The noise from gaming keyboards makes many people wonder why are gaming keyboards so loud?. The main reason behind this problem is the use of mechanical switches, especially "clicky" switches that make a cracking sound like Cherry MX Blue and Green. Although this sound helps gamers perceive clearer feedback when pressing keys, it can also easily cause discomfort to those around them. Enthkey and you will find the answer to the above question together through this article
Gaming keyboards and wonders
Gaming keyboards are an indispensable accessory for professional gamers as well as passionate gamers. They are specifically designed to meet the specific needs of different game titles, with many notable features:
- Multimedia keys: Separate keys for common functions such as volume adjustment, microphone on/off, etc. Helps users easily access without having to take their hands off the keyboard.
- Macro key: Allows multiple commands to be assigned to one key, very useful in strategy games or MMORPGs.
- RGB backlight: Customizable multi-color backlight, increasing aesthetics and key recognition.
- Water resistant: Many gaming keyboard models are temporarily waterproof, avoiding damage due to spills.
- Besides, an important difference between gaming keyboards and traditional office keyboards is the type of keyboard switches used.
- Gaming keyboards often use mechanical switches instead of membrane switches. Mechanical switches use a physical mechanism consisting of a metal bar and a coil to close the circuit when a key is pressed. They provide a clear keystroke feel, precise feedback, and a much longer lifespan than membrane switches.
- According to statistics from Cherry MX - a leading switch manufacturer, mechanical switches have an average lifespan of 50-100 million keystrokes, 20-40 times longer than conventional membrane switches. However, in return for the above advantages, mechanical switches also create more noise than membrane switches due to their operating mechanism. This issue will be delved into in the next sections.
The main cause of noise
The noise emitted from a gaming keyboard is mainly due to the mechanical switches used. There are many different types of mechanical switches, each with its own unique sound and feel.
Clicky switches (Blue, Green types) are one of the main causes of loud noise. They use a small lever mechanism inside the switch to create an audible "click" sound when pressing and releasing the key. This sound provides a clear keystroke feeling, favored by many users and gamers. According to data from Cherry MX, a famous switch manufacturer, the Blue switch's noise level reaches about 60dB, equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation. Meanwhile, the Green switch is even noisier, with a noise level of up to 70dB, almost equal to the noise of a vacuum cleaner operating. In addition, key actuation force is also an important factor affecting the noise level of the keyboard. Mechanical switches with higher key pressure often make a louder sound when pressed down. For example, Cherry MX's Blue and Green switches require 60cN and 80cN of pressing force, respectively, significantly higher than the 45cN of the Red (linearlínear) switch. Besides, other factors such as the design of the switch, the material of the keycap and the keyboard body also play a certain role in creating or limiting noise. However, clicky switches and key pressure are still the main reasons why gaming keyboards become noisier than other types of keyboards.
Why are gaming keyboards so loud
Switch design
The internal working mechanism of the switch directly affects the sound emitted. For example, Cherry MX Blue switches use a small plastic "lever" mechanism to produce a clear "click" sound with a noise level of about 60dB. The size of the components inside the switch also plays a role. According to Input Club's research, smaller switches like the Kailh Box are typically less noisy than larger switches like the Cherry MX, with a difference of about 2-3dB. The material of the parts inside the switch also affects. Switches with POM or polycarbonate parts are typically quieter than switches made entirely of ABS plastic.
Keycap material
Thick ABS plastic keycap creates a noisier and "muzzier" sound than PBT or POM materials. A study by Matteo.it shows that PBT keycaps reduce noise by up to 4dB compared to ABS keycaps for the same keyboard. PBT keycap is considered the best material for soft and warm sound, according to Tae Keyboard. The thickness of the keycap also plays a role. A 1.5mm thick PBT keycap will be noisier than a 1.2mm thick keycap or thinner.
Keyboard acoustics
Metal or hard plastic keyboard body design can increase sound reflection and reverberation, causing more echo and noise. The vibration of internal parts such as the base plate and keyplate also significantly affects the sound. The material and design of these parts determine the degree of sound absorption or transmission.
Companies like NovelKeys and Keychron have researched acoustics to design more "satisfying" sounding keyboards with PBT keycaps, aluminum baseplates, and damping pads. According to some studies, a thick aluminum body and PBT keycap can reduce noise by up to 8-10dB compared to ABS plastic and a thin shell. This noise level is equivalent to the difference between normal speech and a whisper. In short, design elements play a decisive role in creating loud or quiet sound on a gaming keyboard. Careful selection of switches, keycap materials, and other components is critical to achieving the audio experience users desire.
Many benefits with gaming keyboards
Although the loud noise from a gaming keyboard can be annoying to some, it also brings some important benefits to users, especially professional gamers. Here are some key benefits:
Tactile feedback
- The clear "click" sound combined with high key pressing force creates a clear keystroke feeling, helping users clearly feel when a key is pressed successfully.
- This is very useful in action games, shooting games or high-speed typing, helping to avoid confusion and give faster reactions.
- Clicking sound combined with RGB backlighting enhances key recognition, especially in low light environments or when playing games for many hours.
- According to a Stanford University study, audio feedback can improve typing speed by 6-10% compared to silent keyboards.
- Many gamers prefer a louder sound because it creates a "satisfying" feeling when typing, making them feel more immersed in the game.
- A survey on Reddit shows that 68% of users like clear "click" sounds on gaming keyboards.
- Clicking sounds can help gamers easily keep track of executed commands, especially in strategy or RTS games where each command key is important.
- Professional teams often use loud keyboards to maximize feedback and control during gameplay.
However, not everyone likes loud sounds. This depends on personal preference and environmental usage. But for many professional gamers, the loud sound on a gaming keyboard brings many practical benefits to the gaming experience.
Noise reduction solutions
Although loud sound on a gaming keyboard has many benefits, it can also be annoying to those around you, especially when used in quiet environments. Here are some solutions to reduce noise from gaming keyboards:
Select the appropriate keyboard switch
- Linear switches (Example: Cherry MX Red) have the lowest noise level, about 45-50dB.
- Tactile switches (Example: Cherry MX Brown) have a moderate noise level, about 55-60dB.
- Clicky switches (Blue, Green) make the most noise, up to 60-70dB.
Use noise reduction techniques
- Sound dampening foam under the keypad helps absorb sound.
- Thicker plastic or wooden keyboard covers absorb sound better than metal.
- Keycap made of PBT or POM material creates a softer sound than ABS.
Customize the keyboard according to your preferences
- Many high-end gaming keyboards allow replacement of switches, keycaps, and keypads.
- Combine appropriate components to achieve desired noise level.
- Mods such as lubrication or switchtop film can be applied to reduce friction and noise.
Use a keyboard with built-in noise reduction
- Some models such as the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 have a sound dampening mode.
- Technologies like Cherry MX Silent Red significantly reduce noise compared to conventional switches.
Use headphones or speakers in noisy environments
- Gaming headsets limit keyboard sound from spreading around.
- Portable speakers also help mask keyboard sounds in many cases.
In short, the optimal solution for reducing noise from a gaming keyboard depends on the user's specific preferences and needs. By combining different techniques, users can customize the keyboard to meet their gaming needs while not making too much noise.
Conclusion
The question why are gaming keyboards so loud ? It is mainly caused by the use of mechanical switches, especially clicky switches like Cherry MX Blue and Green. While Enthkey sees this noisy sound as providing sensory and audio-visual feedback benefits for gamers, it can also be annoying in some environments. Manufacturers have tried to reduce noise through switch design, key materials, and customization. Depending on preference, users can choose a noisy or quieter gaming keyboard to meet their needs.
