Quiet Keys

[LunarMist]

I'm receiving complaints that my typing is a bit loud over the telephone.
I seek a reasonably quiet keyboard with the single row entry key and the full pattern of navigation and number keys.
Have you any suggestions that are not outrageously priced? Thanks.

 

[Chewy509]

What's your current keyboard?

Also mechanical keys (ala Cherry MXs) or membrane based desired?

 

[time]

Quiet rules out all "mechanical" (encapsulated) switches such as Cherry MX.

If you can handle short travel keys such as found on Thinkpads, try a keyboard with "scissor-switch" keys, such as Cherry Stream XT, Gigabyte Force K7 or Cougar 200K (these are current models I've tried personally). They're a hybrid compromise between membrane and encapsulated key keyboards.

Otherwise, you just need a decent membrane keyboard. I've read that the Gigabyte Force K3 is a good, robust solution. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any current Logitech or Microsoft keyboards that I could recommend.

Also, your requirement for a single row Enter key might need to be a little more flexible. No-one seems to be able to agree on this aspect of the PC keyboard layout.

 

[Stereodude]

I suppose muting your phone instead of being that guy on the conference calls is out of the question?

 

[Mercutio]

Tell them to fuck off. You're doing something productive while you're on a conference call instead of playing Solitaire or Facebook stalking like everyone else.

 

[ddrueding]

Just mute your phone on the conference call. I find a direct relationship between how noisy a keyboard is and how much I like using it.

 

[LunarMist]

Tell them to fuck off. You're doing something productive while you're on a conference call instead of playing Solitaire or Facebook stalking like everyone else.

Uh, these are personal calls.
I mute sometimes and sleep other times, so I need to be talking at least sometimes. :rofl:

 

[Stereodude]

Uh, these are personal calls.

:scratch: Well, how about you stop typing and pay attention to the person?

 

[LunarMist]

:scratch: Well, how about you stop typing and pay attention to the person?

Well I do most of the time, but in my condition there is a tendency to pass out occasionally after a few hours.

 

[Stereodude]

Well I do most of the time, but in my condition there is a tendency to pass out occasionally after a few hours.

Who calls you for several hours at a time? I'd put an end to that real quick.

 

[sedrosken]

Who calls you for several hours at a time? I'd put an end to that real quick.

So would I!

What's the seeming obsession with mechanical keyboards over here about? I can't say a whole lot, because I've never used a mechanical keyboard, but rubber dome keyboards do the job alright for me. From my perspective, for what they're asking for mechanical keyboards, it better be some kind of orgasmic experience.

 

[Chewy509]

What's the seeming obsession with mechanical keyboards over here about?

It's all about the feel, the texture and the feedback...

 

[ddrueding]

I suspect that many of us type for hours every day. If that experience can be made 15% better all the time, that may be worth several orgasmic experiences.

 

[Handruin]

Lunar, if you're up for doing some of your own research, there is a ton of info under the subreddit for mechanical keyboards that also has a buying guide. If you need a quality key that's quiet and soft, look into Topre type keys. Another option might be a WASD keyboard that you can customize with your own switch types and dampeners to reduce the sound.

You might also reference this flow chart:

 

[LunarMist]

Wow, that's really comprehensive! Thanks.

 

[snowhiker]

Wow, that's really comprehensive! Thanks.

Yes. Yes it is.

BTW buckling springs is the only right answer.

 

[LunarMist]

My "new" Gigabyte |\\\\\\keyboard is crapping |out.\\\

The \ keeps going by itself.

 

[jtr1962]

Who calls you for several hours at a time? I'd put an end to that real quick.

Amen to that! Not sure I'd even want to talk to a significant other on the phone that long on a regular basis.

 

[snowhiker]

My "new" Gigabyte |\\\\\\keyboard is crapping |out.\\\

The \ keeps going by itself.

Built like a tank, this keyboard won't let you down. The site looks 20 years old but the keyboards rock.

 

[LunarMist]

Built like a tank, this keyboard won't let you down. The site looks 20 years old but the keyboards rock.

How quiet is that keyboard?

 

[sdbardwick]

Buckling spring keyboards are about the loudest around. (But they are awesome for typists, if loudness not a factor.)

 

[Buck]

I prefer ergonomic/split keyboards. One of my favorites: Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard, back in the day.

 

[snowhiker]

How quiet is that keyboard?

Not quiet at all.

Buckling spring keyboards are about the loudest around. (But they are awesome for typists, if loudness not a factor.)

This. Plus you can bang away all you want and it will last.

 

[LunarMist]

Not quiet at all.



This. Plus you can bang away all you want and it will last.

I'm sure, but the whole point was to be quiet. I usually throw boards out before they are mechanically worn out. Either the text is wearing off or they are a bit dirty.