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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Kavik on Thu, 24 May 2018, 21:54:01

Title: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: Kavik on Thu, 24 May 2018, 21:54:01

I'm mainly concerned about the sound difference between a plate and bare PCB.

Scenario I'm thinking of:
I am not a particular fan of linear switches, but I do like the bottom out sound of SA keycaps on linear switches. Would regular MX blacks still have a bottom out sound without a plate (i.e. does the internal bottom out of the switch produce a noticeable sound. If so, is this sound irrespective of the keycaps)? Or is all of the sound from the keycap striking the plate?

I know that silent switches prevent all bottom out sound by reducing travel distance both inside and outside the switch even with a plate.

Title: Re: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: rich1051414 on Thu, 24 May 2018, 23:05:56

The main positive of a plate, especially in plastic cases, is board flex. The keyboard feels cheap without it, and can bend and creak when push on.

If the case is sturdy enough for no plate, then the board would indeed be quieter, so that would be a positive for some. Also, the plate serves as a barrier between the environment and the PCB, which means they will last.

A plate is a non-required part however, nothing is stopping you from leaving it out, assuming the case doesn't rely on the plate to anchor the PCB. 

Title: Re: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: killyou on Fri, 25 May 2018, 03:46:14

Quote from: Kavik on Thu, 24 May 2018, 21:54:01

[...]
I know that silent switches prevent all bottom out sound by reducing travel distance both inside and outside the switch even with a plate.

I don't think you do. Cherry switches have reduced travel, Gateron silent switches are still 4mm.

Title: Re: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: JianYang on Fri, 25 May 2018, 04:21:45

It's always better with a plate. As said above, no-plate = cheap feel.

Title: Re: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: ag36 on Fri, 25 May 2018, 06:59:21

I feel metal plate is optional with metal case, quieter and damped feel without it. My alps64 and Q100 has no metal plate but with aluminium case and they're fantastic. Also it's easy to mod and lube switches without plate.

Bare pcb with plastic case aren't good.

Title: Re: Plate vs. Bare PCB
Post by: Kavik on Fri, 25 May 2018, 21:08:34

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I will probably forget about this then.

Quote from: killyou on Fri, 25 May 2018, 03:46:14

Quote from: Kavik on Thu, 24 May 2018, 21:54:01

[...]
I know that silent switches prevent all bottom out sound by reducing travel distance both inside and outside the switch even with a plate.

I don't think you do. Cherry switches have reduced travel, Gateron silent switches are still 4mm.

Ok, I didn't know Gaterons are different. I have Cherry MX Silent blacks, and the only sound they make is a very faint rubbing sound.