The test
Getting to grips with the two be quiet! keyboards:
A common base, but with different isolation :
Before getting to grips with the keyboards, it’s important to get the basics right. The two keyboards, Lightmount and Darkmount, share a number of common elements. We have the same plastic chassis with an aluminium plate on top, the same double-shot PBT keycaps, and the same choice of switches. As a reminder, neither model comes with a battery – we’re talking about a wired keyboard here.
As for the switches, there are black, tactile and silent switches on one side, and orange linear switches on the other, which are also silent. A nice touch: the choice of colours reflects the brand’s identity.
The two keyboards I received for this test are equipped with silent orange linear switches.
But where things really start to diverge is when it comes to soundproofing. And believe me, it’s not just a small detail.
Light mount :
On the Lightmount, the soundproofing is simple but effective: three layers of foam, basic but well thought out. Frankly, it’s a job well done.
Test carried out with the brand’s orange linear switches, installed on both keyboards to ensure a fair comparison.
Dark Mount:
The Darkmount takes things a step further. Same basic structure, except that the last layer is replaced by an ultra-thick, dense layer of silicone. The result? Ultra-matt, ultra-damped sound. Noise is completely muffled, and that changes everything. Clearly, the silence is astonishing. be quiet! didn’t put its name there by chance.
Here are the three layers that make up the keyboard, with a silicone bottom layer. The numeric keypad has exactly the same layered structure as the rest of the keyboard.
Test carried out with the brand’s orange linear switches, installed on both keyboards to ensure a fair comparison.
But that’s just it… isn’t the soundproofing too good?
That’s a real question. These days, custom has become so popular that almost every brand offers hot-swappable products. And with that, sound feedback becomes a real part of the keyboard experience. There are those who love a dry, slamming sound, and others who want something ultra-quiet. And with the Darkmount, the silence is almost too perfect.
So yes, the production is more than good. But personally, I’m wondering if we’re not losing a bit of the keyboard’s soul in this silence. Wouldn’t it deserve a little more sonic character? A little vibration to bring it to life under your fingers?
Format:
The Light Mount:
When you first pick it up, the Light Mount is 100% classic: fixed, non-modifiable, non-customisable. Of course, you can change the switches and keycaps, but no accessories are supplied, and there’s no possibility of adding any. This is a deliberate choice on the part of the brand: to offer a simple, ready-to-use model, designed for versatile, no-fuss use.
100% is not necessarily the format I prefer. Today, what’s fashionable and what works really well for gaming is clearly the TKL format. It’s more compact, more ergonomic, and above all more practical when you’re playing. After that, some people remain attached to the full-size format, sometimes on principle. And it has to be said that for certain uses in office automation, design and production, the numeric keypad is still ultra-practical. It’s bulkier, of course, but in terms of versatility, it’s still a safe bet.
The Dark Mount:
This is where the DarkMount really stands out. It can be customised. When you receive it, it’s in basic TKL. But thanks to its options, like the detachable numeric keypad, with a part on top that acts as a mini Stream Deck. You can easily switch to a 100% format. And even better: you can choose whether you want the keypad on the left or the right, thanks to its USB-C connection. So you can customise your setup to suit your use: gaming, design, work, etc.
LightMount is all about simplicity. The DarkMount is clearly the à la carte keyboard. Designed to adapt itself to you, not the other way round. And for those who like accessories or need them for professional use. It’s ideal: a keyboard and the equivalent of a Stream Deck in a single product, at a fraction of the cost.
Dark Mount accessories:
The media dock is detachable and can be positioned, as in the photo below, on a USB-C port on either side of the keyboard, to suit your preferences.
The media dock offers a number of options and menus for managing the keyboard’s functions without going through the software. In particular, you can adjust the RGB mode, its intensity and the mapping of the keys.
The ‘Media’ menu also gives you access to an integrated music player, which displays the cover and title of the current track. Dedicated controls allow you to mute, pause, etc… and adjust the volume using the thumbwheel.
The keypad has 8 programmable keys, each with a 140 x 140 screen. Here you can configure your shortcuts, change the images displayed and map the keys with GIFs to suit your needs.
As you can see from the photos, I’ve customised the original images and assigned shortcuts for Spotify, Google Chrome and League of Legends.
The Switches :
Be quiet! keyboards come with a choice of orange linear switches or black tactile switches, both designed for smooth, silent typing.
Pre-lubricated at the factory, these switches limit friction and noise, providing a silent typing experience.
The orange linear model requires an activation force of 45g, ideal for smooth, consistent typing, while the black tactile model requires 55g, with perceptible feedback and no audible clicks.
The keys are made from PA66 nylon to reduce noise, and the POM stem ensures smooth activation. As an added bonus, the stabilisers on the long keys (Enter, Space, etc.) are also lubricated to prevent any unpleasant clicking.
Each switch is 5-pin MX compatible, allowing easy replacement.
The RGB :
Light Mount:
On the Light Mount, there’s a wide RGB strip that runs the entire top length of the keyboard, accompanied by a backlit sound controller located in the top left corner, the multifunction wheel with central button (mute icon) provides quick volume control.
Dark Mount:
The Dark Mount features an RGB band that completely surrounds the keyboard. The numeric keypad shares this same RGB band, perfectly synchronised thanks to its connection with the rest of the keyboard.
I’m not a particular fan of this type of RGB on the two keyboards. In my opinion, it detracts a little from their sober design and the quiet ambience they offer. However, these keyboards are excellent for all-purpose use, and would benefit from a more discreet RGB, in keeping with the brand’s image.
