Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Game Theory]

You may have to order them
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=P_GB_FRB&categoryId=subcatMSS_FlatRate

[ComradeSniper]

You may have to order them
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=P_GB_FRB&categoryId=subcatMSS_FlatRate

"Bought" some (they were free!), thanks!

[elton5354]

What kind of caps are on the Dell's AT101W?  Doesn't seem like pad printed as I can't feel the stickers on them.

[nubbinator]

What kind of caps are on the Dell's AT101W?  Doesn't seem like pad printed as I can't feel the stickers on them.

Pad-printed, or they should be.  Edit:  Actually, supposedly lasered according to the DT wiki.

[CPTBadAss]

What kind of caps are on the Dell's AT101W?  Doesn't seem like pad printed as I can't feel the stickers on them.

I believe it's dye-sub

[phx]

do all QFR w/ red switches have red plates? even the stealth versions?

does QFR work on a mac without installing additional software?

[CPTBadAss]

If I got my hands on a Filco TKL plate. Can I make cutouts in the corners like the custom plates so that I can open switch tops? That's how the custom plates work right? There's just extra circular cutouts in the corners of the switch holes?

Cool. I'm going to buy a cheapo Dremel and see how it goes then.

I'm going to save you the trouble and time by saying don't bother trying.

All stock mass-produced plates are steel, not softer aluminum. Have you tried to dremel out steel before? Each switch hole requires you to dremel out 4 slots, so that's 348 slots you'll have to shave out.

Then cut me a plate man! Seriously though, I haven't dremeled steel.

1) do all QFR w/ red switches have red plates? even the stealth versions?

2) does QFR work on a mac without installing additional software?

1) Think it's just the Stealth and the newer unbranded QFRs that have the plate color match the switch. I have an older branded QFR which has just a black plate.

2) I think so but the command key will probably not work. You'll have to use the Mac equivalent of AutoHotKey.

[Melvang]

If I got my hands on a Filco TKL plate. Can I make cutouts in the corners like the custom plates so that I can open switch tops? That's how the custom plates work right? There's just extra circular cutouts in the corners of the switch holes?

Cool. I'm going to buy a cheapo Dremel and see how it goes then.

I'm going to save you the trouble and time by saying don't bother trying.

All stock mass-produced plates are steel, not softer aluminum. Have you tried to dremel out steel before? Each switch hole requires you to dremel out 4 slots, so that's 348 slots you'll have to shave out.

Then cut me a plate man! Seriously though, I haven't dremeled steel.

1) do all QFR w/ red switches have red plates? even the stealth versions?

2) does QFR work on a mac without installing additional software?

1) Think it's just the Stealth and the newer unbranded QFRs that have the plate color match the switch. I have an older branded QFR which has just a black plate.

2) I think so but the command key will probably not work. You'll have to use the Mac equivalent of AutoHotKey.

Steel cuts just fine with a dremel.  just get the reinforced cut off wheels.  Make sure they are not the heavy duty.  They just get used up very quick.

[phx]

yeah I dont need the command/apple keys to work, just the letters and stuff.
was thinking of giving a QFR to a not so techy mac user, so if it's plug and play compatible with mac it would be great

[jdcarpe]

Then cut me a plate man! Seriously though, I haven't dremeled steel.

You need some type of plate, bro? Y U NO ASK?!

[CPTBadAss]

Then cut me a plate man! Seriously though, I haven't dremeled steel.

You need some type of plate, bro? Y U NO ASK?!

Hm? I just wanted one as a lube station so I can lube Black switches. Not like to use in a keyboard or anything.

yeah I dont need the command/apple keys to work, just the letters and stuff.
was thinking of giving a QFR to a not so techy mac user, so if it's plug and play compatible with mac it would be great

Yeah it'll work if you don't care about the command and apple key stuff.

[SpAmRaY]

Hm? I just wanted one as a lube station so I can lube Black switches. Not like to use in a keyboard or anything.

Let's just get some 'real' lube stations!!

[yasuo]

What name key particulary(TAB,SHIFT,CTRL,ALT,CAPS) which are the most widely used and sequence?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Thanks All

[CPTBadAss]

What name key particulary(TAB,SHIFT,CTRL,ALT,CAPS) which are the most widely used and sequence?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Thanks All

Depends on the person and what they do with their computer/keyboards? Not a very simple question since it will vary per person.

[jdcarpe]

Hm? I just wanted one as a lube station so I can lube Black switches. Not like to use in a keyboard or anything.

Let's just get some 'real' lube stations!!

Like this?

[SpAmRaY]

Hm? I just wanted one as a lube station so I can lube Black switches. Not like to use in a keyboard or anything.

Let's just get some 'real' lube stations!!

Like this?

Show Image

now your just showing off......

BUT.....if something like that were to 'accidentally' find it's way in the box with my phantom I won't tell anybody ;)

[yasuo]

What name key particulary(TAB,SHIFT,CTRL,ALT,CAPS) which are the most widely used and sequence?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Thanks All

Depends on the person and what they do with their computer/keyboards? Not a very simple question since it will vary per person.

Yes also true
I just know
CTRL usually often for Programmer
SHIFT usually often for Typist

but This,i don't know
ALT?
TAB?

[CPTBadAss]

Yes also true
I just know
CTRL usually often for Programmer
SHIFT usually often for Typist

but This,i don't know
ALT?
TAB?

Again, it depends on the person and what programs they use...if you're using Excel a lot maybe you Tab a lot versus someone who just plays video games.

[yasuo]

Again, it depends on the person and what programs they use...if you're using Excel a lot maybe you Tab a lot versus someone who just plays video games.

Thanks, I already understand right now
I just found out, if TAB usually be used excel
how to ALT usually for?

Thanks Again

[CPTBadAss]

I just use mine for media macro keys if the keyboard has it and other hotkey. Oh and alt-tabbing through windows.

[yicaoyimu]

GH keyboard experts, where can I get MX white switches? If none is available on the market, is it possible to order a box of white switches directly from Cherry? Thanks in advance!

[CPTBadAss]

1) Where can I get MX white switches?

2) If none is available on the market, is it possible to order a box of white switches directly from Cherry?

1) Only sources are GBs like 7bit or harvesting from a board with MX whites
2) No. They have a very very very high MOQ.

[yicaoyimu]

1) Where can I get MX white switches?

2) If none is available on the market, is it possible to order a box of white switches directly from Cherry?

1) Only sources are GBs like 7bit or harvesting from a board with MX whites
2) No. They have a very very very high MOQ.

That's too bad.

I should have bought a KBT with white switches from mechanicalkeyboards.com several days ago. They are all gone now. White switches are the cure to my keyboard fever...

Thanks anyway.

[jdcarpe]

White switches are the cure to my keyboard fever...

Doubtful. There is no known cure for keyboard fever. The closest thing to a remedy is to cancel your internet, move to a small tropical island, buy a bicycle and ride it all day, or similar.

Once you use MX switches more, you will probably find that you can use any of them interchangeably, with maybe some preference, but probably very little disdain for certain of the different types.

[yicaoyimu]

White switches are the cure to my keyboard fever...

Doubtful. There is no known cure for keyboard fever. The closest thing to a remedy is to cancel your internet, move to a small tropical island, buy a bicycle and ride it all day, or similar.

Once you use MX switches more, you will probably find that you can use any of them interchangeably, with maybe some preference, but probably very little disdain for certain of the different types.

Of course, the white switch alone is not the cure. I want a sexy looking metal tenkeyless keyboard with full LED support to end my keyboard fever. White switch is my choice for switch because I want the feel of blue switch and the clean white color.

[yasuo]

I want this link but broken,what any new link?
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Design+your+own+Teensy+keyboard+in+KiCAD+how-to+guide

[rowdy]

yeah I dont need the command/apple keys to work, just the letters and stuff.
was thinking of giving a QFR to a not so techy mac user, so if it's plug and play compatible with mac it would be great

Yes QFR works fine on a Mac - I used one for a long time with no worries.

You can use System Preferences to swap Alt and Win around - works like Mac.

Also the function keys do Expose and media functions too

[CPTBadAss]

I want this link but broken,what any new link?
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Design+your+own+Teensy+keyboard+in+KiCAD+how-to+guide

Ok I think you're looking for this link here.

Can you please try searching for it yourself next time? I know it's a little daunting to find all this information but I literally don't know what you want since I can't read your mind. And I literally just typed the title in the URL into Google. I don't want to discourage questions but I'm also not here to Google search.

[yasuo]

Thanks CPT,
I'm just disappointed and found that a lot of broken links GH (not can opened) especially old thread

[CPTBadAss]

The archived links are all broken due to rootworm wiping them out.

[yicaoyimu]

GH experts, another noob question. What would be the most common and appropiate shipping method if I wanna ship a keyboard within US? I was trying to sell my keyboard and this is my first time I ever do this. Thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

What would be the most common and appropiate shipping method if I wanna ship a keyboard within US? I was trying to sell my keyboard and this is my first time I ever do this. Thanks!

This whole thread is to help out. No need to be ashamed with noob questions ^__^

If you're within the USA, I recommend USPS Flat Rate Game Board boxes. Cost to ship it is $16.85. Your USPS branch should have it but if it doesn't you can order packs on the USPS website and they'll deliver to you.

[Dubsgalore]

Like this?

Show Image

x_____x gimmie gimmie

[dorkvader]

GH experts, another noob question. What would be the most common and appropiate shipping method if I wanna ship a keyboard within US? I was trying to sell my keyboard and this is my first time I ever do this. Thanks!

I prefer to ship via a "normal" box by priority mail in the US. I find it saves some money over the game board flat rate box (for most weights), and I get boxes and cardboard from work. Oftentimes, I'll custom make up a box if I dont' have one the right size.

Last time I mailed something, priority was $0.03 more expensive than first class and included more features.

[CPTBadAss]

Just did a major overhaul of the OP. Now it has anchors and a table of contents with the FAQ section. I think this will be way easier to navigate. Hopefully this makes the OP less daunting to read through and refer to. If you guys could let me know what you think, that would be great. Thanks!

[The_Beast]

Just did a major overhaul of the OP. Now it has anchors and a table of contents with the FAQ section. I think this will be way easier to navigate. Hopefully this makes the OP less daunting to read through and refer to. If you guys could let me know what you think, that would be great. Thanks!

Holy ****, that looks really nice!

[Sifo]

whoah... you just slightly got a bit older.

[rowdy]

Looks fantastic!

Q: Can CPTBadAss make this thread any more awesome?

[Melvang]

What are the pros and coins of hard wired matrix vs PCB for custom layouts with the exception of the price of a one off PCB?

[SpAmRaY]

Just did a major overhaul of the OP. Now it has anchors and a table of contents with the FAQ section. I think this will be way easier to navigate. Hopefully this makes the OP less daunting to read through and refer to. If you guys could let me know what you think, that would be great. Thanks!

Not that it's a big deal but trying to use the links in tapatalk it wants to open in a web browser instead of jumping to the info.

Thanks for all the effort in keeping this thread going!

[CPTBadAss]

What are the pros and coins of hard wired matrix vs PCB for custom layouts with the exception of the price of a one off PCB?

Pros (of a hardwire matrix): Custom layout, more flexibility with the case and controller sizing/spacing, more customization in terms of LEDs and custom layouts, cheaper in terms of money, no need to learn KiCad

Cons: Much much much more work to layout and solder, hard to rework/tinker with later, probably requires a custom case unless you design for a currently available case, expensive in terms of time

Not that it's a big deal but trying to use the links in tapatalk it wants to open in a web browser instead of jumping to the info.

I'm not how sure anchors are handled in Tapatalk but unfortunately, that's out of my control. I don't think I can change the back end to fix that issue. If it's a big enough issue, I can talk to rkinze.

[Melvang]

Awesome thanks for the info CPT.  And the OP looks great.

[thebeargentile]

I'm looking to edit the function layer on my KMAC Happy, but all the KMAC keybinding programs I have found only have templates for the regular KMAC and the Mini, not the Happy.  Can I just change, say, the KMAC Mini template to match the row/column layout of the Happy, or do I need to find the exact Happy template file?  Do all these boards use the same controller?

[Melvang]

I'm looking to edit the function layer on my KMAC Happy, but all the KMAC keybinding programs I have found only have templates for the regular KMAC and the Mini, not the Happy.  Can I just change, say, the KMAC Mini template to match the row/column layout of the Happy, or do I need to find the exact Happy template file?  Do all these boards use the same controller?

Wish I could help you out there but I'm not sure on that one.

[meiosis]

I'm looking to edit the function layer on my KMAC Happy, but all the KMAC keybinding programs I have found only have templates for the regular KMAC and the Mini, not the Happy.  Can I just change, say, the KMAC Mini template to match the row/column layout of the Happy, or do I need to find the exact Happy template file?  Do all these boards use the same controller?

I think you should message GON about that, I believe it is somewhere on kbdmania but I don't have access to it.

[yasuo]

What is good or suitable cable to connect the two halves (left/right) for DIY Split keyboard keyboard handwired?
Thanks

[BlueBär]

What is good or suitable cable to connect the two halves (left/right) DIY Split keyboard keyboard handwired?
Thanks

That depends on your design. If you need for example 3 wires to connect the halves you could use a normal 3,5mm stereo connector. The ErgoDox uses the extended 3,5mm plug with the 4-pole connector for example. If you need more poles, you could use a Cat 5 cable.

[yasuo]

Thanks, I want the detachable cable,
what name connector/ Extensions for cat 5?
or any other cable?

[BlueBär]

Thanks, I want the detachable cable,
what name connector/ Extensions for cat 5?
or any other cable?

As I said, it depends on how you do the matrix etc. how many poles you need. Do you have a plan how to wire the keyboard yet? If so, can you post it?
Cat 5 is the name of the connector, here you can get some female connectors, Cat 5 cables you can get in pretty much every electronics store.

[yasuo]

As I said, it depends on how you do the matrix etc. how many poles you need. Do you have a plan how to wire the keyboard yet? If so, can you post it?
Cat 5 is the name of the connector, here you can get some female connectors, Cat 5 cables you can get in pretty much every electronics store.

it seems 12 cable (6 right/6 left hand)
how to teensy,whether I need two?