Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

thx. the switches are brown, i dont like the feel of black or red. to my knowledge the switches shouldnt affect gaming though, am i wrong?
it doesnt happen when typing normally, only happens when gaming. not sure if its related to apm either, since brood war takes a lot of apm but dota doesnt really require you to press a lot of keys
and im definitely pressing enough for the keys to register. sometimes i purposely press harder than i would than when typing just to make sure it registers, but still no luck.

What keyboard is it? Maybe there's a key roll over problem. You can search for "xkro" to skip to the part that explains key roll over.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase a Terran eagle keycap. I know feng sells the shield, but I prefer the eagle symbol.

I thought feng had the eagle symbol on his eBay site as well as the shield. Otherwise, you can ask Shadovved. I know he had a bunch of sets at one point and maybe he still has some. And that is BY FAR MY FAVORITE IRON MAIDEN ALBUM <3. Up the irons!

[homojomo]

thx. the switches are brown, i dont like the feel of black or red. to my knowledge the switches shouldnt affect gaming though, am i wrong?
it doesnt happen when typing normally, only happens when gaming. not sure if its related to apm either, since brood war takes a lot of apm but dota doesnt really require you to press a lot of keys
and im definitely pressing enough for the keys to register. sometimes i purposely press harder than i would than when typing just to make sure it registers, but still no luck.

What keyboard is it? Maybe there's a key roll over problem. You can search for "xkro" to skip to the part that explains key roll over.

mstone sb74. a korean keyboard. really not much info on it, though i did read 5 keys + somewhere
but the rollover thing shouldnt matter when im using my mouse in between keys. ie mouse click gateway, z, mouse click gateway, z, mouse click gateway, z

[CPTBadAss]

mstone sb74. a korean keyboard. really not much info on it, though i did read 5 keys + somewhere
but the rollover thing shouldnt matter when im using my mouse in between keys. ie mouse click gateway, z, mouse click gateway, z, mouse click gateway, z

Hm, according to this thread, it should have 6KRO over USB and NKRO over PS/2. *Maybe* hysteresis issues with the Browns? But I played SC2 with Blues and had no issue. Or maybe theres a debounce/chatter issue in the firmware itself. I'm not sure.

And key roller over matters if you're like me or any other Starcraft player and you mash keys like crazy. I used to spam like 120 APM at the start of the game for giggles. And you're playing BW so your APM is probably higher than mine.

[keymaster]

Would the PS2AVR87 PCB fit a QuickFire Rapid housing? If not, is there any full-LED 87-key PCB that will?

Thanks.

[SpAmRaY]

could I get a second opinion other than my own, what profile is this space bar? I know the pics are awful best I can do at the moment.

[jonathanyu]

could I get a second opinion other than my own, what profile is this space bar? I know the pics are awful best I can do at the moment.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

look like OEM

[CPTBadAss]

could I get a second opinion other than my own, what profile is this space bar? I know the pics are awful best I can do at the moment.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Can you take the picture again with a known profile cap next to it? Like Cherry or SP DCS?

1) Would the PS2AVR87 PCB fit a QuickFire Rapid housing?
2) If not, is there any full-LED 87-key PCB that will?

1) No, The_Beast and Sifo both confirm that the Function row to Number row spacing are mismatched and won't fit a QFR case. They both own the PCBs.
2) And no, The_Beast, Sifo, and I couldn't think of a PCB that meets the requirement. You might be able to mod a Ducky PCB to fit the QFR case though.

[keymaster]

Aww, sucks. Thanks for the info.

[SpAmRaY]

could I get a second opinion other than my own, what profile is this space bar? I know the pics are awful best I can do at the moment.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Can you take the picture again with a known profile cap next to it? Like Cherry or SP DCS?

I tried....so are these same profile or not?

[CPTBadAss]

could I get a second opinion other than my own, what profile is this space bar? I know the pics are awful best I can do at the moment.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Can you take the picture again with a known profile cap next to it? Like Cherry or SP DCS?

I tried....so are these same profile or not?

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Going to guess an OEM from those pictures.

[Narcix]

Probabilly this is the wrong place to post this, but I didn't know where else to post. My apologies.
How is the build quality of the Keycool 108 II backlit compared to Ducky Zero Shine's?

[rowdy]

Probabilly this is the wrong place to post this, but I didn't know where else to post. My apologies.
How is the build quality of the Keycool 108 II backlit compared to Ducky Zero Shine's?

Perhaps not the best one to reply, as I have a KeyCool 87 and Ducky Shine 1 (full size), but the Ducky would probably have the edge, although I wouldn't say there was anything intrinsically wrong with either of them.

[Ch0nG]

Does anyone know when the next MassDrop for the ErgoDox could be?
How is the ErgoDox in regards to portability? I'm interested in taking it to work but don't want to leave it.

In case anyone wants to steer me towards something else, my main reasons for getting an ErgoDox are:
- Size, it seems much smaller and more portable.
- Programmability. I've messed with Colemak and really like it, I'm not good at it yet but it's coming along OK.
Also, I thought about buying a WASD V2 TKL but then I thought "Why not just get an Ergodox that is 100% programmable?". Of course, the ErgoDox is twice the price of a WASD V2 TKL.

[MOZ]

Does anyone know when the next MassDrop for the ErgoDox could be?
How is the ErgoDox in regards to portability? I'm interested in taking it to work but don't want to leave it.

In case anyone wants to steer me towards something else, my main reasons for getting an ErgoDox are:
- Size, it seems much smaller and more portable.
- Programmability. I've messed with Colemak and really like it, I'm not good at it yet but it's coming along OK.
Also, I thought about buying a WASD V2 TKL but then I thought "Why not just get an Ergodox that is 100% programmable?". Of course, the ErgoDox is twice the price of a WASD V2 TKL.

I'm working on the ErgoTravel, which has all the features of hte ErgoDox, except the thumb cluster and is designed to be something you can carry off the work.

[AKmalamute]

Does anyone know when the next MassDrop for the ErgoDox could be?

Can't speak to the rest of it, but they've been averaging every 6+ weeks between end-of-last and beginning-of-next, plus the week or so they're collecting buyers in the middle.

So, as near as I can tell, "Really soon"

[9-bit]

Do the majority of keyboards work with mac? I had a bad experience with the Noppo choco, so I just wanted to make sure filco/keycool boards would work with it, before I drop the dough. Thanks!

[ComradeSniper]

Do the majority of keyboards work with mac? I had a bad experience with the Noppo choco, so I just wanted to make sure filco/keycool boards would work with it, before I drop the dough. Thanks!

I know the Filco does.

[rowdy]

Do the majority of keyboards work with mac? I had a bad experience with the Noppo choco, so I just wanted to make sure filco/keycool boards would work with it, before I drop the dough. Thanks!

I have successfully used the following with a Mac:

• Ducky Shine
• KeyCool 87
• HHKB Pro 2
• Model M
• QFR

Now that I have a PS/2 to USB adaptor, I would like to try:

• NEC APC-H4100E

[goobus]

Are there diodes already on the KMAC PCB from Originative?  Sherryton told me I don't need diodes, but the KMAC DIY thread talks about installing diodes?

[CPTBadAss]

Are there diodes already on the KMAC PCB from Originative?  Sherryton told me I don't need diodes, but the KMAC DIY thread talks about installing diodes?

Originative is down so I can't double check what KMAC you're referring to. I'm not sure if all the KMAC PCBs come pre populated but there's the KMAC, KMAC LE, KMAC2, KMAC Happy, and KMAC 1.2. I don't know if all of them are the same. My KMAC LE didn't have diodes preinstalled. And I imagine as owner of Originative, Sherryton would know his own products.

[Ch0nG]

as near as I can tell, "Really soon"

Cool. Thanks for the input. 

I'm working on the ErgoTravel, which has all the features of hte ErgoDox, except the thumb cluster and is designed to be something you can carry off the work.

That looks great! I might just wait until there is a GB for that. Decisions decisions...

[goobus]

Are there diodes already on the KMAC PCB from Originative?  Sherryton told me I don't need diodes, but the KMAC DIY thread talks about installing diodes?

Originative is down so I can't double check what KMAC you're referring to. I'm not sure if all the KMAC PCBs come pre populated but there's the KMAC, KMAC LE, KMAC2, KMAC Happy, and KMAC 1.2. I don't know if all of them are the same. My KMAC LE didn't have diodes preinstalled. And I imagine as owner of Originative, Sherryton would know his own products.

I have the KMAC 2. No offense meant to sherryton ofc! Sherryton was great to deal with and the package arrived in immaculate condition. I was just confused and looking to clarify my confusion!

[CPTBadAss]

I have the KMAC 2. the package arrived in immaculate condition.

Oh if you have it in hand, just snap a picture of the PCB and we'll be able to tell if you diodes are already populated.

[goobus]

Man CPT thanks for always being here to answer my dumbass questions. If this thread wasn't here I'd probably have started 20 of my own

[9-bit]

Do the majority of keyboards work with mac? I had a bad experience with the Noppo choco, so I just wanted to make sure filco/keycool boards would work with it, before I drop the dough. Thanks!

I know the Filco does.

Alright thank you! I might be getting one soon! Super excited.

[CPTBadAss]

Man CPT thanks for always being here to answer my dumbass questions. If this thread wasn't here I'd probably have started 20 of my own

No worries! Glad myself and the community have this and other outlets to help people .

[Melvang]

So I have a guy here at work with a space bar that he says is traveling OK but doesn't seem to trigger a keystroke.  He says that he hasn't spilled anything in it and has never had the caps off.  Any suggestions?  I am going to try and pull it off and have a look.  It is on a 2 or 3 year old HP laptop.  By his description and me showing him a couple pics I believe it is scissor switches not chick let key.  How much of a pain are those to pull the space bar?  Anything I need to be aware of?  Going to try this at lunch break breaking in about 4 hours.

[CPTBadAss]

So I have a guy here at work with a space bar that he says is traveling OK but doesn't seem to trigger a keystroke.  He says that he hasn't spilled anything in it and has never had the caps off.  Any suggestions?  I am going to try and pull it off and have a look.  It is on a 2 or 3 year old HP laptop.  By his description and me showing him a couple pics I believe it is scissor switches not chick let key.  How much of a pain are those to pull the space bar?  Anything I need to be aware of?  Going to try this at lunch break breaking in about 4 hours.

Melvang, could be dust trapped between the spacebar and whatever it's connected to. Probably just needs to be disassembled and cleaned.

[rowdy]

So I have a guy here at work with a space bar that he says is traveling OK but doesn't seem to trigger a keystroke.  He says that he hasn't spilled anything in it and has never had the caps off.  Any suggestions?  I am going to try and pull it off and have a look.  It is on a 2 or 3 year old HP laptop.  By his description and me showing him a couple pics I believe it is scissor switches not chick let key.  How much of a pain are those to pull the space bar?  Anything I need to be aware of?  Going to try this at lunch break breaking in about 4 hours.

Maybe too late, but: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12153.0

I have removed a few scissor switch keycaps from one of my Apple aluminium keyboards.  It is not too difficult if you take your time and be careful.  Once you have done one or two, it becomes much easier.

[goobus]

I have the KMAC 2. the package arrived in immaculate condition.

Oh if you have it in hand, just snap a picture of the PCB and we'll be able to tell if you diodes are already populated.

Hi CPT!! Attached pic of PCB.

[CPTBadAss]

I have the KMAC 2. the package arrived in immaculate condition.

Oh if you have it in hand, just snap a picture of the PCB and we'll be able to tell if you diodes are already populated.

Hi CPT!! Attached pic of PCB.

Huh, it doesn't look like there are diodes on that PCB. Looks like my PCB before I built it up. If there were pre-populated diodes, they'd probably be SMD, soldered right above the switch name. So for example, above "Delete", there's 2 horizontal holes with a little box between them? Through hole diodes fit in those horizontal holes and SMD diodes go in the little box. And just be aware you have sacrificial edges on that PCB you'll have to break off so the PCB fits into a case.

[bMind]

Q: If I plan to change keycaps and have reasonable mod capabilities should I go for QuickFire Rapid or TK? Or there is something else I should look at that is TKL, preferably has backlit keys (yeah I know Rapid does not ;)), allows easy modding and is available in reasonable price in Europe?

[CPTBadAss]

Q: If I plan to change keycaps and have reasonable mod capabilities should I go for QuickFire Rapid or TK? Or there is something else I should look at that is TKL, preferably has backlit keys (yeah I know Rapid does not ), allows easy modding and is available in reasonable price in Europe?

First mechanical keyboard? I definitely recommend the QuickFire Rapid. Especially if you plan on changing caps. The TK modifier row doesn't allow you to change keycaps because the sizing is very odd. I think it's 6.2x spacebar, not a 6.25x. There's literally no way you can swap the modifiers around it or the spacebar unless you mod keycaps to fit.

[bMind]

Q: If I plan to change keycaps and have reasonable mod capabilities should I go for QuickFire Rapid or TK? Or there is something else I should look at that is TKL, preferably has backlit keys (yeah I know Rapid does not ), allows easy modding and is available in reasonable price in Europe?

First mechanical keyboard? I definitely recommend the QuickFire Rapid. Especially if you plan on changing caps. The TK modifier row doesn't allow you to change keycaps because the sizing is very odd. I think it's 6.2x spacebar, not a 6.25x. There's literally no way you can swap the modifiers around it or the spacebar unless you mod keycaps to fit.

Yes, this will be first click clack for me I really wanted Ducky Shine 3..especially that it will soon be available a TKL version, but I'm really fed up discussing/arranging the shipping and payment at TigerImports..so I think I'll pick something that is available here in Poland. And I can get QFR or QFTK and maybe soon QF Stealth here.

[CPTBadAss]

Yes, this will be first click clack for me I really wanted Ducky Shine 3..especially that it will soon be available a TKL version, but I'm really fed up discussing/arranging the shipping and payment at TigerImports

Surprised you had a bad experience with TigerImports. They're the same company as Mechanicalkeyboards.com. Have you talked to ShakeR or JoshMK here on GH?

[bMind]

Surprised you had a bad experience with TigerImports. They're the same company as Mechanicalkeyboards.com. Have you talked to ShakeR or JoshMK here on GH?

Yeah, I know they're the same company and no, I haven't talked to any of the guys. After a week of emails going back and forth with the sales rep that picked up my question I really kinda lost will to continue.

[Photekq]

goobus, there are diodes already installed on that pcb. See the photo below :

The little black rectangles that are soldered on are the diodes.

[Pacifist]

Quick question

How do I figure out what size my spacebar is?

Mainly to know if my keycool 84's spacebar is 6.25x

[Photekq]

Quick question

How do I figure out what size my spacebar is?

Mainly to know if my keycool 84's spacebar is 6.25x

There are 16 1x keys on the keycools top row. So, the size of an entire row is 16x.
On the bottom row you can see six 1x keys, and three 1.25x keys (and of course the spacebar)
16-(6x1)-(3x1.25)
=16-6-3.75
=16-9.75
=6.25

Hope this helps.

[Pacifist]

It does. Thank you

[Photekq]

Miscounted the keys in the top row... Edited )

[Pacifist]

Miscounted the keys in the top row... Edited )

But your math was wrong too so it worked out in the end

[CPTBadAss]

I have the KMAC 2. the package arrived in immaculate condition.

Oh if you have it in hand, just snap a picture of the PCB and we'll be able to tell if you diodes are already populated.

Hi CPT!! Attached pic of PCB.

goobus, there are diodes already installed on that pcb. See the photo below :

Show Image

The little black rectangles that are soldered on are the diodes.

Um are you sure Photekq? Look at the largest version of the picture in the post I linked. At F, there's an SMD component installed and then F looks blank. I know the diodes are kinda hard to see when they're installed but they're not completely black. And at Caps there's an SMD diode installed.

[Photekq]

Those black things under each switch hole are SMD diodes. I can take a picture of them on my PCB if you want.

[CPTBadAss]

Those black spaces are where the SMD diodes can go. I'm not convinced that they're actually there.  Think we need a better angle/picture from goodbus. And sure, take a picture. I have a KMAC PCB too and it looked empty like that. Although I'm not sure since the solder joints do look melted.

Edit: Dorkvader and Sifo agree with Photekq though so apparently I'm being outvoted. goobus, just run your hand along that spot. Is there something there or does it feel like the rest of the PCB?

[Photekq]

My SMD diodes are totally black, and I'm totally convinced that those black 'spaces' are in fact the diodes. I bought my ver1.4 PCB, the same one goobus has, from kbdmod, and it came with diodes presoldered.

Will take a photo shortly..

[dorkvader]

Looks to me that the board is fully (or almost fully) populated with SMD diodes. The solder joints would look different if there were nothing there. They would be symmetrical rounded squares, yhou can see how the sodler has wicked up to the component in the way the light reflects.

Here's a link to the large version:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=40501.0;attach=38753;image


You can even see printing on some (lctrl, D, ralt etc.)

I dont think capslock has a diode on the KMAC's.

[Photekq]

Bad photo but..

[do_Og@n]

Does the Cherry G80-11900 have the same PCB mounted switches with no plate? I feel like modding a keyboard but don't feel like buying a soldering iron just yet.

[jonathanyu]

which cherry board can I get the doubleshot keycaps that have gray mod?  I can only found 1 on ebay, but the price is really expensive  all other have white or black