What Role Do Stabilizers Have?

If you are passionate about mechanical keyboards, you have certainly heard about stabilizers. These small components play an essential role in the typing experience, influencing the sound and feel of larger keys. In this article, we will explore what stabilizers are, the existing types, and how you can improve them for a premium experience.

What are stabilizers and why are they important?

Stabilizers are mechanical components used to maintain the balance of larger keys, such as the spacebar, Enter, Shift, and Backspace. Without stabilizers, these keys would tilt or be uncomfortable to press.

"They help distribute pressure evenly, preventing the feeling of imbalance or unpleasant noises. A well-tuned set of stabilizers can make the difference between an average mechanical keyboard and an exceptional one."

Types of stabilizers

There are several types of stabilizers, and the choice depends on personal preferences and compatibility with your keyboard.

Plate-mounted – These are attached directly to the metal plate of the keyboard and are commonly found in pre-built keyboards.

PCB-mounted – It is fixed directly onto the keyboard's PCB, providing a more stable feel and less noise.

Screw-in stabilizers (With screw) – Improved versions of those mounted on PCB, they are fixed with screws for superior stability.

Clip-in stabilizers (Cu clips) – Similar to those mounted on the PCB, but easier to install and less stable than screw-in variants.

How to improve your stabilizers?

If you want a more refined experience, there are a few ways you can improve the stabilizers:

"Lubrication of stabilizers – Applying a quality lubricant, such as Krytox 205g0 or dielectric grease, reduces noise and improves the smoothness of the keys."

Stabilizer modification ("Band-aid" mod, Clipping, Holee mod) – These techniques help reduce noise and improve the feel when pressed.