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Understanding Plate Materials: FR4, PC, or Brass?

The plate you choose changes everything. Learn how different materials affect the stiffness and sound of your board.

Guest December 19, 2025 Published
Cover image for Understanding Plate Materials: FR4, PC, or Brass?
The plate holds your switches, but it also acts as a tuning fork for your keyboard. Choosing the right material is one of the most effective ways to customize your typing experience.

  • Brass: Very stiff, high-pitched, and heavy. This is ideal for those who want a rigid typing feel and a "clackier" sound profile.

  • Polycarbonate (PC): Flexible and soft. This material is a favorite for gasket-mount builds because it allows for more "bounce" and creates a deeper, muted "thud."

  • FR4: The middle ground. Often used for circuit boards, this material offers a balanced flex and a neutral sound profile that works well with almost any switch.

  • Aluminum: The classic standard. It provides a medium-stiff feel and is widely available, offering a clean and crisp sound.

  • Which one is right for you? It depends on whether you prefer flex or firmness in your daily typing.

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