[GB] ZZ96 v2 r2 (replacements in progress)

[smittysteve]

Correct, the stab wire just keeps the 2 stab inserts moving in tandem to actually stabilize the ends of the longer keys! So it doesn't matter if its below the plate and it likely gives the wire less room to jiggle and potentially pop out of the stabs.

Awesome, thanks a lot for the help all!

Highly recommend lubing the stabs too, homie. This video isn't bad to give some pointers. You'll want something thick for the stabs... Krytox 205 mixed with a dash of Krytox 105 is my own preference... but you can get away with more types of lube on stabilizers (have to be a little more careful on the switches).

[snevok]

Got mine in the mail yesterday and built it right away.  This thing looks amazing, is built like a tank, and is super thocky and deep.  I've never felt a board that's this nice, and I'm absolutely in love.

I only have one complaint for the board, everything else has been perfect for me.  The plate screws were pretty hard to drop into the plate, and two screws on the bottom don't line up with or screw into the case.  Luckily, it still feels sturdy enough, but it's still kinda a bummer.

[Pieminister]

Great choice of keycaps! Looks fantastic.

I am a little bit biased: http://m.imgur.com/XiShdzE?r

[peanutbuttermuncher]

Hey Lunaris, what's going on with my order? Why does it say unknown?

[aaron6301]

Received my board today which was surprisingly rather quick for international shipping. Unfortunately, my board came with a manufacturing defect, a scratch/anodizing spur by the looks of it. 



I know it's mentioned in LD's disclaimer that he is not responsible for manufacturing defects, nonetheless it's still a bummer after such a long wait. Luckily it's only visible on the back of the case. Also, as others have mentioned, a number of the bottom mounting points don't line up with the PCB cutouts. It's close, but not quite there. A little dremel work should do the trick.

[Krytone]

mine just arrived today! i finally can start building this.

[Asbrodeus]

can anyone give me the json file I may or may not have had a flash happy accident.

[LunarisDream]

can anyone give me the json file I may or may not have had a flash happy accident.

I've attached the default json file from a fresh v2 PCB to this reply. Hope it helps!


Pretty relieved that nothing seems to have been damaged during transit this time around. I had to knife the centerpiece to drop each kit into - will get it machine-cut in the future.

aaron's getting a replacement made for his top frame which will likely take a month or two.

[aznreaper]

Oh, this PCB uses boot mapper as well eh? Well that'll make it easy to program. I also got my board and noticed that the bottom stand offs don't line up with the PCB, but there's plenty of standoff so hopefully it'll be stable.

PCB is really good looking thing, nice matte finish is a nice change compared to all the gloss finish PCB's I've been seeing

[aaron6301]

aaron's getting a replacement made for his top frame which will likely take a month or two.

Awesome, thanks LD!

I also got my board and noticed that the bottom stand offs don't line up with the PCB, but there's plenty of standoff so hopefully it'll be stable.

I bored out the cutouts with the smallest drill bit I could find. Everything lines up perfectly now and the PCB is snug.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

[Asbrodeus]

I've attached the default json file from a fresh v2 PCB to this reply. Hope it helps!

thank you sir!

[PerniciousPony]

Finished my build last night, but completely forgot to snap a picture of the finished product!  Mod L switches on everything but the spacebar for now, may possibility swap in aristotles stems later.

[smittysteve]

Show Image

Finished my build last night, but completely forgot to snap a picture of the finished product!  Mod L switches on everything but the spacebar for now, may possibility swap in aristotles stems later.

Nice build!

Received mine yesterday as well... LOVE it. Still in the midst of prepping switches, will post when done. But many many thanks LD for bringing us a great GB. You rock!!

[wodan]

Did a live stream of my ZZ96 build:

It's a little lengthy but I hope you still enjoy it. Stock Cherry MX Clear in PCB mount configuation!

[Asbrodeus]

Did a live stream of my ZZ96 build:

It's a little lengthy but I hope you still enjoy it. Stock Cherry MX Clear in PCB mount configuation!

You saved yourself some fun times not trying to screw the plate in, I had to do it upside down  ) Great to see the defender of ISO in action.

[breitling]

Did a live stream of my ZZ96 build:

It's a little lengthy but I hope you still enjoy it. Stock Cherry MX Clear in PCB mount configuation!

You saved yourself some fun times not trying to screw the plate in, I had to do it upside down  ) Great to see the defender of ISO in action.

if your screwdrivers are magnetic its easier.

[wodan]

I couldn't find my screwdriver magnetizer. Must have demagnetized the screwdriver for a NAS HDD swap ...

[roostrc0gburn]

I couldn't find my screwdriver magnetizer. Must have demagnetized the screwdriver for a NAS HDD swap ...

just stick a neodym on the screwdriver, the flux should be strong enough to pick up a little screw (if they are ferrous)

[Asbrodeus]

I actually tried a magnetic screwdriver that I tested at work but it didn't work with the screws provided.

[breitling]

I keep a set of small screwdrivers that are always magnetized for small screw work that is not magnet sensitive... very handy for assembling and disassembling keyboards. Seems like every drop-in style keyboard I need them!

[wodan]

Just wise to have it handy ...

[jjwax]

I couldn't find my screwdriver magnetizer. Must have demagnetized the screwdriver for a NAS HDD swap ...

just stick a neodym on the screwdriver, the flux should be strong enough to pick up a little screw (if they are ferrous)

They were not :-/

[Slash Emperor]

Just wise to have it handy ...

Figures that the Lee Valley page says they no longer have it. Time to check MSC and McMaster, I guess.

[roostrc0gburn]

Did anyone else buy an acrylic kit?

[MandrewDavis]

Did anyone else buy an acrylic kit?

I am getting one cut in the near future.

[owacle]

Is it cool if I call mine a zz99 since that's how many switches I ACTUALLY needed. I'd never thought to count before!

Look at the SEA of zeal!

[skimzor]

Anyone know the angle of the ZZ96?

Angle of the LSV3 is a little too steep.  I'm debating on holding off on LSV3 if the angle of the ZZ96 is a little flatter. 

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

99 problems 99 Luftballons 97* Gatistotles

*split backspace ftw!

[depreshun]

Just got my zz. Everything looks good. Thanks again LD.


Does anyone know what lube is good for stabs? I've got the clear/gold zeal stabs if it matters.

[rabbitfire]

Got mine in the mail yesterday and built it right away.  This thing looks amazing, is built like a tank, and is super thocky and deep.  I've never felt a board that's this nice, and I'm absolutely in love.

I only have one complaint for the board, everything else has been perfect for me.  The plate screws were pretty hard to drop into the plate, and two screws on the bottom don't line up with or screw into the case.  Luckily, it still feels sturdy enough, but it's still kinda a bummer.

Nice built man! Are you using enjoy pbt and CMYK mod sets?

[Asbrodeus]

Anyone know the angle of the ZZ96?

Angle of the LSV3 is a little too steep.  I'm debating on holding off on LSV3 if the angle of the ZZ96 is a little flatter.

the angle  on the  zz96 is very close to my octagon v2. I assume the LSV3 would be about the same.

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

AFAIK it's 8 degrees, LSV3 is supposed to have 11 degrees

[kikilink333]

Just got mine in the mail a few days ago!!! Yay!!! Will be building in the next few weeks once I'm feeling better after surgery.  Can't wait!

[breckstar]

Do the side acrylic pieces get mounted to the case like the picture below? Just was looking at mine and did see any screw holes or anything for it to mount it. Waiting on stabs to build mine.

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

I had the same question - you can fasten them with double sided tape

[breckstar]

I had the same question - you can fasten them with double sided tape

That is what I was gonna do. Just didn't know if there were any other ideas out there for it. Thanks

[owacle]

Show Image

99 problems 99 Luftballons 97* Gatistotles

*split backspace ftw!

Which caps you putting on there?

[owacle]

I think I'm going to tape the holes closed actually. Slightly cleaner.

[codedisorg]

Got mine this week and finally unpacked it. Now I just need to order some stabs and I can get this build rolling next week.

Any ideas on where can I get legit Cherry stabs in the US? Originative is sold out and Zeal costs more for shipping than the stabs themselves.

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

Show Image

99 problems 99 Luftballons 97* Gatistotles

*split backspace ftw!

Which caps you putting on there?

Either TA or GMK Cyan in theory, but it seems that I cant get one of this in the aftermarket  :(

[topherrehpot]

Finished mine yesterday. First time building but not a novice to soldering at least, so that was the easy part! You would think dismantling 100 Zealio switches to put SIP's in would have been the worst part, but by far the worst was trying to screw the completed board to the case. I managed to lose two screws in between the switches and spent about an hour with a paperclip to fish them out. Phew, awesome board though, super glad with the outcome. Thanks LD!

Specs:
62g Zealio Switches
Cherry stabs
SA Chronicler caps
RGB set to Rainbow all day every day!

[duynguyenle]

Got mine today, thanks LD!

Unfortunately I forgot to buy stabs, so the build will have to sit and wait while I get some parts in

[roostrc0gburn]

Finished mine yesterday. First time building but not a novice to soldering at least, so that was the easy part! You would think dismantling 100 Zealio switches to put SIP's in would have been the worst part, but by far the worst was trying to screw the completed board to the case. I managed to lose two screws in between the switches and spent about an hour with a paperclip to fish them out. Phew, awesome board though, super glad with the outcome. Thanks LD!

Specs:
62g Zealio Switches
Cherry stabs
SA Chronicler caps
RGB set to Rainbow all day every day!

Show Image

nice blanks!

[peanutbuttermuncher]

Finally finished my ZZ96!

Decked out with 65g Zeals and I think I'll rock Hyperfuse on it. Many thanks to Lunaris for running a successful group buy and helping me out so much!



Album: http://imgur.com/a/Ij2Bj

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

It looks incredible with Hyperfuse, makes the waiting time for SA Hyperfuse even more unbearable...

[Phinnegan]

Finally!

[LunarisDream]

Looking good, everyone! I'm happy to say that this buy has finally been (mostly) wrapped up, with the exception of two missing cases (maevy and MandrewDavis) who I will respond to later today (sleep deprived as all hell right now), and some replacements for r2 that need to be sent out. Seeing these boards reach their destinations safely (after some sacrifices that were made during r2) has been a heartwarming sight to behold, and I hope you're all enjoying yours as much as I'm enjoying mine right now. I'm pretty sure this will be the last "major" buy I do ("major" for me being order counts of 30+), but I'll be back with stuff in moderation from time to time, and hopefully improve my track record of severe delays with every buy.

I first started doing group buys because, being Chinese American, I have the opportunity to get in touch with both the Chinese and Western side of mechanical keyboard communities. After I saw lastpilot's GON Nerd Crystal TKL which prompted me to build a fully decked-out B.87, I needed jelly POM keycaps. But there were none to be had on mechmarket or with Western vendors. Hell, many vendors that exist today weren't even here back then. So I dug through old GH and reddit threads, scoured Taobao, and eventually found a couple suppliers with limited stock. After talking with a buddy of mine and buying a couple sets to verify that it's the real deal, we decided to go all in. Thus went my first group buy for jelly POM keycaps. Next thing that caught my attention was a RS96. Same process, found some folks who were making the ZZ96, and hopped on board. i kept hunting for interesting stuff on the Chinese side to bring over here, but that's no longer necessary. There are plenty of vendors and individuals alike who are actively seeking out opportunities to bring niche products to the community, and I commend them for it. I've a few small projects planned, but after that, I think I'll be able to "retire". I've enough boards and am satisfied with the sets I've got, and I don't have to worry about hidden jewels staying hidden with so many active and helpful members of the community working for everyone's benefit.

The mechanical keyboard communities have enriched my past year and a half greatly and I thank all of you for being there and playing a part. Seriously, thanks guys. I look forward to seeing what new heights the community can achieve.

[Pieminister]

Lunaris, thank you very much for your hard work. Because of your group buy I have been able to get a keyboard that I have always wanted to have. It makes me happy every time I look at it!

[smittysteve]

Looking good, everyone! I'm happy to say that this buy has finally been (mostly) wrapped up, with the exception of two missing cases (maevy and MandrewDavis) who I will respond to later today (sleep deprived as all hell right now), and some replacements for r2 that need to be sent out. Seeing these boards reach their destinations safely (after some sacrifices that were made during r2) has been a heartwarming sight to behold, and I hope you're all enjoying yours as much as I'm enjoying mine right now. I'm pretty sure this will be the last "major" buy I do ("major" for me being order counts of 30+), but I'll be back with stuff in moderation from time to time, and hopefully improve my track record of severe delays with every buy.

I first started doing group buys because, being Chinese American, I have the opportunity to get in touch with both the Chinese and Western side of mechanical keyboard communities. After I saw lastpilot's GON Nerd Crystal TKL which prompted me to build a fully decked-out B.87, I needed jelly POM keycaps. But there were none to be had on mechmarket or with Western vendors. Hell, many vendors that exist today weren't even here back then. So I dug through old GH and reddit threads, scoured Taobao, and eventually found a couple suppliers with limited stock. After talking with a buddy of mine and buying a couple sets to verify that it's the real deal, we decided to go all in. Thus went my first group buy for jelly POM keycaps. Next thing that caught my attention was a RS96. Same process, found some folks who were making the ZZ96, and hopped on board. i kept hunting for interesting stuff on the Chinese side to bring over here, but that's no longer necessary. There are plenty of vendors and individuals alike who are actively seeking out opportunities to bring niche products to the community, and I commend them for it. I've a few small projects planned, but after that, I think I'll be able to "retire". I've enough boards and am satisfied with the sets I've got, and I don't have to worry about hidden jewels staying hidden with so many active and helpful members of the community working for everyone's benefit.

The mechanical keyboard communities have enriched my past year and a half greatly and I thank all of you for being there and playing a part. Seriously, thanks guys. I look forward to seeing what new heights the community can achieve.

This is an awesome write up, LD!! I appreciate the great board here and all the heart you've put into the community. I enjoyed reading about your steps through buying/ building/ sourcing/ gb running, thanks for sharing. Hope you do end up running some more small buys in the future.

Also, best of luck in med school! Good things ahead.

[aznreaper]

I'll like to say my thanks here as well, though I joined late, and we had a bunch of delays and lapse of communication, I'm glad you offered the chance to buy this board, and stuck with it to the end.

Good luck to you in the future and hopefully you can run smaller simpler group buys that won't cause you as much of a had ache as this one, it does kinda blow my mind that someone would be able to run a group buy while in med school.