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What does “south-facing” actually mean?

Plain-English explanations of the terms keyboard enthusiasts use every day. Plus what to buy if you want it.

linearthockytactileclickyhall effectrapid triggergasket mounttray mounttop mounto-ring mountfull-sizeTKL75%65%60%splitPBTABSdouble-shotCherry profileOEM profileSA profilenorth-facingsouth-facingper-key RGBhot-swapQMK / VIAstabilizerslubed switchesfilmed switchesfoam modtape mod
south-facing · adjective

The switch is mounted with its LED toward the bottom of the board (toward the spacebar). RGB shines through less brightly on legends, but every keycap profile fits without interference. The safer choice for enthusiast keycap swaps.

How to get it · CHEAP
GMK67
GMK67
BudgetPlastic 65% · south-facing LEDs

The plastic 65% gateway-drug board with south-facing LEDs — the cheapest example of the cap-clearance-friendly orientation.

see why →buy on amazon →
How to get it · BEST
Rainy 75
Rainy 75
BudgetAluminum 75% · south-facing canonical

The budget-endgame 75% with south-facing LEDs — proof that the orientation paired with Cherry-profile caps just works.

see why →buy on amazon →
How to get it · DIY
Neo65
Neo65
BudgetBarebone 65% · south-facing PCB

Popular 65% custom-build with a south-facing PCB — modern builds skip the Cherry-profile interference north-facing causes.

see why →buy on QwertyKeys →