When choosing a mechanical keyboard, most of us focus on switches and keycaps, since they directly shape the typing feel and sound. But there’s another factor that matters just as much: the mounting style. Understanding how different mounting styles work—especially if you’re sensitive to sound—can make all the difference in finding a keyboard that truly fits your needs.

On social media, you’ll find countless videos comparing the sound of various keyboards, which can be helpful references. Yet, having a basic grasp of mounting styles allows you to quickly get a sense of a keyboard’s sound and feel just by looking at the product specs—before you even press a single key.

What is Mounting Style?

The mounting style refers to how the plate and PCB are attached to the keyboard case. This design choice has a big impact on typing feel, stability, and sound—making it one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a keyboard.

Different Mounting Styles

①Tray Mount

A tray-mounted keyboard uses screws to secure the PCB directly to the bottom case.

Pros: simple structure, low cost, beginner-friendly, and easy to mod for DIY enthusiasts
Cons: less consistent typing feel, reduced stability, and a harsher, stiffer sound

If you’re just getting into mechanical keyboards and working with a limited budget, the stylish  Womier WD75 makes a great entry-level choice.

②Top & Bottom Mount

A top-mounted keyboard secures the plate directly to the top housing of the case with screws. By contrast, in a bottom-mount design, the plate is attached to the bottom housing instead.

Pros: More stable than a tray mount, provides a firmer, more consistent typing feel

If you enjoy a direct typing response, the Womier SK75 TMR is a great option.

③Sandwich Mount

Sandwich mount, as its name suggests, uses screws that go fully through the bottom housing, plate, and the top housing, securing the plate in the middle.

④Plateless Mount

A plateless mount design removes the plate entirely. The switches are mounted directly onto the PCB without any extra support structure. This gives the keyboard a very unique typing feel and sound profile compared to traditional plate-based builds.

⑤Integrated Plate

An integrated plate means the plate and top housing of the keyboard are integrated into one piece. This mounting style is very stiff and gives the keyboard a solid feel.

⑥gasket mount

A gasket mount places soft gasket materials between the plate and both sides of the keyboard housing. When you press a key, the gaskets act as a cushion, absorbing the impact and giving the keyboard a softer typing feel.

Pros: soft and flexible typing feel, deeper sound

Cons: a more complex structure, higher cost

If you are looking for a soft typing keyboard, with a higher budget, there are lots of options for you on womierkeyboard: Womier SK75, RD75 Pro, ERA75

Comparison

Top-mount and gasket-mount are two of the most common mounting styles in mechanical keyboards today.  What is the difference between them, and how do you know which to choose?

Conclusion:

Gasket mount and top mount can’t be simply judged as better or worse—it really depends on personal preference.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of different mounting styles, we hope this helps you make a more informed choice and find the keyboard that best fits your needs！