“Viewers say my keyboard is too loud during streams…” “My microphone picks up typing sounds too much…” If you’re a streamer facing these issues, you’re not alone.
In reality, mechanical keyboard typing sounds reach approximately 50-60dB, which can be distracting noise for viewers in streaming environments. Especially for game commentary or typing streams, keyboard sounds can significantly impact stream quality.
This article compiles effective methods to prevent keyboard typing sounds during streams in Japan, covering everything from soundproofing solutions to equipment settings. We’ll introduce options for every budget, from quick fixes you can try immediately to professional soundproofing setups.
Why Keyboard Typing Sounds Become a Problem in Streaming#
Sound Pressure Levels of Mechanical Keyboards#
Mechanical keyboard typing sounds typically reach sound pressure levels of approximately 50-60dB. This is close to conversational speech levels (around 60dB), making it clearly audible noise for viewers in streaming environments.
Sound Pressure Levels by Keyboard Type
| Keyboard Type | Sound Pressure Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Keyboard (Blue Switch) | 55-60dB | Loud click sound, clear tactile feedback |
| Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Switch) | 50-55dB | Moderate sound, balanced type |
| Mechanical Keyboard (Red Switch) | 45-50dB | Relatively quiet, linear action |
| Membrane Keyboard | 35-40dB | High quietness but inferior tactile feedback |
| Silent Keyboard | 30-35dB | Specially designed for extreme quietness |
In streaming, viewers listen with focused attention, making them more sensitive than in normal environments. Typing sounds above 50dB are easily perceived as noise that compromises stream audio clarity.
How Microphones Pick Up Typing Sounds#
Condenser microphones and high-sensitivity mics easily pick up keyboard typing sounds. This problem becomes particularly noticeable under the following conditions:
Conditions Where Typing Sounds Are Easily Picked Up
- Microphone Position: Keyboard and microphone are close (within 30cm)
- Microphone Directionality: Omnidirectional mics pick up surrounding sounds easily
- Gain Settings: Microphone gain too high amplifies typing sounds
- Room Reverberation: Hard walls or floors cause typing sounds to reverberate and amplify
Condenser microphones commonly used in streaming, such as the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020, offer high sensitivity and excellent sound quality but also easily pick up keyboard sounds.
Impact on Viewers and Stream Quality#
According to streaming platform surveys, many viewers find keyboard sounds distracting. Typing sounds significantly impact stream quality, especially in the following stream types:
Stream Types Where Typing Sounds Are Particularly Problematic
- Game Commentary: Frequent typing and key operations
- ASMR Streaming: Silence is crucial, making typing sounds fatal
- Study Streams: Providing a focused environment means avoiding noise
- Typing Streams: While typing sounds can be content themselves, unintended noise is problematic
When viewers comment “keyboard is too loud” or “sound is distracting,” stream quality decreases and can affect viewer retention rates.
Soundproofing Solutions to Prevent Keyboard Typing Sounds#
Using Soundproof Mats and Acoustic Materials#
Placing a soundproof mat under your keyboard absorbs typing sound vibrations and reduces sound propagation.
Recommended Soundproof Mats
| Product Type | Price | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Soundproof Mat | ¥2,000-5,000 | Reduces typing sounds by 10-15dB | ★★★★☆ |
| Mouse Pad Integrated Soundproof Mat | ¥3,000-8,000 | Covers keyboard + mouse sounds | ★★★★☆ |
| Acoustic Material Sheet (DIY) | ¥1,000-3,000 | Customizable | ★★★☆☆ |
| Soundproof Carpet | ¥5,000-15,000 | Also absorbs floor vibrations | ★★★★☆ |
Soundproof mats absorb typing vibrations when placed between the keyboard and desk. For mechanical keyboards, soundproof mats with approximately 5-10mm thickness are particularly effective.
Soundproofing Around the Desk#
Surrounding the entire desk with soundproofing materials can suppress typing sound diffusion.
Desk Area Soundproofing Solutions
- Place Soundproof Sheet Under Desk: Prevents vibration transmission from floor
- Install Acoustic Panels in Front of Desk: Suppresses forward diffusion of typing sounds
- Use Keyboard Tray: Place keyboard under desk to block sound propagation paths
Especially effective is installing acoustic panels in front of the desk. Placing acoustic panels approximately 5cm thick in front of the desk significantly reduces typing sound propagation toward the microphone.
Using Soundproof Booths and Rooms#
As a professional solution, you can utilize soundproof booths and rooms.
Soundproof Booth Options for Streaming
| Product Type | Price | Soundproof Performance | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danbocchi (Wide) | ¥100,000-120,000 | Basic soundproofing | Calls, light streaming |
| Danbocchi (Tall) | ¥130,000-150,000 | Basic soundproofing | Singing, commentary |
| Okudake DESK | ¥120,000 | D-30 level | Desk streaming |
| Simple Soundproof Booth | ¥30,000-80,000 | Acoustic only | Light streaming |
Streaming inside a soundproof booth not only blocks keyboard typing sounds but also external noise. Danbocchi is particularly popular among VTubers and game streamers and is effective for keyboard sound countermeasures.
Methods to Reduce Typing Sounds Through Microphone Settings#
Microphone Directionality Settings#
Properly setting microphone directionality can make it less likely to pick up sounds from the keyboard direction.
How to Choose Microphone Directionality
- Cardioid Directionality: Picks up sounds in front, suppresses sounds from behind/sides (recommended)
- Super Cardioid Directionality: Picks up sounds from narrower range (effective when keyboard is to the side)
- Omnidirectional: Should be avoided (picks up surrounding sounds equally)
Many USB microphones (Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, etc.) have switchable directionality. Setting to cardioid mode and positioning the keyboard behind or to the side of the microphone can significantly reduce typing sounds.
Microphone Gain Adjustment#
Properly adjusting microphone gain can reduce the relative volume of typing sounds.
Gain Adjustment Points
- Set to level where speech is clear: Raising gain too high also amplifies typing sounds
- Bring microphone closer to mouth: Reducing distance allows lower gain while maintaining clear speech
- Adjust gain in OBS or streaming software: Adjustable on both hardware and software sides
Generally, maintaining 15-20cm distance between microphone and mouth with moderate gain settings keeps speech clear while suppressing typing sounds.
Noise Gate Settings#
Utilizing noise gate functionality can automatically cut sounds below a certain level (such as typing sounds).
Noise Gate Settings in OBS
- Add Filter: Add “Noise Gate” filter to microphone source
- Close Threshold: Set to -50 to -40dB (below typing sound level)
- Open Threshold: Set to -35 to -30dB (speech level)
- Attack Time: 5-10ms (reaction speed)
- Release Time: 100-200ms (natural switching)
Noise gates cut typing sounds when not speaking and naturally pass audio when speaking. However, if settings are too strict, the beginning or end of speech may be cut, requiring adjustment.
Keyboard Selection and Quieting Modifications#
Switching to Silent Keyboards#
The most fundamental solution is switching to a silent keyboard.
Silent Keyboard Options
| Keyboard Type | Sound Pressure Level | Price | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech MX Keys | 30-35dB | ¥15,000-20,000 | Wireless, silent design |
| HHKB Professional 2 | 35-40dB | ¥30,000-35,000 | Top tier, silent |
| Realforce R2 | 35-40dB | ¥25,000-30,000 | Capacitive non-contact type |
| Membrane Keyboard | 35-40dB | ¥3,000-10,000 | Affordable, silent |
Silent keyboards can suppress typing sounds to approximately 30-40dB, providing sufficient quietness for streaming environments. Logitech MX Keys is particularly popular among streamers and offers a balanced choice.
Quieting Modifications for Mechanical Keyboards#
If you want to continue using mechanical keyboards, quieting modifications are possible.
Quieting Modification Methods
- Installing O-Rings: Attach O-rings under keycaps to absorb typing impact (reduces sound by 5-10dB)
- Switching to Silent Switches: Replace with silent switches (e.g., Cherry MX Silent Red)
- Lining Case Interior with Acoustic Material: Suppress reverberation by lining case interior
- Changing to Plate Mount: Quieter than case mount
O-rings are the simplest modification, achievable for approximately ¥500-2,000. Switch replacement is a more advanced modification but can significantly improve quietness for approximately ¥10,000-20,000.
Keyboard Placement Optimization#
Simply changing keyboard placement can reduce typing sound propagation to the microphone.
Effective Placement Methods
- Place Behind Microphone: Cardioid directional mics pick up less sound from behind
- Place Under Desk: Use keyboard tray to place under desk, blocking sound propagation paths
- Maintain Distance Between Microphone and Keyboard: Keep at least 50cm apart
Placing under the desk is particularly effective as it physically blocks sound propagation. Using a keyboard tray maintains operability while achieving quietness.
Software Noise Removal#
OBS Noise Suppression Filter#
OBS Studio includes built-in noise suppression functionality.
OBS Noise Suppression Setup
- Add Filter: Add “Noise Suppression” filter to microphone source
- Suppression Level: Set to moderate (approximately -30dB)
- Use RNNoise: Enables more advanced noise removal (increases CPU usage)
OBS noise suppression effectively removes noise with consistent patterns like typing sounds. However, as it also affects speech quality, moderate settings are recommended.
Using VST Plugins#
For more advanced noise removal, VST plugins can be utilized.
Recommended VST Plugins
- ReaFIR: Free, high-functionality noise removal
- iZotope RX: Paid, professional-level noise removal
- Krisp: Real-time noise removal, subscription-based
VST plugins offer more advanced noise removal than OBS filters but require attention to increased CPU usage.
RTX Voice / NVIDIA Broadcast#
If using NVIDIA GPUs, RTX Voice or NVIDIA Broadcast provide powerful noise removal functionality.
NVIDIA Broadcast Features
- AI-Based Noise Removal: High-precision noise removal using machine learning
- Real-Time Processing: Enables real-time processing during streams
- Low CPU Load: Processes on GPU, reducing CPU load
RTX Voice effectively removes environmental noise including typing sounds while maintaining speech quality. If you’re using NVIDIA GPUs (GTX 1650 or higher, RTX series), definitely give it a try.
Recommended Solutions by Budget#
Budget Under ¥5,000 (Entry Level)#
Solution Content
- Soundproof mat introduction (¥2,000-5,000)
- O-ring installation (¥500-2,000)
- Microphone directionality adjustment (free)
Expected Effect: Reduce typing sounds by 10-15dB
Budget Under ¥20,000 (Standard Level)#
Solution Content
- Switch to silent keyboard (¥15,000-20,000)
- Add acoustic materials around desk (¥3,000-5,000)
- Optimize noise gate settings (free)
Expected Effect: Reduce typing sounds by 20-25dB, significantly improve stream quality
Budget Over ¥100,000 (Professional Level)#
Solution Content
- Soundproof booth introduction (¥100,000-150,000)
- High-quality microphone + audio interface (¥50,000-100,000)
- VST plugin introduction (paid plugins)
Expected Effect: Reduce typing sounds by 30dB or more, professional-level streaming environment
Frequently Asked Questions#
Q1: What solutions are available if I want to continue using mechanical keyboards?#
A: If you want to continue using mechanical keyboards, we recommend combining the following solutions:
- Installing O-Rings: Simplest and most effective solution
- Switching to Silent Switches: Advanced modification but enables significant quieting
- Soundproof Mat + Acoustic Materials: Combine physical solutions
- Microphone Setting Optimization: Adjust noise gate and directionality
Combining these solutions allows maintaining mechanical keyboard tactile feedback while ensuring quietness in streaming environments.
Q2: Will noise gate settings make speech sound unnatural?#
A: If noise gate settings are too strict, the beginning or end of speech may be cut. Pay attention to the following points when setting:
- Open Threshold: Set slightly below minimum speech level
- Release Time: Set to approximately 100-200ms for natural switching
- Test During Actual Stream: After setting, test during actual stream and check viewer feedback
With proper settings, you can effectively cut only typing sounds while maintaining natural speech.
Q3: Is a soundproof booth really necessary?#
A: Soundproof booths are particularly effective if you meet the following conditions:
Cases Where Soundproof Booths Are Recommended
- Streaming in densely populated areas or apartments
- Mainly streaming late at night
- Need extremely quiet environment (e.g., ASMR streaming)
- Also bothered by external noise (living sounds, car sounds, etc.)
Cases Where Soundproof Booths Are Unnecessary
- Detached house where surrounding consideration is unnecessary
- Streaming only during daytime
- Keyboard sound countermeasures alone are sufficient
Soundproof booths block not only keyboard sounds but also external noise, making them effective for overall streaming environment improvement.
Summary: Keyboard Sound Countermeasures to Improve Stream Quality#
Keyboard typing sounds during streams are an important factor affecting stream quality. Mechanical keyboard typing sounds of 50-60dB can be distracting noise for viewers.
Priority Order of Effective Solutions
- Immediate Solutions: Microphone directionality adjustment, noise gate settings (free to low cost)
- Physical Solutions: Soundproof mats, O-ring installation (low cost)
- Fundamental Solutions: Switch to silent keyboard, soundproof booth introduction (medium to high cost)
Progressing solutions step by step according to budget can improve stream quality. Start with microphone setting optimization that can be done for free, then consider physical solutions or equipment introduction as needed.
Streaming environment quieting not only improves viewer experience but also creates an environment where you can stream stress-free for long periods. We hope this article helps improve the quality of your streaming activities.
This article is based on the latest information as of 2025. Product prices and specifications may change, so please check with manufacturers and specialists for the latest information when considering actual introduction.