Unused switch position cover or flat keycap?

[0100010]

I know I have seen these before somewhere - just cannot recall where.  But, I have seen in some images that there is a flat cover type device for an unused cherry switch cutout on a plate or PCB.  At least that is what they look like.  I suppose they could be those really flat and low cherry caps though.

If I find a pic, will add it to this post.

Anyone have any idea what I am thinking of?

[SpAmRaY]

SP sells flat caps and lockouts for switches.

What you are talking about is a blocker. Some of the korean customs have those.

And I think there might be some from genovation that they use on their pads.

[hwood34]

a blocker?


edit: ninjad

[0100010]

Ah - a blocker; that's what they're called huh.

Now off the find the site I saw some for sale recently.

[SpAmRaY]

Ah - a blocker; that's what they're called huh.

Now off the find the site I saw some for sale recently.

Do share if you find some, those are always good to have!

[0100010]

Didn't take long at all (once I knew what they were called) :

SP has these flat keys which would sort of work : http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/specialty-custom-keys/flat-keys

SP also has the blockers : http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/inventory/switch-lockouts

What the heck is a storage blocker EDIT plunger?  http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/inventory/storage-kit-plungers-bulk

Also found some in the UK : http://www.keyboardspecialists.co.uk/5164-x-keys-single-key-cap-blockers

[SpAmRaY]

Didn't take long at all:

SP has these flat keys which would sort of work : http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/specialty-custom-keys/flat-keys

SP also has the blockers : http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/inventory/switch-lockouts

What the heck is a storage blocker?  http://keyshop.pimpmykeyboard.com/products/inventory/storage-kit-plungers-bulk

Also found some in the UK : http://www.keyboardspecialists.co.uk/5164-x-keys-single-key-cap-blockers

Those storage blockers are for storing keycaps but I hear they are also used in a custom keyboard application as well.

[0100010]

Ah - off keyboard stem only contacting cap storage.  I just keep all my caps in bags.  I suppose if I had some clacks or bros, these may come in handy.

[SpAmRaY]

And those in the uk are for x-keys, I misspoke when I said genovation earlier, I was thinking of the x-keys pads.

http://xkeys.com/accessories/Keycaps.php

The website says call to order the MX blockers.

And actually I believe x-keys maybe be using something like those SP holders in some of their pads as a plunger. (http://xkeys.com/assets/TutorialPDFs/KeyPlungerRemoval.pdf)

[samwisekoi]

I use 6mm Acrylic squares and some hot glue.  1u = .75 x .75".  To completely fill the space between PCB-mount switches, I use .875 x .875".  Those cost me $1.00 each (minimum piece cost) at TAP Plastics.

But I've always wanted some blockers that would fit into PCB and plate-mount holes to replace the missing switch and fill the space above.  So I launched CAD and created 1u and 2u designs, then uploaded them to Shapeways to get prices for 3D printing in a variety of colors.


MX Switch Blockers in 1u and 2u sizes by samwisekoi 2014

The 1u would be $3.60-4.75, depending on color and finish.  The 2u would be $5.10 - 6.10.  These are solid; making them hollow doesn't change the price enough to make it worthwhile.

I am happy to make them available on Shapeways and/or provide the design file to people with 3D printers.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[0100010]

Wow. 

I was actually wanting to concoct a way to cover an empty buckling spring barrel.  I was thinking of Matt3os buckling spring with cherry on top, and using something like a blocker on top instead of a keycap.

Or - maybe putting a blank BS cap in the barrel with out a spring / hammer, so that it just sits bottomed out always.

Or just the leave the barrel out of the plate entirely and see how a blocker looks sitting on top of the plate.

Tape or felt over the empty hole in the plate would work too.



What you came up with though - you should definitely put up on Shapeways.

[samwisekoi]

Wow. 

I was actually wanting to concoct a way to cover an empty buckling spring barrel.  I was thinking of Matt3os buckling spring with cherry on top, and using something like a blocker on top instead of a keycap.

Or - maybe putting a blank BS cap in the barrel with out a spring / hammer, so that it just sits bottomed out always.

Or just the leave the barrel out of the plate entirely and see how a blocker looks sitting on top of the plate.

Tape or felt over the empty hole in the plate would work too.



What you came up with though - you should definitely put up on Shapeways.

Thanks!

So you need the same thing I designed, but for a (e.g.) a Model M?  I don't see the use case, but it should be simple enough to do.  Please confirm I understand and I'll get the calipers out this afternoon and give it a go.  The flat top will likely be flat across the barrel, like an upside-down top hat.  If there is a difference, I'll use a Model M as my base reference.

Again, please confirm I understand, and if there is a different B/S keyboard I should use as a tie-breaker for dimensions, please let me know that as well.

 - Ron | samwisekoi
Sig auto-typed by my GH36 LH keypad.

[0100010]

In my case, it would be to cover an empty hole in a Model F plate.

[samwisekoi]

In my case, it would be to cover an empty hole in a Model F plate.

Like this? (Please ignore the condition of my unrestored, uncleaned Model F.)

If so, I'll try to match the height of the stepped key bases around it.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[samwisekoi]

Ok, done.  1u, made to fit Model F keyboard, but should fit Model M and Unicomp as well.  It fits around the outside of the barrel, and grips with little vertical teeth.  (Shapeways doesn't like how thin the teeth get, so YMMV re grippiness on the barrel.)


Buckling Spring 1u Keyspace Filler by samwisekoi 2014

$3.15 - 4.50 on Shapeways, depending on plastic and color.  ($1500+ in solid gold.)

I'll open it up for sale on Shapeways and/or send members the .stl file if desired.

Enjoy!

 - Ron | samwisekoi
Sig auto-typed by my GH36 LH keypad.

[0100010]

You are too good....
 

[samwisekoi]

Thinking about this overnight, I think a 1.25u MX blocker would be very interesting for people who don't want Windows keys on their Linux (or Mac) keyboards.  I think I will make a couple in 1.25u and 2.50u (dual-switch) sizes to de-Windowfy my TKL.

The question then is whether to leave filled gaps between Ctrl and Alt OR the more the Ctrl keys inwards and blank the outside spaces a la the HHKB.

Anyone else interested in 1.25 MX fillers?

 - Ron | samwisekoi
Sig auto-typed by my GH36 LH keypad.

[FrostyToast]

Personally I like the cleaner look of blockers built into the top case.  Admittedly that is more expensive.

It would also be cool to have 1.25x blockers.  I would have no use for them, however they would however allow for some more compatibility and perhaps hhkb-esque layouts