Terms AβF
Actuation β The point where a keypress registers. Not the same as bottoming out (pressing all the way down).
ANSI β The US keyboard layout standard. Rectangular Enter key, left-shift is larger than right-shift.
Bottom-out β Pressing a key all the way down, past the actuation point. Most people bottom-out when typing.
Cherry profile β A low, sculpted keycap shape. The most popular aftermarket keycap profile.
Click bar β A metal bar inside clicky switches that produces the clicking sound. More consistent than click jackets.
Click jacket β A plastic piece inside clicky switches that clicks when the stem passes through it.
Clack β A sharp, high-pitched bottom-out sound. Opposite of thock.
Column stagger β Keys arranged in columns that follow the natural angle of your fingers. Used in ergonomic boards like Corne and Ergodox.
Combo β Pressing two or more keys simultaneously to trigger a different action.
Dielectric grease β A thick, non-conductive grease used on stabilizer wires. Eliminates rattle.
Dye-sub β Dye sublimation. A method of printing legends on keycaps by infusing dye into the plastic. Durable and doesn't fade.
Double-shot β A keycap made from two layers of plastic. The legend is a separate piece of plastic, so it never fades.
Encoder β A rotary knob on a keyboard. Used for volume control, scrolling, or custom functions.
FR4 β Fiberglass material used for PCBs and sometimes plates. Softer sound than aluminum.
Function row β The F1-F12 keys at the top of a keyboard.