How do I mute the typing Sound?

What is the typing sound?

The typing sound refers to the audible click or tap that is produced when pressing keys on a keyboard. It is the sound made by the keyboard mechanism when the key makes contact with the bottom of its stroke. On most modern keyboards, it is enabled by default and set at a standard volume level.

The typing sound provides audio feedback each time a key is pressed successfully. It allows the typist to hear that their keystrokes are registering properly. The sound is produced mechanically within the keyboard itself and does not rely on the computer’s audio capacity.

Some common descriptors of the typing sound include a click, tap, snap, clack, or thud. The exact tone depends on the keyboard’s make, model, and switch type. For example, mechanical keyboards are known for having a louder, sharper click sound.

In summary, the typing sound is an audible, mechanical feedback that confirms each keystroke on a keyboard. It is an expected part of the typing experience for most keyboard users.

Why do people want to mute it?

There are several key reasons why people may want to mute the typing sound on their devices:

It can be distracting, especially in shared spaces. The constant clicking sound effects from typing can disrupt concentration and annoy others in places like offices, libraries, and classrooms (source). Turning off the typing sounds helps minimize distractions.

It eliminates unnecessary background noise on calls and recordings. The tapping sounds from typing can be picked up on remote meetings, voice calls, podcasts, and other recordings. Muting the keyboard sounds results in clearer audio by removing this ambient noise.

Some prefer a quieter typing experience. Many users simply find the typing audio feedback unpleasant or too noisy. Disabling the keyboard clicking creates a more peaceful, silent typing environment according to personal preferences.

When is muting useful?

There are several common situations where muting your keyboard sounds can be very useful:

In shared workspaces like offices and libraries, the sound of typing can be distracting or annoying to others around you. Turning off keyboard sounds allows you to work without disturbing your coworkers or fellow library patrons (source).

During video calls or voice recordings, the clicking of keys can detract from the audio being captured. Muting typing sounds helps ensure your microphone picks up only the intended audio (source).

When typing at night while housemates or family members are sleeping nearby, the tapping of keys can prevent them from getting proper rest. Disabling keyboard sounds allows you to work or browse quietly after hours without waking others up.

How to mute in Windows

The easiest way to mute typing sounds in Windows is to go to the Control Panel. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound > Change system sounds. Under Sound Scheme, select the “No Sounds” option to turn off all system sounds, including keyboard clicking and typing sounds.

You can also try going to Ease of Access settings and toggling off the “Beep when keys are pressed or accepted” option under Filter Keys. This will specifically mute keyboard sounds.

If you want to keep system sounds on but mute typing, some users have reported success by simply placing a piece of cloth or fabric under the keyboard to muffle and dampen the sounds.

For more information, see: How do I turn off the typing sounds on Win 10

How to mute on Mac

To mute the typing sound on a Mac, go to System Preferences and select Keyboard. Then uncheck the box for ‘Play feedback when volume keys are pressed’ to disable the key clicks and taps [1]. This will turn off the sounds made when typing on a Mac keyboard.

Another option is to use a keyboard cover or mute pad that goes over the top of the keys. These covers dampen and absorb the clicking noise mechanical keyboards make. Just place the cover on when you want to mute the sound.

How to mute on Chromebooks

One way to mute the typing sound on a Chromebook is to go to the Settings app. Open the hamburger menu on the left and click on “Advanced.” Then go to “Device” and find the “Keyboard” settings. Here you can turn off “Key press sounds” to mute the typing noise.

According to this Chromestory article, this will disable sounds from both the physical keyboard and on-screen keyboard.

Some Chromebook keyboards also have a dedicated mute button or key that can toggle sound on and off. Pressing this mute key is another quick way to disable typing sounds.

How to mute on mobile devices

The easiest way to mute keyboard sounds on a mobile device is to go into your settings and disable keyboard clicks. For iPhones, go to Settings > Sounds (or Sound & Haptics) and toggle off “Keyboard Clicks” to disable the typing sounds¹. On Android phones, open Settings and go to Sound > Advanced > Keyboard sound to turn off keyboard sounds.

Some third party keyboards like Gboard also have a mute button in the keyboard itself that you can tap to quickly mute or unmute the typing sounds. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the keyboard, then look for a volume or mute icon to tap on and off². This provides an easy way to temporarily mute the keyboard clicks if needed.

Turning off keyboard sounds on mobile can be useful in quiet environments like an office, library, or meetings where the clicking noise may disturb others. It also allows you to type more discreetly on-the-go. Just remember to re-enable the keyboard sounds if you rely on the audio feedback.

Third-party muting software

There are several third-party applications available that can intercept and mute keystrokes before any sound is made. These work by installing a keyboard driver that sits between the physical keyboard and the operating system. When you press a key, the driver first checks to see if that key press should be muted, and if so, prevents the keystroke from being passed along to generate sound.

Some popular third-party muting applications include:

• Silent Keys – This allows you to selectively mute certain keys like spacebar and enter. It’s available for Windows. (https://sourceforge.net/projects/micmute/)
• Keyboard Silencer – Works on Windows to mute any keys you select. There is a free and paid version.
• Noiseless – Available for macOS, this allows you to mute both keys and trackpad clicks system-wide.

The advantage of these specialized apps is that you can precisely control which keys get muted. You can target just the loudest offenders like spacebar. The disadvantage is they require installing additional software.

Mechanical Keyboard Muting

One common way to mute typing sounds from a mechanical keyboard is to add o-rings to the bottom of the keys to reduce noise when bottoming out. O-rings act as cushions to soften the impact when keys hit the bottom of the switch. According to Switch and Click, o-rings can reduce noise by 5-10 decibels. Installing o-rings involves removing each keycap and placing an o-ring around the key switch stem before replacing the keycap.

Another technique is to lubricate the keyboard’s stabilizers, which are the mechanisms that keep larger keys like spacebar aligned. Lubricating the stabilizers with a thin layer of grease or oil can substantially reduce rattling and friction sounds. Just a small dab of lube on each stabilizer joint will make a big difference.

For the most drastic noise reduction, some choose to replace their mechanical keyboard’s factory key switches with aftermarket silent switches designed for quiet operation. Switches like Cherry MX Silent, Gateron Silent, and Zilent switches use noise-dampening pads or materials to eliminate most of the clack sound without losing tactile feel. However, this may require desoldering and disassembling the keyboard, so it’s one of the more involved muting options.

When You May Want Sound On

Some people prefer to keep their typing sounds enabled for various reasons:

The audible feedback provides confirmation that key presses are registering correctly. The clicking sound can reassure users that their typing is being recognized by the device.

Hearing the typing sounds as you type can help increase typing speed and accuracy. The audio feedback helps some typists synchronize their typing rhythm.

Many appreciate the soothing, rhythmic “click-clack” sound of typing. For some, the keyboard noises are satisfying and make typing a more enjoyable experience. The sounds are associated with productivity.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. While muting typing sounds has advantages, some users simply like hearing the tapping of keys as they type. The audio feedback suits their style.