How to Stop Microphone From Picking Up Keyboard Noise

The fastest ways to stop your microphone from picking up keyboard noise are repositioning the microphone, lowering its sensitivity in your software, switching to a quieter keyboard, and using a pop filter. Most people find a combination of these works best.

This guide covers 7 practical solutions you can try, along with extra tips to reduce keyboard noise and improve your overall recording sound.

How to Stop Microphone From Picking Up Background Keyboard Noise

If you are trying to figure out how to make your mic stop picking up your keyboard, try the solutions below. Different setups respond differently, so it is worth testing a few to see what works best for you.

Solution 1: Reposition Your Microphone

The easiest first step is to reposition your microphone. Unidirectional microphones with a cardioid polar pattern tend to work best here, since they focus on sound from one direction.

Check whether your keyboard sits between your microphone and your mouth, and try to keep the microphone away from the keyboard if possible.

If your microphone does not have a clearly fixed direction, most modern microphones include a physical switch that lets you change the polar pattern manually. Simply adjusting the position and angle of your microphone can noticeably reduce how much keyboard sound it picks up.

Solution 2: Consider a Silent Mechanical Keyboard

Some mechanical keyboards use switches designed to minimize sound, often using a plastic membrane that still provides tactile feedback while typing but produces less noise.

Switching to a quieter mechanical keyboard can reduce background noise while still giving you a satisfying typing experience.

Solution 3: Adjust Your Mechanical Keyboard’s Settings

If buying a new keyboard is not an option, a DIY fix can help. Installing O-rings or silicone rings on your keycap stems reduces the sound produced when keys hit the keyboard plate.

This is a simple modification that does not require any professional help and can meaningfully cut down on clicking noise.

Solution 4: Adjust Software Settings

If your microphone is too sensitive or picking up too much volume from your keyboard, adjusting your software settings can help.

This can usually be done through your operating system’s sound settings or through third-party programs like Discord. Starting with your operating system’s settings is usually the simplest approach. Some microphones, including certain Blue and Cherry models, also include built-in software for managing these settings more easily.

Solution 5: Control Microphone Level in Windows

To adjust your microphone level in Windows:

• Open the Start menu and search for sound settings
• Open the Sound window and go to the Recording tab
• Right-click your microphone and select Properties
• Go to the Levels tab and move the slider to reduce the microphone’s volume
• Use the Listen to this device option to test the sound of your microphone in real time

Solution 6: Control Microphone Sensitivity in Discord

To adjust microphone sensitivity in Discord:

• Open Discord and click the gear icon next to your name
• Go to App Settings, then Voice & Video
• Find Input Sensitivity and use the slider to lower your microphone’s sensitivity
• Use the Mic Test option and click Let’s Check to test the sensitivity

Solution 7: Use a Pop Filter

A pop filter can noticeably reduce unwanted noise picked up by your microphone, including some keyboard sounds.

Keep in mind that a pop filter may also slightly reduce the volume of your own voice, but this is usually a fair trade-off for the reduction in unwanted noise. Choosing the right pop filter for your microphone can make a real difference here.

How to Reduce Keyboard Noise When Recording

A few additional habits and small adjustments can help reduce keyboard noise during recording:

• Place a damp cloth or similar dampening material under the rubber or plastic feet of your stand to reduce vibration transfer
• Use non-slip mats under any stands to reduce movement and contact noise
• Avoid poking or pressing keys harder than necessary while playing or typing
• Use key and frame plugs to keep components tighter, reducing rattling or loose parts over time
• Use a noise gate to automatically reduce background sound when you are not speaking
• Position sharp keys slightly closer to you than flat keys, since sharps pivot lengthwise when pressed rather than tapering to the side like flat keys

Tips for Better Microphone Sound Overall

Getting a completely noiseless recording is not always realistic, but these habits can help improve your overall sound quality:

• Remove unnecessary noisy items from the room
• Turn off your microphone when it is not needed
• Position the back of your microphone toward the main source of background noise
• Keep the microphone a few inches away from your mouth
• Avoid moving around while recording
• Set your gain to an appropriate level rather than maxing it out

For more detailed tips, see our guide on easy hacks to improve microphone sound quality.

FAQ

Conclusion

Stopping your microphone from picking up keyboard noise usually comes down to a combination of repositioning, software adjustments, and accessories like a pop filter or noise gate. A noise-cancelling microphone positioned correctly, along with keeping your keyboard and microphone arranged thoughtfully, can significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted keyboard noise in your recordings.

If you want to improve your overall recording setup further, see our guide on easy hacks to improve microphone sound quality.