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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: asgeirtj on Sat, 25 July 2015, 05:05:29

Title: Steel vs aluminum vs acrylic plate
Post by: asgeirtj on Sat, 25 July 2015, 05:05:29
I've seen some discussions about which plate is best.  What do you guys think is the best plate?  I personally really dislike pcb mount, will that mean that I'd like the hardest plate (steel) the best? 
Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum vs acrylic plate
Post by: azhdar on Sat, 25 July 2015, 05:16:41
I don't know what would be the difference between Steel and Alu, is suppose more solid on the Steel part.

Apparently acrylic comes close to pcb mount, you still feel the flex that pcb mount provide, but with some support from the plate.
Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum vs acrylic plate
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 25 July 2015, 05:28:37
I haven't used aluminum, but steel has at least one advantage, weight. I prefer a keyboard with some heft, it doesn't slide around as much, and feels more solid. In theory, given equal thickness, steel should also be the stiffest.

Acrylic is fine for experimentation, but really, I think it needs some support to be stiff enough unless it's been milled from a thicker plate.

Everyone has their preferred amount of flex.
Me? I stuck a stainless steel plate inside a thick (and heavy) aluminum case.  :))
Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum vs acrylic plate
Post by: Snarfangel on Sat, 25 July 2015, 09:24:34
I wish I could get this plate in steel or aluminum for a reasonable price...
(https://i.imgur.com/ydLXTOG.jpg?1)

Add Cherry MX Reds and a rubber sheet like they have on a Data911
[attach=1]
And voilą! Heavy-duty Toprefied Maltron.  :))