Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

I am pretty sure the Poker 2 will come in both backlit and non-backlit variations [...]

Do you game on your Poker, Lastpilot? If so, how do you feel about missing the function row? No big deal?

Question for anybody too.

I couldn't play SC2 on a 60% board since I use the function keys as location bindings. But I've been playing Borderlands 2 on a Pure and it's been fine. I don't miss the function keys at all.

[Jocelyn]

Do you game on your Poker, Lastpilot? If so, how do you feel about missing the function row? No big deal?

Question for anybody too.

No need for function row;I don't even use the number row, too far lol. I use qerfzxcv and my side mouse buttons are ctrl/shift giving me 24 combinations.

[Lastpilot]

Do you game on your Poker, Lastpilot? If so, how do you feel about missing the function row? No big deal?

Question for anybody too.

Yes, I do game on my Poker. Most of the games I play utilize the number instead of the function row therefore I haven't encountered many problems. The arrow-mode is super helpful.

If I ever do need to use the function row more often I would probably just map the keys to my Naga and be fine with that. I even prefer it when I do have a function row available. But if you don't want to use a Naga, I would probably be more in the market for the KBT Race or one of the Ducky keyboards.

[dndlmx]

If I ever do need to use the function row more often I would probably just map the keys to my Naga and be fine with that. I even prefer it when I do have a function row available..

Not a bad idea. Maybe I'll get one, if I find myself missing the function keys.

[F u r u y á]

I recently removed my 40A-R o-rings from my poker after having them on for a month. You are correct in that I am using more energy to type because of the increased travel.

So why did I remove them?

The short travel keys were too reminiscent of rubber domes. Over time I began to miss the solid sound and feel of each keypress. The sensation of the MX Switch was lessened in every way by the o-rings. The biggest factor was travel.

When I had the o-rings on, I left my number row untouched [just to see which I would prefer over time] and I found myself often looking forward to hitting those keys. They used more energy, and they decreased my typing speed by a small margin but I found out over time that these trade-offs were well worth it for the feeling of a long-travel typing experience.

When you remove the o-rings it's kind of like typing with an extra layer of air beneath your keys. It may slow you down and it may cause typing to be excessively tiring over long stretches, but just being able to experience the deeper dimensions of each individual keypress gives me some kind of satisfaction.

Just one guy's opinion, of course people have had wildly different experiences with o-rings. Personal preference really.

Nice review. I had a similar experience.

I typed in MX Red with fat O'Rings for more than a year, and it's great in terms of responsiveness. I defintely recommend that for anyone striving for any kind of edge in gaming or fast typing. For those who like heavy switches, maybe MX Black is even better because of the stronger rebound.

A few weeks ago I switched back to a O'Ringless keyboard, and I can attest what you said: the bottom-out feel (bigger travel and sound) makes an intrinsical part of the whole mechanical keyboard feel!

[dndlmx]

If I ever do need to use the function row more often I would probably just map the keys to my Naga and be fine with that. I even prefer it when I do have a function row available..

Not a bad idea. Maybe I'll get one, if I find myself missing the function keys.

Okay, bad idea. That s*** is almost as much as the Poker. I guess either deal with it, or get backlit TKL.

[Lastpilot]

Lol yes it is kind of expensive. And its not perfect either. But it has dem keys. The logitech g600 is a viable alternative that is a little cheaper.

[Rule16]

Are there differences in feel between monterey whites and real alps whites?

[CPTBadAss]

Are there differences in feel between monterey whites and real alps whites?

There are Monterey white switches? I've never heard of such a thing. And there are both Tactile and Clicky White Alps switches. I'm not really sure what the difference in between the Monterey/XM Alps vs the real Alps stuff other than the fact that they feel different.

[Rule16]

Are there differences in feel between monterey whites and real alps whites?

There are Monterey white switches? I've never heard of such a thing. And there are both Tactile and Clicky White Alps switches. I'm not really sure what the difference in between the Monterey/XM Alps vs the real Alps stuff other than the fact that they feel different.

I just bought one its not exactly white but its more of an ivory colour. It was a SIIG MiniTouch, really good condition, looked brand new Thats it from deskthority, not the one I bought but they're both in the same condition. I may have over payed at $50, but I doubt it for a compact alps.

[CPTBadAss]

The price you paid isn't bad. Do the switches say "Alps" on them? That's how you would know if they're real Alps switches or not. Do you have a picture with the caps pulled so we can see the switches?

[Rule16]

The price you paid isn't bad. Do the switches say "Alps" on them? That's how you would know if they're real Alps switches or not. Do you have a picture with the caps pulled so we can see the switches?

Oh I know they're not real, SIIG Minitouch never had real alps switches, I just figured if I don't like them I've still got a bad-ass oldschool compact alps clone. Plus, I could put real alps in them later if I find ones that I really like then I'd have a semi custom alps board. I was just wondering how they differed and what they felt like.

[CPTBadAss]

Ah ok. Well I think they feel pretty similar. The switches in the Filco Zero are Clicky White XM Alps clones and they were a little scratchier than the Clicky White Alps in my Focus FK-2001.

[Rule16]

Ah ok. Well I think they feel pretty similar. The switches in the Filco Zero are Clicky White XM Alps clones and they were a little scratchier than the Clicky White Alps in my Focus FK-2001.

I could probably just lube them if they're scratchy, yes?

[CPTBadAss]

Ah ok. Well I think they feel pretty similar. The switches in the Filco Zero are Clicky White XM Alps clones and they were a little scratchier than the Clicky White Alps in my Focus FK-2001.

I could probably just lube them if they're scratchy, yes?

Yeah for sure. I might do the same for my Alps board once I get it all built up.

[Rule16]

Ah ok. Well I think they feel pretty similar. The switches in the Filco Zero are Clicky White XM Alps clones and they were a little scratchier than the Clicky White Alps in my Focus FK-2001.

I could probably just lube them if they're scratchy, yes?

Yeah for sure. I might do the same for my Alps board once I get it all built up.

Yay thanks for all that info CPT, and I'm sorry this question was a bit longer than the average on here... I just didn't think it needed its own thread.

[CPTBadAss]

No need to apologize. Let us know how you like that Minitouch ^__^

[Rule16]

No need to apologize. Let us know how you like that Minitouch ^__^

Definitely! I just now noticed that the CTRL is in a extremely awkward place but, I guess I can get used to that.

[remedyhalopc]

Is there a guide to tell alps from alps clones?

[CPTBadAss]

Alps Switches will say ALPS on them like Cherry switches do. Clones won't. Pretty much anything that's relatively new will have clones while things that are older should have Alps switches. My Focus FK-2001 and Dell AT101W have legit Alps switches while the Filco Zero and Ducky 1087 XM have clones.

[linziyi]

Question: If the choice is available, should I choose PBT dyesub over double-shot ABS keycaps?

[Jocelyn]

Question: If the choice is available, should I choose PBT dyesub over double-shot ABS keycaps?

lol it's going to depend on the person, but I'd go with PBT dyesub 

[CPTBadAss]

Question: If the choice is available, should I choose PBT dyesub over double-shot ABS keycaps?

See the OP or click here. You've asked this already too I believe. And it's asked once a page?

[Rule16]

One more question (been looking at keyboards too much today my wallet is going to catch on fire)... Fortunately(for my wallet, not me), I cant buy this one.
Whats so special about this keyboard?

Its called the Space-Cadet, and the deskthority wiki says its known as the holy grail of keyboards. But that's all it says, what is so special about this thing, other than the fact that its ****ing gorgeous?

[The_Beast]

One more question (been looking at keyboards too much today my wallet is going to catch on fire)... Fortunately(for my wallet, not me), I cant buy this one.
Whats so special about this keyboard?

Show Image

Its called the Space-Cadet, and the deskthority wiki says its known as the holy grail of keyboards. But that's all it says, what is so special about this thing, other than the fact that its ****ing gorgeous and looks to be hall-effect (please tell me that guess is right)

I'm pretty sure this is a non-mass production keyboard used by NASA. Put those together makes it super rare and I'm sure isn't for sale to the general public

[CPTBadAss]

One more question (been looking at keyboards too much today my wallet is going to catch on fire)... Fortunately(for my wallet, not me), I cant buy this one.
Whats so special about this keyboard?

Show Image

Its called the Space-Cadet, and the deskthority wiki says its known as the holy grail of keyboards. But that's all it says, what is so special about this thing, other than the fact that its ****ing gorgeous?

Some more info can be found on Wikipedia.

[metalliqaz]

Rare
Classic styling
Built like a tank
Incredibly complex
A first for several computing concepts
Legendary

[dndlmx]

Some more info can be found on Wikipedia.

I wonder if Richard Stallman has one stored away, somewhere.

[Dreamre]

Is there any way of removing the caps/scroll lock text cleanly on a Filco MJ2?

[Photekq]

Is there any way of removing the caps/scroll lock text cleanly on a Filco MJ2?

Remove surrounding keys, pull and wiggle gently with fingers until it comes off.

[Dreamre]

Is there any way of removing the caps/scroll lock text cleanly on a Filco MJ2?

Remove surrounding keys, pull and wiggle gently with fingers until it comes off.

Sorry for the lack of clarification, I meant removing the text beside the LEDs .

[dndlmx]

Sorry for the lack of clarification, I meant removing the text beside the LEDs .

Various stages of high grit sandpaper, and be very careful?

[CPTBadAss]

Sorry for the lack of clarification, I meant removing the text beside the LEDs .

Various stages of high grit sandpaper, and be very careful?

Maybe you can find a blank cap or something else that will fit that profile?

[Melvang]

For you guys that have done the removable cable mod to fixed cable keyboards where to you get your connectors and is there kind of a how to thread, or a build log from someone doing it?

[dndlmx]

Sorry for the lack of clarification, I meant removing the text beside the LEDs .

Various stages of high grit sandpaper, and be very careful?

Maybe you can find a blank cap or something else that will fit that profile?

I think they're talking about this:

[Lastpilot]

I think you could actually try washing it off with soap, water and careful scrubbing.

[CPTBadAss]

For you guys that have done the removable cable mod to fixed cable keyboards where to you get your connectors and is there kind of a how to thread, or a build log from someone doing it?

You can try this and this. Also I found this one that is a bit old but has fantastic pictures. Just remember to tin the wire.

[dndlmx]

I think you could actually try washing it off with soap, water and careful scrubbing.

A little acetone could possibly help, maybe...

[metalliqaz]

I would never bring acetone in contact with any keyboard.  It dissolves most plastics.

[SmallFry]

Not PBT, young padawan.

[metalliqaz]

Filco case is definitely susceptible.  I know from experience... my white Filco case was ruined by mere GooGone before it was painted.

[SmallFry]

I'd use an eraser, or perhaps a Magic Eraser, since those are fairly abrasive to plastics.

[Melvang]

Anyone ever done a detachable cable mod on a keyboard that also has a USB pass through?

[Photoelectric]

I understand the merits of lubricating, but what is the point of stickering?  Does it make switches fit more tightly or some such?

[Photekq]

I understand the merits of lubricating, but what is the point of stickering?  Does it make switches fit more tightly or some such?

It is supposed to :
-Make the top of the switches fit more tightly to the bottom of the switches.
-Stop dust getting into the switches.

Some people say they work, others say they're a gimmick. I honestly have no clue but if you're going to lube your switches and spend all that time on your keyboard you might aswell spend 10 bucks on stickers and go all the way.

[Larken]

I understand the merits of lubricating, but what is the point of stickering?  Does it make switches fit more tightly or some such?

It is supposed to :
-Make the top of the switches fit more tightly to the bottom of the switches.
-Stop dust getting into the switches.

Some people say they work, others say they're a gimmick. I honestly have no clue but if you're going to lube your switches and spend all that time on your keyboard you might aswell spend 10 bucks on stickers and go all the way.

very very subtle difference for a lot of work. Slight change in the sound of bottoming out (more subdued, perhaps? or it could be placebo). As for the tightness and dust issue, people have been using their boards for years without this anyway.

but I agree with Photoekq - since you're opening up your switches anyway, might as well go the whole mile. That's what got me to do mine.

[CPTBadAss]

I understand the merits of lubricating, but what is the point of stickering?  Does it make switches fit more tightly or some such?

Answer can also be found in the OP

[Melvang]

Would it be possible for someone to email me some files for common CNC parts and I can ask around to some local shops for prices just to see if I can find some decent deals.  PM me for email address.

[CPTBadAss]

Would it be possible for someone to email me some files for common CNC parts and I can ask around to some local shops for prices just to see if I can find some decent deals.  PM me for email address.

Let me see if I can get a plate drawing from The_Beast for you Melvang.

[Melvang]

cool thanx man

Also would the procedure for doing a detachable cable mod work the same for the USB pass through for USB ports on the keyboard?  And if i do that would there be anything fundamentally different for updating the ports on my Das to USB 3.0?