A keyboard is an essential component for every PC setup, granting access to the programs needed for work, school, and, notably, gaming. Recognizing its pivotal role, some have taken their keyboard experience further through customization.
Enter custom mechanical keyboards – a trend gaining immense popularity among tech enthusiasts. However, for
newcomers, navigating the world of mechanical keyboards can be daunting due to the plethora of jargon. This article
aims to serve as a guide to clarify the terms you need to get in your journey of custom keyboards.
Keycaps: Let's start things off simple. Keycaps are small plastic covers, usually adorned with
letters. If you can function without keycaps, just know you are highly regarded in my book. This item is normally
the easiest to modify and replace since it is a manner of just pulling and replacing your desired keycap set.
Switches: These are individual mechanisms beneath each keyboard that register a keystroke. Switches
dictate a key's feel, sound, and actuation, hence the availability of several variants. I'm rocking the piano tile
switches from Akko, but common types for beginners include Blue, Yellow, Brown, Red, and Black.
From The Pen
Addict Official Website
Linear and Tactile: Do you prefer a smoother typing experience or enjoy a responsive keystroke
indicating that you’ve pressed the key? If it's the former, linear switches are your go-to, while the latter
calls for Tactile switches. These terms go hand-in-hand with switches, as one can really enhance your typing
experience, but if you want to learn more, check out
our article for more information about tactile and linear switches.
Actuation: This term refers to the point in the movement of a key switch where the key is registered
as “pressed.” It is basically the moment the electrical circuit in the switch is completed, signaling to
the computer or device that a key has been activated. Think of it as keyboard slang for network latency on the
Internet.
From DYGMA Official Website
Hot-swap: The world of keyboard customization may seem daunting, especially when you have to deal
with switch replacement. If your keyboard isn’t hot-swappable, you must manually desolder and solder every
switch. In comes hot-swap boards, a God sent for those who wish to try every switch imaginable. If you are looking
for quick and easy customization, look for a board that is hot-swap-ready.
From Luis Recardo Official GIPHY
Stabilizers: Even switches need something stable in their lives. A keyboard stabilizer is designed
to enhance the stability of larger keys such as the enter key, left shift, and the spacebar because they tend to
wobble due to their size. If you hear a rattling or sharp sound from any of the keys mentioned, you may need to
replace its stabilizers.
Everyone has to start somewhere! Understanding the basic terminology of mechanical keyboards is a great first step
into this interesting hobby. If you wish to delve further through videos and other articles, you need a network that
can keep up with that hungry desire to learn. With the PLDT Home Fiber Plus
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