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Introduction

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, you may come across terms such as Gasket Mount, Top Mount, and Tray Mount. These terms describe how the keyboard's internal plate and PCB assembly are secured inside the keyboard case.

Although mounting styles are not the only factors that determine typing quality, they play an important role in how a keyboard feels and sounds.

Some keyboards are designed to provide a softer, more cushioned typing experience, while others prioritize a firmer and more direct feel.

In this guide, we will explore three popular mechanical keyboard mounting styles, explain how they work, and help you understand which one may suit your preferences.

1. What Is a Keyboard Mounting Style?

A mechanical keyboard is made up of several components, including:

• Case: The external housing that contains the keyboard components.
• PCB (Printed Circuit Board): The circuit board that registers key presses.
• Plate: The structural layer that holds the switches in position.
• Switches: The mechanical components that register keystrokes.
• Foam and cushioning materials: Components that can influence sound and vibration.

The mounting style determines how the internal plate and PCB assembly are supported or attached to the keyboard case.

This affects how the keyboard responds when you press a key, how vibrations travel through the structure, and how much flexibility the internal assembly may have.

The three mounting styles covered in this guide are Gasket Mount, Top Mount, and Tray Mount.

2. Gasket Mount: A Softer and More Cushioned Typing Experience

Gasket Mount is a popular mounting style in modern mechanical keyboards, especially among users who prefer a softer typing feel.

How Does Gasket Mount Work?

In a Gasket Mount keyboard, cushioning materials called gaskets are placed between the plate assembly and the keyboard case.

Rather than fastening the plate directly to the case with conventional mounting screws, the gaskets provide support and help isolate the internal assembly from the case.

Depending on the keyboard design, the gasket material may be made from silicone, rubber, Poron, or other cushioning materials.

Main Characteristics

1. Softer Typing Feel

The gasket material provides cushioning between the internal assembly and the case. This can create a softer and more forgiving typing experience.

2. Reduced Direct Vibration Transfer

Because the internal assembly is supported by cushioning materials, some vibrations are isolated from the keyboard case.

3. Potentially More Flexibility

Depending on the plate material, gasket placement, and internal construction, the plate assembly may have some room to flex under typing pressure.

Advantages

• Cushioned and potentially softer typing feel
• Can reduce direct vibration transfer to the case
• Offers flexibility in tuning the typing experience
• Popular among enthusiasts who enjoy a more refined typing feel

Disadvantages

• More complex internal construction
• Typing feel depends heavily on gasket material and placement
• Some designs may feel too soft for users who prefer firm feedback

Best for: Users who prefer a softer, cushioned typing experience and enjoy exploring different keyboard feel characteristics.

3. Top Mount: A Firm and Stable Typing Experience

Top Mount is another established mechanical keyboard mounting style. It is often chosen by users who prefer a more stable and consistent typing feel.

How Does Top Mount Work?

In a Top Mount keyboard, the plate is secured to the upper section of the keyboard case using screws.

The plate is therefore supported by the top case rather than being directly attached to the bottom housing.

This creates a relatively stable mounting structure, with the plate held firmly in place.

Main Characteristics

1. Firm Typing Feel

Because the plate is secured to the upper case, the internal assembly generally feels more rigid than a typical gasket-supported design.

2. Consistent Structural Support

The plate is held in position through its mounting points, providing a stable foundation for the switches.

3. Clear and Direct Feedback

Many users prefer the more direct feedback associated with a firm mounting structure.

Advantages

• Stable and secure plate mounting
• Firm and consistent typing feel
• Straightforward structural concept
• Suitable for users who prefer less movement in the plate

Disadvantages

• Generally less cushioned than many gasket designs
• Mounting screws can create more direct structural coupling
• Typing feel may be too rigid for users who prefer a softer experience

Best for: Users who prefer a firm, stable, and direct typing experience.

4. Tray Mount: A Practical and Common Keyboard Structure

Tray Mount is one of the most common mounting styles found in traditional mechanical keyboards, particularly in many entry-level and mainstream models.

How Does Tray Mount Work?

In a Tray Mount keyboard, the PCB assembly is typically secured to mounting posts or standoffs located inside the bottom case.

Screws pass through the PCB or its mounting points and attach the assembly to these posts.

Unlike Top Mount, which secures the plate to the upper case, Tray Mount generally uses the bottom case as the main mounting support.

Main Characteristics

1. Direct Structural Support

The internal assembly is attached to the bottom housing through mounting posts.

2. Firm Typing Feel

Because the PCB assembly is secured at specific points, the typing experience is often relatively firm.

3. Simple Construction

Tray Mount is a practical design that can be relatively straightforward to manufacture and assemble.

Advantages

• Simple and practical internal construction
• Common in affordable mechanical keyboards
• Secure attachment to the bottom case
• Easy-to-understand mounting design

Disadvantages

• Mounting points can create uneven support across the PCB
• Often offers less flexibility than gasket-supported designs
• Typing feel may vary depending on screw placement and internal materials

Best for: Users looking for a practical, reliable keyboard structure, especially in budget-friendly mechanical keyboards.

5. Gasket Mount vs. Top Mount vs. Tray Mount: Key Differences

Here is a quick comparison of the three mounting styles.

Feature	Gasket Mount	Top Mount	Tray Mount
Mounting method	Cushioned gaskets	Plate secured to top case	Assembly secured to bottom-case posts
Typical typing feel	Softer and cushioned	Firm and stable	Firm and direct
Potential flexibility	Often higher, depending on design	Generally limited	Usually limited
Structural complexity	More complex	Moderate	Relatively simple
Main focus	Cushioning and isolation	Stability and support	Practical construction

It is important to remember that these are general characteristics, not absolute rules. Plate material, plate thickness, PCB design, foam configuration, gasket hardness, mounting-point placement, and case construction can all change the final typing experience.

6. Which Mounting Style Should You Choose?

There is no universally best mounting style. The right choice depends on how you want your keyboard to feel.

Choose Gasket Mount If You Prefer:

• A softer and more cushioned typing experience
• Some potential flexibility in the internal assembly
• A design that helps isolate certain vibrations
• A keyboard with a more elaborate internal mounting system

Choose Top Mount If You Prefer:

• A firm and stable typing experience
• Direct feedback when pressing keys
• A plate that is securely attached to the upper case
• A more rigid structural feel

Choose Tray Mount If You Prefer:

• A practical and straightforward design
• A traditional mechanical keyboard structure
• A firm typing experience
• A more cost-conscious keyboard design

7. Does Mounting Style Affect Keyboard Sound?

Yes. Mounting style can influence how vibrations travel through the keyboard and therefore affect its sound profile.

However, mounting style alone does not determine whether a keyboard sounds deep, bright, quiet, or loud.

Other important factors include:

• Plate material: Aluminum, steel, polycarbonate, and other materials can produce different acoustic characteristics.
• Keycap material: ABS and PBT keycaps may produce different sound characteristics depending on their construction.
• Switch type: Linear, tactile, and clicky switches have different sound profiles.
• Case material: Plastic, aluminum, and other case materials influence resonance.
• Internal foam: Different foam configurations can change sound and vibration.
• Keyboard construction: Case thickness, internal spacing, and mounting-point placement all matter.

For this reason, two Gasket Mount keyboards can sound very different, even if they use the same general mounting style.

8. Final Thoughts

Gasket Mount, Top Mount, and Tray Mount each offer a different approach to supporting a mechanical keyboard's internal assembly.

Gasket Mount focuses on cushioning and vibration isolation, Top Mount emphasizes a stable plate attachment to the upper case, and Tray Mount provides a straightforward structure using mounting posts in the bottom case.

Understanding these differences makes it easier to evaluate a mechanical keyboard beyond its appearance, switches, and keycaps.

Ultimately, the best mounting style is the one that matches your preferred typing feel, sound, and overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gasket Mount better than Tray Mount?

Not necessarily. Gasket Mount generally provides a more cushioned structure, while Tray Mount offers a simpler and often firmer construction. The better option depends on personal typing preferences and the keyboard's overall design.

Is Top Mount softer than Gasket Mount?

In many designs, Top Mount feels firmer because the plate is secured directly to the upper case. Gasket Mount uses cushioning materials that can provide a softer feel. However, plate materials and construction can affect the result.

Does Gasket Mount make a keyboard quieter?

Not automatically. Gaskets can help isolate certain vibrations, but the overall sound also depends on switches, keycaps, plate materials, case construction, and internal foam.

Which mounting style is best for beginners?

All three can work well for beginners. Tray Mount is common in straightforward, affordable keyboards, while Gasket Mount and Top Mount offer alternative typing characteristics that users may want to explore as they become more familiar with mechanical keyboards.

Can two keyboards with the same mounting style feel different?

Absolutely. Mounting style is only one part of keyboard design. Plate material, PCB flexibility, gasket hardness, foam, switches, and case construction all contribute to the final typing experience.