Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[esoomenona]

You can see my Moose's Mods thread in my signature... err, if you click on the link in my signature, then follow it to the Moose's Mods thread, you will see me doing just that to a Poker.

[SpAmRaY]

You can see my Moose's Mods thread in my signature... err, if you click on the link in my signature, then follow it to the Moose's Mods thread, you will see me doing just that to a Poker.

gotta go watch a moose do a poker......

capt i know you did an o-ring review but do you know or have you tried imsto's red orings and are they the same as the 40A-L from wasd? (or does anybody know?)

imsto oring in question link
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=15475338795

EDIT:
found this but still not sure...
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33413.msg746282#msg746282

[CPTBadAss]

I have not tried any o-rings besides the ones that WASD offers. I know WFD did a buy before which had a lot more options and Imsto had the ones you posted.

[SpAmRaY]

where is the winebag/complaint thread were we can go have pitty parties about things that don't really matter?....

do we have  a "what's bothering you?" thread?

[CPTBadAss]

where is the winebag/complaint thread were we can go have pitty parties about things that don't really matter?....

do we have  a "what's bothering you?" thread?

I believe it's called IRC

[SpAmRaY]

where is the winebag/complaint thread were we can go have pitty parties about things that don't really matter?....

do we have  a "what's bothering you?" thread?

I believe it's called IRC

But at home I primarily use tapatalk

and like now as I go through McDonalds drive through

[remedyhalopc]

What is the IRC channel?

[Photekq]

What is the IRC channel?

Up at the top alongside the home, help, unread, new, etc tabs there's a tab called 'IRC'

[CPTBadAss]

What is the IRC channel?

It's just a chatroom where some GHers and DTers hang out

[lazerpointer]

What is the IRC channel?

It is the true form of Simple Questions and Simple Answers.

But you also get all kinds of other, highly unpredictable and often hilarious rhetoric alongside your answer 

[CPTBadAss]

What is the IRC channel?

It is the true form of Simple Questions and Simple Answers.

But you also get all kinds of other, highly unpredictable and often hilarious rhetoric alongside your answer 

I've gotten many of my answers for this thread there. But Flip is right, other nonsense might come with it haha.

[Melvang]

Ever tried to type on a board with zero caps installed?

[CPTBadAss]

Ever tried to type on a board with zero caps installed?

Yes, on my Black Alps board. It's kinda weird. Not horrible just feels funny, like there's not enough surface area and I need to hunt for the little top.

[Mandolin]

The nyan cat set is only for cherry? no alps?

[Photekq]

Quick question : Do light greys (tactile greys) have the same bump as clears or is it more/less prominent.

[WhiteFireDragon]

The nyan cat set is only for cherry? no alps?

ALPS never get any love for customized caps.

Quick question : Do light greys (tactile greys) have the same bump as clears or is it more/less prominent.

Physically, the stems are exactly the same. But since they springs are different, the amount of tactile is a tad different as well. If you had the same springs in both of them, then they'll feel the same.

[Photekq]

Quick question : Do light greys (tactile greys) have the same bump as clears or is it more/less prominent.

Physically, the stems are exactly the same. But since they springs are different, the amount of tactile is a tad different as well. If you had the same springs in both of them, then they'll feel the same.

Thanks.

[CPTBadAss]

The nyan cat set is only for cherry? no alps?

ALPS never get any love for customized caps.

I do have an Alps Orange on Black GeekHack cap and I've seen some other GH caps but I haven't seen many other novelty caps and no Alps sets.

[Melvang]

Where can I find more information on the hid liberator ?

Need suggestions for a keyboard that is going to be a gift.  Going to be getting 2 for my aunt and uncle.  I am not exactly sure what she does but I know that about 2/3 of her keys are now blank just due to the heavy use.  He runs some web server stuff from the house. 

I was thinking of getting 2 Days Keyboards one with blues and the other with browns and let them decide who wants which switch.

Any comments/suggestions?

If you've got some boards, bring those over to let em try different switches out and see what they like. And then I'd get Ducky because I really think the glossy finish on the Das boards are terrible. Filco might be nice too if you can afford one of those. But Das boards are nice quality, I just have a personal gripe with the finish.

Would love to take my Das over to them for them to try out but they live 8 hours away.  But I talk to my uncle Rich last night on Farceboob.  They used to use old IBM boards (my guess would be BS switches) but that was years ago.  He was telling me that both of them loved typing on them but as they are getting older now I don't think the Unicomp ones would be a good choice just due to spring rates (someone help me out on this).  But I asked about their typing style and he told me that he kind of attacks the board but she types more ladylike.  So this is bringing me to the conclusion that he will be getting MX blues and she will be getting MX Browns.  I told him about the WASD sampler pack and if down the road they want different switches I would be able to swap them out for them.  Rich alone goes through 3 or 4 dome boards a year right now so I think this would be a very welcome gift.  Now this is where I could use a touch of help.  Looking for a good solid keyboard that is plate mount and is offered in Blue and Brown switches.  Would like to stay under 130 USD but if price is a little higher I could probably swing it.  Again this site has provided so much help for me in every aspect I have asked about (aside from the wallet) and I'm sure the same will happen here as well.

Melvang

PS My build log has been semi-completed this tidbit is offered at the end of the video at the end of my thread

[Melvang]

Sorry about the double post but can someone post the dimensions of the cut outs in the phantom plate for the easy switch swap?  I don't have calipers to accuratly measure mine.

[Photekq]

To be more precise it's : 13.97mm, 0.8128mm, 0.98044mm, 12.00912mm.

Ask WFD before using it for anything though, although I'm sure he won't mind.

[Melvang]

To be more precise it's : 13.97mm, 0.8128mm, 0.98044mm, 12.00912mm.

Ask WFD before using it for anything though, although I'm sure he won't mind.

Is these numbers converted from SAE to metric or was the original plans drawn up in metric?

Also I wouldn't me having any plates commercially made just wanting to mod the plate in my Das incase I get the urge to try different switches so I can de-solder at my leisure.

[Photekq]

13.97=0.55in
0.81=0.032in
0.98=0.0386in
12.01=0.4728in

[Melvang]

cool thanx photekq

[SpAmRaY]

can someone translate this for me



And just from the picture can anyone tell what size/firmness these are?

[CPTBadAss]

Melvang, if you can afford it (it's about $20 more than your posted budget), I'l recommend a Filco MJ2. But I've also heard really good things about Ducky DK9008. And I actually really like the KBTalking Bluetooth keyboard that TechKeys and Binge are selling.

If you like the sound of Unicomps, OrangeJewce told me that he feels like the springs feel lighter than IBM BS boards. I believe I've heard the same from JDcarpe and other sources but I'm not 100% sure.

Edit: Also FYI Melvang, you can use Google to convert measurements. Try typing in "2 mm to in" and you'll see how it works. ^__^

[Melvang]

Melvang, if you can afford it (it's about $20 more than your posted budget), I'l recommend a Filco MJ2. But I've also heard really good things about Ducky DK9008. And I actually really like the KBTalking Bluetooth keyboard that TechKeys and Binge are selling.

If you like the sound of Unicomps, OrangeJewce told me that he feels like the springs feel lighter than IBM BS boards. I believe I've heard the same from JDcarpe and other sources but I'm not 100% sure.

Edit: Also FYI Melvang, you can use Google to convert measurements. Try typing in "2 mm to in" and you'll see how it works. ^__^

I will def look into the Filco I don't think I have heard anything bad about that name.  On the topic of the new BS switchs from Unicomp vs the old IBM BS switches if anyone has both and could confirm this it would be WONDERFUL.

On the measurement conversion that wasn't the issue.  I work as a Union Millwright (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millwright).  Was mostly wondering which side of the pond the original numbers were from.  IE to the best of my knowledge the US is one of 2 countries that don't use the metric system.

[CPTBadAss]

Didn't mean to insult you sir ^__^

And hopefully jdcarpe pokes his head in or someone else who has both Unicomp/IBM. Mkawa might be a good source too

[fohat.digs]

I don't think the Unicomp ones would be a good choice just due to spring rates.
 

I read this and did not really get what you were asking. There are subtle differences in sound and feel, but a Unicomp "IS" a Model M and the springs are pretty much the same.

I transplanted new Unicomp springs into my 1390131 and I would say that they are just a bit lighter. Is that because they were made differently or because they are fresher? Hard to say.

But I would not let those extremely minor differences stop you from getting the Unicomp (unless he is old and deaf and would not be annoyed by the sound of MX blues) because the Model M is clearly superior, especially if he wears out keyboards through use.

[jdcarpe]

Although I have never owned nor used a Unicomp Model M, I agree with fohat.digs on the reliability. If he is wearing out rubber domes through use, and since he "kind of attacks the board," I would recommend a Model M for him without hesitation. With normal use, even vintage IBM and Lexmark Model M's will long outlive their owners. Or take us to the point where the keyboard is no longer a ubiquitous input device, but rather an archaic one.

I also heartily recommend Filco for MX-based full size keyboards. You cannot go wrong with a Filco. I have several TKL Filcos, and they are probably the highest quality production keyboards I have used. I haven't used the Ducky boards, but from the reviews, they seem like a quality product. You could also consider the WASD keyboard. Weyman and the crew at WASD have some of the best customer service in the business. And lastly, there is now Keycool with their 108-key boards. MechanicalKeyboards has them in-stock, here. I am typing this on a Keycool 87, and I am very impressed by the Keycool brand. See my review, here.

[CPTBadAss]

Ooo, I forgot about the WASD boards JD. I've only ever heard really good things about them and I really want to try one out. Thanks!

[SmallFry]

where is the winebag/complaint thread were we can go have pitty parties about things that don't really matter?....

do we have  a "what's bothering you?" thread?

I believe it's called IRC

I legitimately laughed out loud. Kudos sir.

[Melvang]

thoughts comments suggestions on the Vortex KBT One with PBT switches for a very heavy keyboard user?  Are they plate or pcb mount anyone know?

[jdcarpe]

thoughts comments suggestions on the Vortex KBT One with PBT switches for a very heavy keyboard user?  Are they plate or pcb mount anyone know?

I can't really recommend Vortex. Their QC is lacking, big time. I think you'll find that's the general consensus.

[Melvang]

Alright thanx CPT.  I was looking around on www.mechanicalkeyboards.com and saw that the vortex was the only one in fullsize with PBT caps.

[jdcarpe]

Full size + dyesub PBT caps = Unicomp

I'm not a huge fan of PBT. I just don't like the texture. To my fingers, smooth ABS (aka worn Cherry Corp) feel the best and "grippiest," while textured PBT feel "slick." I know this goes against what almost everyone else here believes, but I guess my fingers are just different from everyone else's. That's why I don't really get the whole PBT craze. Doubleshot ABS legends will last forever, the same as dyesub on PBT.

[frenchie4111]

Question: What is the easiest way to keep my baby safe while traveling from location to location? I am carrying a backpack that I would like to store it in.

[CPTBadAss]

Question: What is the easiest way to keep my baby safe while traveling from location to location? I am carrying a backpack that I would like to store it in.

For just a keyboard cover/sleeve, you can try using a gunsock or check out the cases in this thread. TTesports and Razer also carry specialty keyboard bags specifically designed to carry cases. I'm sure other companies have something similar as well. For the meetups I've been to, the stock boxes or cardboard boxes seem popular. I carried all my boards in stock boxes.

I'm also having a custom keyboard carrying bag made for me. I'll post pictures later but there will be no GB or any ones made for sale. Just specifically for me. Sorry ^__^

[SmallFry]

Question: What is the easiest way to keep my baby safe while traveling from location to location? I am carrying a backpack that I would like to store it in.

I use a stroller. Children don't like backpacks.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm not a huge fan of PBT. I just don't like the texture. To my fingers, smooth ABS (aka worn Cherry Corp) feel the best and "grippiest," while textured PBT feel "slick." I know this goes against what almost everyone else here believes, but I guess my fingers are just different from everyone else's. That's why I don't really get the whole PBT craze. Doubleshot ABS legends will last forever, the same as dyesub on PBT.

I also feel that PBT is overhyped. I do like them but I don't subscribe to the "PBT or die" mentality that seems to persist. That being said, I also like SP ABS caps...the thin ones ^__^

Question: What is the easiest way to keep my baby safe while traveling from location to location? I am carrying a backpack that I would like to store it in.

I use a stroller. Children don't like backpacks.

I heard that they really like those frontward facing harnesses that hang off your chest too.

[The_Beast]

I also like SP ABS caps...the thin ones ^__^

GET OUT! Cherry or die!


Jk, SP is great for cool looking sets. But I will always prefer to type on a Cherry set. However I haven't tried a full PBT set, but I have two sets of IMSTO waiting at home right now waiting to be tried.

[CPTBadAss]

I also like SP ABS caps...the thin ones ^__^

GET OUT! Cherry or die!


Jk, SP is great for cool looking sets. But I will always prefer to type on a Cherry set. However I haven't tried a full PBT set, but I have two sets of IMSTO waiting at home right now waiting to be tried.

I have SP caps on my Filco, Imsto PBT caps on my FC700R, and getting Cherry DS for my Epsilon. Im an equal opportunity keycap lover ^.^

[Sai]

I also like SP ABS caps...the thin ones ^__^

GET OUT! Cherry or die!


Jk, SP is great for cool looking sets. But I will always prefer to type on a Cherry set. However I haven't tried a full PBT set, but I have two sets of IMSTO waiting at home right now waiting to be tried.

Get OUT! Cherry or die!

[IvanIvanovich]

It's all preferences. I only like Cherry profile, and don't really care who made them or out of what plastic. It's all about having the right shapes that I find most comfortable for typing on. Cherry keycaps being some of the best looking also does not hurt anything either though.

[eRadicatedZomBiE]

Would switches on a QFR, fit on a Phantom Plated phantom board? 

unsure about PCB mounted and Plate mounted...

[The_Beast]

Would switches on a QFR, fit on a Phantom Plated phantom board? 

unsure about PCB mounted and Plate mounted...

Should work since the QFR is plate mount. You can always make PCB mount switches into plate mount by clipping the legs of the bottom of the switch body. However, you cannot turn plate mount into PCB mount. You can use plate mount on a PCB only board, but you'll have to make sure all the switches are parallel otherwise your caps will look really weird

[CPTBadAss]

Would switches on a QFR, fit on a Phantom Plated phantom board? 

unsure about PCB mounted and Plate mounted...

You can also check this link from the DT wiki which has pictures of the switches.

[metalliqaz]

Cherry switches are cherry switches.  The only difference between PCB mount and Plate mount is the extra plastic pins sticking out the bottom.  They are interchangeable unless you have PCB switches and your PCB doesn't have the holes for 'em.  And even then, you can just snip them off with a set of edge cutters and be on your way.

[Spokoman]

Question: What is the easiest way to keep my baby safe while traveling from location to location? I am carrying a backpack that I would like to store it in.

I use a stroller. Children don't like backpacks.

LMAO... I'll have to tell my baby son I have to borrow his for the NYC meetup 

[SmallFry]

Heh. I try.