Welcome to the rabbit hole where tiny parts dictate your sanity. Among these, stabilizers(or "stabs") are the unsung heroes—or villains—of your big keys like spacebar, Enter, and Shift. They prevent these keys from wobbling like a drunken penguin. But wait! There are two types: plate-mounted(aka steel plate stabs) and PCB-mounted stabs. Let's dissect them with humor and zero jargon.

What Are Stabilizers? The "Anti-Wobble" Crew

Stabilizers are tiny assemblies consisting of a wire, housings, and stems that keep large keys balanced. Without them, your spacebar would sound like a maraca solo. They come in two delicious flavors. Plate-mounted stabilizers clip directly into the keyboard's metal or plastic plate—think of them as the easy-breezy option for beginners. On the other hand, PCB-mounted stabilizers attach to the printed circuit board via screws or clips, making them the "pro" choice for stability enthusiasts.

When it comes to installation, plate-mounted stabs simply snap into place—no tools required! Though if your plate's cutouts aren't precise, they might feel either too loose or frustratingly tight. PCB-mounted stabs, meanwhile, demand some disassembly work as they screw directly into the PCB, but this extra effort rewards you with rock-solid stability that's worth the hassle.

Compatibility is another key difference. Plate-mounted stabilizers require a plate with specific cutouts, meaning if you decide to change layouts later, you might find yourself shopping for a new plate. PCB-mounted stabs offer more flexibility, working with virtually any plate (or even no plate at all!), making them perfect for those adventurous custom layouts.

And let's talk about tuning. Plate-mounted stabs are the lazy builder's dream—easy to pop out and adjust mid-build without much drama. PCB-mounted stabs, however, require full disassembly for any tweaks, testing both your patience and your screwdriver skills.

Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Wobbly 

(TO BE CONTINUED)