Plate Materials Guide

The keyboard plate lies between the switches and the PCB, and while it may seem minor, it significantly affects how your keyboard feels and sounds. From stiffness and flexibility to acoustics and cost, plate material is a critical part of your build.

1. Aluminium

  • Typing Feel: Medium stiffness. Balanced between firmness and flex.

  • Sound Profile: Produces a bright and resonant "clack." Enhances switch sound.

  • Durability: Highly durable and corrosion-resistant.

  • Weight: Moderate.

  • Price: Moderate – 15 to 40 Euro.

  • Ideal For: Balanced builds seeking a defined sound and medium stiffness.

2. Brass

  • Typing Feel: Very stiff. No flex.

  • Sound Profile: Deep, rich resonance. Very pronounced sound.

  • Durability: Extremely durable, though it can tarnish without treatment.

  • Weight: Heavy.

  • Price: Expensive – 30 to 60+ Euro.

  • Ideal For: Audiophiles and those who want premium aesthetics and sound.

3. Polycarbonate (PC)

  • Typing Feel: Very soft and flexible. Bouncy.

  • Sound Profile: Muted, lower-pitched, and "thocky."

  • Durability: Fair – scratches easily but flexible and hard to break.

  • Weight: Light.

  • Price: Affordable – 10 to 25 Euro.

  • Ideal For: Softer, deeper-sounding builds. Great for long typing sessions.

4. FR4 (Fiberglass Composite)

  • Typing Feel: Medium-flex. Somewhere between PC and aluminum.

  • Sound Profile: Balanced, slightly muted. Subtle but present acoustics.

  • Durability: Very durable and heat-resistant.

  • Weight: Light to moderate.

  • Price: Affordable – 10 to 20 Euro.

  • Ideal For: DIY builders wanting a muted tone and resilience.

5. Carbon Fiber

  • Typing Feel: Very stiff.

  • Sound Profile: High-pitched and airy. Can sound thin without dampening.

  • Durability: Excellent. Extremely strong and light.

  • Weight: Very light.

  • Price: Premium – 25 to 50+ Euro.

  • Ideal For: Lightweight, rigid builds. Portable and performance-focused.

6. POM (Polyoxymethylene)

  • Typing Feel: Slightly flexible. Smooth.

  • Sound Profile: Soft and deep, similar to PC but slightly more crisp.

  • Durability: Good chemical resistance, but surface may scratch.

  • Weight: Light to moderate.

  • Price: Moderate – 15 to 30 Euro.

  • Ideal For: Thocky builds with a softer bottom-out feel.

Summary Table

Material Feel Sound Durability Weight Price (Euro) Best For
Aluminum Medium Bright/Clacky High Moderate 15–40 Balanced feedback and sound
Brass Very stiff Rich/Deep High Heavy 30–60+ Audiophile sound, showpieces
Polycarbonate Very soft Thocky/Muted Medium Light 10–25 Quiet, cushioned typing
FR4 Medium Neutral High Light 10–20 Durable, muted DIY builds
Carbon Fiber Very stiff Bright/Airy Very High Very light 25–50+ Portable, responsive keyboards
POM Soft Soft/Thocky Medium Light 15–30 Deep-sounding smooth builds

If you like this, choose this:

  • Want a muted "thocky" sound? Polycarbonate or POM.

  • Prefer rich resonance? Brass.

  • Need balance and versatility? Aluminum or FR4.

  • Seeking ultra-lightweight performance? Carbon Fiber.