Typing in shared spaces with normal switches can be disruptive to the people around you.
Silent switches solve that by using physical dampeners inside the stem and housing to absorb sound on the up and down stroke.
They won't make your keyboard completely silent, but the difference is significant.
In this guide, we'll cover what to look for in a silent switch, and the best silent linear and tactile switches based on that criteria.
Table of Contents
- What to Look For in a Silent Switch
- Best Silent Linear Switches
- Best Silent Tactile Switches
- Silent Switches vs Regular Switches
- How to Get the Most Out of Silent Switches
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What to Look For in a Silent Switch
You should consider dampening method, actuation force, and pre-lubed options when looking for a silent switch.
Let's go over each.
Dampening Method
Silent switches minimize the noise via rubber or silicone dampeners integrated on the switch stem.
Silicone is generally better than rubber because of the softer impact, higher durability, and smoother feel.
Actuation Force
Heavier switches tend to feel more controlled, while lighter ones can feel mushy if the dampeners aren't well-tuned.
Look for switches with an actuation force of 45g+ to avoid that mushy feel.
Pre-Lubed vs. Dry
Pre-lubed silent switches perform better out of the box. Dry ones may need lubing to avoid a scratchy or sluggish feel.
3-Pin vs 5-Pin
3-pin switches are compatible with all mechanical keyboards, but have less stability.
5-pin switches are generally better if your keyboard supports them, as the extra pins give the switch tighter seating.
To learn how to tell what switches your keyboard supports, see our 5-Pin vs 3-Pin Switches guide.
Linear vs. Tactile
Linear has a smooth feel all the way to the bottom, while tactile switches have a bump at the actuation point to give feedback without the noise.
Linear tends to suit gaming and fast typists, while tactile suits those who want typing feedback without the noise.
Now that you know what to look for, let's go over the best silent linear and tactile switches.
Best Silent Linear Switches
For gaming and fast typing in quiet environments, the Cherry MX2A Silent Red Switches is the best silent linear switch you can buy right now.
Key Specs
- Type: Linear (no tactile bump or click)
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Dampening Method: Silicone dampeners
- Pre-Lubed: Yes, it comes with a factory-applied premium lubricant
- Pin-Count: 3-pin (compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin PCBs)
Shop the Cherry MX2A Silent Switches here.
If you need silent switches with feedback, then the next pick might be for you.
Best Silent Tactile Switches
If you're a typist who wants tactile feedback without the noise, the EPOMAKER Silent Tactile Switches is the best option in the market.
Key Specs
- Type: Tactile (comes with a bump at the actuation point for physical feedback)
- Actuation Force: 40g
- Dampening Method: A specialized structural silencing method that cancels out the mushy feel with light switches
- Pre-Lubed: Yes
- Pin-Count: 5-pin (comes with two extra plastic pins for increased stability)
If your a typist transitioning from clicky switches, or you find linear switches too "empty", these switches are for you.
Shop the EPOMAKER Silent Switches here.
Now that you've seen the best options for both types, here's how silent switches stack up against regular switches, and whether the tradeoff is worth it for your setup.
Silent Switches vs Regular Switches
Silent switches have trade-offs, but if you type in a place where noise is a concern, they're worth buying over regular switches.
Silent switch cons:
- Feel Difference: Silent switches can feel slightly softer or mushier at the bottom of the keystroke due to the dampeners absorbing impact
- Price Difference: Silent switches typically cost more than regular switches
Silent switch pros:
- Sound Reduction: Silent switches significantly reduce the sharp clack of the downstroke and the snap of the upstroke. With a desk mat, it's nearly inaudible in most environments
Quick Recommendation Table
| Use Case | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Office / shared space | ✅ Worth it, silent switches make a significant difference |
| Gaming | ⚠️ Optional, silent switches are worth buying only if noise is a concern |
| Home solo setup | ⚠️ Optional, regular switches are fine unless you're on calls or recording |
| Transitioning from clicky | ✅ Worth it, silent tactile is the natural step down |
Now that you know whether silent switches are worth it, here's how to get the most out of them.
How to Get the Most Out of Silent Switches
Lubing your switches, pairing them with a desk mat, and using a sound-dampened case or foam mod help you get the most value out of your silent switches.
Let's go over each.
Lubing
Lubing your switches keeps them feeling smooth and extends their life. Even pre-lubed switches benefit from a thin lube application over time.
For linear switches, use Krytox 205g0, and for tactile switches, use Krytox 105.
Desk Mats
Even with silent switches, your keyboard base makes noise by hitting your desk when you type.
Desk mats solve that problem by absorbing the sound, reducing noise even further.
Sound-Dampened Case/Foam Mod
Case foam or PE foam between the PCB and plate further minimizes sound.
Conclusion
The Cherry MX2A Silent Red is best for gaming and fast typing, while the EPOMAKER Silent Tactile is for typists who want feedback without the noise.
If you're in a shared space or on calls often, silent switches are worth it. Otherwise, regular switches are fine.
Browse our complete collection of hot-swap keyboard switches here.
Related Articles
- Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types Explained: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky
- Are Red or Brown Switches Better?
- 5-Pin vs 3-Pin Switches: What's the Difference?
FAQ
Are silent switches completely silent?
No. Silent switches significantly reduce noise by dampening the up and down stroke, but they're not completely silent.
What remains is a muted thud rather than a sharp clack. Pairing them with a desk mat reduces noise even further.
Are silent switches good for gaming?
Yes. Silent switches have no meaningful performance tradeoff for gaming.
Actuation force and travel distance are the same as their non-silent equivalents; the only difference is the sound.
Do silent switches feel different from regular switches?
Slightly. The dampeners can make the bottom-out feel softer or mushier, especially on lighter switches.
Switches with 45g or more actuation force tend to minimize this effect.
Do I need to lube silent switches?
Pre-lubed silent switches perform well out of the box, but a fresh lube application over time keeps them smooth.
Use Krytox 205g0 for linear switches and Krytox 105 for tactile switches.