Game streaming brings familiar challenges: “Keyboard and mouse clicking is so loud” or “Got complaints after screaming at horror games.”
This article addresses game streaming-specific sound problems with practical solutions—from whole-room soundproofing to keyboard noise reduction.
Organizing Game Streaming “Sound” Problems#
First, let’s categorize problematic sounds in game streaming.
3 Major Noise Sources#
①Voice Sounds (Most Critical)
- Commentary
- Reactions
- Shouting (horror, competitive games)
- Singing (rhythm game streaming)
②Input Device Sounds (Surprisingly Loud)
- Keyboard typing
- Mouse clicking
- Controller buttons
- Mousepad friction
③Equipment Sounds (Easily Picked Up)
- PC fan noise
- Cooling fans
- Gaming chair squeaking
- Desk vibration
Soundproofing Solutions by Noise Type#
Voice Soundproofing#
Required D-Values:
- Normal commentary: D-45~50
- Excited reactions: D-50~55
- Shouting/screaming: D-55~65
Solutions by Budget:
Budget Tier (<100,000 yen):
- Soundproof curtains: 10,000-30,000 yen
- Acoustic foam panels: 15,000-40,000 yen
- Door seals: 3,000-8,000 yen
- Expected: D-30~40 improvement
Mid-Range (100,000-500,000 yen):
- Vocal booth: 150,000-400,000 yen
- Comprehensive acoustic treatment: 50,000-150,000 yen
- Expected: D-40~50 performance
Premium (500,000+ yen):
- Unit-type soundproof room: 800,000-1,500,000 yen
- Expected: D-50~65 performance
Keyboard/Mouse Noise Reduction#
Silent Switches:
- Silent mechanical keyboards: 15,000-40,000 yen
- Silent mice: 5,000-15,000 yen
- Noise reduction: 50-70%
Desk Mats:
- Thick desk pad: 3,000-8,000 yen
- Reduces impact vibration
- Additional benefit: Comfortable typing
Microphone Technique:
- Directional mic positioning
- Away from keyboard/mouse
- Noise gate settings
- Software filtering
Equipment Noise Management#
PC Cooling:
- High-quality quiet fans: 3,000-8,000 yen each
- Liquid cooling: 15,000-50,000 yen
- Sound-dampening PC case: 10,000-30,000 yen
Chair Noise:
- Lubricate regularly
- Replace worn parts
- High-quality silent casters: 5,000-15,000 yen
- Proper weight distribution
Horror Game Streaming Strategies#
Managing Inevitable Screaming#
Soundproofing Approach:
- Minimum D-55 recommended
- Ideal: D-60~65
- Consider time restrictions even with soundproofing
Behavioral Adaptations:
- Stream horror games during daytime
- Warn neighbors in advance
- Practice volume control
- Use software limiters
Alternative Solutions:
- React intensely but quietly (facial expressions emphasized)
- Scheduled horror streams (daytime only)
- Pre-recorded reactions edited in post
- Accept genre limitations based on living situation
Optimal Room Setup for Game Streaming#
Equipment Placement#
Microphone Position:
- 20-30cm from mouth
- Angled away from keyboard
- Shock mount essential
- Pop filter recommended
Monitor Configuration:
- Reduces need to look down (better posture)
- Multi-monitor: Productivity boost
- Proper height: Eye level
Keyboard/Mouse:
- Ergonomic positioning
- Wrist support: Reduces impact force
- Proper desk height
Acoustic Treatment#
Priority Zones:
- Behind/beside microphone: Highest priority
- Walls mic faces: High priority
- Ceiling above mic: Medium priority
- Floor beneath: Useful for bass control
Budget Allocation:
- Essential panels: 20,000-40,000 yen
- Complete treatment: 50,000-100,000 yen
- Professional setup: 150,000-300,000 yen
Software Solutions#
Noise Suppression#
OBS Studio Filters:
- Noise suppression filter: Free
- Noise gate: Free
- Compressor: Free
- Effectiveness: 60-80% noise reduction
Dedicated Software:
- NVIDIA RTX Voice/Broadcast: Free (RTX GPU required)
- Krisp: ~$5/month
- Effectiveness: 85-95% noise reduction
AI Noise Cancellation:
- Latest advancement
- Real-time processing
- Excellent results
- Sometimes free, sometimes paid
Budget Tiers for Game Streamers#
Starter (Total: ~50,000 yen)#
Equipment:
- Silent keyboard: 15,000 yen
- Silent mouse: 7,000 yen
- Desk mat: 4,000 yen
- Basic acoustic foam: 20,000 yen
- Software: Free (OBS filters)
Expected Result:
- Manageable keyboard noise
- Moderate voice soundproofing
- Suitable for: Apartment quiet hours respected
Intermediate (Total: ~200,000 yen)#
Add to Starter:
- Vocal booth: 150,000 yen
- Better acoustic treatment: +30,000 yen
- Quality microphone: +20,000 yen
Expected Result:
- Significant noise reduction
- Evening streaming comfortable
- Suitable for: Regular streaming schedule
Professional (Total: ~1,500,000 yen)#
Complete Setup:
- Unit soundproof room: 1,200,000 yen
- Professional acoustic treatment: 150,000 yen
- Premium equipment: 150,000 yen
Expected Result:
- 24-hour streaming possible
- Professional audio quality
- Suitable for: Full-time streamers
Conclusion#
Game streaming soundproofing balances voice isolation with input device noise reduction and equipment sound management.
Key Takeaways#
- Voice soundproofing: D-50~60 target
- Silent keyboards/mice: Worthwhile investment
- Software filters: Free first step
- Horror streaming: Extra considerations
- Budget holistically: Voice + equipment + software
Start with affordable solutions, upgrade gradually based on actual needs and streaming success. The perfect setup evolves with your channel growth.
Remember: Viewer engagement matters more than perfect silence. Balance soundproofing investment with content quality improvements for optimal channel growth.