Author Topic: Does this exist?  (Read 28825 times)

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Offline Mikecase00

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Does this exist?
« on: Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:10:16 »
Been a long time since I've hung out here, but recently had a question that's pulled me back to Geekhack for an answer...  Does anyone know of add on USB function keys available for sale?  I've seen lots of add on number pads, but I'm looking for something smaller, 4 keys or less.

In a perfect world, I'd find a single USB supported buckling spring key in a nice single key frame to match my Model M Space saver.  I'm guessing that's not available in the market.  I'd settle for a 4-key USB add-on with Cherry or similar mechanical switches.

Anything like that out there?

Thanks!
IBM Model M 1391401 (dyed black) w/ keys from M-13
IBM M-13 Trackpoint (naturally black)
IBM Model M 1392934 SpaceSaver
Several plain IBM 1391401 Ms
Epson Equity Q203A
http://www.mikecase.net

Offline Leslieann

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Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:36:40 »
There have been a few, but other than the 6key from Techkeys I think most were very small batches.

That said,
Why not make it yourself, it would not be hard to hand wire two to four 4 switches to an Arduino pro, the wiring is pretty stupid simple and total cost for all of this is maybe $20.
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Offline Mikecase00

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Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:48:41 »
I've certainly considered the home brew route, I just don't have time for that these days and thought I'd check here first.  Is there a place you can buy single cherry MX switches?
IBM Model M 1391401 (dyed black) w/ keys from M-13
IBM M-13 Trackpoint (naturally black)
IBM Model M 1392934 SpaceSaver
Several plain IBM 1391401 Ms
Epson Equity Q203A
http://www.mikecase.net

Offline Mikecase00

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 74
    • http://www.mikecase.net
Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:52:05 »
The 6key keyboard is pretty close, great tip!
IBM Model M 1391401 (dyed black) w/ keys from M-13
IBM M-13 Trackpoint (naturally black)
IBM Model M 1392934 SpaceSaver
Several plain IBM 1391401 Ms
Epson Equity Q203A
http://www.mikecase.net

Offline Leslieann

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 4519
Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 11 June 2019, 03:07:47 »
Novelkeys sells in small quantities, I'm sure there are others.
It's often cheaper to buy 10 than to buy 2.
Novelkeys NK65AE w/62g Zilents/39g springs
More
62g Zilents/lubed/Novelkeys 39g springs, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, pic
| Filco MJ2 L.E. Vortex Case, Jailhouse Blues, heavily customized
More
Vortex case squared up/blasted finish removed/custom feet/paint/winkey blockoff plate, HID Liberator, stainless steel universal plate, 3d printed adapters, Type C, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, foam sound dampened, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps (o-ringed), Cherry Jailhouse Blues w/lubed/clipped Cherry light springs, 40g actuation
| GMMK TKL
More
w/ Kailh Purple Pros/lubed/Novelkeys 39g springs, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, Netdot Gen10 Magnetic cable
| PF65 3d printed 65% w/LCD and hot swap
More
Box Jades, Interchangeable trim, mini lcd, QMK, underglow, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, O-rings, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, in progress link
| Magicforce 68
More
MF68 pcb, Outemu Blues, in progress
| YMDK75 Jail Housed Gateron Blues
More
J-spacers, YMDK Thick PBT, O-rings, SIP sockets
| KBT Race S L.E.
More
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| Das Pro
More
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| GH60
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Cherry Blacks, custom 3d printed case
| Logitech Illumininated | IBM Model M (x2)
Definitive Omron Guide. | 3d printed Keyboard FAQ/Discussion

Offline Sintpinty

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Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 13 June 2019, 12:32:08 »
Novelkeys sells in small quantities, I'm sure there are others.
It's often cheaper to buy 10 than to buy 2.

And plus, if you need more you'll get what you need

Offline Leslieann

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Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 18 July 2019, 07:18:26 »
Novelkeys NK65AE w/62g Zilents/39g springs
More
62g Zilents/lubed/Novelkeys 39g springs, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, pic
| Filco MJ2 L.E. Vortex Case, Jailhouse Blues, heavily customized
More
Vortex case squared up/blasted finish removed/custom feet/paint/winkey blockoff plate, HID Liberator, stainless steel universal plate, 3d printed adapters, Type C, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, foam sound dampened, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps (o-ringed), Cherry Jailhouse Blues w/lubed/clipped Cherry light springs, 40g actuation
| GMMK TKL
More
w/ Kailh Purple Pros/lubed/Novelkeys 39g springs, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, Netdot Gen10 Magnetic cable
| PF65 3d printed 65% w/LCD and hot swap
More
Box Jades, Interchangeable trim, mini lcd, QMK, underglow, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, O-rings, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, in progress link
| Magicforce 68
More
MF68 pcb, Outemu Blues, in progress
| YMDK75 Jail Housed Gateron Blues
More
J-spacers, YMDK Thick PBT, O-rings, SIP sockets
| KBT Race S L.E.
More
Ergo Clears, custom WASD caps
| Das Pro
More
Costar model with browns
| GH60
More
Cherry Blacks, custom 3d printed case
| Logitech Illumininated | IBM Model M (x2)
Definitive Omron Guide. | 3d printed Keyboard FAQ/Discussion

Offline DrivenKeys

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Re: Does this exist?
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 23 March 2020, 05:36:22 »
I've certainly considered the home brew route, I just don't have time for that these days and thought I'd check here first.  Is there a place you can buy single cherry MX switches?


Mechanicalkeyboards.com sells individual Cherry MX switches.
« Last Edit: Mon, 23 March 2020, 06:04:59 by DrivenKeys »
1994 Lexmark Model M, Unicomp EnduraPro, EP84/KC84 (Box Navies with gpl107) Leopold FC900R (MX Clears), Ducky One (MX Whites), Das X50q