Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[ComradeSniper]

Naw linear Is quieter, you can hear the actuation on clears. Get blacks

I'd call it a wash considering you'll most likely bottom out with blacks whereas you might not with clears. Even though blacks are heavy I find it really hard to not bottom out as a result of the linear-ness. The actuation on clears is really quiet anyway.

[Melvang]

Couple quick questions.

1.  Which spring has the most ramp up in the spring rate?  Better way to say it which one has the highest rise in force from actuation to bottom out?

2.  Does Teensy 2.0 firmware support function layers on a toggled switch via MX lock or any other toggled switch?

[BlueBär]

1.  Which spring has the most ramp up in the spring rate?  Better way to say it which one has the highest rise in force from actuation to bottom out?

Looking at this this I would say clear.

2.  Does Teensy 2.0 firmware support function layers on a toggled switch via MX lock or any other toggled switch?

That depends on the firmware. I think you misunderstand how a Teensy works?

[CPTBadAss]

What combination of switch/o-ring/spring(?)/etc would give the absolute quietest setup for office use?

Quietest switches I've ever tried: Jailhouse Blues, Matias Quiet, Topre

[Melvang]

2.  Does Teensy 2.0 firmware support function layers on a toggled switch via MX lock or any other toggled switch?

That depends on the firmware. I think you misunderstand how a Teensy works?

Nevermind, with what I was thinking the Teensy would just see it as having the button pressed for the duration of the MX lock being down as it would just close the circut until I push it again.  I think I am right on this anyway.

[llovro]

What kind of caps are the og dolch (found on dolch keyboards)? Are they doubleshot, printed or what? Thanks

[jdcarpe]

What kind of caps are the og dolch (found on dolch keyboards)? Are they doubleshot, printed or what? Thanks

Doubleshot thick ABS from Cherry.

[llovro]

What kind of caps are the og dolch (found on dolch keyboards)? Are they doubleshot, printed or what? Thanks

Doubleshot thick ABS from Cherry.

No, I mean the original ones. From dolch keyboards not from sherry.

[Melvang]

How many leads will connect to a Teensy 2.0 hard wired matrix for a TKL layout minus the entire Esc row.  Only using 5 rows not 6.

[MKULTRA]

Does anyone know what type of switch this keyboard uses? It looks like a Topre rubber cup but I've never seen this keyboard before.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solbourne-102691-Computer-Keyboard-/261268991231

Show Image

I have no clue.  Mousefan has nothing on it.  Just looks like traditional rubber dome but still an interesting design.

[jdcarpe]

What kind of caps are the og dolch (found on dolch keyboards)? Are they doubleshot, printed or what? Thanks

Doubleshot thick ABS from Cherry.

No, I mean the original ones. From dolch keyboards not from sherry.

Right, as I said, doubleshot ABS from Cherry. Originative sells doubleshot ABS from GMK.

[jdcarpe]

How many leads will connect to a Teensy 2.0 hard wired matrix for a TKL layout minus the entire Esc row.  Only using 5 rows not 6.

16 columns and 5 rows, so 21 pins total, right?

[Melvang]

How many leads will connect to a Teensy 2.0 hard wired matrix for a TKL layout minus the entire Esc row.  Only using 5 rows not 6.

16 columns and 5 rows, so 21 pins total, right?

Wouldn't it be 17x5?
`, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, -, =, Backspace, Insert, Home Page Up
Tab
Caps Lock
Shift
Ctrl.

[jdcarpe]

How many leads will connect to a Teensy 2.0 hard wired matrix for a TKL layout minus the entire Esc row.  Only using 5 rows not 6.

16 columns and 5 rows, so 21 pins total, right?

Wouldn't it be 17x5?
`, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, -, =, Backspace, Insert, Home Page Up
Tab
Caps Lock
Shift
Ctrl.

You are correct.

[Melvang]

So where I am going with this is what I need minimum for wires in a ribbon cable for a hard wired TKL layout.  I would need 22 wires in the cable correct?

[jdcarpe]

So where I am going with this is what I need minimum for wires in a ribbon cable for a hard wired TKL layout.  I would need 22 wires in the cable correct?

At a minimum, plus another 1-3 if you use lock status LEDs.

[Melvang]

So where I am going with this is what I need minimum for wires in a ribbon cable for a hard wired TKL layout.  I would need 22 wires in the cable correct?

At a minimum, plus another 1-3 if you use lock status LEDs.

Excellent thanks jd.  Now if I can just find a screw together hood for this connector that I am using for this project.

[esoomenona]

What color are stock Model M SDL cables? Are they beige/tan or grey? I've seen both, but I'm curious as to whether they might appear to be beige/tan due to being old? Or are there multiple colors of them?

[Melvang]

What color are stock Model M SDL cables? Are they beige/tan or grey? I've seen both, but I'm curious as to whether they might appear to be beige/tan due to being old? Or are there multiple colors of them?

While I personally have not used any since high school my guess would be both beige/tan and gray.  With the gray for the industrial models that had the gray case as well.

So where I am going with this is what I need minimum for wires in a ribbon cable for a hard wired TKL layout.  I would need 22 wires in the cable correct?

At a minimum, plus another 1-3 if you use lock status LEDs.

Excellent thanks jd.  Now if I can just find a screw together hood for this connector that I am using for this project.

Well couldn't find any screw together ones but I found a site that had snap together ones in black so that will work.

[CPTBadAss]

What kind of caps are the og dolch (found on dolch keyboards)? Are they doubleshot, printed or what? Thanks

Doubleshot thick ABS from Cherry.

No, I mean the original ones. From dolch keyboards not from sherry.

Just FYI: Sherry is not Cherry. Sherry = Sheraton = Owner of Originativeco.com who sells GMK caps. Cherry is the keyboard/keycap company.

What color are stock Model M SDL cables? Are they beige/tan or grey? I've seen both, but I'm curious as to whether they might appear to be beige/tan due to being old? Or are there multiple colors of them?

The one that came with my SSK is beige.

Edit: The one in this video and from ClickyKeyboards looks beige. This one from Unicomp looks tan. Seems like there's multiple colors.

Does anyone know what type of switch this keyboard uses? It looks like a Topre rubber cup but I've never seen this keyboard before.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solbourne-102691-Computer-Keyboard-/261268991231

Show Image

I have no clue.  Mousefan has nothing on it.  Just looks like traditional rubber dome but still an interesting design.

I also don't know. If you don't get an answer soon, I'll PM haata, danielsbeardsmore, or Dorkvader.

[e4stw00t]

Hey dudes, just got myself a filco and recognized that the space bar sounds different when pressing it on the right end compared to the left one. It also is a bit loose on the right side, it moved a bit towards the upper end if I press the bottom right hand corner in that direction. On the left side it's rather firm and doesn't move at all. Not a deal breaker at all at that stage but just want to get some feedback from long term users if this is normal or something that worsens over time - having paid 169 € for the board I might be a bit paranoid at that stage though.

[CPTBadAss]

Hey dudes, just got myself a filco and recognized that the space bar sounds different when pressing it on the right end compared to the left one. It also is a bit loose on the right side, it moved a bit towards the upper end if I press the bottom right hand corner in that direction. On the left side it's rather firm and doesn't move at all. Not a deal breaker at all at that stage but just want to get some feedback from long term users if this is normal or something that worsens over time - having paid 169 € for the board I might be a bit paranoid at that stage though.

I'm typing on a Filco and I can't replicate your issue. Take the spacebar off and see if the Costar inserts and wire are all seated correctly.

[divito]

Before (possibly never), I go towards a 60%, and as I collect keyboards, I'll be going towards TKL and slightly smaller. Of keyboards I've seen, KBT Race is one of the closest in the layout I'd like in the smallest footprint. Keycool 84 is even closer I think.

As such, I'm keeping my eye out for unique and small layouts with arrows/6-key functionality.

Anything with similar layout to this?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zalman-ZM-K500-Mechanical-Keyboard-/150957596201?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2325c61e29

[ComradeSniper]

Before (possibly never), I go towards a 60%, and as I collect keyboards, I'll be going towards TKL and slightly smaller. Of keyboards I've seen, KBT Race is one of the closest in the layout I'd like in the smallest footprint.

As such, I'm keeping my eye out for unique and small layouts with arrows/6-key functionality.

Anything with similar layout to this?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zalman-ZM-K500-Mechanical-Keyboard-/150957596201?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2325c61e29

Have you considered the Filco Minila?

[divito]

Have you considered the Filco Minila?

Saw it awhile back, and it's quite close. Though I wouldn't be able to really use the space bar given my typing and where I hit the space bar, and I'd prefer 6-key not on a function layer. Will still keep it for consideration in the future, maybe simply as part of my collection.

[CPTBadAss]

Anything with similar layout to this?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zalman-ZM-K500-Mechanical-Keyboard-/150957596201?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2325c61e29

I've never seen a layout like that, but it's just a compact tenkeyless yeah?

[divito]

I've never seen a layout like that, but it's just a compact tenkeyless yeah?

Technically, yes. Basically desire TKL functionality, without the use of a function layer, in even smaller footprints than TKL. Will plan to own the KBT Race and Keycool 84, as like I said, they're the closest to what I want short of designing my own.

Just using the simple thread for other potential options from the vast knowledge of GH members. :DD

[jdcarpe]

Before (possibly never), I go towards a 60%, and as I collect keyboards, I'll be going towards TKL and slightly smaller. Of keyboards I've seen, KBT Race is one of the closest in the layout I'd like in the smallest footprint. Keycool 84 is even closer I think.

As such, I'm keeping my eye out for unique and small layouts with arrows/6-key functionality.

Anything with similar layout to this?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zalman-ZM-K500-Mechanical-Keyboard-/150957596201?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2325c61e29

With the right plate, you could do pretty much the same thing with a Phantom.

[frogamic]

Is there a standard rake/incline for keyboards? I just held a protractor up to my filco and seems to be about 4 degrees but it was difficult to be accurate.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a standard rake/incline for keyboards? I just held a protractor up to my filco and seems to be about 4 degrees but it was difficult to be accurate.

Think it's 9 degrees or 11 degrees.

[Melvang]

Is there a standard rake/incline for keyboards? I just held a protractor up to my filco and seems to be about 4 degrees but it was difficult to be accurate.

Based off measurements I took off my costar Das it was 10.2 degrees if I remember correctly.  I can double check when I get off work though.  And that was with the feet extended.

[Photekq]

Filco is 5.5 with feet up, 10 with feet down.

[frogamic]

Filco is 5.5 with feet up, 10 with feet down.

Thanks, just measured mine again more accurately and it was very close to 5, thought 11 sounded too much.

[Lastpilot]

How does one usually go about hunting down a KBD mania key? Only on KBD mania?

[lcs]

How does one usually go about hunting down a KBD mania key? Only on KBD mania?

Ask zenuty?

[SpAmRaY]

How does one usually go about hunting down a KBD mania key? Only on KBD mania?

do you have a pic?

[Lastpilot]

Sorry I don't. I've just seen them every now and then while browsing the Media subforum and I began to get curious.

@lcs: Good advice, if anyone on GH knows it would be him.

[CPTBadAss]

How does one usually go about hunting down a KBD mania key? Only on KBD mania?

I've seen a couple floating around here in the classifieds. And ray, look at the addon pack for the old Valentine's buy if you want a picture as reference.

[SpAmRaY]

How does one usually go about hunting down a KBD mania key? Only on KBD mania?

I've seen a couple floating around here in the classifieds. And ray, look at the addon pack for the old Valentine's buy if you want a picture as reference.

Ok I didn't know if there were other KBD keys. I think I've had a few here and there in my mess of key caps.

[MTManiac]

How common are pink costar stabs?

I decided to retrobright my 5181 and start using it and to my surprise I found pink costar stabilizers
they may be common, but they sure surprised me!!!

[CPTBadAss]

I've never seen anything but white costar stabilizer inserts.

[jdcarpe]

How common are pink costar stabs?

I decided to retrobright my 5181 and start using it and to my surprise I found pink costar stabilizers
they may be common, but they sure surprised me!!!

Those aren't exactly Costar stabs. They look proprietary. But  close enough, I guess.

[CPTBadAss]

Id agree with jdcarpe

[nubbinator]

I've seen pink, blueish green, and white stabs like that with Alps.

[MTManiac]

How common are pink costar stabs?

I decided to retrobright my 5181 and start using it and to my surprise I found pink costar stabilizers
they may be common, but they sure surprised me!!!

Those aren't exactly Costar stabs. They look proprietary. But  close enough, I guess.

ahhh gotcha, well it would make sense in an ironic sort of way that they would be semi clones considering it came from the monterey blues era

thanks for the clarification

[keymaster]

I'm trying to find the color codes from Signature Plastics for Dolch colors (DCS profile, ABS).
Basically, I want to get four 1x blanks.

Here is their list of colors:




and here is the Dolch set:

[rowdy]

DSA Dolch was in GE and GX.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm trying to find the color codes from Signature Plastics for Dolch colors (DCS profile, ABS).
Basically, I want to get four 1x blanks.

Here is their list of colors:

Show Image

and here is the Dolch set:

Show Image

From domoaligato's GB

The base colors are GE and GX



And he says that the legends/letters/fonts are WFK or white. But I think OG Dolch is a lighter grey and not WFK. But since you don't care about the legends, I don't think it matters too much right?

Edit: rowdy on that sniper flow.

[keymaster]

Thanks. You guys are awesome. 

[whiskytango]

Rescued a space invaders type keyboard from the e-recycler today. Model # RT8Z55C+

The cable was cut off right at the keyboard, so I will have to replace the cable. Does anyone know what type of connector this uses? I'm assuming ps/2.