Keyboard Case Materials Guide

The case material dramatically affects your keyboard’s sound, feel, weight, and price. Understanding materials helps you choose the right keyboard for your needs and preferences.

Why Case Material Matters

Sound Signature

Different materials create distinct sound profiles:

• Aluminum: Deep, solid “thock”
• Plastic: Higher-pitched, lighter sound
• Polycarbonate: Clear, crisp, bright
• Brass: Dense, heavy “clack”
• Wood: Warm, muted, organic

Typing Feel

Material affects how typing feels:

• Rigid materials (aluminum, brass): Firm, consistent, less flex
• Flexible materials (plastic, polycarbonate): Softer, more give
• Dampening materials (wood): Absorbs vibration

Weight

Material determines keyboard weight:

• Aluminum: Heavy (1.5-3 kg)
• Brass: Very heavy (2-4 kg)
• Plastic: Light (0.5-1 kg)
• Wood: Moderate (1-2 kg)

Price

Material impacts cost:

• Plastic: Cheap ($50-100 keyboards)
• Aluminum: Mid to high ($150-400)
• Brass/Polycarbonate: Premium ($300-600)
• Exotic materials: Very expensive ($500+)

Aluminum Cases

Properties

Material: 6063 or 6061 aluminum alloy, CNC-machined or cast.

Weight: Heavy - 1.5-3 kg depending on size and thickness.

Durability: Excellent - resistant to wear, scratches (with anodization), and impacts.

Sound:

• Deep, solid “thock”
• Denser sound than plastic
• Resonant but controlled

Feel:

• Firm, rigid typing experience
• Minimal flex
• Premium, high-quality feel

Types of Aluminum Finishes

Anodized Aluminum:

• Colored through electrochemical process
• Scratch-resistant surface
• Common colors: black, silver, gray, navy, purple, red
• Durable, doesn’t chip

Sandblasted:

• Matte, textured finish
• Hides fingerprints well
• Premium look

Polished:

• Shiny, mirror-like finish
• Shows fingerprints and scratches
• Requires maintenance

E-Coated:

• Paint layer over aluminum
• More color options
• Less durable than anodization (can chip)

Aluminum Pros

• Premium feel and sound
• Durable and long-lasting
• Excellent heat dissipation
• Looks professional
• High resale value

Aluminum Cons

• Expensive ($150-400 for case alone)
• Heavy (not portable)
• Can feel harsh without dampening
• Shows scratches/dents if dropped
• Cold to touch in winter

Best For

• Custom builds
• Premium prebuilts (Keychron Q, GMMK Pro, Mode)
• Office/professional use
• Enthusiasts who value build quality

Plastic Cases (ABS/Polystyrene)

Properties

Material: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or polystyrene plastic, injection-molded.

Weight: Light - 0.5-1 kg.

Durability: Moderate - can crack if dropped, yellows over time (ABS).

Sound:

• Higher-pitched
• Can sound hollow if not dampened
• Light, clacky sound

Feel:

• Flexible, softer typing experience
• Can feel cheap if thin plastic
• Some premium plastic cases feel solid

Plastic Pros

• Cheap ($50-100 keyboards)
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to manufacture (mass production)
• Wide variety of designs
• No cold touch

Plastic Cons

• Lower build quality feel
• Can sound hollow
• Yellows with UV exposure (ABS)
• Less durable (cracks if dropped)
• Lower resale value

Best For

• Budget keyboards (Keychron C-series, Royal Kludge)
• Portable keyboards (travel, office)
• Beginners testing mechanical keyboards
• Those who prioritize weight savings

Polycarbonate (PC) Cases

Properties

Material: Polycarbonate plastic, more premium than ABS.

Weight: Moderate - 0.8-1.5 kg.

Durability: Good - more impact-resistant than ABS, doesn’t yellow easily.

Sound:

• Bright, clear, crisp
• Distinctive “poppy” sound
• Higher-pitched than aluminum

Feel:

• Some flex (depends on thickness)
• Softer than aluminum, firmer than cheap plastic
• Smooth surface

Polycarbonate Variants

Frosted/Clear Polycarbonate:

• Translucent, shows internal components
• Popular for RGB lighting
• Unique aesthetic

Tinted Polycarbonate:

• Colored but semi-transparent
• Smoked, blue, purple options

Opaque Polycarbonate:

• Solid color, looks like plastic
• Less common

Polycarbonate Pros

• Unique sound signature (bright, poppy)
• Impact-resistant
• Doesn’t yellow easily
• Aesthetic variety (clear, frosted, tinted)
• Good for showcasing RGB

Polycarbonate Cons

• Expensive for plastic ($200-400)
• Sound signature polarizing (love it or hate it)
• Shows fingerprints (clear/frosted)
• Less premium feel than aluminum

Best For

• Enthusiasts wanting unique sound
• RGB showcases
• Those who prefer lighter, brighter sound
• Custom builds with aesthetic focus

Brass Cases/Weights

Properties

Material: Brass metal, CNC-machined or cast.

Weight: Very heavy - 2-4 kg (brass is denser than aluminum).

Durability: Excellent - resistant to damage.

Sound:

• Dense, heavy “clack”
• Deep, authoritative sound
• Maximum resonance and richness

Feel:

• Extremely firm and rigid
• No flex whatsoever
• Premium, substantial feel

Brass Pros

• Ultimate premium feel (heaviest option)
• Unique, dense sound
• Develops patina over time (aesthetic)
• Maximum stability (doesn’t slide)

Brass Cons

• Extremely expensive ($300-600+ for case)
• Very heavy (not portable)
• Develops patina (some dislike)
• Requires polishing to maintain shine
• Overkill for most users

Best For

• Collectors
• Enthusiasts chasing unique sound
• Desk-only keyboards (not portable)
• Those who want maximum weight/stability

Brass Weights (Not Full Case)

What They Are: Brass weight inserts added to bottom of aluminum or plastic cases.

Purpose:

• Increase weight and stability
• Improve sound (adds density)
• Premium aesthetic

Common in:

• Custom keyboards (Mode, Satisfaction75, Ikki68)
• Premium prebuilts

Wood Cases

Properties

Material: Hardwood (walnut, maple, oak, bamboo), CNC-milled or hand-crafted.

Weight: Moderate - 1-2 kg depending on wood type.

Durability: Good - resistant to impact but can scratch.

Sound:

• Warm, muted, organic
• Less resonance than metal
• Natural dampening
• Unique character per keyboard

Feel:

• Soft, comfortable typing experience
• Natural vibration absorption
• Warm to touch

Wood Pros

• Unique, warm, organic sound
• Beautiful aesthetics (grain patterns)
• Natural dampening (no hollowness)
• Warm, pleasant to touch
• Each board is unique

Wood Cons

• Expensive (hand-crafted, limited production)
• Requires maintenance (oil, polish)
• Can warp with humidity changes
• Heavier than plastic, lighter than metal
• Limited availability

Best For

• Aesthetic-focused users
• Those who want natural, warm sound
• Desk setups with wood furniture
• Unique, artisan builds

Acrylic Cases

Properties

Material: Laser-cut acrylic layers, stacked and screwed together.

Weight: Light to moderate - 0.7-1.5 kg.

Durability: Fragile - can crack if dropped.

Sound:

• Bright, high-pitched
• Hollow if not dampened
• Unique layered aesthetic

Feel:

• Flexible (depends on layer thickness)
• Can feel cheap if thin
• Transparent aesthetic

Acrylic Pros

• Showcases PCB and switches (transparent)
• Unique layered aesthetic
• Good for RGB (light diffusion)
• DIY-friendly (laser cutting accessible)

Acrylic Cons

• Fragile (cracks easily)
• Can feel cheap
• Hollow sound signature
• Scratches easily
• Lower durability

Best For

• DIY builds
• RGB showcases
• Budget custom builds
• Aesthetic experimentation

Exotic/Rare Materials

Carbon Fiber

Properties: Lightweight, extremely strong, expensive.

Sound: Unique, deep, muted.

Use: Rare, limited production keyboards.

Copper

Properties: Similar to brass but develops green patina.

Sound: Dense, warm, rich.

Use: Very rare, collector’s items.

Marble/Stone

Properties: Extremely heavy, cold to touch, unique aesthetic.

Sound: Deep, dead sound (minimal resonance).

Use: Artisan keyboards, one-offs.

3D-Printed (PLA, Resin)

Properties: Customizable, DIY-friendly, variable quality.

Sound: Depends on material and thickness (usually hollow).

Use: DIY projects, prototyping, budget customs.

Case Material Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Material

For Budget ($50-100)

Plastic (ABS)

• Cheap, widely available
• Acceptable sound with dampening

For Mid-Range ($100-200)

Aluminum or Polycarbonate

• Premium feel and sound
• Best value for quality

For Premium ($200-400)

Aluminum (thick, gasket-mounted)

• Excellent build quality
• Professional sound and feel

For Enthusiast/Custom ($400+)

Brass, polycarbonate, wood, or exotic materials

• Unique sound signatures
• Aesthetic and collectible value

For Sound Preference

Want deep “thock”:

• Aluminum (thick cases)
• Brass weights

Want bright “clack”:

• Polycarbonate
• Acrylic
• Thin aluminum

Want warm, muted:

• Wood
• Dampened aluminum

For Portability

Need lightweight:

• Plastic (ABS, polycarbonate)
• Thin aluminum

Desk-only keyboard:

• Thick aluminum
• Brass
• Wood

Case Thickness and Sound

Thin Cases (2-3mm walls)

Sound:

• Higher-pitched
• More resonance
• Lighter, less dense

Examples:

• Budget plastic keyboards
• Tofu60 (5-6mm walls, moderate)

Thick Cases (5-8mm walls)

Sound:

• Deeper, denser
• Controlled resonance
• Premium “thock”

Examples:

• Mode Sonnet (thick aluminum)
• Keychron Q-series (moderate thickness)

Ultra-Thick Cases (10mm+ walls)

Sound:

• Maximum density
• Deep, muted
• Heavy, controlled

Examples:

• High-end customs (Keycult, TGR)
• Brass cases

Mounting Systems and Material Interaction

Top Mount (Stiff)

Best Materials:

• Aluminum (firm, controlled typing)

Gasket Mount (Flexible)

Best Materials:

• Aluminum (balanced flex and firmness)
• Polycarbonate (softer, more give)

Tray Mount (Budget)

Best Materials:

• Plastic (common in budget keyboards)

Takeaway

Best overall material: Aluminum (balance of sound, durability, feel)

Best budget material: Plastic (acceptable quality at low cost)

Best unique sound: Polycarbonate (bright, poppy), Wood (warm, muted)

Best premium: Thick aluminum with brass weight

Material matters, but it’s not everything. Mounting system, dampening, switches, and stabilizers also significantly affect sound and feel.

Next Steps

• Sound Profiles Guide - Understand how materials create sound signatures
• Building Guide - Build a custom keyboard with your chosen material
• Modding Guide - Improve sound and feel with mods