Microphones are versatile tools that serve various purposes for streamers, podcasters, and remote workers.
However, they do have one annoying flaw – their tendency to pick up keyboard sounds.
This can be frustrating for both you and your audience. In this article, we will delve into the world of microphone noise, understand its causes, and explore practical solutions to ensure your recordings and broadcasts maintain crystal-clear quality.
Why Microphone Noise Is a Thumping Problem for Streamers, Podcasters, and Remote Workers
If you’re someone who creates content or works remotely and relies on a microphone, you’ve probably come across the frustrating issue of keyboard noise.
It’s not just a small annoyance; it can really affect the quality of your work.
Imagine recording an important podcast or giving a crucial presentation and all your audience can hear is the constant clacking of your keyboard. Definitely not the professional image you want to portray, right?
But don’t worry, we’re here to assist you in taking back control of your audio. First, let’s dig into the root of the problem.
Understanding the Origin of Keyboard Noise
To begin addressing the issue of keyboard noise, it is essential to have a clear understanding of its sources.
Keyboard noise can stem from various factors, each contributing to the disturbance in its unique way.
1. Mechanical Keyboards: These remarkable keyboards provide a satisfying tactile experience but also have a downside. The audible ‘clicks’ they produce can easily be captured by the microphone, adding to the noise.
2. Keycap Material: The material of the keycaps also plays a significant role. Thin and inexpensive keycaps tend to generate more noise when struck, worsening the situation.
3. Typing Technique: Your typing style also contributes to the problem. If you tend to be heavy-handed or get frustrated and type aggressively, every thump will be picked up by the microphone.
4. Microphone Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the microphone itself is another determining factor. Some microphones are more prone to capturing background noise, including the sound of the keyboard.
Considering these factors, we can now delve into the root causes of why your microphone is susceptible to picking up keyboard noise.
Why does your microphone pick up keyboard sounds so easily?
The reason why your microphone is picking up the sound of your keyboard so prominently is because of its omnidirectional or cardioid pickup patterns.
These patterns are great for capturing audio from all directions (omnidirectional) or just the front (cardioid), which makes them perfect for most recording scenarios.
However, this also means that they are equally efficient at capturing the sound of your keyboard, especially if it is right in front of your microphone.
Now that we have identified the cause of the issue, it is time to take action.
How to Stop Your Mic from Picking Up Keyboard Noise: Basic Solutions for Quieting Your Keyboard Clatter
Let’s dive into the details and explore some practical ways to prevent your microphone from picking up the sounds of your keyboard.
Solution 1: Adjust Your Microphone’s Position
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. One effective way is to reposition your microphone.
Try moving it closer to your mouth while keeping it farther away from your keyboard.
By doing so, your voice will become the primary audio source and the noise from the keyboard will be significantly reduced.
Solution 2: Consider a Silent Mechanical Keyboard
If you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards, it’s worth considering investing in a silent mechanical keyboard.
These keyboards are designed with different switch mechanisms that minimize the audible clickety-clack.
Look for switches labeled as “quiet” or “silent,” and you’ll notice a remarkable reduction in keyboard noise.
Solution 3: Customize Your Mechanical Keyboard Settings
If you don’t want to give up your beloved mechanical keyboard, there are ways to make it quieter.
One option is to replace your keycaps with dampened keycaps, which help reduce the noise when you press a key. Another alternative is to install O-rings beneath each keycap to dampen the impact noise when you bottom out the keys.
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Software Adjustments to Tackle Keyboard Noise
If you want to reduce the noise from your keyboard, turning to hardware solutions is important. However, software options can also be very effective in fine-tuning your audio setup.
Let’s take a look at some software-based solutions that can help you deal with this annoying problem.
Solution 4: Make the most of software settings within your applications
Many recording and streaming apps offer various settings to help you control and improve your audio quality.
These settings can be a game-changer when it comes to minimizing keyboard noise.
a. Noise Reduction: Take a look at the noise reduction features available in your application. This setting can filter out background noise, such as keyboard sounds, while still keeping your voice clear.
b. Equalization (EQ): Adjusting the EQ settings of your microphone can also have a significant impact.
By emphasizing the frequencies associated with your voice and reducing those tied to keyboard noise, you can create a more balanced audio profile.
c. Compression: Enabling compression settings can help maintain consistent audio levels. This can be particularly useful if you tend to type loudly, as it prevents sudden spikes in keyboard noise.
Solution 5: How to Control Microphone Levels in Windows
Here’s an easy method to customize the sensitivity of your microphone on Windows. Follow these steps:
a. Access Microphone Properties: Begin by right-clicking the speaker icon located on your taskbar and selecting “Open Sound settings.”
Then, scroll down and click on “Sound control panel.” In this panel, you will find your microphone. Right-click on it and choose “Properties.”
b. Adjust Microphone Sensitivity: Within the “Properties” window, navigate to the “Levels” tab. Here, you can fine-tune the sensitivity of your microphone.
Find a level that reduces keyboard noise while keeping your voice clear.
3. Enable Noise Suppression: Windows also provides a feature called noise suppression. To activate it, stay within the “Sound control panel” window and switch to the “Enhancements” tab. Locate the “Noise suppression” option and check the box next to it.
This feature can effectively minimize background noise, including the sound of keyboard clattering.
Solution 6: Managing Microphone Sensitivity in Discord
Discord is a widely used platform among gamers and online communities for communication purposes.
If you want to tackle the issue of keyboard noise, here’s a guide on how to effectively manage your microphone sensitivity.
a. Discord Settings: Settings” under the “App Settings” section. On the “Voice Settings” page, you can adjust various settings such as input and output volume, sensitivity, and noise suppression.
Experiment with different settings to find the best configuration for your needs. Remember to hit the “Save Changes” button after making any adjustments.
b. Noise Reduction in Discord: Discord also offers a built-in noise reduction feature. Check the box labeled “Noise reduction” in the same “Voice & Video” settings.
This can help filter out ambient sounds, like keyboard clatter, during your conversations.
Hardware Changes for Enhanced Audio Quality
When it comes to achieving optimal audio quality, software adjustments are valuable, but sometimes hardware changes are necessary.
Here are a few hardware-based solutions that can help you eliminate keyboard noise once and for all.
Solution 7: The Advantages of Utilizing a Pop Filter
Enter the world of improved audio recordings with the help of a simple yet highly effective tool known as a pop filter.
Designed with a screen or mesh, this device is positioned in front of your microphone for optimal results. Let’s explore its benefits:
a. Reducing Plosives: Ever encountered those bothersome bursts of air caused by certain sounds like “p” and “b”? These plosives tend to disrupt the smoothness of your audio recordings by hitting the microphone.
However, with a pop filter in place, these bursts are dispersed, ensuring they never reach the microphone’s sensitive diaphragm.
b. Minimizing Breath Noise: Do you tend to record or speak in close proximity to the microphone?
If so, your breath can unintentionally introduce subtle yet noticeable noise to your audio. Fortunately, a pop filter acts as a protective barrier, significantly reducing the impact of your breath on the microphone.
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Solution 8: Why a Noise-Canceling Microphone Is Effective
Solution 8: The Effectiveness of Noise-Canceling Microphones
If you’re serious about achieving top-notch audio quality, investing in a noise-canceling microphone is a smart choice. Here’s why these microphones work so well:
a. Active Noise Cancelation: Noise-canceling microphones utilize advanced technology to actively detect and eliminate background noise.
This includes noises like keyboard clicks, room ambiance, and other unwanted sounds, ensuring that only your voice is captured in the recording.
b. Multiple Microphone Elements: Many noise-canceling microphones employ multiple microphone elements that collaborate to capture your voice while rejecting any unnecessary noise.
These elements are usually positioned in a way that prioritizes sound from a specific direction and minimizes it from others.
Solution 9: The Benefits of Directional Microphones
Directional microphones, also known as cardioid or supercardioid microphones, have a unique advantage when it comes to reducing keyboard noise. Here’s why they are so effective:
a. Focused Sound Pickup: These microphones are designed to capture sound mainly from one direction.
By positioning the microphone away from your keyboard and towards your mouth, you can greatly reduce the unwanted pickup of keyboard noise.
b. Rejecting Background Noise: With their exceptional ability to reject sound from the sides and rear, directional microphones are excellent at minimizing ambient noise, including keyboard clatter.
This ensures that your recordings or online meetings are free from distracting background noise.
Tips for Further Noise Reduction When Recording
Here are some additional tips to enhance noise reduction when recording and achieve top-quality audio.
Tip 1: Adjust Your Typing Technique
Sometimes, the simplest solution lies in changing how you type. Consider the following techniques:
a. Type Softly: Train yourself to type with a gentle touch, avoiding forceful keystrokes. This can significantly reduce keyboard noise picked up by your microphone.
b. Type Less: Whenever possible, minimize typing during critical recording moments. Prepare scripts or notes in advance to reduce the need for impromptu typing.
Tip 2: Install Noise Suppression Software
Another useful tip is to install standalone noise suppression software. These programs can be adjusted to focus on particular frequencies, resulting in better elimination of keyboard noise.
Tip 3: Use a Keyboard Mat for Sound Dampening
One helpful tip is to use a keyboard mat, which can also be called a desk pad or mouse pad.
This versatile accessory not only provides protection for your desk but can also help reduce keyboard noise.
The soft material of the mat absorbs the vibrations caused by typing, resulting in less noise being picked up by your microphone.
Tip 4: Insulate Your Keyboard for Noise Reduction
One way to reduce noise from your keyboard is by insulating it. You can do this in a couple of ways:
a. Use soundproofing foam: Apply foam or other sound-absorbing materials to the underside of your keyboard.
This will help absorb the sound before it can escape and be picked up by the microphone.
b. Modify your keyboard case: Some keyboard enthusiasts have added dampening materials like neoprene foam to their keyboard cases.
If you’re handy with tools, you can try this as a DIY project.
Tip 5: Try using a noise gate effect in the editing phase
If you have access to audio editing software. A noise gate is a helpful tool that allows you to set a threshold for audio.
It basically mutes or lowers the volume of any sound that falls below that threshold.
This comes in handy especially when you want to get rid of background keyboard noise that occurs between your spoken words.
By adjusting the gate properly, you can make it activate only when your voice is detected, thus effectively silencing the keyboard during pauses.
Other Useful Suggestions for Noise Reduction
Here are some additional suggestions to help reduce noise and maintain excellent audio quality while recording, specifically focusing on minimizing keyboard noise.
Tip 6: Maintain Distance Between Your Mic and Keyboard
Keep a good distance between your microphone and keyboard. It’s more important than you might realize. Here are a couple of ways to achieve this:
a. Try using a boom arm or microphone stand to suspend your microphone above your desk. This lets you position the microphone closer to your mouth while keeping it away from the keyboard’s noise source.
b. Experiment with angling your microphone slightly upwards towards your mouth. This can help it capture your voice better while reducing the pickup of keyboard sounds.
Tip 7: Opt for Low Noise Keyboards
Here’s a handy tip to consider when shopping for a new keyboard: choose one that is designed to produce less noise. There are a couple of options that you can go for:
a. Membrane Keyboards: These keyboards are generally quieter because they use a rubber dome beneath each key to muffle the sound.
b. Scissor-Switch Keyboards: Another alternative for a quieter typing experience is the scissor-switch keyboard. It features a unique key mechanism that reduces noise compared to traditional mechanical keyboards.
Tip 8: The Role of Headphones in Reducing Feedback
Wearing headphones while recording or streaming can greatly enhance your audio quality by decreasing feedback loops and keyboard noises. Here’s how it can be a game-changer:
a. Monitor Your Audio: By using headphones, you can listen to your audio feed in real-time, enabling you to quickly recognize and address any unwanted noise or keyboard clattering. This allows you to make immediate adjustments to maintain high-quality audio.
b. Isolate Audio Streams: Using headphones helps separate your microphone input from your computer’s audio output. This isolation prevents your microphone from picking up any sounds coming from your computer’s speakers or headset.
Tip 9: Consider a Dedicated Soundproofing Barrier
If you’re someone who truly values top-notch audio quality, it might be worth considering investing in a dedicated soundproofing solution.
a. Acoustic Shields: One option is to use acoustic shields or reflection filters placed strategically behind and around your microphone. These shields effectively absorb and scatter sound, preventing it from bouncing back into the microphone and affecting the overall quality.
b. Soundproof Enclosures: For situations where the noise levels are particularly high, such as when using loud mechanical keyboards, soundproof enclosures or cases can be utilized. These enclosures cover the entire keyboard while still allowing your hands to access the keys. They work by minimizing sound leakage and creating a more controlled acoustic environment for an enhanced audio experience.
FAQs About How to stop mic from picking up keyboard
How can I prevent my microphone from picking up the sound of my keyboard and mouse?
To avoid this issue, you have a few options. Firstly, you can use a noise-cancelling microphone or adjust the sensitivity settings on your mic.
Another solution is to position the mic closer to your mouth, which can help reduce the chances of picking up those extraneous sounds.
What can I do to prevent my microphone from picking up all the surrounding noise?
To address this problem, you can try reducing the microphone sensitivity in your device settings or using software like OBS, which allows you to apply noise reduction filters.
It’s also important to ensure that your surroundings are as quiet as possible, and you could even consider using a pop filter to further minimize any unwanted noise.
How do I minimize background noise, popping sounds, and the noise generated by my keyboard and mouse?
To achieve this, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, using a directional microphone can help minimize background noise. Additionally, adjusting the input levels on your mic and placing it closer to your mouth can significantly reduce unwanted sounds.
You can also make use of noise suppression software to filter out any undesired noise from your recordings.
What can I do to prevent my microphone from picking up background conversations?
To address this issue, try finding a quiet space where you can isolate yourself. Using directional microphones can also help to focus on your own voice while minimizing background noise.
Lowering the sensitivity of your mic and communicating with others to minimize background conversation during recordings or meetings can also be effective strategies.
How can I ensure that my microphone only captures my own voice?
To accomplish this, you can position the microphone close to your mouth and set it to a unidirectional or cardioid mode.
Additionally, reducing the sensitivity of the mic will help to prevent it from picking up extraneous sounds. Using a pop filter is also worth considering, as it can further help to emphasize your voice.
What can I do to reduce the sensitivity of my microphone?
Access the audio settings on your device and lower the microphone sensitivity or gain.
Experimenting with different types of microphones, such as dynamic or shotgun mics, can also be beneficial as they tend to be less sensitive to ambient noise.
Which key can I use to mute my microphone?
The key to mute your microphone may vary depending on your device and software.
Common options include pressing the “M” key, using a designated mute button on your microphone, or utilizing software-specific shortcuts.
How can I prevent my keyboard from being picked up by my Yeti microphone?
To minimize keyboard sounds, you can utilize a shock mount or isolation mount to isolate vibrations. Adjusting the mic’s gain settings and placing it on a stable surface away from the keyboard can also help.
Additionally, you can experiment with noise reduction settings in your recording software for further improvement.
What can I do to eliminate the interference of my keyboard with the Blue Yeti microphone?
To reduce keyboard noise, consider using a shock mount or isolation mount to isolate vibrations. Take the time to adjust the microphone’s gain to an appropriate level and ensure it is positioned away from the keyboard.
It may also be beneficial to try out noise reduction filters or a windscreen to actively minimize any unwanted background sounds.
Is there a way to boost the microphone volume without capturing background noise?
Yes, you can increase the microphone’s gain or volume in your device settings. However, it is important to be cautious and find a balance as raising it too high can introduce background noise.
To further reduce unwanted sounds, consider implementing noise reduction filters or using a windscreen.
Conclusion
Are you tired of hearing the annoying sound of your keyboard while trying to record audio? Well, fret no more! This comprehensive guide offers a multitude of tactics to help you overcome this pesky issue.
From hardware upgrades to software finesse and even adjusting your typing technique, we’ve got you covered.
By mastering the art of noise reduction, you can ensure that your microphone captures your voice flawlessly while minimizing those distracting keystrokes.
Whether you’re a content creator, streamer, or remote worker, achieving pristine audio is a journey worth embarking on.
So, let’s mute those keys, put these techniques into practice, and let your voice shine through without any clattering sounds. Your audience will be amazed by the crystal-clear audio you provide.
