Steezus's TGR-Jane Build Log
The TGR-Jane, yuktsi's first endeavor into custom keyboard group buy. I'm very glad to have obtained a TGR-Jane and it hasn't let me down yet. The board does have it's minor flaws such as the gap between the two pieces of the case and few anodizing inconsistencies, other than that it's a wonderful board. It was definitely the most frustrating out of all my builds but the final outcome is superb. This is my third keyboard I have ever built but the first to solder diodes and resistors. At the start I had a few LEDs not working and a couple dead switches, after swapping out the few dead items the keyboard is working like a charm. The TX87 is a very good PCB, although I wish the firmware was a little more up to date because it's missing out on MX Lock and In-Switch LED Brightness functionalities. I also noticed a bug that the ESC key does not work unless you have a FN key assigned. I rarely use the caps lock so I opted to just wait for the firmware to update rather than swapping out my MX Lock switch. I am planning on switching the caps since GMK Triumph Adler has terrible light bleed.
I apologize for the long post, I like to document my keyboard builds.
My overall plan for the board is:
- TGR-Jane Blue Grey 86 Key
- Red Aluminum Plate
- Vintage/Old Browns harvested from a g80-11801, clear gateron top(a little smoother)
- Sip-Socketed with Blue & White LEDs, RGB LEDs for windows keys
- Gold Stabilizers
- GMK Olivetti
- A matching BBv2, CC, or Reaper
Light Bleed FixAfter trying several solutions to fix the light bleed, in my opinion, I think I found the best solution for what I wanted to achieve. I applied electrical tape to the tops of my 2x3x4mm LEDs dimming them and almost 100% eliminating light bleed.
Here is the final product, make sure that the tape does not hang over the edges of the LED or the key cap can catch it and get stuck. It didn't take me long at all to do a full board, just line up a row of 5 and cut with some scissors.
Before Shot
After Shot
What's Next?
I ended up fixing the light bleed issue on the TA caps, currently deciding to keep them on. I also found a Northern Lights BBv2 for the ESC key. I'm now just waiting on RGBs LEDs and a Diffuser coming for the TGR-Jane, plus there will be a matching numpad to come.
Log Edit:
12/31/2015 - Added some bare-bones shots of the board.
01/01/2016 - Added a full board shot, also changed all the LEDs to sky blue. Having difficulty getting a good picture of the the LEDs. Happy New Year!
01/03/2016 - Changed some more shots up, added my favorite photos yet with the copper background.
01/05/2016 - Found very minuscule damage by the right arrow key, still very disappointing.
01/06/2016 - Added my method of fixing the light bleed issue of the GMK Triumph Adler keycaps.
01/18/2016 - Added a LED picture and updated the "What's Next?" section.