PCB Blog - What is a PCB plate?

A PCB plate is a metal plate connected to the PCB plate used in the keyboard. This plate provides additional support. In addition, the buttons on the keyboard are directly installed on the PCB plate, not the PCB board. In addition, the PCB plate on the keyboard prevents it from bending. This board makes the keyboard more stable and strengthened.

PCB plates are usually used with larger keyboards. This is because it provides more support. In addition, due to the increase in size, the keyboard may bend even more severely. However, some keyboards do not have a PCB plate. The characteristic of modern keyboards is the keyboard board. You can choose not to use a keyboard board to design your keyboard. However, the welding quality will determine the stability of the switch.

Types of PCB plate materials

1. Brass

The brass plate is very hard. In addition, brass is also a good material for making PCB plates. However, if not treated promptly, this material may discolor or oxidize over time. According to some users, brass can be loud and low.

2. Carbon fiber

This plate is very durable Also, it is lightweight and enables flex when typing Therefore, carbon fiber plates offer a bouncing feel.

3. Aluminum

This material is the most common PCB plate. Aluminum plates are commonly used for pre-built keyboards and customization. In addition, aluminum is a usable material. This material is very sturdy and easy to cut. It is a rigid material that does not bend on the keyboard.

4. Polycarbonate

This is a plastic material A polycarbonate plate enables flex and can be bounced when used How, users maintained that this plate features a bass sound.

Application of PCB plate

Plates are majorly used in keyboards. These plates offer additional support when installed on top of the PCB used for keyboards.

Board-mounted switches: These switches require a board. In addition, they have three pins at the bottom. There is a circular knob and two metal pins in the middle. However, they lack stability. This is where steel plates come into play. Therefore, this board stabilizes each switch and minimizes left and right sway as much as possible.

Difference between a PCB-mounted and Plate-mounted Keyboard

Both circuit board installation and PCB installation are characterized by circuit boards. However, the main difference lies in whether the keyboard uses metal plates as support.

PCB mounted keyboard

Using this type of keyboard, key switches will be directly installed on the PCB plate. In addition, the PCB installation keyboard does not require an installation board. This style of installation is ideal for smaller keyboards. However, for larger keyboards, it is not ideal. This is because the result will be a fragile keyboard.

Plate-mounted keyboard

Using a board installation style on a smaller keyboard may not be worth it. However, a board installation is ideal for larger keyboards. In addition, designing a PCB installation keyboard is cheaper because it provides more flexibility. The keyboard installed on a PCB is very easy to modify.

All key switches are installed on one plate. The metal plate is often installed above the PCB plate. In addition, the designer installs the key switch on the board and then welds it onto the PCB. Tablet keyboards usually require more time to design. In addition, this installation method is time-consuming and requires additional costs.

When used with keyboards, PCB plates provide powerful functionality. Their importance cannot be underestimated. However, not all keyboards have this feature. This depends on the size of the keyboard. PCB plates provide stability when used in keyboards.