Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

Why don't we still have custom keyboards utilizing Cherry MX RGBs? Exclusivity deal ended, not sure if switches are available en mass though. It's not like Korean designers don't redesign PCBs every so often, so i don't get it - what the problem adding controller capable of manipulating RGB switches themselves?

Any predictions of when, if at all, we'll see such Korean/Chinese custom keyboards popping up?

No one has made those switches available yet. I'm guessing they're expensive in terms of raw cost of the MX RGB switch or the accompanying PCB.

[HoffmanMyster]

Why don't we still have custom keyboards utilizing Cherry MX RGBs? Exclusivity deal ended, not sure if switches are available en mass though. It's not like Korean designers don't redesign PCBs every so often, so i don't get it - what the problem adding controller capable of manipulating RGB switches themselves?

Any predictions of when, if at all, we'll see such Korean/Chinese custom keyboards popping up?

I've heard a rumor that some PCB designers actually are starting to do that.  But that's just a rumor.  )  We may start to see some pop up in the next year though.

:circle:

[sethk_]

Why don't we still have custom keyboards utilizing Cherry MX RGBs? Exclusivity deal ended, not sure if switches are available en mass though. It's not like Korean designers don't redesign PCBs every so often, so i don't get it - what the problem adding controller capable of manipulating RGB switches themselves?

Any predictions of when, if at all, we'll see such Korean/Chinese custom keyboards popping up?

No one has made those switches available yet. I'm guessing they're expensive in terms of raw cost of the MX RGB switch or the accompanying PCB.

yeah, they require a different controller as well to control the RGB LEDs, it will be exciting when someone does it though!

[pr0ximity]

Anyone know what size LEDs I'd need for a Filco MJ2?

Any advice on finding ones with similar brightness/quality/appearance to stock? Not done much work with LEDs before, how do they vary in brightness (assuming equivalently powered)?

[CPTBadAss]

1) Anyone know what size LEDs I'd need for a Filco MJ2?

2) Any advice on finding ones with similar brightness/quality/appearance to stock? Not done much work with LEDs before, how do they vary in brightness (assuming equivalently powered)?

1) Standard 3mm LEDs

2) Check these threads out:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44798.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37266.5

[pr0ximity]

1) Standard 3mm LEDs

2) Check these threads out:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44798.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37266.5

I need to get better at searching Thanks!

[njbair]

I wouldn't have carry so many cables around, if my keyboard used microUSB.

You might like this

[yuiop]

I'm trying to get my Kmac2 re-anodized.  I know it's a long shot but can anyone recommend a good shop in the Chicagoland area?

[davkol]

I wouldn't have carry so many cables around, if my keyboard used microUSB.

You might like this

But I don't, because it puts additional strain on the connector (ErgoDox) or doesn't fit the cable routing (QFR). I don't see how it's more convenient to carry two things instead of two things either (two cables can be used with two different devices at the same time at the very least).

[njbair]

I wouldn't have carry so many cables around, if my keyboard used microUSB.

You might like this

But I don't, because it puts additional strain on the connector (ErgoDox) or doesn't fit the cable routing (QFR). I don't see how it's more convenient to carry two things instead of two things either (two cables can be used with two different devices at the same time at the very least).

But it doesn't get tangled.

[CommonCurt]

I wouldn't have carry so many cables around, if my keyboard used microUSB.

You might like this

But I don't, because it puts additional strain on the connector (ErgoDox) or doesn't fit the cable routing (QFR). I don't see how it's more convenient to carry two things instead of two things either (two cables can be used with two different devices at the same time at the very least).

A while ago I tried something like these with my QFR, and it worked fine. Just try to find one about 6in, or preferably a little longer.

20cm > http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-USB-2-0-female-To-Mini-USB-male-Adapter-Charger-Cable-for-HTC-SAMSUNG-/151572835431?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234a71ec67

25cm > http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-Mini-B-5-Pin-male-to-Micro-female-Adapter-cable-/290598237469?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a901351d

[davkol]

Awesome. Now I'd have two cables instead of two cables. Except I wouldn't be able to recharge my phone or copy music to my DAP, while using the keyboard.

I have one short microUSB cable that can charge virtually any modern phone, DAP and e-book reader. It can be used to connect these devices to desktops/laptops. I sometimes carry two around, just in case one fails, I want to charge/connect two devices at the same time or someone asks me to charge their phone. But I have carry around another cable! Because keyboard makers are stuck in 2008. And that cable recently failed on me, thus I couldn't type on my ErgoDox for a day or two. I guess I should had carried *four* cables around just for redundancy.

[dndlmx]

I can't use the 6u spacebar from these keycaps because the mounting is off-center, what do?

Email SP for a quote?

[azhdar]

I can't use the 6u spacebar from these keycaps because the mounting is off-center, what do?

Email SP for a quote?

SP won't have cherry profile.

You could try to cut the mounting, and glue it back with epoxy

exemples here : https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/modifications#wiki_key_stem_modifications

[dndlmx]

Would a DCS spacebar on Cherry look weird?

[azhdar]

Would a DCS spacebar on Cherry look weird?

I'll let you judge : https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68550.0

[CPTBadAss]

Would a DCS spacebar on Cherry look weird?

IIRC, it looks fine. But it definitely feels different.

[wobbs]

I have a CM Quickfire Tk and some Gateron switches.  To swap the switches, would I just trim the pastic pins and solder the switches the same as i would with Cherry MX switches?

[user 18]

I have a CM Quickfire Tk and some Gateron switches.  To swap the switches, would I just trim the pastic pins and solder the switches the same as i would with Cherry MX switches?

Yes, Gateron, like many MX-compatible switches, are designed to be electrically and physically compatible with Cherry MX switches. If you had PCB-mount MX switches, the process would be the same.

[Sifo]

This isn't much of a "simple" question, but does any know what size the screws are used for KMAC blockers? I need new ones.

[pesky brat]

Can cherry stabilizers be mounted onto a Filco PCB?

[Sifo]

Can cherry stabilizers be mounted onto a Filco PCB?

If you've got a plate that supports plate mounted stabs, yes. PCB mounted stabs cannot be mounted onto a Filco PCB without heavy modification, and I don't know of anyone who has done it.

[pesky brat]

Can cherry stabilizers be mounted onto a Filco PCB?

If you've got a plate that supports plate mounted stabs, yes. PCB mounted stabs cannot be mounted onto a Filco PCB without heavy modification, and I don't know of anyone who has done it.

So, to clarify, if I had a uTKL plate on a Filco PCB, I could mount plate-mounted Cherry stabs on the plate, but not PCB-mount Cherry stabs?

If yes, my next question is where can I buy plate-mount Cherry stabs? nvm

[Sifo]

Can cherry stabilizers be mounted onto a Filco PCB?

If you've got a plate that supports plate mounted stabs, yes. PCB mounted stabs cannot be mounted onto a Filco PCB without heavy modification, and I don't know of anyone who has done it.

So, to clarify, if I had a uTKL plate on a Filco PCB, I could mount plate-mounted Cherry stabs on the plate, but not PCB-mount Cherry stabs?

If yes, my next question is where can I buy plate-mount Cherry stabs? nvm

This is indeed the case. http://i.imgur.com/0Grvzgj.jpg miss my old Filco

[pesky brat]

Can cherry stabilizers be mounted onto a Filco PCB?

If you've got a plate that supports plate mounted stabs, yes. PCB mounted stabs cannot be mounted onto a Filco PCB without heavy modification, and I don't know of anyone who has done it.

So, to clarify, if I had a uTKL plate on a Filco PCB, I could mount plate-mounted Cherry stabs on the plate, but not PCB-mount Cherry stabs?

If yes, my next question is where can I buy plate-mount Cherry stabs? nvm

This is indeed the case. http://i.imgur.com/0Grvzgj.jpg miss my old Filco

Thanks for the help. And nice Filco , sad to hear it's gone

[CommonCurt]

Awesome. Now I'd have two cables instead of two cables. Except I wouldn't be able to recharge my phone or copy music to my DAP, while using the keyboard.

I have one short microUSB cable that can charge virtually any modern phone, DAP and e-book reader. It can be used to connect these devices to desktops/laptops. I sometimes carry two around, just in case one fails, I want to charge/connect two devices at the same time or someone asks me to charge their phone. But I have carry around another cable! Because keyboard makers are stuck in 2008. And that cable recently failed on me, thus I couldn't type on my ErgoDox for a day or two. I guess I should had carried *four* cables around just for redundancy.

LoL.  Well I don't know what else you can do other then buy a Novatouch, or QFR-i.

[Zustiur]

I'm getting this error when I try to compile Hasu's tmk firmware:

D:\Programming\Shared Projects\tmk_keyboard\keyboard\ZusDox>make -f makefile
The system cannot find the path specified.
The system cannot find the path specified.
ECHO is off.
-------- begin --------
avr-gcc (WinAVR 20100110) 4.3.3
Copyright (C) 2008 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

-f was unexpected at this time.
make: *** [sizebefore] Error 255

I know hasu didn't write 'make' so I figured I'd ask here first. Any clues as to what '-f was unexpected at this time' means?

I get the feeling it has something to do with winavr or windows rather than my code...

[CPTBadAss]

I'm getting this error when I try to compile Hasu's tmk firmware:

D:\Programming\Shared Projects\tmk_keyboard\keyboard\ZusDox>make -f makefile
The system cannot find the path specified.
The system cannot find the path specified.
ECHO is off.
-------- begin --------
avr-gcc (WinAVR 20100110) 4.3.3
Copyright (C) 2008 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

-f was unexpected at this time.
make: *** [sizebefore] Error 255

I know hasu didn't write 'make' so I figured I'd ask here first. Any clues as to what '-f was unexpected at this time' means?

I get the feeling it has something to do with winavr or windows rather than my code...

Might have more luck posting a new thread or in the TMK thread. I think this is beyond the scope of this thread.

[BlueNalgene]

Does anyone have the stats on the Model M spring (rod size, height, width, load, rate) ? 

Mine are rusty and not behaving.  I would like to replace them.  My calipers can't measure ID and I'm not sure if measuring the load would be simple for something which is meant to buckle.

I realize that replacements are available from Unicomp (see here), but I want to keep my options open.  Maybe there is something compatible from McMaster-Carr.

[fohat.digs]

Does anyone have the stats on the Model M spring (rod size, height, width, load, rate) ? 

Mine are rusty and not behaving.  I would like to replace them. 

Many people have looked at the Model M/F spring question with the idea of getting lighter (or possibly heavier!) action, but I have never seen anybody post positive results.

For 20 cents each, Unicomp is a reasonable source, or buy a slightly-used M (there are lots of terminals that sell cheap and have probably seen little use). And, if you buy the assembly, you don't have to monkey with it. Or PM me, I have some.

[darkspider]

Is a keyboard which is converted from ps2(6pin din) to usb by an adapter hot-swappable?
I've connected my ps2 boards to my m/b's ps2 port directly until today, so I don't well know how ps2-to-usb adapter work.

[CPTBadAss]

Is a keyboard which is converted from ps2(6pin din) to usb by an adapter hot-swappable?
I've connected my ps2 boards to my m/b's ps2 port directly until today, so I don't well know how ps2-to-usb adapter work.

Yes

Does anyone have the stats on the Model M spring (rod size, height, width, load, rate) ? 

Mine are rusty and not behaving.  I would like to replace them. 

Many people have looked at the Model M/F spring question with the idea of getting lighter (or possibly heavier!) action, but I have never seen anybody post positive results.

For 20 cents each, Unicomp is a reasonable source, or buy a slightly-used M (there are lots of terminals that sell cheap and have probably seen little use). And, if you buy the assembly, you don't have to monkey with it. Or PM me, I have some.

I agree with Fohat.digs. No reason to source it elsewhere when Unicomp has it for so cheap.

[darkspider]

Is a keyboard which is converted from ps2(6pin din) to usb by an adapter hot-swappable?
I've connected my ps2 boards to my m/b's ps2 port directly until today, so I don't well know how ps2-to-usb adapter work.

Yes

Thank you for immediate reply!

[PaulMP]

Hello guys!

Which keyboard is on this picture?

(source: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/dsa-dolch-key-set)

I guess it's a Varmilo VA87M, but im not sure.

Thanks!

[BrewCaps]

Yes.  Same spacebar.

[CPTBadAss]

Hello guys!

Which keyboard is on this picture?

Show Image

(source: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/dsa-dolch-key-set)

I guess it's a Varmilo VA87M, but im not sure.

Thanks!

I think your guess is right. I'd ask in the massdrop discussion just in case though.

[Blaise170]

I'd be pretty confident in saying it's Varmilo because it has raised keys. Few keyboards have that feature.

[PaulMP]

Thank you!

I really like the look of this keyboard, especially the rised keys.
Sadly it's quite rare, and aliexpress, where i could find it, is a bad place to buy keyboards imo.

Do you guys know similar, simple looking keyboards like this, with no led background?
Pok3r looks perfect, but I prefer TKL with arrow keys.

[CPTBadAss]

Thank you!

I really like the look of this keyboard, especially the rised keys.
Sadly it's quite rare, and aliexpress, where i could find it, is a bad place to buy keyboards imo.

Do you guys know similar, simple looking keyboards like this, with no led background?
Pok3r looks perfect, but I prefer TKL with arrow keys.

There's various Ducky boards (not 100% on the model names) and Filco Majestouches which I really like.

[Sifo]

I'm getting this error when I try to compile Hasu's tmk firmware:

D:\Programming\Shared Projects\tmk_keyboard\keyboard\ZusDox>make -f makefile
The system cannot find the path specified.
The system cannot find the path specified.
ECHO is off.
-------- begin --------
avr-gcc (WinAVR 20100110) 4.3.3
Copyright (C) 2008 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

-f was unexpected at this time.
make: *** [sizebefore] Error 255

I know hasu didn't write 'make' so I figured I'd ask here first. Any clues as to what '-f was unexpected at this time' means?

I get the feeling it has something to do with winavr or windows rather than my code...

Have you tried reinstalling winavr?

[trees]

I for the life of me can not remember the name of the colored covers you can put over LEDs on your board to change the colors. I cant remember where you can buy them either.

[sethk_]

I for the life of me can not remember the name of the colored covers you can put over LEDs on your board to change the colors. I cant remember where you can buy them either.

daydream or something like that. If you scroll through the MD drops for mechanical keyboards you can find it

Edit: here http://www.banggood.com/DayDream-LED-Cover-for-108-Mechanical-Keyboard-White-Backlit-p-925837.html

[CPTBadAss]

I for the life of me can not remember the name of the colored covers you can put over LEDs on your board to change the colors. I cant remember where you can buy them either.

They had a name? I thought they were just referred to as "LED covers". And I've only ever seen them on Massdrop. I also haven't kept up with that at all.

Maybe these? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52075.0

[sethk_]

I for the life of me can not remember the name of the colored covers you can put over LEDs on your board to change the colors. I cant remember where you can buy them either.

They had a name? I thought they were just referred to as "LED covers". And I've only ever seen them on Massdrop. I also haven't kept up with that at all.

Maybe these? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52075.0

yeah, banggood link here http://www.banggood.com/DayDream-LED-Cover-for-108-Mechanical-Keyboard-White-Backlit-p-925837.html

[trees]

Those are them, thanks CPT and seth. I was totally blanking out on them.

[njbair]

Anyone ever had trouble with costar stabs rubbing/sticking, like the alignment's just not quite right? Looking for a fix for my spacebar and enter key.

[SpAmRaY]

Anyone ever had trouble with costar stabs rubbing/sticking, like the alignment's just not quite right? Looking for a fix for my spacebar and enter key.

Do you have the inserts facing the right direction?

Might try some square baggy pieces.

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone ever had trouble with costar stabs rubbing/sticking, like the alignment's just not quite right? Looking for a fix for my spacebar and enter key.

Did you put the inserts in the correct way? The longer leg should face your function row.

[njbair]

Anyone ever had trouble with costar stabs rubbing/sticking, like the alignment's just not quite right? Looking for a fix for my spacebar and enter key.

Did you put the inserts in the correct way? The longer leg should face your function row.

Yeah, they're in right. I mean it's just barely rubbing. I don't think they'd even come close to fitting if backwards.

BTW this is on an Infinity plate, not an off-the-shelf board, so maybe it's just an alignment/tolerance issue with that....

[CPTBadAss]

More

Anyone ever had trouble with costar stabs rubbing/sticking, like the alignment's just not quite right? Looking for a fix for my spacebar and enter key.

Did you put the inserts in the correct way? The longer leg should face your function row.

Yeah, they're in right. I mean it's just barely rubbing. I don't think they'd even come close to fitting if backwards.

BTW this is on an Infinity plate, not an off-the-shelf board, so maybe it's just an alignment/tolerance issue with that....

Hm, could try filing down the stabs a touch so it fits ok? Then try filing the plate's stab holes a bit?