Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

Unsure if pump would be that good. I'd prefer a braid for that personally.

[kmiller8]

I have a desoldering pump but how well would it work on that mountain?

I don't know, never used one, but a wick will remove most of the excess solder while still leaving enough to keep the connection if you're lucky, however if your solder joint breaks after using the wick, you'll obviously need either more solder or flux to get it back together.

[Lastpilot]

Any pictures of LEDs behind some SP ABS doubleshots? White please? Raindrop if you got it?

I looked through so many google image pages, couldn't find any. I KNOW there are some pictures somewhere though.

[CPTBadAss]

Any pictures of LEDs behind some SP ABS doubleshots? White please? Raindrop if you got it?

I looked through so many google image pages, couldn't find any. I KNOW there are some pictures somewhere though.

Use a google search on this thread and type in "remind me to post a picture". I took pictures already earlier in this thread. Jocelyn did as well.

[SpAmRaY]

Any pictures of LEDs behind some SP ABS doubleshots? White please? Raindrop if you got it?

I looked through so many google image pages, couldn't find any. I KNOW there are some pictures somewhere though.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg895963#msg895963

[Lastpilot]

Thank you! Lol I feel bad, it was in this thread the whole time. D'oh.

One last question from me today! Where can I find a high-res or vector copy of 7bit legends?

[kenmai9]

nevermind

[BlueBär]

I'm really confused with springs right now. So basically what I want is a Ergo-Clear variant, however without lubing them. I want to buy the springs from Originative, and I want the same spring strenght all over the keyboard. Which spring strength form Originative would be close to the original MX Clear strength or close enough to not stick? How can I compare them? Which one would you recommend (without lube)? How can I compare them to the values given at the DT wiki?

[SpAmRaY]

I'm really confused with springs right now. So basically what I want is a Ergo-Clear variant, however without lubing them. I want to buy the springs from Originative, and I want the same spring strenght all over the keyboard. Which spring strength form Originative would be close to the original MX Clear strength or close enough to not stick? How can I compare them? Which one would you recommend (without lube)? How can I compare them to the values given at the DT wiki?

There is a ton of info in these threads that should help

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44100.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43374.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44478.0

[nubbinator]

I'm really confused with springs right now. So basically what I want is a Ergo-Clear variant, however without lubing them. I want to buy the springs from Originative, and I want the same spring strenght all over the keyboard. Which spring strength form Originative would be close to the original MX Clear strength or close enough to not stick? How can I compare them? Which one would you recommend (without lube)? How can I compare them to the values given at the DT wiki?

65g won't stick unlubed.  62g may or may not have issues, but will be fine on most.  From my understanding, 80g is the closest to the Clear spring (supposedly lighter still), but I could be wrong there.

Any reason you won't be lubing them?

Since the Korean springs are measured at bottom out and MX at actuation, it does make things more interesting.

[BlueBär]

There is a ton of info in these threads that should help

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44100.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43374.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44478.0

I've seen these threads, however most people seem to lube their Ergo Clears so I wasn't sure. Thanks anyways

Any reason you won't be lubing them?

More work (well I will be stickering them so not really a valid point) + more material needed + some people say it might lose it's characteristic feeling if you overdo it... I don't know, I'm just concerned that if I would do something wrong it's a lot of work to revert it. I also don't mind the "scratchyness" at all.

I might do it at a later point, so I'll get 62g and 65g springs. Thanks for the help!

[linziyi]

Does GH60 stands for GeekHack 60%?

[kenmai9]

Does GH60 stands for GeekHack 60%?

Yeah

[CPTBadAss]

Does GH60 stands for GeekHack 60%?

Yes

[Jocelyn]

Does GH60 stands for GeekHack 60%?

Yes

You know it's funny, because I think americans hijacked 60% meaning. It makes sense being that 61-62 keys is ~60% of 104, but I've been told the original meaning had to do with weight. This is why Poker is 40% and not 60%

[Photekq]

Speaking of %s. I want to settle something. I asked ages ago what the percentage size of a TKL would be and it was decided 80% = TKL.

However, 87 = about 83.5% of 104.

The question is.. 80% or 85%?

[Dubsgalore]

80%

[CPTBadAss]

Speaking of %s. I want to settle something. I asked ages ago what the percentage size of a TKL would be and it was decided 80% = TKL.

However, 87 = about 83.5% of 104.

The question is.. 80% or 85%?

Pretty sure the convention is 80%

[kenmai9]

Never mind. Found the answer

[Photekq]

80%

Speaking of %s. I want to settle something. I asked ages ago what the percentage size of a TKL would be and it was decided 80% = TKL.

However, 87 = about 83.5% of 104.

The question is.. 80% or 85%?

Pretty sure the convention is 80%

Good. TEK-80 remains then.

[Jocelyn]

80%

Speaking of %s. I want to settle something. I asked ages ago what the percentage size of a TKL would be and it was decided 80% = TKL.

However, 87 = about 83.5% of 104.

The question is.. 80% or 85%?

Pretty sure the convention is 80%

Good. TEK-80 remains then.

lol I think it's funny you conclude this after I posted what I did, though I am in agreement.

[Melvang]

Does anyone know if you can successfully put a clear coat over the top of a "blued" finish like what you typically see on firearms?

[linziyi]

Would using PBT keycaps decrease the actuation force of the switches because of the weight of the keycaps?

[tp4tissue]

Would using PBT keycaps decrease the actuation force of the switches because of the weight of the keycaps?

LOL, technically yes, but they do not weigh that much more..

[therecorder]

Would using PBT keycaps decrease the actuation force of the switches because of the weight of the keycaps?

LOL, technically yes, but they do not weigh that much more..

Also, because of the change in feel and sound (bottoming out), they may cause one to conclude that they are heavier.

[CPTBadAss]

Would using PBT keycaps decrease the actuation force of the switches because of the weight of the keycaps?

It doesn't feel like the actuation force changes that much. I have both PBT and ABS caps on my boards.

80%

Speaking of %s. I want to settle something. I asked ages ago what the percentage size of a TKL would be and it was decided 80% = TKL.

However, 87 = about 83.5% of 104.

The question is.. 80% or 85%?

Pretty sure the convention is 80%

Good. TEK-80 remains then.

lol I think it's funny you conclude this after I posted what I did, though I am in agreement.

Whether or not your statement is correct, the convention still stands. That's how we seem to use the percentages here so that's what I'm running with. I'm not frequently on DT or any of the Korean sites so I can't tell you how things are done there or even if they're the same. And FWIW, I've never heard that it was based on weight.

[Melvang]

Can Alps switch internals be swapped out without changing the housing like you can with Cherry MX switches?

Edit so as not to double post but came up with a couple more questions.

Has anyone ever used  this stuff?

If so what size would be a good fit for doing 22ga hook up wire?

[Melvang]

Wow 10 hours with no posts in this thread, did I scare everyone away?

[rootwyrm]

Can Alps switch internals be swapped out without changing the housing like you can with Cherry MX switches?

It varies. Simplified to Simplified and Complicated to Complicated, in a nutshell. There's probably some other ways, but that's the rule I know.

Edit so as not to double post but came up with a couple more questions.

Has anyone ever used  this stuff?

If so what size would be a good fit for doing 22ga hook up wire?

Yes, I have. For 22ga hookup wire, I don't know. The guys at FrozenCPU will know the right size for 22ga though. I've been pleasantly surprised by it - looks very nice, very sturdy, and it is flame retarding. (Don't ask.)

[CPTBadAss]

Can Alps switch internals be swapped out without changing the housing like you can with Cherry MX switches?

I plan on working on my Alps board this weekend. When I have switches to play with, I'll take them apart and see. Maybe post some pics.

[linziyi]

Conventional keycap sets won't fit ErgoDox will it?

[CPTBadAss]

Conventional keycap sets won't fit ErgoDox will it?

Pretty sure it will but the Ergodox has a lot of extra caps that most sets won't have. I'd like someone to double check my answer though.

[CommunistWitchDr]

Conventional keycap sets won't fit ErgoDox will it?

Pretty sure it will but the Ergodox has a lot of extra caps that most sets won't have. I'd like someone to double check my answer though.

Only if your set had like 4 left shift keys and a bunch of tabs.

So cap'n is right.

[Melvang]

thanks for the info CPTBadAss and rootwyrm.  Now where was that thread about building up a keyboard using just a plate full of switches and the teensy?

[jdcarpe]

In my signature

[Melvang]

Thanks JD i did just find it though.

[jdcarpe]

Thanks JD i did just find it though.

I figured it was a somewhat rhetorical question, but I like to provide answers when I can.

[domoaligato]

thanks for the info CPTBadAss and rootwyrm.  Now where was that thread about building up a keyboard using just a plate full of switches and the teensy?

I would suggest this thread also for discussions on Hasu's TMK keyboard firmware.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

[Masterchief79]

What's this?

[CPTBadAss]

Looks like a plunger over rubber dome board at a quick glance.

[Melvang]

thanks for the info CPTBadAss and rootwyrm.  Now where was that thread about building up a keyboard using just a plate full of switches and the teensy?

I would suggest this thread also for discussions on Hasu's TMK keyboard firmware.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Thank domo. Now how does the direct wiring method feel to type on?  I am considering this method for reasons that will remain under Classified status until complete.  And how does does this affect the sound of the keystrokes? 

[jdcarpe]

Looks like a plunger over rubber dome board at a quick glance.

Yep, with a spring! For some unknown reason... I doubt if it adds more than 5cN resistance.

[IvanIvanovich]

Looks like Fujitsu Peerless. They are more similar to buckling springs in how they work, but totally linear.

[CPTBadAss]

thanks for the info CPTBadAss and rootwyrm.  Now where was that thread about building up a keyboard using just a plate full of switches and the teensy?

I would suggest this thread also for discussions on Hasu's TMK keyboard firmware.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Thank domo. Now how does the direct wiring method feel to type on?  I am considering this method for reasons that will remain under Classified status until complete.  And how does does this affect the sound of the keystrokes?

Should feel the same to type on but the overall weight should be lighter since you don't have a PCB. I've never actually tried a direct wired board though. Ask TheFlyingRaccoon or Matt30. They've very recently made direct wired boards.

[unnatural]

Kinda a newbie here, is it possible to change the spring and oil a plate mounted cherry switch without desoldering/soldering?

[CPTBadAss]

Kinda a newbie here, is it possible to change the spring and oil a plate mounted cherry switch without desoldering/soldering?

Please read the OP

[unnatural]

Kinda a newbie here, is it possible to change the spring and oil a plate mounted cherry switch without desoldering/soldering?

Please read the OP

Thanks, I missed the first read through 

[remedyhalopc]

I found this at the volunteer organization I've been working for to clean up Moore. It's an old church's gym and it Had an oooold Internet cafe that we cleared out.

It stuck out to me because of the ISO layout with short right shift and the fact that it felt better than a membrane. Initially thought it was because the back was all metal so I figured the plate was making it sturdy. Just got home to check it out and pulled a cap off. To my surprise...AND the caps are MX compatible. It's a Packard Bell 5131C.

[nubbinator]

I found this at the volunteer organization I've been working for to clean up Moore. It's an old church's gym and it Had an oooold Internet cafe that we cleared out.

It stuck out to me because of the ISO layout with short right shift and the fact that it felt better than a membrane. Initially thought it was because the back was all metal so I figured the plate was making it sturdy. Just got home to check it out and pulled a cap off. To my surprise...AND the caps are MX compatible. It's a Packard Bell 5131C.

Not sure if that's a question, but it's a rubber dome

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a question here that I'm missing remodyhalopc?