# Suggestions for very quiet keyboard

**URL:** <https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609>\
**Category:** Offtopic\
**Tags:** question\
**Created:** [August 9, 2020, 11:09am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609 "2020-08-09T11:09:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tamas\_Papp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tamas_papp/32/25949_2.png) [@Tamas\_Papp](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tamas_Papp)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 11:09am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/1 "2020-08-09T11:09:54Z")

</div>

Now that working from home is becoming the new normal, I would like to minimize the noise impact of late night coding on others.

I am currently using a Dell KB216 which is am satisfied with when it comes to typing and feedback, but I am wondering if I could get something even more quiet. I am primarily looking for a _wired_ USB keyboard, preferably something I can buy in the EU, and would appreciate recommendations.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![xiaodai](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/xiaodai/32/15937_2.png) [@xiaodai](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/xiaodai)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 12:35pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/2 "2020-08-09T12:35:14Z")

</div>

connect the phone to the pc and type on the phone…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![kevbonham](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/kevbonham/32/216165_2.png) [@kevbonham](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/kevbonham)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 12:53pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/3 "2020-08-09T12:53:58Z")

</div>

Probably not what you’re looking for, but I actually find the old wired apple keyboards quite nice in terms of sound and feel. Nothing like a mechanical keyboard of course, and you might have to muck with the layout since they have the command key and alt in different places, but just a thought.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![anon37204545](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/439d5e/32.png) [@anon37204545](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/anon37204545)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 1:10pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/4 "2020-08-09T13:10:18Z")

</div>

Have you tried using headphones to block the noise?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![kevbonham](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/kevbonham/32/216165_2.png) [@kevbonham](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/kevbonham)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 1:12pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/5 "2020-08-09T13:12:58Z")

</div>

A) probably not useful to answer a totally separate question when the actual question is so clearly stated

B) the idea is clearly to protect others from the sound, not himself.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tamas\_Papp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tamas_papp/32/25949_2.png) [@Tamas\_Papp](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tamas_Papp)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 1:13pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/6 "2020-08-09T13:13:44Z")

</div>

@anon37204545: The concern is noise for others, not me. @xiaodai: I am looking for a keyboard.

@kevbonham: yes, I read good things about Mac keyboards, so that’s an option.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Yifan\_Liu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4da419/32.png) [@Yifan\_Liu](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Yifan_Liu)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 2:39pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/7 "2020-08-09T14:39:29Z")

</div>

Try mechanical keyboard, perfect for typing. My choice is filco ninja majestouch with blue switch. You can choose silent red switch for quietness

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![tbeason](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tbeason/32/15898_2.png) [@tbeason](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/tbeason)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/8 "2020-08-09T15:29:41Z")

</div>

I’ll tell you what NOT to get. A cheap Logitech keyboard. I have been yelled at for waking up the baby…I was just typing!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cgeoga](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/cgeoga/32/216186_2.png) [@cgeoga](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/cgeoga)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/9 "2020-08-09T16:47:14Z")

</div>

I can also vouch for Cherry MX silent red switches being impressively quiet, if you’re willing to spend more money than you’re probably used to on a keyboard and willing to adjust your typing a bit to adjust to the feel of linear switches. I can provide the information for the specific model I use and am happy with if you’re interested, but I didn’t really shop around and try many boards so I can’t promise it’s actually particularly good.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dlakelan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/dlakelan/32/8491_2.png) [@dlakelan](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/dlakelan)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 5:49pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/10 "2020-08-09T17:49:26Z")

</div>

I’ve found that the thing that Microsoft does absolutely the best, is build keyboards 😉

I have the previous version of the Natural/Ergonomic keyboard, not the one linked below, but I’ve used some version of their natural / ergo split keyboard since the late 1990’s when I had a bad bout of RSI.

> **[Amazon.com: Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard - Black. Wired, Comfortable, Ergonomic...](https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-LXM-00001-Ergonomic-Keyboard/dp/B07Y414QXJ)**
>
> Buy Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard - Black. Wired, Comfortable, Ergonomic Keyboard with Cushioned Wrist and Palm Support. Split Keyboard. Dedicated Office Key.: Keyboards - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

They’ve always been good for me. They’re pretty darn quiet though probably not the quietest.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tamas\_Papp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tamas_papp/32/25949_2.png) [@Tamas\_Papp](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tamas_Papp)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 6:13am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/11 "2020-08-10T06:13:47Z")

</div>

Thanks, I would appreciate specific model suggestions.

How would a keyboard Cherry MX silent red switch compare to dome membrane/scissor mechanics in terms of noise? I understand that it may be silent compared to mechanical switches, but those are already loud.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![oheil](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/oheil/32/220745_2.png) [@oheil](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/oheil)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 8:12am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/12 "2020-08-10T08:12:54Z")

</div>

I am using a  
Cherry Stream 3.0  
Not expensive and quiet enough.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tomas\_Pevny](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tomas_pevny/32/25466_2.png) [@Tomas\_Pevny](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tomas_Pevny)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 9:14am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/13 "2020-08-10T09:14:02Z")

</div>

Since 2012, I am sold to Apple magic keyboards. Personally, I use the small wireless one

> **[Magic Keyboard US English - Apple](https://www.apple.com/us/search/Magic-Keyboard-US-English?rdt=redirectionFromProductPage&tab=accessories)**
>
> Apple Store Search Results

What I really like on them is that they are quite and small without additional stuff. But they are really expensive, as everything by apple.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/johnh/32/3615_2.png) [@johnh](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/johnh)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 9:15am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/14 "2020-08-10T09:15:37Z")

</div>

I have a Perixx [https://perixx.com/](https://perixx.com/)  
I used the compact model without the number pad. Works fine and is silent.  
[https://perixx.com/lt\_furniture\_3/catalogsearch/result/?q=409+U](https://perixx.com/lt_furniture_3/catalogsearch/result/?q=409+U)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/johnh/32/3615_2.png) [@johnh](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/johnh)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 9:17am UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/15 "2020-08-10T09:17:07Z")

</div>

If you want to try the Cherry MX switches you can buy a switch tester  
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Katigan-Acrylic-Keyboard-Plastic-Switches-black-transparent/dp/B089CPBS8S](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Katigan-Acrylic-Keyboard-Plastic-Switches-black-transparent/dp/B089CPBS8S)

These guys carry a lof of keyboards [https://www.keyboardco.com/](https://www.keyboardco.com/)  
[CHERRY STRAIT Mac Style Keyboard : JK-0350GB : The Keyboard Company](https://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/cherry-strait-mac-style-keyboard.asp)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![non-Jedi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/non-jedi/32/3645_2.png) [@non-Jedi](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/non-Jedi)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 12:21pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/16 "2020-08-10T12:21:02Z")

</div>

Cherry Red’s in general should be no more noisy than rubber dome since they’re linear switches (no clickiness or feedback). Most of the noise will come from the switch “bottoming out” which is also where most of the noise comes from with rubber dome keyboards. The “silent” cherry reds I believe work by putting some sort of damper near the bottom of key travel to make the bottoming out quieter (you can get a similar effect by installing o-rings on regular cherry mx reds). In theory they should be quieter than rubber dome switches, but I haven’t personally tried them, and ymmv.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![opera\_malenky](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/opera_malenky/32/8213_2.png) [@opera\_malenky](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/opera_malenky)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 12:41pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/17 "2020-08-10T12:41:52Z")

</div>

I have a topre [RealForce](https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=106) that is very quiet. My other main keyboard is a [Matias](https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=113), which has switches like on the old Apple (e.g., Apple IIgs) Alps-based keyboards. Matias makes a quiet version which seemed to have decent reviews, but I’ve never tried it, so YMMV.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![non-Jedi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/non-jedi/32/3645_2.png) [@non-Jedi](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/non-Jedi)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 12:42pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/18 "2020-08-10T12:42:20Z")

</div>

Matias quiet clicks definitely aren’t quieter than rubber dome.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mthelm85](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/mthelm85/32/224164_2.png) [@mthelm85](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/mthelm85)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 12:50pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/19 "2020-08-10T12:50:00Z")

</div>

> [@tbeason](#):
>
> I’ll tell you what NOT to get. A cheap Logitech keyboard. I have been yelled at for waking up the baby…I was just typing!

I second this. I was on a Teams meeting with a coworker who asked that I stop typing during our discussion because the sound was “thunderous.”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tamas\_Papp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/julialang/user_avatar/discourse.julialang.org/tamas_papp/32/25949_2.png) [@Tamas\_Papp](https://discourse.julialang.org/u/Tamas_Papp)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609/20 "2020-08-10T14:04:08Z")

</div>

> [@non-Jedi](#):
>
> Most of the noise will come from the switch “bottoming out” which is also where most of the noise comes from with rubber dome keyboards.

So if I learn to type w/o “bottoming out”, they should be pretty silent?

I can almost do this on my current rubber dome keyboard. I imagine that the more consistent feedback profile of the cherry red silent should make it easier.

[Next page](https://discourse.julialang.org/t/suggestions-for-very-quiet-keyboard/44609.md?page=2)