Why Do Keyboard Users Love Aluminum Keyboards? A Comprehensive Guide a

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have long held aluminum keyboards in high regard, and for good reason. When discussing aluminum keyboards, it’s essential to understand that the term refers specifically to those with a thick aluminum alloy case. Some models may only have aluminum top plates or thin shells combined with plastic parts, but these don’t count as true aluminum keyboards. For instance, the ATK V75X, NuPhy Halo75, and CHERRY MX3.0S are often mistaken as aluminum keyboards, but they don't fully embody the characteristics of this premium category.

Aluminum keyboards offer three primary advantages over their plastic counterparts: a superior tactile and visual texture, substantial weight, and a higher ceiling for producing quality typing sounds. Let’s delve into these features in detail.

1. Texture

Aluminum’s inherent metallic silver tone lacks polish on its own, so it undergoes surface treatments to achieve the smooth finish and variety of colors that users have come to expect. The most common surface treatments for aluminum keyboards include spraying, anodizing, and electrophoresis. Among these, anodizing is particularly popular for its ability to retain the metallic sheen while adding color, making the keyboard both visually striking and pleasant to the touch.

This difference in texture between aluminum and plastic keyboards is significant. Aluminum feels cooler, more solid, and overall more premium than plastic. For enthusiasts, the tactile experience of using an aluminum keyboard is one of the most defining aspects of the keyboard.

However, the surface of aluminum keyboards is prone to scratches, making them more delicate compared to plastic models. Even during production and transportation, scratches can sometimes occur. Manufacturers often package aluminum keyboards in protective plastic films to minimize this risk, allowing buyers to inspect for defects upon delivery. It’s recommended to carefully check the surface for any imperfections before unboxing to avoid disputes over potential damage.

2. Weight

Aluminum keyboards are significantly heavier than their plastic counterparts due to the higher density of aluminum alloy. While a typical plastic keyboard might weigh around 1kg, aluminum keyboards often exceed 1.5kg, with some reaching up to 2.5kg. This weight adds a sense of sturdiness and stability, a feature many users appreciate for desktop setups where portability isn’t a concern. The heavier frame keeps the keyboard in place during typing, reducing unwanted movement.

For those who need a more portable keyboard, such as frequent travelers or users who move their setup often, aluminum keyboards may not be the ideal choice due to their heft.

3. Typing Sound

In recent years, the sound of typing has become an important factor in choosing a keyboard, thanks to the growing popularity of short videos showcasing satisfying keystrokes. Aluminum keyboards have an edge in this area because the denser material contributes to a fuller, more concentrated typing sound. In theory, aluminum blocks and enhances sound resonance, offering a more refined auditory experience often described as “HIFI” by enthusiasts.

That said, it’s crucial to note that typing sound isn’t solely determined by the material of the case. The switches, structural design, and internal dampening materials all play critical roles in the final sound profile. While aluminum keyboards tend to have a higher ceiling for achieving excellent sound quality, it’s not a guarantee. Users should not blindly believe that any aluminum keyboard will automatically deliver the best typing experience. It’s just that aluminum cases provide more potential for an enjoyable acoustic profile.

4. Aluminum’s Reputation in the Custom Keyboard Community

Aluminum keyboards have become synonymous with high-end mechanical keyboards, especially in the world of custom builds. Historically, fully customized aluminum keyboards could easily cost $2000 or more, and they were often produced in very limited quantities. The use of aluminum alloy is partly due to its ease of processing in small batches, which is perfect for custom manufacturers that don’t have the resources to invest in expensive molds and plastic injection systems.

Aluminum is highly flexible for CNC (computer numerical control) machining, allowing for intricate designs and rapid adjustments. However, CNC work is labor-intensive and time-consuming, which contributes to the higher cost and lower production volumes for aluminum keyboards.

The Rise of Affordable Aluminum Keyboards in the Mass Market

In the last few years, mass production has brought aluminum keyboards into a more accessible price range. Now, it’s possible to find high-quality aluminum keyboards for between $400 and $600, a fraction of the cost of custom models. This has allowed more users to experience the benefits of aluminum builds without needing to invest in boutique-level products.

Recommended Aluminum Keyboards for 2024

With the growing availability of aluminum keyboards, there are several models worth considering in 2024. These keyboards combine the advantages of aluminum construction with good design and functionality, making them excellent choices for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

1. LUMINKEY Magger 68 HE

The LUMINKEY Magger 68 HE is a 65% layout wired keyboard built for precision and customization, suitable for gamers, office workers, and enthusiasts. Its CNC aluminum alloy case provides durability and a premium feel, with a hot-swappable design that allows easy switch replacement without soldering. Key features include adjustable actuation points from 0.1 to 3.5mm, ultra-low latency of 0.125ms, and a dynamic rapid trigger for faster input recognition. The dual-chip design ensures performance remains stable even with RGB lighting, and the keyboard includes N-key rollover and an 8000Hz polling rate for smooth, responsive keypresses.

2. VARMILO Muse65

The Varmilo MUSE65 keyboard offers a unique design experience with several themes like Aurora, Summit, and Asgard, all inspired by Nordic elements. It features next-generation Gateron Magnetic switches, known for their smooth linear actuation and customizable functions, such as the Rapid Trigger and Dynamic keystroke. Users can precisely adjust the key trigger point from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, enhancing both typing and competitive gaming performance, particularly in FPS titles. The MUSE65 also boasts a CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis and cherry profile PBT keycaps, along with a vibrant UV Glass back panel, emphasizing its premium build quality.

3. AULA M75

The AULA M75 is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard offering three connectivity modes—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB. It features TTC switches and a CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis treated with an anodized finish, providing a sturdy and premium feel. The keyboard's leaf-spring gasket structure and five-layer internal padding offer comfortable typing with soft, elastic feedback. It also comes with OEM-height dual-tone PBT keycaps for durability and ergonomic typing. The M75 supports ultra-low latency with a 3ms response time and includes an 8000mAh battery for long-lasting performance. Dynamic RGB lighting with 16 million colors enhances its appeal.

4. VARMILO Sword68

The Varmilo Sword68 keyboard boasts a precision CNC-machined body made from durable 6063 aluminum with a sleek zircon sand anodized finish. Its 68-key layout balances aesthetics and functionality, offering ABS keycaps for the standard version and PBT keycaps for the themed version, including the maritime-inspired Ariel theme with five-sided sublimation technology. Technically, it features a spring-mounted gasket structure with a 5-layer design, including a gold-plated FR4 plate and PORON core cotton for improved sound and touch. Users can choose from wired (Type-C), 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 4000mAh battery powering dynamic RGB lighting. Weighing 1.5kg, it supports both Windows and MacOS and includes extras like Bluetooth adapters, cables, and resin-dripped prints.

5. CIDOO V98

The CIDOO V98, part of the V series, features a compact 96% layout with 98 keys, offering nearly all the functionality of a full-sized keyboard while maintaining a smaller footprint. Its durable 6063 aluminum case comes in powder-coated or electrophoretic finishes, paired with Cherry profile dyesub PBT keycaps for a retro look and long-lasting durability. Fully compatible with QMK firmware, it allows for extensive customization, while the gasket mount design with five layers of foam ensures a quiet and satisfying typing experience. The hot-swappable PCB comes standard with pre-lubed CIDOO Pearl White Linear switches, and the tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, Type-C USB) is supported by a 4000mAh battery. A rotary knob offers convenient media control.

6. YUNZII AL66

The YUNZII AL66 is a compact 66-key wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a multi-function knob, housed in a CNC-machined aluminum body with a gasket mount structure for enhanced typing comfort. This 65% layout keyboard retains essential function keys, arrow keys, and numbers while freeing up desk space. It supports multi-device connectivity through Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired connections, allowing users to connect up to four devices simultaneously. Equipped with a 4600 mAh battery, it offers up to 90 hours of use. The AL66 includes 14 RGB effects and 8 backlight colors, utilizing south-facing LEDs for improved illumination. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, making it suitable for a range of devices, from laptops to tablets, and is designed to cater to both office productivity and gaming needs.

7. LUMINKEY98

The LUMINKEY98 keyboard offers a customizable and durable typing experience, catering to gamers, office workers, and keyboard enthusiasts alike. Its innovative exchangeable PAD allows for a personalized layout, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed users. Equipped with Sylva switches for a smooth feel, the keyboard features a sturdy construction with a tri-mode hot-swappable PCB and a compact 98% layout. It supports multiple connectivity options—2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired—ensuring compatibility with both Windows and macOS. Low latency across connection types enhances performance, while the LUMINKEY APP allows for easy key remapping and macro creation. Additionally, customizable backlighting and dedicated media controls add to its appeal, making the LUMINKEY98 a versatile choice for various environments.

Conclusion

Aluminum keyboards offer a distinct tactile and visual appeal, enhanced stability from their weight, and a higher potential for achieving premium typing acoustics. While they’ve traditionally been seen as luxury items, mass production has made these keyboards more accessible to a wider audience. When shopping for an aluminum keyboard in 2024, models like the GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1, Ikki68 Aurora, and Mode SixtyFive stand out for their excellent balance of price, quality, and performance.