Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[rowdy]

Good day to all of you. I have an old Samsung GJJ4AKEAT-IOIODS Keyboard.
It has an AT/XT switch. I dont know which is which, can somebody help me with it please?
Your reply will be much appreciated.

Welcome to Geekhack!

There's a reference to that keyboard here, but doesn't say which way the switch goes.  The OP of that thread was active recently - perhaps you could send them a politely worded PM.

[Tesyu]

Is there any standard or popular layout for ergodox keyboard?

[iamtootallforthis]

Is there any standard or popular layout for ergodox keyboard?

I don't think so from what I have seen. It seems to be more of personal preference.

[MandrewDavis]

Does anyone experience the ALT key get stuck in Windows or have a solution for it. Not sure where to post this sort of thing.

[alienman82]

removed.

[Subbax]

The teensy 3.2 looks like it comes with a micro usb header on it but most pictures of cases have a mini usb output to allow for fancy cables, etc.  Is this use of micro usb to female mini usb just for aesthetics or is there a specific reason for it?  Or should the teensy come with a mini usb out and I've got the wrong one? o_0

[SpAmRaY]

The teensy 3.2 looks like it comes with a micro usb header on it but most pictures of cases have a mini usb output to allow for fancy cables, etc.  Is this use of micro usb to female mini usb just for aesthetics or is there a specific reason for it?  Or should the teensy come with a mini usb out and I've got the wrong one? o_0

Most people use a Teensy 2 with their custom keyboards it has a mini usb.

You can find a couple threads on the 3.2 below

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84826.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83576.0

[Subbax]

Ah, so I did get an awkward Teensy.  No drama, I'll work around it. Thanks!

[Soundsky]

Is there a mechanical keyboard with scissor switch keycaps? I would really love to have one but since I am new with mechanical keyboards I don't know where to look or what to search for.

[alienman82]

removed.

[MandrewDavis]

Does anyone experience the ALT key get stuck in Windows or have a solution for it. Not sure where to post this sort of thing.

T_T 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫

Thanks bud, even after upgrading to Windows 10,  the problem remains.

[xtrafrood]

Does anyone experience the ALT key get stuck in Windows or have a solution for it. Not sure where to post this sort of thing.

T_T 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫

Thanks bud, even after upgrading to Windows 10,  the problem remains.

Take apart the keyboard yet? I haven't had an issue like that (Win 3.1 - 10, Debian, Mint, etc.)

[MandrewDavis]

It happens with almost every keyboard I own from the PS/2 models to my Alps64 and Model-F XT. I know this isn't a troubleshooting thread, just wanted to know if anyone had a quick solution.

[xtrafrood]

It happens with almost every keyboard I own from the PS/2 models to my Alps64 and Model-F XT. I know this isn't a troubleshooting thread, just wanted to know if anyone had a quick solution.

Sounds like a deeply rooted problem.

[alienman82]

removed.

[davkol]

Is there a mechanical keyboard with scissor switch keycaps? I would really love to have one but since I am new with mechanical keyboards I don't know where to look or what to search for.

usually those are flat, so you might look into DSA

More like G20.

[Wonko73]

Hi,
is there a chance to get a Pok3er with my green and ISO layout? German Layout or blank PBT would be great...

[zombimuncha]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

[SpAmRaY]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

[zombimuncha]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm like 99% sure it's *possible*, because the OS knows about key-up events. If it didn't, how would it know when to stop repeating a key you've been holding down for a while? My question is really whether it's normal for "fully programmable" keebs to support it, or would I have to do some tinkering in TMK code?

[SpAmRaY]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm like 99% sure it's *possible*, because the OS knows about key-up events. If it didn't, how would it know when to stop repeating a key you've been holding down for a while? My question is really whether it's normal for "fully programmable" keebs to support it, or would I have to do some tinkering in TMK code?

So you want key release to both signal a key has been released as well as activate another function at the same time?

I definitely don't think it is normal as I've never heard of anyone doing it but I've learned never say anything is impossible around here so perhaps someone will chime in with an idea on how to do this or explain how it is indeed impossible.

[Auxo]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm like 99% sure it's *possible*, because the OS knows about key-up events. If it didn't, how would it know when to stop repeating a key you've been holding down for a while? My question is really whether it's normal for "fully programmable" keebs to support it, or would I have to do some tinkering in TMK code?

I'm not too sure if its recorded as a key-up event, as I imagine it's more probable that it's just detecting that the actuation point isn't being activated anymore. So what you would probably be looking for isn't an up-stroke but rather something for when a key STOPS being pressed... if you understand what I'm talking about anyway

[zombimuncha]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm like 99% sure it's *possible*, because the OS knows about key-up events. If it didn't, how would it know when to stop repeating a key you've been holding down for a while? My question is really whether it's normal for "fully programmable" keebs to support it, or would I have to do some tinkering in TMK code?

I'm not too sure if its recorded as a key-up event, as I imagine it's more probable that it's just detecting that the actuation point isn't being activated anymore. So what you would probably be looking for isn't an up-stroke but rather something for when a key STOPS being pressed... if you understand what I'm talking about anyway

Found the answer here:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41685.0

Either AutoHotKey, or some minor tinkering with TMK can do what I want. Meaning I'd need to use AHK to do it with either of those Plum/Noppoo Nano75 keyboards. Or build from scratch and use TMK.
Thanks lads!

[xtrafrood]

When a keyboard is described as being "Fully Programmable" does that ordinarily mean that you can assign functionality to key upstrokes as well as downstrokes?
Always? / Never? / Sometimes?
Is it firmware-dependant? Which firmwares support it, if any?
I'm thinking it could be handy for the (Plum/Noppoo) Nano75 layout, where the arrows are sharing switches with the mods.

I don't think this is possible as most all switches active on the way down and there is no mechanism to activate again on the way back up but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm like 99% sure it's *possible*, because the OS knows about key-up events. If it didn't, how would it know when to stop repeating a key you've been holding down for a while? My question is really whether it's normal for "fully programmable" keebs to support it, or would I have to do some tinkering in TMK code?

I'm not too sure if its recorded as a key-up event, as I imagine it's more probable that it's just detecting that the actuation point isn't being activated anymore. So what you would probably be looking for isn't an up-stroke but rather something for when a key STOPS being pressed... if you understand what I'm talking about anyway

Found the answer here:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41685.0

Either AutoHotKey, or some minor tinkering with TMK can do what I want. Meaning I'd need to use AHK to do it with either of those Plum/Noppoo Nano75 keyboards. Or build from scratch and use TMK.
Thanks lads!

OH! Holding a key down activates a different event.. like a modifier. Lol, duh. I used a similar method via AHK, and with X, to make my mouse back button act as a middle mouse button. I can see how this could actually bypass the need for a modifier. Being able to scroll with a trackball that has no scroll wheel was pretty cool. Plus middle clicking links in Google. That's gonna be a lot of scripting!

[intelli78]

How much shorter is the TRAVEL distance for Silver MX vs. Red? Physical distance the key moves, not the actuation point.

[Sifo]

How much shorter is the TRAVEL distance for Silver MX vs. Red? Physical distance the key moves, not the actuation point.

I thought it was the same and only actuation was changed

[klennkellon]

I'm looking to try out one of those BTC Dome With Sliders boards. I found a good deal on Craigslist for a Packard Bell 5130. Does this one use BTC Domes?

[davkol]

I'm looking to try out one of those BTC Dome With Sliders boards. I found a good deal on Craigslist for a Packard Bell 5130. Does this one use BTC Domes?

Yup. The worst case scenario is that it won't have discrete sliders w/ MX-compatible caps.

[MandrewDavis]

Are there any 60% FLAT aluminum cases that are high profile? I am thinking along the lines of a 60% Tex case but not a floating key design.

[ideus]

Are there any 60% FLAT aluminum cases that are high profile? I am thinking along the lines of a 60% Tex case but not a floating key design.

I do not recall having seen one like that, someone else may add some light on it, but I'd say that there is no a flat tall sides aluminum case. Maybe the Eagle case is close but it is not flat.

[MandrewDavis]

Are there any 60% FLAT aluminum cases that are high profile? I am thinking along the lines of a 60% Tex case but not a floating key design.

I do not recall having seen one like that, someone else may add some light on it, but I'd say that there is no a flat tall sides aluminum case. Maybe the Eagle case is close but it is not flat.

Best visual aid I could find was the Z-Case 3.0, just in aluminum.

[dorkvader]

Where can I get some of those metal PS/2 connectors? I've looked all the usual places (mouser, ebay, amazon, aliexpress, etc) and can't find them.

[ghostjuggernaut]

Where can I get some of those metal PS/2 connectors? I've looked all the usual places (mouser, ebay, amazon, aliexpress, etc) and can't find them.

Do you mean the yarbo ones?

[dorkvader]

Where can I get some of those metal PS/2 connectors? I've looked all the usual places (mouser, ebay, amazon, aliexpress, etc) and can't find them.

Do you mean the yarbo ones?

Hmm, I can't find them on Yarbo's site. I know the Koreans were using them on the PS/2 356 series keyboards, and when I searched I see that paranoid was using them in 2012 on his customer cables. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38068.msg822617#msg822617
You can see there are two different versions even.

Anyway I have some IBM SDL cables with damaged AT connectors so I figured I'd recable them to PS/2 and while I'm at it get some better connectors worthy to be put on an IBM and here I am.

[ghostjuggernaut]

Where can I get some of those metal PS/2 connectors? I've looked all the usual places (mouser, ebay, amazon, aliexpress, etc) and can't find them.

Do you mean the yarbo ones?

Hmm, I can't find them on Yarbo's site. I know the Koreans were using them on the PS/2 356 series keyboards, and when I searched I see that paranoid was using them in 2012 on his customer cables. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38068.msg822617#msg822617
You can see there are two different versions even.

Anyway I have some IBM SDL cables with damaged AT connectors so I figured I'd recable them to PS/2 and while I'm at it get some better connectors worthy to be put on an IBM and here I am.

I'm not familiar with those ones. I know you can get the yarbo ones on taobao. You still need to get the ps2 inners to go with it though, as it's an audio connector. I think shadoveed may have done a small write up on it, and know hwood made one as well last year. So it may not hurt to look through some of their posts.

[ghostjuggernaut]

I was wrong with the user. Here's a thread with some info. I haven't checked if links are still accurate though.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68274

[dorkvader]

Oh I get it, it's a yarbo mini Din4 shell (s vid) with a mini DIN-6 (PS/2) innards. I will have to do some more looking.

In the meantime I will see if I can find who sells this:
http://www.hspcon.com/product/a/mini-din/circular-connector/mini-din-circular-connector-a-2004.php

Hah found one of them, since he is in Europe I looked there first: BKL 0204020 metal 6 pin DIN
http://electronicpartsspecialist.co.uk/bkl-0204020-6-pin-din-plug-cable-mount/

another one. I think I'm good on my own for now. Lets see if we can buy them singly http://mdrelectronics.com/ProductDisplay.asp?PID=146

[MandrewDavis]

Where can I buy a Leeku 1800 PCB?

[SpAmRaY]

Where can I buy a Leeku 1800 PCB?

Have you tried sending leeku a PM?

[asgeirtj]

What are my 6x spacebar options?

I found this: http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=99

But what about stabs?

[ideus]

What are my 6x spacebar options?

I found this: http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=99

But what about stabs?

You should bend your own wires, or get some old 18xx ones; however, this last ones only works with no plate, due to the bended middle.

[MandrewDavis]

What are my 6x spacebar options?

I found this: http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=99

But what about stabs?

SPRiT was doing a GB for 3u, 4u, 5u, 6u, and 8u gold-plated cherry stabilizer wires, but there was some issues with him not coming through on past orders so there's that.

[Melvang]

Does the IBM Capsense utility for the Xwhatsit controllers work on Linux?

[Tagkaman]

Is it okay for me to use my keyboard without a case (like pcb in contact with table/jeans at all times) or will this destroy my board?

[xtrafrood]

Is it okay for me to use my keyboard without a case (like pcb in contact with table/jeans at all times) or will this destroy my board?

[Tagkaman]

But why?

I really like the feel of the board outside the case because the pressing of the keys doesn't resonate in the empty plastic below the board... I'm trying to figure out a way to get around this but for the time being out of board is the best feel I can get.

[xtrafrood]

But why?

I really like the feel of the board outside the case because the pressing of the keys doesn't resonate in the empty plastic below the board... I'm trying to figure out a way to get around this but for the time being out of board is the best feel I can get.

Ohhh. You could lay down some sound dampening material at the bottom of the case (similar to Leopold cases). Sound dampening below the pcb coupled with landing pads might soften up the sound a bit /shrug

[fohat.digs]

I really like the feel of the board outside the case because the pressing of the keys doesn't resonate in the empty plastic below the board...

I have been using various "naked" keyboard configurations with my mats

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59308.0

for a few years now and it works well (as long as the surprising amount of dust that becomes visible does not bother you).

[ajx]

Hello, where can i find a good mechanical numpad?
I wish programmable, pcb and case, i can find switch myself
Thanks

[xtrafrood]

Hello, where can i find a good mechanical numpad?
I wish programmable, pcb and case, i can find switch myself
Thanks

I've been considering one of the newer Leopold numpads. I guess there is a version that outputs numpad codes rather than plain ordinary numbers. Could take it apart and wire it all to a teensy. I bet there are GB numpads floating around. Have you looked at winkeyless.kr? Pretty cool stuff