Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Wonko73]

Where do I find the " < > " keys and the " # " on a HHKB2 with German Mac-Layout?

Since they're on a seperate key which ANSI layouts don't have, you might have to use something like Autohotkey.

Found the " x " in German Mac-layout: upper row, second key from the right (means: key right from the 0 ).

Still no good solution for the ">" and "<" ... but I'd like to find a solution because I often need this keys in Terminal. "Auto-Korrekt" function or custom shortkeys don't work in Terminal using Yosemite ... any further ideas on this?

[BlueBär]

Found the " x " in German Mac-layout: upper row, second key from the right (means: key right from the 0 ).

Still no good solution for the ">" and "<" ... but I'd like to find a solution because I often need this keys in Terminal. "Auto-Korrekt" function or custom shortkeys don't work in Terminal using Yosemite ... any further ideas on this?

You could get a custom controller for your HHKB which will let you 100% customize your layout. Maybe there's some other 3rd party program for Mac that would work in the terminal as well.

[Puddsy]

Maybe there's some other 3rd party program for Mac that would work in the terminal as well.

One exists, I forget the name of it though.

[Wonko73]

Found a solution that might work for a while: An app from the Mac App Store called "Alpha". This works in terminal, too … I set two shortcuts: "- y " for "< " and " y - " for "<".

I'm wondering what people do, that work with unix / linux in Germany using the HHKB2 when they need " > " and " < "…

[DasHHKBProM]

http://www.keyboardlover.com/img/switches/Topre_Switch3.jpg

Anyone know what color keycap this is?
 I've searched google and had little success.
 Best I can come up with pastel pink..

Just compared with my RF. They're the same. The color is called "sakura" as in cherry blossom.

It's more commonly known in English just as pink.  If you buy pink RF caps you'll get this color.

Tacticlestache these are same

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg1177354#msg1177354
http://www.keyboardlover.com/img/switches/Topre_Switch3.jpg

So maybe it's just the lighting...I was hoping to find a set closer to maroon/brown than pink

[Puddsy]

http://www.keyboardlover.com/img/switches/Topre_Switch3.jpg

Anyone know what color keycap this is?
 I've searched google and had little success.
 Best I can come up with pastel pink..

Just compared with my RF. They're the same. The color is called "sakura" as in cherry blossom.

It's more commonly known in English just as pink.  If you buy pink RF caps you'll get this color.

Tacticlestache these are same

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg1177354#msg1177354
http://www.keyboardlover.com/img/switches/Topre_Switch3.jpg

So maybe it's just the lighting...I was hoping to find a set closer to maroon/brown than pink

You could dye a white set if you really want.

Bother nubbinator, he just dyed some keys and they look fire.

[BlueBär]

Found a solution that might work for a while: An app from the Mac App Store called "Alpha". This works in terminal, too … I set two shortcuts: "- y " for "< " and " y - " for "<".

I'm wondering what people do, that work with unix / linux in Germany using the HHKB2 when they need " > " and " < "…

Could imagine them using US ANSI international which has öüä etc. on the Alt Gr layer iirc. Maybe ask Snoopy, he's german and uses a HHKB.

[dorkvader]

What is the closest RAL (or pantone) to IBM industrial green/grey? I don't have any IBM industrial stuff to compare with.

Is it more like 7033 or 7023 maybe? 7042? 1020 even? I just can't decide based on photos of IBM industrials I see.

[nubbinator]

What is the closest RAL (or pantone) to IBM industrial green/grey? I don't have any IBM industrial stuff to compare with.

Is it more like 7033 or 7023 maybe? 7042? 1020 even? I just can't decide based on photos of IBM industrials I see.

I think you posted in the wrong thread.  The questions are supposed to be simple.

[Puddsy]

What is the closest RAL (or pantone) to IBM industrial green/grey? I don't have any IBM industrial stuff to compare with.

Is it more like 7033 or 7023 maybe? 7042? 1020 even? I just can't decide based on photos of IBM industrials I see.

I think you posted in the wrong thread.  The questions are supposed to be simple.

Well, it doesn't warrant its own topic, so he's still technically in the right place.

[CPTBadAss]

What is the closest RAL (or pantone) to IBM industrial green/grey? I don't have any IBM industrial stuff to compare with.

Is it more like 7033 or 7023 maybe? 7042? 1020 even? I just can't decide based on photos of IBM industrials I see.

I dunno what Pantone it would be and if you're going to get a board done in the industrial grey color, you'll probably need Pantone. I suggest PMing krogenar for more help but I believe that it is RAL 7030 "Stonegrey". Webwit and rindorbrot seem to think that it is a closer match for industrial grey. And I agree with the pictures.

[Wonko73]

Hi!

Yersterday I asked how to get "#" and "<>" on a HHKB2 with German Mac Layout … Well - sometimes I am sooooo stupid - lets tell you about how I found it:

Today my HHKB2 didn't work as usual … I wrote, that the "#" was on the key right from the "0" … today it wasn't. So I went to system settings and reconfigured the keyboard.… and I clicked a bit to fast and configured it as ANSI Layout.

That`s what I should have done earlier! Everything works fine... I have a Mac Layout, German Keys and the "#" is right from the "0" … and now the surprise: The next key, means the very right key in the front row makes the ">" "<". Great, isn't it?

I am much more happy with my Happy Hacking Keyboard now!

[asgeirtj]

I'm looking to lube mx brown switches.  I've found these lubes online:

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=61
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,misc

What are recommended buys for mx browns?  Do I need different lubes for different parts of the switch?

[CPTBadAss]

I'm looking to lube mx brown switches.  I've found these lubes online:

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=61
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,misc

What are recommended buys for mx browns?  Do I need different lubes for different parts of the switch?

I'd get the Krytox kit from mechanicalkeyboards.com which is from mkawa. There's some info scattered around the forum on that. Krytox is used on the housing/stem. I think people use oil used to lubricate multitools on the springs.

[Blaise170]

I'm planning on getting the Varmilo off Massdrop, but I need some help choosing the right switch for me. I really like the clicky switches, but Blues seem too light and Greens might be too heavy for me (tried them out today and really liked them but I'm afraid they might be fatiguing in the long term). Clears are about right but don't have the click. Anyone have a suggestion for me?

[CPTBadAss]

I'm planning on getting the Varmilo off Massdrop, but I need some help choosing the right switch for me. I really like the clicky switches, but Blues seem too light and Greens might be too heavy for me (tried them out today and really liked them but I'm afraid they might be fatiguing in the long term). Clears are about right but don't have the click. Anyone have a suggestion for me?

Get a Green board. If it's too heavy for you, modify it with lighter switches such as 67g or 65g. It's not as easy as here is a magical switch for you, unfortunately, as you'll have to determine your own likes and dislikes in switches.

[Blaise170]

Get a Green board. If it's too heavy for you, modify it with lighter switches such as 67g or 65g. It's not as easy as here is a magical switch for you, unfortunately, as you'll have to determine your own likes and dislikes in switches.

That's kind of what I was thinking but wanted some other opinions. Thanks CPT.

[CPTBadAss]

Get a Green board. If it's too heavy for you, modify it with lighter switches such as 67g or 65g. It's not as easy as here is a magical switch for you, unfortunately, as you'll have to determine your own likes and dislikes in switches.

That's kind of what I was thinking but wanted some other opinions. Thanks CPT.

On the bright side? Since you're stateside, there's a few people who can do the modding for you if you don't yet feel confident in doing so yourself. tjcaustin, dorkvader, LastPilot, and (maybe) Hoffmanmyster provide modding services in the USA.

[Blaise170]

On the bright side? Since you're stateside, there's a few people who can do the modding for you if you don't yet feel confident in doing so yourself. tjcaustin, dorkvader, LastPilot, and (maybe) Hoffmanmyster provide modding services in the USA.

I'm not sure how other boards work but on my Cherry keyboard the housing pops right off so modding won't be a problem if it's like that for most other switches. I've basically got my decision set between Greens and Whites now, but I'm not sure which to choose. Do you know if there is really a big difference for them other than sound?

[CPTBadAss]

1) I'm not sure how other boards work but on my Cherry keyboard the housing pops right off so modding won't be a problem if it's like that for most other switches.

I've basically got my decision set between Greens and Whites now, but I'm not sure which to choose. Do you know if there is really a big difference for them other than sound?

1) Most likely, the board you're looking at has a plate and will need to be desoldered/soldered.
2) Whites have a softer, muted click versus the Greens. I like them both equally and have boards with both switches.

[yasuo]

About 3D printing
the object out of print space
so can't print
what mean?

[CPTBadAss]

About 3D printing
the object out of print space
so can't print
what mean?

Means your part is larger than the surface area that the printer can cover. All 3D printers have a min and max size for parts it can print.

[00zeRO]

What is SoWaRe? Is it a color scheme?

[trizkut]

What is SoWaRe? Is it a color scheme?

http://keypuller.com/soware/

The origin of the name is uncertain, it is said to be coming from “I’m SOrry it’s WYse REplica”, SO-WY-RE that is pronounced So-Wah-Reh.

[HoffmanMyster]

What is SoWaRe? Is it a color scheme?

http://keypuller.com/soware/

The origin of the name is uncertain, it is said to be coming from “I’m SOrry it’s WYse REplica”, SO-WY-RE that is pronounced So-Wah-Reh.

I've never heard that version.    The (AFAIK) true story is:

Soware's Full name is Sora Wyse Replica,
Sora is Sky Blue means, but it is not korean language, Japaness languge SORA(Sky)

More info here.

[fanpeople]

Unicomp just told me that they cannot print custom key caps. This is after they have already filled my request for a Copy, Cut, Paste and Undo key set. Are they telling me lies?

[CPTBadAss]

Unicomp just told me that they cannot print custom key caps. This is after they have already filled my request for a Copy, Cut, Paste and Undo key set. Are they telling me lies?

I think by custom they mean they won't make you a cap that says "orange" on it. They'll make you caps with what molding and stock they do have. So no custom legends.

[rowdy]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

[Zeal]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

Not really, unless someone sells off their GMK colour ring.

[Photekq]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

That is GMKs colour ring, which they will give out to people who are _seriously_ interested in ordering keycaps from them [I stress seriously because, at the end of the day, they're a business. Don't ask for one unless you plan to order from them].

[rowdy]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

Not really, unless someone sells off their GMK colour ring.

Where did people (who may or may not sell theirs) get them from in the first place?

[Puddsy]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

Not really, unless someone sells off their GMK colour ring.

Where did people (who may or may not sell theirs) get them from in the first place?

IIRC we're just shipping Ivan's around.

I think Photekq has one too, though.

[Photekq]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

Not really, unless someone sells off their GMK colour ring.

Where did people (who may or may not sell theirs) get them from in the first place?

Read above you..

[rowdy]

I've seen pictures of a collection of sample GMK keycaps with holes drilled through them, stored on a thin wire hoop.

Can these be purchased anywhere?

Not really, unless someone sells off their GMK colour ring.

Where did people (who may or may not sell theirs) get them from in the first place?

Read above you..

LOL you replied while I was still typing my reply, and I didn't see yours as mine appeared at the top of the page.

Thanks!

[Sygaldry]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

[Puddsy]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Plate.

[Photekq]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Either. PCB supports both.

[Puddsy]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Either. PCB supports both.

I thought the 2.0 version didn't have PCB mount support anymore?

[CPTBadAss]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Plate.

You could go with PCB or plate mounted. His PCB's have holes in them to accept the PCB mounted switches. Given the choice and this feature, I suggest PCB mounted for maximum stability.

[Sygaldry]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Either. PCB supports both.

Thanks for the replies.
So does this mean that the PCB mounted switches will be compatible with the Plate from GON as well?

[Puddsy]

If I were to purchase a NerD60 PCB from GON and a plate (probably the GON universal plate) what kind of switches will I need? PCB mounted or Plate-mounted?

Plate.

You could go with PCB or plate mounted. His PCB's have holes in them to accept the PCB mounted switches. Given the choice and this feature, I suggest PCB mounted for maximum stability.

Show Image

Just looked.

I was misinformed, my bad.

[CPTBadAss]

1) Will PCB mounted switches be compatible with the Universal plate?

2) And if so, is there any advantage to using one or the other?

1) Yes
2) PCB mounted switches have two extra legs which extend into the PCB holes. I think it adds stability to the board and the typing experience.

[CPTBadAss]

Two questions about the Leeku 1800 PCB:

1) Is this the only firmware or is there an updated one?

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

[Puddsy]

I'm pretty sure that's the updated firmware. Unless there's a newer version.

[HoffmanMyster]

I'm pretty sure that's the updated firmware. Unless there's a newer version.

"The homework is really easy once you figure it out."
Yes, thank you.  )

[Puddsy]

i thought i typed something else

"That should be the newest version unless you know of a newer one"

[Flamingchook]

Is there a beginners guide to ALPs keyboards somewhere? I want to try them out but I don't really know where to start.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a beginners guide to ALPs keyboards somewhere? I want to try them out but I don't really know where to start.

There isn't one besides the DT Wiki. Seems like ripster managed to save his old Wiki page on them from before r00tw0rm. It looks like it's a decent intro guide. But I also know a fair amount about Alps switches, how can I help you?

Also check out my threads:

Older Mr Interface Switch Try Bag Review
Thoughts on MX vs Alps
Kingsaver with Complicated Blue Alps

[Flamingchook]

There isn't one besides the DT Wiki. Seems like ripster managed to save his old Wiki page on them from before r00tw0rm. It looks like it's a decent intro guide. But how can I help you?

I'd been having a look at the DT wiki but that ripster article looks like a good resource. Thanks! I've just been a bit confused by the multitude of different types.

From what I can gather I think I want complicated blue switches but they also seem to be super rare. I'll probably just go for a keyboard with Matias click switches like an Infinity or something for my first foray into alps/clones I think. I've got a line on an Apple Extended Keyboard II with what look like dampened tactile switches so I'll probably pick that up too. I guess I won't really know what I like until I try them.

Thanks for finding that article for me

Edit:

Also check out my threads:

Older Mr Interface Switch Try Bag Review
Thoughts on MX vs Alps
Kingsaver with Complicated Blue Alps

These look really helpful too. Thanks again!

[yasuo]

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

is MX Lock need firmware? i think just lock like press as usual