Even in this age of advanced voice recognition software and touch screen savviness, the good old keyboard remains a centerpiece of interactivity. Those incessant click sounds produced by your keyboard, however, can be quite distracting in quiet environments such as offices, libraries, or even your sacred late-night writing sessions. The solution? Silent keyboard switches. This article will explore the top silent switches for your office keyboard that will help ensure maximum typing efficiency without the accompanying noise.
1. Cherry MX Silent Red/Black
Since introducing their prototype in1973, Cherry Corporation has become a premier figure in the keyboard switch market. Among their long list of offerings, the Cherry MX Silent Red and MX Silent Black switches are a celebrated choice for noise-free typing.
Installed with integrated 2-component tappet technology, both variants are designed to minimize typing sounds significantly. They also reduce spring noise, making your keystrokes as stealthy as a ninja’s step. Both switches require a 45g actuation force which translates to a light, sensitive response to your touch, making typing highly efficient. While the Silent Red offers linear keystrokes, Silent Black provides more resistance as keys are pressed, making these switches suitable for various typing habits.
2. Heated Seal Silent Tactile (HS ST)
Next on the list is the modern and advanced Heated Seal Silent Tactile switches. Designed by the enthusiast-based manufacturer, HS ST focuses on the quality and precision of each switch. They offer a unique hybrid construction that incorporates rubber domes and crosspoint contact technology. This technique significantly reduces noise, resulting in very quiet operation. With a light actuation force of 45g and unique tactile feedback, this silent switch is excellent for prolonged periods of office typing.
3. Zowie Celeritas II Optical Switch
BenQ brings the Zowie Celeritas II keyboard fitted with an optical switch to the table. This switch has a distinct advantage over traditional mechanical switches in terms of noise. The optical switch technology utilizes light for actuation, which naturally lessens the Mechanical sound. Its 45g actuation force and unique optical-trigger design offer not only whisper-quiet typing but also unmatched speed and efficiency.
4. Matias Quiet Pro
If you’re a fan of the classic, tactile feel of the ALPS switch, then the Matias Quiet Pro might be what satisfies your silent typing need. The Matias Quiet Pro switches use dampeners to reduce noise while providing that tangible feedback we all love. With an actuating force of 60g, each keystroke on a Matias Quiet Pro switch yields an almost inaudible sound, making it ideal for offices where silence is golden.
5. Zeal PC Zealencio Silencing Clips
In a class of their own, these are not switches, but rather, silencing clips made to silence Cherry MX compatible switches. Zeal PC’s Zealencio Silencing Clips are designed to deaden the noise at both the top and bottom out points. The clips achieve silence by adding small rubber dampeners to each side of the switch stem.
6. Kailh Silent Switches
While Cherry MX Silent switches are renowned in the gaming world, Kailh Silent switches have made their mark in the typing sphere. Kailh silent switches come in two variants: Silent Pink (linear) and Silent Brown (tactile). Both variants feature inbuilt dampening pieces on both ends, leading to a significant reduction in typing noise.
Choosing a silent keyboard switch really boils down to individual preferences: some may love a linear, smooth keystroke; others might prefer a more tactile feedback. Fortunately, the market today is teeming with options. These silent switches covered are some of the best in terms of noise reduction, durability, and overall performance. One thing’s for sure: they will help you maintain peace and quiet in your office while you keep those fingers busy.
