The Functions and Types Of PCB Plates

For the successful and best operation of the circuit boards, many things, such as the components and materials used, make a big difference. A PCB or printed circuit boards are the heart of most electronic devices. However, some materials are also used for making PCB boards or PCB plates. PCB plates are the primary example of such materials. The plate is an essential part of the circuit board. The plate is generally used in keyboard PCBs. In this post, we will talk about all PCB plates and their uses.

What Are PCB Plates?

The PCB mounting plate is a metal plate that is attached to the PCB used in the keyboard. This plate is used to provide extra support. Moreover, the keys on a keyboard are mounted directly onto the PCB plate and not on the printed circuit board directly. Additionally, the PCB plates on the keyboards keep the device from bending. These PCB plates allow keyboards to be more reinforced and stable.

PCB plates are generally used for big keyboards. It is used because it offers more support. Moreover, the keyboard may also flex more due to its bigger size. However, some keyboards do not have a PCB mounting plate. Modern keyboards come with a plate. You can also design your keyboard without a plate. However, the soldering quality determines the stability of the switches accessible on keyboards without plates.

The PCB and its plates are the building block of every keyboard. The keyboard works based on the PCB. Everything on a keyboard starts from the PCB. Like how the motherboard serves as the base of the computer, PCB is the same for the keyboard. The PCB plate will provide additional support when placed at the top of the PCB.

This PCB plate will provide sufficient stability, making the keyboard more robust. Moreover, it keeps the keyboard from flexing.

What Are The Different Types Of PCB Plates Material?

Many materials are used for making the PCB. However, the two most commonly used products are aluminum and brass. The material type you use for the plate depends on the choice. However, it is good to explore the materials and see what is the best option for you. Read the following to learn more about the materials:

• Brass

The brass plate is very rigid. Moreover, brass is the best material for the PCB plate. However, this material tends to oxidize and tarnish over time if not addressed earlier. Some users also stated that brass can be bassy and loud.

• Aluminum

Aluminum is another most common PCB plate material. This material is generally used on pre-built keyboards as well as on the customized keyboard. Moreover, aluminum is a commonly available material. This material tends to provide sturdiness and is easy to cut. It is a solid material that prevents any type of flex on keyboards.

• Carbon Fibre

The PCB plates of Carbon Fibre are robust and lightweight, providing flex when typing. Hence, keyboards with carbon fiber can feel bouncy when typing.

• Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is plastic and enables flex as well as bouncy when used. However, users stated that this plate provides a bassy sound when typed.

What Are The Uses Of PCB Plates?

PCB plates are generally used in keyboards. These PCB plates offer additional support when they are installed at the top of the PCB for the keyboards.

Plate-mounted switches need plates. Moreover, they come with a 3-pin on the bottom. There is a middle circular knob as well as two metal pins. However, they do not come with stabilization pins. This PCB plate stabilizes every switch and reduces the wobbling whenever a key is pressed.

What Is The Difference Between PCB-Mounted and Plate-Mounted Keyboards?

Both PCB mount and plate mount have the circuit board in them. However, the primary difference is whether the keyboard uses or does not use the metal plate for additional support. The following discusses the difference between both keyboards:

• PCB Mounted Keyboard

The key switches are directly mounted onto the PCB with this keyboard type. Moreover, the PCB-mounted keyboard does not need a mounting plate. This style of mounting is the best option for smaller keyboards. However, it is not best for larger keyboards. It is because it can make the keyboard flimsy.

Using the plate mount style on a small keyboard will not be the best choice. However, the plat mount is best for big keyboards. They are also cheaper to make a PCB-mounted keyboard because they offer flexibility. The PCB-mounted keyboards are easy to modify and less costly. Another great thing about this type of keyboard is that they are easy to modify.

• Plate-Mounted Keyboard

In this, all of the key switches are on the plate. The metal plate is generally installed above the PCB. Moreover, the designer mounts the switches on the plate and solders it onto the PCB. The plate-mounted keyboard takes a bit more time to make, and the mounting style can eat a lot of time and needs more investment for production. 

The plate mount is generally for larger keyboards. Moreover, it can be a great option for small keyboards. However, the outcome is also a high-quality keyboard. The mounting plate is challenging to move around. Hence, customization or changes are difficult to make. Hence, it is best to desolder every key switch and resolder them once the modifications are done.

Different Types of PCB Used For Keyboards

Several types of PCBs are used for keyboards, such as:

• Through-Hole PCB

The through-hole PCB is the five-pin PCB. The use of this type of plate for keyboards is optional. The keyboard with this type of PCB comes with build guides. Moreover, when using this type of PCB, the designer will have to solder the components, such as the resistors. It is the ideal choice for advanced keyboard builders with experience in soldering.

• Soldered PCB

Soldered PCB is widely used in customized mechanical keyboards. With the soldered PCB, you will have to solder the switches. Moreover, it is five-pin pockets that allow switches. The soldered PCB can support 5-pin switches.

• Hot-Swappable PCB

This type of PCB is already installed with hot-swap sockets. Moreover, this PCB allows people to install switches without desoldering or resoldering. Hence, it is the best option for beginners. Moreover, people will not have to purchase the soldering equipment. It is also highly beneficial as it will allow people to experiment with different switches

Before choosing the keyboard, whether for typing work or gaming, you must check every specification and component to ensure that you are getting the most efficient product for your use case and get the most smooth experience.

Always know that plate-mounting involves installing the switches onto the metal plate. The switches are then soldered to the circuit board within the plate. It will allow the plate to feel stable and provide a heavier feel. If you want a keyboard that is big and bouncy, know that the keyboard will flex more. 

Conclusion

PCB plates offer greater and more robust functionality when used on keyboards. Their significance cannot be undermined or overlooked. However, not every keyboard has them since it depends on the keyboard’s size. PCB plates provide more stability when they are used in keyboards.