Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Boskr]

Does https://mechanicalkeyboards.com ship to Germany?

Had to do a small bit of digging, but I found this, from https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/customer_service.php?t=Do you ship Internationally?

Do you ship Internationally?

Yes, Mechanical Keyboards Inc currently ships to all countries to which USPS and FedEx service. Please note that our shipping estimator may not work for your International Order, so you will want to proceed to checkout step 2 to see your shipping quote.

[tekteq]

Does https://mechanicalkeyboards.com ship to Germany?

Had to do a small bit of digging, but I found this, from https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/customer_service.php?t=Do you ship Internationally?

Do you ship Internationally?

Yes, Mechanical Keyboards Inc currently ships to all countries to which USPS and FedEx service. Please note that our shipping estimator may not work for your International Order, so you will want to proceed to checkout step 2 to see your shipping quote.

Thanks a lot mate! I don't know why I didn't see it, was under the impression that there was a lot less information on their website when I tried to find.

[unoab]

I recently got a Qisan MagicForce 68 as a daily driver for work, but first I replaced all the switches with Cherry Reds. I noticed while doing this that the entire board has LED holes, despite the Caps Lock key being the only switch with an LED by default.

I've heard you can get this keyboard with LEDs, so I assume that's why the holes are there.

My question is: Soldering in a switch LED does nothing at all, except for the caps lock key which already has one, and is only lit when CL is on. Does anyone know of a way to turn on the LED lighting functionality?

I can provide high-res photos of the board on request.

Check the PCB, most likely they didn't populate the resistors for any of the LEDs, no point adding cost if it is not needed on that built up model even if it is the same PCB.  If that is the case you would have to source the proper size and value resistors, solder them on, and hope there are no other parts of the LED backlighting that are unpopulated.

just look here:
Leslieann's how to thread for adding backlights

[Boskr]

I recently got a Qisan MagicForce 68 as a daily driver for work, but first I replaced all the switches with Cherry Reds. I noticed while doing this that the entire board has LED holes, despite the Caps Lock key being the only switch with an LED by default.

I've heard you can get this keyboard with LEDs, so I assume that's why the holes are there.

My question is: Soldering in a switch LED does nothing at all, except for the caps lock key which already has one, and is only lit when CL is on. Does anyone know of a way to turn on the LED lighting functionality?

I can provide high-res photos of the board on request.

Check the PCB, most likely they didn't populate the resistors for any of the LEDs, no point adding cost if it is not needed on that built up model even if it is the same PCB.  If that is the case you would have to source the proper size and value resistors, solder them on, and hope there are no other parts of the LED backlighting that are unpopulated.

just look here:
Leslieann's how to thread for adding backlights

Cheers mate, I'll check to see if I can get photos of the PCB on the LED version.

EDIT: You are correct, it needs resistors for every switch, plus a small jumper lead off the 5v from the USB. Little too much work for me since I'm planning on a nicer 60% build anyway.

Sent from my Google Pixel through space technology

[ArchDill]

 I have noticed that on a lot of some custom boards the enter key tends to get soldered in crooked. IS there a specific reason behind this? IS it as simple as warming up the solder, aligning, and then resoldering?

[tekteq]

I'm still very new to this, so sorry if this question is stupid, I still didn't really understand it after reading a few threads: I've read that you can change switches on pcb mounted boards without desoldering and resoldering. Is this the case for all pcb-mounted boards or is it only for a few models?

[catawalks]

I'm still very new to this, so sorry if this question is stupid, I still didn't really understand it after reading a few threads: I've read that you can change switches on pcb mounted boards without de-soldering and re-soldering. Is this the case for all pcb-mounted boards or is it only for a few models?

Only a few models. Models labeled as "hot swap" designs have the ability to change switches without soldering. Models that are just PCB mount have the switches soldered and usually have a hole in the PCB where part of the switch sticks though to help hold it in place. Plate mount switches have tabs that hold the switch to a metal plate that stays above the PCB and the the switches are soldered to the PCB below.

Also, not all plate mount switches are created equal, some require that you de-solder all the switches before you can remove a single switch.

[pr0ximity]

I have noticed that on a lot of some custom boards the enter key tends to get soldered in crooked. IS there a specific reason behind this? IS it as simple as warming up the solder, aligning, and then resoldering?

I think that question depends on what custom board and the plate layout. It's certainly possible that the switch just needs to be reseated. I can imagine some ISO/ANSI compatible plates might have wacky cutouts that could cause things to not be held in place super well.

I'm still very new to this, so sorry if this question is stupid, I still didn't really understand it after reading a few threads: I've read that you can change switches on pcb mounted boards without de-soldering and re-soldering. Is this the case for all pcb-mounted boards or is it only for a few models?

Only a few models. Models labeled as "hot swap" designs have the ability to change switches without soldering. Models that are just PCB mount have the switches soldered and usually have a hole in the PCB where part of the switch sticks though to help hold it in place. Plate mount switches have tabs that hold the switch to a metal plate that stays above the PCB and the the switches are soldered to the PCB below.

Also, not all plate mount switches are created equal, some require that you de-solder all the switches before you can remove a single switch.

All PCB mount switches can be *opened* without desoldering, which effectively means you can change the switch type (swap stems and springs), though changing between manufacturers will probably be more problematic.

[xtrafrood]

Depends on the keyboard I guess. PCB mounted switches can be opened from the top with a switch top removal tool. Technically you can't remove the PCB mounted switches without soldering but you can usually change out the internals (spring/slider/top). Some clone sliders won't play nice with certain housings but the usual suspects seem to play nice with each other.

[tekteq]

Depends on the keyboard I guess. PCB mounted switches can be opened from the top with a switch top removal tool. Technically you can't remove the PCB mounted switches without soldering but you can usually change out the internals (spring/slider/top). Some clone sliders won't play nice with certain housings but the usual suspects seem to play nice with each other.

Thanks a lot. For now I don't plan on using anything different than Cherry MX, so this shouldn't be a problem.

[ideus]

I'm still very new to this, so sorry if this question is stupid, I still didn't really understand it after reading a few threads: I've read that you can change switches on pcb mounted boards without desoldering and resoldering. Is this the case for all pcb-mounted boards or is it only for a few models?

PCB soldered switches allow you to change the stem and the springs by opening the top cover, but if you want to change the full switch it should be desoldered. You can get a PCB and use dip sockets to allow changing the switch with no desoldering needed. Also, some plates haave slots in the proper positions around the switch window to allow switch tops removal.

[happylacquer]

Cheapest PS2 cable donor without breaking one of my (fully working) boards?

Was thinking a ps2 extension cable with one end cut off...?

[alienman82]

removed.

[happylacquer]

Cheapest PS2 cable donor without breaking one of my (fully working) boards?

Was thinking a ps2 extension cable with one end cut off...?

lol I just through out like 3 or 4 coiled AT cables in great shape RIP

hehe oops

[stoic-lemon]

Best way to have a plate cut so they snap in real good? Laser, water, psychic blast?

[ReverbSlush]

Are there any advantages to soldering over using Holtite (hotswap) sockets ?

[swimmingbird]

Are there any advantages to soldering over using Holtite (hotswap) sockets ?

Price

[ideus]

Are there any advantages to soldering over using Holtite (hotswap) sockets ?

Price

Using a plate with slots for top switch removal is a far better option than having sockets. It makes an more reliable switch installation while it still allows flexibility to change the switch internals to try different spring, stems, tops combinations. Even PCB soldered switches are better than sockets, unless what you want to have is a big full size switch tester.

[OfTheWild]

I'm still thinking theres going to be a durability issue in the long run for people like me that want to change switches often. We'll see though.

[swimmingbird]

I'm still thinking theres going to be a durability issue in the long run for people like me that want to change switches often. We'll see though.

Just do what we all do

Buy more keyboards lol

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[tofgerl]

I'm still thinking theres going to be a durability issue in the long run for people like me that want to change switches often. We'll see though.

Just do what we all do

Buy more keyboards lol

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I see no problems with this.

[pr0ximity]

Best way to have a plate cut so they snap in real good? Laser, water, psychic blast?

Higher precision machining will get you more accurate results. Laser is more precise than waterjet. However I just had a waterjet plate cut and the switches snap in just fine.

[stoic-lemon]

Best way to have a plate cut so they snap in real good? Laser, water, psychic blast?

Higher precision machining will get you more accurate results. Laser is more precise than waterjet. However I just had a waterjet plate cut and the switches snap in just fine.

Thanks!

[pr0ximity]

Best way to have a plate cut so they snap in real good? Laser, water, psychic blast?

Higher precision machining will get you more accurate results. Laser is more precise than waterjet. However I just had a waterjet plate cut and the switches snap in just fine.

Thanks!

Oh and if you're not aware thickness of the plate I think is quite important for proper "snapping". I think 1.5mm is the Cherry standard.

[tintoret]

Am I going to run into any problems, presumably with differences in wire specs, in trying to convert an ADB cable into a USB cable? That is, removing the connectors from the ADB cable and soldering the four wires into the pins of USB-A and Mini-B connectors?

[robbles]

What kinds of macros are popular amongst Geekhack? I've had programmable boards in the past but never really knew what to do with them. I'm sure that I'm just thinking about it incorrectly.

[tofgerl]

Well, spacefn... Passwords... The Hyper-key for shortcuts... What else... I'm thinking of making one that sends both the mac and the windows play/pause signals...

[Koatl]

Anyone know if Atreus62's with pointing stick are purchasable?

Or maybe I should ask in the Ergonomics forum?

[ezekial]

Hello,
I've been pondering a project. My previous keyboard crapped out and it was a dome mesh combo from the 90s (gateway 2000 keyboard). I recently thought of converting the innards to a mechanical keyboard, knowing that I need a pcb, and there are integrated pcbs out there I know, such as the NerD 108 PCB. How would you recommend going about retrofitting this to work? Are most keyboards a standard size to where I can use the NerD pcb? I understand I would need to get a plate for the switches because it's more stable, are there standard plates out there, or should I custom CNC them?
http://seelowprices.com/2014/10/08/28528372/1b.jpg

[happylacquer]

What kind of springs would I buy to increase the key weight on my buckling spring board? I don't have calipers or I would measure my own springs. Luckily replacing the springs on these switches is as easy as possible, so I'm willing to do it...

I'm looking to make them around 1.5-2x as stiff.

[Rekoba]

Hello , i have a "problem" with my Logitech G19 since i got it very cheap as you can guess its used keyboard but everything works. So only how should i say it , problem is that the keys are woobly and somehow loose ,they move too much,  you can see that they are very very used. So i am wondering is there any chance to fix or repair it, is it maybe something with the rubber beneath them? I would really appreciative any help.

[SpAmRaY]

What kind of springs would I buy to increase the key weight on my buckling spring board? I don't have calipers or I would measure my own springs. Luckily replacing the springs on these switches is as easy as possible, so I'm willing to do it...

I'm looking to make them around 1.5-2x as stiff.

I don't think what you want exists.

Not saying it is impossible but I don't think anyone has ever had any made.

You might check in the huge model f group buy thread.

[Joey Quinn]

Hello , i have a "problem" with my Logitech G19 since i got it very cheap as you can guess its used keyboard but everything works. So only how should i say it , problem is that the keys are woobly and somehow loose ,they move too much,  you can see that they are very very used. So i am wondering is there any chance to fix or repair it, is it maybe something with the rubber beneath them? I would really appreciative any help.

The rubber domes wouldn't cause the keys to be loose, it'd be an issue with the sliders above them. I don't know much about G19s (or anything really) but they may just be like that stock.

Best solution to the problem would be buying a cheap mech instead of a trashed old rubberdome board.

[happylacquer]

What kind of springs would I buy to increase the key weight on my buckling spring board? I don't have calipers or I would measure my own springs. Luckily replacing the springs on these switches is as easy as possible, so I'm willing to do it...

I'm looking to make them around 1.5-2x as stiff.

I don't think what you want exists.

Not saying it is impossible but I don't think anyone has ever had any made.

You might check in the huge model f group buy thread.

TYVM, will check there, but yeah I don't have my hopes up.

I googled it and found a few threads scattered around the internet with people asking my question. unfortunately, they were either looking for lighter springs, or the ones who wanted heavier ones like me just had people being like "wtf why?"

[Radlife]

I have a question about the TX87 (I built mine just a moment ago). Are there any tutorials on how to use Leeku's Jigon software? I'm looking to turn off the RGB lighting.

[Rekoba]

Hello , i have a "problem" with my Logitech G19 since i got it very cheap as you can guess its used keyboard but everything works. So only how should i say it , problem is that the keys are woobly and somehow loose ,they move too much,  you can see that they are very very used. So i am wondering is there any chance to fix or repair it, is it maybe something with the rubber beneath them? I would really appreciative any help.

The rubber domes wouldn't cause the keys to be loose, it'd be an issue with the sliders above them. I don't know much about G19s (or anything really) but they may just be like that stock.

Best solution to the problem would be buying a cheap mech instead of a trashed old rubberdome board.

Ok, but what do you think would it help if i open it up and try maybe to straiten the rubber or do something like that. When i got it i pop up every key to clean them , but i have not noticed something unusual but they still are very loose and woobly.

[ander]

Can Donald Trump really be that clueless, or do you think this is all just a set-up for a new reality TV show?

[xtrafrood]

*Googles how to use a fire extinguisher*

[tofgerl]

Can Donald Trump really be that clueless, or do you think this is all just a set-up for a new reality TV show?

No, he's winging it.

[fohat.digs]

What kind of springs would I buy to increase the key weight on my buckling spring board? I don't have calipers or I would measure my own springs. Luckily replacing the springs on these switches is as easy as possible, so I'm willing to do it...

I'm looking to make them around 1.5-2x as stiff.

I don't know how easy it is to replace springs unless you are doing a bolt mod anyway.

Here is something that I stumbled across but never went farther:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84830.msg2267781#msg2267781

[stoic-lemon]

I have a question about the TX87 (I built mine just a moment ago). Are there any tutorials on how to use Leeku's Jigon software? I'm looking to turn off the RGB lighting.

You can set them to black.

[pr0ximity]

Am I going to run into any problems, presumably with differences in wire specs, in trying to convert an ADB cable into a USB cable? That is, removing the connectors from the ADB cable and soldering the four wires into the pins of USB-A and Mini-B connectors?

Shouldn't really be a problem. As long as you hook the proper wires up you can use any wires assuming they don't have some kind of crazy resistance.

[hwood34]

Can Donald Trump really be that clueless, or do you think this is all just a set-up for a new reality TV show?

Simple Questions. There is no simple answer lol

[fohat.digs]

Can Donald Trump really be that clueless, or do you think this is all just a set-up for a new reality TV show?

Well, he is clueless about what government is, how it operates, and the rule of law. And isn't "reality TV show" an oxymoron?

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20025568

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

Anyone have any tricks or tips when it comes to trimming the legs on a keyboards worth of LEDs to use in sip sockets?

[iamtootallforthis]

Anyone have any tricks or tips when it comes to trimming the legs on a keyboards worth of LEDs to use in sip sockets?

Courtesy of Photo_E: https://www.flickr.com/photos/photoelectric_effect/13136031895/in/album-72157642317342363/

[cutterline]

Does anyone know taobao seller link for mx silent red?

I tried searching with keyword 'cherry 静音" but couldn't find any seller.

[wimpeh]

I bought this 75% plate from taobao, hoping to be able to make a handwired keyboard out of it. Now I'm stuck on what stabilizers to use for it. Plate mounted won't work. Any ideas?

[tofgerl]

Is it possible to buy those GMK trays with the plastic fasteners? What do they cost?