Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

Does a leeku PCB and plate fit in a OG cherry case?

Yup, both the 1800 and 3000 fit fine with a bit of modding to the cases. There's a few ribs that need to be cutaway.

[joey]

Does a leeku PCB and plate fit in a OG cherry case?

Yup, both the 1800 and 3000 fit fine with a bit of modding to the cases. There's a few ribs that need to be cutaway.

Thanks cptbadhwood!

[hwood34]

Does a leeku PCB and plate fit in a OG cherry case?

Yup, both the 1800 and 3000 fit fine with a bit of modding to the cases. There's a few ribs that need to be cutaway.

Thanks cptbadhwood!

In fact, leeku actually incorporated holes in the PCB to fit the pegs in the cases

[joey]

Cool, looks like I'll finally be able to use my 1800 board. Just gotta figure out switches next!

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

can someone recommend a desoldering station?

I really like the Hakko 808. I heard the upgraded FR300 is everything great about the 808 but with improvements like an on/off switch.

[Blaise170]

If you are conscious of price, the Aoyue 701A++ is really great. I use it all the time.

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

can someone recommend a desoldering station?

I really like the Hakko 808. I heard the upgraded FR300 is everything great about the 808 but with improvements like an on/off switch.

You might also want to do a search within the Living Soldering Thread for "desoldering" and see what comes up.

[amanxmb]

 

[Blaise170]

If you are conscious of price, the Aoyue 701A++ is really great. I use it all the time.

Does it get both sides of the pad of the pcb?  That is my main concern.

It usually leaves a perfect hole where the solder is. I don't know if I totally understand what you mean though.

[swimmingbird]

are there any aftermarket PCBs for the old Skidata keyboards?

edit: talking about the one with the trackpad and huge amount of relegendables

[CPTBadAss]

are there any aftermarket PCBs for the old Skidata keyboards?

edit: talking about the one with the trackpad and huge amount of relegendables

I've never seen one no

[swimmingbird]

are there any aftermarket PCBs for the old Skidata keyboards?

edit: talking about the one with the trackpad and huge amount of relegendables

I've never seen one no

Looks like handwiring time!

[THEMIKEBERG]

Hey all! I'm quite new to this, so bare with me here.

I'm having an issue identifying different keycaps. DSA, SA, etc.

I'm looking for a set of spherical keycaps for my Leopold FC750, but I just cannot for the life of me tell from pictures (and the info provided) if the keycaps I'm looking at are spherical or not.

I'm sorry if this was answered in the FAQ none of the questions under keycaps section seemed to be relevant to what I'm trying to find out.

EDIT/ I have found the answers I am looking for, the glossary is very handy thanks!

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Don't know if anyone is offering just desoldering in CONUS. Maybe steezus

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Don't know if anyone is offering just desoldering in CONUS. Maybe steezus

there lies the issue

I mean.... A desoldering tool from radio shack is like $10. A cheapo soldering iron and wick is just as cheap. It's really not that hard. Then you could just get it over with and not have to worry about who blocked you or whatever.

[HoffmanMyster]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Just a desolder?  I'd probably be willing to do that for you.  What board?

[Jokrik]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Don't know if anyone is offering just desoldering in CONUS. Maybe steezus

there lies the issue

I mean.... A desoldering tool from radio shack is like $10. A cheapo soldering iron and wick is just as cheap. It's really not that hard. Then you could just get it over with and not have to worry about who blocked you or whatever.

True , it isn't that hard as long as you have good temperature and good sucker
SS-02 is a good one I heard

[alienman82]

removed.

[Blaise170]

I could do it too.

[klennkellon]

Do the font and legends on Unicomps keycaps match with the original Model M's?

[fohat.digs]

Ha Ha

"sometimes"

[tassadarforaiur]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Don't know if anyone is offering just desoldering in CONUS. Maybe steezus

there lies the issue

I mean.... A desoldering tool from radio shack is like $10. A cheapo soldering iron and wick is just as cheap. It's really not that hard. Then you could just get it over with and not have to worry about who blocked you or whatever.

True , it isn't that hard as long as you have good temperature and good sucker
SS-02 is a good one I heard

If you have a radioshack nearby, I would strongly recommend buying this https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-45-watt-desoldering-iron?variant=5717855877 and a handful of replacement tips before they disappear forever https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-replacement-tip-for-cat-6402060?variant=5717856005 standalone desoldering pumps require removing the iron, which lets the solder cool down, before you can position the pump for best suction. get a 1 piece unit, it's a game changer. (I would recommend an aoyue 474a++ or zd-985, but that's only if you do a lot of desoldering, but not enough to justify price of hakko)

[HoffmanMyster]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Just a desolder?  I'd probably be willing to do that for you.  What board?

I will have a 360C pcb soon, but I am afraid to lift pads.  Do you think I (or you ) should use a Hakko gun?  I desoldered lots of old WYSE boards with a pump without any lifted pads, but I had an issue once with a leeku PCB and lifting a pad.  I think I didn't get all the solder off, and when I ripped the switch out, it grabbed the pad too....

I've never lifted a pad with an 808 or FR-300.  I'd go that route.  If you have a gun and are familiar with it you should go for it. 

[alienman82]

removed.

[HoffmanMyster]

has anyone used someone for desoldering??  I was looking towards a specific user, but they have blocked me for whatever reason...  Oh well they lost some good money for some grudge or something.

Just a desolder?  I'd probably be willing to do that for you.  What board?

I will have a 360C pcb soon, but I am afraid to lift pads.  Do you think I (or you ) should use a Hakko gun?  I desoldered lots of old WYSE boards with a pump without any lifted pads, but I had an issue once with a leeku PCB and lifting a pad.  I think I didn't get all the solder off, and when I ripped the switch out, it grabbed the pad too....

I've never lifted a pad with an 808 or FR-300.  I'd go that route.  If you have a gun and are familiar with it you should go for it. 

oh so you have an 808/FR300?

Used to have an 808, now have an FR-300.   

[alienman82]

removed.

[piemancoder]

What are the pros and cons of a stepped caps lock and a normal one? This also includes using it as ctrl.

[fohat.digs]

I love stepped keys but there is a lot of ugliness towards them.

[alienman82]

removed.

[swimmingbird]

What are the pros and cons of a stepped caps lock and a normal one? This also includes using it as ctrl.

I use stepped since it's what OG cherry uses which is the best feeling

also looks cool

[CommonCurt]

What are the pros and cons of a stepped caps lock and a normal one? This also includes using it as ctrl.

I use stepped since it's what OG cherry uses which is the best feeling

also looks cool

+1  stepped Capslock looks the best.  It also makes it harder to accidentally hit it with your pinky.

[CommonCurt]

Can someone please tell me the exact size screws that are used on the bottom of the KMAC2 (the 10 screws that hold the two halves of the case together)?

[yasuo2]

If im wiring keyboard like lowpoly style mean cut off the cord wire
and the wires touch diodes is it effect when keypressed?

[Fyodor]

Is there any place that can print custom keycaps if I upload my layout, including side text and multiple colors?
Example:

[piemancoder]

Is there any place that can print custom keycaps if I upload my layout, including side text and multiple colors?
Example:

Show Image

WASD Keyboards can do multiple colors, but I'm not sure about side text.

[Fyodor]

Is there any place that can print custom keycaps if I upload my layout, including side text and multiple colors?
Example:

Show Image

WASD Keyboards can do multiple colors, but I'm not sure about side text.

I don't think they have side text option, anyone knows an alternative?

[00zeRO]

Is there any place that can print custom keycaps if I upload my layout, including side text and multiple colors?
Example:

Show Image

WASD Keyboards can do multiple colors, but I'm not sure about side text.

I don't think they have side text option, anyone knows an alternative?

Dymo label maker? Clear with white...

[Fyodor]

Is there any place that can print custom keycaps if I upload my layout, including side text and multiple colors?
Example:

Show Image

WASD Keyboards can do multiple colors, but I'm not sure about side text.

I don't think they have side text option, anyone knows an alternative?

Dymo label maker? Clear with white...

Well, I thought of using some posca markers or some transparent adhesive vinyl. Really would like to save these for a last option  :rolleyes:

[klennkellon]

If a Model M uses the two-piece keycaps will keycaps from variants with the one-piece keycaps still work? and vice versa.

[hwood34]

Does anyone have an outline of 1800 PCB screw hole locations and such? I'm trying to have a case made for an MX1800

[user 18]

If a Model M uses the two-piece keycaps will keycaps from variants with the one-piece keycaps still work? and vice versa.

Yes. You just need to remove both pieces of the two-piece cap to be able to insert the one-piece cap (seems obvious, I know )

[KaLam1ty]

Has anyone else experienced a difference in tactility between Milky Housing (PCB 5Pin Mount) and Clear Housing (Plate 3 Pin Mount) Gateron Switches?
I built a keyboard yesterday using Milky Gateron Blues and noticed they felt a lot 'mushier' than my KC60, which has the Clear Gateron Blues.
(This is a difference in housing/body, not the actual stem type/color).

Is there a reason for this? The keycaps I'm using are the same between boards and both are using Costar stabilizers.

Also, if this issue is caused by the housing or stem, could I just swap out the tops and stems with a 'Clear' one?
I REALLY don't want to desolder everything and replace the entire switch  ...

[demik]

How much force does the spring under the hhkb spacebar add again? 5 or 10g? I forget OnO

[LechnerDE]

Where can I get those stabilizer inserts for cheap in Europe?

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/cherry-mx-keycap-stabilizer-insert-2pcs.html

WASD wants like 30$ for shipping which is ridiculous for such an item...

[zombiegristle]

Are there any ortholinear fullsize keyboards?

EDIT: Not counting SPOS-style keyboards, looking for something with a more traditional height/aspect ratio instead of the massive grid.

[SpAmRaY]

Where can I get those stabilizer inserts for cheap in Europe?

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/cherry-mx-keycap-stabilizer-insert-2pcs.html

WASD wants like 30$ for shipping which is ridiculous for such an item...

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/4-filco-white-stabilizers.asp

Or I'm more than happy to proxy some for you from wasdkeyboards.