Written by Elizabeth · Published July 5, 2023
Reviewed & Updated by Olivia · Updated on July 27, 2026
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⚡ Quick answer
O-rings are small rubber rings you slip onto your keycap stems to cushion the bottom-out, which cuts the loud clack of a key hitting the plate. They are the cheapest, fastest way to make a keyboard quieter, but they are a blunt tool: they shorten key travel and only soften the down-stroke, not the whole sound. For a few dollars they are worth trying, though silent switches or foam mods do a cleaner job.
What o-rings do
An o-ring sits under the keycap, so when you press a key it hits the rubber instead of bottoming out hard against the switch housing. That softens the impact noise and the harsh feeling of bottoming out. It does nothing to the upstroke sound or the switch’s own noise, so it quiets one part of the equation, not all of it.
Do they actually work?
Yes, for what they are. If your board has a loud, hollow bottom-out, o-rings noticeably take the edge off for very little money. The trade-off is feel: because the ring stops the key early, your travel gets shorter and the bottom-out feels softer, even a little mushy. Some people like that cushioned feel; others find it dead. It is a personal call, and at this price it is cheap to test.
Choosing thickness and hardness
- Thickness: thin rings (around 0.2mm) barely shorten travel and lightly soften the sound. Thick rings cut more travel and dampen more. Start thin if you are unsure.
- Hardness (durometer): softer rings (around 40A) absorb more and feel squishier; firmer rings (around 50 to 70A) dampen less but keep a crisper feel. A medium hardness is the safe middle ground.
If you want quiet without killing the feel, a thin, medium-hardness ring is the best starting point.
The best o-ring options
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Best overall: a branded set (such as WASD or Glorious) in a medium thickness and hardness, sized for Cherry MX stems. The safe, quality all-rounder.
Best for maximum quiet: a thicker, softer (around 40A) set. Accept the shorter, softer travel in exchange for the most noise reduction.
Best to keep the feel crisp: a thin, firmer set that dampens gently without much mush, for people who want quiet but hate a soft bottom-out.
Best budget: a generic bulk pack of MX-compatible o-rings, perfectly fine for a first try before committing to a branded set.
How to install them
Pull each keycap with a wire puller, slip an o-ring over the stem, and press the keycap back on. Doing all 87 to 104 keys takes 15 to 20 minutes. If it feels too soft afterward, swap to thinner rings.
Better alternatives worth knowing
- Silent switches dampen the noise inside the switch, so you keep full travel and a cleaner sound.
- Foam mods and the band-aid mod, covered in our build guide, reduce case and stabilizer noise that o-rings cannot touch.
- Switch pads are a purpose-built version of the o-ring idea that some people prefer.
Frequently asked questions
Do o-rings make a keyboard quieter?
Yes, they soften the bottom-out noise, though not the upstroke or the switch’s own sound. They quiet one part of the noise, not all of it.
Do o-rings ruin typing feel?
They shorten travel and soften the bottom-out. Some people like it, some find it mushy. Thinner rings reduce the effect if you want quiet without much change in feel.
What size o-rings fit a mechanical keyboard?
Rings sized for Cherry MX-style stems fit the vast majority of mechanical keyboards. Check that the set lists MX compatibility before buying.
Are o-rings or silent switches better?
Silent switches feel cleaner and keep full travel, but cost more. O-rings are the cheap, reversible option if you just want to take the edge off a loud board.
The bottom line
O-rings are the cheapest, easiest way to quiet a loud keyboard, and they are worth the few dollars if bottom-out noise bothers you. Start with a thin, medium-hardness set, and if you want a cleaner result without the softer feel, look at silent switches or foam mods instead.
We keep our accessory guides updated as new products and methods appear.