When I say normal, I’m just talking about people who don’t use fancy mechanical keyboards.
There are plenty of resources on how to make changes to your mechanical keyboard to make it quieter. But what about normal keyboard users? Not everyone has customizable keyboards where you can change the physical switches inside of their keyboard.
Here are a couple of ways to reduce the volume of your typical keyboard.
Use A Thick Desk Mat
One way your keyboard clicks and lacks can get amplified is through your desk. If your keyboard sits on your bare desk, your keyboard might be transferring some of that to your desk.
Desk mats are a great way to isolate any noise from a keyboard from being amplified into your desk. Better yet, go for an ultra-thick desk mat like this.
Thicker desk mats will completely isolate your keyboard from transferring sound to your desk, but they will also give your wrists more cushion. As a result, you’ll be able to work at your desk for longer.
Use A Keyboard Cover
Keyboard covers are those soft silicone mats that protect your keyboard. You sometimes see them covering keypads at a cashier.
These mats soften the noise that comes from your keyboard. It acts like a little dampening barrier. It also protects your keyboard from debris and dust that can get trapped under the keys.
Your keyboard will probably last longer if you use a keyboard cover.
If you have a popular keyboard, such as one from Logitech, you should be able to find these silicone covers. Here’s an example below for Logitech’s K270 keyboard.
The silicone keyboard cover features a wrap-around design for a tight seal, a thin layer for a great typing experience, anti-dust and liquid-proof for durability, and easy cleanability, and is designed to fit the K270.
Adjust The Way You Type
You don’t need a ton of force to actuate keyboard keys. Are you typing harder than you need to?
Sometimes I type pretty hard if I am rushing to type something out. This definitely makes each and every keystroke of my keyboard louder.
Practice using less pressure for each keystroke and you can reduce the volume of your keyboard pretty dramatically. This takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you do, you’ll be a much smoother and stealthier typer.
Opt For A Quieter Keyboard
If you’ve tried typing lighter, using a thick desk mat, and even covering your keyboard with a soft silicone protector, then you might need to change up your keyboard.
Here are some great keyboards that offer a nice and quiet typing experience. My personal favorite is the Logitech MX Keys.
This keyboard is a little pricey, but it has programmable buttons, and my first MX keyboard is still going strong. I’ve owned many cheaper keyboards from random brands, but Logitech has not yet failed me.
Here is another more budget-friendly keyboard from Logitech so you can type more silently.
The MK345 keyboard and mouse combo features a full-size keyboard layout with a generous palm rest, spill-resistant design, and easy-access media keys, as well as a comfortable right-handed mouse. Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection provides reliable and fast connectivity up to 33 ft away. Additionally, the combo has an extended battery life of up to 3 years for the keyboard and 18 months for the mouse.