From the Logitech G513 to the HHKB HYBRID Type-S, get the complete rundown on the stealthiest keyboards and switches on the market
One of the best things about the world of mechanical keyboards is customizability. The space allows people to find or build a piece of personal tech that perfectly matches their individual preferences. For those who treasure tranquility, this article provides a complete guide to the best quiet mechanical keyboards and switches (in our opinion) available on the market today.
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The top 5 quiet mechanical keyboards
HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S
The top 5 quiet mechanical keyboards
HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S
With its unique Silent Topre switches (covered below), the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S is one of the quietest — if not the quietest — stock keyboards available today. Its smooth, quiet, and precise keystroke mechanics ensure this keyboard achieves a high degree of noise reduction without sacrificing an ounce of accuracy. In addition to its quietness, the keyboard’s compact size, layout, and comfort-driven ergonomic design make extended typing sessions much easier on the body. These characteristics also make the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S the perfect portable keyboard — quietly at home in everything from libraries to coffee shops.
Did You Know? The HHKB layout repositions the control key to make it easier to execute more time-saving commands without leaving the home row. Click here to learn more.
SteelSeries Apex M750
A favorite among gamers, the SteelSeries Apex M750 uses its proprietary QX2 switches (comparable to Cherry MX Reds) to realize a remarkably low sound profile. Outside of the larger, primary keys like the “Enter” button, the keyboard remains relatively quiet even during intense gaming sessions. That said, where the SteelSeries Apex M750 truly stands out is tactility: Each keypress provides the user with a smooth, responsive feel and rewarding feedback. The keyboard’s floating key design also enhances the user experience, as does the fully customizable backlighting setup.
Cherry G80-3000
With an aesthetic ripped from the early 90s, the Cherry G80-3000 is a quiet mechanical keyboard designed for professionals working in corporate office environments. From a performance perspective, the keyboard is much quieter than standard models, offers a high degree of typing accuracy, and has a durable, practical design. It’s also quite heavy. The Cherry G80-3000 weighs well over two pounds. But those looking for some of the flashier features — like backlighting or macros — should look elsewhere. This reliable, no-frills mechanical keyboard does little more than facilitate quiet typing.
Did You Know? Handy HHKB accessories such as a keyboard lid and adjustable stand help make the most of your board. Click here to learn more.
Logitech G513
The Logitech G513 is a beautiful, minimalist mechanical keyboard whose quiet performance is complemented by incredible comfort. Its proprietary Romer-G linear switches keep operating noise minimal, while the keyboard’s memory foam wrist rest is renowned for its comfort. The other defining feature of the Logitech G513 is its chassis, which is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and is truly stunning.
The Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2
The Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2 is a quiet keyboard that doesn’t skimp on features. Built with Cherry MX Silent switches — which made our list of quietest switches on the market — this mechanical keyboard has the feel, precision, and performance you’d expect from a top-of-the-line model. But this is only part of the package, as the Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2 also includes a massive set of additional features that set this option apart from the other keyboards we’ve covered so far. These include an extra set of grippier keycaps, generous onboard storage (8MB), slick multimedia controls, and fully customizable backlighting.
The top 5 quietest switches
Switches are perhaps the most important element of a quiet keyboard. Because keyboards are fully customizable and switches set the range of audibility possible for a given build, knowing which switch you want for your board is essential. To help you find the perfect switch for your setup, we’ve listed five of the quietest keyboard switches available below.
Silent Topre switch
Considered one of the quietest switches in the world, the Silent Topre switch employs capacitive technology, a thicker housing design, and a compact actuation distance of 2mm to significantly reduce the sound of each keypress.
ZealPC Healios
If any switch can give the Silent Topre switches a run for their money, it’s the ZealPC Healios. At $1.30 per switch, these switches will undoubtedly take a chunk out of your bank account, but their unique silencing bumper, which reduces sound generation through the entire keypress, may just be worth the extra money. It’s also worth mentioning that these switches have a total travel distance of 3mm.
Gateron Silent
Retailing between $0.30 and $0.50, these ultra-quiet switches are one of the easiest on your wallet. Known for their smoothness and stealth, the switches are also notable for their excellent durability. They’ll only need to be replaced every 50M keystrokes, which puts the switches right up there with the best on the market. These switches also have a short actuation distance of 2mm.
Cherry MX Silent
Cherry MX Silent switches are another quiet, linear switch with a short actuation distance (~2mm). The Cherry MX Silent combines the reduced travel distance with cool features — like rubber-dampened stems — to ensure each keypress stays as quiet as possible.
Matias Quiet Linear
The Matias Quiet Linear is a good option for working professionals that want to use a mechanical keyboard without annoying their coworkers — or dropping their entire paycheck ($0.25 per switch). They also have a tight actuation point of 2.3mm.
Finding your next keyboard
Hopefully, this article has helped guide you on your search for the quiet keyboard of your dreams. While finding your perfect build is rarely easy, few things are more satisfying than typing away on a keyboard that matches your preference and workflow.
From its unique Topre switches to ergonomic design, the Fujitsu HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S is the quiet mechanical keyboard of choice for many keyboard enthusiasts. Pairing high-performance with minimal noise, this model meets the stringent demands of coders, gamers, and hardware enthusiasts around the world. To browse this and other high-quality keyboards, check out our entire collection today.