Everything You Need to Know About Brass Keyboard Plates

Looking to upgrade your mechanical keyboard's plate, huh? Well, you've come to the right place. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is an excellent plate material aesthetically and functionally, adding a touch of class to any keyboard build. But how will a brass plate affect my typing experience? This article will break down the benefits of brass and whether it's a good fit for your keyboard needs!

The instant you pick up a brass plate, you will instantly notice its heftier weight. Compared to alternatives like polycarbonate, aluminum, and carbon fiber, brass is incredibly dense and substantial. Once installed, you will feel a noticeable difference in your mechanical keyboard's overall weight. Some users prefer this as it gives your board a more premium feel and keeps it anchored to the desk. Pairing a brass plate with a polycarbonate board may be a good choice if you lack a deskmat and you find your keyboard sliding across the desk during intense gaming sessions.

With brass's added weight comes increased rigidity compared to other plate materials. Transitioning from an aluminum plate, you will feel a notably less flexible typing surface. Some users have claimed that this firmer experience is well-suited for linear switches as it gives a solid and satisfying bottom out. Inversely, tactile switches tend to pair better with softer materials like polycarbonate that accentuate their bump. However, this all comes down to the user's personal preference and the difference in their desired switch of choice.

Brass Plate Installed on a Black Slate GMMK PRO 

Polycarbonate plates tend to produce a deeper sound when used compared to brass's higher frequency. The tone that brass makes has been affectionately referred to as "musical" due to its pleasant and higher-pitched qualities. Like the qualities mentioned above, this boils down to personal preference. Some users prefer the "thock" of a soft polycarbonate plate, but others may find it too loud or hollow for their taste. Additionally, the sound is greatly affected by the keyboard's case composition, environment, switches, case foam, and more.

Last but not least is the look of a brass plate on a keyboard. There is something about the subtle gold look of brass peaking through your keys. While this bolder color may clash with more vibrant builds, brass accentuates the look of clean black or white keyboards, adding that touch of elegance that other materials cannot provide.

There is no denying that brass is an excellent option when deciding which plate material to use. From the classy color to the firmer typing surface, it is truly a unique experience both functionally and aesthetically compared to its counterparts. If you are interested in picking one up for your GMMK PRO, look no further than our web store. We use high-quality brass to produce a plate perfectly suited for your keyboard at an affordable price.

Do you currently use a brass plate? How do you prefer it over aluminum or polycarbonate? What switches do you use on your mechanical keyboard? Let us know in the comments below - we would love to hear from you!