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Back in the 80s when everyone in the office was using one, no one apparently cared or noticed the noise. Though we didn't have everyone hiding behind cans and there was often a bit of a coffee shop lite buzz of background chatter.

I think everyone got over sensitive about it as we all hide behind a playlist.

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> Back in the 80s when everyone in the office was using one, no one apparently cared or noticed the noise.

Remember what the alternative was back then ... a bunch of people using typewriters.

Compared to typewriters these keyboards are a massive improvement in noise.

True, though I was more thinking of the computing context, where what went before might have been a VT100 or 52, maybe a Wyse or IBM.

Wasn't the noise damped somewhat by offices or cubicles and solid desks?

Hmm, heavier desks may have contributed, but at least in my early career I've not had an office -- it was usually 4-8 people per room.

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