When it comes to buying a new custom mechanical keyboard, the type of keys it has, known as switches, really matters. If you're looking at mechanical keyboards, you might have come across silent mechanical switches. They're becoming quite popular, but are they worth the extra cash?

Here’s a closer look to help you decide if silent mechanical switches are right for you.

First, let's break down what these switches are all about.

Mechanical keyboards are famous for their responsive feel and distinctive clicking sound. This is great for feedback while typing or gaming, but not so great in a quiet office or a shared room.

Silent mechanical switches are designed to keep the perks of regular mechanical switches—like that responsive feel—but without the loud click. They use special materials that quiet down the noise when you press the keys.

• Quiet: The biggest plus is that they’re much quieter than regular mechanical switches. If you need to work in a quiet environment, these can be a real game changer.
• Still Tactile: Even though they're quieter, they don’t lose that satisfying feel when you press them.
• Built to Last: Like all mechanical switches, these are made to handle lots of typing—often millions of keystrokes.
• Customize Your Way: Many keyboards with silent switches let you tweak settings like key functions and lighting to make it your own.

• Price Tag: They tend to cost more because they require more sophisticated technology and materials.
• Missing the Click: Some people really like the click sound because it provides a sense of rhythm and assurance in typing. You'll miss out on this with silent switches.
• Feels Different: They aim to offer the same feel, but there can be a slight difference, which might not appeal to everyone.

In the end, whether silent mechanical switches are worth it depends on your needs and preferences. They offer a quieter typing experience and still maintain the quality and tactile feedback of traditional mechanical keyboards. However, they do come with a higher price point and might feel slightly different. If you value a quiet environment and are willing to invest a bit more into your keyboard, silent mechanical switches could be a great choice. If budget is a concern, or you can't imagine typing without the clicky sound, they might not be for you.