Keyboard stabilizer. One of the most basic components of a keyboard, but not as flashy as keycaps or as stylish as a case, it's easy to forget.
This guide is intended to provide introductory material for those just starting the hobby who are confused by the very similar names on stabilizers, but with different uses.
What are stabilizers and what are they used for?
Simply put, the stabilizer helps stabilize the keycaps from rattling, popping, and shaking while typing. Stabilizers are only required on larger keycaps, such as shift, backspace, or space. (anything 2U or larger)
What are the different types of stabilizers?
There are many common types of stabilizers. Generally speaking, there are mainly 3 types: Cherry Style, Costar and Optical. However, the bulk of this guide will focus on how the Cherry-style stabilizer is installed, as most keyboards will use this type of stabilizer.
Cherry Stabilizer
Cherry stabilizers are the most common and modifiable type of stabilizer. Among the cherry types we find different mounting styles such as plate mount, screw-in (or PCB mount) and snap-in (also known as PCB mount)
board
Board-mounted stabilizers are the most common type of mounting and are usually found on almost all pre-built mechanical keyboards. These stabilizers are attached to a metal plate inside the keyboard, not directly to the printed circuit board (PCB).
Onboard stabilizers are considered by enthusiasts to be the least efficient way to mount, as they tend to rattle more and vibrate with the aluminum plate while typing, although this can be avoided by retrofitting.
screw-in stabilizer
Screw-in stabilizers are mounted directly in the PCB and secured with screws. This type of mounting is considered the best because the stabilizer is safer and has less vibration.
Screw-in stabilizers are usually only found on custom keyboards, not pre-built ones, making them less common overall, but a common installation in the audiophile scene.
Embedded stabilizer
Embedded stabilizers are another type of stabilizer that is mounted on a PCB. This type mounts via a "snap-in" PCB. It is convenient to mix and use, because the PCB does not need to have supporting mounting holes, and the stability is higher. In other words, they are better than panel mounts, but not as effective as screw-in
