In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of keyboard mounting styles, exploring their unique characteristics and benefits.
We’ll cover popular options such as plate-mounted, PCB-mounted, and top-mounted keyboards, as well as less common alternatives like tray-mounted and gasket-mounted keyboards.
By exploring these mounting styles, you’ll gain insights into how they affect typing feel, key stability, and overall keyboard performance. We’ll also discuss the materials commonly used in each mounting style and how they impact durability and sound profile.
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What does mounting mean in Keyboard?
In the context of keyboards, “mounting” refers to the method or style by which the keyboard’s key switches are attached to the keyboard’s housing or case. It determines how the switches are secured and supported within the keyboard structure.
Different mounting styles have unique characteristics that can influence the typing experience, key stability, sound profile, and overall feel of the keyboard.
Some common keyboard mounting styles include top mount, tray mount, bottom mount, integrated plate mount, plateless mount/PCB mount, sandwich mount, gasket mount, and burger mount/O-rings mount.
The mounting style affects factors such as the rigidity of the typing surface, the level of key stability and wobble, the amount of flex or cushioning in the keyboard, and the sound produced when typing.
Each mounting style offers a distinct typing experience, and users often have their preferences based on factors like typing style, desired feedback, and noise level.
Understanding different mounting styles is important when choosing a keyboard as it allows users to select a style that aligns with their preferences and requirements.
It’s worth noting that the mounting style is just one aspect to consider, and other factors such as key switch type, keycap material, and layout should also be taken into account when selecting a keyboard.
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What is a Keyboard Mounting Style?
A keyboard’s mounting style refers to the way in which the PCB (printed circuit board) and plate are secured to the keyboard case. There are a variety of mounting styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The mounting style of a keyboard can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the keyboard. Rigid mounting styles tend to produce a more thocky sound, while flexible mounting styles tend to produce a more clacky sound.
Rigid mounting styles also tend to provide a more solid typing feel, while flexible mounting styles tend to provide a more bouncy typing feel.
What are the types of Keyboard Mounting Styles?
I have explained All types of keyboard Mounting style. So Le’s have a Look.
Tray mount:
This is the simplest and most common mounting style. The PCB is screwed directly into the bottom of the case, and the plate is held in place by the switches. Tray mount keyboards are typically the least expensive, but they also tend to be the least rigid.
Top mount:
This mounting style is similar to tray mount, but the PCB is screwed into the top of the case instead of the bottom. This provides a bit more rigidity than tray mount, but it is still not as rigid as other mounting styles.
Bottom mount:
This mounting style is the opposite of top mount. The plate is screwed into the bottom of the case, and the PCB is held in place by the switches. Bottom mount keyboards are typically less expensive than top mount keyboards, but they are also less rigid.
Integrated plate:
This mounting style is the most expensive and rigid. The plate is integrated into the case, so there is no need for a separate plate. This results in a very solid and consistent typing feel.
Plateless mount/PCB mount:
This mounting style removes the plate from the keyboard, leaving the PCB and switches to interact directly with the case. This can result in a more flexible and bouncy typing feel, as well as a slightly different sound profile.
Sandwich mount:
This mounting style is similar to integrated plate, but the plate is held in place by standoffs instead of being integrated into the case. This results in a slightly less rigid typing feel, but it can also help to dampen sound.
Gasket mount:
This mounting style uses gaskets to isolate the PCB and plate from the case. This can result in a very soft and thocky typing feel, as well as a significant reduction in sound.
Burger mount/O-rings mount:
This mounting style uses O-rings to dampen the sound of the switches bottoming out. This can result in a slightly quieter typing feel, but it can also make the switches feel mushy.
Understanding the various keyboard mounting styles allows you to choose the one that best suits your preferences in terms of typing feel, stability, and sound profile. Each style has its own unique benefits.
So take your time exploring and experimenting to find the perfect keyboard mounting style for your needs.
Which Mounting Style is Best?
Top Mount boards are considered one of the best keyboard mounting styles. Because in this design, the plate, which holds the switches, is mounted on top of the keyboard’s housing using screws or standoffs.
This configuration provides several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many keyboard enthusiasts.
One of the key benefits of top mount boards is the balanced typing experience they offer. The plate being secured directly to the top housing creates a firm and stable typing surface.
This stability translates into consistent key actuation, reducing any wobbling or unevenness that can occur with other mounting styles.
Also top mount keyboards often exhibit excellent key stability. The plate’s secure attachment to the housing minimizes any unwanted movement or rattling of the switches during typing, resulting in a satisfying and precise keystroke.
Keep in mind that, top mount boards can have a positive impact on the sound profile of the keyboard. The rigid connection between the plate and housing helps to dampen any potential vibrations or reverberations, leading to a cleaner and crisper typing sound.
Overall, top mount boards have gained popularity due to their balanced typing experience, excellent key stability, improved sound profile, and versatility in customization. If you prioritize stability and a consistent typing feel, a top mount keyboard may be the ideal choice for you.
Why is gasket mount so popular?
Gasket Mounts keyboard are so popular because This design also helps to minimize unwanted sound and resonance. The rubber or silicone gasket acts as a dampener, reducing the reverberation that can occur when typing on other mounting styles.
This results in a more muted and less “pingy” sound profile, which is highly desirable for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Gasket mount keyboards have gained significant popularity among keyboard enthusiasts for several reasons, despite being more complex and expensive to manufacture compared to other mounting styles.
One of the main advantages of gasket mount keyboards is their superior typing experience. The gasket, typically made of rubber or silicone, surrounds the plate and acts as a cushioning layer between the plate and the keyboard case.
This design effectively isolates the plate and switches from the case, resulting in a softer and more pleasant typing feel. The gasket absorbs vibrations and reduces the impact of bottoming out the keys, making typing on a gasket mount keyboard quieter and more comfortable.
Gasket mount keyboards often provide a high level of customizability. The gasket itself can come in various thicknesses and materials, allowing users to fine-tune the typing experience according to their preferences.
By adjusting the gasket properties, such as firmness or thickness, users can customize the level of flex and cushioning in the keyboard, tailoring it to their desired typing feel.
Is the GMMK pro gasket mount?
Yes, the GMMK Pro is indeed a gasket-mounted keyboard. The GMMK Pro is a highly regarded keyboard model that offers a range of premium features and customization options.
One of the defining characteristics of the GMMK Pro is its gasket-mounted key switch mounting plate. The gasket mount design is incorporated into the keyboard’s construction to enhance the typing experience for users.
The gasket, typically made of rubber or silicone, surrounds the key switch mounting plate, providing a cushioning layer between the plate and the keyboard case.
By implementing a gasket mount, the GMMK Pro is able to deliver a softer and more comfortable typing feel. The gasket acts as a dampener, absorbing vibrations and reducing the impact of bottoming out the keys.
This results in a quieter and more enjoyable typing experience, making the keyboard well-suited for those who prefer a more cushioned and tactile response.
Conclusion:
Keyboard mounting styles are a way to customize the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. There are many different mounting styles available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best mounting style for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Some popular mounting styles include tray mount, top mount, gasket mount, and integrated plate. Tray mount is the simplest and most common mounting style, while integrated plate is the most expensive and rigid.
Gasket mount is a newer mounting style that uses gaskets to isolate the PCB and plate from the case, which can result in a very soft and thocky typing feel, as well as a significant reduction in sound.
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