Keyboard noise coming into the microphone is a common problem that streamers and content creators face. If you are a gaming streamer, you must have met this issue before, and your viewers would have complained to you about this issue. So, if you want to reduce the noise, there are plenty of things that you can try.
The most effective way to reduce keyboard noise on your microphone is to adjust the microphone away from the keyboard. This will help to ensure that the sounds coming from your keystrokes don’t directly reach your mic and cause any inconvenience.
If adjusting the microphone away from the keyboard is not possible for you or it doesn’t solve the problem, many other things can help you.
So, let’s discuss things that can help you reduce keyboard noise on the microphone.
Reduce Keyboard Noise on the Microphone
Several methods can help you reduce keyboard noise on the microphone, and some of the most effective ones are below.
Method #1: Install a Pop Filter
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce keyboard noise on the microphone is to install a pop filter. This is a piece of mesh that you place over the end of your microphone to help block out loud noises like keyboard typing, your PC’s noise, etc.
It also makes it easier for you to talk clearly to your audience, so it’s a great tool even if you don’t type while recording or streaming.
Method #2: Adjust the Microphone Settings
Another most effective method to reduce keyboard noise is to adjust microphone settings.
Following are the steps that you can follow.
- Go to “Control Panel” and click on the “Hardware and Sound” tab.
- Now click on the “Manage Audio Devices” option.
- A list of devices will appear, and you will have to spot the microphone you are using and right-click on it.
- Here, you will have to click on “Properties”.
- You will have to click on the “Level” tab, and a slider will appear.
- Decrease the slider down to 20 dB; this will ensure the microphone doesn’t pick keyboard noise.
- After that, return to the “Properties” and click on the “Enhancement” tab.
- You will have to check off the “Noise Suppression” option here.
This will help reduce any background noise captured by your mic, including keystroke sound.
Method #3: Reposition the Microphone or Keyboard
If your keyboard is creating too much noise, the best thing you can do is reposition it so it is not right next to your microphone. Moving away from both devices from each other can make a big difference in reducing the noise of your keyboard on the microphone.
If you have no choice but to use a keyboard next to your microphone, try increasing the space between them by repositioning them.
Besides that, it is important to remember that microphones are designed to pick up sound in every direction. And even if your keyboard is several feet away, the microphone can still pick it up. So, you will have to follow Method #2 after repositioning your microphone and keyboard.
Method #4: Use Silent Keyboard or Modify It
If the above methods don’t work for you, it’s time to change your keyboard and get a silent keyboard. A good quality silent keyboard doesn’t produce sound when you press the keys.
So, when there is no sound coming from the keyboard, there will be no noise in the microphone.
If you are using a mechanical keyboard, you can try replacing the default keycaps with O-Rings. O-Rings can considerably reduce the sound coming from a mechanical keypress switch by making it silent.
You can also try changing the switches of your mechanical keyboard. Most of the expensive mechanical keyboards come with Cherry MX switches in different colors like red, blue, black, etc. Each type of switch has its characteristics.
If your keyboard switches are making noise, try replacing them with MX switches because they produce less noise upon pressing.
Method #5: Use Keyboard Shield
Another most effective and easy method to reduce keyboard noise is to place a keyboard shield over the keys. A keyboard shield is an inexpensive piece of foam or rubber material that can be placed over the keys to muffle the sound of typing when your microphone captures it.
This method is effective for those who use membrane keyboards because a keyboard shield is only available for these types of keyboards. You can’t find a keyboard shield for a mechanical keyboard because it doesn’t work for it.
Conclusion
Keyboard noise is annoying, and most people stop watching your live stream or video just because of the keyboard sound coming from your microphone. So, I have disclosed some easiest methods to help you reduce keyboard noise on the microphone while live streaming or recording the audio.
