The switches
There are two different types of switches to choose from: On the one hand, the orange ones, which are designed as linear switches with an actuating force of 45 g. On the other hand, there are the black tactile switches, which are equipped with 55 g springs and offer noticeable tactile feedback. The materials used by the manufacturer are nylon and POM – two high-quality plastics that ensure a durable and smooth switch mechanism. A detailed explanation of the properties and differences follows below.
With the introduction of the Dark Mount keyboard, be quiet! is entering the field of mechanical input devices for the first time, launching two proprietary switch types that have been specifically designed for low-noise yet precise operation. These new so-called be quiet! silent switches are available in two versions: a linear version (Silent Linear, orange) and a tactile version (Silent Tactile, black).
Both switch types are based on the popular MX style, but have been extensively redesigned both mechanically and acoustically. The aim was to significantly reduce operating noise without sacrificing actuation reliability or feedback.
Mechanics and choice of materials
The choice of materials plays a central role in these switches. PA66 nylon is used for the housing – a technically sophisticated material that is impressive due to its dimensional stability on the one hand and is particularly suitable for applications with acoustic requirements due to its damping properties on the other. The shaft of the switches is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), a plastic with a particularly low coefficient of friction. This results in a smooth, even stroke, which can be felt in both the linear and tactile versions.
The Silent Linear version requires an actuating force of 45 grams and is characterized by a consistently uniform key response. It is particularly suitable for users who prefer quiet and resistance-free input, for example in a writing or programming context. The Silent Tactile version with an actuating force of 55 grams complements this with a perceptible, inaudible pressure point, which was designed primarily for users with a preference for haptic feedback.
Production and acoustic optimization
Particular attention was paid to acoustic optimization during production. Each switch is lubricated at the factory, which reduces friction between the shaft, spring and housing. This not only minimizes the sliding noise, but also reduces vibrations that would otherwise spread acoustically in the housing. Lubrication is also applied to the stabilizers under larger keys, especially the space bar and enter key, whose undamped play is one of the main causes of annoying background noise on many keyboards.
The mechanical contact point of the stabilizers has also been provided with additional damping. This measure prevents the typical hard touchdown when the key is returned and therefore makes a significant contribution to the noise characteristics. The result is a consistent, muffled and low-resonance key profile.
Modularity and interchangeability
Although these are specially developed switches, be quiet! attaches great importance to openness: both variants are fully hot-swappable and manufactured in the standard layout for 5-pin MX-compatible switches. This allows replacement without soldering and opens up scope for individual customization by enthusiasts or professional users.
Technical data
Reviewers Guide Dark Mount_GER
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