Are you tired of the loud clacking sound that comes with gaming keyboards? If so, you’re not alone. Gaming keyboards are notorious for being much louder than regular keyboards; however, understanding why they are so noisy can help you find ways to reduce the noise. In this article, we’ll explain why gaming keyboards are so loud and provide some tips for reducing the noise from your gaming keyboard. From the type of keys and switches used to sound dampening materials, we’ll cover it all so you can enjoy a quieter gaming experience.
Why Are Gaming Keyboards so Loud?
When it comes to understanding why gaming keyboards are so loud, there are two main factors at play – the type of keys and switches used in gaming keyboards, as well as their design. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
The Keys & Switches Used in Gaming Keyboards
When it comes to gaming, having the right equipment is essential for any serious gamer. That’s why many opt for gaming keyboards, which offer a faster and more responsive gaming experience due to their mechanical switches and additional features like anti-ghosting technology, backlighting, and macro buttons. However, these features can also make the keyboard louder than regular keyboards due to the extra force required to press down the keys. Despite this, many gamers are willing to sacrifice a bit of noise in order to gain an edge while playing games.
The Design of Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards are created to be louder than standard ones for a variety of reasons. For starters, their larger keycaps allow for easier and faster pressing, which naturally results in more noise. Additionally, many gaming keyboards feature mechanical switches and other features like macro keys that can further contribute to the overall sound level of the keyboard. All these elements come together to make gaming keyboards noisier than traditional ones. It’s important to note that this type of keyboard is designed to be loud in order to provide gamers with a certain level of tactile feedback. This could be seen as a benefit by some gamers who prefer this tactile response over quieter but less responsive keyboards.
Tips for Reducing Noise from Your Gaming Keyboard
Fortunately, there are several ways that you can reduce the noise produced by your gaming keyboard without compromising its performance or accuracy when playing games. Here are some tips for reducing your gaming keyboard’s noise levels:
1) Use O-rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that you can attach to each key on your keyboard to dampen sound levels by absorbing shock when typing or pressing down on the keys. This can significantly reduce the amount of noise generated by your keyboard without compromising its performance or accuracy when playing games.
2) Choose Quieter Switches & Keys: If you don’t want to invest in accessories like O-rings or a silencer, then you may want to consider investing in quieter switches and keys for your gaming keyboard instead. There are several types of quieter switches available such as linear (which produces less noise than tactile) or optical (which produces no audible click). Additionally, some companies offer quieter versions of their mechanical keys which can help reduce overall noise levels produced by your keyboard while typing or playing games.
3) Consider an Office Keyboard Instead: If you still find yourself struggling with excessive noise levels from your gaming keyboard after trying out all these options, then it might be worth considering investing in an office-style keyboard instead as these typically produce less sound when typing or playing games compared to their mechanical counterparts.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Mechanical Keys & Switches
Mechanical keys and switches offer many advantages for gamers, such as improved accuracy and durability. A good gaming keyboard with mechanical switches is actually pretty good for typing. However, these features come with a trade-off: mechanical keys tend to be louder than their membrane counterparts. This is due to the fact that each keystroke requires more force, which causes the metal switch beneath the keycap to make a clicking sound. The sound can be quite loud and distracting in quieter environments.
The Impact of Keyboard Design on Noise Levels
The noise levels of gaming keyboards can vary significantly depending on the design. Generally speaking, keyboards with more complex designs, such as those with multiple layers or additional features like backlit keys, tend to generate more noise than simpler designs. Additionally, mechanical keyboards with heavier switches may produce more noise than those with lighter switches.
Noise Reduction Strategies for Gaming Keyboards
If you find your gaming keyboard too loud, there are a few strategies you can try to reduce the noise levels. One option is to use O-rings or rubber dampeners on the mechanical switches, which will absorb some of the sound generated by each keystroke. Additionally, you can look for a keyboard with quieter switches, or opt for a membrane model instead of a mechanical one. Finally, you can purchase a wrist rest that provides sound insulation from your keyboard’s surface.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several factors that contribute to why gaming keyboards tend to be louder than regular ones such as their design and the type of switch used. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can reduce the noise level produced by your gaming keyboard such as using o-rings and choosing quieter switches & keys among other options outlined above so you don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone else with loud typing noises during game sessions!