Configure OBS Noise Gate to Block Keyboard Clicks

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure the Noise Gate filter in OBS Studio to eliminate distracting keyboard and mouse clicks from your audio feed. You will learn how to access the filter settings, understand the difference between Close and Open thresholds, and fine-tune these levels to ensure your voice remains crystal clear while background noises are completely muted.

Step 1: Add the Noise Gate Filter to Your Microphone

1. Open OBS Studio and locate the Audio Mixer dock.
2. Find your microphone source (usually labeled “Mic/Aux”), click the three dots (or gear icon) next to it, and select Filters.
3. In the new window, click the plus (+) icon in the bottom-left corner of the “Audio Filters” section.
4. Select Noise Gate from the list, give it a name (or leave it as default), and click OK.

Step 2: Identify Your Decibel (dB) Levels

To set the thresholds accurately, you need to measure the volume of your keyboard clicks versus the volume of your voice using the OBS green/yellow/red volume meter.

1. Measure Keyboard Clicks: Stop talking and type aggressively on your keyboard. Watch the microphone’s volume meter in OBS. Note the highest decibel level the meter reaches during typing (for example, -35 dB).
2. Measure Your Speaking Voice: Speak into the microphone at your normal volume. Note the average decibel level your voice reaches (for example, -15 dB).

Step 3: Configure the Threshold Levels

The Noise Gate works using two primary sliders: the Open Threshold and the Close Threshold.

• Open Threshold: This is the volume level required to turn the microphone on. It must be set higher than your keyboard clicks, but lower than your normal speaking voice.
  • Calculation: If your keyboard clicks peak at -35 dB and your voice sits at -15 dB, set the Open Threshold to approximately -25 dB.
• Close Threshold: This is the volume level at which the microphone will turn back off once you stop talking. This should be set slightly lower than the Open Threshold (usually 3 to 5 dB lower) to prevent your voice from being cut off abruptly at the end of sentences, but it must still be higher than your keyboard clicks.
  • Calculation: Using the previous example, set the Close Threshold to approximately -30 dB.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Time Settings

Underneath the threshold sliders, you will see three time-based settings. The default values are generally highly effective, but they can be tweaked for better performance:

• Attack Time (Default: 25ms): This determines how fast the microphone turns on when you speak. Keep this low (10ms to 25ms) so the beginning of your words are not cut off.
• Hold Time (Default: 200ms): This keeps the microphone open for a brief moment after you stop speaking to prevent the gate from closing during natural pauses in conversation.
• Release Time (Default: 150ms): This dictates how gradually the microphone fades out once the volume drops below the Close Threshold. A smooth release prevents an abrupt “choppy” sound.

Test your settings by typing while speaking. If your voice gets cut off, slightly lower both thresholds. If keyboard clicks still activate the microphone when you are silent, raise both thresholds.