Glossary

A design where the mouse is symmetrical and can be used with either hand.

The rate at which the mouse pointer moves in relation to the speed of the physical movement of the mouse.

A sensor

The amount of force required to activate a key on a keyboard or button on a mouse.

The point at which a key switch registers a key press, often measured in millimeters.

A key on a keyboard that modifies the function of other keys, often used in combination with other keys to perform various functions.

A mouse designed to be used with either hand, often with symmetrical button placement.

A sensor on a keyboard or mouse that detects the surrounding lighting conditions and adjusts the brightness of the lighting accordingly.

A feature in some mice that smooths out small or irregular mouse movements, providing a straighter and more predictable cursor path.

A feature that prevents incorrect or missed key presses when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.

The sound produced when pressing a key on a mechanical keyboard, often described as a click or clack.

A keyboard layout used primarily in French-speaking countries.

Illumination behind the keys on a keyboard, often used in gaming keyboards to provide visibility in low light conditions.

The key that deletes the character to the left of the cursor.

The amount of time a wireless keyboard or mouse can be used on a single charge or set of batteries.

A wireless communication technology used to connect keyboards and mice to devices without the need for cables or dongles.

A microphone attached to a headset or keyboard that can be positioned close to the mouth for clearer audio.

The act of fully depressing a key to the bottom of its travel.

The key used to toggle the keyboard between lowercase and uppercase letters.

A type of mechanical key switch made by Cherry, a popular brand used in gaming keyboards.

A type of keyboard with flat, square keys, often used in thin and lightweight laptops.

A type of mouse grip where the fingers are arched over the mouse, providing precision and agility.

A switch that provides both tactile feedback and an audible click when it actuates.

A key on a Mac keyboard that performs various system and application functions.

A smaller keyboard that may be missing certain keys or have a non-standard layout.

The ability of a keyboard or mouse to function with various operating systems and devices.

Counts per inch, another measurement of mouse sensitivity and precision.

A key that allows the user to perform keyboard shortcuts and other functions.

The ability to customize the color and intensity of the backlighting on a keyboard or mouse.

A process that removes spurious or duplicate input signals, often used in mechanical keyboards to prevent key chatter.

The rate at which the mouse pointer slows down after the physical movement of the mouse stops.

The key that deletes the character to the right of the cursor.

A type of keycap with two layers of plastic, allowing for durable and long-lasting legends or letters.

Dots per inch, a measurement of mouse sensitivity and precision.

A measure of mouse sensitivity, often used in gaming, with higher DPI values resulting in faster and more responsive cursor movements.

Software that allows a computer to communicate with and control a keyboard or mouse.

An alternative keyboard layout designed for increased typing efficiency and ergonomic comfort.

A process used to print letters or legends onto keycaps, providing long-lasting and durable markings.

The key used to confirm an action or move to the next line of text.

A design where the mouse is shaped to fit the natural curvature of the hand, reducing strain and fatigue.

A keyboard designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists, often by splitting the keyboard into two sections or angling the keys.

A mouse designed to reduce strain on the hand and wrist, often with a curved shape and contoured grip.

The key used to cancel an action or exit a program.

A larger-sized mousepad that provides a larger surface area for mouse movement, often used in gaming.

The small plastic or Teflon pads on the bottom of a mouse that facilitate movement and reduce friction.

A type of mouse grip where only the fingertips touch the mouse, providing maximum precision and speed.

The software embedded in the hardware of a keyboard or mouse that controls its basic functions and behavior.

A set of keys on a keyboard that perform various functions, often used in combination with other keys to access additional features or shortcuts.

A row of keys on a keyboard that can be programmed for various functions, often used in conjunction with other keys.

A keyboard designed specifically for gaming, with features like programmable macros, customizable lighting, and anti-ghosting.

A mouse designed specifically for gaming, with features like high DPI, programmable buttons, and customizable lighting.

A specialized mousepad designed for gaming, often featuring a smooth surface and low friction for faster and smoother mouse movements.

Another brand of mechanical switches used in keyboards.

A button on a mouse that activates various gestures and commands, often customizable.

The phenomenon where certain key combinations cannot be registered simultaneously due to hardware limitations.

The smoothness and ease with which a mouse moves across a surface.

A device used by artists and designers for drawing and sketching, consisting of a pressure-sensitive pad and a stylus.

A sensor used in some keyboards or mice that measures orientation and rotation.

Vibrations or other tactile feedback provided by a keyboard or mouse to simulate physical interaction.

Keyboard shortcuts that perform specific actions or commands.

A microphone built into a headset cable that allows for hands-free communication.

Delay between physical input on a keyboard or mouse and the corresponding action on the computer screen.

Another brand of mechanical switches used in keyboards.

A type of malfunction in mechanical keyboards where a key registers multiple times with a single press.

A defect in mechanical keyboards where a key registers multiple times with a single press.

The number of keys a keyboard can register simultaneously, often measured in "n-key rollover".

The mechanism underneath the keycap that registers a key press, often mechanical in gaming keyboards.

A protective cover that can be placed over a keyboard to prevent dust, spills, or other damage.

The physical cover or cap that goes over an individual key on a keyboard.

The shape of the keycap, which can affect typing comfort and accuracy.

A tool used to remove keycaps from a keyboard, often used for cleaning or customization.

The individual caps that cover the switches on a keyboard.

Delay or sluggishness in the response of a wireless keyboard or mouse, often caused by interference or distance from the receiver.

A type of mouse that uses a laser sensor to track movement.

A type of sensor used in mice that tracks movement using a laser beam.

The distance a mouse must be lifted off a surface to stop tracking movement, often adjustable in gaming mice.

A switch that has a smooth and consistent force required to actuate.

A low battery indicator is a feature in electronic devices that alerts the user when the remaining battery power is insufficient for normal operation.

A series of keyboard or mouse actions that can be recorded and replayed with a single key or button press, often used for automation or shortcuts.

A keyboard that uses individual mechanical switches underneath each key, providing tactile and auditory feedback.

Keys on a keyboard dedicated to controlling media playback, such as play/pause, volume, and skip.

A keyboard that uses a rubber dome or membrane under the keycap to register a key press, often quieter and less expensive than mechanical keyboards.

Keys that modify the function of other keys when pressed in combination with them.

A pointing device that is moved across a surface to control the cursor on the screen.

Gestures on a touchpad or touchscreen that use two or more fingers to perform actions like scrolling or zooming.

The ability of a touchpad or touchscreen to recognize and respond to multiple points of contact simultaneously, allowing for various gestures and commands.

A type of key rollover that allows for any number of simultaneous key presses to be registered.

A feature in some microphones that filters out background noise for clearer audio.

The key used to toggle the numeric keypad on and off.

A set of keys on a keyboard that replicate the functions of a calculator, often used for data entry and calculations.

Rubber rings placed underneath keycaps to dampen the sound and feel of a key press in mechanical keyboards.

A feature allowing changes to keyboard or mouse settings without exiting a game or application.

A type of mouse that uses an optical sensor to track movement.

A type of sensor used in mice that tracks movement using optical reflections.

A keyboard with a grid layout where all keys are arranged in a straight line.

A type of mouse grip where the palm rests on the back of the mouse, providing stability and control.

A type of keyboard construction where the switches are mounted directly onto the printed circuit board.

A type of keyboard construction where the switches are mounted on a metal or plastic plate.

A feature that allows a keyboard or mouse to be immediately recognized and used by a computer without requiring additional drivers or software.

The ability of a keyboard or mouse to be used immediately without the need for installation or configuration.

The time interval between each data transmission from a keyboard or mouse to the computer.

The frequency at which a keyboard or mouse sends data to the computer.

A small keyboard designed for use with mobile devices, often with Bluetooth connectivity.

A feature in some mice that predicts the intended movement of the mouse, often used to compensate for shaky or imprecise movements.

A set of customized settings for a keyboard or mouse, often used for different users or tasks.

A type of wired connectivity used in older keyboards and mice, using a PS/2 connector to connect to the computer.

Refers to the standard keyboard layout used in most countries, named after the first six letters in the top row of letters on the keyboard.

A keyboard layout used primarily in German-speaking countries.

Another wireless protocol commonly used for wireless mice.

A wireless communication technology used to connect keyboards and mice to devices using radio waves.

Red-Green-Blue, a type of lighting commonly used in gaming keyboards and mice that allows for customizable color combinations.

Lighting on a keyboard or mouse that can be customized to various colors and patterns.

A type of mechanism used in membrane keyboards, where a rubber dome under the keycap collapses to register a key press.

A type of key switch used in some laptop keyboards, providing a balance between mechanical and membrane keyboards.

A key that was originally used to lock the scroll function of a keyboard, but is now largely obsolete.

A wheel or button on a mouse that allows for scrolling through documents or webpages.

The key used to capitalize letters or access additional symbols on the keyboard.

A combination of keys that performs a specific action or function.

Programs or applications used to customize the settings and functions of a keyboard or mouse.

Software that communicates between the operating system and a keyboard or mouse, allowing for customization and advanced functionality.

The long key at the bottom of the keyboard used to add a space between words.

A keyboard that is split into two or more sections, which can provide more ergonomic typing positions.

A mechanism used in larger keys on a keyboard, such as the spacebar or shift keys, to prevent wobbling or uneven actuation.

A type of pointing device used with touchscreens or graphics tablets, often used for drawing or precise selection.

A feature in some gaming mice that calibrates the sensor to the surface it's being used on, providing more accurate tracking.

The mechanism that registers a keystroke when a key is pressed. Mechanical keyboards use physical switches while membrane keyboards use rubber domes or scissor switches.

A tool used to remove key switches from a keyboard, often used for cleaning or customization.

The physical sensation felt when pressing a key on a mechanical keyboard, often described as a bump or click.

A switch that provides tactile feedback to the user when it actuates.

A keyboard without a numeric keypad.

A button on a mouse that is located within easy reach of the thumb and can be programmed for various functions.

A scroll wheel that can be tilted to the left or right, allowing for horizontal scrolling.

A high-end brand of mechanical switches used in keyboards.

A type of key switch used in some high-end mechanical keyboards, providing a unique tactile sensation and sound.

A pointing device built into laptops or other devices that allows for cursor movement and various gestures.

A button or set of buttons on a touchpad that replicate the functions of mouse buttons.

A type of pointing device that uses a stationary ball to track movement, often used in ergonomic or space-constrained setups.

A type of mouse that uses a ball that can be rotated with the fingers to control the cursor.

The distance a key must be pressed to actuate and bottom out, often measured in millimeters.

A type of wired connectivity used in keyboards and mice, using a USB cable to connect to the computer.

A mouse designed to be used with the hand in a vertical, handshake position, reducing strain on the wrist.

A software-based keyboard that appears on the screen and is used with touchscreens or other devices without a physical keyboard.

A feature in some gaming mice that allows for adjustable weights to be added or removed, customizing the weight and balance of the mouse.

A key on a keyboard that opens the Windows Start menu or performs other Windows-related functions.

A type of connectivity used in keyboards and mice, using a physical cable to connect to the computer.

A mouse that connects to the computer through a physical cable.

A type of connectivity used in keyboards and mice, often using Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF) signals.

A feature in some mice and keyboards that allows for wireless charging using a charging pad.

A mouse that communicates with the computer through a wireless signal, usually Bluetooth or RF.

A small USB device that is plugged into the computer to communicate with a wireless keyboard or mouse.