How do we get the Steam beta?

I was wondering, 'cause like i keep seeing stuff about steam early acess, and codes, and other , and I was wondering, HOW do we get to play all the Starbounds at launch, if you pre-ordered? I've been told they send you a key, and then i naturally think to "Oh you have to activate it, that's shmeezy-peezy!!1!!2!" But I'm seeing things about Steam Early Access, and like "WHAT THE, do we get it by registering it or by doing "shteim urley axxessssssssss?",

Also, How does "Shteim uhrrly axxesss" work, anyways?

 

You'll be emailed a Steam key, which will unlock the game on Steam when you put that key into the "Activate a product on Steam" or whatever option. Steam Early Access is just where the game will be in the Steam Store as it's not a finished game, and really doesn't affect anyone who has pre-ordered.

 

Perfectly explained!

 

Thank you very much. That clears up alot.