Author Topic: Definition of terms  (Read 2046 times)

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Offline adamrice

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Definition of terms
« on: Mon, 09 March 2009, 12:31:46 »
This website is a useful resource, but there is some insider jargon that can be a barrier to understanding for the newcomer. It would be nice if there were a page added to the wiki that explains exactly what people mean by terms like: tactile, linear, click, etc.
Adam Rice • Japanese-English translator • 8stars.org

Offline wellington1869

  • Posts: 2885
Definition of terms
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 09 March 2009, 13:08:44 »
tactile = you feel a "bump" of resistance as you press down on a key. Usually there is a specific mechanism built into the key switch to deliberately produce this sensation as tactile "feedback".

click = you hear an audible "click" as you press down on a key (*before* it has hit bottom, usually between 1/3 and 2/3 of the way down).  There is usually a specific mechanism built into the key switch in order to deliberately produce this audible "feedback".

clack = the key hits the bottom of the downstroke and therefore hits the bottom of the keyboard and "smacks" against it. Therefore this can potentially occur on any kind of switch. This sound occurs commonly on nearly any kind of keyboard, when the key is depressed fast or hard all the way down, and its volume is generally a function of how hard or fast you had hit the key, and so usually occurs on nearly any keyboard, rather than being a product of a deliberate mechanism.  On some boards of course it is louder than others depending on the build and materials of the keyboard. People often mistake this for a built-in click. The volume of the clack however, it is true, can lend a different character to a keyboard's feel, depending on its characteristics.

linear = A keyswitch is linear when there is no noticeable tactile bump or hump of resistance on the downstroke.  Instead the downstroke is "smooth". The force/resistance graph of the key shows a linear graph, therefore.

"Blah blah blah grade school blah blah blah IBM PS/2s blah blah blah I like Model Ms." -- Kishy

using: ms 7000/Das 3

Offline itlnstln

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Definition of terms
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 09 March 2009, 13:43:33 »
I think he might know that, Wellington, but could you perhaps put that in the Wiki as something like a glossary?


Offline ozar

  • Posts: 352
Definition of terms
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 09 March 2009, 14:09:38 »
Yeah, I like the idea of having an input device terminology page in the wiki.

Isn't the wiki currently setup so that any registered member can create and/or edit pages?

Offline wellington1869

  • Posts: 2885
Definition of terms
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 09 March 2009, 14:12:36 »
yes anyone can edit the wiki. i'll get around to it if no one beats me to it :)

"Blah blah blah grade school blah blah blah IBM PS/2s blah blah blah I like Model Ms." -- Kishy

using: ms 7000/Das 3