Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Pacifist]

yea 11800 has pbt

[CPTBadAss]

Hmm, well at the very least, are all (unmodified) 11800 boards guaranteed to have a PBT bar? There are quite a few on eBay.

yea 11800 has pbt

How are you so certain? I'm not sure. All the other Cherry boards I've bought with PBT caps have had ABS spacebars. Do you have a link?

[Pacifist]

Hmm, well at the very least, are all (unmodified) 11800 boards guaranteed to have a PBT bar? There are quite a few on eBay.

yea 11800 has pbt

How are you so certain? I'm not sure. All the other Cherry boards I've bought with PBT caps have had ABS spacebars. Do you have a link?

My 11800 has PBT, and I really doubt cherry would put pbt on one board out of all of their boards

[jdcarpe]

Hmm, well at the very least, are all (unmodified) 11800 boards guaranteed to have a PBT bar? There are quite a few on eBay.

yea 11800 has pbt

How are you so certain? I'm not sure. All the other Cherry boards I've bought with PBT caps have had ABS spacebars. Do you have a link?

My 11800 has PBT, and I really doubt cherry would put pbt on one board out of all of their boards

Are you REALLY sure they're PBT? Like, you've done the acetone test to the underside, and it wasn't affected? Because Cherry liked to make ABS spacebars in molds that had PBT stamped in them.

[Sifo]

Does anyone have a picture comparing the GMK cyan to Miami set cyan?

[dorkvader]

Are you REALLY sure they're PBT? Like, you've done the acetone test to the underside, and it wasn't affected? Because Cherry liked to make ABS spacebars in molds that had PBT stamped in them.

Interesting: all my cherry spacebars that are stamped PBT on the bottom are either PBT or POM. Do you have some ABS ones that are marked PBT?

I'm trying to get my clerks to bring in acetone for me to do some keycap tests with now that I'm no longer living with that guy who had a huge jug of it. Maybe I'll just buy some.


Question: Where to buy acetone?

[Pacifist]

Are you REALLY sure they're PBT? Like, you've done the acetone test to the underside, and it wasn't affected? Because Cherry liked to make ABS spacebars in molds that had PBT stamped in them.

Interesting: all my cherry spacebars that are stamped PBT on the bottom are either PBT or POM. Do you have some ABS ones that are marked PBT?

I'm trying to get my clerks to bring in acetone for me to do some keycap tests with now that I'm no longer living with that guy who had a huge jug of it. Maybe I'll just buy some.


Question: Where to buy acetone?

would nail polish remover be the easiest way? Its acetone based

[BlueBär]

would nail polish remover be the easiest way? Its acetone based

Not all of them though.

[combataran]

Can anyone with a good eye tell me the configuration of this here GON board:

[BlueBär]

Can anyone with a good eye tell me the configuration of this here GON board:

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I would suggest to ask GON himself, assuming you want the same configuration.

[HoffmanMyster]

Can anyone with a good eye tell me the configuration of this here GON board:

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I would suggest to ask GON himself, assuming you want the same configuration.

I see nothing there that indicates anything other than a standard layout, with the possible exception of an off-center capslock.  The spacebar is 6.25x and the bottom row mods are all 1.25x.  Everything else looks standard ANSI.

[BlueBär]

I see nothing there that indicates anything other than a standard layout, with the possible exception of an off-center capslock.  The spacebar is 6.25x and the bottom row mods are all 1.25x.  Everything else looks standard ANSI.

I think he meant the colors etc.

[intelli78]

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Thanks for the info. I also talked to Photekq and read some old posts, and it does seem fairly safe to conclude that all 11800 PBT space bars are in fact PBT.

I am going to create a new thread consolidating what I've learned about PBT keysets and spacebars.

[CK Briefs]

Thanks for the info. I also talked to Photekq and read some old posts, and it does seem fairly safe to conclude that all 11800 PBT space bars are in fact PBT.

I am going to create a new thread consolidating what I've learned about PBT keysets and spacebars.

Cool, you asked the question I wanted answered

I found a mx11800 heh, perhaps you can find one on ebay too!

[HPE1000]

Do you think that putting clear switch tops on vintage blacks would/could make them scratchy? Kinda like ghetto nixdorf blacks.

[CPTBadAss]

Do you think that putting clear switch tops on vintage blacks would/could make them scratchy? Kinda like ghetto nixdorf blacks.

Maybe? Not sure if the tolerances of those abostudio clear tops. I believe the nixdorfs housings had did tolerances in their molds leading to a different feel. Maybe different springs too.

[dustinhxc]

Can anyone with a good eye tell me the configuration of this here GON board:

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Damn I love GONS cases so much.. Hoffman covered it good!

[HPE1000]

These are MX Blacks, right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-TG3-Electronics-Keyboard-w-Touchpad-Mouse-Buttons-KBA-nBLTA-QTY-AVAIL-/121266006222

[CPTBadAss]

These are MX Blacks, right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-TG3-Electronics-Keyboard-w-Touchpad-Mouse-Buttons-KBA-nBLTA-QTY-AVAIL-/121266006222

Yeah I've never seen the TG3s with anything but Blacks before.

[Pacifist]

These are MX Blacks, right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-TG3-Electronics-Keyboard-w-Touchpad-Mouse-Buttons-KBA-nBLTA-QTY-AVAIL-/121266006222

Yeah I've never seen the TG3s with anything but Blacks before.

There were TG3s with clears, the listing is sold out now tho

[CPTBadAss]

These are MX Blacks, right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-TG3-Electronics-Keyboard-w-Touchpad-Mouse-Buttons-KBA-nBLTA-QTY-AVAIL-/121266006222

Yeah I've never seen the TG3s with anything but Blacks before.

There were TG3s with clears, the listing is sold out now tho

**** you're right...My bad. Clears and Blacks I should've said.

[cannonking]

I saw these on KBDmania, where can I get similar ones?

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/index.php?mid=photo&page=2&document_srl=8294012

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[zig_ziglar]

Leopold FC700R - does it have hardware repeat delay and repeat rate control like Duckys do?

[combataran]

Has anyone here ever gone back to Cherry MXs after about a month or so with their Topre?

[CPTBadAss]

Leopold FC700R - does it have hardware repeat delay and repeat rate control like Duckys do?

I don't think so. I'm not aware of it if it does. I own one.

Has anyone here ever gone back to Cherry MXs after about a month or so with their Topre?

If you're looking for an impression on Topre switches and what people think of them, there's a ton of Topre threads out. Just do a search or look through the keyboards subforum. Topre related feel questions including this leading question get asked fairly often. It boils down to personal preference.

[Melvang]

I have received my new barrel plate from unicomp.  Would it be OK if I get it warm with water while forming it to the backplate?  I am paranoid about cracking the new one.

[combataran]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

[CPTBadAss]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

They feel slightly different to me. Vintage feel slightly lighter and smoother. I believe that lubing non-vintage blacks makes them feel as good as vintage. This has been discussed in a lot of other threads if you search as well if you want other info or opinions.

[Melvang]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

[combataran]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

Would the difference be reduced with the correct lube? I'm looking at Kmacs atm, and vintage blacks are looking a rad too pricey, unless you could suggest a cheaper source for them.

[CPTBadAss]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

Would the difference be reduced with the correct lube? I'm looking at Kmacs atm, and vintage blacks are looking a rad too pricey, unless you could suggest a cheaper source for them.

Think there's a board in the classifieds right now for $25 with vintage blacks. I got 200 for $.20 a pop when Whiskytango was doing a big WYSE sale. Try talking to him?

[combataran]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

Would the difference be reduced with the correct lube? I'm looking at Kmacs atm, and vintage blacks are looking a rad too pricey, unless you could suggest a cheaper source for them.

Think there's a board in the classifieds right now for $25 with vintage blacks. I got 200 for $.20 a pop when Whiskytango was doing a big WYSE sale. Try talking to him?

Will do, thanks.

[Melvang]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

Would the difference be reduced with the correct lube? I'm looking at Kmacs atm, and vintage blacks are looking a rad too pricey, unless you could suggest a cheaper source for them.

Check your local E-recycle shops for them.  You would be surprised what you can get for what prices.  I have picked up 3 WYSE terminal boards for $3 each and my last trip I got an AEK II and a Lexmark M for $5 each.

Edit:  Alps and Matias switches are the same pin pattern, correct?

[combataran]

Difference between vintage and non-vintage blacks?

Some will say there isn't a difference but I have tried both used vintage blacks (from 3 different WYSE terminal boards) and modern blacks on a Filco.  I can tell you there is a difference in feel.  The vintage ones are a touch smoother and softer.  Though if there is a difference between modern and unused vintage blacks I can't say for sure.

Would the difference be reduced with the correct lube? I'm looking at Kmacs atm, and vintage blacks are looking a rad too pricey, unless you could suggest a cheaper source for them.

Check your local E-recycle shops for them.  You would be surprised what you can get for what prices.  I have picked up 3 WYSE terminal boards for $3 each and my last trip I got an AEK II and a Lexmark M for $5 each.

What are the boards usually harvested for vintage blacks?

[tbc]

has there ever been a GREEN 1.75x thick PBT cherry profile shift key?

[BlueBär]

has there ever been a GREEN 1.75x thick PBT cherry profile shift key?

I don't really keep track of RGB sets but I don't think I ever saw one.

What are the boards usually harvested for vintage blacks?

MX keyboards made before 1991 should have them - old Wyse terminal keyboards, G80-1000 and G80-1500 are all fairly reliable sources for them.

Edit:  Alps and Matias switches are the same pin pattern, correct?

Yes.

[Coreda]

What is the character limit of posts on GH?

[rowdy]

What is the character limit of posts on GH?

CC said he had reached the 20,000 character limit in one of his threads, so I'm guessing around that figure.

[SeeThruHead]

How moddable would you guys consider a Choc Mini to be. I would like to add full led lighting, mod the plate for solderless removal and paint it.

Assuming the Choc Mini PCB has no support for LED would it be possible to drill out holes through the PCB and pass the leads throught for hard wiring on the rear of the pcb?

[BlueBär]

How moddable would you guys consider a Choc Mini to be. I would like to add full led lighting, mod the plate for solderless removal and paint it.

Assuming the Choc Mini PCB has no support for LED would it be possible to drill out holes through the PCB and pass the leads throught for hard wiring on the rear of the pcb?

The Choc Mini should have holes for the LEDs as there are backlit versions of it. If it doesn't have holes, you can maybe drill holes for them but I really wouldn't recommend it, especially not for full backlighting. The chances of cutting a trace and the loads of wire for hardwiring the LEDs would make it near impossible.
You can mod the plate and paint it, but you will have to desolder all switches first, so make sure to do that before adding the LEDs. You could also get yourself a custom plate made.

Edit: Correction, it does not seem to have the holes: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/Noppoo/pcb2.jpg
I guess it depends on the version? Not sure.

[SeeThruHead]

Hmmm. I was thinking of modding the plate with a regular old file and/or dremel. I feel that should be possible. Maybe and EL wire mod is in store for the backlighting though.

[jdcarpe]

How moddable would you guys consider a Choc Mini to be. I would like to add full led lighting, mod the plate for solderless removal and paint it.

Assuming the Choc Mini PCB has no support for LED would it be possible to drill out holes through the PCB and pass the leads throught for hard wiring on the rear of the pcb?

If you want a full backlit 75% keyboard, just get an MX Mini. You can get a plate made for it with the correct switch hole openings for solderless top removal. Case options are somewhat limited.

[BlueBär]

Hmmm. I was thinking of modding the plate with a regular old file and/or dremel. I feel that should be possible. Maybe and EL wire mod is in store for the backlighting though.

That would work, yes, might not look as nice though. And EL wire looks pretty bad for backlighting in my opinion...

If you want a full backlit 75% keyboard, just get an MX Mini. You can get a plate made for it with the correct switch hole openings for solderless top removal. Case options are somewhat limited.

Sprit's 75% would also be an option, he also offers cases.

[SeeThruHead]

I'm already in sprits GB for a 75% and case. I'm impatient though.

[CPTBadAss]

What is the character limit of posts on GH?

It's 40,000. I've hit it before writing reviews and actually in the OP of this thread.

Edit: I think 20,000 was the old limit and when the forum came back after R00tw0rm, it was changed to 40,000.

How moddable would you guys consider a Choc Mini to be. I would like to add full led lighting, mod the plate for solderless removal and paint it.

I think the Choc Mini still has the debouncing issues that causes the board to chatter.

[SeeThruHead]

Argh, I know I probably won't be happy with the quality of the choc mini. I just really want a 75% board in my hands asap.

[Coreda]

CC said he had reached the 20,000 character limit in one of his threads, so I'm guessing around that figure.

It's 40,000. I've hit it before writing reviews and actually in the OP of this thread.

Thanks. I've hit 14,000 characters in a post already, so this is useful to know.

[Melvang]

Hmmm. I was thinking of modding the plate with a regular old file and/or dremel. I feel that should be possible. Maybe and EL wire mod is in store for the backlighting though.

That would work, yes, might not look as nice though. And EL wire looks pretty bad for backlighting in my opinion...

If you want a full backlit 75% keyboard, just get an MX Mini. You can get a plate made for it with the correct switch hole openings for solderless top removal. Case options are somewhat limited.

Sprit's 75% would also be an option, he also offers cases.

You could try an EL mat.  You can get it in sheets.  Last time I looked into it there were two varieties.  One you could make swiss cheese out of it and the other you can't.  I have seen some that will run off USB power but most will require 12 volt iirc. 

[combataran]

Do new MX Blacks sound like this with 65g springs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMIkwKgKFhc&list=UUi51LUI0D43OeR7zju-NM5g

[BlueBär]

Do new MX Blacks sound like this with 65g springs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMIkwKgKFhc&list=UUi51LUI0D43OeR7zju-NM5g

The sound really depends on the case, caps, if you bottom out or not, material under the case and if there is a dampening mat inside.