MOST SILENT LINEAR SWITCHES THAT OFFER IN MARKET – WHICH ONE IS RIGHT?

SILENT LINEAR SWITCHES

Most people can’t get silent linear switches due to the quietness of standard linear, and miss the extra smoothness on each keypress without causing finger strain and providing a noise-free environment. Here’s a guide to help you find the best most silent linear switches for your mechanical keyboard by covering all silent switches. But Gateron silent red or black are the most silent linear switches.

How Silent Linear Switches Works and list?

The working of the stem and coil spring is different in silent switches, which means they’re all slightly different ways of muting the sound. Moreover, extra sound-dampening material is inserted inside the stem and switch housings in silent mechanical switches. Moreover, the soft plastic element. 

How Silent Linear Switches Works and list of most silent linear switches?

And, as you press the switch, the “soft plastic” material helps soften the contact. It is also possible to find silent switches with tiny layers of padding in the bottom of the housing to reduce echo (and make the switches even quieter). Plus, here is almost all silent switches and find the best one;

ALPACA Linear Switches

It is generally agreed that Silent Alpaca switches are excellent options, according to Durock’s unwritten standards and the market as a whole. Along with the two materials mentioned, translucent housing, pink stems, and factory lubrication on the stems and rails, these switches also have a wonderful feel due in part to their lubrication. 

ALPACA Silent Linear Switches

Keystroke Noise

Because it is a Silent Alpaca, I considered deleting this section entirely since there should be no sound for me to review due to its Silent nature. And as a matter of fact, these switches are pretty quiet during normal operation, but after light lubing, there can be quite a bit of noise.

Additionally, I don’t think the silencing pads do well when actuated at high rates, as the more pieces are activated at high rates, the more noise is produced. Alpaca items are generally quieter overall than normal pieces.

Pushing Feel

It lived up to my expectations when it came to the Silent Alpaca switches. You feel overall smoothness and consistency on each keystroke due to spring weight because of the weight toward the top to bottom of the travel.

Furthermore, the factory-applied lube eliminates all scratchiness, leaving only a small amount. Compared to popular releases with factory lube, these switches don’t feel nearly as smooth as other Durock/JWK linear. Moreover, I look forward to comparing the lubrication with Serikos, which is currently being produced.

Plus, there is something surprisingly impressive about the wobble on the Silent Alpaca switches. And the E/W wobble is tiny, but the N/S wobble is almost nonexistent. Also, the lack of wobble in the N/S direction impressed me without any comparison to any other switches.

ALPACA SILENT SWITCHSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force62g
Pre-Travel Distance2.0mm
Total Travel Distance4.0mm
MountPCB
Good forTyping and Gaming
SoundQuiet
Installed Easy to Install

Cherry MX Silent Black Linear switch

Compared to standard MX black linear switches, these linear switches are quieter. Compared to black switches, it has a shorter total travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to MX black switches’ 4.0 mm. Although silent black linear switches are 15 gf heavier than silent red ones, they require more force for actuation. 

Moreover, this switch was less noticeable than the MX Silent Red because it had an inconsistent scratch between switches. The smoothness is the same as its lighter sibling. Gateron silent ink black is almost similar to cherry mx silent black.

Cherry MX Silent Black Linear switch

For weighting, this switch falls into my sweet spot. For my daily needs, it’s almost perfect, at least typing. This switch may be more suitable for office use if the MX Silent Red seems too light for your tastes. After a long gaming session, your fingers may become fatigued.

Noise Level

MX silent red has the same sound as its lighter sibling. In any case, their silencing mechanisms are the same. However, the switch is very quiet because it has a dampener on the side that absorbs both upstrokes and downstrokes. But Alpaca has more silent than MX silent black.

However, they still produce sound. Although the name implies they are quiet, they aren’t exactly that since silent switches are meant to be quiet.

Keystroke Feeling

So, the keystroke feels extremely smoother. The heavier spring of black switches enhanced my typing experience after 4 weeks of use. After that, this is the right rain option for office use without frustrating someone and doing your typing work swiftly. 

Some late-night gamers will appreciate the ability to reduce the noise generated by their keyboards. However, it comes at the expense of key feel, which I am not willing to sacrifice.

I couldn’t ignore the short travel and the 45g weight.It is also heavy at 60g, despite its similar travel distance to the MX Silent Black. Gaming with heavy switches for a long period of time became too tiring for me.

MX SILENT BLACK SWITCHSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force60g
Pre-Travel Distance1.9mm
Total Travel Distance3.7mm
MountPlate/PCB
Good forGaming and Typing
NoiseNo Click
Installed Easy to Install

Cherry MX Red Linear Switches

There is a rubber padding stem on Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches like MX Red. Also, the actuation force and pre-travel distance are 45 gf and 1.9 mm, respectively. 

With a shorter travel distance compared to the standard red linear switches (0.3 mm), these features are optimized for linear switching characteristics. In addition to reducing noise, patented damping is used. It is more competitive because of its soft actuation and low spring force.

Cherry MX Red Silent Linear Switches

Plus, the weighting of switches is a feature I appreciate for gaming. By comparison, Cherry’s MX Brown switch did not perform well due to its marketed ‘hybrid’ status as a gaming and typing switch. It’s a different switch. Due to its lightweight and quiet design, it is perfect for gaming keyboard linear switch at night.

Sound

Here’s where it gets interesting. A dampener is shown on the side of the stem. Both downstrokes and upstrokes produce light sounds. As a silent switch, it achieves its objective in this way. I like it.

Even so, they continue to produce sound. As their name suggests, they aren’t exactly silent. However, grading them is difficult because the whole point of silent switches is to be quiet. Even so, they don’t sound terrible.

Usage Feel

A major weakness of the switch. The mushy feel of each keystroke makes it impossible for me to stop mashing the keys like a madman, which usually takes me a few days to get used to.

The switch is not as impressive as I had hoped, only praising it for its gaming advantages during my 2-week test period, but if you’re looking for a quiet office switch, it’s a good choice. 

Also, this switch weighs 45g, travels 3.7mm, and is extremely quiet! In other words, it is an upgrade over Cherry MX Red for gaming. Getting used to it may not be an easy transition, but it will be necessary for unlocking its full potential. I don’t like that at all.

MX SILENT RED SWITCHSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force45g
Pre-Travel Distance1.9mm
Total Travel Distance3.7mm
MountPlate/PCB
Good forGaming
Installed Easy to Install
SoundNo Click

Cherry MX Silent Black RGB Linear Switches

The ability of MX silent RGB black switches is much better than MX silent black and silent red linear switches. Because RGB black is a much quieter and more relaxed mechanical switch designed for noise-frustrated people.

Plus, the total travel distance is similar to MX silent black which is 3.7mm. But the pre-travel distance is slightly higher (2mm). The 60g operating force makes it perfect for typing and heavy gaming without tactile feedback and noise.

Cherry MX Silent Black RGB Linear Switches

Compared to MX silent black, this RGB switches a sweet spot and is optimal for daily usage. In general, it’s better for gaming, typing, and other tasks. So if you want to confuse people if you’re typing, RGB switches are the most silent keyboard linear switches in office work compared to Silent MX black or Gateron black.

Furthermore, this switch had an inconsistent scratch between switches, so it was less noticeable than the MX Silent Red. As with its lighter sibling, it has a smooth feel. 

Keypress Noise

After 1 week of using RGB silent switches, the key pressing sound provides a different feel, and there’s no similarity like siblings MX silent red or black. I’m confused about whether I’m using a mechanical keyboard or not. As a result of a dampener on the side, the switch is deeply quiet. After all, Alpaca produces a sound that is slightly more sound than RGB silent black.

Cherry MX RGB Black Silent Switches Sound Test

Keypush Feeling

Key-pushing feels extremely smooth and noise free. And enhance the typing and gaming experience with their stem and spring increase speed and provide a bumpy-free feel. High-speed gaming or typing requires high actuation force, and RGB silent fill that gap.

Also, there will be a difference in the sound and weight of the keystrokes due to different spring designs. Afterward, you can use this rain option to do your typing work quickly in the office without frustrating anyone.

MX SILENT BLACK RGB SWITCHSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force60g
Pre-Travel Distance1.9mm
Total Travel Distance3.7mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPlate
Good forGaming and Typing
Installed Easy to Install

Cherry MX Silent Red RGB Linear Switches

In addition to its linear switching characteristic, the CHERRY MX RGB red silencer also has a linear switching characteristic. Due to a patented damping system, operating noise is reliably minimized. Due to its low spring force and soft actuator, the switch with CHERRY MX technology makes a wise choice. 

Cherry MX Silent Red RGB Linear Switches

The actuation force of RGB red silent switches is 45gf, the same as silent red switches. Plus, per travel distance was slightly more than silent red (2mm), and total travel was (3.7mm). Plus, this technology minimizes noise through patent-pending damping. It is more competitive than other models because of its low spring force and soft actuation.

Plus, the weighting of the switch makes it optimal for gaming and typing. So, if you’re a silent gaming fan and don’t like to write, RGB red silent is right as rain and the best silent linear switch. It is perfect for gaming at night, thanks to its lightweight design and quiet operation.

Sound Level

It gets interesting here. On the stem, there is a dampener, the same as other MX silent. Both downstrokes and upstrokes produce light sounds. It achieves its objective in this way because it is an RGB red silent switch. This is a good idea.

Cherry MX Silent RGB Red linear Switches Sound Test

MX red continues to make noise, but RGB red is quite different. However, they are difficult to grade because they aim to be quiet. The sound isn’t bad, however.

Keystroke feels

It feels extremely smooth and noise-free when you push the keys. Additionally, their stem and spring enhance the typing and gaming experience by increasing speed and providing a bump-free feel. In my case, RGB MX red is optimal for heavy gaming and avoids any finger strain while continuing keypress. 

RGB switches fill the gap between high-speed gaming and typing by providing high actuation force. Different spring designs will result in different sounds and weights of keystrokes. But not good for typing only.

MX SILENT RED RGB SWITCHSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force65g
Pre-Travel Distance2mm
Total Travel Distance3.7mm
Keystroke NoiseDeep Quiet
MountPlate
Good forGaming and Typing
Installed Easy to Install

Durock Daybreak Silent Linear Switches

The top housing is made of PC, the bottom housing is made of nylon, the stem is made of POM, and the springs are gold-plated. Can you recommend an un-mushy linear switch that is smooth and not mushy? The stock is smoother, in my opinion. Durock Daybreak linear switches: 

Durock Daybreak Silent Linear Switches

Produced by JWK Durock” I recommend lubricating these switches. Films are not necessary.” This silent linear switch comprises clear housings, a PC top housing, a nylon bottom housing, a POM stem, and gold-plated springs. However, I recommend lubricating these switches. No films are necessary.”

Noise Level

A Durock Daybreak silent linear switch is ideal for gaming at night or working in places where silence is essential. These are the silent alpaca recolors. Same awesome sound in a new color! With a 67g spring, Durock Daybreak features a patented silent stem and removable silicone silent circle.

Usage Feel

Asked me if the overall usage feel of these Durock most silent switches is fabulous. Because the actuation force is higher than all other silent mechanical switches, Daybreak silent switches come in most silent switches.

Plus, if you’re a gaming lover and a fast typist, this switch is 2 in 1 pack for you due to their travel distance. This switch travels 3.4mm in total and has the same pre-travel distance (2mm) as RGB silent red and black switches. So, if you decide to elect Daybreak which is a great choice after a few days, you must control it efficiently.

Durock Daybreak SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force67g
Pre-Travel Distance2mm
Total Travel Distance4mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing
Installed Easy to Install

Durock Dolphin Silent Linear Switches

There is something very nice and smooth about the DROCK Dolphin Silent. On both the top and bottom of the stems, silencing pads are mounted on this DUROCK Dolphin silent switch contributing to its smooth keypress. Keypresses going up and down are dampened by this. 

Durock Dolphin Silent Linear Switches

A special OEM design with smokey housing. Durock Dolphin silent switches are polycarbonate on the top and polyamide on the bottom. These switches are perfect for use when playing video games late at night or work when silence is crucial. Moreover, the Durock Dolphin switches are lightweight and durable, thanks to a removable silicone silence circle.

Keypress Noise

The key pressing sound provided by the Dolphin silent switches differs from that provided by its linear siblings, Daybreak switches. My keyboard isn’t mechanical, and I’m unsure whether it is. The switch is extremely quiet because of a dampener on the side.

Durock Dolphin are also perfect for working late or gaming in the dark. Plus, this is the silent alpaca recolor. A new color with the same awesome sound! Durock silent switches feature a patented stem, removable silicone silent circle, and a 67g spring.

Keypush Feel

These Dolphin silent switches have a different key push feel due to their operating force, which is slightly lower than Daybreak, but then the total travel distance of both switches is the same. These Dolphin switches are my favorite gaming switch without disturbing someone. Plus, provide a competitive edge on heavy gaming without finger strain while continuing key pressing. And they both are budget silent mechanical switches for me.

Durock Dolphin Silent SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force62g
Pre-Travel Distance2mm
Total Travel Distance3.8mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing

Gateron Ink Black Silent Linear Switches

Is the Silent Black Ink worth the price despite its smoothness and quietness? The answer is yes. A Gateron Ink black silent linear switch would have been a lighter alternative if it wasn’t the only silent switch in the Ink lineup. 

Gateron Ink Black Silent Linear Switches

Gateron’s best. Plus, smoothness above 7 is an accomplishment for any switch! Generally, on-center keypresses are silky smooth, while off-center keypresses have slight scratchiness, though not as bad as Cherry MX Silent Black. Compared to the best contactless switches, it’s a night and day difference. Plus, my score will remain high if this weighting keeps adding switches. I prefer a weight of 60g for typing. Ink’s silent switch is the only one in its lineup. 

Sound Level

As a result, the switch doesn’t produce any spring or scratch noise when typing or playing games (so far). Plus, this one uses the same silencing method as with previous silent switches I’ve reviewed. Dampeners abate both the upstroke and the downstroke on the side. Making a switch quieter using this technique is pretty neat.

Overall Feel

Having used silent switches for over a year, I have gotten used to their mushy feel. However, I do not find them as irritating in these switches as in the past. In addition, these switches are very smooth, which gives them an extra point. 

Moreover, consider this switch for an office if you want smoothness in typing or gaming. Among the Ink switches, this is the only one that is silent. My recommendation is to go with the Cherry MX Silent Red instead if the 60g weighting is too heavy for you,

It’s also likely that you’d guessed that a high score is associated with smoothness, and you’re right! I did not think the switches were at fault in any instance. Compared to the Cherry MX Silent Black, these switches performed more consistently. Even though they have the same weighting as Cherry switches, I never felt tired of gaming with them.

Gateron Ink Black SIlent SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force60g
Pre-Travel Distance2mm
Total Travel Distance4.0mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing
Installed Easy to Install

Gateron Silent Black Linear Switches

After Cherry MX silent switches, the Gateron switches produce the best silent keyboard switches for gaming and office use by great operating force and travel distance with no click sound. In fact, after Cherry MX silent black, Gateron silent black linear switches are the most popular and budget.

Gateron Silent Black Linear Switches

These switches come with transparent color and a milky base with extra smoothness. Because the operating force is 60gf and the travel distance is higher than MX silent black switches, 2.0mm is pre-travel, and 4.0mm is the total travel distance.

Noise Level

Gateron black silent switches are mostly silent switches because they produce a quiet sound similar to MX silent black. But ask me, the MX silent black is slightly louder than gateron black. According to suggestions, the sound makes perfect for office use and gameplay. Whether you’re in a place with noise restrictions or playing at night, this is the perfect product.

Keypress feel

Gateron black silent switches are natural feel switches. Plus, the smoothness and actuation are better than other silent switches. After all, within two days, I was connected with Gateron black for gaming and typing due to their extra smoothness, and our fingers can’t strain after lots of typing. Moreover, the finger strike feeling is a vertical, strong, and hard rebound, and the operating speed is 50M cycles, less than MX silent black.

Gateron Black Silent SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force60g
Pre-Travel Distance2.0mm
Total Travel Distance4.0mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing

Gateron Silent Clear Linear Switches

Another famous gateron white silent are famous due to their soft touch smoothness and are 2 in 1 mechanical switches, which is extremely better than tactile silent linear switches.

Gateron Silent Clear Linear Switches

Gateron clear, silent are the most popular and budget-friendly, after Cherry MX silent black. Transparent switches and milky switches are available. The milky base gives these switches extra smoothness. Compared to MX silent black switches, the operating force is 38gf, while the travel distance is higher at 4.0mm and the pre-travel is 2.0mm.

Sound Level

Since Gateron white silent switches produce a similar noise to MX silent switches, they are mainly used as silent. In my opinion, MX silent black or red is slightly louder than gateron white. Based on suggestions, the sound is ideal for office use and for playing games. Noise-restricted areas or people who play at night will benefit from this product.

Keypress feel

Linear switches by Gateron are natural to the touch. Moreover, the smoothness and actuation of the switch are superior to those of other silent switches. Additionally, it delivers vertical, hard, and fast finger strikes and operates at a lower speed of 50 cycles than MX silent black.

Gateron Silent Clear SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force60g
Pre-Travel Distance2.0mm
Total Travel Distance4.0mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing

Gateron Silent Red Linear Switches

fact, It’s famous for its smoothness and soft touch that makes Gateron white silent linear switches so popular.

Gateron Silent Red Linear Switches

Among the most popular and budget-friendly silent switches, Gateron red linear switches are Gateron red. Switches can be transparent or milky. Moreover, these switches have a milky base that makes them extra smooth. A 4.0mm travel distance and 2.0mm pre-travel are higher than MX silent black switches.

Due to their similar noise, Gateron red silent switches are primarily used as linear switches. Gateron white is slightly louder than MX silent black or red, in my experience. This sound is perfect for playing games and working in the office. This product is for you if you live in a noisy area or play at night.

Gateron Silent Red SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force45g
Pre-Travel Distance2.0mm
Total Travel Distance4.0mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing

Kailh Box Silent Pink Linear Switches

The BOX Pink switch from Kailh looks like a silent switch, but it’s not, and it’s one of the best clicky switches out there. As the name implies, BOX Silent Pink switches are silent (and linear).

Kailh Box Silent Pink Linear Switches

Dust and water can be kept out by the box compartment (located at the bottom of the housing). Moreover, as a result of the box-shaped stem, the sound and feel of the guitar are supposed to be better.

Kailh Box switches are my favorite! Their build quality is excellent, they feel great, and they’re a budget silent linear switch. Also, due to the additional sound-dampening materials & manufacturing process, the Silent Box Pink switches are just a bit more expensive than normal Kailh Box switches.

Kailh Box Silent SwitchesSPECIFICATION
Actuation Force35g
Pre-Travel Distance1.8mm
Total Travel Distance3.6mm
Keystroke NoiseQuiet
MountPCB
Good forGaming and Typing

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It’s a linear switch that is both smooth and quiet. It’s Gateron Silent Red and Black. Those with limited budgets can benefit from Gateron switches because of their affordability.

You can significantly reduce the volume of your keyboard by using silent switches. Cherry MX Red/Black silent switches reduce sound output by 13 dB or 78%. Silent switches work well if you want your keyboard to be quieter.

Cherry MX red linear switches are best for gaming. Plus, pressing the keys requires less force, but the key registration is not felt or heard. There is a reason why gamers like the red switch so much: it responds faster and requires less force to press.

The Bottom Line

After reading the guide on silent linear switches, you’re still confused about electing. So, I suggest Gateron red or black switches because they’re the best and most silent or budget silent linear switches. But if you’re a gaming lover and find perfect silence, then Cherry MX red silent linear switches or both Durock silent linear switches are right for electing. The clear or yellow switches are the best silent linear switches for typing only.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *