Stabiliser insert
Provided by the ASK Keyboard Dictionary
Aka/also known as: barrel insert, rod insert
A stabiliser insert is a component designed to support a part of a multi-unit keycap stabiliser, though there are different forms of such. For IBM and family, something referred to as a "stabiliser insert" is used by most buckling spring and Quiet Touch rubber dome Model M family keyboards as something that sits in a keyboard frame barrel to receive a protrusion of a 2-unit or larger (but not spacebar) keycap to ensure its stable and descends smoothly when pressed. These protrusions are sometimes referred to as a "rod", so this form of stabilisation is also sometimes referred to as "rod stabilisation". The inserts for horizontal and vertical multi-unit keycaps are slightly different as the horizontals' hole (pictured) are centred whereas the verticals' holes are aligned towards the top or bottom. For Cherry MX-style stabilisers such as Costars, a small plastic part used to attach a metal stabiliser wire to the keycap can also be referred to as a "stabiliser insert".
