When I bought my first keyboard, my eyes opened to a new way of life. Up until just a few years ago, I was always using used and discarded keyboards my family left. I didn’t know what I was missing. Honestly, I planned to keep using the old keyboards until they broke down under my fingers.
When that finally happened, and I got my first wireless keyboard and mouse set, I saw how wrong I’d been.
Suddenly, the force of my fingers didn’t produce a clanging sound over old wobbly keys. My new keyboard wasn’t soundless, but the soft clicking noises it produced were decently quiet in comparison to my ancient, high-profile keyboard. I was in for another shock later when I got my first laptop and realized how a low-profile keyboard should sound like.
With all the silent keyboards on the market nowadays, there’s really no reason to keep using noisy keyboards. They’ll only irritate you and the people around you. So, allow me to show you a better alternative.
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How to Spot a Silent Keyboard
If you’ve been researching silent keyboards for a while, you’ll have noticed that many of them claim to have some kind of technology that makes them quiet. Mechanical keyboards, or those whose keys are clickable, are almost always at least a little “clicky,” as PC enthusiasts would say.
But, no matter how silent a keyboard is, you’ll most likely want it to be clicky, or tactile. I for one would like to know if I’ve made contact with a key, and having it sink under my finger is still a great indicator of that.
Mechanical silent keyboards often have some type of padding that prevents the key from hitting the plastic under it. There are even some DIY ways to make your current keys more padded and prevent them from wobbling and making as much noise. For example, you could use dampening rings or some kind of lubricant.
Many keyboards also have special silent switches, which means that the mechanism under the key is designed to be quiet. Also, another surefire way to tell a silent keyboard from a loud one is by checking the height of the keys. Low-profile keyboards will often produce less noise than high-profile ones.
Nevertheless, if you still don’t think you’ll be able to discern a silent keyboard from an ordinary one, you can just check out the ones I’ll review in the second half of this article.
How Quiet Are Silent Keyboards Really?
Realistically, a mechanical keyboard can only be as silent as your fingers are gentle. So, no keyboard can be completely soundless.
Still, as I mentioned, products that are marketed as silent keyboards have some type of mechanism that redistributes the force you apply to the keys. These mechanisms can often make a keyboard noticeably quieter to your ears. Unfortunately, we don’t really have any scientific evidence that compares the various noise levels keyboards produce.
That pretty much leaves us to our own devices. So, when looking for your quiet keyboard, apart from reading this article, also look up for videos that show you exactly how quiet the keyboard can be.
Features That Make a Good Quiet Keyboard
There are several features that will affect the performance of your new quiet keyboard. Before I get to those, it’s good to mention that you should expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $30 on a budget-friendly silent keyboard. You can find mid-range keyboards for around $50, or you can spend upwards of $120 for excellent gaming keyboards.
But for now, we can move on to the features you might want your keyboard to have.
Wired or Wireless
As I previously mentioned, the first keyboard I purchased was part of a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo, and I’ve never regretted buying it. I only need to switch out the batteries once or twice in a year. If you’d like to go wireless, but you’re worried about waste, you could also use rechargeable batteries or buy one of the rechargeable wireless keyboards from my reviews.
A wired keyboard is still great, and it’s a good way to avoid having to use batteries at all. This type of keyboard also has faster responses, which you’ll need for gaming. A wireless keyboard does tend to lose its responsiveness as the batteries are drained. Also, it can sometimes be disrupted if something comes in between your keyboard and the receiver in the computer.
However, if you don’t like having to deal with cables, or you just like to move your keyboard around, you’ll probably like having a wireless keyboard.
The Size of the Quiet Keyboard
When shopping for keyboards, you’re bound to come across various references to sizing. If you’re looking for a keyboard that you can take everywhere with you, you’ll need a smaller and thinner keyboard that can fit in your bag.
Typically, smaller keyboards don’t have the numeric pad at all, and they might even have more multi-function keys than usual.
You’ll definitely want to keep the size of your fingers in mind when shopping for a smaller keyboard. Testing out the product in a physical store might be a good idea, even if you end up shopping online. However, if you don’t need to carry the keyboard around, I’d recommend getting a full-sized one.
Quiet Keys and the Keyboard Profile
The keyboard profile refers to how much the mechanical keys are sticking out. Older keyboards had very high profiles, which means that their keys stuck out more than they do on newer models. Having a higher profile often means that your fingers will need to exert more force, which can produce more noise and cause serious strain to your fingers.
I’d say that my wireless keyboard has mid-height profile, which makes it quieter than the old keyboards I used to use. On the other hand, my laptop has a very low-profile keyboard that only produces soft clicking noises, which makes it even quieter than my wireless keyboard.
Keyboard and Mouse Combos
Many manufacturers offer keyboard and mouse combos, which means that you’re getting two products in one package. Even better, plenty of those combos allow you to connect both the keyboard and the mouse to your computer using only one USB receiver. So, that’s one less thing clogging up your USB ports.
Sometimes, these combos come with a wireless keyboard and a wired mouse. However, gamers often opt to buy their keyboards and mouse separately in order to personalize their experience as much as possible. That’s why you’ll want to skip combo packs if you need a gaming mouse. Or, you could just keep the extra mouse as a backup.
Backlighting/Lighting Effects
Keyboards with lighting effects often have LED lights right under the keys. The keys are often marked with transparent symbols, so the letters aren’t just printed on them. That way, the lights can be seen through and around the keys, thus illuminating them for ease of use.
Lighting effects can be monochrome or multi-colored. Many gaming keyboards have embraced rainbow lights in recent years. Some of them can even have various movement effects, like lights circling around, pulsing, or even lighting up under keys you press. Many serious gaming keyboards can even have the light under each individual key adjusted to a certain color.
Backlighting is something you’ll find useful if you work (or game) in darker environments. However, you might want to have it for aesthetic reasons as well.
Advanced Keys
If you’re looking for a new gaming keyboard, you can check out the ones with advanced keys. These are extra keys that are fully programmable for ease of use. I imagine these types of keys might also be helpful to artists, for example, if they want to program their Photoshop shortcuts onto them.
Basically, if you find yourself frequently using the same functions on your computer, you might want to look into getting a quiet keyboard with advanced keys.
Compatibility
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that the keyboard you end up getting is actually compatible with your operating system. Some keyboards can only be used on Apple computers, while others will be Windows-compatible. Still, there are those that work for both.
12 Best Silent Keyboards on the Market (2023)
And so, we can finally check out some of the best silent keyboards on the market. The first few products are meant for homes and offices, while the last five keyboards are primarily designed for gaming. As we go along, I’ll point out the features I explained in the previous section of the article. Hopefully, one of these will catch your eye.
1. Kensington Slim Type Wired Keyboard
In general, Kensington makes some badass computer equipment, and the Slim Type Wired keyboard is no exception. This ultra-slim, ultra-silent keyboard has a profile that is 0.75 inches wide at its thickest part.
But Kensington didn’t sacrifice the numeric keypad, so this is a full-size keyboard. There are also a couple of one-touch controls that help with instant access to your media and email.
The reason that the Kensington Slim keyboard is able to be so quiet is that it has premium, laptop-style scissor keys. They also help make it more responsive, and just all-around more comfortable for typing. You’ll also be happy to know that the keyboard has integrated tilt stands, which will allow you to raise it to a 30° angle.
Now, the wired Kensington keyboard is pretty cheap and can fit in almost any budget. Of course, with it, there’s no need to change batteries or worry about it dying at the most unfortunate time.
But if you don’t want to have any more cables and wires crowding your desk, there’s also a wireless option. The company says that this model has a 33-foot range and 128-bit AES encryption. Kensington will also send you two AAA batteries that have a 15-month lifespan.
The Kensington slim and silent keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It also works with Mac OS X 10.6 and all later versions.
Features:
- A slim and stylish keyboard that is 0.75 inches wide
- Has a numeric pad and one-touch controls
- Premium laptop-style scissor keys
- Comes as a wired and wireless version
- Works on Windows and Mac
2. Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
The Logitech K780 wireless keyboard is one of Amazon’s bestsellers, and it’s easy to see why. One of the coolest things about this keyboard is that you can use it on more than one device, including a computer, tablet, or smartphone. There’s also an integrated phone or tablet stand that you can use to prop your devices.
Even though it is a bit chunkier than the Kensington Slim keyboards, it is full size. The comfortable and quiet keys allow you to write with it in total silence all day. They really do feel premium when you’re typing on the keyboard, and they are virtually noiseless.
Logitech will also give you the one C battery you need to power the keyboard. Based on some of their calculations, it can work for up to 2 years without a charge, but that will, of course, vary from one person to the next.
On Amazon, you can get the Logitech K780 in two styles: White and Speckles. Even though the Speckles version does look cool, Logitech won’t include a mouse in the package. On the other hand, if you go with the white version, you’ll be able to choose between the M585, M705, and M720 mice.
Another thing that I really like about the K780 is that it’s compatible with multiple operating systems. You can use it on Windows 8 or higher and Mac OS X 10.10 version or later. You can also use it with Chrome OS, iOS 5 or later, and Android 5.0 or later.
Features:
- Compatible with multiple devices
- Integrated phone or tablet stand
- Premium comfortable and silent keys
- Battery life is up to 2 years
- Comes in two styles
3. Trueque Silent Cordless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
This Trueque keyboard is 16.9 inches long and just 2.6 inches wide, making it a perfect choice for any desk. In addition, the keypad weighs just a little over 1.6 pounds, meaning that you can carry it wherever you need to.
The keyboard comes with a mouse, which is equally light and small. Both gadgets work via a cordless USB receiver using 2.4GHz wireless technology. As such, you can use the mouse and keyboard up to 33 feet away from their plug without any delays or connectivity issues.
Appearance-wise, the combo comes in a wide range of colors. You can get it in black, gray, off-white, mint green, and baby pink. So, you’ll definitely be able to find a shade that will match your taste and aesthetic.
As for compatibility, both the mouse and the keyboard are suitable for all versions of Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and Mac OS. Moreover, the devices are compatible with all desktops, laptops, TVs, and Chromebooks.
What I like the most about this combo is how quiet the gadgets are. The mouse is entirely soundless, and the keyboard is quieter than 90% of models on the market. So, if you find the usual keyboard sounds annoying and overstimulating, this is definitely a fitting option for you.
Finally, the ergonomic tilt of the keyboard ensures that your wrists won’t ache after a long day of typing. Therefore, the keyboard is an excellent choice for those with joint pain or anyone who spends a lot of their time on their computer.
Features:
- Wireless low-profile keyboard and mouse combo
- A 104-key US QWERTY layout
- 2.4 GHz connection, up to 33-foot reach
- Comes in many colors
- 1 AA battery is needed for the mouse, and 2 AAA batteries for the keyboard
- Power-saving sleep mode for both devices
4. Cimetech Silent Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard
Cimetech usually makes killer equipment, and this keyboard is no exception. It is easily recognizable by its aqua-green color, although it’s also available in black, white, and other neutral options.
Just like all wireless models on the list, this keyboard also comes with a tiny USB receiver that you simply plug into your desktop or laptop. Once you do so, you can pair the keyboard with your device, with the connection range being around 33 feet.
When designing this model, the manufacturer wanted to put user comfort first. To that end, the keyboard comes with ergonomic keypads that fit your fingers perfectly. Moreover, the keycaps are rubberized, making them nearly soundless.
The keyboard requires 2 AAA batteries to run, and it also has a power/sleep button. In other words, you can easily turn it off or put it into sleep mode to save battery life. It’s important to note that the batteries don’t come with the keyboard, so you will have to purchase them on your own.
According to the specifications, the keyboard is compatible with all versions of Windows, including XP and Vista, as well as Windows 7, 8, and 10. If you use another OS, you’ll be better off with one of my other picks.
Features:
- Wireless low-profile keyboard
- 2.4 GHz wireless technology, 33-foot reach
- Made for Windows systems
- Available in various colors
- Has a smart auto-sleep mode
5. Arteck Ultra Slim Wireless Keyboard
The next product I wanted to mention is this Arteck full-size keyboard which goes for about $45. The keyboard is ultra slim, not even an inch wide at its thickest, and only 0.16 inches wide at its thinnest.
It has an extremely low profile, which, paired with “X structure” keys (another name for the scissor-switch technology), makes it especially silent.
A full-size keyboard might not be the best choice for travel, however, it should be ideal for your home or office work. It’s even made from durable stainless steel, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally dropping it. I also love that it has a full set of hotkeys that give you easy access to various programs and media controls right from the top of the keyboard.
Like other products, the keyboard uses one USB receiver to connect to your PC. The keyboard is rechargeable via micro USB on the right-hand side, and it has a charging LED indicator above the numeric pad. Near the charging indicator, there are also function keys, caps and number lock indicators, as well as a power switch so that you can avoid wasting charge – that usually lasts about six months.
Features:
- Ultra Slim low-profile wireless keyboard
- Stainless steel base
- X structure key switch
- 2.4 GHz connection
6. BFRIENDit Wired USB Keyboard With Cover
Now, if you’ve decided that you don’t need a wireless keyboard, this one connects to your computer with a USB cable. Remember – that means that nothing will come between your typing commands and the computer. So, good response time is pretty much guaranteed. What’s more, you won’t even need to worry about recharging it or replacing its batteries.
This keyboard is a bit thicker, as it’s 0.66 inches at its thinnest. It also has movable stands in the back, a feature that some of the previous keyboards didn’t have. Furthermore, the keys are very low-profile and comfortable to use. They’re silent, thanks to a scissor key structure, but also tactile enough under your fingers.
The keyboard comes in many different color combinations, and it also comes with a keyboard cover. This product can be found for around $30 at online retail stores. Honestly, there’s not much else to say – it’s just a standard, all-around reliable silent keyboard.
Even though it was made with Windows systems in mind, you can also use it on Mac computers. However, Windows-specific shortcuts won’t work.
Features:
- Full-size low-profile keyboard
- Connects to the computer via a USB cable
- Comes in several interesting color combinations
- Made for Windows systems, but can work on Mac computers
- Free keyboard cover
7. Logitech MK295 Wireless Mouse & Keyboard Combo
Logitech is famous for its silent keyboard-mouse combos, and this model is one of the company’s very best offerings in that category. For these products, the brand uses its SilentTouch technology to make the devices as soundless as possible.
If you’re worried about desk clutter or your work area isn’t as spacious, these products will be a fantastic choice. You won’t have to worry about cords at all, and you’ll be able to use your gadgets even if you’re more than a dozen feet away from your computer.
The keyboard and mouse run on AAA batteries, which can last anywhere between 18 and 36 months, depending on how often you use the keyboard. Whenever you aren’t home or on your computer, you can easily turn the gadgets off using the power button and save up on battery life.
Now, if you like snacking at your desk, I have great news. This keyboard has a spill-proof design. So, even if you spill something on it, none of the food or liquid will seep inside and ruin it.
Last but not least, the keyboard tilt is fully adjustable. In other words, you can choose the tilt height that suits you and your wrists the most. Moreover, the material is highly adhesive, so the keyboard will always remain in place as you type away.
Features:
- Wireless low-profile keyboard and mouse combo
- 8 shortcut keys and a full Numpad
- Available in over 20 colors
- 2.4 GHz wireless connection
- SilentTouch technology
8. Razer BlackWidow Lite TKL Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
Razer makes some of the absolute best gaming equipment that is powerful, cool, and, most importantly, quiet. The Black Widow keyboard has the trademark Orange Switch technology that improves its accuracy, speed, and noise levels. The tactile feedback gives off a much quieter click than most other keyboards, which is incredible, especially if you’re into gaming.
To make the keyboard even quieter, Razer also put O-Ring sound dampeners that reduce noise and typing fatigue. So not only will typing on it be super-stealthy, but it’ll also be really comfortable.
The BlackWidow has individually LED-backlit keys, and you can adjust the brightness anyway you like. Also, Razer’s silent keyboard has fully programmable macro support, which means that you can remap all of the keys and keypress combos. That way, it’ll be much easier to execute complex commands.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll be happy to know that the BlackWidow is tournament ready. It has a detachable USB cable and a tenkeyless design that’s perfect for gamers on the go. While I’m on the topic of design, the BlackWidow has three style options: Mercury White, Classic Black, and Limited Edition Star Wars.
The BlackWidow was definitely built for durability and can support up to 80 million clicks. Also, in case you run into any problems, you’ll have a 2-year warranty from Razer that you can fall back on.
Features:
- Orange switch technology
- O-Ring sound dampeners
- Adjustable brightness
- Programmable macro support
- Durable and comes with a 2-year warranty
9. Langtu Membrane Gaming Keyboard
The Langtu Membrane Gaming keyboard has an aluminum alloy panel that gives it a smooth and sleek touch. The material also helps the keyboard stay in tip-top condition for a long time. What’s more, the Langtu Membrane keyboard is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry even in the case of an accidental spill.
But the true beauty of the Langtu silent keyboard is in the soft and highly responsive keys. When you’re typing on the keyboard, you’ll feel like your fingers are just gliding effortlessly, and they’ll never get tired. The double-colored injection keycaps are removable, which makes cleaning up a total breeze.
Another thing to note about the keys is that they’re almost entirely silent. Langtu says that having a keyboard that makes absolutely no noise can slow down your typing. That’s why all of the keys on the keyboard are completely quiet, except for the Enter, Shift, Space, Delete, and Insert keys.
The Membrane keyboard has a scientific stair-step keycap design that allows you to easily reach every key. Coupled with the soft keys and the cool brushed metal panel, that means the Langtu is extremely comfortable to work on. Essentially, no matter what kind of work you do or how you plan on using the keyboard, you’ll have your needs met.
Features:
- Aluminum alloy panel
- Waterproof resistance
- Only a few keys make noise
- Stair-step keycap and anti-ghosting keys
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux
10. Hyperx Alloy Core RGB – Membrane Gaming Keyboard
If you’re looking for something that’s bright and fun, but also quiet as a church mouse, you need the HyperX Alloy Core keyboard. This silent keyboard has RGB radiant lighting that you can fully customize to your taste or mood. There are also 6 preset themes at your disposal, so it’s up to you to figure out what you like.
Just like the Langtu Membrane, the HyperX keyboard is extremely durable and spill-resistant. HyperX actually claims that its keyboard can resist up to 4 fl oz and that that amount of liquid wouldn’t affect the overall performance. Since I didn’t really want to pour 4 fl oz of water on my brand new keyboard, I’ll just take HyperX’s word for it.
But the main reason I wanted to include the Alloy Core keyboard in my silent keyboard review is the soft keys. They all have anti-ghosting technology, but they’re also really smooth to the touch.
Of course, the HyperX keyboard is still extremely precise, and I’d even recommend it to gamers. Essentially, it combines the high-functionality of a mechanical keyboard with a tactile feel, and the end result is all around incredible.
The only letdown when it comes to the HyperX Alloy Core is that it’s only compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
Features:
- RGB radiant lighting with 6 preset themes
- Durable and spill-resistant
- Soft keys and anti-ghosting technology
- Only compatible with Windows
- Dedicated media and gaming buttons
11. KLIM Chroma Rechargeable Wireless Gaming Keyboard
The KLIM Chroma keyboard is another Amazon bestseller, and it’s one of the most popular wireless backlit models out there. While that’s all fine and well, I actually loved the Chroma because it’s dead silent.
Given how noisy most mechanical keyboards are, KLIM went in the total opposite direction to make this masterpiece. The Chroma has membrane keys, as well as an internal noise-reducing system that helps make the keyboard completely quiet.
I also love how durable and rugged the KLIM Chroma is. It’s made of ABS, which is a type of thermoplastic known to last a long time. In addition to the ABS, the Chroma is waterproof, so again, there’s no reason to lose your mind if you accidentally spill something. But even though it’s durable, the Chroma doesn’t come off as bulky, and it actually only weighs a pound.
KLIM put a heavy-duty rechargeable battery in its keyboard and will give you a USB charger for it. It only takes around 4 hours for the entire keyboard to charge, which isn’t that bad. The company also claims that it can withstand up to 10 million strokes and basically last a decade.
Again, I couldn’t really check that and give you a 100% guarantee on that claim. But as long as you take care of your keyboard and clean it every so often, I’m sure that it’ll last you a long time.
Features:
- Membrane keys and internal noise-reducing system
- Made of ABS
- Lightweight, but durable
- USB charge
- High-quality RGB lighting
12. Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The BlackWidow Elite is so cool, so sleek, and so quiet, that there was no way that I could skip it in my review. You can get the BlackWidow Elite in a couple of different options, but my favorite ones are the Orange Switches and the Yellow Switches.
The Yellow Switch Elite has the legacy speed keys that allow it to be extremely fast and precise, perfect for gaming. Just like with the Lite, you can remap all of the keys and keypress combos to execute highly complex commands.
In addition to being really accurate, the BlackWidow Elite is also extremely durable and sturdy. Because it’s made out of a military-grade metal top plate, Razer says that the keyboard can support up to 80 million clicks.
The former is a tactile keyboard, while the latter is linear. Either way, no matter which one you get, you’ll be happy to know that both are silent and don’t make a sound while you’re typing.
The Elite also has an ergonomic magnetic wrist rest that’s made out of plush leatherette. So if you spend lots of time on your computer typing or gaming, you’ll never have sore hands again.
Features:
- Comes with either Orange or Yellow switches
- Legacy speed keys
- Made out of a military-grade top place
- Plush magnetic wrist rest
- Can support up to 80 million keystrokes
Reasons to Get a Silent Keyboard
There are many places where you may use your loud, beat-up keyboard. Namely, you can use it at home, or in some already-loud environments, if it really makes you that happy. But, I don’t think it actually does.
If nothing else, places that are supposed to be low-noise environments, like libraries and offices, ought to be equipped with silent keyboards. Even bedrooms and shared dorms could benefit from quiet keyboards. As I said, annoyingly loud typing noises can cause us to lose focus. That can be a real bother when you’re trying to work, study, or even when you’re just playing a game.
So, if you expect to spend a lot of time using your keyboard, I’d suggest you invest in a silent one. You should definitely get one if you need to get your work done in a shared space, or somewhere other people might want to sleep.
Conclusion
After researching all of this, I have to say that I’m almost ready to abandon my own keyboard for one of these quieter products.
If you’re not as excited about buying new gadgets as I am, or you simply don’t want to part with your hard-earned cash – I understand. You’ll be pleased to know that you can also try to “soundproof” your own loud keyboard. You could add O-rings to pad your switches, or you could even install new switches under your keycaps if you like to fiddle with tech. In fact, some people even build their own silent keyboards.
But, if you just want to have a solid and silent keyboard delivered to your door, you should be able to pick out a great one by now. Whether you like the stylish look of the Arteck keyboard, the practicality of the BFRIENDit wired keyboard, or the professional look of the Logitech MK295, at least you’ve realized that you don’t need to put up with the loud keystrokes of your current keyboard. And, hey – no one said you couldn’t grab a gaming keyboard – even if you’re not a gamer.
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