Clicky

Clicky refers to a keyswitch with a dedicated clicker mechanism. A clicky keyboard is one which uses clicky switches.

When depressed, a clicky switch omits a click sound in conjunction with actuation. This sound is distinct from the clack sound when a key is bottomed out. Clicky switches typically actuate at mid-travel, which means that depressing a click switch slowly will trigger a click sound before the key is fully depressed.

Some switches will inherently click when released. Many will only click when depressed, and make no additional sound when released. Some switch types will always click when depressed, and sometimes click when released, with this behaviour varying from key to key across the keyboard.

Various approaches have been taken to accomplish a click; most methods do not guarantee that the switch will click precisely when it actuates. One switch which does make this guarantee is the buckling spring, as the spring itself generates the sound when it buckles.

Simulated click

Some keyboards that do not have clicky key switches can emit a "click" sound on key actuation either using a built-in speaker, a dedicated clicker or through the operating system.

The Kinesis Advantage has a speaker and the click sound is optional.

IBM Beam Spring keyboards have both clicky switches and typically also a dedicated solenoid to provide click. Some models had speakers.

Many touch-screen keyboards provide click sound on key actuation, often as the only feedback.

eBay Controversy

On the auction site "eBay", rulings have been made in favour of sellers that have described keyboards as "clicky" when the item for sale had not been. The administrators on eBay have erroneously ruled "clicky" to be a subjective term.

See also

• Clicky switches