Build quality of compact keyboards

[Dali]

School me on build quality geekhack. What compact keyboard has the best build quality? Why?

I have a KBC Poker and I have nothing to complain about the build quality. It's just a PCB with Cherry switches mounted in a plastic case, what more could be asked for? I have nothing to compare it to, so I don't know what makes the build inferior to something like a Model M. The board doesn't flex unless I really try to bend it, and I don't usually bottom out the keys. As far as I'm concerned, the supposedly lacking build quality of the Poker has not negatively affected my typing experience, but then again I don't know what I'm missing.

[alaricljs]

Many feel that build quality is relative to heft, it's the same way with many things.  Cell phone reviews go on about how it's nice and solid feeling in your hand or how it's so light it feels like you're going to break it.  Too much plastic is bad, metal is good.  Whether it affects the function or not people feel good about the idea that you can bludgeon a person with a Model M and it will still work afterward.  I feel that reality should step in:  As long as the keyboard stays where you put it while your typing and the keys do their job while not squirming around you're all set.  Keeping those qualities for a reasonable number of years is the last ingredient.

Thing is, heavier keyboards tend to stay planted better, although a reasonable rubber foot design can go a long way.  Plate mount boards get the win on heft.  Plate mount by default also means the keys are going nowhere when you're typing.  When you bottom out your fingertips bloody well know it.  PCB mount keys can be more forgiving when you're bottoming out but don't have to be.

Honest build quality should point mainly to what's going on where you don't see it.  The quality of the solder joints is important so that down the road you don't wind up with chattering or non-functioning switches.  The way the case is assembled is important since as plastic ages it gets more brittle.  Screws that have been made too tight will wind up snapping something given enough time.