Among the finest characteristics of today’s keyboards is their capacity to be customized, which gives us a vast range of possibilities with every single keyboard model. While selecting various switch varieties is the most widely used modification since they have the most significant impact on user experience.

Keyboard modification includes keycaps, designs, features, and many other options. Aluminum and Brass are the most common materials used to make keyboard plates, while other materials can also be used.

Every material has various advantages and disadvantages, as you can assume. Thus, choosing one depends on your particular preferences. You can read about both of the materials and then decide to choose one.

Main Difference:

One of the highest-density materials utilized in keyboard plates is Brass, which is recognized for its slight sound, solid feel, and durability. Aluminum, in contrast, side, is the middle ground between heavy and lighter materials, giving it a higher-pitched sound and a gentler, more elastic feeling.

The fundamental distinction is because Aluminum is a lighter material than Brass. Hence Aluminum plate keyboards with comparable sizes weighed considerably less. In addition, Brass Plate Keyboards are more expensive than Aluminum Plate Keyboards.

Aluminum Plate:

Some of the most well-liked mechanical keyboards on the market include aluminum plates. They are recognized for their dependability and their simple, elegant style. A keyboard with an aluminum plate attached to the PCB’s backside is known as an aluminum plate keyboard.

The aluminum plate gives the PCB more stability, preventing it from bending. Additionally, it improves heat dissipation, which may be a problem with some PCBs. Aluminum plate keyboards come in a wide range of forms and sizes.

Pros Of Aluminum Plate:

Strong And Durable:

As a solid and durable substance, Aluminum can’t be easily damaged and can be long-lasting even if you use it daily.

Light Material:

Additionally, because of how light it is, it won’t significantly raise the weight of your keyboard, and you don’t have to worry about overweighting your keyboard.

Heat Dissipation:

Aluminum is excellent for dispersing heat since it has a large thermal conductivity. This is especially essential if you install powerful LEDs or other heat-generating components.

Cons Of Aluminum Plate:

Conductive Material:

You must be cautious not to short-circuit any one of the parts on the keyboard because Aluminum is also a very conductive substance.

Noisy:

Aluminum keyboard plates are overly noisy, in the opinion of some. You might find that out if you consider buying aluminum plates for your keyboard.

Brass Plate:

Even though being extremely brand-new on the market, brass keyboard plates are reasonably well known, and many companies let you switch out the standard aluminum plate for a brass one. But the thing that you should know is that Brass is a more expensive material than Aluminum. Thus the choice will cost more.

Because of their stiffness and more significant function key noises, these keyboard plates fall within the broad categorization. The deeper function keys noises are among a mechanical keyboard’s most often praised features, despite the rigidity irritating for expert typists who prefer to cut their keys out.

Pros Of Brass Plate:

Elegant Look:

With their elegant appearance and quality, brass keyboard plates may give your keyboard a fabulous impression.

Strong And Long-Lasting:

Brass is a strong and long-lasting substance that can survive many use and abuse. So basically, you don’t have to worry about its damage.

Cons Of Brass Plate:

Expensive:

Compared to some of the other materials, like Aluminum, Brass is more costly. But still, it can be worth money if you want to buy it.

Heavy Metal:

A brass plate keyboard may be relatively strong since Brass is a reasonably heavy metal.

Regular Cleaning:

Brass must be cleaned frequently to maintain its best condition because it can oxidize with use.

Brass vs. Aluminum Plate Sound Test:

Contrast Between Brass vs. Aluminum Plate Keyboard:

Sound And Weight:

The typist, while typing, can feel the deep sound of the aluminum plate keyboard along with the lighter weight of the aluminum plates, but there is no such thing with the brass plate keyboard because they make a deep, low-pitched sound with the heavy feel of brass plates while typing.

Comfort:

Keyboard plates made of Brass are often heavier than those made of Aluminum. Therefore there is more probability of sliding and start moving while being used. Due to their reduced weight, aluminum keyboard plates provide more strength and are less likely to move.

Long-Lasting:

Keyboard plates made of Aluminum or Brass can withstand heavy use. Brass plates often have more resistance to bumps and scrapes. On the other hand, Aluminum offers a lot of longevity in plates without significantly increasing the weight of your keyboard.

Cost:

Aluminum is likely to be cheap if compared to Brass. There might be a few dollars difference between the aluminum and brass plates, but if you want to buy, you should. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly does “Thocky keyboard” mean?

If you play it exactly correctly, the rhythm and pulse of the sound will attract you. The well-known keyboard material developer Taeha Kim reveals that “thock” is another term used in the keyboard community to describe the keystroke and its dream-like quality.

Which substance is most suitable for a keyboard plate?

Polycarbonate plates lack the strength and rigidity of aluminum backplates. However, they aren’t as durable as brass backplates and can break if the plate applies significant pressure. The lighter weight of aluminum backplates is also a benefit.

Do linear switches work well with a brass plate?

In comparison to other plate substances, Brass has higher softness due to its extra weight. You will notice that the working area is noticeably lesser elastic when you switch from an aluminum plate. According to a few experts, this softer sensation provides a stable and pleasant bottom out, making it ideal for linear switches.

Are keyboard casings made of aluminum effective?

A popular alternative is aluminum casings, which are often heavy and more durable. These are fantastic choices if you want a solid and reliable case. Compared to plastic equivalents, aluminum enclosures are often less elastic and more rigid.

Conclusion:

It might be challenging to decide between Aluminum and brass keyboard plates, but it’s essential to consider their pros and cons. Brass is a more robust metal that will show damage less readily than Aluminum. It is a softer metal and more sensitive to bumps and marks.

Both metals are durable and lighter, making them suitable materials for keyboard plates. Aluminum can be a better choice if you are concerned about any damage.

If you’re looking for a container that will hold up against damage throughout age, Brass is an attractive option. The appropriate keyboard plate for you depends on your personal choice.