Have you ever wondered whether professional gaming keyboards click loudly? In recent years, we’ve seen gaming keyboards become an accepted part of professional gaming equipment, and many gamers now consider them necessary for optimal performance. But although these keyboards provide an advantage in terms of responsiveness and accuracy, many pro gamers have raised the question of whether they make too much noise in doing so.
When you compare professional gaming keyboards to standard keyboards, the difference in sound can be significant. Standard keyboards are designed to be relatively quiet and unobtrusive, so when a gaming keyboard is used, it can often generate a loud and sustained clicking noise. This noise usually results from switches being actuated more quickly and can be distracting for other people in the room.
For serious gamers, this noise is often a necessary compromise, as it provides them with the sensitivity and accuracy they require to perform well in competitive scenarios. However, if the sound of clicks from the keyboard is too loud, it can be a huge distraction and can significantly reduce the user’s focus. This can be a significant issue, as even minor distractions can be the difference between winning or losing in competitive gaming.
There are several factors that affect the level of noise generated by a gaming keyboard. The main factor is the type of switch used in the keyboard. Some switches, such as mechanical ones, are much louder than others, such as membrane ones. Additionally, gaming keyboards often have additional features, such as a larger surface area, that are designed to help reduce the sound generated. However, these features can also vary from one keyboard to another.
To summarize, professional gaming keyboards can be loud when in use, depending on the type of switch used and the features of the keyboard. This is something that pro gamers need to take into consideration when deciding whether a particular gaming keyboard is suitable for their needs. Additionally, it’s important to understand that loud noises can be distracting and can have an impact on performance.
Types of Switches
There is an array of different types of switches used on gaming keyboards, and these have different levels of noise. The most common type of switch is a mechanical one, which is typically the loudest. This is because it leverages a rapidly actuated spring to nearly immediately register the actuation of a key. For gamers who require precision and instantaneous response time, this is a great feature, but it comes with a downside in terms of sound. Some mechanical switches also come with additional features that are designed to absorb the sound and reduce the noise.
Membrane switches, on the other hand, are generally considered to be much quieter when compared to mechanical ones. They are less responsive than mechanical switches, but can still provide an adequate gaming experience for gamers who don’t require a high level of precision. Additionally, these switches are usually much less expensive than the mechanical ones.
Finally, there are also optical switches, which are similar to membrane switches in that they don’t generate much noise. However, they are typically very expensive and are therefore not as popular amongst gamers. Additionally, they are also not as quite as responsive as mechanical switches.
Overall, there are a number of factors that affect the sound level of gaming keyboards, and depending on the type of switch used, they can range from being relatively quiet to quite loud. For gamers who require a level of precision and responsiveness, mechanical switches may need to be considered, but these often come with significant noise levels.
Surface Design
Another factor that plays a role in the level of noise generated by gaming keyboards is the surface design of the keys. Many gaming keyboards come with larger and/or differently shaped keys that are designed to reduce the actuation noise. These designs reduce the impact of the sound when a key is pressed, and as such, often result in a much quieter keyboard.
Additionally, gaming keyboards may also come with extra features, such as a wrist pad or cheek rests, which are designed to provide comfort and reduce fatigue without compromising on accuracy and responsiveness. These, too, can help reduce the amount of sound generated from actuation of the keys.
Finally, gaming keyboards also often come with a number of additional customization options, such as keycaps that have various textures. These textures can help absorb sound and dampen the sound generated by actuation of the keys. These customizations can be invaluable for gamers who require a high degree of accuracy and responsiveness while still wanting to reduce the amount of sound their keyboards generate.
In conclusion, the surface design of gaming keyboards plays an important role in the amount of sound they generate when in use. Features such as additional keycaps and wrist pads can help reduce the sound to a level that is more acceptable for gamers.
Actuation Force
The actuation force of a gaming keyboard also has an important role to play in the amount of noise it generates. The actuation force determines how much pressure is needed to actuate the keys, and consequently, how loud the sound generated from the key is.
Most gaming keyboards come with adjustable actuation forces, which allows gamers to fine tune the response of the keys to their needs. For example, gamers who require a high level of accuracy and responsiveness can adjust the actuation force to its highest setting, while gamers who are concerned about noise level can adjust the actuation force to its lowest settings.
Additionally, some gaming keyboards also feature anti-ghosting technology, which is designed to ensure that multiple keys can be pressed at the same time without causing any confusion. This can also help reduce the sound of the keyboard when multiple keys are pressed at the same time.
Overall, the actuation force of a gaming keyboard is an important factor in determining the amount of noise it generates when in use. Gamers who are concerned about sound levels can adjust the actuation force of their keyboard to a level that is more suitable for their needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the amount of noise generated by a gaming keyboard is largely determined by the type of switch used and the construction and design of the keyboard. Mechanical switches are typically the loudest, while membrane switches are typically the quietest. Additionally, gaming keyboards can feature additional features such as keycaps and wrist pads that are designed to help reduce the actuation noise. Finally, the actuation force of a gaming keyboard also can have an effect on the amount of sound generated.
