White-backlit, quick typing on silent keyboards?
White-backlit, quick typing on silent keyboards?
Hi,
do you know any keyboards that offer:
Quick typing performance
White-backlit or RGB options that can be adjusted to white
Extremely quiet operation
I’m not sure about the different switch types, but I think a "silent red" might work? Are there other options that are faster and quieter?
Thanks.
There are variations, but not exactly as you imagine. Using the keyboard on KB is as quick as possible physically. It doesn’t make your fingers move faster. However, there are changes in the force required to press the keys and the point at which they register. Sound is another aspect; when you hit the keys hard and drop them every time, mechanical keyboards are much noisier than when you just press gently enough to detect them without dropping. For instance, the quietest keyboard ever tested by rtings can be found here: https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/...ombo-touch It features a white backlight with a subtle blue tint and a very short travel distance of just 0.8mm. The total movement is also only 0.8mm, so you must press the keys firmly. Even then, it remains quiet. Thanks to its low-profile scissor switches, it demands considerable pressure—about 70 grams, while the actuation force is 38 grams. Would a Logitech KB be ideal for rapid typing? That’s hard to say. For comparison, here are some reviews of keyboards I own: - Corsair K100 RGB: https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/...r/k100-rgb - Corsair OPX switch keys: - MX Speed keys: 1.1mm actuation, 3.4mm travel (OPX: 1.0mm, 3.2mm) When you press the keys just a bit, they register quickly. But if you avoid dropping them, the keyboard becomes much quieter and faster because of its short travel. Additionally, pressing the keys requires minimal effort—MX Speed keys need around 42 grams, while OPX switches need about 45 grams. The K100 RGB also includes a full RGB backlight, true white, macro keys, and N-key rollover, features not present in Logitech KB. In summary, the Corsair K100 RGB with OPX switches is likely the better choice for typing, especially if speed matters. OPX switches are recommended for faster input. Pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compar...D3,C7xbt6/
There are likely options tailored to your needs among the various customizable keyboards available. Depending on your budget, you can easily explore a wide range of keyboards if you’re willing to spend more. The switches vary based on personal preference, with some designed for quiet operation and others suited for quicker typing. The keyboard casing can be made from different materials and may include multiple layers of sound-dampening substances. I personally use a keyboard with silver switches and find it satisfactory, though there are certainly better alternatives. At around €150, it’s a reasonable price. Just search online for “custom keyboard” or check popular brands like das keyboard, ducky, corsair, etc.
What is the keyboard sitting on?
If a wood or metal surface/tray then there may be some amplification, echoing, or resonant effect.
Experiment a bit with the host "surface".
Maybe a mat or pad of some sort underneath the keyboard will help dampen noise.
Might also stablilize the keyboard as well.
Just a thought....
Thank you all for the great information a feedback. It looks like there is more to it than I initially thought of.
@Aeacus
I appreciate the long and detailed explanation! Thank you
It relies on your individual taste and how you type. For instance, if you tend to “bottom out” the key, a shorter travel press in a chiclet Apple Magic Keyboard or Microsoft Surface style might suit you better. Mechanical keyboards with linear switches and O-rings are available too, while standard membrane options provide less satisfaction when you’re bottoming out the keypress, though they don’t offer much mechanical advantage.
To experience the optimal performance of various key switch styles, I recommend purchasing a switch tester kit. For example, you can find options such as the Cherry MX, Gateron, or Kalih models on Amazon at the following links:
https://www.amazon.com/Griarrac-Sampler-...B07MJTTRGS
https://www.amazon.com/GATERON-Keyboard-...B0DRFRZCJ3
https://www.amazon.com/switches-Acrylic-...B0B7HHDYWF
Once you’ve identified your preferred switch type, you can explore the available kits for it.
In terms of personal experience, I can only share what I’ve encountered over the years. Around ten years ago, I was looking to upgrade from membrane keyboards to mechanical ones. Before that, I used standard membrane switches.
Cherry MX Brown caught my attention because of its tactile bump at the registration point. I visited a PC store and tried several switch models on display. It turned out I didn’t enjoy the MX Brown at all. The MX Black was extremely difficult to press, while the MX Red offered the best feel.
I ended up purchasing a Corsair Strafe RGB with Cherry MX Silent switches. MX Silent is similar to MX Red—it delivers the same actuation force and travel—but with significantly less noise during typing.
I’ve used my mechanical keyboard for many years now. Unfortunately, once I got a bit of liquid on it, the G key stopped working. I remapped it to "<" and continued.
Recently, I built a new Windows 11 PC and upgraded to a Corsair K100 RGB with Corsair OPX switches. After a few days of use, I noticed that pressing the keys more gently made them quieter than my previous model. The key is to practice typing without fully depressing the keys—this helps avoid any sound.
For more details on the OPX switch, you can check this link:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explo...ke...tive-play/
I invested in this particular switch type because it’s considered a future-proof option. It offers several advantages beyond just feel. For instance, my old Strafe keyboard, which had Cherry MX Silent switches, was one of the rare models with that specific switch. Now, about ten years later, more keyboards are using Cherry MX Silent and its successor, MX Silent Speed.