type or even upgrade to different switches later on.

What are the differences between silent mechanical and standard mechanical keyboards?

The primary differences between silent mechanical and standard mechanical keyboards lie in their noise reduction technology and switching options. Silent mechanical keyboards use special switches that provide tactile feedback and reduced noise, allowing users to type quietly. Meanwhile, standard mechanical keyboards use traditional mechanical switches that provide a tactile feel and noise when typing.

Additionally, silent mechanical keyboards often come with different switch options, such as Kailh Speed Silver, Kaihua Silver Speed, or Cherry MX Speed Silent, which may not be available on standard mechanical keyboards. It’s essential to consider your preference for noise reduction, typing feel, and customizable features when choosing between the two types of keyboards.

How do I clean and maintain my silent mechanical keyboard?

To clean and maintain your silent mechanical keyboard, start by disconnecting it from your computer or device. Gently dust off any debris with a soft-bristled brush or a compressed air duster. For stubborn dirt or spills, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth or cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to avoid getting moisture inside the keyboard, as it can cause damage.

To maintain the longevity of your silent mechanical keyboard, consider using a keyboard cover or cleaning protector to prevent dust, debris, and spills from entering the keycaps. Additionally, be cautious when handling your keyboard to avoid bending or breaking the switches and keycaps. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your silent mechanical keyboard will ensure a long-lasting, trouble-free typing experience.

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