Keyboard profile
There are two main profiles: standard keyboards and low-profile keyboards, where the switches, keycaps, and the keyboard body are as low as possible.
Low-profile keyboards can offer a good typing experience and even decent sound, but they come with limitations. The selection of low-profile switches is very limited, as is the variety of keycaps. Additionally, keycaps for these keyboards are always flat, whereas standard keyboards feature keycaps of varying heights and angled rows to improve typing comfort (more on this in the detailed chapter about keycaps).
If you need a compact, portable keyboard or simply love the aesthetics of low-profile designs, this is likely the right choice for you. For most other users, a standard-profile keyboard is probably the better option.
Case material
The case of mechanical keyboards comes in a variety of materials and designs. Most budget keyboards feature cases made of ABS or another type of plastic, with either an opaque or semi-transparent finish. Other affordable models use acrylic, a plastic material that allows some transparency and better light diffusion for RGB lighting. Higher-end keyboards usually have aluminum or other metal cases, often with an added weight that enhances the design, improves the sound profile, and increases the keyboard’s stability on the desk.
Is a metal keyboard inherently better than a plastic one? Generally, yes — but not always. High-quality aluminum keyboards often provide better acoustics and a more refined sound than plastic ones. That said, premium ABS keyboards can deliver excellent sound, while cheap metal cases might sound unpleasant.
Another factor to consider is the variety of sound-dampening materials included in most keyboards today, which can drastically affect the acoustics. As a general rule, plastic cases tend to produce a deeper thock sound, while metal cases are better for achieving a higher-pitched clack. However, this is just a rule of thumb, and the final result depends on the specific build and materials used.
Mount Style and Typing Flex
The PCB, plate, and keycaps all sit inside the keyboard case, but the way they’re mounted can vary significantly:
Top Mount and Tray Mount were historically common in standard keyboards. In these styles, the PCB and plate are screwed either to the top or bottom of the case. These mounts provide a relatively rigid typing experience with little to no flex. Tray Mount is often considered inferior in both feel and sound, while Top Mount has made a comeback recently, gaining praise for producing richer acoustics.
For a softer and more flexible typing surface, the Gasket Mount design is ideal. It uses relatively soft materials like special foam (Poron) or silicone to isolate the edges of the plate and PCB from the case, reducing vibrations and creating a cushioned feel. However, the term “gasket mount” is often used as a marketing buzzword. Some implementations fail to deliver real flex due to overly stiff gaskets or insufficient space in the case to allow downward movement of the plate. If flexibility matters to you, it’s highly recommended to check reviews of the specific model you’re interested in to ensure the mount provides the desired feel.
A similar method that was popular in the past but has declined in use is the O-ring Mount. This uses rubber or silicone rings to soften the contact between parts, such as the plate and PCB or the case and PCB. It delivers a flexible and quieter typing experience, similar to gasket mounts but with a slightly different sound profile.
Other less common mounting styles include Sandwich Mount where the plate or PCB is clamped between the top and bottom halves of the case; Leaf Spring Mount where the plate is suspended on metal arms, allowing for movement and a softer typing experience; and Spring-Based Mounts — some keyboards use actual springs beneath the plate to add flexibility.
Typing angle and feet
Budget Pre-built keyboards almost always come with adjustable feet — sometimes dual-stage feet that offer two different typing angles. On higher-end keyboards, these adjustable feet are typically absent, meaning the keyboard’s built-in angle is the only one available. Typing angles usually range from 5 to 11 degrees, so it’s worth checking which angle feels most comfortable for you.
USB Port Placement
A small aesthetic detail that matters to some users is the placement of the USB-C port. The ideal location is often at the center of the back side of the keyboard for symmetry, but on many keyboards, the port is shifted to the left or right.
Some models feature a recessed USB port, which might prevent you from using certain cables if their connector is too thick for the cutout. Other keyboards include grooves on the underside, allowing you to route the cable to the right or left, depending on your desk setup.
