TOP 10 most SILENT mechanical keyboard switches of all time

It took a long time to make, but it's finally here! Highly requested, today we look at the top 10 most SILENT mechanical keyboard switches of all time.
My keyboard reviews: bit.ly/1TbOtft
My switch teardowns: bit.ly/2C1QGHz
My TOP X videos: bit.ly/2FmpZfd
My XL typing demos: bit.ly/2OoAW3w
I'm Thomas and I do videos and reviews on mechanical keyboards ranging from the most sickening modern RGB gaming keyboards to vintage hardware relics, or sometimes keycaps or keyswitches ranging from Cherry MX to Alps SKCM to IBM buckling springs and anything in between.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on my keyboard videos! / chyrosran22

[@stoqpotz]

"turboshit" is my new favorite way to describe something

[@jerryku6515]

Government Name that’s going into my notebook

[@jonywalabi2647]

@@jerryku6515 oh yes

[@airw4ys]

I perder rat shit

[@c.o.r.n.]

Hyssto

[@morten1]

I just took a turboshit

[@loganmclennan2617]

I hope you realize how much money you could make by making asmr

[@MacaqueStinx]

I mean shit, this makes for good asmr at the right volume as it is

[@lllKTG]

he makes

[@Peter-zq8pw]

no homo, genuinely sexy voice

[@here_we_go_again]

Hear Hear..

[@greenstuff9888]

This IS asmr

[@rye4zxbl243]

I suddenly have an obsession with keyboards and key switches

[@deus5215]

How’s it going now?

[@njsynthesis]

I don't even particularly care for the inner working of keyboards or their histories, I just really like buckling springs and this guy's presentation style.

[@severeanaltrauma]

@@deus5215 pretty soon he will come back talking about an epic keyboard he made himself with holy pandas

[@Instinct0425]

Taeha typer, novelkey cream, ew why GMK expensive I’ll just by a clone ha I’m good with money 😎

[@kallifxuchiha8871]

Same

[@ryuuseiboi950]

*Top 10 MOST SILENT mechanical keyboard switches of all time* Membrane and silicone keyboarard.

[@scrubthemagneticjetski2124]

ah yes i also use mechanical switches for my membrane keyboards

[@badelNT6]

Yes keyboarards

[@steriftes]

is imperion warrior 10 any good?

[@subswithoutvideo-kg1id]

@@scrubthemagneticjetski2124 How?

[@prestonwelch3725]

@@subswithoutvideo-kg1id it was a joke

[@YSN]

Who would have thought the foldable keyboard would top any list on this channel. Just need a Top 10 Loudest Keyboard Switches video now. I bet something that isn't crap is very likely to top that list.

[@Crokto]

ibm beamspring with solenoid on max? i mean, i know solenoid would be cheating (and actually there might be another keeb with a louder solenoid), but still.

[@Chyrosran22]

The people have spoken; there will be a Top X Loudest video as well!

[@Pehmokettu]

You would just put the Remington typewriter to the loudest list...

[@MNB730]

I bet one of them will be the fake cherry blues

[@JordanCS13]

@@MNB730 It's going to be hard to differentiate between the hideous high pitched squeak click of something like Outemo Blues and the deep, yet probably louder, yet more satisfying click of something like Box Navy. But beam spring with solenoid will probably be at the top.

[@nuudul7639]

10 - Topre - 1:34 9 - Alps SKCM Cream & White damped - 2:11 8 - Matias Quiet Click - 2:48 7 - Matias Quiet Linear - 3:38 6 - Rubber Domes - 4:32 5 - Cherry MX Silent - 5:45 4 - ZealPC Zilent - 6:28 3 - Type-S Topre - 7:28 2 - Apple Scissor Switches - 8:45 1 - Sillicone Keyboard - 9:34

[@LongTTH]

The topre forgot spacebar, if they fix it, it might be the best quiet keyboard

[@fkat1666]

The silicone keyboard would make a sound if you hit it with a 🔨.

[@zakaluka]

For those who want a quick reference: 10. Topre (regular) 9. Alps SKCM Cream Damped, Alps SKCM White Damped 8. Matias Quiet Click (tactile) 7. Matias Quiet Linear 6. Rubber domes (standard office keyboard) 5. Cherry MX Silent 4. ZealPC Zilent 3. Type-S Topre 2. Apple scissor switches 1. Foldable silicon keyboard (no separate switch).

[@Skelyboss]

KZbinrs hate comments like these but ok, it gets rid of some of their watch time

[@owlstead]

Next time include pointers to the right time in the vid.

[@gagakserak3914]

Hei, it's gone

[@reverse5906]

Thanks but ur comment is so low down that no one will ever see it before they watch the video

[@xKayNee]

@@reverse5906 not for me, its like the third top comment lol

[@nerdyneedsalife8315]

Sure the Fold 2000 has quiet key switches but the volume of your pain and agony cancels that out soooooooooooooooo

[@gaiustrollius9920]

I mean you'd be screaming while typing so it's not a silent keyboard.

[@jyjyjyc]

What about the laser projection keyboard

[@brainandforce]

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

[@longnamedude3947]

It's not a mechanical keyboard switch, it's digital, and let's be honest, anyone that owns one of them laser projection keyboards wishes it had never been purchased

[@Link6155]

On a hard surface, the tapping of your fingers makes it a lot louder than any of the switches mentioned in the video.

[@Chyrosran22]

That's a keyboard, not a switch ;) .

[@uhoy1488]

What about silent blacks

[@qualin1974]

Is it just me, or does the typing noise on the fold-able keyboard at the end sound absolutely disgusting? "The breast implant" LOL

[@JackOfHarts96]

Yeah it's pretty gross

[@scvpest]

Im late but the sound of the plastic unsticking to his fingers. oh god

[@swandonovan]

The end of the video was rough

[@Chyrosran22]

XD

[@justenzo928]

Very ! lol

[@user-iv2te1cp3b]

Why on earth are Matias' clicky switches called the "Tactile Pro" and the tactile switches "Quiet Click"??

[@Chyrosran22]

Their nomenclature defies all common sense :p .

[@sygibson]

@@Chyrosran22 As does their hideous "ghosting" problem. I've owned 6 Matias - they make great keyboards ... except for one major fatal flaw they can never get rid of (apparently). Ghosting. In fact, I'm typing this on a brand new released model (FK308LB) which I love because it's pretty quiet ... and feels great ... and an non 101/104 layout monster size. But it ghosts. Just like the last round of keyboards of theirs I tried 6 years ago. I've had to correct this message 14 times so far.

[@cablebfg]

@@sygibson I thought their workaround was to use the PS2 adapter? Or was that someone else?

[@JackOfHarts96]

My favourite mechanical key switches in this video are the HP rubber domes, Apple scissor switches and the silicone keys.

[@Crokto]

lmao, I was gonna make a similar comment. I understand including a rubber dome like the HP for comparison as like an honorary 5.5, and i get if it was top 10 most SILENT keyswitches of all time, but the mechanical thing shouldn't be in the title. otherwise, where's the optical keyboard where you like, type in the air? love chyros and still think its a great video, just dont like that "mechanical" is in the title

[@thetechoasis2179]

eww.... bro no!

[@JackOfHarts96]

@@Crokto Agreed, the video should be titled "Top 10 quietest keyboard switches" (rubber domes are still technically switches as they close a circuit)

[@XalphYT]

You monster.

[@2dfx]

Lord Chyros, we now need a top 10 LOUDEST keyswitches. I think "best sounding" and "loudest" may be far enough apart!

[@Chyrosran22]

It will be done :) .

[@julian23561]

First off, I'd like to say sorry that you had to go through that again. That breast implant still gives me nightmares to this day.

[@einarf2055]

Lol nice profile pic

[@ph3590]

Ok this was hilarious and informative. Too many comparisons of mechanical keyboards leave out membrane and scissor switch options, so I'm glad you included those. Where would the Aliaz Silent switches fit in this lineup?

[@brainandforce]

I just installed some Gateron silent in my GMMK and they are far quieter than any rubber dome switch I've tried. In terms of silencing I'm extremely impressed, though the keyfeel isn't as nice as their unsilenced options (a bit more scratchiness). Also, the thing that gets me with the Apple keyboard is how you can hear the keycaps rattle when you take your fingers off of them. To some extent this is also true of Microsoft's Surface keyboard though it's a bit nicer.

[@epicfail424]

Holy buttery smooth voice what the hell I did not expect this from a keyboard video

[@Tysto]

This is incredibly instructive. I went looking for a silent keyboard to use in conjunction with my laptop, which I can often hear in my podcast recordings, but now I'm certain my Acer laptop's keyboard is quieter than nearly all of these anyway! Thanks!

[@jamest.135]

"May whatever God you do or do not believe in have mercy on your sorry-ass soul..." - Chyrosran22 in reference to using a silicone keyboard.

[@malenky4057]

Great video! I've been using a silent Realforce 87U (variable weight) recently, and I found that lubing the stab slider inserts and the part where the stab wire clips in, remedies most of the rattle from the stabilised keys, and greatly improves the overall sound of the board.

[@larsgottlieb]

Having had to work for Years on one of those HP monsters, I applaud your diligence ..

[@S.M.A.Batista]

I retrofitted my K95 with Zeal Zilent V2 switches. It took my about 6 hours and it cost soon much money but it was Well worth it. It previously had cherry brown switches.

[@howardkurtus7069]

I'm literally disgusted by that past board, it sound like a sweaty bodybuilder getting up off a leather mat. Bleh

[@Chyrosran22]

Yeah, it leaves you with a really dirty feeling, right? XD imagine how using it feels! XD

[@howardkurtus7069]

@@Chyrosran22 I'm sorry that you had to touch such a nasty board. Thanks for all the awesome vids man keep up.the awesome work!

[@aejaculatingfutahorse6058]

just for that i want one.

[@_BangDroid_]

hot

[@cryohellinc]

Recently modified my Topre Type Heaven with some lube, new pbt keycaps, hyperpheres and added some foam material inside for sound dampening. It's so good now, I can't stop typing :))

[@jingruiyu6854]

You are really good with your adjectives.

[@Shajirr_]

To further silence the silicone keyboard, consider pouring some oil on it, sunflower or olive oil would do. Also you might consider adding some spagett to enhance the texture.

[@harrytsang1501]

I put cheap lubes on some cherry red clones with O rings and that is silent enough for me. I am more of a clicky typer but it is also good to have a silent keyboard in case future roommate doesn't like clicky typing sound at night

[@rolfathan]

I've encountered another version of your #1 that was all a very matte, almost chalky feeling rubber. It was probably half as loud because your fingers don't stick to it at all.

[@LauPikLikBilly]

been waiting for this series for quite a while

[@pcfreak1992]

Great video! Number 3 was really nice and would be an easy pick if the space bar's noise wouldn't ruin it.

[@robr640]

Stabilized keys are Topre's biggest pitfall IME. With all the other work they put into silencing some of their boards you'd think they'd throw some lube on the stabilizers. When I got my 660C I was appalled at how loud the stabilized keys were, thankfully some Tribosys3204 on the stabilizers made them quiet down a huge amount.

[@Pascal-R]

That foldable keyboard tho. Hilarious. I used to run barkeep duty at a community bar where we kept wrecking keyboards because people kept dunking beer over them. So one day someone brought in a silicone foldable keyboard because it's completely sealed. It was an awful keyboard, but it's served me very well there. Also, you should consider making ASMR videos. This was a very relaxing video to listen to.

[@Caphalem]

I don't know why but you just completely Unloading on the top two keyboards was Really funny!

[@literate_waffle4497]

Perfectly delivered pun at 7:50 Take all the likes you can get, you’ve earned them my friend.

[@peanutbutterbean1738]

crazy to think how far keyboards have come over the last few years in pretty much all regards, honestly didnt expect to see that my keyboard is more silent than even the silicone one, since there isnt the noise of my fingers sticking to the keycaps, using akko penguins in a keychron v1 with cherry stabs and some aftermarket cherry profile keycaps. Silent keyboards have always interested me and im glad i got into it at this point in time because had i got into it a few years earlier my options would have been painfully limited..

[@vlenddd]

I have a question about this mat, what is it? if i use it on my keyboard ( ozone strike battle) it will works ?

[@mattyiceice]

where do you get all of your keyboards/ key switches????

[@thermoskeller8981]

This was far more entertaining than I would have ever thought, great job!

[@dnocemail819]

Were silent black switches not available at the time, or did they not make the list at all? Considering silent black vs red for my office keyboard.

[@toolthoughts]

I have the Matias Quiet Click, and have used it pretty extensively. It's quite a lovely board but with some little annoyances. The localised layout I have has no menu key, it replaces it with a useless fn key that only gives access to a very very sparse media key layer (which I never use). This absolutely baffling decision from Matias made me realize how much I actually use the menu key, and how much it cuts into the workflow to have to pause and go for the mouse with one hand. Shift+f10 works passably I guess. I'd reprogram the key, but it doesn't register like regular input on any of the common mappers. The switches have a varying feel and smoothness depending on how high or low you hit a particular keycap. This isn't a huge deal, but didn't expect it. It seems to be a consequence of the Alps type switch design, since I tried a friend's vintage Alps Macintosh keyboard and it's keys also did bind slightly when pressing on the top portion of the caps. Otherwise the keyfeel is absolutely delicious. The sound is just about right I think. The shiny casement is a bit gaudy and is guaranteed to not wear well, that I would absolutely change if I had a choice in the matter.

[@moonbladem]

Haven't I heard your voice on movie trailers? Also... your emphasis on the word "hideous" made me LOL!

[@Shadowstompa]

My god your voice... Silky smooth

[@aklimaron7398]

@Chyrosran22 So, would you say it's worth getting the Zeal silent over mx silents? or is it the same but 4x the price ?

[@DthBakesh]

Thomas, can you tell me, please, which KB you used to show Matias Quiet Click? I'm pretty intrigued with both KB and switch.

[@Chyrosran22]

It's a Matias Mini Quiet Pro. Matias donated it for this video.

[@DthBakesh]

Thank you!

[@Conno422]

How do the apple butterfly switches work out? Also there is apparently some keyboard that’s just a glass panel. If a piece of molded silicone qualifies then what stops glass from as well.

[@mr.tvorch]

what is the name of the black keyboard that you are typing at 7:00?

[@Zetraxes]

I think we need a refresh of this video with so many new switches coming out

[@siliconcassettes3369]

You speak with such casual professionalism that every time you swear it throws me off in the most surprisingly pleasant way - always makes me smile :)

[@Ucceah]

you gotta try a sidewinder x6, and absolutely definitely have a look inside. there's a reason they skyrocketed in price. the stiff, short stroke rubber dome sliders take some getting used to (unless you have strong hands), but they sound wonderfully deep and quiet, and easy to get hooked to. you don't wanna type a novel on it, but accidental key presses during gaming simply don't happen, unless it's your fault. it may also be the most complex and insanely over-engineered keyboard you ever popped open! the part ocunt is crazy, but it's still virtually 100% dust and spill-proof (the draining channels work like a charm), easy to open, and the entire upper half, including keycaps with sliders, 2 dials, and a row of media keys, can be washed under the shower (once a big soda spill starts to dry), dried and re-lubed with unprecedented ease. (mine has been in use for over 6 years of daily use, and is still alive) this is the one and only rubber dome slider over rmembrane keyboard, i dare call a mech.

[@insantonua]

I'm looking for suggestions: Iso layout, tactile, quiet, 50-60cn To be honest I'm not all that deep into the topic of mechanical keyboards but i like the feel since i type a lot and wanna get one for the office too. (open floorplan, so it should be the hushest of whispers lol) Bonus points for metal case and tkl

[@Chokkan]

Another great roundup. Is there a mechanical keyboard that has stabilisers that aren't crap?

[@Chyrosran22]

Hmmm, it depends a bit on what you want out of a stabiliser tbh. Usually you can shut them up pretty effectively with some lube or grease, though :) .

[@damienholland8103]

I used that plastic looking foldable keyboard many years ago and it was indeed the quietest keyboard I ever used. But the problem was I hated the squishy, inconsistent feel of the keys. Looks like I'm better off going for membrane over mechanical.

[@joshuagarrett4879]

I laughed so hard when the #1 hit the table.

[@ilaserbia]

Which silent switches would be actually decent to type on? I'm thinking of getting a mechanical keyboard for the office and browns are already acceptable, but lately I've been looking at the Mathias switches because they have a shorter travel. Mushiness is a non issue for me since I actually don't bottom out a switch and I usually put O rings to stop me from it. Now the main thing I'm worried about are the linear switches since I've never used them except for MX Blacks which I hated because they were so heavy but otherwise ok. The ones that you've presented here look interesting, and should be lighter which should be ok, just have to get use to no feedback.

[@vipinx8881]

So much effort and quality into the video and so little appreciation

[@jnzed94]

The foldable silicon part had me dying lmao

[@bubblekittea6140]

omg I want the silicone keyboard so bad! Where is it from?

[@nctzenahri]

Holy your voice is awesome

but his understanding on what "mechanical" means does not

[@illegitimate0]

How do you like the Gateron Silent Switches? Specifically the brown?

[@nickrafuse984]

I'd like to see some coverage of good scissor keyboards (I swear they're out there!) other than terrible applice chiclet & clones. Cherry Stream comes to mind? How does cherry ML stack up against these quiet switches?

[@codyvike5885]

Great video man! Just out of curiosity, between Red Silent MX Cherry switches or Matias Quiet Linear switches which are quieter/more reliable? I'm currently using a Sades K10 with Blue MX Cherry switches and they are incredibly loud. I love typing on the keyboard, but when I stream they tend to take away from the overall video quality. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[@codyvike5885]

@@Grarlic Thank you for the feedback! I ended up going with the Cherry MX Red Silent switches. Very silent, smooth, and stable.

[@aenzuul8927]

One of the best videos in recent memory👏🏻👏🏻

[@coffeewisp16]

_Hold it!_ what about the Bosch CC RAFI keyboard you reviewed back in 2017? I distinctly remember you comparing them to normal Topre switches and showing they were actually quieter. Did something change?

[@Chyrosran22]

I have tested this again, and you're right, they are indeed quieter than Topre! In truth, I had completely forgotten about them xD . That keyboard is in an unmarked box in a very inconspicuous place, so I had overlooked it during drafting. Well spotted!

[@unbanjarvis2917]

where can you get them type s topra switches from ?

[@Neightr0]

7:47 Silent treatment; I see that stealth pun.

[@blendernoob64]

I’m really starting to like silent switches. I use Niz switches and White damped alps and the thunk sound they make is really satisfying, and it won’t make my folks mad when I use my computer at night.

[@thanhavictus]

How would you compare Zilentv2s and and Gazzew Boba U4s?

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

You should get a Womier K66, or JUST ANY KEYBOARD MADE OUT OF ACRYLIC with some Zealios, and Gateron silent reds to test That type of Bassy Silence is Beautiful

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

I know these are stock switches, but i'd argue that MX Zilents (cherry silent stems in zeal housings) lubed properly in a good case are even quieter than the breast implant. my case still has a bit of reverb, but other than the spacebar, you can't really hear it unless i'm typing VERY hard on the keys.

[@mithikx]

I was sort of expecting Chyro to unplug that silicone thing and chuck it across the room at the end there.

[@pip5528]

The next video you should do is in this series is the top 10 loudest switches of all time.

[@aklimaron7398]

So, why get a Matias when the more common Mx silents are more silent ?

[@leonbrooke5587]

Topre gave you the silent treatment? I see what you did there!

[@jplauriente1]

The nine (Alps SKCM) has a nice and quiet sound, definitively it's my favorite.

[@Chyrosran22]

Alps have very nice acoustics - particularly in old, roomy chassis and cases, they're unbeatable for sound IMO :) .

[@TheLikeButtonLMAO]

ok so I know you stopped making these videos, but I would love to see a top 10 LOUDEST switches video.

[@bahathir_]

Typing this comment using Logitech K380. Very quiet. I think it is quieter than 2010 15" MAcbook Pro's keyboard,. Thank you for this amazing keyboard related channel.

[@nordern1]

Then it's decided. I'll use a foldable keyboard coated in talcum powder! :P

[@limonenjoyer5199]

where can buy silicone keyboard?

[@megidont]

How do apple scissor switches compare to cherry sx?

[@Kumofan]

How do gateron silent inks compare to this list?

[@TheMrlilcreepz]

it would be a cool idea to make this same video but with all the modern switches

[@yspuf7402]

what mic do you have papi?

[@LaskyLabs]

I know you hate lube. But do you ever lube your stabilizers?

[@JanPospisilArt]

He doesn't.

[@ryanosullivan3399]

Great video thanks!

[@RG7621]

Forget the switches. Your voice is amazing.

[@swissix4947]

I have the same Hp keyboard but in an older version and the space bar is loud af. The switches are ratteling very much and are loude too. Besides that it feels not bad with its tactility.

[@SMGJohn]

Can you do laptop keyboards like old IBM Thinkpad?

[@etatauri]

That scene when Justin Long in Die Hard 4 rolls out a foldable keyboard to hack into something is still seared into my brain. In fact its one of the only things I remember about the movie, only because I cringed so hard.

[@ARMClips]

your voice is more relaxing than the usual asmr that are out there 10/10

[@replacement6386]

So much class in this video. I laughed a brilliant amount and got the information I needed. I'll be going with Blue Zilents and pressing that big red button too!

[@TECHNICKER_Cz]

how would you rank Gateron Aliazes?

[@dominiceckstein9650]

How do the gateron aliaz silent compare to say cherry mx silent

[@concernedcitizen6313]

I think the best office membrane/rubber dome keyboard is the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 v1. The keystrokes, the sound -- oh, and if you band-aid/medical tape mod the housing for the stabilizer bars, you can reduce what little rattling there is on the big keys!

[@Roxor128]

A good line to introduce the last one would have been "While some people swear by the previous keyboard, our winner is only worth swearing _at._ It's the, ugh, folding silicone keyboard..."

[@shock1587]

Yo, cryo what about aliaz or gateron silents? They souns similar like zilents??

[@Chyrosran22]

I don't have them, but considering they are clone switches, I'd guess they're very similar. Zilents are said to be the most silent MX-type switches, and they barely inched out as well xD .

[@weltfremd]

how to add a solenoid to my model m kybd ?

[@FharishAhmed]

lol I have had to use a Pink Silicone keyboard in my day. It was an extremely dusty environment, and we were almost always wearing chemical gloves covered in some kind of machine oil or grease, but trust me, I feel your hate for this. lol lol

[@timf4015]

ROTFLMAO!!! The "Breast Implant." Fucking Hilarious, mate. Thanks for the most informative keyboard reviews on the planet, and the laughs.

[@TheMsdos25]

I clicked so fast that the video still said "no views".

[@da7oneguy576]

Lol