What Are Mechanical Keyboard Orings?
Rashko Temelkovski
September 17, 2017
You've recently purchased a mechanical keyboard and couldn't be happier. It's like a whole new experience for your fingers, no matter if you're using it for gaming or typing purposes. But, while mechanical keyboards are much superior to membrane keyboards in almost all aspects, you may still come across an issue or two. The most notable one being the distinct clicking (and sometimes annoying) noise mechanical keys make whenever you press them. Fortunately, this is where O-rings come into play. But wait... What are mechanical keyboard Orings?
If you've never heard about O-rings before, don't worry. They are a one-time investment that can successfully eliminate (dampen) the noise produced by mechanical switches. Every O-ring cushions the blow of the switch and the keycap, thus making your typing/gaming experience all the more silent.
How mechanical keyboard Orings work
This is actually quite simple. With every keystroke, you squish the O-Ring between the top of the switch housing and its cross-shaped support (most switches have this support). That's when the O-ring absorbs the noise and shock from said keystroke.
Mechanical Keyboard orings size guide
Okay, so far it's clear that O-Rings can make any mechanical keyboard silent. However, that's not their only benefit. They also change the way your keys feel to the touch, as you type, while softening the blow. That's why it's important to choose the right size (thickness) when buying O-Rings:
| Type | Thickness | Hardness* | Material | Color | Result |
| 40A Thick | 2.5mm (⇔ 0.098 inch) | 40A | Silicone | Clear/Translucent | Soft press, short press length |
| 40A Thin | 1.5mm (⇔ 0.059 inch) | 40A | Silicone | Clear/Translucent | Soft press, long press length |
| 70A Thick | 2.5mm (⇔ 0.098 inch) | 70A | Silicone | Clear/Translucent | Hard press, short press length |
| 70A Thin | 1.5mm (⇔ 0.059 inch) | 70A | Silicone | Clear/Translucent | Hard press, long press length |
* 40A means a material hardness of 40 on the Shore Durometer A Scale - Higher values indicate harder materials.
Here are some essentials you should know:
- The thicker the O-Ring, the shorter the distance you have to press before a key is registered.
- The lower hardness value, the softer the key will feel to the touch.
- None of the O-Rings we offer interfere with your RGB keyboard.
- Silicone is generally considered a great material that can help you achieve softness with every keystroke.
O-ring installation
O-rings are an important addition to your keyboard accessories. What is left now is for you to purchase the best orings for mechanical keyboards and install them. Here's a video that will show you how it's done.
Comments
Hello i have recently got a mechanical keyboard with gateron optical red switches and was just wondering if you could recommend me which O rings to buy
nice
“The thicker the O-Ring, the shorter the distance you have to press before a key is registered.”
This statement is wrong. How can a thicker ring do that? It only stops the key from bottoming out. A thicker ring would only stop sooner. Regardless of the thickness of the ring the switch engagement point will always be the same and always before the ring comes into play.
Hello Nicholaus Bergman, my recommendation to you would probably be for you to buy the 40A Thick o-ring dampeners. If you have any more questions ill be happy to answer them, my email is ashton.lubinski@gmail.com if you need me.
Hi! I’ve gotten a ducky one two mini mechanical keyboard. I love everything about it except it’s loudness. I got MX blue switches. Loudest switch they have but I didn’t know better. I like the feel of it but I want to reduce the sound with some O rings. What O rings would be the best for me? (What thickness and stuff like that) if you could help me out that would be great. Thanks!
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