In the selection of PCB (printed circuit board), it is especially necessary to pay attention to the PCB plates, because the choice of plate is crucial to the stability, durability, and use experience of the product. For many electronic devices, PCB plates are both the basis for structural support and part of ensuring electrical performance. Whether in mechanical keyboards, industrial electronic equipment or daily consumer electronics, different application scenarios have different needs for the performance, weight, flexibility ,and pressure resistance of plates; and the choice of the plate is directly related to the overall quality and service life of the product. So, in this paper, we conduct an in-depth discussion on PCB plates, including the common materials of PCB plates and their application in different fields. We hope this article will help you choose the right PCB plate.
What is a PCB Plate?
A PCB plate is a hard or semi-hard layer placed on the printed circuit board, which is an additional support layer on the circuit board to increase the stability of the circuit board and provide support. In electronic devices, PCB plates can help fix components and reduce bending or deformation of the circuit board. For example, in a mechanical keyboard, the PCB plate aligns the switch and prevents the PCB from bending during use, improving the durability of the keyboard and the typing experience.
Key Functions of PCB Plate
1. Structural support
The primary function of a PCB plate is to provide additional structural support for the circuit board and increase the overall stability of the equipment; In larger or frequently operated equipment, PCB boards can maintain the stability of components and reduce the bending or deformation of the PCB itself. For example, in heavy industrial equipment, PCB plates provide strong structural support, so that PCB plates can be used for a long time without deformation due to vibration or mechanical stress. (The plates buffer the vibration of the equipment and reduce damage caused by harsh environments or high-intensity use.)
2. Enhance durability
The PCB plate enhances the durability of the PCB and the components on it: by providing a strong support surface, dispersing the physical stress and reducing stress concentration at the PCB and component joints (especially in solder joints and tight joint areas). For example, some solder joints will break due to too long use time, resulting in equipment failure. But if there is a plate to provide support, the PCB plate will reduce the pressure on the solder joints, and evenly distribute the pressure, thus effectively protecting these critical connections. This function of the PCB plate extends the service life of the circuit board and components, which is particularly important for electronic products with high-reliability requirements, such as communication equipment and medical equipment.
3. Improve typing experience (mainly for mechanical keyboards)
In the field of mechanical keyboards, the choice of PCB plate is very important, because it has a direct impact on the feel and sound performance of typing; the typing experience of mechanical keyboards made of different materials is different. For example, keyboards made of aluminum and brass sheets often have a crisper sound; while polycarbonate and FR4 keyboards have a softer, deeper tone. You can choose according to your preferences. The PCB plate also increases the stability of the key position and prevents the key from shaking during typing, which improves the user's typing accuracy and brings a more comfortable typing experience.
Common Materials for PCB Plates
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Material
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Description
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Typical Applications
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Aluminum Plate
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high rigidity;
moderate weight
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durable;
easy to process;
crisp sound
|
hard;
lacks flexibility
|
mechanical keyboards;
consumer electronics;
industrial equipment
|
|
Polycarbonate Plate
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lightweight;
high flexibility
|
soft feel;
low noise
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low rigidity;
not suitable for high-support needs
|
custom mechanical keyboards
|
|
Brass Plate
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heavy;
high rigidity
|
unique feel;
crisp sound
|
prone to oxidation;
requires maintenance;
high cost
|
high-end mechanical keyboards
|
|
Carbon Fiber Plate
|
lightweight;
high rigidity;
moderate flexibility
|
lightweight;
durable;
soft sound
|
high cost;
difficult to process
|
high-end custom keyboards;
portable electronic devices
|
|
FR4 (Fiber Reinforced)
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low cost;
good durability;
moderate flexibility
|
high cost-effectiveness;
moderate rigidity and flexibility
|
less rigid than metal plates
|
custom keyboards;
consumer electronics
|
|
Silicon Nitride
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high strength;
high insulation;
heat-resistant
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excellent heat resistance and insulation
|
high cost;
insufficient rigidity
|
high-performance circuits;
industrial electronics;
high-temperature environments
|
Applications of PCB Plates
PCB plates have a wide range of applications in electronic equipment, in addition to the mechanical keyboard, industrial electronic equipment, consumer electronics and medical equipment already mentioned above; There are also PCB plates in automotive electronics, aerospace electronics, communication equipment, smart home equipment, etc.
PCB-Mounted vs. Plate-Mounted Keyboards
|
Comparison
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PCB-Mounted Keyboards
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Plate-Mounted Keyboards
|
|
Structural Features
|
Switches are directly soldered onto the PCB without an additional support plate, resulting in a lighter structure.
|
Switches are mounted on a separate support plate (usually metal or plastic) which is then attached to the PCB, creating a more robust structure.
|
|
Typing Feel
|
Softer feel with some flexibility;
suitable for long typing sessions.
|
Harder, more rigid feel, providing stable feedback;
ideal for users who prefer a firm typing experience.
|
|
Sound Profile
|
Quieter and softer sound;
suitable for low-noise environments.
|
Crisp and bright sound;
with the sound effect influenced by the plate material; different materials provide varied acoustic effects.
|
|
Structural Stability
|
Lower stability;
switches may experience slight wobble.
|
High stability;
as the support plate provides extra fixation points, effectively reducing switch wobble.
|
|
Advantages
|
Lightweight keyboard, easy to install and maintain;
lower cost, Softer typing feel;
ideal for prolonged use.
|
Offers high stability;
reduces wobble.
Crisp, loud sound with a firm feel. Diverse support plate materials offer a unique feel and sound.
|
|
Disadvantages
|
Lower stability may impact PCB lifespan over time;
Not suitable for those who prefer a firm typing experience.
|
More complex structure;
weight and thickness adding;
higher installation cost;
more challenging to maintain;
firmer typing feel;
tailored to specific user preferences.
|
|
Recommended Use
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Users who prefer a lightweight design, softer feel, and quieter typing experience.
|
Users who need high stability, clear sound, and a firm typing feel, especially in larger keyboards or high-frequency use cases.
|
Types of PCBs Used with Plates in Keyboards
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PCB Type
|
Features
|
Suitable Applications
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|
Standard PCB
|
Stable structure;
supports soldered switches;
suitable for most keyboard uses.
|
Keyboards with high durability requirements, like office or programming keyboards
|
High compatibility, stability
|
Requires soldering;
less flexibility
|
|
Hot-Swap PCB
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Equipped with hot-swap sockets, allowing switches to be replaced without soldering
|
Keyboard enthusiasts and custom users who frequently switch switches
|
No soldering required;
high flexibility
|
Limited socket durability
|
|
Flex-Cut PCB
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Special cut design adds flexibility, providing a softer typing feel
|
Keyboard users seeking a softer, more elastic typing feel
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Enhanced elastic feel
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Lower structural strength
|
|
Multi-Layer PCB
|
Multi-layer circuit design supports RGB lighting and programming functions
|
High-end keyboards need RGB lighting and programmable keys
|
Powerful functionality
|
Higher cost;
complex design
|
|
Flexible PCB
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Highly flexible, can bend;
suitable for lightweight or special designs
|
Lightweight office keyboards;
foldable keyboards, and unique designs
|
Lightweight and flexible
|
Relatively lower stability
|
Choosing Suitable PCB Plates
PCB plates can provide structural support for your electronic equipment, enhance the service life of the product, and help fix the components on the PCB board. In the selection of PCB board, the material used, installation and application needs should be taken into account; Different materials and installation methods can affect the durability, stability and use experience of the product. And for the choice of PCB plates for a mechanical keyboard, it is also necessary to consider the material it uses, of course, the most important thing is your preferences. I hope that through the introduction of this article, you can better understand the function and application of PCB plates, so as to choose the PCB plate that suits your needs. If you have a need to assemble your PCBs or want to buy PCB plates, welcome to contact us. We will provide you with the best service!
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