If youre in search of an aluminum mechanical keyboard then youve come to the right place.
This makes them favorable to those seeking a more rigid board with unshakeable premium weight.
In this post, we will cover the best aluminum keyboards with either semi or full CNC housing.
What is the best aluminum keyboard?
It has a standard TKL layout with 87 keys and a standard bottom row.
As there is no top piece, the frame reveals the switches as well as floating key-caps.
Unfortunately, the switches are not hot-swappable, like you might expect with this kind of design.
Attached to the top plate is a plastic bottom shell.
This has two rubber feet that provide one level of adjustment.
Although the case is not completely aluminum, the build quality is still high with excellent rigidity.
Due to weighing 1.6lbs, it has a decent amount of weight, as well.
For switches, the board comes with a reliable set of Gateron Reds.
These are linear mechanical switches that require a 45+15 actuation force for a very short 0.6mm pre-travel.
When typing, the short pre-travel guarantees rapid keystrokes to suit a variety of different scenarios.
Lastly, youll appreciate the bright, per-key RGB backlighting that has multiple modes and effects.
Customizing the color configuration can be done on the fly or via the MasterPlus software.
MasterPlus also allows you to record macros, set profiles, and change the keyboard layout.
All in all, its a great bit of kit for the price.
It has a standard TKL layout with 87 keys and just the right amount of spacing on the board.
Despite having no software, it supports secondary FN functions and is compatible with both Windows and Mac layouts.
As far as the build quality goes, its hard to imagine anything better than this.
In between is a reflective steel plate that helps to illuminate the bright LED backlighting.
For switches, the board comes equipped with Cherry MXs.
This particular model features linear Reds; however, there are six other colors to choose from.
On the plus side, the PBT key-caps are excellent.
These are Cherry low-profile keycaps that have contrasting dye-sublimated legends.
Although the backlighting is only white, its a welcome addition that adds to that premium look.
Increasing or decreasing the brightness is performed by holding the FN key plus F5 or F6 respectively.
Moreover, further along are the media keys (F7 to F12) with secondary FN functions.
About half the height of a regular board, it features low-profile switches and shorter low-profile keycaps.
Besides this, it offers cross-platform compatibility as well as both wired/ wireless modes.
Constructed from a two-part aluminum enclosure, the build quality is sturdy and robust.
Stuck to the bottom are four rubber feet that help to raise the board just above the ground.
To help keep the board as thin as possible, the K1 goes for low-profile Gateron mechanical switches.
As a result, you could choose between a clicky, tactile feel or a quieter linear response.
Lastly, the Keychron K1 is lit up by a charming RGB backlight.
Providing the power is a 2000 mAh battery that can last up to 15 hours of charge.
Impressively, it still retains old features such as hot-swap usability and dual-mode connectivity.
Under the case are four rubber feet that balance the board at an 8 angle.
Centered between the top two feet is a wireless on/ off switch.
Moreover, on the back left of the case is a USB throw in-C port.
Similar to the RK61, the RK61 Pros hot-swappable PCB supports both three and five-pin mechanical switches.
Due to using Kailh sockets, Cherry MX style switches or clones are also compatible.
Dual-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0 and wired) is another big plus of the G61 Pro.
Powering this is a decent 1850mAh battery that can last approximately 1 week on a full charge.
Lastly, youll appreciate the beautiful RGB backlight.
The backlight offers 18 RGB modes, eight monochrome modes, plus one full color mode.
Controlling the RGB controls can be done onboard or with the software.
Unfortunately, the software is a bit confusing, however, QMK is an alternative.
It has a compact 68 key layout that includes a full set of arrows plus three navigation keys.
Its so nice in fact that you may even want to attempt to get your hands on another!
For the switches, the Hades 68 is available in several popular Gateron and Cherry MX colors.
These include Silent Browns, Speed Silvers, and Yellows, etc.
The shine-through ABS keycaps are quite thin but they do help to make the backlighting pop.
In terms of backlighting, the board enables up to 16.8m colors and has several RGB modes.
Personally, we think the RGB looks really clean and has some awesome visualization options.
All RGB modes are configurable through the Durgod Heras software.
The software is lightweight yet powerful and provides all the customization you need.
In terms of the build, the AK84S is available in two different aluminum case designs.
These include full aluminum (CNCd from a single block) or an aluminum frame with an ABS bottom.
Both versions have plenty of weight and are strikingly high quality.
The stock stabilizers are surprisingly decent too, sounding quiet out of the box.
On top is a set of GK1 profile PBT key-caps.
Unfortunately, although these are double-shot, they dont allow much backlighting to shine through.
Besides Gaterons, the AK84S is also available in Epomakers own Chocolate switch.
Chocolates come in similar colors as traditional switch types, including: Blues, Browns, and Silvers.
Dual connectivity is another big plus of the AK84S.
That gives you two distinct modes: wired and wireless.
As a result, you might build an intuitive, multitasking workflow.
Powering the rig is a large 4000 mAh battery.
This can last up to 50 hours with the RGB lights on and takes approximately 8-10 hours to charge.
This board stands out for its minimalistic, raised key-cap design with almost no visible branding.
It also happens to be one of the best hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that money can buy.
The large, flat, frame provides a superb modding platform.
Furthermore, the stock keycaps only use thin ABS plastic.
Customizing the RGB backlight is possible onboard or via the software.
The software is super basic but still good enough to get the job done.
Overall, the GMMK TKL is versatile and satisfying aluminum keyboard.
RGB backlighting is another integrated feature with up to 16.8 million colors.
Constructed entirely from metal, the MF108 v3 is built like a tank.
The result is over 5 pounds of solid weight thats not going to budge or bend under any circumstances.
On the bottom of the board are four rubber feet that help to raise the case above the ground.
Towards the middle-back of the underside, you will see a recessed dome-shaped housing for the USB cable.
Unlike the previous versions, the PCB now uses a USB key in-C connection.
Rated for 50 million key-presses, they provide the reliability and accuracy you need.
When combined with the OEM profile PBT key-caps, we found the typing experience to be spectacular.
Due to being double-shot, the key-cap legends allow the RGB to shine through nicely.
Although the LEDs arent insanely bright, theyre still bright enough to do the job.
Overall, the MF108 is a real desk killer that makes an even stronger impression in reality.
It has a standard TKL layout with 87 keys, Cherry MX switches, and PBT keycaps.
Running along each side of the case is a rainbow LED strip that provides subtle RGB accent lighting.
Weighing 6.8 lbs, the AR87 is one of the heaviest keyboards on the market.
Unlike many other inferior boards that use a combination of materials, the AR87 is 100% aluminum.
As a result, you might expect a ridiculous build quality with absolutely no flex whatsoever.
The case itself is comprised of two aluminum slabs.
Together, they secure a bottom-mount plate for stability and consistency when typing.
To help filter any unnecessary noise, sound dampening foam lines the PCB.
This makes it easier to hear the raw and satisfying sounds of the switches.
For switches, the AR87 is available in five popular colors including Blacks, Silent Reds, and Browns.
On top are a set of 1.4mm Cherry profile keycaps.
These are true white in color and look clean with the black dye lettering.
Additionally, Cherry plate-mount stabilizers support the larger caps.
Furthermore, no software is available for the board.
Instead, all secondary functions and side accent lighting customization is achieved by pressing FN function key combinations.
Overall, the AR87 is a gorgeous keyboard that gives you a lot of product for the money.
Significantly shorter than a traditional full-size board, it goes for a space-efficient 1800 layout with 99 keys.
Constructed with a CNC anodized aluminum frame, the build quality is solid and there isnt any flex.
Besides providing plenty of strength, the frame also acts as a built-in switch plate for the PCB.
The PCB itself is entirely hot-swappable and can house a selection of 3-pin mechanical switches.
For switches, the Shift is available in Cherry MXs, Kaihuas, or Halos.
On top are a contrasting set of double shot PBT keycaps.
These have a nice textured feel with attractive, shine-through legends.
Supporting the caps are a set of Cherry style plate-mounted stabs.
RGB backlighting is another prominent feature of the Drop Shift.
A diffused light bar wraps around the entire case and LEDs are soldered into the PCB.
Using the QMK firmware, all of the backlighting and keys are fully programmable.
Although we found the software to be a little primitive, it does perform enough functions.
Is an Aluminum Case Good for a Keyboard?
The metal works well to dissipate heat faster than other metals, protecting internal components from heat damage.
Aluminum offers excellent scratch resistance.
you could achieve different colors through anodization, an electrochemical process that creates the durable, corrosion-resistance finish.
Despite being a metal, aluminum is also easy to work with.
Its about 3 times lighter than steel and lighter than most other metals.
Due to being durable, malleable, and relatively inexpensive, aluminum is a fantastic material for a keyboard.
Unlike plastic, its also easier to recycle, which is considerably better for the environment.
On the whole, keyboards tend to have a more premium feel if they are made from aluminum.
What Aluminum is Used for Keyboards?
The most common types of aluminum used for keyboards are 6061, 6063, and 5052.
Less common types you may still see include 5053, 7075, and 6053.
Aluminum 6061 is the most common and arguably best aluminum punch in for keyboards.
This precipitation-hardened alloy contains magnesium and silicon, and it features strength and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum 6063 shares features with 6061, and it also uses magnesium and silicon as alloying elements.
Its not as popular because its higher melting temperature makes it slightly more difficult to work with.
You also see aluminum 5052 used for keyboards.
Alloying elements like magnesium and chromium give it a better finishing and corrosion resistance.
However, 5052 is much harder to machine and it often isnt worth the extra effort.
We hope you found an aluminum mechanical keyboard on this list.
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