Case material
Weight, sound and that premium feel.
The case material drives heft and acoustics. Dense materials like aluminium and brass make a board feel planted and premium and lower the pitch of the sound; plastics keep it light. The case material also interacts heavily with the mounting style and any foam to shape the final sound signature.
CNC-machined aluminium is the enthusiast standard — heavy, rigid and premium, with a deeper sound. Brass weights are often added inside for extra heft.
A semi-translucent plastic prized for a softer, deeper, "marbly" sound and a slightly bouncier typing feel. Great with RGB underglow.
Stacked acrylic layers are endlessly customisable and look fantastic with lighting. Moulded ABS plastic is the lightest, common on entry kits.
Wood looks warm and unique but varies in acoustics. FR4 (the same material as PCBs) is a niche, lightweight choice with a distinctive sound, often used for plates and entry-level boards.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
Machined from a solid billet. Substantial, beautifully finished, and the deepest, most refined sound. The most luxurious feel of the lot.
- Premium heft & rigidity
- Deep, refined acoustics
- Anodised in many colours
- Heavy to travel with
- Shows fingerprints
A favourite for its bouncy feel and mellow, marbly acoustics. Semi-translucent, so it glows beautifully with underglow.
- Soft, deep sound
- Bouncy, forgiving feel
- Glows with RGB
- Less premium heft
- Can flex if thin
Sheets of acrylic stacked together. Endlessly customisable, and stunning with RGB shining through the edges.
- Endlessly customisable
- Spectacular with lighting
- Easy to source
- Can scratch / show fingerprints
- Less "solid" feel
The standard for mass-market and entry kits. Light and perfectly serviceable, if less refined.
- Very light & portable
- Widely available
- Easy to replace
- Hollow-sounding if undampened
- Least premium feel
A wooden case (often walnut or oak) gives a warm, organic aesthetic unlike anything else. Acoustics vary by wood and build.
- Beautiful, unique look
- Warm aesthetic
- Pleasant to the touch
- Acoustics less predictable
- Can warp / needs care
Built from FR4 (fibreglass PCB material), often as a layered "sandwich". Lightweight, with a distinctive clacky sound. Common on DIY and ergo boards.
- Lightweight
- Distinctive sound
- Great for DIY/ergo
- Utilitarian look
- Less rigid than metal