Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Suruga Devil]

I'd like to have a custom PCB made for me, where can I post on Geekhack to request such a service?

Can one-off keysets be ordered from GMK, and if so, how much would it cost? Doubleshot of course, but no custom legends.

I have never heard off GMK keeping off the shelve stock; but, you may ask them, they may have left overs that you can buy. If what you want is your own colors selection; then, based on recent GBs it seems that the lowest MoQ is 150, so you may buy 150 sets, keep the amount you want, one?, and sell the rest. Why you just not joint one of the multiple current GMK group buys, instead? There are at least 3 of them active, or soon to come.

I'm making a custom board, 155 keys. They're all standard sized keys but I'd much rather have a custom-legend'd set then 155 blank keys or a mix of blank/printed. Sounds like GMK isn't an option, though... Might have to bite the bullet and roll with blanks instead.

I'm gonna make a thread about it, perhaps there will be enough interest to make a group buy for the board+caps. Macro keys for days.

[user 18]

I'd like to have a custom PCB made for me, where can I post on Geekhack to request such a service?

Can one-off keysets be ordered from GMK, and if so, how much would it cost? Doubleshot of course, but no custom legends.

http://www.uniqey.net/en.html

Not available yet, but this may be the service you're looking for.

[Almost]

Are switch stickers re-usable?

As in; my switches are stickered, if I re-open them to replace the springs would I need to replace the stickers also?

[infiniti]

Are switch stickers re-usable?

As in; my switches are stickered, if I re-open them to replace the springs would I need to replace the stickers also?

I've had limited success reusing stickers as they tend to snag on the switch top clips and come off.  In my experience, they can be reused if they stay in place when you remove the switch top.  If they come off, then have to replace them.

Also, this might be interest to you:

Polycarbonate switch films


zennasyndroxx is running a GB for those: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=80010.0

[Almost]

Are switch stickers re-usable?

As in; my switches are stickered, if I re-open them to replace the springs would I need to replace the stickers also?

I've had limited success reusing stickers as they tend to snag on the switch top clips and come off.  In my experience, they can be reused if they stay in place when you remove the switch top.  If they come off, then have to replace them.

Also, this might be interest to you:

Polycarbonate switch films
(image)

zennasyndroxx is running a GB for those: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=80010.0

Ah I see, thank you. Those polycarb films look brilliant, double thanks for pointing me over there.

Better play it safe and grab some from round 2 before I forget. 

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

How does the switch feel of 45G Real Force and 45G FC660C compare?  I assume a similar feeling?

Most seem to think the FC660 has a slightly heavier feel.

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm assembling my lz rv, i've soldered all the switches, however the 1,2,3,4 don't work as well as numlock, add, multiply, subtract. insert is delete, delete is home, end is page up and vice vera, windows keys don't work, keys number 2 and 3 above the numpad give 2 and 3. anyone know what could be going on?

Seems like there's something soldered incorrectly. Maybe there are solder cold solder joints at those locations. Maybe there's another issue such as the PCB not being grounded correctly or otherwise. I would first check your joints with a multimeter to make sure the connection is right and fixing the joints as needed.

[klennkellon]

How tactile is 45g Topre compared to something like MX Browns?

Furthermore, I've heard that 45g topre does not feel as light as 45g browns despite being the same weight, any truth to this?

[CPTBadAss]

How tactile is 45g Topre compared to something like MX Browns?

Furthermore, I've heard that 45g topre does not feel as light as 45g browns despite being the same weight, any truth to this?

I think Topre is way more tactile than MX Browns. I would rank MX Browns among my least favorite switches because they don't feel very tactile at all to me. And I don't think they feel the same at all regardless of the weights being the same number. I think numbers are misleading in general. Nothing for me ever substitutes trying a switch out in person.

[Suruga Devil]

How tactile is 45g Topre compared to something like MX Browns?

Furthermore, I've heard that 45g topre does not feel as light as 45g browns despite being the same weight, any truth to this?

Having tried both, I can say confidently that comparing the two switches is a futile effort, as they are different in every way besides the activation force.
Topre require a good bit of force to be depressed past the activation point, but once they are past it, all the resistance disappears and you'll bottom out the key. Browns have resistance all the way towards the end. Browns are not very tactile in comparison to other tactile switches.

Browns are entirely different than Topre, and I would not base your willingness to purchase a Topre board on how similar they are to Browns. They're really something you have to experience.

[klennkellon]

Thanks for the response.

I'm aware that no Cherry switch is really comparable to Topre, but I just wanted to know how big the "bump" is. MX Browns are too wimpy is all

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks for the response.

I'm aware that no Cherry switch is really comparable to Topre, but I just wanted to know how big the "bump" is. MX Browns are too wimpy is all

I definitely get that. That's my whole complaint with MX Browns. You will not get a wimpy bump with Topre that's for sure.

[kenmai9]

Thanks for the response.

I'm aware that no Cherry switch is really comparable to Topre, but I just wanted to know how big the "bump" is. MX Browns are too wimpy is all

I think the best Cherry switch is Ergo Clear (swap the springs with 62g, or other). It feels really good and the bump is pretty prominent, IMO. Topre is nicer, but I enjoy typing on both.

[klennkellon]

In Two-Piece Model M keycaps, is the bottom piece also made of PBT or is it made of another material?

[ajx]

Hello folks, i do want to paint my HHKB case  , any thoughts?
Paint/skin/stickers, whatever
Thanks

[klennkellon]

Hello folks, i do want to paint my HHKB case  , any thoughts?
Paint/skin/stickers, whatever
Thanks

Plasti dip? It's easy, cheap, and reversible.

[fohat.digs]

In Two-Piece Model M keycaps, is the bottom piece also made of PBT or is it made of another material?

Caps and stems are all the same.

[infiniti]

Hello folks, i do want to paint my HHKB case  , any thoughts?
Paint/skin/stickers, whatever
Thanks

Plasti dip? It's easy, cheap, and reversible.

I can confirm that it's reversible.  If you have some trouble getting it out of hard to reach places, spray some WD-40 and it will dissolve and then brush it out with an old toothbrush.

Here's my experience with plastidip on my Shine II:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49622.msg1174145#msg1174145

[ideus]

What PCB is better: the GH60 - available at techkeys - or its fork available at ebay? both are at $35.00 plus shipping. I think the first is in version 1 or something closer in green, the second is another later iteration.

[iFreilicht]

What is this pushbutton on the underside of the Sentraq S60-X for? It seems like quite a few 60% keyboards have it, all the 60% cases have a hole for a button like this as well.

[ideus]

What PCB is better: the GH60 - available at techkeys - or its fork available at ebay? both are at $35.00 plus shipping. I think the first is in version 1 or something closer in green, the second is another later iteration.

Any feedback, yet?

[SpAmRaY]

What is this pushbutton on the underside of the Sentraq S60-X for? It seems like quite a few 60% keyboards have it, all the 60% cases have a hole for a button like this as well.

Show Image

For putting into programming mode.

What PCB is better: the GH60 - available at techkeys - or its fork available at ebay? both are at $35.00 plus shipping. I think the first is in version 1 or something closer in green, the second is another later iteration.

Any feedback, yet?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82146.0

I'm on my phone but I know there have been a few threads recently like the one above discussing and comparing these and other 60% PCB's.

Basically if you want backlighting and dont mind a clone get the eBay one otherwise go with techkeys for the official GH60.

[iFreilicht]

For putting into programming mode.

Ah that certainly makes sense, thank you!

[ideus]

What is this pushbutton on the underside of the Sentraq S60-X for? It seems like quite a few 60% keyboards have it, all the 60% cases have a hole for a button like this as well.

Show Image

For putting into programming mode.

What PCB is better: the GH60 - available at techkeys - or its fork available at ebay? both are at $35.00 plus shipping. I think the first is in version 1 or something closer in green, the second is another later iteration.

Any feedback, yet?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82146.0

I'm on my phone but I know there have been a few threads recently like the one above discussing and comparing these and other 60% PCB's.

Basically if you want backlighting and dont mind a clone get the eBay one otherwise go with techkeys for the official GH60.

I knew that the original GH60 does not support backlighting, is there any other difference in functionality with its clone?

[user 18]

What is this pushbutton on the underside of the Sentraq S60-X for? It seems like quite a few 60% keyboards have it, all the 60% cases have a hole for a button like this as well.

Show Image

For putting into programming mode.

What PCB is better: the GH60 - available at techkeys - or its fork available at ebay? both are at $35.00 plus shipping. I think the first is in version 1 or something closer in green, the second is another later iteration.

Any feedback, yet?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82146.0

I'm on my phone but I know there have been a few threads recently like the one above discussing and comparing these and other 60% PCB's.

Basically if you want backlighting and dont mind a clone get the eBay one otherwise go with techkeys for the official GH60.

I knew that the original GH60 does not support backlighting, is there any other difference in functionality with its clone?

The techkeys GH60 does have the pads and traces for backlighting, but needs an add-on board in order to drive the LEDs. I know that some of the GH60 derivatives use different firmware than the original, and some people have had a bit of trouble with programming it.

[zombiegristle]

I've been seeing references to "OG Cherry" this and that, and people who prefer older/broken-in Cherry MX switches over new production. My question is, is there an actual manufacturing difference and if so when was the transition, or does this just mean that switches that are say a decade old or more may be valuable to some people?

Context: I'm thinking about removing all the MX Browns from my 2002 Kinesis Advantage keywells to have another spare set of PCBs/plates, and want to know if I should keep/give/trade/sell/violentlydestroy them afterwards.

[CPTBadAss]

I've been seeing references to "OG Cherry" this and that, and people who prefer older/broken-in Cherry MX switches over new production. My question is, is there an actual manufacturing difference and if so when was the transition, or does this just mean that switches that are say a decade old or more may be valuable to some people?

Context: I'm thinking about removing all the MX Browns from my 2002 Kinesis Advantage keywells to have another spare set of PCBs/plates, and want to know if I should keep/give/trade/sell/violentlydestroy them afterwards.

There's a difference. The molds were changed sometime in the early 90s but I'm still not 100% convinced how to ID the switches. Nor am I convinced that the mold changes were so big that there's a huge noticeable distance. I don't think your switches would fall into that time period but you can always sell loose switches for decent money.

[trustinkiss]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/NIB-IBM-Japanese-Lettering-Typing-Computer-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-6112883-/380994210683

Is this a buckling spring keyboard? Or does anybody know if it's mechanical at all? Thanks

[SpAmRaY]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/NIB-IBM-Japanese-Lettering-Typing-Computer-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-6112883-/380994210683

Is this a buckling spring keyboard? Or does anybody know if it's mechanical at all? Thanks

Check this thread

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63834.0

[klennkellon]

Does anyone know why the lock lights on my V80 stopped working? I disassembled it to fix a switch and re-assembled it and it worked fine but then they stopped working all of this sudden.

The caps lock key and scroll lock keys still work fine, though.

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know why the lock lights on my V80 stopped working? I disassembled it to fix a switch and re-assembled it and it worked fine but then they stopped working all of this sudden.

The caps lock key and scroll lock keys still work fine, though.

I'd use aquakeytest or a similar tester to see if you can force the LEDs on. Then I'd check the solder joints with a multimeter. I don't know why they stopped working from your description.

[klennkellon]

OK, after I restarted my computer they work now. Very weird.

[Melvang]

Can some post a pic of an ISO layout in Dvorak?  I can't seem to find any pics relating to this.

I only need the alpha numeric block as this will be on a 60% board.

[spremino]

Length and width of a Dell AT101[W](or AT102[W])?  Thanks.

EDIT: Made the Windows version optional, because it doesn't matter.

[E3E]

Length and width of a Dell AT101W (or AT102W)?  Thanks.

Like the actual case of the board itself?

[spremino]

Length and width of a Dell AT101W (or AT102W)?  Thanks.

Like the actual case of the board itself?

Yes, thanks.

[spremino]

Length and width of the case of an IBM Model M?  Thanks.

[davkol]

Can some post a pic of an ISO layout in Dvorak?  I can't seem to find any pics relating to this.

I only need the alpha numeric block as this will be on a 60% board.

UK Dvorak if you don't mind different punctuation.

[Melvang]

Can some post a pic of an ISO layout in Dvorak?  I can't seem to find any pics relating to this.

I only need the alpha numeric block as this will be on a 60% board.

UK Dvorak if you don't mind different punctuation.

Thanks davkol, I am at least trying to put stock Kishy caps into Dvorak layout but with PD2 and PD3 the shape of that pair of caps is the same as ISO enter,  so I figured I would try and emulate it best I could with what I have.

I ended up just setting the alphas to Dvorak and guessed on outside punctuation.

[spremino]

I would like to know the length and width of the case of:
- a Dell AT101* (or AT102*);
- an IBM Model M.

Thanks.

[alienman82]

removed.

[Melvang]

Can some post a pic of an ISO layout in Dvorak?  I can't seem to find any pics relating to this.

I only need the alpha numeric block as this will be on a 60% board.

UK Dvorak if you don't mind different punctuation.

Thanks davkol, I am at least trying to put stock Kishy caps into Dvorak layout but with PD2 and PD3 the shape of that pair of caps is the same as ISO enter,  so I figured I would try and emulate it best I could with what I have.

I ended up just setting the alphas to Dvorak and guessed on outside punctuation.

I am curious, why dvorak over colemak?  Just what you know?

I actually know neither,  but from my reading Dvorak favors alternation over rolls and has less in common with QWERTY, so when I have to type in other boards, I shouldn't have as much as an issue.  But 95%+ of my typing is posts here so...

[alienman82]

removed.

[davkol]

I would like to know the length and width of the case of:
- a Dell AT101* (or AT102*);
- an IBM Model M.

IBM Model M … 49×21 cm
Dell AT101W … about 41.5×21.5 cm

[Krustyboomer]

Does solder ever go bad?  I've got a spool of Kester 44, .032, that has to be at least 20-yrs old.  Oxidation, rosin age, etc.?

[CPTBadAss]

Does solder ever go bad?  I've got a spool of Kester 44, .032, that has to be at least 20-yrs old.  Oxidation, rosin age, etc.?

Yes it's got a shelf life. I believe it's 1-3 years but I'm not 100% sure

[fohat.digs]

Does solder ever go bad?  I've got a spool of Kester 44, .032, that has to be at least 20-yrs old.  Oxidation, rosin age, etc.?

I doubt the solder itself goes bad, but any non-metal flux or rosin-type components will probably run out, dry up, crystallize, or something.

[user 18]

Does solder ever go bad?  I've got a spool of Kester 44, .032, that has to be at least 20-yrs old.  Oxidation, rosin age, etc.?

Yes it's got a shelf life. I believe it's 1-3 years but I'm not 100% sure

I've used solder older than three years without significant issue. Not sure how much older though.