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10 Best Silent Mechanical Keyboards 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

CHERRY MX Board 3.0 S Wired Mechanical Keyboard Aluminum Housing MX Red Silent Switches for Gaming and Office

Switch Type: CHERRY MX Red Silent
Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting: Supports key rollover and anti-ghosting
Build Quality: All-aluminum housing
Backlighting: RGB
Programmable Keys and Macros: Supports programmable keys and macros

Chosen by 1111 this week

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CHERRY MX Board 3.0 S Wired Mechanical Keyboard Aluminum Housing MX Red Silent Switches for Gaming and Office

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,111
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
728 reviews

Switch Type
Quiet operation with the CHERRY MX Red Silent switches makes it ideal for both work and gaming environments.
Build Quality
The solid construction and hefty aluminum build give the keyboard a premium and durable feel.
Backlighting
The customizable RGB lighting adds a fun and visually appealing element, with plenty of profiles to choose from.
Ergonomics
The keyboard's key spacing and overall design make typing a joy, and it's the most comfortable typing experience ever.

The CHERRY MX Board 3.0 S is a strong contender in the silent mechanical keyboard category, making it suitable for both gaming and office use. Its CHERRY MX Red Silent switches are a standout feature, designed to reduce noise without compromising the smooth, linear key feel that many users appreciate. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is essential, like shared offices or late-night gaming sessions.

In terms of build quality, the all-aluminum housing offers sturdiness and a premium feel. The keyboard doesn’t flex under pressure, which is great for gamers who need reliable performance. The detachable cable is a practical touch, allowing for easy transport, while the textured keycaps enhance both durability and aesthetics with customizable RGB backlighting options.

The keyboard supports key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring that multiple key presses are registered accurately—this is particularly beneficial for gamers looking for precision during intense gaming situations. Additionally, the programmability of keys and macros caters to users who value customization, especially in gaming and professional settings. However, while the CHERRY MX Board 3.0 S excels in many areas, it may not suit everyone. The linear design of the MX Red switches may not provide enough tactile feedback for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Additionally, the keyboard's modern style might not appeal to those who favor a more traditional aesthetic. It's also worth noting that its weight (2.26 pounds) can make it less portable compared to lighter models, which might deter some users who frequently move their keyboard between locations.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,111
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
728 reviews

Switch Type
Quiet operation with the CHERRY MX Red Silent switches makes it ideal for both work and gaming environments.
Build Quality
The solid construction and hefty aluminum build give the keyboard a premium and durable feel.
Backlighting
The customizable RGB lighting adds a fun and visually appealing element, with plenty of profiles to choose from.
Ergonomics
The keyboard's key spacing and overall design make typing a joy, and it's the most comfortable typing experience ever.
#2

SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard – 10-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water Resistant – Premium Magnetic Wrist Rest (Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch)

Rating
9.6
Switch Type
Build Quality
Keycap Material

Most important from
13384 reviews

Switch Type
The keyboard uses a hybrid system between mechanical and membrane switches, providing responsive and clicky keys that feel great for both gaming and typing.
Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with a sturdy aluminum construction that feels premium and well-built, eliminating any bending issues.
Keycap Material
Despite being a hybrid, the keyboard maintains a cherry profile, making it easy to find aftermarket keycaps for customization.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is bright and customizable, allowing each light to be its own color and creating personalized lighting configurations.
Form Factor
The keyboard is much quieter than traditional mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for intense gaming sessions without breaking the sound barrier.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard is a solid choice for those seeking a quiet mechanical keyboard. Featuring whisper-quiet tactile switches, this keyboard offers a nearly silent typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and office environments. The 10-zone RGB illumination enhances the aesthetic appeal with customizable lighting effects, adding a touch of personal flair to your setup. Its build quality is reinforced by IP32 water resistance, a useful feature for protecting against accidental spills.

The premium magnetic wrist rest provides added comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, which is a thoughtful addition for ergonomic support. Key rollover and anti-ghosting ensure that all your key presses are accurately registered, which is crucial for gaming performance. However, it is important to note that this keyboard uses membrane switches, which might not offer the same tactile feedback as traditional mechanical switches. The keyboard is wired, which can limit placement flexibility but ensures a reliable connection.

Compatible with multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation, it caters to a wide range of users. The dedicated multimedia controls are a convenient feature for quick adjustments without interrupting your workflow or gameplay. Priced competitively, the Apex 3 is a versatile and user-friendly option, though it may not meet the needs of purists seeking the authentic mechanical keyboard feel.

Rating
9.6
Switch Type
Build Quality
Keycap Material

Most important from
13384 reviews

Switch Type
The keyboard uses a hybrid system between mechanical and membrane switches, providing responsive and clicky keys that feel great for both gaming and typing.
Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with a sturdy aluminum construction that feels premium and well-built, eliminating any bending issues.
Keycap Material
Despite being a hybrid, the keyboard maintains a cherry profile, making it easy to find aftermarket keycaps for customization.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is bright and customizable, allowing each light to be its own color and creating personalized lighting configurations.
Form Factor
The keyboard is much quieter than traditional mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for intense gaming sessions without breaking the sound barrier.
#3

Keychron V6 Max Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth 5.1 QMK Full-Size Layout RGB with Hot-swappable Silent Red Switch Compatible with Mac Windows Linux

Rating
9.4
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
225 reviews

Switch Type
Typing on this keyboard feels therapeutic; the mechanical keys provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being too loud.
Build Quality
The customizable lighting and heavy, stable build make it a joy to use, especially for tasks like photo editing and light coding.
Backlighting
The RGB backlighting, although not shining through the keycaps, adds a visually appealing touch around the keys.

The Keychron V6 Max Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard is a fantastic option for those seeking a silent mechanical keyboard. One of its standout features is the K Pro Silent Red switches, which are ultra-quiet and perfect for office environments. The hot-swappable sockets allow users to easily customize their keys without soldering, catering to personalized typing preferences. The keyboard's build quality is impressive with a durable gasket mount design and sound-absorbing foam that significantly reduces noise, ensuring a smooth and stable typing experience.

The double-shot PBT keycaps are not only resistant to oil but also durable, with legends that don't fade, making the keyboard look new even after extensive use. Additionally, the RGB backlighting with over 22 effects adds a visually appealing touch, enhancing work and play environments alike. Connectivity is versatile with 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and a reliable Type-C wired connection, allowing seamless switching between devices.

The QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher offer ongoing updates and customization options, ensuring the keyboard remains up-to-date and secure. However, the keyboard is relatively heavy at 3.63 pounds and may not be ideal for those needing a portable solution. The full-size layout might also take up more desk space, which could be a drawback for users with limited workspace. The Keychron V6 Max excels in providing a quiet, customizable, and well-built mechanical keyboard experience, making it a strong choice for both work and gaming setups.

Rating
9.4
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
225 reviews

Switch Type
Typing on this keyboard feels therapeutic; the mechanical keys provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being too loud.
Build Quality
The customizable lighting and heavy, stable build make it a joy to use, especially for tasks like photo editing and light coding.
Backlighting
The RGB backlighting, although not shining through the keycaps, adds a visually appealing touch around the keys.

Buying Guide for the Best Silent Mechanical Keyboards

Choosing the right silent mechanical keyboard can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. Mechanical keyboards are known for their durability and tactile feedback, but they can sometimes be noisy. Silent mechanical keyboards offer the best of both worlds: the satisfying feel of mechanical switches with reduced noise. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
Switch TypeThe switch type is the mechanism beneath each key that registers a keypress. For silent mechanical keyboards, the switch type is crucial because it determines the noise level and typing feel. Common silent switches include Cherry MX Silent Red and Silent Black, which are designed to minimize noise while maintaining a smooth keystroke. If you prefer a softer, quieter typing experience, look for keyboards with these or similar silent switches. If you need a balance between quietness and tactile feedback, consider switches like the Cherry MX Silent Brown.
Key Rollover and Anti-GhostingKey rollover refers to the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously and still be registered by the keyboard. Anti-ghosting ensures that extra keystrokes are not registered when multiple keys are pressed. These features are important for gamers and fast typists who need precise and reliable input. Keyboards with N-key rollover (NKRO) allow for unlimited simultaneous key presses, which is ideal for gaming. For general use, 6-key rollover (6KRO) is usually sufficient.
Build QualityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of the keyboard. High-quality materials like aluminum or high-grade plastic can make a keyboard more robust and long-lasting. A well-built keyboard will also have less flex and a more solid feel during use. If you plan to use your keyboard heavily or transport it frequently, investing in a keyboard with superior build quality is advisable. For stationary use, a standard build may suffice.
Keycap MaterialKeycap material impacts the feel and longevity of the keys. Common materials include ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). ABS keycaps are smooth and can become shiny over time, while PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to wear. If you prefer a more textured and long-lasting keycap, opt for PBT. For a smoother feel and potentially lower cost, ABS keycaps are a good choice.
BacklightingBacklighting enhances the visibility of the keys in low-light conditions and can add a visual appeal to your keyboard. Options range from single-color backlighting to full RGB (Red, Green, Blue) lighting, which allows for customizable colors and effects. If you often work or play in dim environments, backlighting can be very useful. For those who enjoy customizing their setup, RGB lighting offers a wide range of personalization options. If backlighting is not a priority, you can opt for a keyboard without it.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the size and layout of the keyboard. Common form factors include full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact (60% or 65%). Full-size keyboards include a number pad, which is useful for data entry. TKL keyboards omit the number pad, saving space while retaining all other keys. Compact keyboards further reduce size by removing additional keys, making them highly portable. Choose a form factor based on your space constraints and usage needs. If you need a number pad, go for a full-size keyboard. For a more minimalist setup, consider TKL or compact options.

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