Is it possible to convert a CM QuickFire Rapid from ISO to ANSI?

[acolombo]

Hi guys,

I'm going to buy an used ISO CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid with Blue switches, but I'd like to know if the PCB is the same as the ANSI one and so if it's possible to convert it to ANSI.

Thanks.

[CPTBadAss]

If I recall correctly, the PCBs are the same and have spots for ISO and ANSI. If I'm right and this is the case, you'd just need to desolder the switches and place them in the ANSI spots.

[infiniti]

You'll also need to modify the plate to accomodate the new switch positions.

[acolombo]

You'll also need to modify the plate to accomodate the new switch positions.

Damn I didn't think of that. I hope i can find an used one, even if I think it might be impossible.

[infiniti]

You'll also need to modify the plate to accomodate the new switch positions.

Damn I didn't think of that. I hope i can find an used one, even if I think it might be impossible.

Or grab a plate from the group buy?

[GB] Stainless steel universal TKL plates (ANSI 125)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.0

Or buy a stock ANSI plate from someone that upgraded to a universal plate.

[acolombo]

You'll also need to modify the plate to accomodate the new switch positions.

Damn I didn't think of that. I hope i can find an used one, even if I think it might be impossible.

Or grab a plate from the group buy?

[GB] Stainless steel universal TKL plates (ANSI 125)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.0

Or buy a stock ANSI plate from someone that upgraded to a universal plate.

Thanks again, I didn't know that either. When I actually have the keyboard here I'm gonna buy one from the GB or more probably look for someone that upgraded and don't need its old one (if there's someone reading that's buying one for his QFR please pm me)...

[Findecanor]

I'm going to buy an used ISO CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid with Blue switches, ....

There are ISO QFR's with blue switches? 

[acolombo]

I'm going to buy an used ISO CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid with Blue switches, ....

There are ISO QFR's with blue switches? 

Yeah there was an error in the ad, it has blacks, which I hate. Thank you because I wouldn't have known that it doesn't exist in blue switches so I'd have bought it. Damn, why all the keyboards in Italy are with mx blacks D: I think I'm gonna buy it only if the seller makes me a really good price.

[dorkvader]

Well you have to desolder it to get the new plate on, might as well swap the switches for blues at that time.

Or just build a phantom.

[acolombo]

Yeah then I could just buy it new from Amazon.com, even if I'd surely have to pay customs for it it would be almost the same price as buying the used keyboard, buying the switches and the plate and everything.

Now, not considering the plate mod I want to do, if you want to convert from black to brown you don't have to desolder the switches, right? Because I'm following also an auction of a ThermalTake Meka with blacks, again. I could just replace the internals of the switch, or I got it wrong?

[esoomenona]

Yeah then I could just buy it new from Amazon.com, even if I'd surely have to pay customs for it it would be almost the same price as buying the used keyboard, buying the switches and the plate and everything.

Now, not considering the plate mod I want to do, if you want to convert from black to brown you don't have to desolder the switches, right? Because I'm following also an auction of a ThermalTake Meka with blacks, again. I could just replace the internals of the switch, or I got it wrong?

On most keyboards sold commercially which have a plate (plate mount), if you wish to change the switches, you have to desolder. Once you desolder, you have the choice of swapping the internals because the housings are the same, or just replacing the whole thing. And honestly, the only purpose of swapping internals is when you have the option to not desolder. Otherwise, it's just added steps and more work.

This is the reason people invented the universal TKL plate that dorkvader posted earlier. Then have modifications to the switch openings that allow you to remove the top housing without desoldering. Thus, you could just replace the internals and pop the top back on.

[berserkfan]

You'll also need to modify the plate to accomodate the new switch positions.

Damn I didn't think of that. I hope i can find an used one, even if I think it might be impossible.

Or grab a plate from the group buy?

[GB] Stainless steel universal TKL plates (ANSI 125)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.0

Or buy a stock ANSI plate from someone that upgraded to a universal plate.

Thanks again, I didn't know that either. When I actually have the keyboard here I'm gonna buy one from the GB or more probably look for someone that upgraded and don't need its old one (if there's someone reading that's buying one for his QFR please pm me)...

Don't worry, you definitely can change CM to ISO format if you want.

Sourcing the plate is somewhat more troublesome.

You could cut the stock plate also. But without the right tools it is very hard. CM uses a very strong steel plate to give you the nice solid typing feeling.