Plate Sound?

[Kandza]

Would there be a different typing sound if I were to use an acryllic plate rather than an aluminium one? If so, in what way would it change the sound?
Thanks

[pr0ximity]

Yes there would, it depends on a number of factors including plate thickness, how it is mounted in the case, and the material and space in the case itself.

Tray-mounted plates have less variation in acoustics because they don't move much, thicker plates will dampen sound more, thicker, denser cases also absorb sound.

Feeling will also change, acrylic is softer and will have more give, if it is mounted around the edges and has no supports in the middle.

[Leslieann]

Everything about the plate matters.
Material, shape, how it's attached, what it's attached to, what's inside the case, what the case is on...  Harder, stiffer materials produce a higher pitch, especially if not dampened by something (which is why Filcos can ping). There are ways to change the sound without changing the plate itself, foam in the case, key cap o-rings to dampen impact, softer feet, electrical tape on mounting points,  I even considered putting silicone beads on the plate to add dampening at one point. Anything that deadens case/plate and sound reverberation or prevents it from transferring to other parts of the case/desk will alter it.

My advice, change your plate as a last resort, especially to something as flimsy as Acrylic or Plex will be. Both need under support because the plate thickness alone will not be strong enough, most I've seen that use it for strength, have a thicker plate under it. It's not something easily retrofitted to another case.

[aya3154]

I saw someone give this analogy

Acrylic (always 5mm) is like walking on soft track
Aluminum is like marble floor
Steel is like hard concrete

Forgot if he mentioned about Brass
Depends on what you like really

[ag36]

Aluminium case with thick pcb and no plate feels really good, solid but shock absorbing.

[1Weeb]

Aluminium case with thick pcb and no plate feels really good, solid but shock absorbing.

Does no plate make the switches sound any better? I'm assuming it does since it should have no ping resonating from the spring to a metal plate/case, sorry am noob never heard of no plate :/

[jcoffin1981]

I've only had one board with no plate and that was a Cherry MX 3.0.  I liked the feeling of the PCB absorbing some of the shock.

If the OP is considering changing the plate because of ping, it may make more sense to change the switches that are pinging.  A ping is about the most annoying  sound to me.

[ag36]

I've only had one board with no plate and that was a Cherry MX 3.0.  I liked the feeling of the PCB absorbing some of the shock.

If the OP is considering changing the plate because of ping, it may make more sense to change the switches that are pinging.  A ping is about the most annoying  sound to me.

Lubing should reduce pinging too, silencing clips shou also help. Leopold keyboard are free from pinging because the rubber mat.

Aluminium case with thick pcb and no plate feels really good, solid but shock absorbing.

Does no plate make the switches sound any better? I'm assuming it does since it should have no ping resonating from the spring to a metal plate/case, sorry am noob never heard of no plate :/

Soundwise it's pretty much raw sound from the switch, no resonance no echoing. It only sound good when pcb is very thick and fixed firmly with many screws. My Q100 feel awesome.

[long_qt_pie]

Plate is arguably one of the largest contributors to subtle changes in acoustics (sometimes more than subtle).  It is it’s own niche with its own R&D; subtle things such as switch top opening or non fixed layouts, or even relief cuts will alter the sound.  Material thickness and material as well.  But as most things in this hobby, so much is preference and will be nearly impossible to tell unless you try it out.

[jcoffin1981]

I've only had one board with no plate and that was a Cherry MX 3.0.  I liked the feeling of the PCB absorbing some of the shock.

If the OP is considering changing the plate because of ping, it may make more sense to change the switches that are pinging.  A ping is about the most annoying  sound to me.

Lubing should reduce pinging too, silencing clips shou also help. Leopold keyboard are free from pinging because the rubber mat.

Aluminium case with thick pcb and no plate feels really good, solid but shock absorbing.

Does no plate make the switches sound any better? I'm assuming it does since it should have no ping resonating from the spring to a metal plate/case, sorry am noob never heard of no plate :/

Soundwise it's pretty much raw sound from the switch, no resonance no echoing. It only sound good when pcb is very thick and fixed firmly with many screws. My Q100 feel awesome.

Leopolds are definitely not free from ping.  I have a brand new one with two switches that ping and it drives me nuts. I'm going to replace them.  The padding on the bottom of the board does help to dull the sound I think.  But if the switch pings it pings, and no board design will eliminate this.