category
Layout Size
Full Size Keyboard (100%): This is the standard keyboard layout with all keys including the alphanumeric keys, function keys, navigation keys (arrow keys), and a dedicated numeric keypad.
Tenkeyless Keyboard (TKL, 80%): This layout eliminates the numeric keypad, providing a more compact design while retaining the essential keys and functions of a full-size keyboard.
75% Keyboard: Similar to TKL keyboards, 75% keyboards further reduce the size by removing some additional keys such as the function row and navigation cluster. However, they retain the arrow keys and some function keys.
68% Keyboard: This layout shrinks the keyboard even further by removing more keys compared to the 75% layout. Typically, 68% keyboards eliminate the function row entirely and condense the arrow keys into a smaller cluster.
60% Keyboard: A compact layout that removes even more keys, including the function row, navigation cluster, and often the dedicated arrow keys. However, most 60% keyboards retain arrow keys as secondary functions accessible through key combinations.
50% Keyboard: The smallest of the standard layouts, 50% keyboards strip down the keyboard to its most essential keys, often excluding the number row entirely. They rely heavily on function layers and key combinations to access additional functions.
switch type's
Linear Switches: Linear switches provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. When pressed, the key moves directly down without any resistance until it bottoms out. This type of switch is preferred by gamers for its straightforward and uninterrupted keystrokes, allowing for rapid and precise key presses.
Clicky Switches: Clicky switches offer both tactile feedback and an audible click when the key is actuated. These switches have a noticeable bump in the keystroke, providing tactile confirmation of each key press, accompanied by a distinctive clicking sound. Clicky switches are favored by typists who enjoy the tactile sensation and audible feedback, enhancing typing accuracy and providing a satisfying typing experience.
Tactile Switches: Tactile switches provide a noticeable bump in the keystroke without producing an audible click. Users can feel a tactile bump when the key actuates, offering tactile feedback to confirm each keystroke. Tactile switches strike a balance between linear and clicky switches, appealing to both gamers and typists who desire tactile feedback without the audible click noise. They provide a more tactile typing experience compared to linear switches, enhancing typing comfort and accuracy.
Plate type's
Brass: Brass plates are known for their durability and rigidity. They provide a firm typing experience with minimal flex, offering a solid and consistent feel across the keyboard. Brass plates often result in a slightly heavier keyboard build and can affect the sound profile, producing a deeper and more resonant sound.
Aluminum: Aluminum plates are popular due to their balance of durability and versatility. They offer a sturdy typing platform while also being lightweight compared to materials like brass. Aluminum plates can influence the keyboard’s sound signature, typically producing a cleaner and crisper sound compared to brass.
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber plates are lightweight and exceptionally strong. They provide a firm typing surface while offering some flexibility, which can lead to a softer typing feel compared to metal plates. Carbon fiber plates are also known for their unique aesthetic appeal and are often chosen for their combination of strength and style.
PC (Polycarbonate): Polycarbonate plates offer flexibility and a softer typing feel compared to metal plates. They provide a cushioned typing experience, absorbing some of the impact from key presses. Polycarbonate plates can also affect the sound profile, often resulting in a quieter and more muted typing sound.
POM (Polyoxymethylene): POM plates offer a smooth and consistent typing surface. They provide a balance between flexibility and rigidity, offering a comfortable typing experience with minimal flex. POM plates are known for their uniform sound profile, producing a clear and crisp typing sound.
FR4 (Fiberglass-Reinforced Epoxy Laminate): FR4 plates are composed of a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate, offering a balance of strength and flexibility. They provide a solid typing platform with minimal flex, offering a sturdy and consistent typing feel. FR4 plates are often chosen for their durability and affordability, providing a reliable option for keyboard builds.
Case Mount's
Tray Mount: Tray mount keyboards are secured to the case using screws or standoffs that pass through the keyboard PCB into a tray-like structure within the case. This mounting style offers simplicity and ease of assembly but may transmit more vibrations from key presses to the case.
Sandwich Mount: In sandwich mount keyboards, the keyboard PCB is sandwiched between two layers of the case without direct attachment. The case is typically held together by screws or other fasteners around the perimeter. This mounting style can provide a more uniform typing feel and reduce case vibrations.
Integrated Mount: Integrated mount keyboards have the keyboard PCB integrated directly into the case, often with the switches mounted on a plate within the case. This mounting style can offer a rigid and stable typing experience with minimal case flex.
Isolated Mount: Isolated mount keyboards use gaskets or rubber dampening materials between the case and the PCB to isolate it from direct contact with the case. This mounting style can help reduce vibrations and provide a softer typing feel.
PCB Mount: In PCB mount keyboards, the switches are directly mounted onto the keyboard PCB without a separate plate. This mounting style can provide a more flexible typing feel and potentially a softer sound profile compared to plate-mounted switches.
Top Mount: Top mount keyboards secure the keyboard PCB and plate to the top of the case using screws or standoffs. This mounting style can offer a balanced typing experience with good rigidity and stability.
Bottom Mount: Bottom mount keyboards secure the keyboard PCB and plate to the bottom of the case using screws or standoffs. This mounting style can provide a different typing feel compared to top mount, potentially with more flex and vibration absorption.
Gasket Mount: Gasket mount keyboards use gaskets or rubber strips around the perimeter of the case to suspend the keyboard PCB and plate within the case. This mounting style can offer a unique typing feel with excellent vibration isolation.
Burger Mount: Burger mount is a variation of gasket mount where gaskets are placed both above and below the plate, resembling a ”burger.” This mounting style aims to further enhance vibration isolation and typing feel.
Pin Mount: Pin mount keyboards use small pins or posts on the case to align and secure the keyboard PCB and plate. This mounting style can offer precise alignment and stability.
Pcb type's
Solder PCBs: Solder PCBs require users to solder switches directly onto the PCB. This method provides a permanent connection between the switches and the PCB, resulting in a secure and stable keyboard build. Soldering requires some level of skill and experience, as it involves carefully heating and attaching each switch to the designated solder pads on the PCB. Soldered keyboards offer a reliable connection and can support a wide range of switch types.
Hotswap PCBs: Hotswap PCBs feature sockets or slots into which switches can be inserted and removed without the need for soldering. This allows for easy customization and switch swapping, making it ideal for users who enjoy experimenting with different switch types or frequently changing switches. Hotswap keyboards offer convenience and flexibility, as switches can be swapped out quickly without requiring any soldering equipment or technical expertise. However, hotswap sockets may introduce a slight increase in overall keyboard height, and they may not support certain switch types that require additional pins or stabilizers.
Keycap type's
SA Profile: SA (Spherical All) keycaps feature a spherical shape with a high-profile design, providing a sculpted surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the fingers. SA keycaps typically have a relatively tall profile and a deep curve, offering a retro aesthetic reminiscent of vintage keyboards. They are known for their comfortable typing experience and distinct typing sound.
MIX1.0 Profile: MIX1.0 keycaps are a custom profile designed to offer a unique typing experience. They feature a sculpted surface with varying heights and angles, providing ergonomic support and comfort during extended typing sessions. MIX1.0 keycaps often incorporate elements from other popular profiles, resulting in a hybrid design that combines the best features of each.
OEM Profile: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keycaps are one of the most common keycap profiles found on commercial keyboards. They feature a cylindrical shape with a medium height and a slight curve towards the top of the keycap. OEM keycaps offer a comfortable typing experience and are widely compatible with various keyboard layouts and switch types.
Cherry Profile: Cherry keycaps are designed to mimic the original keycap profile used by Cherry MX switches. They feature a low-profile design with a slight curve towards the top of the keycap, providing a comfortable and familiar typing experience. Cherry keycaps are known for their compatibility with Cherry MX switches and are often preferred by enthusiasts for their quality and durability.
XDA Profile: XDA keycaps feature a uniform flat surface with a low-profile design, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. They offer a consistent typing experience across all keys and are compatible with various keyboard layouts and switch types. XDA keycaps are often chosen for their minimalist design and versatility.
DSA Profile: DSA (Deep Space Astro) keycaps feature a uniform spherical shape with a low-profile design, providing a comfortable typing experience and a sleek aesthetic. DSA keycaps have a flat top surface and are compatible with various keyboard layouts and switch types. They are often chosen for their versatility and ease of customization.
Case type's
Plastic (ABS): Plastic keyboard cases, often made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), are lightweight and affordable. ABS cases are commonly used in budget-friendly keyboards and offer a wide range of color options and designs. While ABS cases are less durable compared to metal or wood, they are still capable of providing adequate protection for the keyboard components.
Aluminum: Aluminum keyboard cases are prized for their durability and premium feel. They offer a sturdy and rigid construction that provides excellent protection for the keyboard components. Aluminum cases can be CNC-machined or die-cast, offering a range of design options and finishes, including brushed, anodized, or powder-coated. Aluminum cases are often preferred by enthusiasts for their high-quality construction and aesthetic appeal.
Wood: Wooden keyboard cases, typically made from materials such as walnut, maple, or bamboo, offer a unique and natural aesthetic. Wood cases provide a warm and organic feel, adding a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup. While wood is not as commonly used for keyboard cases as plastic or aluminum, it offers excellent customization options and can be handcrafted to fit specific keyboard layouts. Wood cases may require more care and maintenance compared to other materials to preserve their appearance and integrity.