Are Wooden Keyboards Good?

What is A Wooden Keyboard?

Generally, a wooden keyboard refers to a mechanical keyboard with a wooden shell, and some even have wooden keycaps. It is not only a functional input tool but also a product that combines natural aesthetics and craftsmanship design. Additionally, some brands will refer to keyboards with wood trim as wooden keyboards.

And in this blog, we will focus on mechanical keyboards with all-wood shells, because this type of keyboard directly affects two core experiences: typing experience and sound profile.

Pros of Wooden Keyboards

1. Stylish and One-of-a-Kind

Each wooden keyboard is a natural original because each wooden case is one-of-a-kind. We believe that a wooden keyboard can absolutely level up your desk setup. 

Wood’s versatility makes wooden keyboards a great fit for any décor style—whether you prefer vintage charm, minimalist design, or a natural aesthetic.

2. Pleasant Typing Sound

Generally, a wooden keyboard can give a thocky sound. Because the wood is a natural material with tiny fibers and pores, it can absorb vibrations and sound when typing. At the same time, wood with high density can dampen the sound. When you are typing, the wooden keyboard will give each keystroke a deeper and softer tone.

Of course, the sound also depends on other factors, such as the switch type, structural design, and dampening materials. So we can not think, "Wooden keyboards always sound better."

3. Solid, Durable, and Stable

The wood is dense, heavy, and stable, especially for hardwoods such as walnut and maple. The wooden shell makes the keyboard more stable and less likely to slide or wobble.

In addition, the wood has a strong shock absorption ability. When typing, the vibration of the keys will be absorbed, making the typing feel more solid. Of course, it can be affected by the keyboard structure. 

4. Eco-Friendly Option

Wood is a natural material, and options like FSC-certified walnut or bamboo, sourced from sustainable forests, are theoretically more eco-friendly than plastic keyboards, as they’re biodegradable.

Cons of Wooden Keyboards

1. Limited Availability and Options

Wooden keyboards are less common compared to mass-produced plastic keyboards in the market. And there are fewer layout options and limited compatibility with mainstream keyboard kits or brands.

2. Heavier and Less Portable

On one hand, the wooden keyboard tends to be heavier for stability. On the other hand,  the heavier weight makes it less portable. It is not ideal for users who want a portable or travel-friendly setup.

3. Susceptible to Environmental Changes

Wood is a natural material that reacts to temperature and humidity. If it is kept in a humid environment for a long time, it will easily absorb moisture and cause deformation, cracking, and other problems, affecting the service life and performance of the keyboard.

How Do Wooden Keyboards Compare to Other Materials?

When choosing a keyboard, the case material plays a big role in both aesthetics and typing experience. Here's how wooden keyboards stack up against the more common materials: plastic and aluminum.

Aspect	Wood	Plastic	Aluminum
Aesthetics	Warm, natural, unique grain patterns	Functional, but generally less premium	Sleek, modern, often anodized finishes
Sound	Softer, warmer, often “thockier”	Hollow or higher-pitched, varies widely	Crisp sometimes pingy
Durability	Sturdy but sensitive to moisture	Lightweight, flexible, and durable	Extremely durable and rigid
Weight	Heavier and more stable on the desk	Lightweight and portable	Usually very heavy and sturdy
Customization	More limited options	Wide variety of shapes and layouts	Highly customizable/mod-friendly
Cost	Higher due to material and craftsmanship	Generally budget-friendly	Also premium, but mass options available

Wood wins in looks and feel, but plastic offers versatility and affordability.

Aluminum is king for performance and customization, while wood shines in unique design and natural sound.

Who Should Consider a Wooden Keyboard?

A wooden keyboard is ideal for users who value aesthetics, sound, feel, and sustainability over portability and mass-market flexibility.

• Aesthetic-Focused Users: Wooden Keyboard pairs beautifully with minimalist, vintage, rustic, or nature-inspired setups — ideal for creators, designers, and remote workers who want their space to feel calm and intentional.
• Typing Enthusiasts Who Love Unique Sound Profiles: If you're someone who enjoys a warm, dampened, “thocky” sound while typing, a wooden case might offer the exact tone you're looking for. 
• People Looking for a Premium, Handcrafted Feel: Wooden keyboards are often produced in small batches or even custom-made with high quality.
• Stationary Desk Users: If you're building a permanent workspace, a wooden keyboard can serve as both a tool and a design centerpiece.

Akko Wooden Keyboards

MU01 Wooden Keyboard

MI01 is a wooden keyboard launched in 2024. It has become one of our most popular products since its launch.  And these days, we’re introducing the ISO version to meet the needs of more users across Europe and other regions that prefer the ISO layout.

Key Features:

• 65% Layout
• ANSI & ISO Layout
• Premium Wooden Case
• Thocky Switches
• PBT Dye-sub Keycaps
• Gasket Mount

Best For: Users seeking a compact, aesthetically pleasing keyboard with a rich acoustic experience, suitable for typing and general productivity.

MU02 Wooden Keyboard

MU02 have a larger layout with function keys and volume knob enhances usability.

Key Features:

• 75% Layout
• ANSI & ISO Layout
• Premium Wooden Case
• Thocky Switches
• PBT Dye-sub Keycaps
• Gasket Mount

Best For: Users desiring a feature-rich keyboard with additional keys and controls, suitable for both productivity and casual gaming.

 Final: Are Wooden Keyboards Worth It?

Wooden keyboards combine natural beauty, premium craftsmanship, and a uniquely satisfying typing experience that sets them apart from mainstream options. If you value aesthetics and visual uniqueness and like the warm, soft acoustics when typing, a wooden keyboard is absolutely worth considering.