Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Cases
Although mechanical keyboards are more expensive than standard keyboards, with the right maintenance, they may survive for many years. For individuals who want accuracy and speed in their typing, they offer superior comfort and control. Computer input devices used to be standardised on mechanical keyboards. However, as more compact notebook computers were available in the 1990s, their appeal declined. In order to improve their typing experience, professionals and computer fans are now seeing a resurgence of mechanical keyboards. Because of its dependability, tactile feedback, and speed, mechanical keyboards have grown in popularity and are a great option for gamers. The popularity of the gaming sector has skyrocketed; in 2021, there will be 474 million e-sports viewers worldwide, up from 398 million in 2019. Since mechanical keyboards can be modified and have ergonomic characteristics, they are also popular among remote workers. The switches on a mechanical keyboard are its heart, and they have a big impact on how the keyboard feels and sounds. There are a wide variety of switches available, so you should be able to locate one that suits your needs. You could also make fewer mistakes with them because they feel more haptic and sensitive.
Part I: The Basics of Mechanical Keyboard Cases
What is a Mechanical Keyboard Case?
The exterior enclosure that safeguards and keeps the internal components of the keyboard together is called a mechanical keyboard case. A top case and a bottom case are possible components. The kind of wood selected and its preparation determine the case's quality. Walnut, zebra wood, and rosewood are a few popular options. Polycarbonate is ideal for more resonant keyboards, whereas plastic enclosures are typically the least expensive. Aluminum casings provide a higher-pitched typing sound and feel substantial and heavy. Although wooden cases are more costly and need more maintenance, some like them because of their weight and warmth. With a mechanical keyboard, you can type more tactilely and responsively since each key has its own mechanical switch. An actual switch that moves up and down is covered by the plastic keycap, and it may be activated by pushing the key all the way down or only a portion of the way down. You can type more quickly and easily on these keyboards as a consequence. Mechanical keyboard case types that are often used. There are several materials used to make keyboard casings, and each has advantages over the others. Common varieties include acrylic, wood, aluminum, and plastic; due to their lower production costs, plastic and aluminum are the most manufactured forms. Using buttons or keys on a computer keyboard, users may input characters and commands into the computer system.
Materials Used in Keyboard Cases
Plastic, metal, wood, and acrylic are just a few of the materials used to make mechanical keyboard case. The most often used materials are aluminum and plastic since they are less expensive. Although wood mechanical keyboard case and acrylic are more costly, they are a fantastic option for people who value aesthetics in their work environment.
Polymer
Durable and robust enough to hold the keyboard. Nevertheless, plastic casings are not as robust as acrylic or metal cases, and therefore tend to rattle a little when in use. For more resonant keyboards, polycarbonate plastic works best.
Aluminum
Robust, flexible, and long-lasting. According to some, aluminum has a higher level of structural integrity and wear-and-tear resistance than steel. And aluminum mechanical keyboard case provides a higher-pitched typing sound and feel substantial and heavy.
Wood
They are more costly and need maintenance, but many love them because of their weight and warmth.
Acrylic
Though more costly, it's ideal for people who value aesthetics in the office.
Types of Keyboard Cases
There are several varieties of mechanical keyboard cases, such as those made of plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum, wood, and folding folio. Polycarbonate enclosures are better for resonant keystrokes, although plastic cases are typically the least expensive. Aluminum casings may provide a higher-pitched typing sound and are robust, flexible, and long-lasting. Although wooden cases are more costly and need maintenance, some like them because of their weight and warmth. A removable magnetic keyboard tray on folding folio cases allows the keyboard cover to be used as a portfolio case. One recent development in the mechanical keyboard market is the low profile model. The primary distinction, as implied by the name, is height: low profile keyboards have lower keycaps, switches, and casing heights than standard profile keyboards. They are lighter as a result. The primary distinction, as implied by the name, is height: low profile keyboards have lower keycaps, switches, and casing heights than standard profile keyboards. They are lighter as a result. The changeover is the main factor responsible for the discrepancy.
Part II: Choosing the Right Case for You
Considerations for Selecting a Keyboard Case
Polycarbonate is ideal for more resonant keyboards, whereas plastic enclosures are typically the least expensive. Aluminum casings provide a higher-pitched typing sound and feel substantial and heavy. Although wooden mechanical keyboard case is more costly and need more maintenance, some like them because of their weight and warmth. The most popular keyboard sizes are full-size, 60%, 40%, 75%, and tenkeyless (TKL). Every key is present in full size, the number pad is absent in TKL, function keys are shrunk by 75%, navigation and function keys are lost by 60%, and keys are further shrunk by 40%. Choosing a keyboard type can be influenced by two primary factors: the comfort of typing and an organized, functional key layout. To satisfy your demands for comfort, convenience, and typing, have a look at these many kinds of computer keyboards. When it comes to softness, hardness, and density, filler material that falls in the center of the bell curve works best for mechanical keyboards to minimize undesired sounds. Vibrations cannot pass through a material that is too soft, and they cannot be absorbed at all by a material that is too rigid.
Customization and DIY Cases
The following stores provide personalized keyboard cases:
The KeyClicks W-Corne, a 2.4G wireless split ergonomic keyboard, and a mechanical gaming keyboard carry case with a zipper are among the mechanical keyboard cases available on Etsy.
Alibaba.com provides bespoke machining services, such as edm machining, which cuts and penetrates materials using sparks rather than blades.
Goblintechkeys: Offers desk mats, keycaps, and personalized keyboards. By purchasing a chassis, printed circuit board (PCB), plate, mechanical switches, and keycaps, you may also construct your own bespoke keyboard by piecing all the components together.
You may assemble your case using 1.5 to 5 mm layers that are secured together with a number of pass-through bolts and screws. This is highly common since the layers are often cheap to make and simple to design using CAD or vector tools. They can be made of aluminum, wood, acrylic, or other materials using a laser. Purchasing a chassis, printed circuit board (PCB), plate, mechanical switches, and keycaps, then putting everything together to create a typing surface is the simplest method of creating a bespoke keyboard.
Where to Buy Mechanical Keyboard Cases
You may take into account factors like costs, seller support, audience demographics, and special features while selecting a marketplace. Additionally, you may read reviews and converse with other sellers who have dealt with various marketplaces. The following markets are examples that some people suggest: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Melgeek .
Typically, kits including customizable mechanical keyboards are available: Completely put together kits: They are operational right out of the box and have a stock keyboard. You have the option to take it apart and swap out the parts for ones of your choosing. The use of premium stabilizers and switches—cheap switches typically have wider tolerances around the stem—is primarily to blame for this. Yes, bespoke mechanical keyboards can be quite costly, mostly due to the fact that parts are frequently made in smaller batches, but overall, the build quality is superb. But the reward for the expense is creative flexibility. Your first mechanical keyboard need to be a bespoke build if that sounds enjoyable. However, if all you want is a typing or gaming device, a pre-built mechanical keyboard is certainly a better option.
Part III: Enhancing Your Mechanical Keyboard Case
Modding and Customization Tips
A mechanical keyboard may be dampened in three different ways. Installing o-rings, disassembling the keyboard and inserting foam into the base, or placing the keyboard on a desk mat are all options. Replacing any o-rings that are already on your keyboard might also assist to reduce noise from your mechanical keyboard. Where the stabilizer's bottom reaches the contact patch, you may either grease it or cover it with painter's tape. The sports cars of the keyboard world are RGB keyboards. Although not necessary, they are certainly convenient to have. The manufacturer of your device will determine which key you need to use to turn on your keyboard's lighting. But the keys that are most frequently utilized are F5, F9, and F11. Should you press and hold down the Fn key before pressing these keys to light up your keyboard, then press those keys. You may customize the final board far more when you construct your own mechanical keyboard. A custom build may be used to achieve desired characteristics, such as size, appearance, sound, and switch speed. Upgrades to stabilizers, switches, keycaps, and even soundproofing the keyboard to lower noise levels are among the modifications. Custom USB cables are an additional choice for enthusiasts wishing to add a distinctive touch to their system.
Maintenance and Care
The following advice can help you clean the keyboard casing:
Unplug the keyboard from the wall. Unplug the keyboard before cleaning your computer to prevent electrical issues.
Flip it over: To collect debris, place a paper towel or napkin down. To get rid of any crumbs stuck between the keys, shake the keyboard.
Employ a brush: Make use of a keyboard brush, such as a standard toothbrush, little broom, or bottle brush.
Employ an air duster: Also referred to as dusting gas, canned air, or pressurized air, an air duster employs a pressured blast to clear an area of dust and debris. Remove the keys: Take out each key using a keycap remover, and then give them a proper washing with soap and water. Here are some strategies to keep your keyboard case from becoming damaged:
Put a cover over your keyboard. As it is designed to fit the keys on the keyboard, this thin, flexible material is also known as "keyboard skin" or "keyboard condom". It can serve as a barrier against dust, stop keys from wearing out, and keep liquids and crumbs out. A silicone keyboard cover that works with a variety of laptop designs may be purchased. Use standard cellophane tape for packaging.
Cut little bits of clear cellophane tape to the appropriate size for your keyboard, then stick them to the key covers. Before applying the tape, make sure the key tops are clean.
Part IV: Community and Inspiration
Community Resources
One of the most prestigious and well-established forums for mechanical keyboards is Geekhack, which has been around since 2007. If you would want to be informed about upcoming group buys or interest checks, here is a great place to look.
Deskthority: An excellent resource for vintage keyboards.
A contemporary mechanical keyboard forum is called KeebTalk.
One million+ users regularly visit the well-liked subreddit r/MechanicalKeyboards, where you can post your boards, request interest checks, and set up group purchases. A well-liked forum for purchasing and selling switches, keyboards, and other parts related to mechanical keyboards is r/MechMarket.
Case Studies: Unique and Inspiring Builds
Polycarbonate is the ideal material for resonant keyboards; plastic enclosures are often the least expensive.The aluminum mechanical keyboard chassis has a heavy, substantial feel to it, and when you type, the sound is higher pitched. Even though hardwood cases are more expensive and need more maintenance, some individuals like them because of their weight and warmth. Even though I had never built a keyboard from scratch before, this was my first attempt. Many keyboards have previously been customized for me. I've added a microcontroller that can be customized for a Filco Majestouch 2, changed out a few keycaps on an Apple Extended Keyboard II, de-soldered and reassembled the switches on a Das Keyboard 4, and more. I think I still have a solid understanding of the keyboard building process, even if I haven't gone through the complete construction procedure previously. Recently, mechanical keyboards have grown more and more popular because to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos, which show people typing on various keyboards that make appealing noises to the ear.
Conclusion
Proponents of mechanical keyboards assert that the tactile response facilitates faster and more precise typing. You can touch type more easily on the higher keys, which frees your mind from having to focus on the method of what you're doing. Among the mounting options available are sandwich mount, plateless mount, top mount, bottom mount, and tray mount. The material of the mechanical keyboard casings will not affect the keyboard's use or comfort as much as your choice of mounting method. Those that type quickly will find the sound to be rather enjoyable. Upgrades to stabilizers, switches, keycaps, and even soundproofing the keyboard to lower noise levels are among the modifications. Custom USB cables are an additional choice for enthusiasts wishing to add a distinctive touch to their system.
FAQs
- What is the best material for a mechanical keyboard case?
For more resonant typing, polycarbonate is the best material. Aluminum casings have a heavier, more substantial feel to them and provide a higher-pitched typing sound.
- Can I use a mechanical keyboard case with any keyboard?
Most keyboards may be used with a mechanical keyboard enclosure, however certain membrane keyboards may not have the space or arrangement necessary for mechanical switches.
- How do I customize my keyboard case?
You may use a 3D printer, a box of LEGOs, or wood carving skills to create a personalized keyboard cover. A 3D printer with a 60% keyboard print size is usually too large for a bespoke casing, however the enclosure may be divided into smaller sections.
- Where can I find unique keyboard cases?
Fees, seller support, audience demographics, and distinctive characteristics are all taken into account. Additionally, you may read reviews and converse with other sellers who have dealt with various marketplaces. The following markets are examples that some people suggest: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Melgeek.
- Are there any affordable options for high-quality keyboard cases?
Aluminum is a popular and reasonably priced material for keyboard casings due to its strength, light weight, and resistance to corrosion. Although aluminum casings cost more than plastic ones, they feel and look more luxurious.
