Ever tapped on a mechanical keyboard and thought, “Wow, this feels amazing”? Or drooled over a slick setup on r/MechanicalKeyboards?
The magic behind that experience comes down to the case material.
We’re spilling all the deets on keyboard case materials: what they are, how they make your board sing, and which one’s right for your desk.
Get ready for a fun, no-jargon deep dive into the world of custom keyboard cases. You’ll be itching to build your dream board.
So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
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What’s a Mechanical Keyboard Case?
Let’s start simple.
A mechanical keyboard case is the outer shell that hugs your keyboard’s insides: switches, plate, PCB (the circuit board), and all. Think of it as the body of your keyboard.
Here’s what the case affects:
- Sound: Some materials make your switches sound like a deep “thock,” others a sharp “clack.”
- Feel: Heavier cases keep your keyboard steady as a rock, while lighter ones feel easygoing.
- Looks: From shiny metal to glowing plastic, the case is your keyboard’s fashion statement.
- Durability: Tough materials shrug off bumps, while others need a bit of babying.
Picking a case material is a big choice!
We go over everything about keyboard switches and how they affect the sound in this article here.
Quick Look at Keyboard Case Materials
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a sneak peek at the seven materials you’ll meet in this guide.
| Material | Weight | Cost | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Light | Wallet-friendly | Decent, but scratches | Budget builds, newbies |
| Aluminum | Medium-Heavy | Mid to high | Very durable | Enthusiast custom boards |
| Steel | Super heavy | High | Near indestructible | Niche, durable builds |
| Brass | Very heavy | Very high | Durable, needs polish | Luxury artisan boards |
| Acrylic | Light | Budget-friendly | Prone to scratches | RGB lovers, budget builds |
| Wood | Medium | High | Good, needs care | Unique, natural aesthetics |
| Copper | Very heavy | High | Durable, oxidizes | Premium, standout builds |
The Keyboard Case Materials You Need to Know
Time to meet the rockstars of keyboard case materials.
We’re breaking down the seven most popular options, complete with what makes them special, their quirks, and who they’re perfect for.
Plastic (ABS, Polycarbonate, etc.)
Plastic is the go-to for budget keyboard cases.
It’s everywhere in entry-level boards. Manufacturers use injection molding to pump out these lightweight shells in every color under the sun, from matte black to bubblegum pink.
It’s a staple in DIY kits for beginners.
Why You’ll Love It: The absurd variety of colors and designs lets you match your case to any keycap set or desk aesthetic.
The Catch: Scratches easily, feels less fancy, and isn’t as tough as metal.
Best For: Newbies starting their keyboard journey or anyone keeping costs low.
Fun Fact: Plastic’s flexibility makes it a favorite for mass-produced keyboards, but enthusiasts usually swap it out for premium materials as they level up.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the sleek, shiny star of premium keyboard cases.
Crafted through CNC machining and anodizing, it’s durable and comes in colored finishes like silver, black, or even vibrant blues. You’ll find aluminum in high-end custom kits.
It’s a darling of the r/MechanicalKeyboards crowd for its balance of style and substance.
Why You’ll Love It: Its modern, professional look elevates your desk to CEO status.
The Catch: More expensive, adds noticeable weight, and can feel cold to the touch.
Best For: Enthusiasts ready to splurge on a custom keyboard that screams quality.
Trend Alert: Anodized aluminum cases are hot for their color options. You can coordinate with keycaps for a cohesive setup or even match your drip like this guy here.
Steel
Steel is the tank of mechanical keyboard cases.
It’s super rare and seriously heavy.
Forged for durability, it’s pretty much only used in niche or vintage-inspired boards. The weight and sturdiness make it a cult favorite for those who want a keyboard that feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse.
Why You’ll Love It: Nothing beats steel’s rock-solid durability for a keyboard that lasts forever.
The Catch: Insanely heavy, costly, and tough to track down.
Best For: Hardcore fans chasing a unique, indestructible build.
Niche Appeal: Steel cases pop up in small-batch group buys where enthusiasts hype their heft and retro charm.
Brass
Brass brings serious bling to custom keyboard cases.
This dense metal (often polished to a golden shine) is usually used for weights or bottom plates but sometimes stars as a full case in ultra-luxury builds.
Its a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love It: The jewelry-like shine turns your keyboard into a desk centerpiece.
The Catch: Eye-watering price, super heavy, and needs regular polishing.
Best For: Artisan keyboards or luxury setups for deep-pocketed enthusiasts.
Community Buzz: Brass is a status symbol in forums like Geekhack. People often pair it with exotic keycaps for maximum flex.
Acrylic
Acrylic is plastic’s flashy sibling.
It’s perfect for RGB keyboard cases. Made through casting or layering, it comes in transparent, frosted, or neon-bright colors.
Enthusiasts love it for budget builds that still pack a visual punch. It’s especially popular in smaller layouts like 60% or 65%.
Why You’ll Love It: Lightweight and portable, it’s easy to carry to LAN parties or coffee shops.
The Catch: Eventually gonna get scratches, less sturdy, and can crack under pressure.
Best For: RGB lovers or budget builders who want a colorful, lightweight board.
Pro Move: Acrylic’s transparency makes it awesome for showing off underglow lighting.
Wood
Wooden keyboard cases are like artisan coffee.
They’re rare, handcrafted, and oh-so-charming. Carved from hardwoods like walnut or cherry, each case rocks unique grain patterns.
You’ll find them in bespoke builds or small-batch projects. They usually command premium prices.
Why You’ll Love It: The organic, handcrafted charm makes each keyboard feel like a piece of art.
The Catch: Expensive, needs careful maintenance, and not as tough as metal.
Best For: Those who want a natural, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Cool Note: Wood cases are a niche favorite for their warm texture. Some makers do custom engravings for extra flex.
Copper
Copper is the hot new trend in keyboard case materials, stealing hearts with boards like the Neo65 Cu.
Its reddish hue and dense build make it a premium choice. Copper is usually used for bottom cases or weights in group buys.
Its got a really unique oxidation process (patina).
Why You’ll Love It: The dynamic patina that develops over time gives your keyboard a custom, lived-in look.
The Catch: Pricey, heavy, and needs care to manage oxidation.
Best For: Enthusiasts chasing a premium, standout build.
Hype Factor: Copper’s rise has r/MechanicalKeyboards abuzz with talk of its warm tones and evolving finish.
Quick Tip: Hop onto keyboard forums to listen to sound tests of these materials paired with different switches.
How Case Materials Affect Typing
So, how do keyboard case materials change the way you type, game, or code?
These materials aren’t just eye candy. They affect sound, feel, and aesthetics in big ways.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Sound
Your mechanical keyboard case is like a sound engineer for your switches:
- Plastic: Tends to sound hollow or high-pitched, especially in thinner cases.
- Aluminum: Delivers a sharp, crisp “clack” that’s clean and precise.
- Copper: Produces a deep, resonant “thock” that’s all the rage.
- Brass and Steel: Lean toward low, thocky tones for a rich, mellow sound.
- Acrylic: Sounds plasticky but softens with thicker or layered designs.
- Wood: Gives a warm, muted tone, like typing on a solid wooden desk.
Denser materials like copper or brass amplify low-frequency sounds, while lighter ones like plastic keep things bright.
Feel
The material’s weight and rigidity affect how your keyboard feels under your fingers:
- Heavy Materials (Copper, Brass, Steel, Aluminum): These make your keyboard feel like a tank, staying put no matter how hard you type.
- Lighter Materials (Plastic, Acrylic): Less weight means a softer, less anchored feel.
- Wood: Sits in the middle. It’s weighty enough for stability but with a smooth, organic touch.
Want a keyboard that doesn’t budge? Go for a heavy metal case.
Prefer something that feels airy? Plastic or acrylic.
Check out our article all about keyboard plates to learn pair the case with the right plate.
AestheticsShine
Here’s how each material looks:
- Aluminum: Sleek and modern. Comes in anodized colors like black, silver, or bold reds.
- Copper: Warm, reddish tones that age into a unique patina for a vintage look.
- Acrylic: Transparent or neon-bright. Perfect for RGB glow or retro aesthetics.
- Wood: Natural and elegant. Different grain patterns make every case unique.
- Brass: Polished, golden, and luxurious. It’s like a Rolex for your keyboard.
- Steel: Rugged and minimalist. Ideal for an industrial setup.
- Plastic: Playful and colorful. There are endless options to match your keycaps.
Pick a material that complements your desk. Whether it’s a glowing gaming setup or a classy office vibe, there’s a right material for you.
We’ll go over more in the next section.
Picking Your Perfect Keyboard Case Material
With all these keyboard case materials, choosing one is like picking a favorite ice cream flavor.
Don’t worry. We’ve got a quick guide to help you find your match:
- Budget: Short on cash? Plastic or acrylic won’t break the bank. Got some extra funds? Aluminum or copper brings the wow factor.
- Typing Preference: Craving a deep “thock”? Copper or brass is your go-to. Want a crisp “clack”? Aluminum’s got you.
- Portability: Need a travel-friendly board? Plastic or acrylic keeps things light. Happy with a desk anchor? Copper or steel adds heft.
- Aesthetics: Match your case to your setup. Copper’s patina screams vintage, acrylic pops with RGB, and aluminum keeps it sleek.
- Skill Level: Just starting? Plastic or aluminum is widely available. Ready to go big? Copper or brass makes a statement.
Hot Tip: Keyboard geeks on r/MechanicalKeyboards often try multiple materials to find their fave. Start with a versatile aluminum or plastic case for a great mix of cost and quality. If your wallet’s feeling bold, a copper case like the Mode SixtyFive (buy once, cry once).
Keeping Your Keyboard Case Looking Fresh
Your mechanical keyboard case needs a little TLC to stay stunning.
Each material has its own quirks, so here’s how to keep it pristine.
Plastic/Acrylic:
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
- Avoid harsh cleaners—they can fog up the finish.
- Use mild soap for tough spots.
Aluminum:
- Clean with a damp cloth and dry well to dodge corrosion.
- Buff minor scratches with metal polish (go easy!).
- Store in a dry place to keep it pristine.
Steel/Brass:
- Polish with a metal cleaner for that mirror shine.
- Keep away from humidity to prevent rust or tarnish.
- Decide if you love the aged look or want to keep it glossy.
Copper:
- Gently clean with a soft cloth to protect the anti-oxidation coating.
- Embrace the patina for a custom look or polish it off with copper cleaner.
- Skip alcohol-based cleaners—they can damage the coating.
Wood:
- Apply wood conditioner every few months to keep it hydrated.
- Avoid water to prevent warping.
- Dust regularly for that natural glow.
Sneaky Trick: Snag a dust cover for your keyboard to shield it from crumbs and dust, especially for fancy materials like copper or wood. A quick clean now and then keeps your case looking brand-new!
Start Your Keyboard Journey
Your keyboard case material is the key to making your mechanical keyboard feel epic and look jaw-dropping.
Whether you pick budget-friendly plastic, glowing acrylic, or trendy copper, your custom keyboard case sets the tone for your typing adventure.
Dig into sound tests on forums like r/MechanicalKeyboards or Geekhack. Go simple with aluminum or plastic to start, or splurge on copper.
Your perfect keyboard is waiting. So what are you waiting for? Grab one of our suggested options and show your setup off to the community!
Loved this guide? Share it with your keyboard crew to spread the case material love!
