While mechanical switches are undoubtedly the star components of any mechanical keyboard, stabilizers also play an important supporting role in providing smooth, consistent key presses across larger keys. The stabilizer system is what allows spacebars, shift keys and more to function properly without skewing or wobbling.
However, not all stabilizers are created equal. Poorly tuned or low-quality stabilizers can negatively impact the overall typing experience with noise, mushy feeling presses and even key jamming issues. So it's essential to choose stabilizers wisely when building or upgrading your keyboard.
In this guide, we'll explore the different stabilizer types available, factors to consider like tuning and lube application, and recommended stabilizer brands for an optimized mechanical keyboard.
Understanding Stabilizer Types
There are two main stabilizer designs used in mechanical keyboards:
Cherry Plate-Mount
– Most common OEM type mounted directly to the keyboard plate via two plastic inserts at each end
– Prone to rattle and inconsistency issues out of the box requiring manual tuning
PCB-Mount
– More robust since stabilized directly onto PCB itself rather than relying on plate mounting
– Often come pre-lubed and tuned from aftermarket manufacturers for better out-of-box performance
Within these categories, wire vs. costar/snap-in variants exist with tradeoffs in reliability and feel. Wire generally results in a smoother action.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Aside from mount type, factors like brand, tuning and lube application are important:
Brand
– Durock, GMK, Everglide generally offer better quality control than no-name brands
Tuning
– Remove excess plastic from housing/wire inserts to reduce rattle over time
– Ensure smooth operation by adjusting wire tension as needed
Lubrication
– Apply thin film of dielectric or Tribosys lube inside housing/on wire for smooth glides
– Too much lube causes mushiness, too little leads to friction noise
Stabilizer Recommendations
Here are some top-rated stabilizer options to consider:
Durock V2 Stabilizers
– Popular plug-and-play PCB-mount choice with pre-applied lube tuning
C3Equalz X TKC Stabilizers
– High-grade PCB-mount wire variants tuned to eliminate rattle or mush
Durock Plate-Mount Stabilizers
– Dependable plate-mount option requiring minor self-tuning out of box
Cherry Original Equivalent
– Standard OEM parts if swapping directly into Cherry-based keyboard
Everglide Stabilizer V3
– Affordable yet reliable PCB-mount option matching Durock quality
By selecting properly for your keyboard's needs plus accounting for tuning/lubing individual parts, stabilizers can be optimized for best long-term performance.
Tuning and Lubing Your Stabilizers
For those using non-pre-lubed stabilizers or wanting to adjust existing ones, follow these steps:
Disassembly
Carefully remove stock stabilizers to access interior components like wire and plastic inserts.
Cleaning
Wash detatched parts thoroughly using mild soap to remove factory grease/debris.
Modding
Remove excess plastic flashing from tight areas like the wire channel using a hobby knife.
Lubrication
Apply thin dielectric grease inside housings, on wires, and tight-fitting sliding parts.
Tuning
Adjust wire tension for consistent smoothness across full key travel.
Reassembly
Slowly fit parts back together, checking for friction points requiring additional lube.
With some practice, stabilizers can be fine-tuned for an impeccable out-of-box feel on any custom keyboard build.
Maintenance Over Time
To keep stabilizers performing optimally long-term:
- Re-lube inner parts every 6-12 months to replace lost lubricant
- Tighten wire tension as needed if loosens with use
- Remove debris/dust buildup with compressed air every few months
- Replace worn or damaged stabilizers as required
With high-quality parts and proper tuning/maintenance, stabilizers enable absolutely flawless key presses across large keys for lasting enjoyment.