Glossary
A
ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic. Many keyboard cases are made from ABS. Keycaps are usually made from either ABS or PBT. ABS is generally considered lower quality than PBT but has its own unique traits and some perks. ABS keycaps are generally cheaper, smooth and untextured, and quieter when typing. On the downside, their smooth surface can acquire a shiny/greasy appearance over time, they are usually thinner, and wear over time.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a type of plastic that has many of the physical qualities of glass. It is transparent and durable while weighing much less than glass and being more impact resistant. Due to its ability to be transparent, it's a popular choice as a keyboard case material for keyboards with lighting effects. RGB lighting can cause the edges of the case to light up in a cool way.
Actuation Force
Actuation force is a value measured in grams (ie 65g) that determines how much force is required to activate a switch. The lighter the value, the less force is required to activate a switch. Other users prefer switches with a higher actuation force which requires more force to activate the switch. The actuation force of a switch directly affects the typing experience.
Actuation Distance
The actuation distance or actuation point measures how far a switch must travel before it is registered as a keystroke. It is usually measured in millimeters. Actuation distances generally range from 1 to 2.5mm. Some prefer shorter actuation distances as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. Others prefer longer actuation distances that make each keystroke more intentional and distinct.
ADB
Some older Macintosh computers used an Apple Desktop Bus (ADP) connector for keyboards, mice, and other input devices. This was superseded by USB.
Alpha
Alpha refers to characters that are letters. This is the area of a keyboard you use the most.
ALPS
ALPS are a type of switch that was manufactured from the 1980s to the 2010s. Earlier switches are often called "complicated ALPS" because they featured many more parts than other mechanical switches. Their unique construction gives them a unique typing experience. Because they are no longer produced, many ALPS switches are very rare, expensive, and collectable. The stems on ALPS switches are different than the typical Cherry stems, so they are not compatible with most keycaps. Some ALPS clones exist today (switches meant to mimic ALPS switches) such as Matias
ANSI
ANSI is a keyboard layout determining the size and layout of keys. It is called ANSI after the American National Standards Institute. Most keycaps are made to fit an ANSI layout. See the Layouts page for details on how it compares to the ISO layout.
Anti-Ghosting
If more keys than the keyboard is able to register at once are pressed simutaneously, the keyboard may register additional false keystrokes. Anti-ghosting is a feature which prevents this. See key rollover for more information.
Artisan Keycaps
Artisan keycaps are unique keycaps meant to replace single keycaps rather than entire sets. They come in all sorts of materials, shapes, and sizes. Some are handmade, hand-sculpted, and handpainted. Due to their unique natures, they are often more expensive, rare, and collectable. Many keybaord users will replace their escape key with an artisan keycap.
Audible Feedback
Audible feedback is a sound (usually a click) that lets you know when a keystroke has been registered.
AutoHotKey
AutoHotKey is a free, open-source scripting language. Basically, it allows users to remap their keyboards, use keyboard shortcuts to accomplish various tasks on your computer, set up custom auto-correct phrases (ie replace omw with on my way), and a number of other things. Read more about AutoHotKey here and download it here.
Aviator Cable
Aviator cables are USB cables that include an aviator connector in the middle of the cable. This connector allows users to quickly disconnect one keyboard and replace it with another. Mostly, these cables are for aesthetics and luxury. They frequently feature a coiled cord.
B
Blanks
Blanks refer to keycaps without legends on them.
Bottom Out
To bottom out is to press a key as far down as it can go. Some people are of the opinion that you should learn to type without bottoming-out to reduce the amount of fatigue on your fingers. Whether you bottom out when you type or train yourself not to should depend on whatever makes you happiest and most comfortable.
Bottom Out Travel
Bottom out travel is the distance a switch travels before it bottoms out. It is usually measured in millimeters. The bottom out travel distance generally falls between 3.4 and 4mm.
Box Switch
A box switch is a switch whose stem has a box enclosure around the familiar cross-shaped MX-style stem. This box protects the switch from dust and moisture. Apart from having a box, each switch has other properties that make them unique whether or not you're looking for a switch with additional protection.
Buckling Spring Switches
Buckling spring switches have a spring inside their switch. As the switch is depressed, the spring compresses before ultimately buckling and causing a clicky sound. These switches are found on IBM Model F and Model M keyboards.
Bump
On tactile switches, there is a moment of resistance just before a keystroke is registered. Once the switch is depressed past this "bump", they keystroke is registered.
C
Case
The case of a keyboard is its base. Inside the base the PCB (circuit board) is secured. Cases come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials.
Cherry
Cherry is a German company that has been manufacturing computer parts since the 1973. They are best known for creating Cherry MX switches.
Cherry MX
Cherry MX switches are the most common mechanical keyboard switches. Their iconic design features a colored stem which is used to distinguish the type of switch (Cherry reds, Cherry blues, Cherry browns, etc). Most switches replicate the design of Cherry MX switches and are sometimes referred to as "Cherry Clones".
Cherry Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Chiclet Keyboards
Chiclet keyboards are a type of rubber-membrane keyboard. They are named after the candy-coated chewing gum. Chiclet keyboards feature low-travel keys with a little bit of distance between each key, making them look like chiclets.
Clack
The clack of a keyboard is the sound a key makes when it bottoms out.
Click
Many mechanical keyboards feature audible feedback letting the user know when a keystroke has registered. This audible feedback usually comes as a click.
Clicky Switches
Clicky switches are mechanical keyboard switches which make a clicking noise when a keystroke has registered. They also offer tactile feedback, a moment of resistance against depression just before the keystroke is registered.
D
DCS Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Deskmat
Deskmats are similar to mouse pads but they are meant to cover much or most of your desk. Many prefer them because it removes the need to constantly adjust the position of your mousepad. Also, they just look really cool.
Double-shot Molding
Double-shot molding is a method by which keycaps are given a legend. Double-shot keycaps are keycaps made from two different colors of plastic that are molded together. One color is used to create the legend. Around the raised legend, the second color of plastic forms the outer housing of the keycap. In the end you have a keycap with a legend that isn't simply printed on, but is a separate colored plastic. The legends cannot be felt as the user types. As the keycaps wear over time, the legend will not wear off but will instead wear with the outer housing of the keycap. Double-shot keycaps are generally more expensive than other keycaps, but will never fade or chip, look sharper, and come in more colors than other methods.
DSA Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
DSS Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation refers to a method by which keycaps are given a legend. A laser engraves the legend into the keycap. The engraving is then filled with different colored material. This method ensures long-lasting legends. Dye sublimation keycaps are restricteed to fewer color options and only PBT keycaps as opposed to double-shot molded keycaps.
E
Ergodox
Ergodox is a split keyboard layout designed to increase the ergonomics of using a keyboard. Ergodox keyboards be purchased as complete keyboards or you can build one yourself. Learn more here.
Ergonomic
An ergonomic keyboard is a keyboard that is designed to reduce muscle strain, fatigue, and other health problems caused by keyboard use.
F
Family
Family is interchangeable with profile when referring to keycaps. Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Full-Size Keyboard
A full-size or 100% keyboard is a keyboard with 104 keys. It includes the alphanumeric keys and modifier keys featured on most keyboards, the function keys, a number pad, and a few additional keys.
G
Gateron
Gateron is a company which creates switches for mechanical keyboards. Their switches are modeled after Cherry MX keyboards and are compatible with most mechanical keyboards.
Ghosting
If more keys than the keyboard is able to register at once are pressed simutaneously, the keyboard may register additional false keystrokes. This called ghosting. See key rollover for more information.
GMK
GMK stands for Gunther, Meinhardt, and Kredler, the last names of the original founders of a German keycap manufacturing company. They are known for making thick, high-quality, Cherry profile keycaps made from ABS.
H
Heatshrink
Heatshrink is a tubing material that shrinks when heated. Many custom keyboard cables use heatshrink to cover the area where the cable connects to the USB port.
High-Profile Case
High-profile cases are keyboard cases with raised edges which rise up past the bottom of the keycaps in their resting position.
Hot-Swappable
Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to easily swap out and replace switches. Normally, replacing a switch would require disassembling a keyboard, desoldering the old switch, soldering on the new switch, and reassembling the keyboard. Hot-swappable keyboards instead have sockets which the switch pins simply plug into making them extremely simple and quick to replace.
Housing
The exterior of a mechanical switch is largely made up of two pieces, the top and bottom housing. The top housing connects to the bottom housing and protects the interior mechanisms. The only part of a switch exposed through the housing is the stem.
I
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation is a technology corporation that has been around since 1911. Within the mechanical keyboard community, they are well known for some of the keyboards they designed and manufactured in the 1980s, namely the Model F and Model M keyboards.
IBM Model F
The IBM Model F is a keyboard designed and manufactured starting in 1981. It is praised and collected for its unique buckling spring design. Many Model F keyboards are still in use today. Elements of the Model F were later included in the the Model M keyboard.
IBM Model M
The IBM Model F is a keyboard designed and manufactured starting in 1985. It is praised and collected for its unique buckling spring design. Many Model M keyboards are still in use today.
IC
An IC is an "interest check"; a method of testing (usually a form or poll) to guage a community's interest in a product before listing a group buy.
ISO
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization and refers to a keyboard layout. Refer to the Layouts and Sizes page for more information.
J
JIS
JIS is a keyboard layout meant for Japanese input.
K
Kailh
Kailh is a mechanical switch manufacturer. They are known for their Cherry clone switches, speed switches, and box switches.
Keeb
"Keeb" is slang for keyboard. To some it is fun, to others it is just silly.
Keycap
A keycap is a housing which covers a mechanical switch. It is what your fingers touch when they use a keyboard. Learn more on the keycaps page.
Keycap Puller
A keycap puller is a tool used to remove keycaps from switches.
Key Rollover
Key rollover is the ability to press multiple keys at once and have them be registered by the keyboard simutaneously. This often happens while gaming (holding two directional keys while pressing an action key), when multiple people are using a single keyboard, or while using complex shortcuts. Key rollover is often abbreviated as KRO. 6KRO means six keys can be pressed simutaneously and be registered correctly. NKRO means that all of the keyboard's keys can be pressed simutaneously and still be registered. If more keys are pressed than the keyboard can handle, sometimes the keyboard will erroneously register additional unpressed keys. This is called ghosting. Some keyboards include an anti-ghosting feature that prevents this from happening.
Keystroke
A keystroke is a single key press. Any time you press down a key on a keyboard, it is a keystroke.
KT Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
L
Laser Etching
Laser etching is when a laser burns a legend into a keycap. Some drawbacks include its difficulty with solid areas of a legend (like the squares on a window key), the legends may be mildly felt as the user types, and the legends may collect dirt over time.
Laser Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Legends
Legends are the letters, symbols, or numbers printed on keycaps. They let you know what the function of the key is. Legends are usually printed on the top of the key, but can also be found printed on the front or side of the key. They come in many different fonts, colors, and sizes.
Linear Switches
Linear switches are switches without any tactile or audible feedback. When they are depressed, the keystroke is smooth all the way down. The only way to know when a keystroke has been registered is by watching your screen.
Loggerman
Loggerman is a software that can track how you use your computer and specifically your keyboard. Some people like to use loggerman to get better insights on how they use their keyboard. For example, loggerman could help someone discover that their most used shortcut is ctrl+c, so it may be worthwhile to just register ctrl+c as a one-key shortcut instead of a two-key shortcut.
Low-Profile Case
Low-profile cases are keyboard cases with edges that only rise up enough to cover the bottoms of the switches. This means that from the sides, the top of the switches are exposed.
LP Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Lube Station
Some keyboard enthusiasts like to take apart their switches and lubricate them. This can affect the way they sound and feel. A lube station is an accessory that helps organize and streamline this task. They are usually grid-like and hold all of the pieces of the switches so that you can easily apply the lubricant.
Lubricant
Some keyboard enthusiasts like to take apart their switches and lubricate them. This can affect the way they sound and feel. There are specific lubricants that are recommended for key switches. See the accessories page for more information.
M
Macropad
Macropads are basically small keyboards whose functions are meant to supplement a regular keyboard rather than replace it. Macropads are often used for gaming, controlling media, or giving a user additional keys to assign shortcuts to. See the accessories page for more information.
Matias Switches
Matias switches are ALPS clone switches meaning they are modeled after ALPS switches. Their construction is different than the construction of Cherry switches giving them a unique feel and user experience. Because they are ALPS clones, their stem is different than Cherry switch stems and most keycaps will not fit them.
Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards register keypresses through the use of mechanical switches. Functionally, they don't differ from other keyboards very much. However, many people love mechanical keyboards for their customizability, aesthetics, typing experience, durability, community, or certain niche needs. Learn more here.
Membrane-Based
Membrane-based keyboards use membrane sheets instead of switches. In between the keycap and circuit board are one or more membrane sheets. By pressing a key, the membrane sheets compress. Once the key is depressed enough, the top sheet makes contact with the circuit board which registers the keystroke. One version of membrane-based keyboards are dome-switch or rubber dome keyboards. These keyboards feature a membrane layer that is bubbled underneath each key. These dome shapes provide more resistance and travel to a keystroke and can be more satisfying to type on.
Metal Leaf
Within each mechanical switch are two metal components called leaves. When these two leaves make contact, a keystroke is registered.
Micro USB
Micro USB is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
Midichlorians
Midichlorians were intelligent microscopic lifeforms that lived symbiotically inside the cells of all living things. A human or alien's midichlorian count is linked to their potential in the Force. This has nothing to do with keyboards.
Mini USB
Mini USB is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
MiTo
MiTO is an engineer and artist from Brazil. MiTO is best known for their mechanical keyboards and keycaps. Learn more at mitormk.com.
Modifiers
Modifier keys are keys that are meant to be pressed simutaneously with other keys to change their function. On a Windows keyboard, modifier keys include alt, ctrl, shift, and the Windows key. On an Apple keyboard, the control, option, command, and shift keys are modifier keys. Some keyboards also include a function key or other keys that act as modifiers.
Mounting Plate
Mounting plates are plates that sit between the PCB and key switches. They can help align the switches with the PCB, protect the PCB, and offer more structure. Not all mechanical keyboards have mounting plates.
MT3 Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
N
NKRO
NKRO means that a keyboard can register all keys being pressed simutaneously without issues. See key rollover for more details.
NovelKeys
NovelKeys is a USA-based company that sells custom mechanical keyboards, keycaps, switches, and deskpads. Check out their website here.
Numeric
Numeric refers to the number keys on a keyboard as opposed to the alpha keys.
Numpad
A numpad may also be called a number pad, tenkey, 10-key, or numeric keypad. It is a usually 17-key section of a keyboard dedicated to numbers. It provides calculator-like efficiency for entering numbers quickly. Numpads on keyboards are usually on the right-hand side of the keyboard. Numpads can also be purchased separately.
O
O-Rings
O-rings are small o-shaped rubber rings. They are placed around the stem of keyboard keycaps. When a key with an o-ring is pressed, instead of the plastic of the keycap colliding with the plastic of the switch housing, the switch collides with the rubber o-ring. This cushions the keypress, changing the sound and feel of the keystroke. It also causes a keystroke to "bottom out" sooner.
OEM Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Ortholinear
Ortholinear keyboards are keyboards without staggering. This means the keys are arranged like a grid with all of the rows and columns of keys being perfectly aligned. Most keyboards have horizontal staggering. This means that the columns of keys on the keyboard don't perfectly align. For example, instead of the Z, A, and Q keys being aligned in a perfect column, they are sort of diagonal. Keyboards are horizontally staggered simply because they are modeled after typewriters. Typewriters had staggered keys to allow the keys to fit more closely together while still having enough room for all of their moving parts. Some people argue that ortholinear keyboards are more ergonomic for typing. Many people just like them because they look cool.
Outemu
Outemu is a brand of switches that produces Cherry MX clones.
P
Pad Printing
Pad printing is a method of printing legends on keycaps. The process is similar to stamping with ink: a pad is dipped into ink then is transferred onto a keycap. Though fast and inexpensive, pad printed legends can wear off over time.
Paracord
Paracord is short for parachute cord. It is lightweight and durable. Some cables are made using paracord. This provides a nice alternative to the usual rubber covering cords generally have.
PBT
Polybutylene terephthalate is a type of plastic used to manufacture keycaps. It is hard and durable but generally more expensive than ABS keycaps.
PCB
Printed circuit boards are the heart and brain of your keyboard. The circuit board determines the size and layout of your keyboard. Different PCBs may also offer additional features such as reprogrammable key functions, customizable lighting, or the ability to hot-swap your switches. Key switches are either directly mounted onto the PCB or a mounting plate is placed between the PCB and the switches.
PCB-Mounted
If a keyboard is PCB-mounted, the switches are mounted directly on the PCB without the use of a mounting plate. Mounting plates are plates that sit between the PCB and key switches.
PCBA
A printed circuit board assembly. This means it is a PCB with certain things already assembled and included on the board, such as LEDs or USB connectors.
Planck
Planck is an ortholinear keyboard layout featuring four rows and twelve columns of keys.
Plate
Mounting plates are plates that sit between the PCB and key switches. They can help align the switches with the PCB, protect the PCB, and offer more structure. Not all mechanical keyboards have mounting plates.
Plate-Mounted
Mounting plates are plates that sit between the PCB and key switches. They can help align the switches with the PCB, protect the PCB, and offer more structure. Not all mechanical keyboards have mounting plates. If a keyboard uses a mounting plate it is considered plate-mounted.
Preonic
Preonic is an ortholinear keyboard layout featuring five rows and twelve columns of keys.
Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Pudding Caps
Pudding caps are keycaps with translucent sides and often also have translucent legends. Paired with RGB lighting, the keycaps allow light to shine through the sides and legends of the keycaps. The lit up sides with an opaque top give the keycaps a pudding-like appearance (like flan or crème caramel, where the sides are one color and the top is darker). They are a great way to showcase your keyboard's lighting capabilities.
Q
QWERTY
QWERTY is the most common keyboard layout. It is named QWERTY after the arrangement of the letter keys (look at the top left area of your keyboard to see QWERTY spelled out by the keys). The QWERTY layout was developed by the creator of the first commercially successful typewriter. The layout was meant to separate keys that were frequently pressed sequentially as pressing adjacent keys caused the typewriter to jam. Other keyboard layouts have grown in popularity, many argued to be more efficient, but QWERTY remains the most common layout mainly due to its familiarity.
R
r/mk
r/mk refers to the r/mechanicalkeyboards subreddit.
Reddit is a website full of different communities called subreddits. There's a community for nearly everything. Subreddits start with "r/", ie "r/mechanicalkeyboards" (the url being reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards). Users can post links, images, videos, or text. Other uses can upvote, downvote, and comment on these posts. Overall, it can be a fun way to find a community for things you are interested in. For more information, CGP Grey explains it pretty well in this video.
Reed Switches
Reed switches are electric switches that use magnets to open or close and electrical circuit. There are some early computer keyboards that used reed switches to register keystrokes.
Reverse Pudding Caps
Reverse pudding caps are keycaps with a translucent top. Paired with RGB lighting, the keycaps allow light to shine through the tops of the keycaps. The lit up tops with opaque sides give the keycaps a pudding-like appearance (like flan or crème caramel, where the sides are one color and the top is darker). They are a great way to showcase your keyboard's lighting capabilities.
RGB
RGB stands for red green blue, an additive color model. Basically, with just these three colors, you can add different amounts of each to create millions of different colors. In relation to keyboards, RGB usually refers to a keyboard's lighting capabilities. Some keyboards have individual lighting underneath each key or in other areas of the keyboard. These lights can often be customized.
Rubber Dome
Membrane-based keyboards use membrane sheets instead of switches. In between the keycap and circuit board are one or more membrane sheets. By pressing a key, the membrane sheets compress. Once the key is depressed enough, the top sheet makes contact with the circuit board which registers the keystroke. One version of membrane-based keyboards are dome-switch or rubber dome keyboards. These keyboards feature a membrane layer that is bubbled underneath each key. These dome shapes provide more resistance and travel to a keystroke and can be more satisfying to type on.
S
SA Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
SharpKeys
SharpKeys is a Windows utility that allows users to remap their keyboard keys. For example, if you never use the Page Up button, you could remap it to turn up the volume instead.
Side Printed
Side-printed keycaps are keycaps whose legend is printed on the front side of the keycap rather than the top.
Solder
Solder is the metal alloy you melt (usually comes in wire form) with a soldering iron. See soldering for more information.
Soldering
Soldering is the process in which two objects are joined together by melthing a filler metal between them to form a bond. It is different than welding, which involves melting at least one of the objects being joined also. To learn more, check out our soldering guide.
Spring
Within most mechanical keyboard switches are springs which return the switch to its resting position after it has been pressed.
SS Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Stabilizer
While all of a keyboard's switches are the same size, their keycaps are not. For example, the average backspace key is as wide as two other keys. Wider keys like this require stabilizers to keep them from wobbling or tilting too much. Stabilizers come in a few different varieties. Learn about them here.
Stem
A stem is the part of a switch that moves up and down within the switch housing. They usually are made from colored plastic which lets you know what type of switch they are a part of. For example, blue stems usually mean it is a Cherry MX blue or Cherry MX blue-clone switch.
Subreddit
Reddit is a website full of different communities called subreddits. There's a community for nearly everything. Subreddits start with "r/", ie "r/mechanicalkeyboards" (the url being reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards). Users can post links, images, videos, or text. Other uses can upvote, downvote, and comment on these posts. Overall, it can be a fun way to find a community for things you are interested in. For more information, CGP Grey explains it pretty well in this video.
Switch Opener
A switch opener is a tool to help open a switch. People may open their switches to clean them, lubricate them, or modify them.
Switch Tester
A switch tester is generally a collection of different switches on a single board. This allows users to easily try out multiple switches without buying more than one of any of them.
Switches
Switches are the mechanisms within a keyboard that detect when a key is pressed. Switches come in many different varieties, usually defined by their brand and the color of their stem. Learn more on the switches page.
T
Tactile Clicky Switches
Tactile clicky switches (most commonly called "clicky switches") are switches that provide both a tactile and audible feedback when a keystroke is registered. In other words, just before the keystroke actuates, there is a moment of extra resistance. By pushing past this "bump", the keystroke actuates and makes a clicking sound. Learn more on the switches page.
Tactile Feedback
Tactile feedback is when a switch helps you feel when it has been registered. Just before a keystroke actuates, there is a moment of extra resistance called a "bump". As soon as you press past this bump, the keystroke actuates.
Tactile Non-Clicky Switches
Tactile non-clicky switches (most commonly called "tactile switches") are switches that provide tactile feedback when a keystroke is registered. In other words, just before the keystroke actuates, there is a moment of extra resistance. By pushing past this "bump", the keystroke actuates. Unlike a clicky switch, the switch does not provide a clicking sound as audible feedback. Learn more on the switches page.
Techflex
Techflex is a high-quality braided sleeving that is sometimes used on custom keyboard cables.
Ten Key
A numpad may also be called a number pad, tenkey, 10-key, or numeric keypad. It is a usually 17-key section of a keyboard dedicated to numbers. It provides calculator-like efficiency for entering numbers quickly. Numpads on keyboards are usually on the right-hand side of the keyboard. Numpads can also be purchased separately.
TenKeyLess Keyboard
80% keyboards (sometimes called TKL or TenKeyLess keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad. They usually have 87 keys.
TKL
80% keyboards (sometimes called TKL or TenKeyLess keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad. They usually have 87 keys.
TOFU
TOFU cases are a line of cases produced by kbdfans.
Topre
Topre switches are a type of switches designed as an alternative to the standard mechanical switches. Within each switch is a rubber dome and spring that compress when pressed.
Travel
Travel is the distance a key is pressed. The travel is usually used to describe how far a key must be pressed to either actuate or bottom out.
U
USB
USB is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
USB A
USB A is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
USB B
USB B is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
USB C
USB C is one type of connection a keyboard may use. Refer to the accessories page for more information on different types of connectors.
V
Varmilo
Varmilo is a keyboard manufacturer. Visit their website here.
W
WASD
WASD are four keys generally used in video games to control movement (like arrow keys). It is also the name of a custom keyboard company. Check out their website here.
Wobble
Wobble is how much a key moves from side-to-side in addition to its normal up-and-down movement. Some people will critique certain switches for being more wobbly than others, finding it more satisfying when a key only moves straight up and down.
Wrist Rest
Some people like to put platforms in front of their keyboards to rest their wrists on while typing.
X
XDA Profile
Keycap profiles or families determine the shape and size of keycaps. Different profiles offer different heights and angles to each row of keys. Visit the profiles section of the keycap page to learn more.
Y
You
You are someone who deserves some nice merch from the shop.
Z
ZSA
ZSA is a company mostly known for their ergonomic and ortholinear keyboards. Visit their website at zsa.io.
#
#KRO
#KRO means that a keyboard can register at least # keys being pressed simutaneously without issues. See key rollover for more details.
100%
100% keyboards are full-sized keyboards who feature a number pad, arrow keys, function keys, and all alphanumeric keys.
3-Pin
Switches either come with 3-pins or 5-pins. Pins are little extrusions on the bottom of a switch which secure them to the PCB. Two of these pins are metal contacts which are either soldered or socketed into the PCB. The other pin (made of plastic) helps stabilize the switch on the PCB. When a switch is plate-mounted, the plate generally gives the switch enough stability to only need 3-pins. If your switches are PCB-mounted, many people prefer 5-pin switches for their added stability. Sometimes PCBs are only compatible with 3-pin switches. In this case, the extra two pins on a 5-pin switch can be clipped to fit into a 3-pin-compatible PCB.
40%
40% keyboards are extremely small keyboards with as few as 48 keys. 40% keyboards usually offer different layers, which allows the user to switch between different sets of keys by holding down a layer key. It's kind of similar to a shift key, where holding it down turns all of the lowercase letters into uppercase letters. In this case, holding down a layer key might turn the Q key into a 1 key instead of simply capitalizing it. Although this can require a bit of a learning curve, many people enjoy them for how much desk space they free up and their portability. Some also argue they are more ergonomic and increase typing speeds because your fingers never have to reach as far while typing.
5-Pin
Switches either come with 3-pins or 5-pins. Pins are little extrusions on the bottom of a switch which secure them to the PCB. Two of these pins are metal contacts which are either soldered or socketed into the PCB. The other pins (made of plastic) help stabilize the switch on the PCB. When a switch is plate-mounted, the plate generally gives the switch enough stability to only need 3-pins. If your switches are PCB-mounted, many people prefer 5-pin switches for their added stability. Sometimes PCBs are only compatible with 3-pin switches. In this case, the extra two pins on a 5-pin switch can be clipped to fit into a 3-pin-compatible PCB.
60%
60% keyboards (sometimes called mini keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad, function row, or arrow keys. They usually have 61 keys.
65%
65% keyboards (sometimes called compact keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad, or function row. They usually have 68 keys.
6KRO
6KRO means that a keyboard can register at least six keys being pressed simutaneously without issues. See key rollover for more details.
75%
75% keyboards (sometimes called compact TKL keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad while being more compact than a standard TKL layout. They usually have 84 keys.
80%
80% keyboards (sometimes called TKL or TenKeyLess keyboards) are keyboards without a number pad. They usually have 87 keys.
96%
96% keyboards (sometimes called compact full-sized keyboards) are keyboards with almost all of the keys a full-sized keyboard has but more compact and without as much spacing. They usually have 96 keys.