Plates

Plates play a crucial role in creating a personalized and unique typing experience. These plates are an integral part of the keyboard's construction, providing stability and support to the key switches. But they are more than just functional components; they allow enthusiasts to express their individuality by selecting different materials, thicknesses, and layouts. Whether you prefer a satisfyingly solid feel or a subtle flex while typing, custom mechanical keyboard plates offer a delightful playground for customization, enabling you to build a keyboard that truly matches your preferences and style. Let's dive in and explore the diverse world of custom plates!

Materials

Common materials used in custom mechanical keyboard plates and what they offer:

1. Aluminum: Lightweight and durable. Provides a balanced typing experience with a slight flex. Popular choice for a smooth typing feel.

2. Brass: Heavier and more rigid than aluminum. Offers a solid and firm typing experience with minimal flex. Adds a touch of elegance and premium aesthetics.

3. Stainless Steel: Sturdy and heavy. Delivers a firm typing feel with reduced flex. Offers a unique, industrial look.

4. Polycarbonate: Lightweight and flexible. Provides a softer typing experience with noticeable flex. Gives a unique "squishy" feeling to the keyboard.

5. FR4: A type of fiberglass material. Offers a budget-friendly option with moderate rigidity and flex. Commonly used in entry-level custom keyboards.

6. Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and strong. Provides a rigid typing experience with minimal flex. Offers a high-tech and modern appearance.

7. Acrylic: Transparent and lightweight. Allows for a custom look and limited flex, but less durable compared to other materials.

Each material has its own characteristics, and keyboard enthusiasts often experiment with different plate materials to achieve their preferred typing feel and aesthetics.

Layouts

Custom mechanical keyboard plates come in various layouts, each offering a unique typing experience and aesthetic appeal. Some of the common plate layouts include:

1. Full Plate: Covers the entire keyboard for stability.

2. Half Plate: Covers only a portion, allowing different typing experiences.

3. 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, 96%, Full-size: Different compact layouts.

4. Ortholinear: Non-staggered grid layout.

5. Split Keyboards: Separate halves for ergonomics.

6. Ergonomic Layouts: Designed for comfort.

These are just a few examples of the many plate layouts available in the custom mechanical keyboard community.

Flex-cuts

Flex cuts, also known as typing cuts, are deliberate slits or gaps in custom keyboard plates. They add controlled flexibility to the plate, resulting in a softer and more cushioned typing experience, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Users can fine-tune their keyboard's feel by adjusting the number and size of these cuts.

Half Plates

Half plates are a type of custom keyboard plate design that covers only a portion of the keyboard layout, leaving the other half exposed. This allows for different typing experiences and more customization options in keyboard builds. The covered section provides a firm typing feel, while the exposed section offers a softer and more flexible typing experience. It's popular for aesthetics, programmability, and switch compatibility.

Enthusiasts may choose half plates for various reasons:

1. Typing Feel: Some users prefer a softer feel for typing, especially in the function row, where keys are less frequently used for prolonged typing.

2. Aesthetics: Half plates allow for creative and unique keyboard designs, showcasing different materials and layouts.

3. Programmability: Exposing some keys makes them more accessible for remapping and programming, enhancing the keyboard's overall functionality.

4. Switch Compatibility: Certain switch types, particularly those with a 5-pin design, may require an exposed PCB for proper installation, making half plates a practical choice.