Help! I can't stop practicing with a mute :(

[flashyfingers]

Why does it feel better and safer to have the mute on? I also really do prefer a heavy action, or I guess a slower response...what do you all think?

Maybe it's the amount of hammer vs key counterweight? I'm not sure what I am saying, because I am speaking intuitively. 

[thalbergmad]

I'm not sure what I am saying

You are probably not alone.

Thal

[chopinlover01]

Perhaps because with the mute you don't have to hear yourself, and can work out technical kinks alone.
I'd advise against this, as you're completely ignoring your end goal.

[flashyfingers]

@chopinlover,

True. I often practice without the mute, as well...but with noise canceling or shooting headphones. This probably diminishes the bass tones more than anything, and helps with...

@thal

lol.

[j_menz]

True. I often practice without the mute, as well...but with noise canceling or shooting headphones. This probably diminishes the bass tones more than anything, and helps with...

... relations with the neighbours?

[chopinlover01]

If you're a pianist, often you're bound to piss off your neighbors anyways As long as you're within your legal right, I say, "practice the opening chords to the Tchaikovsky 1 all day!".
Actually, don't. You can only hear a bombastic D flat chord so many times...