Buying Guide
The Best Quiet Keyboards
Five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the K521 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Quiet boards use silent switches, dampening foam or membranes. Every pick names silent switches or dampening, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out polling rate, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Redragon K521 Gaming KeyboardThe cheapest way into this group, below the GEODMAER 65%.
Best for: Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Check price for Redragon K521 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming KeyboardSeparate arrow keys.
Best for: Buyers who want separate arrow keys.
Check price for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
DIERYA DK68E 60% KeyboardHot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Check price for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Full-size Layout
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming KeyboardA full-size layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Check price for Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming KeyboardWhisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K521 costs less.
Check price for SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Redragon K521 Gaming Keyboard
Redragon's K521 is a full-size membrane board with multimedia keys and no driver needed.
Best for
- Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PS4, PS5, Xbox and macOS support. A one-touch light button and breathing modes adjust the rainbow backlight, and the keys give a mechanical-like feel. No other pick in this guide offers a full-size (104 keys) layout; compare the K55 CORE, which has a full-size layout.
Like the GEODMAER 65% and K55 CORE, it has membrane switches, while the DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches. The K521 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It undercut the GEODMAER 65% and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the DK68E offers 1,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size (104 keys)
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Dedicated multimedia keys
- Listed support for PS4, PS5, Xbox and macOS
- Plug and play with no driver
- Full-size (104 keys) layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
Also Consider2 of 5
GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard
GEODMAER's 65% board uses membrane keys with separate arrows and 26-key rollover.
Best for
- Buyers who want separate arrow keys.
Skip if
- Pass on it if membrane switches, not mechanical rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest keyboard here. Its 65% layout keeps separate arrow keys, and a detachable USB-C cable gives a steady wired connection. It saves desk space for wide mouse movements.
You get a 65% (68 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the Apex 3 TKL and its a tenkeyless layout. It shares membrane switches with the K521 and K55 CORE; the DK68E goes with pre-lubed linear switches. It also offers a lockable Windows key.
The GEODMAER 65% needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. When we checked, only the K521 cost less, and the DK68E cost more.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65% (68 keys)
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Separate arrow keys
- 26-key rollover
- Lockable Windows key
Cons
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the DK68E instead: it offers 1,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard
DIERYA's DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches and dampening foam in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Remapping runs in a browser on Windows, macOS or Linux. A 60% layout is unique to it among these picks, while the GEODMAER 65% uses a 65% (68 keys) layout. You get pre-lubed linear switches here, which sets it apart from the GEODMAER 65% and its membrane switches.
The DK68E needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It makes the most sense for buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, since it offers hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. It was priced above the GEODMAER 65% and below the K55 CORE at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Pre-lubed linear
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Pre-lubed linear switches
- Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
Full-size Layout4 of 5
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard
The full-size K55 CORE is the same idea with a number pad, at one of the lowest prices in Corsair's range.
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
Ten-zone RGB lighting and four media keys cover the basics, and its membrane keys are quiet. It is a low-cost first gaming keyboard. It is the only pick here with a full-size layout; the K521 has a full-size (104 keys) layout instead.
Like the K521 and GEODMAER 65%, it has membrane switches, while the DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches. It also comes with 12-key rollover. The K55 CORE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K521 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the DK68E and the Apex 3 TKL, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- Full-size
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Dedicated media keys
- 12-key rollover
- Full-size layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
Premium Pick5 of 5
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries's Apex 3 TKL uses what SteelSeries calls whisper-quiet gaming switches, rated for over 20 million keypresses.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K521 costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
It is a wired tenkeyless board with IP32 water and dust resistance. It works with Windows, Mac, Xbox and PlayStation, and PrismSync RGB syncs effects. Its tenkeyless frame frees space for mouse movement.
The switches are designed for near-silent use with anti-ghosting, and an IP32 rating guards against spills and dust. A tenkeyless layout is unique to it among these picks, while the GEODMAER 65% uses a 65% (68 keys) layout. It also comes with a clickable volume roller and media keys.
The Apex 3 TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Only the K55 CORE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Layout
- Tenkeyless
- Switches
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Whisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses
- IP32 water and dust resistance
- Clickable volume roller and media keys
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K521 at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the DK68E offers 1,000Hz.
How We Chose These Quiet Keyboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out polling rate.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the K521 to the Apex 3 TKL, state layout, switches and connection and share Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K521, the GEODMAER 65% and the Apex 3 TKL give no polling rate.
- Price range
- From the K521 to the Apex 3 TKL, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Quiet Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
The K521 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Extras that separate them
The DK68E: browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux. The K55 CORE: 12-key rollover. The Apex 3 TKL: IP32 water and dust resistance.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps How much to spend
All 5 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the K521 at the low end to the Apex 3 TKL at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money: the K521. Buyers who want a full-size layout: the K55 CORE. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K521 costs less: the Apex 3 TKL.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
How to Choose a Quiet Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money | K521 | The cheapest way into this group, below the GEODMAER 65% |
| Buyers who want separate arrow keys | GEODMAER 65% | Separate arrow keys |
| Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches | DK68E | Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches |
| Buyers who want a full-size layout | K55 CORE | A full-size layout |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K521 costs less | Apex 3 TKL | Whisper-quiet switches rated for over 20 million keypresses at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K521, the GEODMAER 65% and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K521 | Full-size (104 keys) | Membrane | Wired | Not listed |
| GEODMAER 65% | 65% (68 keys) | Membrane | Wired | Not listed |
| DK68E | 60% | Pre-lubed linear | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| K55 CORE | Full-size | Membrane | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| Apex 3 TKL | Tenkeyless | Whisper-quiet gaming switches | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the K55 CORE our Full-size Layout pick?
The label rests on a full-size layout. It makes sense for anyone who wants a full-size layout.
Do the K521 and the GEODMAER 65% differ on layout?
The K521 uses full-size (104 keys); the GEODMAER 65% uses 65% (68 keys); the DK68E uses 60%; the K55 CORE uses full-size; the Apex 3 TKL uses tenkeyless.
Will the Apex 3 TKL work with my setup?
The Apex 3 TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick.
What extras do the K521 and the GEODMAER 65% include?
The K521: dedicated multimedia keys. The GEODMAER 65%: separate arrow keys. The DK68E: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Who should choose the K521?
The K521 carries our Lowest Price Here label for the cheapest way into this group, below the GEODMAER 65%. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits getting dedicated multimedia keys for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the K521, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the GEODMAER 65%. Look at the GEODMAER 65% for separate arrow keys, the DK68E for hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches and the K55 CORE for a full-size layout if those matter more to you.
O-rings reduce bottom-out noise on any board.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Keyboards for PC
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceWired, 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth: which connection for a mouse or keyboard?
- Similar guideThe Best RGB Keyboards
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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