Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Narcix]

Is the keycool 87 spacebar normally replaceable or it is weird like leopold's?

[BlueBär]

The same thread has pictures of the spacebar showing that it's replaceable.

[Narcix]

The same thread has pictures of the spacebar showing that it's replaceable.

Oh, where is ma mind today!! 
Thanks for your patience 

[Lastpilot]

Does GMK purple [the one from the recent group buy] match any SP color codes?

[CPTBadAss]

Does GMK purple [the one from the recent group buy] match any SP color codes?

Check out this thread.

I think RDA matches the mods?

[BlueBär]

Oh, where is ma mind today!! 
Thanks for your patience 

Actually my fault, was a different thread.

Does GMK purple [the one from the recent group buy] match any SP color codes?

You probably can't find an exact match. I tried to find out what would be the closest, searched through this thread for comparison pictures but couldn't really find anything. On page 20 and 21 are some color samples including their codes though.

[tns]

where can I find that "dragon"/"looks like mortal kombat dragon" (aluminium?/zinc?) keycap?
thx

edit : nvm i found it on feng's x))
http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=34409.0;attach=3772;image

[blueasjim]

How does one take off the LED on the Vortex Pure caps lock? Does the light just screw off???

[BlueBär]

You will have to desolder it on the other side of the PCB. In my beginner guide to keyboard modding there's some info on how to take a keyboard apart, also look into the adding LEDs chapter to see which spots to desolder. If you want to use the LED again, make sure to mark the lead which was in the square hole, this is the positive lead.

[blueasjim]

You will have to desolder it on the other side of the PCB. In my beginner guide to keyboard modding there's some info on how to take a keyboard apart, also look into the adding LEDs chapter to see which spots to desolder. If you want to use the LED again, make sure to mark the lead which was in the square hole, this is the positive lead.

Thank you

[tns]

What are the differences (if there are  ) between : MKCs GK MY87, GK 87A, GK87AS?

Thx

[BlueBär]

What are the differences (if there are  ) between : MKCs GK MY87, GK 87A, GK87AS?

The GK87-A was the first aluminium case keyboard made by MKC, it has an extremly simplistic design, bascially just a rectangle with rounded corner, flat on the sides and bottom, with attachable keyboard feet.
The GK MY87 is angled by default and has a curve on the left and right side. It does not seem to have attachable keyboard feet.

I couldn't find a link to the GK87-AS, if you have one maybe I could help you out further. I suspect it's a smaller case for a 60% board?

[tns]

What are the differences (if there are  ) between : MKCs GK MY87, GK 87A, GK87AS?

The GK87-A was the first aluminium case made by MKC, it has an extremly simplistic design, bascially just a rectangle with rounded corner, flat on the sides and bottom, with attachable keyboard feet.
The GK MY87 is angled by default and has a curve on the left and right side. It does not seem to have attachable keyboard feet.

I couldn't find a link to the GK87-AS, if you have one maybe I could help you out further. I suspect it's a smaller case for a 60% board?

Then GK MY87 is an only case.
and the GK87-A is their first complete keyboard?

87AS
Was reading something on Feng's groupbuy

[BlueBär]

Yes, the MY is only the case whilst the GK87-A and AS are actual keyboards. Just found the chinese forum of MKC and auto translate says that the GK87-AS is a lighter variant of the GK87-A: http://mkcws.net/thread-23135-1-1.html

[e4stw00t]

Just got a Quickfire Storm Rapid and recognized the space bar is not even but a bit crooked. The bar seems to be rather loose and the right end of it closer to the casing than the left side - guess it's coming from the way the stabilizer effects the key. So far I can't say that it effects the board in any way but somehow it's now in my head that I have a flawed board  . Is this how it's supposed to look like?

[BlueBär]

Can you take a picture of it? Normally the stabilizers should neither make it feel loose nor affect its angle.

[SpAmRaY]

Just got a Quickfire Storm Rapid and recognized the space bar is not even but a bit crooked. The bar seems to be rather loose and the right end of it closer to the casing than the left side - guess it's coming from the way the stabilizer effects the key. So far I can't say that it effects the board in any way but somehow it's now in my head that I have a flawed board  . Is this how it's supposed to look like?

Sounds like maybe the stabilizers aren't attached or seated well.

[CPTBadAss]

Also, I'd love to see a pic or two illustrating thin vs med vs thick PBT, just so I have a reference.

Borrowed from Mashby's flickr



Picture from this post.

[e4stw00t]

Unfortunately I don't have a camera here at the moment but I used a picture to illustrate it. My space bar is not even but the right side is closer to the keyboard casing. It's quiet loose on that side and becomes even only if I press the right bottom corner of the bar towards the < key.

[CPTBadAss]

Unfortunately I don't have a camera here at the moment but I used a picture to illustrate it. My space bar is not even but the right side is closer to the keyboard casing. It's quiet loose on that side and becomes even only if I press the right bottom corner of the bar towards the < key.

Should've taken the picture without the spacebar on it but it looks like one of the stabilizer wires came unhooked and you need to reseat it.

[BlueBär]

Oh I thought the spacebar itself was bent or something. Remove the alt keys and lift the spacebar from both sides carefully. Check if the stabilzer inserts (the white tiny things) are seated in the spacebar and the stabilizer wire is seated in the stabs themselves. Here's a video that could help:

[domoaligato]

Unfortunately I don't have a camera here at the moment but I used a picture to illustrate it. My space bar is not even but the right side is closer to the keyboard casing. It's quiet loose on that side and becomes even only if I press the right bottom corner of the bar towards the < key.

sounds to me like you have one of the stabilizer inserts turned the wrong way.

[BlueBär]

I have some questions regarding LEDs, I know that the 2x3x4mm LEDs all run at about the same voltage, but I'm pretty bad when it comes to electronics. So:
1. Some colors run at a lower voltage than what is supplied by most PCBs. Is there a list of which colors run at the correct voltage?
2. Is there a recommended voltage for the LEDs? I read about 3-3.4V?
3. At the voltage supplied from the PCB the LED should not explode if it is too high for it, maybe smoke a bit. Could the PCB get damaged with the wrong LEDs?

[Topre]

I have some questions regarding LEDs, I know that the 2x3x4mm LEDs all run at about the same voltage, but I'm pretty bad when it comes to electronics. So:
1. Some colors run at a lower voltage than what is supplied by most PCBs. Is there a list of which colors run at the correct voltage?
2. Is there a recommended voltage for the LEDs? I read about 3-3.4V?
3. At the voltage supplied from the PCB the LED should not explode if it is too high for it, maybe smoke a bit. Could the PCB get damaged with the wrong LEDs?

Most 3mm LED's except red and yellow should run at about 3.3V. The rest should run at about 2V.

Over-volting by 1V should not explode the LED or damage the PCB, however it may make the LED's not last as long or result in an incorrect color. Exploding usually occurs at higher voltages, such as plugging it directly to the wall outlet.

[BlueBär]

Alright thanks for the information!

[domoaligato]

directly to a 5v rail of a computer psu

[Glenn315]

Regarding Realforce topre keyboards, why do most people prefer tenkeyless uniform weighted ones?

[Kayliss]

Anyone able to tell me how I can roughly figure out spring weight? 

I bought some 2nd hand switches and found today as I was getting ready to mod them that most of them have gold springs, I have no idea what weight they are though, they'll just be thrown in the parts box anyway but curiousity has got the better of me.

[CPTBadAss]

Regarding Realforce topre keyboards, why do most people prefer tenkeyless uniform weighted ones?

Uniform weighted boards feel really weird imo, regardless of the switch. But this is subjective.

Anyone able to tell me how I can roughly figure out spring weight? 

I bought some 2nd hand switches and found today as I was getting ready to mod them that most of them have gold springs, I have no idea what weight they are though, they'll just be thrown in the parts box anyway but curiousity has got the better of me.

Put a bunch of coins on them. Stateside, we know that nickels are roughly 5 grams so you stack nickels on the switch until it actuates and then you count how many grams you have stacked on it. I think you're in Australia? So I'm not sure what the coins weigh there. Quick Google search might reveal weights though.

[rowdy]

Regarding Realforce topre keyboards, why do most people prefer tenkeyless uniform weighted ones?

Tenkeyless takes up less desk space and is consider more ergonomic as you can have your mouse closer.

Uniform weight is more forgiving of unorthodox typing methods and gaming, whereas variable weights is oriented strictly towards touch-typing.

[Photoelectric]

I'm looking to mod a 60% keyboard to vintage Blacks and add various color LEDs at some point in the future.  Am I correct that Poker I would require the least amount of work for that?  Or does it not have resistors pre installed for LEDs?  Same goes for Poker II, but that one needs to have solder removed from the LED holes on the PCB first = extra work.  Would I be better with a Pure in terms of not modifying LED resistors?

(Also, is there any practical difference between Poker I and II, or just minor differences, if Ill be using custom caps and adding a plate either way?)

[CPTBadAss]

1)Am I correct that Poker I would require the least amount of work for that? 
2) Or does it not have resistors pre installed for LEDs? 
3) Same goes for Poker II, but that one needs to have solder removed from the LED holes on the PCB first = extra work.  4) Would I be better with a Pure in terms of not modifying LED resistors?
5) Also, is there any practical difference between Poker I and II, or just minor differences, if Ill be using custom caps and adding a plate either way?

1) It is PCB mounted so that makes it a bit easier
2) It doesn't have full LED support
3) Poker 2 is plated
4) Pure already has the LED resistors on it so that's a plus
5) Poker 2 is programmable and it *SHOULD* support LEDs already since there is suppsoed to be a fully LED supported variant. Question 1 seems a bit moot thought because if you're going to be plating it, you're not really going to save any time. Pure and Poker X/1 are PCB mounted but you have to desolder anyways to add the plate.

[jdcarpe]

The Poker X aka Poker ver 1 has holes with solder pads for LEDs at every switch location, but there are no traces going to the LEDs, other than the 7 that come standard. If you install LEDs in other switches, you will have to manually wire every LED location. Then jumper power for the LEDs off one or more existing LED locations. That's why I charged $25 to do an LED mod to the original Poker.

[stealthycow]

what's a ripster


edit: seriously

[rowdy]

what's a ripster


edit: seriously

A former Geekhack member, who was perma-banned some time ago.

He can still be found on Reddit.

[Melvang]

Anyone know if there was ever any Alps keycaps made with a power symbol?

Edit:  Is it bad that I bid on a WYSE terminal keyboard for the purpose of 2 caps from it?

[rowdy]

Anyone know if there was ever any Alps keycaps made with a power symbol?

Edit:  Is it bad that I bid on a WYSE terminal keyboard for the purpose of 2 caps from it?

No, it is showing a true GH spirit

[meiosis]

Does anyone know if it is possible to say convert a PS/2 PCB into a removeable mini usb accepting controller? (Or what I'm saying is use a usb wire instead of a ps/2 with modding)

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know if it is possible to say convert a PS/2 PCB into a removeable mini usb accepting controller? (Or what I'm saying is use a usb wire instead of a ps/2 with modding)

Without modding? Probably a PS/2 to USB adapter then.

[meiosis]

Does anyone know if it is possible to say convert a PS/2 PCB into a removeable mini usb accepting controller? (Or what I'm saying is use a usb wire instead of a ps/2 with modding)

Without modding? Probably a PS/2 to USB adapter then.

With modding*

Like replacing the controller maybe, so that it houses an exterior mini usb female adapter?

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know if it is possible to say convert a PS/2 PCB into a removeable mini usb accepting controller? (Or what I'm saying is use a usb wire instead of a ps/2 with modding)

Without modding? Probably a PS/2 to USB adapter then.

With modding*

Sorry, obviously I misread. Look into a Teensy/Soarer Converter found here.

[phx]

is it possible to fit the quickfire pro PCB in another case? Has anyone tried?
I'm looking for a backlit full or tkl keyboard that has the LED diode at the top of the switch and that's not a Ducky (cuz all Ducky boards use Cherry stabilizer afaik, and I don't think it can be easily modded into Costar).
quickfire pro seem to be the only choice but my gawd that cover looks ugly... (sorry)

[SpAmRaY]

is it possible to fit the quickfire pro PCB in another case? Has anyone tried?
I'm looking for a backlit full or tkl keyboard that has the LED diode at the top of the switch and that's not a Ducky (cuz all Ducky boards use Cherry stabilizer afaik, and I don't think it can be easily modded into Costar).
quickfire pro seem to be the only choice but my gawd that cover looks ugly... (sorry)

I'd be careful with the quickfire pro, I'm not sure it is up to the same standards as the quickfire rapid. Perhaps things have changed but I know in the past it wasn't regarded very well.

[Narcix]

Is the keycool 87 compatible with other spacebars (like wasd ones, ecc)?

[BlueBär]

Didn't you just ask that the page before?

[Sniping]

I don't expect an answer out of this but did anyone happen to go to the 626 Night Market in LA this weekend and happen to notice which keyboard they were using at the ticket booth? Something from IBM, but I forget what.

[kenmai9]

Is the keycool 87 compatible with other spacebars (like wasd ones, ecc)?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44769.0
a simple search of "keycool 87 spacebar" would've sufficed (for next time)

[jdcarpe]

Didn't you just ask that the page before?

Yes, he did, but also, with the same effort as typing that, you could just answer his question again.

Is the keycool 87 compatible with other spacebars (like wasd ones, ecc)?

Yes, it is. At least the new ones are. Not sure about some of the older model Keycool 87s. I posted a review of my Keycool 87 in the reviews subforum.

[CPTBadAss]

I don't expect an answer out of this but did anyone happen to go to the 626 Night Market in LA this weekend and happen to notice which keyboard they were using at the ticket booth? Something from IBM, but I forget what.

LOL. Best question of the thread hahaha. That's awesome.

[QueenXenon]

Everyone talks about getting custom plates, but no one ever says where they got them from (besides The Beast and WFD of course).  Are there sites like ExpressPCB but for plates?