Author Topic: Reversible winkeyless idea for phantom (Read 9942 times)

Denonic · « **on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 07:07:03 »

I was looking for some extremely low profile keys to put in the slot for the winkey and fn key for my phantom build to give a kind of hybrid look to it. Like a winkeyless but with a flat press able key instead of a full profile key or the usual winkeyless gap. I ended up finding this site that offers a key blocker that actually sits a top a cherry switch, rendering it unusable. This would be a great cheap way to help in making tenkeyless boards out of the Filco/PLU/CM Storm bodies for the phantom. It would require a switch to be in place to latch onto but is totally reversible if the winkey was ever required again. Would also need a paint service to match white and pink though. Also interesting were the very low profile relegendables which fit my original search criteria of a keycap with a low enough profile to keep the board looking winkeyless, but with an actual usable key.

http://piengineering.com/accessories/keycaps1c.php

One big issue I ran into for international buyers though is the ridiculous shipping cost. It was somewhere in the region of $85 USD to ship 10 keys to Australia.

If anyone else is interested in trying this and would be able to act as a proxy please let me know!

fruktstund · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 07:20:11 »

There are a few super flat keycaps at SP's marketplace too, but these look better, except that you have to paint them yourself.

Thought I'd order a set and try on my keyboard. Probably won't:

Denonic · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 07:43:36 »

Yeh! Exactly right? $5 keycaps but shipping is insane...

Halverson · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 07:55:33 »

I'm sure you can find a proxy on here, many awesome nice folks that would help out! I would, but I live in Canada...and shipping here is more than I prefer as well!

edit-Just actually looked at the link, those coloured clear caps are sweet!

double edit-Yup, only $66 to ship here, and can''t even use a different address due to only shipping to international billing addresses.

IvanIvanovich · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 10:59:08 »

Shipping in US is still kind of expensive for just a few caps $13, I guess they must use FedEx or UPS and not the mail. Anyway if you guys want some I can proxy for you, should only be like another $13 to send international with USPS.

Denonic · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 15:10:33 »

That would be awesome lysol! Let's wait and see if there are a few more interested as shipping a few items bundled together wouldn't add much to the shipping cost.

hoggy · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 15:49:23 »

An alternative might be to use a blanking tile. I've got a picture somewhere but I'm using my phone at the moment. They cover up the switch and can't be depressed. Access and tipro use them to mask unused keys. The access ones look better, but can be much harder to remove than tipro's.

Findecanor · « **Reply #7 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 16:26:13 »

Point-of-sale keyboards from Tipro have quite low relegendable key caps also. But even without the key top, no key cap will be lower than the home row key cap from a Cherry G80 keyboard.

Denonic · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 16:44:37 »

Quote from: Findecanor on Sat, 09 February 2013, 16:26:13

Point-of-sale keyboards from Tipro have quite low relegendable key caps also. But even without the key top, no key cap will be lower than the home row key cap from a Cherry G80 keyboard.

Really? But they wouldn't be flat right?
Or do you mean the G80 3800?

jdcarpe · « **Reply #9 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 17:17:44 »

If someone wants to order these in bulk to save on shipping, both domestic and int'l, I'm in for some. Mini GB?

regack · « **Reply #10 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:31:50 »

I have some of these, they aren't that much shorter than regular keys, I'll see if I can get a picture up...

Halverson · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:32:34 »

If we can get some Canadian interest, I would proxy from a US proxy lol.

regack · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:10:39 »

Some bad photos...

The blocker doesn't actually attach to a key. It has pegs which slot into holes on the xkeys devices, so you can't use it to block a regular cherry key.

Denonic · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:12:41 »

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:31:50

I have some of these, they aren't that much shorter than regular keys, I'll see if I can get a picture up...

Pics are great thanks. The keys are too high then might try and work out a mod for the key blocker to work with a switch.

regack · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:17:35 »

Quote from: Denonic on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:12:41

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:31:50
I have some of these, they aren't that much shorter than regular keys, I'll see if I can get a picture up...

Pics would be great. If the keys are too high then might try and work out a mod for the key blocker to work with a switch.

I can pop a key and blocker in the mail and post it if you want to play with them. Can't be much more than a Christmas card to Oz...

jdcarpe · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:55:25 »

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:10:39

The blocker doesn't actually attach to a key. It has pegs which slot into holes on the xkeys devices, so you can't use it to block a regular cherry key.

I guess I don't understand. Can you post a pic of the key blockers? This is from their website:

Quote

Key blockers take the place of any single key and leave a flat surface at case deck height for a professionally finished look. These key blockers snap over Cherry MX switches and may be removed or swapped with keycaps to modify or update a key configuration. Use key blockers to knock out a row or column of switches or to group keys by function.

dorkvader · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 22:49:50 »

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:17:35

I can pop a key and blocker in the mail and post it if you want to play with them. Can't be much more than a Christmas card to Oz...

I believe the USPS charges ~6.50 or so for a 3 Oz package internationally. Keycaps in a bubble mailer sholud weigh about that, or even a small box if you can find one large enough to fit the customs form, but small enough to be light.

I still suspect SP's new flat keycaps will be ideal for this.

Denonic · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 09 February 2013, 23:06:44 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 09 February 2013, 22:49:50

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:17:35
I can pop a key and blocker in the mail and post it if you want to play with them. Can't be much more than a Christmas card to Oz...
I believe the USPS charges ~6.50 or so for a 3 Oz package internationally. Keycaps in a bubble mailer sholud weigh about that, or even a small box if you can find one large enough to fit the customs form, but small enough to be light.

I still suspect SP's new flat keycaps will be ideal for this.

Do u have a pic of these new caps?

dorkvader · « **Reply #18 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:08:31 »

http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/marketplace.php
They come in grey ABS, white PBT and grey PBT.

Denonic · « **Reply #19 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:34:53 »

Those look perfect for keeping a switch usable! Will put in an order now and see what they look like when they arrive.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #20 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:36:02 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:08:31

Show Image

http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/marketplace.php
They come in grey ABS, white PBT and grey PBT.

I am confused, Why would they block out WASD..

Denonic · « **Reply #21 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:44:08 »

I think that's more for example purposes to compare profiles.

hoggy · « **Reply #22 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 02:13:12 »

Here are a few images of the blanking tiles - while these are on, the key can't be used.

Denonic · « **Reply #23 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 03:21:10 »

That's awesome hoggy! Are they from the same place? Where did you find white ones?

hoggy · « **Reply #24 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 04:40:14 »

All of mine have come from access keyboards, I've always assumed that they are made by sp.

fruktstund · « **Reply #25 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 05:22:31 »

Quote from: Denonic on Sat, 09 February 2013, 07:43:36

Yeh! Exactly right? $5 keycaps but shipping is insane...

Well, it was less than $90 at least! Heh.

hoggy, you don't have a couple of white keyblockers you're not using? The ones on the Access boards seems like they could work quite good, actually.

Denonic · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 06:07:57 »

Quote from: fruktstund on Sun, 10 February 2013, 05:22:31

hoggy, you don't have a couple of white keyblockers you're not using? The ones on the Access boards seems like they could work quite good, actually.

Absolutely! Need to find out where to get them and definitely get a group buy going for phantom users who want winkeyless!

regack · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 07:38:10 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:55:25

Quote from: regack on Sat, 09 February 2013, 21:10:39
The blocker doesn't actually attach to a key. It has pegs which slot into holes on the xkeys devices, so you can't use it to block a regular cherry key.

I guess I don't understand. Can you post a pic of the key blockers? This is from their website:

Quote
Key blockers take the place of any single key and leave a flat surface at case deck height for a professionally finished look. These key blockers snap over Cherry MX switches and may be removed or swapped with keycaps to modify or update a key configuration. Use key blockers to knock out a row or column of switches or to group keys by function.

Maybe they have different types of blockers (??) but the ones I have look like this:

2 little pegs on opposing corners, no stem spot in the middle.

hoggy · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:13:36 »

Quote from: Denonic on Sun, 10 February 2013, 06:07:57

Quote from: fruktstund on Sun, 10 February 2013, 05:22:31
hoggy, you don't have a couple of white keyblockers you're not using? The ones on the Access boards seems like they could work quite good, actually.

Absolutely! Need to find out where to get them and definitely get a group buy going for phantom users who want winkeyless!

If someone in the states can try SP and doesn't have any luck I can ask Access.

dorkvader · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:33:25 »

Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:36:02

Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:08:31
Show Image

http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/marketplace.php
They come in grey ABS, white PBT and grey PBT.

I am confused, Why would they block out WASD..

Quote from: Denonic on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:34:53

Those look perfect for keeping a switch usable! Will put in an order now and see what they look like when they arrive.

Denonic is correct: they keep the switch usable.

inteli722 · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:56:23 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:33:25

Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:36:02
Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:08:31
Show Image

http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/marketplace.php
They come in grey ABS, white PBT and grey PBT.

I am confused, Why would they block out WASD..
Quote from: Denonic on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:34:53
Those look perfect for keeping a switch usable! Will put in an order now and see what they look like when they arrive.
Denonic is correct: they keep the switch usable.

then, you can use the Switch Blockers that SP sells (http://keycapsdirect.com/marketplace.php) to create a flat key-block, effectively a reversible winkeyless design (all credit goes to SmallFry for figuring this out.) I would prefer those flat keys be shorter, though, so it's closer to the profile of the case. Still don't know if i'm going winkey or winkeyless.

samwisekoi · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 12:50:42 »

Do you mean 'key lock-outs'?

- Ron | samwisekoi

inteli722 · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 13:26:14 »

Yes, that's what I mean. I didn't bother to check the name

)

Denonic · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 10 February 2013, 17:46:47 »

Quote from: inteli722 on Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:56:23

Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 08:33:25
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:36:02
Quote from: dorkvader on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:08:31
Show Image

http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/marketplace.php
They come in grey ABS, white PBT and grey PBT.

I am confused, Why would they block out WASD..
Quote from: Denonic on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:34:53
Those look perfect for keeping a switch usable! Will put in an order now and see what they look like when they arrive.
Denonic is correct: they keep the switch usable.
then, you can use the Switch Blockers that SP sells (http://keycapsdirect.com/marketplace.php) to create a flat key-block, effectively a reversible winkeyless design (all credit goes to SmallFry for figuring this out.) I would prefer those flat keys be shorter, though, so it's closer to the profile of the case. Still don't know if i'm going winkey or winkeyless.

Not quite sure if it could be any shorter without having to shorten the pertruding stem of the switch also. But that is a nice idea.

Denonic · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 05 March 2013, 18:46:44 »

Ok so they've finally arrived and they are definitely flat. However they aren't as good as I expected for this purpose.

Some pics.

Denonic · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 04:48:42 »

I did find something that they were cool for though:

fruktstund · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:38:42 »

I guess I'll just post my pictures here too:

Quote from: fruktstund

Some keyblockers from an Access board to try on my Phantom (thanks a lot hoggy!), although one should note it's more beige in real life; I did alter the colour of this one afterwards.
Show Image

I was rather surprised, but I think it looks better with the black ones I got:
Show Image

Denonic · « **Reply #37 on:** Thu, 21 March 2013, 22:43:11 »

Quote from: fruktstund on Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:38:42

I guess I'll just post my pictures here too:

Quote from: fruktstund
Some keyblockers from an Access board to try on my Phantom (thanks a lot hoggy!), although one should note it's more beige in real life; I did alter the colour of this one afterwards.
Show Image

I was rather surprised, but I think it looks better with the black ones I got:
Show Image

You're right! I really dig the black blocker on white case. I might try get a hold of some for my phantom.

remedyhalopc · « **Reply #38 on:** Sun, 24 March 2013, 13:13:21 »

So do we have anything that can sit flush with a filco or QFR case?

Denonic · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 09 July 2013, 02:16:45 »

Finally got my Phantom in and added the key blockers that hoggy sent me. They are pretty much flush with the Filco case.

News:

Author Topic: Reversible winkeyless idea for phantom (Read 9942 times)