In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of materials significantly impacts durability, aesthetics, and user experience. Whether you' re a gamer, a programmer, or a casual typist, understanding keyboard and keycap materials can help you make informed decisions. At MCHOSE, we prioritize material innovation to deliver premium devices like the GX87 and GX87S, both of which are crafted from aluminum. Let' s dive into the common materials used in mechanical keyboards and how they shape your typing journey.
Keyboard Frame Materials
1. Plastic (ABS/Polycarbonate)
Characteristics: Lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile. Plastic is the most common material for budget-friendly keyboards due to its ease of manufacturing and design flexibility.
Pros: Affordable, available in vibrant color options with a smooth, tactile feel that enhances typing comfort.
Cons: Prone to wear and tear over time; less rigid compared to metal frames.
Usage: Found in entry-level keyboards.
2. Metal (Aluminum)
Characteristics: Premium feel with enhanced durability. Aluminum is favored for its balance of strength and weight.
Pros: Superior build quality, heat dissipation, and resistance to deformation.
Cons: Higher cost, heavier weight, and potential interference with wireless signals.
Usage: Common in high-end keyboards like MCHOSE' s GX87S, which combines aluminum top case with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
3. Hybrid Designs
Characteristics: Combines plastic and metal elements to optimize cost and performance.
Pros: Balances affordability with structural reinforcement.
Cons:The texture is not as good as all-aluminum.
Usage:Hall Effect Keyboards that may raise concerns about potential impacts on actuation precision.
Keycap Materials
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Characteristics: Smooth texture and glossy finish. ABS keycaps dominate the market due to their low production cost and vibrant color options.
Pros: Excellent initial tactile feel, smooth, comfortable feel, ideal for RGB backlighting.
Cons: Prone to “shining” (surface wear) over time, leading to a greasy appearance.
Usage: Common in mid-range keyboards but less preferred by enthusiasts.
2. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
Characteristics: Dense, textured surface with a matte finish. PBT is renowned for its longevity and resistance to wear.
Pros: Highly durable, resistant to oils and UV fading, and retains texture even after years of use.
Cons: Higher manufacturing costs and limited color vibrancy compared to ABS.
Usage: Featured in premium keyboards like MCHOSE' s G87, which uses double-shot PBT keycaps for lasting quality.
3. POM (Polyoxymethylene)
Characteristics: Exceptionally hard and smooth, with a self-lubricating property.
Pros: Resistant to abrasion and maintains a sleek feel.
Cons: Limited to darker colors (usually black) and challenging to mold due to high shrinkage rates.
Usage:Keycaps found in specialized keyboards such as capacitive keyboards.
4. PC (Polycarbonate)
Characteristics: High transparency, Excellent impact resistance.
Pros: Resistant to abrasion and maintains a sleek feel.
Cons: The cost is relatively high, and the material is brittle, which may require it to be mixed with other materials for use.
Usage:Suitable for making transparent keycaps or RGB backlit keycaps.
5. Custom Materials (Resin, Metal, etc.)
Characteristics: Used for decorative or limited-edition keycaps. Materials like titanium or resin offer unique aesthetics.
Pros: Unparalleled visual appeal and exclusivity.
Cons: Extremely expensive and impractical for daily use.
Why Material Choice Matters for MCHOSE Keyboards
At MCHOSE, material selection is central to our design philosophy. The MCHOSE G87 exemplifies this with its gasket-mounted structure and PBT keycaps, ensuring a balance of durability and typing comfort. The GX87S features a premium aluminum casing that delivers a sturdy and stylish look. Its internal design includes solid padding for effective sound dampening, providing a pleasurable typing experience. Both keyboards feature hot-swappable switches and multi-layer sound-dampening foam.
Elevate Your Typing Experience
Understanding keyboard materials empowers you to choose a device that aligns with your needs. Whether you prioritize the rugged elegance of aluminum in the G87 and GX87S or the tactile reliability of PBT keycaps , MCHOSE delivers cutting-edge engineering for every user. Explore our products to discover how material excellence transforms everyday typing into an extraordinary experience.
