A mounting style that uses rubber or silicone rings to create separation between rigid parts like the plate, PCB, and case. This design provides a softer, quieter typing experience. It is similar to the Gasket Mount in feel but produces a different sound profile.
Related Key Terms
A plate positioned above the PCB, featuring holes for switches and stabilizers. Its role is to provide stability for the switches and influence the sound profile and typing flexibility.
A quick-release mechanism based on magnets, allowing easy opening and closing of the case for upgrades or internal adjustments to the keyboard.
An ultra-minimalist layout that eliminates many keys, including arrow and function keys, designed primarily for users who prioritize compactness over functionality.
A layout that removes the right-side number pad, navigation and function keys, and the F-row, keeping only the most essential keys.
A keyboard layout primarily used in Europe, featuring a tall, two-row Enter key and other differences, such as a different placement for the backslash key.
A layout that retains the full 100% key set but with reduced spacing between the keys, maintaining full functionality while saving desk space.
A keyboard mounting style that uses soft dampening materials like foam or silicone to provide a flexible typing feel. However, the results don’t always meet expectations, so it’s recommended to evaluate each model individually.
FRL-TKL
A layout also known as F-Row-Less TKL, which removes the top row of F-keys while retaining all other keys, offering a more compact alternative to the TKL layout.
The full-sized keyboard layout that includes all keys: letters, numbers, function keys, navigation keys, and a number pad, just like standard keyboards.
A keyboard that comes fully assembled with all components and is ready to use straight out of the box. This differs from terms like Kit, Barebone, or Custom keyboards, which refer to keyboards that come without switches, keycaps, and sometimes even stabilizers, plates, or PCBs — requiring you to purchase and assemble the components yourself.
A layout that eliminates some function keys and the right-side number pad, while condensing the arrow keys and navigation keys closer to or within the main alphanumeric cluster.
A layout that omits the right-side number pad, navigation and function keys, the F-row, and the arrow keys.
Methods for attaching the PCB to the keyboard case. Top mount is considered superior in terms of sound and feel, while Tray mount is regarded as lower quality.
A keyboard layout commonly used in the U.S. and other parts of the world, featuring a wide, single-row Enter key.
A configuration where the case, switches, and keycaps are as low-profile as possible to achieve a compact appearance and high portability. There is a relatively limited selection of compatible low-profile keycaps and switches.
Connection cables between the PCB and the Daughterboard or battery in wireless keyboards. These connections can be delicate and require careful handling during assembly or upgrades.
TKL
A layout that removes the right-side number pad while retaining all other keys from the full-sized layout.