Stabilizers

Keyboard stabilizers: types and how to choose

Stabilizers (stabs for short) keep wide keys level so they don't tilt when you press them at the edge. From 2u wide this affects the spacebar, shift, enter and backspace, plus plus, zero and enter on the numpad. If you build a keyboard yourself, don't leave the stabs to chance. Good stabilizers often shape the sound of a keyboard more than most other parts.

Plate-mount, clip-in or screw-in?

What matters is how the stabs are mounted. Plate-mounted stabs snap into the plate, are the loosest and most prone to rattle. PCB-mounted clip-in stabs snap into cutouts in the PCB. PCB-mounted screw-in stabs are screwed down and sit the firmest. You can tell whether your PCB supports screw-ins by a small round hole next to the stab cutouts – that's where the screw goes through. If it's missing, only clip-in stabs fit.

PCB thickness and sizes

Most PCBs are 1.6 mm thick, some 1.2 mm. For 1.2 mm you need shims or a matching variant, otherwise the key feels loose. Keys from 2u to 2.75u all use the same 2u stab, the standard spacebar needs a 6.25u wire. Which size your layout needs is covered in our guide keyboard sizes and layouts.

Factory-lubed or tune them yourself

Stabs lubed at the factory are ready to install. Choose unlubed if you want to tune them yourself. Typical problems are rattle, tick and a mushy bottom out. Most of them go away with a little grease on housing, stem and wire ends; a tick on one side is often a wire that doesn't lie flat. Modern stabs usually only need 205g0, suitable lubes are in our lubricants.