Glossary

The mechanical keyboard terms behind our rankings — switches, layouts, build quality, and the spec language we use when we explain why a board places where it does.

#

65% layout

Compact layout keeping arrows and a few nav keys (~68 keys). We weigh its compactness against the learning curve of layered navigation.

A

ABS components

Common, smoother keycap plastic prone to shine over time. Not a disqualifier — many good boards ship ABS and caps are replaceable.

B

Bottom-out force switches

Force needed to press a key fully to the bottom. Often higher than actuation force; relevant for typists who bottom out every keystroke.

C

Clicky switch switches

Tactile plus an audible click. We flag it as a context-sensitive choice (loud) and rank it within its category, not against quiet switches.

F

Form factor layout

The board's size class — full-size, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%. We rank within form factors, because a 60% and a full-size serve different needs and aren't directly comparable.

G

Gasket mount build

Plate suspended on gaskets for a softer typing feel. Common in higher-tier boards; a contributing, not decisive, factor in our build-quality assessment.

H

Hot-swap build

Tool-free switch replacement via socketed PCB. We treat it as a positive longevity and repairability factor, weighted higher for beginners.

K

Keycaps components

Material (PBT/ABS), profile, and legend method. We note keycap quality as a value factor since cheap caps are an easy, cheap upgrade.

L

Layer layout

A secondary key set accessed via a modifier. We factor layer ergonomics and remappability into rankings of smaller boards.

M

Mounting style build

How the plate/PCB attaches to the case — tray, top, gasket, etc. It shapes typing feel and sound; we describe its effect rather than scoring feel as if it were objective.

P

PBT components

Dense, shine-resistant keycap plastic, generally preferred for longevity. A small positive in value scoring when included stock.

Q

QMK / VIA firmware

Open-source firmware (QMK) and its GUI configurator (VIA). Strong support is a durable value advantage we explicitly reward in rankings.

S

Soldered build

Permanently fixed switches. Not penalized in our rankings — it's common at every price tier and only matters if you plan to swap switches.

T

Tactile switch switches

A bump at actuation without a click. We grade tactiles on bump definition and consistency rather than declaring one universally superior.

V

Value tier methodology

Our internal price banding (budget, mid, high-end). Rankings are reported within tiers so a $40 board isn't unfairly compared against a $200 one.

W

Wireless connectivity

2.4 GHz (near-wired latency, best for gaming) vs Bluetooth (multi-device convenience, slightly higher latency). We rank wireless boards on the connection that matches their intended use.