Mechanical Keyboard Blue Vs Brown Switches Is The Clicky Sound Actually Annoying For Coworkers

For many professionals, a mechanical keyboard isn’t just a tool—it’s an experience. The tactile feedback, the satisfying actuation, the audible confirmation with every keystroke. But when that experience includes a sharp, high-pitched “click” with each key press, it doesn’t just affect you. It echoes across cubicles, disrupts concentration, and can quietly build tension in shared workspaces.

This raises a critical question: Are mechanical keyboard Blue switches truly disruptive to coworkers—or is the annoyance overblown? And how do they stack up against the quieter, more subdued Brown switches? To answer this, we need to go beyond marketing jargon and examine real acoustics, workplace psychology, and actual user experiences.

The Sound of Productivity: Understanding Switch Types

Mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches under each key, differing from the rubber dome membranes found in most standard keyboards. Among the most popular are Cherry MX switches—particularly Blue and Brown variants—which differ significantly in feel and sound.

Cherry MX Blue switches are known for being “clicky.” They produce a distinct auditory feedback due to a small metal leaf inside the switch that snaps during actuation. This click is deliberate, designed to signal to the typist that a keystroke has registered. Combined with a tactile bump, Blues offer strong sensory confirmation—ideal for typists who rely on rhythm and feedback.

Cherry MX Brown switches, by contrast, are tactile but not clicky. They provide a subtle bump at the actuation point without the sharp acoustic snap. The result is a quieter typing experience that still offers physical feedback, making them a middle-ground option for those who want some sensation without drawing attention.

Tip: If you're unsure which switch suits your environment, try a switch tester kit before buying a full keyboard.

Decibel Differences: How Loud Are Blue Switches Really?

To assess whether Blue switches are genuinely disruptive, we need to look at measurable sound output. Independent tests using sound meters in controlled environments show that Cherry MX Blue switches typically register between 50–60 dB during normal typing. For context:

• Whispered conversation: ~30 dB
• Normal office background noise: ~40–50 dB
• Regular speech: ~60 dB
• Blue switch typing: ~55 dB (peaks up to 65 dB)

That means consistent typing on a Blue switch keyboard can exceed ambient office noise and approach conversational levels. In open-plan offices or quiet remote work setups, this creates a repetitive, rhythmic disturbance—especially if multiple people are within earshot.

Brown switches, meanwhile, average around 45–50 dB, blending more seamlessly into typical office acoustics. While not silent, they lack the piercing tonal quality of Blue switches, making them less likely to trigger distraction or irritation.

“Sound perception in offices isn't just about volume—it's about predictability and intrusiveness. Clicky keyboards introduce a repetitive, non-speech auditory event that the brain struggles to filter out.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cognitive Ergonomics Researcher, MIT Human Factors Lab

Workplace Realities: When Clicks Become Conflict

Anecdotal evidence from forums like Reddit, Blind, and workplace surveys suggests that Blue switches are frequently cited as a source of friction. A 2022 informal survey of 1,200 remote and hybrid workers found that 68% of respondents noticed coworkers’ keyboard sounds during meetings or focused work, and 43% reported finding clicky keyboards “noticeably distracting.”

One software developer in a Berlin-based tech startup described a situation where a new hire brought in a custom Blue switch keyboard on their first day. Within three days, two team members had complained to HR about difficulty concentrating. The issue was resolved not by banning the keyboard outright, but by relocating the employee to a private room and offering noise-dampening alternatives.

This isn’t an isolated case. In co-working spaces, shared offices, and even home environments with partners or roommates working nearby, the social cost of a loud keyboard can outweigh its personal benefits.

Mini Case Study: The Open Office Experiment

A mid-sized design agency in Portland conducted an internal trial to assess keyboard noise impact. Five employees used Blue switch keyboards, five used Browns, and five used membrane keyboards. Over two weeks, colleagues were asked to rate perceived distraction levels during deep work sessions.

Results:

• Blue switch users were rated as “highly distracting” by 72% of peers.
• Brown switch users received “slightly noticeable” ratings from 38%, with no reports of significant disruption.
• No one reported issues with membrane keyboards.

Post-trial, the company updated its equipment policy to recommend “tactile non-clicky” switches for all shared environments—a compromise that preserved typing quality while minimizing auditory intrusion.

Comparison Table: Blue vs Brown Switches

>Generally accepted

Feature	Cherry MX Blue	Cherry MX Brown
Actuation Force	50 cN	45 cN
Tactile Feedback	Yes (strong bump + click)	Yes (mild bump, no click)
Acoustic Profile	Loud, sharp, clicky	Muted, soft thock
Typing Noise (avg dB)	55–60 dB	45–50 dB
Suitability for Offices	Poor (unless isolated)	Good (with minor caveats)
User Preference (typing focus)	High among typists	Moderate to high
Coworker Acceptance	Frequently questioned

Practical Solutions: Balancing Personal Preference and Professional Courtesy

Just because you love the feel of a Blue switch doesn’t mean you have to abandon it entirely. With thoughtful adjustments, it’s possible to enjoy your preferred typing experience without compromising workplace harmony.

Step-by-Step Guide: Reducing Keyboard Noise in Shared Spaces

1. Assess your environment. Is your workspace open-plan, shared, or private? The louder the switch, the more isolation it requires.
2. Test before committing. Use a switch tester or borrow a friend’s keyboard to gauge real-world sound in your setting.
3. Add O-rings or dampeners. Silicone O-rings placed under keycaps can reduce bottom-out noise by up to 20%.
4. Use a desk mat with padding. A thick, rubberized desk pad absorbs vibrations and reduces resonance.
5. Switch to lubed switches. Factory-lubed or hand-modded switches (especially with damping grease) can significantly soften sound.
6. Consider alternative layouts. Smaller keyboards (60%, TKL) reduce surface area and noise propagation.
7. Communicate proactively. If you’re using a louder keyboard, let nearby colleagues know and be open to feedback.

Tip: Even Brown switches can become noisy with heavy typing. Lighter touch typing reduces sound more than switch type alone.

FAQ: Common Questions About Keyboard Switch Noise

Are Blue switches banned in offices?

Not officially, but many companies discourage them through informal policies or equipment guidelines. Some tech firms explicitly exclude clicky switches from approved hardware lists to maintain acoustic comfort.

Can I make a Blue switch keyboard quiet?

You can reduce the noise, but not eliminate the click. Methods include keycap dampeners, desk mats, foam inside the case, and lubrication. However, the fundamental click mechanism remains. For true quietness, switching to Browns, Reds, or silent switches (like Cherry MX Silent Reds) is more effective.

Do Brown switches wear out faster than Blue?

No. Both Cherry MX Blue and Brown switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes. Wear depends more on usage patterns and maintenance than switch type.

Expert Insight: The Psychology of Sound in Workspaces

Dr. Arjun Mehta, an environmental psychologist specializing in office design, explains why seemingly small sounds matter:

“In cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention, intermittent, unpredictable sounds—even at moderate volumes—can impair performance by up to 15%. The brain treats these as potential threats, triggering micro-interruptions. A clicky keyboard isn’t just ‘loud’—it’s cognitively salient. That’s why people notice it even when they’re not consciously paying attention.” — Dr. Arjun Mehta, Workplace Acoustics Specialist

This insight underscores that the issue isn’t merely about personal preference. It’s about understanding how sensory inputs affect collective productivity and well-being.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Switch for Your Workspace

• ✅ Am I in a shared or open office? → Avoid Blue switches.
• ✅ Do I type heavily or bottom out keys? → Consider dampeners or linear switches.
• ✅ Do I value tactile feedback? → Browns are ideal.
• ✅ Is privacy limited? → Opt for quieter alternatives like Browns, Reds, or Silent Blacks.
• ✅ Can I test before buying? → Always try a switch tester.
• ✅ Am I willing to modify my setup? → Foam lining and O-rings help, but aren’t magic.
• ✅ Will I be on video calls often? → Background keyboard noise affects audio quality.

Conclusion: Typing Comfort vs. Collective Calm

The debate between Blue and Brown switches isn’t just technical—it’s social. Mechanical keyboards enhance personal satisfaction, but in shared environments, that benefit must be weighed against the comfort of others. Blue switches deliver unmatched feedback for typists, but their sound profile makes them poorly suited for collaborative or quiet spaces. Brown switches, while less expressive, strike a responsible balance between performance and professionalism.

If you’re attached to the click, consider reserving your Blue switch keyboard for home use or private offices. In group settings, choosing a quieter alternative isn’t a compromise—it’s a sign of respect. After all, productivity isn’t just about how fast you type. It’s also about creating a space where everyone can focus.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your workspace? Start by auditing your keyboard’s sound footprint. Your coworkers—and your own focus—will thank you.