If loud keyboard clicks mess up your recordings or live chats, it’s pretty annoying, right? Especially if you’re into gaming, streaming, podcasting, or just chatting from home. This article is like a checklist, guiding you through ways to keep that keyboard noise from ruining your sound. We’ll look at everything from setting up your space better to smart tech tricks that make sure people hear you, not your typing.
Also see: How to Increase or Boost Microphone Volume in Windows 11
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Choosing the right microphone and placement
Picking the right mic and where you put it can make a big difference in cutting down keyboard noise. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Microphone type
Think about getting a directional mic, like a cardioid or hypercardioid one. These mics grab sound mostly from one direction, so they’re great at ignoring the noise from your keyboard.
Microphone placement
Put the mic closer to your mouth and further from the keyboard. The closer it is to what you want it to catch (your voice), the less it’ll pick up other sounds.
Use a shock mount
A shock mount keeps the mic from catching vibrations from your desk or stand, like the tapping of keys.
Boom arm or mic stand
A boom arm or a stand-alone mic stand can help keep the mic away from keyboard clatter and buzz.
With the right mic and setup, you can really cut down on that annoying keyboard noise in your audio.
Pro tip: How to Hear Yourself on Mic in Windows 11
Implementing sound dampening techniques
It’s not just about the mic; you can also quiet things down right at the source. Here are some neat tricks:
Keyboard selection
Using a keyboard with quieter keys can help a lot. There are keyboards designed to be less noisy, even mechanical ones that have ‘silent’ switches.
Desk mat
A thick desk mat under your keyboard doesn’t just cut down on noise but also soaks up vibrations that the mic might catch.
O-Rings installation
Putting rubber O-rings on the keycaps of a mechanical keyboard can quiet the clacking sounds a lot.
Acoustic treatment
Acoustic foam panels around your setup can help keep sounds from bouncing around too much.
Keyboard cover
A soft keyboard cover might muffle the noise, but it could also slow down your typing a bit.
These steps can make your keyboard quieter and your microphone clearer.
Useful guide: Windows 11 Mute Microphone Hotkey (How to)
Utilizing advanced audio software
There’s also some smart software that can cut down on keyboard noise. Here’s the scoop:
Noise gate
A noise gate is a cool tool in lots of audio software. It lets your voice through but keeps out softer sounds, like keyboard clicks.
Noise suppression software
There are programs made just for filtering out background noises, like Krisp or NVIDIA RTX Voice, and some chat apps like Discord have these features built in.
Equalizer adjustments
Playing with an equalizer can help tone down keyboard noise frequencies, but you’ll need to experiment to keep your voice sounding good.
Audio interface with DSP
Some audio interfaces come with built-in tech to reduce noise as it happens.
Automated editing tools
For recorded stuff, there’s editing software that can spot and tone down constant background noises, like your keyboard.
Software can be a big help, alongside the physical fixes, for cutting out keyboard noise.
Related resource: How to Record Voice With Microphone on Windows 11/10
Developing good mic technique and habits
Good mic habits can also make a big difference. Try these:
- Make sure you’re speaking directly into the microphone at the right distance, like a few inches away. This makes sure it catches your voice best.
- Watch how you type. Typing gently means less noise.
- If you don’t need to be heard all the time, using a push-to-talk setting means the mic’s only on when you’re talking.
- When you’re not talking in a live session or meeting, muting your mic stops any keyboard noise dead.
Concluding thoughts
To sum up, keeping your keyboard noise out of your mic involves smart hardware choices, tweaking your space, using the right software, and picking up good habits. It’s about making sure people hear your message loud and clear, without the distraction of typing sounds. Combine these tips for the best sound, whether you’re recording or chatting live.
