Solder

A process where switches are soldered directly to the PCB, securing them in place and preventing easy replacement.

Related Key Terms

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.

Flex Cuts

PCB

Grooves or cuts in the PCB or plate that add extra flexibility and affect the typing feel. These cuts can also influence the keyboard’s sound profile.

Hot Swap

PCB

Support for hot-swapping switches, allowing them to be replaced without soldering to the PCB. This provides greater flexibility for switching out switches on the keyboard.

PCB

Printed Circuit Board

PCB

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is the motherboard of the keyboard, where all electronic functions take place. It houses the switch sockets, USB connections, RGB lighting, and wireless communication (if supported).

RGB

Red Green Blue

PCB

Colorful key lighting, often with the ability to control each key individually. Some keyboards also feature peripheral lighting or underglow, which casts light onto the desk surface.

Per-Key RGB

PCB

Colorful key lighting where each key has its own individual LED, as opposed to keyboards with only peripheral lighting or LEDs for specific groups of keys.

ANSI Layout

Case Keyboards Layouts PCB

A keyboard layout commonly used in the U.S. and other parts of the world, featuring a wide, single-row Enter key.