user1105: We are trying to organize chess event but the restaurants and coffee shops we asked complain that the sound made by pressing the chess clocks might disturb people.
We could organize the event in a chess club, but coffee shops are better since you can order stuff and have some fun.
We're not going to buy clocks, We're going to borrow whatever chess clubs have for this event. Is it possible to solve this issue?

user13744: There are some nice apps. For example you can use the "lichess" app. Just silent your phone and have fun. I have never used real chess timers.

user7657: I direct a chess club in a library where many of our members play quick chess.  They press the clocks softly, and there is no noise.  If one is slamming the timer, then yes, I agree, that could be disturbing.  But just let everyone know that that's unacceptable, and that should solve the problem.  Also I think there might be a misunderstanding on the shop owners' part.  If you demonstrate to them that the clocks can be used quietly, they shouldn't object. Also, some of our players use the timers on their phones, which are absolutely silent. Maybe the owners are just using the sound issue as an excuse for some other reason that they don't want you there

user-1: 
We are trying to organize chess event but the restaurants and coffee shops we asked complain that the sound made by pressing the chess clocks might disturb people.

I believe that your problem is the attitude of the owners rather than any equipment. I would speak with the owner or staff and explain that the sound made isn't loud at all, certainly when compared to the sounds of people talking.
From industrialnoisecontrol.com, 60 decibels is the volume for:

Conversation in restaurant, office, background music, Air conditioning unit at 100 feet.

Whereas the clocks may be at something like 20 decibels:

Whisper, rustling leaves


1105: <p>We are trying to organize chess event but the restaurants and coffee shops we asked complain that the sound made by pressing the chess clocks might disturb people.</p>

<p>We could organize the event in a chess club, but coffee shops are better since you can order stuff and have some fun.</p>

<p>We're not going to buy clocks, We're going to borrow whatever chess clubs have for this event. Is it possible to solve this issue?</p>
 13744: <p>There are some nice apps. For example you can use the "lichess" app. Just silent your phone and have fun. I have never used real chess timers.</p>
 7657: <p>I direct a chess club in a library where many of our members play quick chess.  They press the clocks softly, and there is no noise.  If one is slamming the timer, then yes, I agree, that could be disturbing.  But just let everyone know that that's unacceptable, and that should solve the problem.  Also I think there might be a misunderstanding on the shop owners' part.  If you demonstrate to them that the clocks can be used quietly, they shouldn't object. Also, some of our players use the timers on their phones, which are absolutely silent. Maybe the owners are just using the sound issue as an excuse for some other reason that they don't want you there</p>
 -1: <blockquote>
  <p>We are trying to organize chess event but the restaurants and coffee shops we asked complain that the sound made by pressing the chess clocks <strong>might</strong> disturb people.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I believe that your problem is the attitude of the owners rather than any equipment. I would speak with the owner or staff and explain that the sound made isn't loud at all, certainly when compared to the sounds of people talking.</p>

<p>From <a href="http://www.industrialnoisecontrol.com/comparative-noise-examples.htm" rel="noreferrer">industrialnoisecontrol.com</a>, 60 decibels is the volume for:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Conversation in restaurant, office, background music, Air conditioning unit at 100 feet.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Whereas the clocks may be at something like 20 decibels:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Whisper, rustling leaves</p>
</blockquote>
