I have physical examples of the KBT Poker and Race 60% and 75% keyboards. (A KBT Pure 60% is on its way.) As with all keyboards smaller than a TKL, the designers have had to make choices and compromises. Unfortunately, their choices don't always match mine -- and maybe not yours.
Both the Poker and Race use the Holtek HT82K94E programmable keyboard controller, which cannot be modified and does not have a hard-coded switch matrix. However, after some testing with jumpers, a continuity tester, and the Linux program "xev", I have determined that KBT/Vortex have used
the switch map from the Holtek HT82K629A. This means that if you are comfortable with solder, cutting traces, and voiding warranties, you can move the keys to new places in the matrix.
For example, the only function key I use on the Race is Fn-Delete for Insert. In my case, I would like to re-map the Fn key to generate the scan code for Insert. But since the actual "Fn" key does not produce a scan code, I cannot re-map it in software.
So I hacked the matrix, and discovered that "Insert" is at the intersection of PgUp and KP_Up (the 8/up arrow key on a ten-key pad.) This is wierd, because it means that instead of using the actual Up, Down, Left and Right key mapping, Vortex used the ten-key pad equivalent. But since they did that in software, we can use a hardware fix to "move" the Fn switch to the Insert position on the Race matrix.
I'll post pictures, etc. for this and the mods I plan for the Poker PCB, but here is how to convert a Race Fn key to a hardware Insert key. THIS
WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND ELIMINATE THE FN KEY ALTOGETHER. IT
MIGHT DESTROY YOUR KEYBOARD.
1. Solder a jumper wire from the RH lead of the Fn switch to the RH lead of the Up arrow switch.
2. Solder a jumper wire from the + terminal of the Fn switch diode (D7) to the + terminal of the PgUp switch diode (D78).
3. Cut the trace that comes from the + terminal of the Fn switch diode (D7) approximately 10mm below the diode.
In this thread I will post pictures and results of this mod, and others I will make to the Poker. I may (possibly) also mod the Race with a micro-switch to re-enable the Fn key so I can use it to turn the LEDs on, etc.
Remember, PCB mods are not for everyone, and can damage or destroy the keyboard (and its warranty!)
But if you like the idea of re-programming your Vortex keyboard with a soldering iron, then this thread may be for you.
NOTE: geekhack.org is in no way responsible for my comments, this post, or (especially) your actions!Enjoy!
- Ron | samwisekoi
