It is a feat to be able to get the perfect streaming content, equipment, and skill. There are many factors that can easily make or break an episode, one of those being keyboard and other sounds overriding the vocal. Streamers need to be given tools to help them perfect the audio.
The main ways a streamer can reduce keyboard noise in their videos are by moving the microphone, messing with audio settings to eliminate background noise, and adjusting the keys on a keyboard to be quieter. There are also manufacturers that make keyboards that are silent.
With this in mind, there are a few additional tips, tricks, and tools that can be implemented to improve a stream. Some of these include investing in good equipment, using proper techniques for streaming, and addressing additional issues with streaming that can easily be avoided.
What is Good Equipment for Streaming?
The first step to improving a stream is making sure that all the equipment a streamer has is of high quality. Sometimes, audio problems like hearing the clicking of a keyboard aren’t due to a bad keyboard.
It can be caused by the location or quality of the microphone. One streamer recommends not getting a microphone that has a USB attachment.
This is problematic because the cord is often very short, and they typically are of cheaper quality. If a microphone is only inches away from a keyboard, that means it is next to impossible to have it not pick up the keyboard sounds. They also recommended using a sound software program like POD farm to modify the sound.
When considering keyboards, most gamers tend to prefer to have switches that are quieter than the others.
Switches are the part of the keyboard that sends signals to the computer when a button is pressed. The crazy thing about switches is the fact that they can be adjusted and personalized.
There are several companies that will sell keys on their own. The best switches are the red or brown switches made by Cherry MX.
There is a minority that enjoys blue switches, but red and brown are much quieter on a mechanical keyboard. It is also cheaper to replace keys than to replace an entire keyboard. Some cheap red switches can be found online.
Another option is to get things called O-rings. O-rings are placed under the key and make the switch quieter. This is the cheapest option but may only dampen the noise instead of eliminating it.
They can come in packs of several hundred. This would probably be the best option to start with financially. Once again you can find a pack of two hundred online!
A streamer might want to avoid taking apart a keyboard and if this is the case, then getting a new keyboard is an option. Mechanical keyboards are usually still preferred when gaming, so the goal is to find a quiet mechanical keyboard.
The main thing to look for when browsing for mechanical keyboards is the kind of switches they are using. Many have red or brown switches and have alternative designs and additions to suit a person’s needs. Amazon is a good place to start!
Other Equipment for Helping Audio Quality
When it comes to streaming you are going to have to deal with other noise alongside your keyboard. You are going to have to worry about background noises from around your house, so with that, you are going to want to have a good microphone, some quality noise-canceling padding, or an application or program that helps filter out the noise.
Microphones
One of the best microphones that you can get is the Blue Yeti X. While on the more expensive side for a start-up streamer, this is a great microphone that has a variety of different settings that can help you filter out background noise while still making your voice crisp and clear to anyone listening.
For a cheaper option, you will want to go with either the HyperX SoloCast or QuadCast microphones. These are both very popular and highly rated microphones for streaming as they are easy to set up and learn how to use while also being cheap and effective.
Noise-Canceling Padding
There are a few things that you should take into consideration when searching for soundproof pads. A great purchase is dependent upon:
- Thickness. When it comes to the thickness you are going to want to have anywhere from 1 to 2 inches in order to prevent outside noise from getting in as well as keep noise inside from getting out, resulting in better sounding audio.
- Patterns. Either wedges or pyramids are going to be the best as they are the most effective shapes to reflect the sound.
- NRC. The “Noise Reduction Coefficient” is the amount of noise that the padding is able to cancel. The higher the NRC is rated, then the more the pad is able to cancel out the excess noise.
Some of the best pads that you can get that are used by both streamers and by musicians are the Mybecca pads. These pads tend to be about an inch thick, helping prevent outside noise, and with the triangular shape, it will help trap noise to help make your voice sound clearer.
Along with that, they come in a variety of different colors and are cheap so you can cover your room to best help your audio for a great price.
Apps or Programs
When it comes to apps or programs eliminating sounds, you likely will have to deal with the fact that most audio editing can only be done afterward. However, when it comes time to edit videos and upload them to a site like YouTube, one of the best apps is AudioFix: For Videos + Volume.
This site has been optimized for iOS 15 meaning you can easily use your phone to edit your videos if you can get to your computer. This app allows you to both amplify and clarify volume along with removing any unwanted noise.
