Norsk
Cart
Your cart is empty, but doesn't have to be..
Your cart is empty, but doesn't have to be..
Many mechanical keyboards, in particular those featuring an aluminum enclosure, incorporate an additional weight or weights. These weights are often made of heavier metals such as brass, copper, or stainless steel. At first glance, it may seem like these add-on weights only purpose is aesthetics, but they have several features that contribute to both performance and user experience. In this short article, we'll take a closer look at what these weights actually do and why they can be useful.
Primarily, a weight can be added for 3 reasons:
Increased stability
One of the most obvious benefits of adding extra weight is increased stability. Heavier keyboards sit more firmly on the desk and are less likely to slip or move during intensive use. This is especially useful for gamers or people who type a lot, where precision and stability are essential.
Sound profile
Since aluminum has a relatively low density and high stiffness, pure aluminum cases will often produce a fairly high-frequent(bright) sound profile when you type on them. The natural frequency of aluminium is usually in the range of hundreds to thousands of Hertz. While, for example, ABS plastic, which is a common material in mass-produced keyboards, has an natural frequency of tens to a few hundred Hertz. Cases made of aluminium, which are not damped in other ways, can often appear with a lot of resonance/reverberation (including what are often referred to as pinging).
By adding a weight made of a denser/heavier metal (e.g., brass or copper), the mass of the keyboard is increased, and the natural frequency of the case is lowered. A keyboard with a brass or copper weight can thus provide a deeper sound profile with less reverberation. And the larger (more massive) the weight, the greater the impact on the sound profile will be.
Aesthetic value
Although the aesthetic appeal of a weight may not be as practical as its other advantages, it remains significant to numerous keyboard enthusiasts. A heavier keyboard feels sturdier and gives a higher quality feel. Often, the weight is integrated into the design in a way that highlights it visually, and gives the board aestetic value (it looks nicer).
Keyboard designers can choose to mount the weight internally (not visible when the board is assembled), or externally to create a more eye-catching design. If the weight is visible, it works as both a functional and aesthetic component.