Mechanical Keyboard Common Terms (Glossary)

Have you ever entered a site, seen a video on social and thought "what is a ...." Well - I got you! Below are some of the most common Mechanical Keyboard Terms you will see in the community.  

This list is not all inclusive, but it will definitely help you understand more of what you hear and see.

Popular Terms Around Mechanical Keyboards

1. Switches
   The individual mechanisms under each key that register keypresses. The type of switch affects the feel, sound, and responsiveness of the keyboard.
2. Actuation Point
   The point at which a key registers when pressed. Different switches have different actuation points, affecting how much force is needed to press a key.
3. Tactile
   A type of switch that provides a noticeable bump or feedback when the key is pressed, helping you feel when the key has been actuated (e.g., Cherry MX Browns).
4. Clicky
   Switches that make an audible "click" sound when pressed, providing both tactile feedback and a distinctive sound (e.g., Cherry MX Blues).
5. Linear
   A type of switch that doesn't have tactile feedback or a "click," providing a smooth keypress with consistent resistance throughout (e.g., Cherry MX Reds). AKA CREAMY.
6. Keycaps
   The plastic covers that sit on top of the mechanical switches. Keycaps come in different shapes, materials, and profiles.
7. Key Rollover
   Refers to how many keys can be pressed simultaneously while still being registered by the keyboard. "N-Key Rollover" means you can press as many keys as you want without missing any.
8. Anti-Ghosting
   The ability of a keyboard to correctly register multiple simultaneous key presses without "ghosting" (registering an incorrect or random keypress).
9. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) Lighting
   Customizable lighting on the keyboard that can change colors across different keys or zones. Often used to create a visually appealing aesthetic.
10. Hot-swappable or Hot-Swap
    A feature that allows you to replace switches without needing to solder them onto the board, making it easy to try different switch types.
11. Backlighting
    Illuminated keys that can be customized for visibility and style, with some keyboards offering RGB lighting, while others may have single-color lighting.
12. PBT Keycaps
    Keycaps made from a durable plastic called PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). These keycaps are known for their resistance to wear and fading compared to cheaper ABS keycaps.
13. Plate Mount
    The method used to attach the switches to the keyboard's base or plate. Common mounting types include top mount, bottom mount, and gasket mount.
14. Typing Test
    A test used by many keyboard enthusiasts to measure typing speed and accuracy on mechanical keyboards.
15. Form Factor
    The size and layout of the keyboard. Common form factors include:

• Full-size: Includes all keys, including the number pad.
• Tenkeyless (TKL): Same as a full-size keyboard but without the number pad.
• 75%, 60%, 40%: Smaller layouts, with 75% being compact but still including function keys, and 60% and 40% having fewer keys, typically more compact for portability.

1. Key Switch Lubing
   The process of applying lubricant to the mechanical switches to reduce friction, resulting in a smoother, quieter typing experience.
2. Sound Dampening
   Materials used inside the keyboard to reduce noise and improve acoustics, often added to the bottom of the case or between the PCB and the keycaps.
3. PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
   The board that holds the switches and connects them to the computer. The PCB is responsible for registering key presses.
4. Gasket Mount
   A mounting style where the keyboard is assembled with rubber or silicone gaskets around the plate and PCB to reduce noise and improve the typing feel.
5. Stabilizers
   Components used on larger keys (like the spacebar, enter, shift) to prevent wobbling and ensure they press evenly.
6. Modding
   Short for "modifying," this refers to customizing your keyboard by changing switches, keycaps, stabilizers, or adding custom mods like dampening pads.
7. Firmware
   The software that runs on the keyboard, allowing for features like remapping keys, customizing lighting, and creating macros.
8. Macro Keys
   Keys that can be programmed to perform a series of actions with a single press. Commonly used for gaming or productivity tasks.
9. Plate
   A metal or plastic frame inside the keyboard that holds the switches in place. The type of plate can affect the keyboard's sound and feel.
10. Sound Profile
    The overall sound a keyboard produces when typing, which is affected by the type of switches, keycaps, and case material used.
11. Ergonomics
    The study of designing keyboards for comfortable, healthy use, which includes features like split layouts or wrist rests to reduce strain.
12. Keypress Actuation Force
    The amount of pressure needed to press a key. Switches can range from light (e.g., 35g) to heavy (e.g., 80g), and the actuation force influences how the keyboard feels.

This isn't a full list of terms, but it's a great start to help increase your knowledge! 

Tip - Tap - Thrive, my friends!