5 Best Silent Gaming Keyboards [2023] – First-Hand Tested

Ever been deep in an intense gaming session, only to be rudely interrupted by your fed-up roommate, who’s had it with your clacky keyboard noise? Fret not, my fellow gamer! You don’t need to avoid gaming during the wee night hours because quiet gaming keyboards do exist.

In this guide, we’ve covered 5 best silent keyboards, all tried and tested by our team of gaming enthusiasts. From rubber dome gaming keyboards to gaming keyboards with optical switches, you’ll get the lowdown on each type. 

We’ll also share the pros and cons of silent gaming keyboards and how to modify your existing keyboard to make it sound less clacky. 

What say, ready to silence those annoying clacks?

Top Quiet Gaming Keyboards in 2023 – At a Glance!

  • Logitech G915 TKL Wireless: The best silent TKL gaming keyboard with wireless connectivity, linear switches, 46.5 dBA noise level, doubleshot ABS keycaps, 50 gf actuation force, 1.5 mm pre-travel distance, and 30 hours of battery life.
  • Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT: Cheap silent gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches, laser-etched ABS keycaps, 50.1 dBA noise level, detachable wrist rest, 29 gf actuation force, and 2.6 mm pre-travel distance.
  • Keychron Q2: Quiet gaming keyboard with wired connectivity, 65% layout, doubleshot PBT keycaps, 45 gf actuation force, 2 mm pre-travel distance, 49 dBA noise level, gasket mounting, and built-in sound-absorbing foam to reduce typing noise.
  • Razer Huntsman V2: A full-sized fast keyboard with leatherette wrist rest, optical switches, PBT keycaps, 48 dBA noise level, multi-key latency, 45 gf actuation force, and a 1.2 mm pre-travel distance.
  • Gamakay TK75: The quietest gaming keyboard with 75% layout, 36 dBA noise level cushioned bottom, and gasket mount design for a quiet typing experience. It features PBT Cherry Profile keycaps, a 3000 mAh battery, tri-connection, 40 gf actuation force, and a 2 mm pre-travel distance.

Best Keyboards with Low Noise for Gaming: Research and Testing Methodology!

To come up with our list of top gaming keyboards, we did some serious online digging and in-house testing. We spent hours researching the best silent gaming keyboard Reddit threads on r/MechanicalKeyboards and r/BuildaPC to gather insights from the gaming community.

This helped us identify the keyboards consistently recommended for their low typing noise and excellent gaming performance. Additionally, our resident gamers shared their experience of using different gaming keyboards.

Finally, we drafted an initial shortlist list of 12 silent gaming keyboards, all with positive user feedback. We didn’t limit ourselves to any single keyboard type and included keyboards with linear switches, rubber dome switches, optical switches, and silent mechanical switches. 

Next, we sourced these keyboards and put them through a rigorous testing process in our in-house assessment lab. We wanted to see how these keyboards performed in real gaming situations and how they held up in terms of noise, feel, and build quality. 

  • We set up a controlled testing environment with low ambient noise levels. A high-quality microphone and a precision sound meter were used to record typing noise levels (in dBA) for each keyboard.
  • The keyboards were tested for typing noise during gaming sessions to assess their average loudness and the presence of high-pitched click noise.
  • We evaluated the keystrokes on each keyboard, noting if they required notable (actuation) force to register.
  • We assessed the pre-travel distance, examining how much keypress was needed for registering the key.
  • Each keyboard’s switch tactility, smoothness, and sensitivity were analyzed to determine the overall typing experience.
  • We inspected the overall build quality, including the dampening materials, keycap construction, and durability.
  • Additional features like customizable RGB lighting and dedicated macros were also considered.

Sixty-two hours were spent on testing and evaluation before we finally narrowed our selection of the best silent gaming keyboards to five ultimate picks. 

So, what is the best silent keyboard for gaming on the market right now?

1. Logitech G915 TKL Wireless – Best Silent Gaming Keyboard Overall

The Logitech G915 is the ultimate silent gaming keyboard. It rocks a tenkeyless layout, a robust design with an aluminum top plate, a plastic base, and doubleshot ABS keycaps. 

The keyboard is available with GL Tactile, GL Clicky, and GL Linear switch variants; we recommend the latter for its superior noise-level performance. Logitech has used a standard PCB for the keyboard, which might make the customization a little inconvenient, especially if you are a beginner. The device weighs in at 810g and offers decent ergonomics with two incline settings and anti-slip rubber pads on the feet. 

The G915 boasts a 1000Hz polling rate, 50 million keystroke rating, 50 gf actuation force, and 1.5 mm pre-travel distance. While it lacks dedicated macros, you still get three easily accessible profiles and on-the-fly macro recordings for FN keys. 

What’s more, the keyboard has full RGB backlighting, media keys, and an adjustable volume wheel. You can fine-tune macros and RGB lighting per key using the Logitech G HUB software. The G915 wireless silent gaming keyboard offers 30 hours of battery life at max brightness. 

You can connect the keyboard to two devices simultaneously using a wireless USB receiver and Bluetooth. Inside the box, you get the keyboard, a micro-USB cable, a wireless USB receiver, a USB extender, a user guide, and a Logitech logo sticker. 

We tested the G915 silent wireless keyboard with Linear GL Red mechanical switches. It delivered a smooth and consistent keystroke experience with a quiet noise level of approximately 46.5 dBA. When pressed, the keycaps produced a slightly muffled plastic-like sound, which wasn’t very noticeable. 

Despite being made of ABS material, the keycaps remained stable during fast gaming. The battery life decreased by only 8% during 4 hours of playing Call of Duty with max brightness.

There is no doubt that the Logitech G915 TKL wireless is a solid choice for the top gaming silent keyboard. 

9.2
Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords. Creates a clean aesthetic for battlestations. Delivers 40 hours on a single full charge.
  • LIGHTSYNC technology provides RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize each key or create custom animations from ~16.8M colors with Logitech G HUB software.
  • Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height The GL Linear switch features a completely smooth keystroke through the point of actuation. Comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky.
  • Tenkeyless design provides more room for mouse movement. Store the USB receiver in the back of the keyboard for additional portability.
  • Beautifully crafted, the G915 TKL uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver incredibly thin but rigid and durable design.
  • Enjoy 40 hours of game time on a single charge. Low battery warnings at 15 percent on the keyboard battery LED and via pop-up notification in the Logitech G HUB software. Quickly recharges in 3 hours.
  • Dedicated media controls with a precision engineered, edgeless volume wheel provide convenient and easy control to quickly play, pause, skip or mute your media.
  • Connect to multiple devices uses LIGHTSPEED or Bluetooth. Toggle between high-performance LIGHTSPEED wireless via USB receiver and Bluetooth— quickly and easily.

2. Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT – Budget Pick for Quiet Keyboard Lovers

If you want the best silent gaming keyboard under $100, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is a solid choice. It’s a full-sized, non-mechanical keyboard with a plastic build, laser-etched ABS keycaps, rubber dome switches, and a non-hot-swappable PCB. The K55 weighs around 0.890 kg and comes with a detachable wristrest and one incline setting. 

It boasts a 1000 Hz polling rate, 29 gf actuation force, and 2.6 mm pre-travel distance. The RGB keys are individually customizable, and some games can sync lighting effects through the iCUE software, reacting to in-game actions. 

There are also six dedicated macro keys for customization, and you can record macros onboard or through the software. The K55 offers wired connectivity only. Inside the box, you get the keyboard, a wristrest, and a user manual. When we put the K55 to the test, we were pleasantly surprised by the value it brings for its pocket-friendly price.

We found the build quality quite decent, and the wrist rest was also pretty good, though it was a tad short for us. The rubber dome switches gave a tactile response, as is expected of any non-mechanical keyboard. However, they were incredibly quiet.

We recorded the noise levels at 50.1 dBA during typing and gaming. The keys were solid and pressed smoothly but due to their longer pre-travel distance, they required more force to press. After playing The Witcher for two hours, our hands started feeling a little tired. There was also some noticeable wobble on some of the keys.

All in all, it’s a decent silent gaming keyboard for people on a budget!  

9.2
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT - Dynamic Per-Key RGB Backlighting
  • Light up your desktop with vivid per-key RGB backlighting, choosing from ten onboard lighting effects, or customize your own vibrant lighting effects with CORSAIR iCUE software.
  • Activate functions, shortcuts, or keypresses in just one stroke with six dedicated macro keys, easily set up through CORSAIR iCUE software, or use instant streaming commands through Elgato Stream Deck software.
  • IP42-rated dust and spill resistance guards against accidents so your gameplay never has to stop.
  • A soft rubber detachable palm rest reduces stress on your hands so you can play longer in comfort, with a textured surface to keep your hands from slipping.
  • Dedicated volume and media keys let you control media playback and fine-tune volume on-the-fly without having to interrupt your game.
  • CORSAIR iCUE software offers powerful dynamic RGB lighting control, sophisticated macro programming, system-wide lighting synchronization, and much more, all in a single interface that connects all iCUE-compatible CORSAIR devices throughout your setup.
  • Experience an unparalleled level of immersion when playing iCUE-integrated games such as Hyper Scape and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, as your RGB lighting dynamically reacts to in-game actions and events in real-time.
  • Quiet and responsive keys offer comfortable typing during both work and play, with a tactile bump for responsive gaming performance.
  • Anti-ghosting with selective key rollover ensures your FPS and MOBA game inputs always register even with simultaneous keypresses.
  • A dedicated Windows Key lock button prevents accidental Windows and contextual menu keypresses, ensuring you’ll never interrupt your game at critical moments.

3. Keychron Q2 – Best Wired Silent Gaming Keyboard

The Keychron Q2 takes the cake as the best silent mechanical keyboard for gaming with a wired connection. It boasts a compact 65% design, durable aluminum chassis, and premium OSA doubleshot PBT keycaps. 

The keyboard offers a choice of Gateron switches: Brown, Red, and Blue. The Red ones are the most silent. You get a hot-swappable PCB, which is great from a customization point of view. The device falls slightly on the heavier end, though, weighing 1.671 kg. It has a built-in sound-absorbing foam for a noiseless operation. Unfortunately, there is no incline support or wrist rest.

With a 1000 Hz polling rate, 50 million keystroke rating, 45 gf actuation force, and 2 mm pre-travel distance, the Keychron Q2 is built to deliver a solid performance. It features a volume control knob, media hotkeys, and per-key RGB lighting customization onboard.

You can remap keys, make macros, and create profiles with the VIA software. Switching between Windows and macOS is also convenient. Inside the box, you get the keyboard, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, foam gaskets, Windows-specific keycaps, and tools and accessories for customizing your keyboard. 

We went with the Gateron Linear Red switches for our unit. They provided a comfortable typing experience. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for larger keys worked well to eliminate wobbling. 

The keyboard’s gasket mounting, sound-absorbing materials, and case foam help reduce keystroke noise significantly. Our meter showed an average reading of 49 dBA, making it slightly louder than the Logitech G915 TKL.

Overall, it’s an excellent pick, especially if you want a wired silent gaming keyboard.

9.4
Keychron Q2 Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard Knob Version, 65% Layout
  • 65% Compact Full Aluminum Frame: The Q2 Knob Version is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with a 65% compact layout that pushes your typing experience to the next level. With a solid full aluminum frame, the Q2 is designed for a personalized experience and premium typing comfort.
  • All-Around Customizable Keyboard: To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component to be able to assemble easily. With full QMK and VIA support, you can program and remap each key on the keyboard with ease. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, even the knob and more.
  • Hot-swappable Support: With the Gateron G Pro mechanical linear red switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can also hot-swap the Q2 with almost all of the 3pin and 5pin MX mechanical switches on the market (including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda, etc.) without soldering required. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for “big keys” such as space bar, shift, enter, and delete are designed for less wobbliness.
  • Innovative Double Gasket: This Double-Gasket Structure allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and improves the overall typing sound. We added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to significantly reduce the sound resonance between the metals and reduce the noise of the impacted metals.
  • Double-shot PBT Keycaps & South-facing Backlight: The south-facing RGB is designed to better illuminate the keyboard backlight from the typist’s angle with the premium non-shine-through PBT keycaps installed. The PBT keycaps will provide excellent oil resistance, enhance the type feel, and prevent the legends from fading out.

4. Razer Huntsman V2 – Fastest Silent Keyboard for Gaming

The Razer Huntsman V2 is the go-to choice for gamers who crave speed without noise. It’s a full-sized gaming keyboard with a robust plastic body, a metal base, and PBT keycaps. You can choose from Razer Clicky or Linear Optical switches. We’d recommend the latter as they are ultra-responsive and operate at low noise levels. You get a standard PCB, like most gaming keyboards on our list so far.

Razer Huntsman V2 is a quiet, ergonomic keyboard weighing 1.137 kg. It comes with two incline settings, a leatherette wrist rest, rubber grips on the feet, and pads underneath. 

Gamers can expect fast speeds, with the keyboard boasting a whopping 8000 Hz polling rate. Additionally, it features a 100 million keystroke rating, 45 gf actuation force, and 1.2 mm pre-travel distance.

You can program macros and customize per-key RGB backlighting and overall lighting effects directly from the keyboard or through the Razer Synapse 3 software. There are dedicated media keys and a versatile knob to adjust the volume. The keyboard offers wired connectivity. 

Inside the box, you get the keyboard, a detachable wristrest, Razer stickers, and a user guide.

During typing, the keys felt robust yet didn’t slow us down as they bounced back swiftly after being pressed. The keycaps were top-notch, with zero wobbling. The wrist rest allowed us to play CS: GO for 4 hours without fatigue.

We recorded the noise levels at 48 dBA, which is quite good for a silent gaming and typing experience. However, there’s a hiccup with the spacebar alignment. It got in the way quite a bit while playing Modern Warfare. 

In summary, the Huntsman V2 is a great pick for noiseless gaming when you need to hit lots of keys simultaneously and hold them down.

9.2
Razer Huntsman V2 Optical Gaming Keyboard: Fastest Linear Optical Switches Gen-2
  • Razer Linear Optical Switches Gen-2: Improved with sound dampeners for an even quieter typing experience, the smooth, consistent switches are now also more responsive with up to true 8000Hz polling rate for lower input latency
  • Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Harder and more durable than regular keycaps, these won’t wear down to a shiny finish and have labels which will never fade thanks to their doubleshot molding process
  • Multi-function Digital Dial and 4 Media Keys: Configure them to pause, play, skip and tweak everything from brightness to volume—the ultimate convenience for enjoying your entertainment
  • Ergonomic Wrist Rest: The sturdy wrist support perfectly aligns to the keyboard to relieve pressure on your wrists and feel less fatigued when gaming over long periods
  • Hybrid On-board Memory and Cloud Storage: Be match-ready regardless of the situation when you can save and activate up to 5 on-board memory profiles, while building a library of macros and settings to call upon with cloud storage
  • Sound Dampening Foam: Added for improved acoustics, the keyboard has a layer of special foam inside its casing which absorbs any pinging noises that might occur when the keys are bottomed out

5. Gamakay TK75 – Quietest Gaming Keyboard

The Gamakay TK75 is the most silent gaming keyboard on our list. It features a 75% layout, a plastic case with ABS oil spray, an EVA positioning plate, and a cushioned bottom. A gasket mount design enhances stability and minimizes typing noise, while PBT Cherry Profile keycaps are heat-sublimated for durability.

This keyboard offers three Gamakay Silent switch options: Phoenix Linear, Pegasus Tactile, and Griffin Tactile, all pre-lubed. We ordered the Phoenix switches. Interestingly, the hot-swappable PCB on the keyboard allows you to use Gateron switches, too. The device weighs 1.274 kg and has three adjustable height options and a polished metal knob for volume control. 

Gamakay boasts a 1000Hz polling rate, a 50 million keystroke rating, 40 gf actuation force, and a 2 mm pre-travel distance. With 1600 RGB programmable lighting effects, you can customize the keyboard’s appearance using the onboard software. You can also remap function keys for brightness and media controls. 

The TK75 works seamlessly with Mac and Windows systems and supports Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired connections. A 3000 mAh battery provides extended gameplay. Inside the box, you get the keyboard, a keycap puller, a USB-A to USB-C cable, extra keycaps and switches, and a user manual. 

During testing, our sound meter recorded average noise levels of 36 dBA, with the Phoenix switches producing a muffled sound when pressed. The keyboard felt high-quality and stayed put even with heavy key hits. 

Typing on the Gamakay TK75 was comfortable, and the stabilizers made no noise. However, the keycaps had a slight wobble on the right and left sides of the keyboard. The user manual is confusing, and you might find the customization software a bit slow. If quietness is what you’re looking for, few gaming keyboards can match the Gamakay TK75.

9.2
GK GAMAKAY TK75 75% Quiet Mechanical Keyboard with Knob
  • ✅【Versatile Connectivity Options to Suit Your Needs】The GK GAMAKAY TK75 offers versatility in connectivity options, allowing you to choose the best option that fits your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of Bluetooth, the speed of 2.4G, or the stability of a wired connection, this keyboard has got you covered. With the option to use TYPE-C, the TK75 gives you the flexibility to connect to a variety of devices, making it a great choice for both gaming and everyday use.
  • ✅【II Pre-lub Gamakay Switches】The GamaKay TK75 keyboard offers a range of switch options, including GamaKay and Gateron switches, to cater to your individual preferences and needs. The detailed product page image provides a comprehensive explanation of the switch actuation and tactile feedback of each switch option, helping you make an informed choice.
  • ✅【Comfortable Design with EVA Positioning Plate and Bottom Filling】Experience maximum comfort while gaming with the TK75's gasket mount design. The keyboard features an EVA positioning plate and bottom filling for a soft and responsive feel. The gasket mount design enhances stability and reduces typing noise for an immersive gaming experience.
  • ✅【 High-quality Materials for a Durable, Stylish Finish】The GK GAMAKAY TK75 features PBT Cherry Profile heat sublimated keycaps, providing a durable typing experience with resistance to wear and tear. The ABS oil spray case material adds a sleek and stylish touch, ensuring the keyboard will look great even after extensive use.
  • ✅【 RGB Backlight: 1600 programable】1600 programable light effects will let you create your moment.
  • ✅【 Customizable lighting】The GK GAMAKAY TK75 supports music rhythm and light effect functions through its Bluetooth mode, allowing you to customize the lighting to your liking. 【 Macro key support】The Gamakay TK75 has an upgraded macro key mode and a polished metal knob (decoder 14mm) for an extra touch of style, providing more opportunities to improve your gaming and productivity experience.
  • ✅【System compatibility】The GK GAMAKAY TK75 automatically recognizes both Mac and Windows systems, making it a versatile choice for any setup.
  • ✅【Cloud driver upgrade】With cloud driver upgrade capabilities, the GK GAMAKAY TK75 is always up to date, ensuring that you have the latest features and functions at your fingertips.
  • ✅【Extended battery life for uninterrupted use】With a powerful 3000mAh battery, the GK GAMAKAY TK75 offers long-lasting performance without the need for frequent charging. Enjoy extended gaming or work sessions without worrying about interruptions or low battery alerts.

Comparing Top Quiet Keyboards for Gaming 2023

KeyboardSizeNoise LevelActuation ForcePre-Travel DistanceConnectivityPolling Rate
Logitech G915 TKLTenkeyless46.5 dBA50 gf1.5 mmWireless, Bluetooth1000Hz
Corsair K55 RGB Pro XTFull-Sized50.1 dBA29 gf2.6 mmWired1000Hz
Keychron Q265%49 dBA45 gf2 mmWired1000Hz
Razer Huntsman V2Full-Sized48 dBA45 gf1.2 mmWired8000Hz
Gamakay TK7575%36 dBA40 gf2 mmHybrid1000Hz

What Components Are Responsible for Keyboard Noise?

Many components of a gaming keyboard can be responsible for noise, like switches, keycaps, stabilizers, backplate, and casing. Here’s how each component contributes to the noise produced:

1. Switches

The switches are arguably the most significant factor in keyboard noise. They give you that satisfying feeling and sound when you press a key. Many switch variants are available in the market, each with its unique noise profile. 

Clicky mechanical switches are the loudest, with a distinct click when you press them down. Tactile mechanical switches are quieter, but you still hear a noise because of a little bump. The linear mechanical switches are the quietest of the three. 

You also have optical switches. These are different from your typical mechanical switches and use an optical sensor to register a keystroke, which, when activated, makes no sound virtually. 

2. Keycaps

Keycaps are made of plastic, either ABS or PBT. ABS keycaps are the noisiest, followed by PBT. They are noisier because they’re softer. When you tap an ABS keycap, it bends and vibrates more, making a louder noise.

PBT keycaps are harder and don’t flex as much, resulting in a quieter, muffled sound. Over time, the noise on ABS keycaps can get noticeable because of regular use. 

3. Stabilizers

Stabilizers support larger keys like the spacebar, Enter, and Shift keys. If they’re not lubed up or taken care of, they can start making rickety or clinking noises when you press these keys.

4. Backplate

The backplate can make a keyboard louder or quieter. Metal backplates, for example, can turn into echo chambers, cranking up the keypress sounds. However, some keyboards use materials like foam to muffle the noise.

5. Casing

The case’s material and build also contribute to the keyboard noise. Plastic cases produce less sound than aluminum ones. The case design further affects how the sound travels.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using a Silent Keyboard for Gaming? 

Silent gaming keyboards can be great for streamers and hardcore gamers living in shared spaces. However, it’s crucial to weigh both their pros and cons. 

Here’s the lowdown on the benefits and downsides of using a quiet keyboard:

Pros:

For people with Misophonia, a condition characterized by heightened sensitivity to specific sounds, silent gaming keyboards provide a noiseless typing experience. The quiet operation of these keyboards helps reduce potential triggers and discomfort for those affected, allowing them to focus on gaming without distractions or irritations.

Furthermore, silent gaming keyboards are also a practical choice for gamers living in dorms or cramped apartments. Late-night gaming sessions can be disruptive to roommates or neighbors in such close living quarters. Silent keyboards mitigate this issue by producing minimal noise, allowing gamers to indulge in their passion during the late hours without disturbing others.

Additionally, the reduced noise output of silent gaming keyboards can enhance the overall gaming experience by eliminating distracting background noise for players and stream viewers alike. It ensures that communication with teammates or audience members remains clear and unobstructed.

Cons:

Gamers, in general, enjoy the audible feedback from traditional mechanical switches. It gives them a responsive and satisfying experience while gaming. Silent keyboards often use dampened switches. This might sacrifice some tactile feedback and satisfying “clickiness” gamers may like about traditional gaming keyboards.

Also, some silent keyboards lack the gaming functionality and features of conventional gaming keyboards priced within the same range. It’s a trade-off you just may have to accept when opting for a quiet gaming keyboard.   

Can You Make a Clicky Keyboard Less Noisy?

Yes, you can make an existing clicky keyboard silent. The most common ways involve modding a keyboard with felt, electrical tape, or liquid latex or adding o-rings to it.

Modding the Keyboard

You can modify the keyboard by inserting felt, electrical tape, or liquid latex between the keys and switch housing. These materials cushion the keypress impact, minimizing the noise when the keycap collides with the switch housing. You can also apply these materials to your keyboard backplate to make it quieter.

Adding Rubber O-Rings

Another option is to add rubber o-rings. These little rings can be placed on the keycap stems or inside the switch housing. 

When you press a key, the o-ring absorbs some of the impact, preventing the keycap from hitting the switch housing bottom with a loud clack. This action tones the noise by removing that sharp sound when the key lands.

However, opting for a silent gaming keyboard is usually smarter than tinkering with your existing keyboard. It’s just way more convenient and time-saving. Plus, some of those DIY fixes we talked about above might not work as well as using a silent gaming keyboard in the first place.

How to Choose a Silent Gaming Keyboard

When choosing a silent gaming keyboard, you must consider the switch type, keycap material, supporting noise reduction features (optional), and overall keyboard build quality. Of course, depending on your preferences, you must also check for other specs like keyboard size, polling rate, connectivity options, actuation force, and pre-travel distance.

1) Switch Type

Opt for keyboards with switches designed for silent operations. If you are a fan of mechanical keyboards, linear switches are the best. Otherwise, you can opt for optical or rubber dome switches. Some keyboards also feature proprietary silent mechanical switches.

A silent mechanical switch has the same construction as a standard one except for the stem. It comes with a layer of rubber padding to soften the impact of key hits.

2) Keycap Material

Look for keycaps made of PBT or ABS plastic. PBT keycaps are quieter and more durable than standard ABS keycaps, though.

3) Form Factor

Choose a form factor that best fits your desk space and gaming preferences. Keyboards come in all shapes and forms, including full-sized, tenkeyless (TKL), and more compact layouts.

4) Noise Reduction Features

Look for gasket-mounted keyboards with a cushioning layer between the plate and frame. This design reduces noise as the keys press into the rubber, creating a softer, quieter feel. Some keyboards also come with foam or dampeners. 

5) Build Quality

Ensure the keyboard has a solid build. This is important both for durability and noise dampening. A keyboard with good build quality is less likely to resonate keystroke noise through your desk.

Hushed Excellence: The Final Words on Silent Gaming Keyboards

Silent gaming keyboards can be an excellent choice for gamers and streamers looking to minimize distractions and create a considerate atmosphere, especially in shared spaces. In our quest to find the best silent gaming keyboards for 2023, we rigorously tested and selected the top 5 performing keyboards across both mechanical and non-mechanical keyboard categories.

The Logitech G915 TKL wireless gaming keyboard came out on top because of its lower operating noise levels, build quality, and overall performance. We also included other keyboards for gamers looking for specific specs or those on a budget, ensuring no one was left out.

9.2
Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords. Creates a clean aesthetic for battlestations. Delivers 40 hours on a single full charge.
  • LIGHTSYNC technology provides RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize each key or create custom animations from ~16.8M colors with Logitech G HUB software.
  • Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height The GL Linear switch features a completely smooth keystroke through the point of actuation. Comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky.
  • Tenkeyless design provides more room for mouse movement. Store the USB receiver in the back of the keyboard for additional portability.
  • Beautifully crafted, the G915 TKL uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver incredibly thin but rigid and durable design.
  • Enjoy 40 hours of game time on a single charge. Low battery warnings at 15 percent on the keyboard battery LED and via pop-up notification in the Logitech G HUB software. Quickly recharges in 3 hours.
  • Dedicated media controls with a precision engineered, edgeless volume wheel provide convenient and easy control to quickly play, pause, skip or mute your media.
  • Connect to multiple devices uses LIGHTSPEED or Bluetooth. Toggle between high-performance LIGHTSPEED wireless via USB receiver and Bluetooth— quickly and easily.

So, are you ready to make every keystroke of yours a step to stealthy victory? Let’s march towards the hushed excellence together!

Andrew is arguably the geekiest member of our team. He has a knack for new gaming hardware and awesome gadgets. Although Overwatch is his current favorite, he thinks the Counter Strike Global Offensive is the best shooter of all times. He is constantly hunting for news about new hero releases and patches. Andrew believes that playing video games is not just a hobby but a way of life. He regards his job at RealGear as a way of helping fellow gamers make the most of their gameplay by writing reviews about the hardware he uses and the FPS/ RTS he plays.

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