NKey

Nkey is a term used in several different technical contexts and does not have a single, universally accepted definition. In keyboard technology, Nkey is often shorthand for N-key rollover (NKRO), the ability of a keyboard to register all keys pressed simultaneously. NKRO contrasts with keyboards that limit the number of keys that can be detected at once (such as 2-, 6-, or 8-key rollover). Implementations typically rely on hardware features like per-key diodes and scan firmware, and they influence how keyboards report input to the host computer, often via USB HID reports or bitmap-like encodings.

Beyond keyboards, the name Nkey has also appeared as a brand or project name in software and security contexts. In these settings, Nkey generally refers to a key management or cryptographic component rather than a single standardized technology. Such uses describe generation, storage, distribution, and verification of cryptographic keys, or the handling of session keys within a protocol. Because these projects are independent and not standardized, each Nkey-related solution specifies its own APIs, formats, and security assurances, requiring consultation of the respective documentation for details.

Usage notes: The most established association of the term is with NKRO in keyboards, where enthusiasts prize full simultaneous-key support for gaming and fast typing. In software, Nkey branding can indicate a variety of key-related tools or libraries, but these do not imply a common standard across implementations.

See also: N-key rollover, keyboard firmware, cryptographic key management, public-key cryptography.