K

kB, KB, kilobyte

Initialism for kilobyte.

In the decimal system, kilobyte is abbreviated as kB, where one kB equals 1000 bytes in the context of file size or storage capacity.
In the binary system, kilobyte is abbreviated as KB, where one KB equals 1024 bytes in the context of computer memory.

In the noun form, insert a space between the numeral and the abbreviation. Use the preposition of before the unit.

Example

Don’t hyphenate the adjective form.

Example

For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.

kbit, Kbit, kilobit

Initialism for kilobit.

In the decimal system, kilobit is abbreviated as kbit, where one kbit equals 1000 bits in the context of file size or storage capacity.
In the binary system, kilobit is abbreviated as Kbit, where one Kbit equals 1024 bits in the context of computer memory.

In the noun form, insert a space between the numeral and the abbreviation. Use the preposition of before the unit.

Example

Don’t hyphenate the adjective form.

Example

For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.

kbps (kbit/s), Kbps (Kbit/s), kilobits per second

Initialism for kilobits per second.

For more information, see Units of measurement.

For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.

See also kbit, Kbit, kilobit.

kBps (kB/s), KBps (KB/s), kilobytes per second

Initialism for kilobytes per second.

For more information, see Units of measurement.

For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.

See also kB, KB, kilobyte.

key

Don’t use as a verb. Use type or press. In the adjective form, don’t use as a synonym for crucial or important.

When using key as a noun, specify which kind of key you’re referring to on first mention, because there are many kinds of keys in technical contexts.

For more information, see Interaction verbs and Pressing and typing keyboard keys.

keyboard shortcut

Use to describe a combination of keystrokes used to perform a task.

keypress

One word. Not key press or key-press.

key ring

Two words. Not keyring or key-ring.

keystroke

One word. Not key stroke or key-stroke.

key-value pair

Hyphenate. Not key value or key/value pair.

kHz, kilohertz

Initialism for kilohertz.

In the noun form, insert a space between the numeral and the abbreviation. Use the preposition of before the unit.

Example

Don’t hyphenate the adjective form.

Example

For more information about spelling out abbreviations, see Abbreviations.

kill

Avoid when possible. Instead, use words like stop, exit, cancel, or end.

OK to use in UNIX-related documentation.