Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[swimmingbird]

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

I only remember seeing it for one OTD (360?), The Cheat, and an attempt at it for TGR which was recent

Ahh ok - maybe im assuming they were more popular than they actually were

I guess having a plate that allows for switch opening (without desoldering) kind of negates the need for a half plate?

[hwood34]

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

I only remember seeing it for one OTD (360?), The Cheat, and an attempt at it for TGR which was recent

Ahh ok - maybe im assuming they were more popular than they actually were

I guess having a plate that allows for switch opening (without desoldering) kind of negates the need for a half plate?

Well, the one real effect you get from a half plate is a plate mount feel on the mods and a pcb mount feel on the alphas. Not super useful anyway

[swimmingbird]

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

I only remember seeing it for one OTD (360?), The Cheat, and an attempt at it for TGR which was recent

Ahh ok - maybe im assuming they were more popular than they actually were

I guess having a plate that allows for switch opening (without desoldering) kind of negates the need for a half plate?

Well, the one real effect you get from a half plate is a plate mount feel on the mods and a pcb mount feel on the alphas. Not super useful anyway

Ahhh totally forgot about that - thanks

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

I only remember seeing it for one OTD (360?), The Cheat, and an attempt at it for TGR which was recent

Ahh ok - maybe im assuming they were more popular than they actually were

I guess having a plate that allows for switch opening (without desoldering) kind of negates the need for a half plate?

That's my assumption. Should also give it a good bit of added rigidity over a half plate.

[klennkellon]

Can anyone directly compare Matias Click switches with the original Complicated White ALPS for me? I have used my ALPS board enough to think that I like the switches a lot for typing but would like to try something more modern in design.

I find that Complicated Whites are heavier and not as smooth as the Matias Click switches. I prefer Matias Click to Complicated Whites.

Thank's for answering. I've been using my FK-2001 with white ALPS for a few days and I like them alright but they feel a little clunky sometimes.

[tofgerl]

I've been using my first SA keyboard for a few weeks, and the wiggle is starting to annoy me. I know it's completely normal, but is there anything I can do to (literally) fix it? The keyboard already has an alu plate. The case is temporarily plastic, but that shouldn't matter, right?

[E3E]

Can anyone directly compare Matias Click switches with the original Complicated White ALPS for me? I have used my ALPS board enough to think that I like the switches a lot for typing but would like to try something more modern in design.

I find that Complicated Whites are heavier and not as smooth as the Matias Click switches. I prefer Matias Click to Complicated Whites.

Thank's for answering. I've been using my FK-2001 with white ALPS for a few days and I like them alright but they feel a little clunky sometimes.

I believe I have had six vintage blue Alps boards so far, and still, I haven't been able to try a complicated white Alps board yet, hahaha. Eh. 

[CPTBadAss]

We're 50 key IBMs made with F internals using the M style case, or did all the F versions have the 4704 style cast case?

It was a cast metal plate IIRC

Thanks CBA, I am assuming this one is M by the date on the label, but was F internals ever used in the same case?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/IBM-KEYBOARD-4707-50-KEY-POS-1392560-/172050888228?nav=SEARCH

I'm far from an IBM expert so I'm not sure. All I know is that the 4074 50key that dorkvader showed me had F internals and a cast metal case.

I've been using my first SA keyboard for a few weeks, and the wiggle is starting to annoy me. I know it's completely normal, but is there anything I can do to (literally) fix it? The keyboard already has an alu plate. The case is temporarily plastic, but that shouldn't matter, right?

You can shim the caps with a bit of plastic. Like tape or a sandwich baggie. That might help.

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

Not that popular and I don't think the effect works as well as advertised. I've never tried it myself though.

[swimmingbird]

Why don't you see half plates that much in customs anymore?

Not that popular and I don't think the effect works as well as advertised. I've never tried it myself though.

Thanks man

[mobbo]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

[inanis]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

Check and see if in inside of the spacebar is rubbing against the stabilizer. You might need to shave it down a touch.

[Sifo]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

lube fixes this normally.

[mobbo]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

lube fixes this normally.

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

Check and see if in inside of the spacebar is rubbing against the stabilizer. You might need to shave it down a touch.

Thanks guys I'll try both of these things when I get home.

Which part would typically be rubbing against the Cherry stabs? The stem itself, or one of the edges of the spacebar?

[inanis]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

Check and see if in inside of the spacebar is rubbing against the stabilizer. You might need to shave it down a touch.

Thanks guys I'll try both of these things when I get home.

Which part would typically be rubbing against the Cherry stabs? The stem itself, or one of the edges of the spacebar?

The interior edge of the spacebar. I've taken a nail file to a few keys before. It doesn't take much and there is no visible impact. And a little lube, as Sifo mentioned, may also do the trick.

[mobbo]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

Check and see if in inside of the spacebar is rubbing against the stabilizer. You might need to shave it down a touch.

Thanks guys I'll try both of these things when I get home.

Which part would typically be rubbing against the Cherry stabs? The stem itself, or one of the edges of the spacebar?

The interior edge of the spacebar. I've taken a nail file to a few keys before. It doesn't take much and there is no visible impact. And a little lube, as Sifo mentioned, may also do the trick.

Thanks <3

Hopefully it's as simple a fix as you guys are suggesting!

[xondat]

Desoldering all switches on a WASD V2, swapping springs, stickering, and lubing; is it actually viable or not?

The key press is too light, but I don't want to damage to contacts whilst desoldering.

(Just in case) Is the PCB swappable?

[Sifo]

Desoldering all switches on a WASD V2, swapping springs, stickering, and lubing; is it actually viable or not?

The key press is too light, but I don't want to damage to contacts whilst desoldering.

(Just in case) Is the PCB swappable?

Viable if you know what you're doing. It will require higher temperature to desolder since factories use lead free, so slightly higher risk of damage.

PCB is not swappable, is the short answer.

[pr0ximity]

Ah, I tried that. Did not work. No idea why... That was the first thing I tried, even before I put in the two other switches...

I'm a bit late, but did you insulate the terminals when you put them into the "botched" position so they didn't make contact with whatever is left of the botched holes?

[Jixr]

is the DS5 programable in its RGB features? or its it just set with default profiles?

[SpAmRaY]

is the DS5 programable in its RGB features? or its it just set with default profiles?

http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/ducky-shine-5/#g

http://www.duckychannel.net/download/user_manual/shine5_usermanual.pdf

[Oxid]

My HHKB's spacebar sounds weird (clacky instead of thock-y) when I hit it in the middle. Is there a solution?

Also, if I press it down, and slightly wiggle it forward/backwards, i hear the spring squeaking hardcore.

Lastly, I have Tri-flow lube, that I bought for my X-55 HOTAS, would it be safe to use for an HHKB? Or will it chew through my board/desk/floor/neighbor-beneath-me?

[Sifo]

My HHKB's spacebar sounds weird (clacky instead of thock-y) when I hit it in the middle. Is there a solution?

Also, if I press it down, and slightly wiggle it forward/backwards, i hear the spring squeaking hardcore.

Lastly, I have Tri-flow lube, that I bought for my X-55 HOTAS, would it be safe to use for an HHKB? Or will it chew through my board/desk/floor/neighbor-beneath-me?

Have you tried just leaving out the spring? Some people say it feels better

[azhdar]

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_yel_arrow

are those N6 or CV color?

[Sifo]

Anyone know what sets in the past have used SP's BBJ color? Or if anyone has a cap in that color/has the color swatch.

[nubbinator]

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_yel_arrow

are those N6 or CV color?

Show Image

CV.  N6 is a god-awful goldenrod color.

Anyone know what sets in the past have used SP's BBJ color? Or if anyone has a cap in that color/has the color swatch.

AFAIK, none have.  I was wanting to do a set with that color in the past since it's such a fantastic color.

[hwood34]

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_yel_arrow

are those N6 or CV color?

Show Image

CV

[Sifo]

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_yel_arrow

are those N6 or CV color?

Show Image

CV.  N6 is a god-awful goldenrod color.

Anyone know what sets in the past have used SP's BBJ color? Or if anyone has a cap in that color/has the color swatch.

AFAIK, none have.  I was wanting to do a set with that color in the past since it's such a fantastic color.

Yeah well that's why I'm doing it now. But I have a surprise I want to get going for people who get in on the GB so I want to see the color :\

[Oxid]

Have you tried just leaving out the spring? Some people say it feels better

I'll give that a shot, thanks. Didn't occur to me to try without it.

[xondat]

How do get GIFs work for avatars?

[Sifo]

How do get GIFs work for avatars?

Needs to be exact size 150x150 (or smaller) and uploaded via computer

[xondat]

How do get GIFs work for avatars?

Needs to be exact size 150x150 (or smaller) and uploaded via computer

<3

[rowdy]

I just got 1976 and after putting it on a Pok3r I noticed the spacebar sticks quite a bit...sometimes it even just stays down when I press the key slowly.

Just wondering what the issue could be here. I tried it with a GMK spacebar and it seems to work fine.

You could also try putting a small (~1cm²) bit of plastic over the stabilisers before you put the space bar on.

[rowdy]

Anyone know if there are meetups in Belgium/The Netherlands? Have yet to find fellow countrymen here and only know a few that share the hobby.

No idea, but you are welcome to create a thread in off topic to see if there is any interest.

If there is sufficient interest, the mods might even make the thread sticky for you.

[bocahgundul]

Can someone who have tried vintage black and zeal linear compare the 2 of them?  :thumb
Are the zeal better or the vintage black better?

[Blaise170]

If price isn't a factor I'd get Zeal, otherwise vintage blacks.

[bocahgundul]

If price isn't a factor I'd get Zeal, otherwise vintage blacks.

nah I don't care about the price

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone who have tried vintage black and zeal linear compare the 2 of them?  :thumb
Are the zeal better or the vintage black better?

The Zeal linears felt the same to me as the Gateron linears. Unless you really want the custom weighting, I think most people would be happy with Gateron Blacks and Reds. I prefer the Gaterons to Vintage Blacks just because they're easier to source.

[Blaise170]

Can someone who have tried vintage black and zeal linear compare the 2 of them?  :thumb
Are the zeal better or the vintage black better?

The Zeal linears felt the same to me as the Gateron linears. Unless you really want the custom weighting, I think most people would be happy with Gateron Blacks and Reds. I prefer the Gaterons to Vintage Blacks just because they're easier to source.

Gateron makes Zeal switches, so feeling the same doesn't really come as a surprise to me. 

[bocahgundul]

Can someone who have tried vintage black and zeal linear compare the 2 of them?  :thumb
Are the zeal better or the vintage black better?

The Zeal linears felt the same to me as the Gateron linears. Unless you really want the custom weighting, I think most people would be happy with Gateron Blacks and Reds. I prefer the Gaterons to Vintage Blacks just because they're easier to source.

Nah bro I mean like the actual feeling of the switches bro does the vintage black feels better? 
So its like gateron black with gold springs and transparent housing?

[CPTBadAss]

Gateron makes Zeal switches, so feeling the same doesn't really come as a surprise to me. 

Yeah I guess I shouldve clarified my statement.

Nah bro I mean like the actual feeling of the switches bro does the vintage black feels better? 
So its like gateron black with gold springs and transparent housing?

I'm not following your question now. I think Gaterons feel just as good or better. The Zealio linear are just Gateron black stems with custom springs and a different housing yes.

[bocahgundul]

Gateron makes Zeal switches, so feeling the same doesn't really come as a surprise to me. 

Yeah I guess I shouldve clarified my statement.

Nah bro I mean like the actual feeling of the switches bro does the vintage black feels better? 
So its like gateron black with gold springs and transparent housing?

I'm not following your question now. I think Gaterons feel just as good or better. The Zealio linear are just Gateron black stems with custom springs and a different housing yes.

Thank you bro that answer my question 

[mason]

I stripped 3 screws on my Realforce.. I tried the rubber band method, but no luck. Any tips?

[fohat.digs]

I stripped 3 screws on my Realforce.. I tried the rubber band method, but no luck. Any tips?

For stripped screw sockets I usually do something like glue a toothpick or matchstick into the hole and then drill it out just smaller than the shaft of the screw.

[tofgerl]

Whatever you do, when you get them out, replace them with proper ones made of good metal.

[Pemdas]

Anybody have any experience with both linear green alps and matias linears? How do the matias linears compare to the greens?

[Blaise170]

I haven't yet tried SKCL Green Alps but I will tomorrow when I fly home. If someone else hasn't answered before then, I'll let you know my experience.

[nubbinator]

Anybody have any experience with both linear green alps and matias linears? How do the matias linears compare to the greens?

IMO, good condition linear greens are better feeling.  They're the smoothest linear switches I've felt.

[jdcarpe]

I stripped 3 screws on my Realforce.. I tried the rubber band method, but no luck. Any tips?

For stripped screw sockets I usually do something like glue a toothpick or matchstick into the hole and then drill it out just smaller than the shaft of the screw.

This, or a guitar string, should work.

[CPTBadAss]

Anybody have any experience with both linear green alps and matias linears? How do the matias linears compare to the greens?

The Matias Linears feel *much* lighter than SKCL Greens to me. The Matias linears also have a bit of a click on the downstroke which really threw me off. I much prefer SKCL Greens. The weight is a bit heavier and they're luciously smooth. Some of my favorite Alps switches period. Some more of my thoughts on the Matias Linears can be found here.

[Pemdas]

I haven't yet tried SKCL Green Alps but I will tomorrow when I fly home. If someone else hasn't answered before then, I'll let you know my experience.

I'd love to hear you opinion, the more the better

IMO, good condition linear greens are better feeling.  They're the smoothest linear switches I've felt.

Sweet thanks for the input! I've been loving linear switches lately and have heard great things about these greens. Going to keep my eyes peeled for a green alps board.

I've only got one alps pcb and I really hate desoldering so ill probably end up getting both to test side by side in the end :/