The Truth About Mechanical Switches: Are They Noisy?

As a professional with expertise in various industries, I have come across many questions about mechanical switches. One of the most common questions is whether they are noisy or not. In this post, I will provide you with a comprehensive answer to this question.

Firstly, it is important to understand what mechanical switches are. Mechanical switches are a type of switch that uses a physical mechanism to activate the switch. They are commonly used in keyboards, gaming mice, and other electronic devices. Unlike membrane switches, mechanical switches have a tactile feedback that provides a satisfying click sound when pressed.

Now, to answer the question, are mechanical switches noisy? The answer is yes, they can be noisy. However, the level of noise depends on the type of mechanical switch and the user’s preference. There are three main types of mechanical switches: linear, tactile, and clicky.

Linear switches are the quietest of the three types. They have a smooth and consistent feel when pressed, without any tactile feedback or click sound. Tactile switches, on the other hand, have a bump or tactile feedback when pressed, which provides a slight sound. Clicky switches have a tactile feedback and a distinct click sound when pressed, making them the loudest of the three types.

It is worth noting that the noise level of mechanical switches can also be affected by the keycap material and the keyboard’s construction. For example, keycaps made of ABS plastic tend to produce a higher-pitched sound than those made of PBT plastic. Similarly, keyboards with a metal plate construction tend to produce a louder sound than those with a plastic plate construction.

In conclusion, mechanical switches can be noisy, but the level of noise depends on the type of switch, keycap material, and keyboard construction. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, you should opt for linear switches. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and click sound, you should go for tactile or clicky switches.