Custom keyboards typically feature three primary case materials: aluminum alloy, acrylic, and wood. Supplementary materials include PC (polycarbonate), stainless steel, copper, and titanium.
① Aluminum Alloy
Commonly uses 6063 Aluminum Alloy, nicknamed "Aluminum Tank" in Chinese communities.
Properties: High wear resistance, corrosion resistance, excellent oxidation performance, and plasticity.
Manufacturing: Primarily CNC-machined.
② Acrylic
Advantages: Low cost, easy dyeing, simple processing (ideal for beginners).
Disadvantages: Prone to yellowing and warping.
Technique: Usually stacked layers to form cases. CNC acrylic costs more but offers higher strength and better performance.
③ Wood
Common types: Walnut, Cherry wood, Beech, Ash (CNC-shaped into "Wood Tanks").
Price range: Between acrylic and aluminum cases.
User-friendly for newcomers.
① CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
Process: Precisely cuts and carves solid material blocks.
Outcome: High-accuracy production.
② Die Casting
Process: Injects molten metal into molds under pressure.
③ Forging
Simplified explanation: "Think of a blacksmith hammering iron – that’s forging!"
④ Stacking (Acrylic-Specific)
Process: Layers acrylic sheets secured via screws or joinery to form cases.
Custom keyboard kits have fixed angles (no adjustable feet).
Definition: Refers to the typing incline.
Common angles: 6°, 7°, 8°.
Anodizing
Grit levels (e.g., 180/200): Indicates sand particle size – affects texture and feel.
Process: Creates oxide layer on aluminum to absorb dyes.
Traits: Strong metallic gloss, smooth finish, limited colors, high scratch resistance
