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Forbes
11-04-2025
- Forbes
The Quietest Keyboards To Help You Keep Your Focus
Sometimes, silence is truly golden—and when you're sitting at your desk typing for hours, your 'clacky' keyboard can feel more like a nuisance than a productivity tool. That's where the quietest keyboards come in: They reduce noise with sound-dampening technology to make sure you can type distraction-free while working in comfort. After research and testing dozens of keyboards, I chose the Logitech MX Keys S as the quietest keyboard overall for its combination of comfort and near-silent keystrokes. But the Logitech MX Keys S may cramp your style because of its short battery life. My top budget pick, the Logitech K380, might be a better choice because it lasts up to 24 months on a pair of AAA batteries. And if your body craves ergonomics, the HP 960 Ergonomic Keyboard is my favorite and one of my go-to keyboards to reduce joint aches and pains throughout the work day. Here are the quietest keyboards you can place on your desk right now. Size: Full | Switch type: Scissor | Connection: USB, Bluetooth | Battery life: 10 days Pros: Cons: The Logitech MX Keys is one of the quietest keyboards I've ever tested, with near-silent keystrokes. Its fingertip-shaped keys feel really comfortable to type on. The full-size keyboard has a sturdy aluminum frame that stays rigidly in place, so there's no need to worry about your keyboard shifting as you type. You can also connect up to three devices, and on-keyboard buttons make it really easy to swap among them. Logitech's software is also robust. You can use the Logi Options+ app to program shortcuts and Smart Actions to streamline your workflow. Another perk: If you pair the keyboard with the Master 3S mouse, you can use the software to transfer text and files across all three devices. But all of these great features come at a cost. The battery life lasts up to 10 days on a charge, so plan to keep a USB-C cable handy. If you don't need the number pad, Logitech also offers a smaller 60% keyboard, called the Logitech MX Keys Mini. Size: 60% | Connection: Bluetooth | Switch type: Scissor | Battery life: 24 months Pros: Cons: The Logitech K380 nabs the budget slot not just because of its price—around $35—but because for its price, you get so much. The Logitech software is awesome, and the keys are nearly silent. This 60% keyboard has low-profile, scooped keys for comfortable typing, and because it's smaller, you can tuck it into your bag for on-the-go work. Its design also looks great in a minimalist space, too. Like the Logitech MX Keys S, it also connects to three devices, and its battery life is stellar: two AAA batteries last up to 24 months. The 60% keyboard is pretty small, however, so if you have larger hands, I recommend opting for the top overall pick. It also doesn't have any backlighting, so plan on turning on an overhead light if you need to see your keys late at night. But for the price, it's well worth it. Size: Full | Switch type: Scissor | Connection: USB, Bluetooth | Battery life: 30 days Pros: Cons: Apple products are generally renowned for their seamless out of box experience, and the Apple Magic Keyboard is no exception. Apple's keyboards use a comfortable scissor switch that gives you a nice typing experience. Our testers love the minimal, sleek design that complements the Mac builds. It's also pretty lightweight but feels very premium when our testers type on it, with one tester sharing it feels like the Goldilocks of pressure. The battery lasts up to 30 days; we wish it were a bit longer, but compared to others on this list, that's still a healthy runtime. Its longevity holds up well over time, too, as some of our testers have used the keyboard for over a year and report it still looks and feels brand new. Because the USB-C port is behind the keyboard, if you get a low battery notification, you can simply plug it in and charge it while you work. Size: Full | Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Switch type: Membrane | Battery life: 24 months Pros: Cons: I constantly find myself swapping among keyboards, but during my work day, I always rely on the HP 960 Ergonomic Keyboard as my main peripheral—and with good reason. Its ergonomic design supports wrists and places your hands in a more natural position. For those with wrist and hand pain, that's a game changer. While the keys still aren't as quiet compared to the Logitech options on this list, they're still the quietest for the ergonomic keyboards I've tested. The keyboard offers two Bluetooth connections and a 2.4GHz dongle so you can easily switch between devices. My favorite part about the keyboard is the dedicated Copilot button, which helps me to answer quick questions on the fly as I'm working. The keyboard also offers a voice-to-text button so when your hands tire; it's not the best, and I need to reread and edit my text after using it, but it's still a great addition to have. It comes with a number pad, but I ended up storing it in lieu of a 60% design. Still, it's nice to have this feature to use and it helps to create a fully customizable, ergonomic work setup—though it also doesn't have any backlighting. Size: Full | Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Switch type: Omni-point | Battery life: 24 months Pros: Cons: Gaming keyboards, especially quiet ones, are difficult to find. Even my personal favorite, the Logitech G915 TKL, is pretty loud, and so I can't fully recommend it if you're seeking a quiet option. But the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Wireless bucks that trend. For a dedicated gaming keyboard, its switches are surprisingly quiet, especially compared to the competition. The keyboard's OmniPoint 3.0 switches are adjustable, so you can program the resistance and the actuation for your keys across 40 levels—a unique feature that SteelSeries calls the 'rapid trigger adjustable switches.' You can also macro program the keys, so when you press the key halfway down, you walk, and pressing the key all the way down triggers your character to run, as an example. Plus, the perk-key RBG lighting looks great and helps you keep an eye on your key presses. But for casual gamers, this keyboard may be massive overkill, especially since its price tag runs around $270 before a sale. Battery life is also a little low, with the 2.4GHz and the Bluetooth both clocking in around 37 and 45 hours, respectively. The good news is that it's USB-C charging and you can 'plug and play' the keyboard when the battery gets low. The Forbes Vetted team covers a wide spectrum of tech and electronic products, and when we're not typing on keyboards all day, we're booting up our computers and testing keyboards while playing AAA games. We've written a plethora of gaming guides, from the best gaming headsets to splurge-worthy gaming TVs, all backed by extensive research and hands-on testing. At Forbes Vetted, we're passionate about working and gaming, especially when you want to find the perfect keyboard. As experts who have tested many of the top models on the market, here's how we chose the quietest keyboards for your home. After research and testing, the quietest keyboard you can get right now is the Logitech MX Keys S. Its quiet keystrokes feel comfortable to type on, and it's compatible with Windows and Mac systems. It's complicated. According to Marin Christian-Ovidiu, CEO of 'A really quiet keyboard has soft key travel, no click sound and dampening for both the keystroke and the internal vibration.' It's important to know there are three types of keyboards: membrane, scissor and mechanical. For the quietest experience, Christian-Ovidiu recommends a scissor or membrane keyboard. 'For the most silent experience, look for scissor switches (like on laptops) or rubber dome membranes—both of which inherently dampen sound.' But keep in mind that these keys come at a cost, as they, 'deteriorate faster and offer a slightly mushy texture.' Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, 'deliver toughness and the ability to register the keys separately,' but are frequently much noisier. You can still dampen the sound to some extent. 'If you like that tactile feedback without the noise, use Cherry MX Silent Red or Silent Brown switches, and add o-rings for extra dampening,' adds Christian-Ovidiu. But if you're dead set on a mechanical keyboard, keep an eye out for linear switches, which, according to Manny Garcia, product manager at Satechi, are, 'usually quieter than tactile switches," and, 'will make less of a clicky noise.' John Jackson, tech entrepreneur and founder of Hitprobe, says that you can also blend build to a certain extent. 'A good compromise can be a membrane keyboard with scissor-switch keys (my personal favorite is the Apple Magic Keyboard). This gives you the best of both worlds, with a good compromise between usability and noise reduction.' Unfortunately, it's not possible to have a truly silent keyboard, according to Jackson. 'There's not really any such thing as a silent keyboard. Some of the noise will come down to your personal typing style as well, so it's a good idea to be realistic about this before you start looking.'
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
Logitech delivers the ultimate ecosystem for seamless performance with MX Series devices and Logi Options+ software
In technology, as in life, small things often make the biggest difference. You can have the most advanced processor in the world built into your computer, use the highest capacity and fastest solid-state storage device, or plug in the most cutting-edge monitor. But if you're still using the same old simple mouse, keyboard and webcam, then you are missing out on the true top user experience that you would like, and all the other techno-wizardry in your system will pass you by. While the scenario is common for many computers and users, Logitech is here to save the day. By combining the MX Series devices with the Logi Options+ software, Logitech elevates your computing experience. Regardless of your system's specs, this ecosystem unlocks greater control, comfort and efficiency. Whether you're running a high-end machine or a modest setup, you'll find your daily tasks smoother, faster and far more enjoyable with this combination of hardware and software. MX Master 3S wireless mouse The Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse offers two key upgrades over its predecessor: an 8,000 DPI sensor and much quieter clicks - 90% quieter, according to Logitech. Design-wise, the MX Master 3S differentiates itself from run-of-the-mill mice on the market with its distinctive ergonomic design and shape. It features seven buttons and two scroll wheels. The main wheel offers both ratcheting and freewheeling modes, while the second wheel is great for horizontal scrolling - though it can be customised for other functions, as can the other buttons, using Logitech's Logi Options+ software. The mouse charges via USB-C and lasts up to 70 days on a single charge. Connectivity is possible via Bluetooth or the supplied Logi Bolt USB receiver. There may be some lag if it is plugged into a Thunderbolt dock, but this can easily be fixed with a USB extension cable. While the Bluetooth works well, the accuracy was even better with the receiver. One small drawback is the lack of a groove or compartment to store the dongle when not in use, so you need to be mindful of where you keep such an easy-to-misplace accessory. Additionally, this mouse's ergonomics were designed for right-handed users - so if you're left-handed this model is not for you. For the right-handed majority, though, this is a wonderful device to hold, with a smooth, matt, rubberised feel in a sharp yet chunky shape that offers a firm and form-fitting grip. The 8,000 DPI sensor, while impressive, is most beneficial for large 4K or multi-monitor setups. For standard displays, it may be more than necessary. However, the mouse's 125Hz polling rate is solid for productivity across most hardware. Overall, the MX Master 3S is a great choice for office work, offering excellent ergonomics, a quiet click, and useful extra features - all enhanced by the Logi Options+ suite. MX Keys S wireless backlit keyboard The MX Keys S is a wireless keyboard that builds upon Logitech's MX Series. It features a sleek, low-profile design with keycaps shaped in a shallow, dish-like curve to help keep fingers aligned and reduce accidental presses. The keys have full white backlighting that automatically activates when your hands approach and adjusts its brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. Out of the box, what impressed us most was the sturdy build quality, sophisticated design and the materials used. Ergonomically, it is a pleasure to use - the low-profile design remains comfortable even without a wrist rest. The MX Keys S keyboard delivers an outstanding typing experience with quiet yet tactile keystrokes, with the subtly concave keycaps helping maintain finger placement to reduce typing errors. A row of shortcut buttons - including one for emojis - enhances ease of use, while the Logi Options+ software offers a wide range of customisation options, including backlight adjustments and macro creation. The keyboard connects to your computer via Bluetooth or a dedicated USB receiver, and it charges through a USB-C cable supplied in the box. With backlighting enabled, a full charge lasts around 10 days. Logitech claims a battery life of up to five months with the backlighting off and settings optimised in Logi Options+. All things considered, this is an excellent choice for both office and home use. MX Brio webcam The MX Brio is among Logitech's premium webcam offerings, featuring 4K Ultra HD resolution and a sleek design. It includes indicator lights, a built-in privacy shutter activated by twisting the lens ring, and an adjustable mount with Show Mode for tilting the camera downward - ideal for artists and streamers. The setup is simple - just plug in the USB-C cable, and the required drivers install automatically. The webcam works seamlessly with platforms like Zoom, OBS Studio and Streamlabs. The Logitech MX Brio offers a wide range of video customisation options. Along with standard features like auto exposure, colour correction and white balance, it allows for more precise control. You can adjust tilt, pan, and zoom, shifting the view slightly to the left or to the right to ensure you're perfectly in the centre of the frame. Settings can be fine-tuned via Logi Options+ or within streaming software. While it supports 4K at 30fps, this needs to be manually enabled. However, it also supports 1080p at 60fps for smoother motion. The built-in microphone is very sensitive and captures ambient noise easily, so artists and streamers wishing to use it as a primary mic should ensure that their recording environment is quiet. Overall, the MX Brio is a solid choice for users who need a high-resolution webcam with versatile features and professional-grade video control. Logi Options+ software While the MX Series keyboard, mouse and webcam trio is already impressive, the Logi Options+ software is the cherry on top that makes them complete and outstanding. Designed as a unified and intuitive interface, Logi Options+ significantly enhances the efficiency and performance of these MX series devices. For starters, the software automatically detects supported Logitech devices, and displays them in a centralised dashboard. This allows you to easily manage each device without needing separate programs. The suite also keeps your Logitech devices updated with the latest firmware and monitors battery levels for wireless devices - so you're always informed well in advance of needing a recharge. With Logi Options+, users have extensive customisation options of their devices. We used the software to remap the MX Master 3S mouse buttons and assign custom functions to keys on the MX Keys S keyboard. This included complex commands - or macros - designed to streamline workflow. For instance, we configured one of the mouse buttons to trigger a Photoshop action with a single press and mapped another key on the keyboard to perform a separate function. Gesture controls are also possible with Logi Options+, combining button presses and movements. We set up two MX Master 3S side buttons to launch Excel with a simultaneous press, while another set of buttons opened YouTube. The software is also where we made adjustments - fine-tuning sensitivity levels until the cursor movement felt just right and bumping the mouse's DPI up to 8,000. Each customised setup can be saved as an application-specific profile - similar to memory settings for a car seat for individual drivers. The interface allows you to switch between these profiles seamlessly as you move between applications, automatically adjusting your device settings to match the task at hand. For users working across multiple computers - including both Windows and macOS - Logitech Flow integration ensures that you can use a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple devices. You can even transfer files or clipboard content between them effortlessly, making it especially useful for multi-device setups. With the Logi Options+ paired with Logitech's MX series mouse, keyboard and webcam, you can ensure that your peripherals are just as your system's internals. If your computer setup is a high-performance supercar, then the MX Series devices and Logi Options+ are the advanced tyres that help you to harness all that power into exceptional performance.
