Mechanical keyboards are vintage, nostalgic, and simply loved by gamers, programmers, and typists alike. An integral aspect of the mechanical keyboards that adds to their allure is the distinct sound that each keypress makes. However, this sound, while attractive to some, can be disruptive to others. Therefore, keyboard manufacturers produce switches with a variety of sound profiles to appeal to different user preferences.
Consequently, it’s crucial to understand the divergent sound profiles of mechanical switches before purchasing one. Switches primarily differ in their auditory feedback, with some being loud and pronounced, while others are quiet and subtle. This article, therefore, provides an in-depth view of mechanical switch sound comparison.
Cherry MX Switches Sound Comparison
Cherry MX switches are currently the most popular and ancestral switches in the market. They are renowned for their versatility and availability in diverse tactile and sound profiles.
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Cherry MX Blue: Renowned for their clicky feel, Cherry MX Blue switches produce a loud, clear clicking sound with each keypress. This sound can be very satisfying for the typist but potentially annoying to others nearby.
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Cherry MX Brown: The Cherry MX Brown switches are quiet and provide a tactile bump, offering feedback about the actuation point. They produce a soft sound that can be described as a muted click or a quiet thud.
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Cherry MX Red: Cherry MX Red switches are linear, meaning they have no tactile bump and are silent until they bottom out. They produce a soft sound, making them a popular choice among gamers.
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Cherry MX Black: Similar to the Red switches, Cherry MX Black is linear but requires more force to actuate. They are somewhat muted, providing a subtle and sturdy sound similar to the Red switches but slightly louder due to the higher actuation force.
Gateron Switches Sound Comparison
Another popular choice for mechanical switches is Gateron. They are appreciated for their smoother keystroke, superior typing comfort, and slightly less costly price point compared to Cherry MX switches.
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Gateron Blue: These switches follow the path of the Cherry MX Blue, providing a distinct clicking sound at the cost of being somewhat louder.
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Gateron Brown: This switch is quiet and just slightly louder than its Cherry counterpart. It’s characterized by a more pronounced, sharper ‘clack’ sound at the bottom out.
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Gateron Red: The Gateron Red switches are silent, with a soft ‘clack’ sound produced when the key bottoms out. They’re well-suited to office environments due to their low noise levels.
Kailh Switches Sound Comparison
Kailh Switches, created by Kaihua Electronics, offer an alternative to the well-known Cherry MX and Gateron switches. They come in various types, resembling the clicky Blue, tactile Brown, or linear Red and Black.
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Kailh Blue: The Kailh Blue switches are very similar to the Cherry MX Blues, producing a loud clicking sound.
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Kailh Brown: Kailh Brown switches are slightly louder than their Cherry and Gateron counterparts. They produce a sharper and louder ‘clack.’
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Kailh Red: The Red switches are silent, producing a minuscule sound.
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Kailh Black: These switches resemble the Cherry MX Black’s qualities, producing a muted but sturdy sound.
There are also Kailh Speed switches, Box switches, and other variants worthy of exploration.
Sound Absorption Methods
If you find your keyboard too loud, there are several ways to reduce the sound, such as using o-rings or damping pads, installing foam in the keyboard chassis, or lubing the switches.
The Role of Keycaps and Keyboard Case
Apart from the switches, the sound emitted from a mechanical keyboard also depends on keycaps and the keyboard case. Different materials, shapes, and sizes of keycaps and cases can alter the sound profile significantly.
Personal Preferences and Environment
Ultimately, the choice of sound is subjective and will largely depend on personal preferences and environment. Some might prefer a noisy, ‘clicky’ keyboard that provides auditory feedback for every keystroke, while others may lean towards a quiet, subdued sound that doesn’t disturb others in the vicinity.
In conclusion, while seeking to fathom the unique sound comparison of mechanical switches, carefully consider each switch’s characteristics and the impact of supplemental factors such as keycaps, cases, and sound absorption methods. Buying a switch tester to experience the different sounds and feelings each switch produces is a valuable investment. It facilitates an informed decision and guarantees the joy of typing on your mechanical keyboard.
