Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Krogenar]

Maybe not so simple, but does anyone happen to know which white and beige SP colors are IMSTO's white and beige thick PBT caps closest to?

SP PBT colors:
http://keycapsdirect.com/pbtcolors.php

SP ABS colors:
http://keycapsdirect.com/abscolors.php

If you have IMSTO's keycaps in your possession, you might try using the color chip scans found here to compare against. The scans are not perfect yet, but we're working it.

[jdcarpe]

Where can I find fullsize (TK) Ducky-compatible replacement cases? I plan on modding my case, and if something goes wrong, I'd like to be able to replace it if necessary.

Buy another Ducky?

[vivalarevolución]

Question about HHKB function layer.

So let's say I use a software remapping tool to use a custom layout.  Will the function layer be moved to the new key location, for example Page Down in Dvorak follows the period to the new spot in Dvorak?

or will the function layer stay in the same location, but under a different key?

[Melvang]

Well according to SP legends a specific to a key size so 1u legends are not available for 1.5u key.  So my questions is this.  Is there anywhere I can go to see what legends are available for 1.5u keys?

I asked Melissa for the legends they have so we can make better mockups, she told me, they have over 3000 legends. And no consolidated electronic copy that can be used as a reference.

Now that is a bummer.  I need to find a good legend for 1.5u keys for Insert, Delete, Page Up, and Page Down.

[MOZ]

I would still encourage you to try.

[Melvang]

The legends for the Round 4 symbols was owned my 7bit at deskthority right?  How receptive is he to letting people use those legends?  More thinking just a couple caps and not an entire group buy.

[BlueBär]

So let's say I use a software remapping tool to use a custom layout.  Will the function layer be moved to the new key location, for example Page Down in Dvorak follows the period to the new spot in Dvorak?

The function layer should not move when you change the layout via software, since the function layer is saved on the HHKB itself.

The legends for the Round 4 symbols was owned my 7bit at deskthority right?  How receptive is he to letting people use those legends?  More thinking just a couple caps and not an entire group buy.

I'm quite sure he would let you use them. Just ask him.

[Krogenar]

Where can I find fullsize (TK) Ducky-compatible replacement cases? I plan on modding my case, and if something goes wrong, I'd like to be able to replace it if necessary.

Buy another Ducky?

LOL, that's a possibility. Does no one make a generic fullsize case? Could I use a CoolerMaster replacement case?

[Melvang]

Where can I find fullsize (TK) Ducky-compatible replacement cases? I plan on modding my case, and if something goes wrong, I'd like to be able to replace it if necessary.

Buy another Ducky?

LOL, that's a possibility. Does no one make a generic fullsize case? Could I use a CoolerMaster replacement case?

I don't think anyone does make a generic case for TKL let alone full size.

[CPTBadAss]

LOL, that's a possibility. Does no one make a generic fullsize case? Could I use a CoolerMaster replacement case?

Does CoolerMaster offer just a replacement case for any keyboard? As far as I know, it's only the QFR tops they're selling. I've also never seen a generic full size case. The full size stuff hasn't been getting much love.

[Photekq]

CM only sells TKL tops. No TKL bottoms, and NOTHING to do with fullsize cases.

I cannot cite my source, but someone asked them before and they made it pretty clear they'll never release a full TKL case for sale seperately.

[jdcarpe]

I asked Carter that question, and yeah, that was the response I got.

[Masterchief79]

Another Teensy question: Do you know if the "usual open source code" such as GH60 or whatever you usually use as a base code, is compatible with the 3.0 Teensy?

[Tonyduck]

I'm currently deciding between Reds and Blacks for my first keyboard. However, one issue that concerns me about Reds is accidentally pressing a key while resting your fingers on the keyboard.
I've been looking around the last couple days and have seen people comment on both ways, so I'm still unsure as to the possibilities of it. I'm leaning towards it not being a problem because I feel it would be brought up more, but I wanted to ask anyone from here with Red switches if they have/haven't experienced this.
I'm currently using a laptop and find myself putting most of my hand weight on the inner part of my wrist (I have zero knowledge of anatomy, sorry), if that amounts to anything.

Thanks

[snoopy]

I personally would start with blacks. But depends what you plan on doing with the board.

You don't have the chance to try the switches somewhere?

[CPTBadAss]

Another Teensy question: Do you know if the "usual open source code" such as GH60 or whatever you usually use as a base code, is compatible with the 3.0 Teensy?

The TMK or Hasu's code is written in C, which is compatible with the Teensy 3.0. That's the most common open source code I've seen. Hasu's code can be found in Making Stuff Together. And just in case it wasn't clear before, the differences between the 3.0 and 2.0 can be found on that kickstarter page.

Edit: according to Soarer's post here, the Teensy 3.0 won't work with Soarer's or Hasu's code. It has a different CPU architecture and different voltage which won't interface with keyboards.

One issue that concerns me about Reds is accidentally pressing a key while resting your fingers on the keyboard.

This has brought up as an issue because of how light the actuation force is on an MX Red switch. It's not a problem with a switch per se, just how you rest your hands. I don't like Reds because I'd have so many errors like that due to the force. Like snoopy said, it's best if you can try switches out first.

[Tonyduck]

I personally would start with blacks. But depends what you plan on doing with the board.

You don't have the chance to try the switches somewhere?

I have the sampler kit from WASD Keyboards as it's the best I can get. It doesn't come with any board mounting of sorts, so I tried to "simulate" a board, but I find my hand's weight to be different when trying the switches there rather than on my laptop.
I prefer the feeling of both linear switches and, based on the sampler kit, I'm confident I'd be completely satisfied with either switch, but my current mindset is slightly leaning towards the lighter Reds.

As for usage, I'm a college student studying graphic design & a gamer, so its pretty balanced between hotkey-ing (if I can use that) and "normal" typing.



[e] Do you guys suggest Blacks for a "safer" buy?" I'm confident I won't have any issues in regards to the finger strain I've read about coming from scissor switches (assuming the actuation forces I've read are accurate), as well as having friends that have tried Blacks that use their keyboards for the same purposes as I do and haven't experienced any strain.
The lighter feel of the Reds feels /slightly/ better from my point of view, but if there's any issues in regards to accidental presses (which seems to be the case from what you guys are saying?), I'd rather use the switch that gives me more function over feel.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm confident I'd be completely satisfied with either switch, but my current mindset is slightly leaning towards the lighter Reds.

Do you guys suggest Blacks for a "safer" buy?

The lighter feel of the Reds feels /slightly/ better from my point of view

If you think Reds feel better, get Reds. It's a matter of personal opinion. If you've tried them and you don't think there's an issue, then get it. This is a personal choice for every GHer. Not a simple question at all; very subjective.

[Masterchief79]

@BadAss: Thanks a alot, I'm not a genius when i comes to coding. It's my first project (trying to turn an old electrical typewriter with M9 switches into a 60% PC keyboard) and I don't want to make it harder, will all just take longer etc. I hope I will still be able to type some of my thesis on it which is due next week^^

[Melvang]

I personally would start with blacks. But depends what you plan on doing with the board.

You don't have the chance to try the switches somewhere?

I have the sampler kit from WASD Keyboards as it's the best I can get. It doesn't come with any board mounting of sorts, so I tried to "simulate" a board, but I find my hand's weight to be different when trying the switches there rather than on my laptop.
I prefer the feeling of both linear switches and, based on the sampler kit, I'm confident I'd be completely satisfied with either switch, but my current mindset is slightly leaning towards the lighter Reds.

As for usage, I'm a college student studying graphic design & a gamer, so its pretty balanced between hotkey-ing (if I can use that) and "normal" typing.



[e] Do you guys suggest Blacks for a "safer" buy?" I'm confident I won't have any issues in regards to the finger strain I've read about coming from scissor switches (assuming the actuation forces I've read are accurate), as well as having friends that have tried Blacks that use their keyboards for the same purposes as I do and haven't experienced any strain.
The lighter feel of the Reds feels /slightly/ better from my point of view, but if there's any issues in regards to accidental presses (which seems to be the case from what you guys are saying?), I'd rather use the switch that gives me more function over feel.

I would just go with the reds.  I have a costar made Das keyboard with browns and they are the same spring.  I also have ergo modded clears and reds in my orbweaver.  I actually have more accidental keystrokes on the browns than I do with reds due to what I am using them for.  The reds are "WASD" for movement in WoW as I don't use my Das for gaming.  Just typing in the chat frame while I am gaming.  I also suggest reds as you are coming from a laptop which you said to be scissor switches.  Those to me are always fairly light.  The only difference between the blacks and the reds is the color of the plastic and the spring.  Worst case, you end up not liking the weight of them.  So the cheapest way to fix it if you still want linear switches is to just buy a set of springs and swap them out.  Springs are cheap.

[Tonyduck]

Awesome, thanks for all the input fellas. Much appreciated.

[Halverson]

Anyone know what material cherry mx stems are made of?

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone know what material cherry mx stems are made of?

*Guess incoming*

According to the Cherry info sheet, they're made of a thermoplastic. ABS, PBT, and POM fit this. But PBT can be brittle and repeated hits doesn't seem to lend itself to PBT. I would guess POM (Suggested by CommunistWitchDr) or ABS.

Edit: Hashbaz also guessed POM

[Halverson]

Anyone know what material cherry mx stems are made of?

*Guess incoming*

According to the Cherry info sheet, they're made of a thermoplastic. ABS, PBT, and POM fit this. But PBT can be brittle and repeated hits doesn't seem to lend itself to PBT. I would guess POM (Suggested by CommunistWitchDr) or ABS.

I suppose I should just ask kawa, if it involves thermoplastic, he should know

[MOZ]

I think all of it is POM, stem, the top and bottom too.

[raKeto]

How can i get my Keyboard repeating multiple Keys? Like in this Video

feature=youtu.be


Edit:

Figured it out now. With the program keyboardking you can fix windows messed up repeatrate. eyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeye

[Melvang]

How can i get my Keyboard repeating multiple Keys? Like in this Video

feature=youtu.be

Sounds like an AHK script to me.  Though I could be wrong. 

[kenmai9]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

[CPTBadAss]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

I think you can buy little LED strips like that at Ikea. Pretty sure I saw that last time I was there.

[BlueBär]

Theres also those small USB desk lamps which you can get on ebay for like 5$.

[kenmai9]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

I think you can buy little LED strips like that at Ikea. Pretty sure I saw that last time I was there.

I will take a look thank you.

Theres also those small USB desk lamps which you can get on ebay for like 5$.

Yeah I want something a little more lowkey. I was going to tape it to the underside of my table so it shines above my keyboard.

[BlueBär]

Was thinking about something like this with an extension cable.

[Melvang]

you can also check www.frozencpu.com.  I know they carry a bunch of stuff for LED strips

[nubbinator]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

Antec Halo Bias Lighting should work for you and is fairly inexpensive. 

[Pacifist]

Why can't people make PCB's for plate mounted boards have extra holes for PCB mount switches to go into? It would make a ton of people's lives easier.

[jdcarpe]

Why can't people make PCB's for plate mounted boards have extra holes for PCB mount switches to go into? It would make a ton of people's lives easier.

Which people, exactly? We included them in the GH60, the SmallFry keyboard, the GHpad, etc. You mean people as in Filco, Ducky, CM? They aren't in the business of spending more money than absolutely necessary when making a new product. More holes in the PCB = more cost.

[Pacifist]

Why can't people make PCB's for plate mounted boards have extra holes for PCB mount switches to go into? It would make a ton of people's lives easier.

Which people, exactly? We included them in the GH60, the SmallFry keyboard, the GHpad, etc. You mean people as in Filco, Ducky, CM? They aren't in the business of spending more money than absolutely necessary when making a new product. More holes in the PCB = more cost.

Ah I see.

[kenmai9]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

Antec Halo Bias Lighting should work for you and is fairly inexpensive. 

I ordered two of these. One for my monitor and one for my keyboard. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

[naokira]

Is titanium plates possible?

[Melvang]

Is titanium plates possible?

It would be but for this application it will act like a large flat spring.  Not to mention that it is very difficult to machine and takes a fairly powerful laser to cut that way.  Also waterjet does work on Ti but you can't get the radius in the corners down small enough.  If you did get one cut with water jet it would be almost impossible to file the corners down.  But other than that I don't see why not.  And this is on top of the extra cost for Ti.

I just checked mcmastercarr.com and a 6x24 sheet of 304 stainless (not sure what grade plates here are cut from) is 32.99 + shipping.  For Ti (grade 2) for a 12x12 it is 78.02 and the 12x24 is 135.69.  Keep in mind these prices is for raw material.  Not to mention machine time and labor cost of actually getting one cut.

[Badwrench]

Can anyone recommend me a white LED strip that can connect to USB? Nothing too fancy or huge, just for above my keyboard tray so I can see it at night.

Antec Halo Bias Lighting should work for you and is fairly inexpensive. 

I ordered two of these. One for my monitor and one for my keyboard. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Perfect.  I was going to suggest the same thing.  I have one on the back of my monitor to help with eye fatigue when the room is dark. 

[bMind]

Is the rubber coating on QFR an issue? Meaning does it wear of and you need to be extra careful while using/transporting it?

If yes, how hard is it to remove it and is it somewhat complicated process and is it really worth it?

And last one..Has anybody modded in any way their Keycool? Because I've seen many tricked out QFRs and not much of Keycools. Does it mean that QFR is more suited for mods than the other?

[Melvang]

Is the rubber coating on QFR an issue? Meaning does it wear of and you need to be extra careful while using/transporting it?

If yes, how hard is it to remove it and is it somewhat complicated process and is it really worth it?

And last one..Has anybody modded in any way their Keycool? Because I've seen many tricked out QFRs and not much of Keycools. Does it mean that QFR is more suited for mods than the other?

The biggest reason you will see more tricked out QFR's than Keycools is price and availability.  QFR's are cheaper and available more places.

Edit:  Do Ducky full sized boards from mechanicalkeyboards.com ship with a key puller?

[CPTBadAss]

Do Ducky full sized boards from mechanicalkeyboards.com ship with a key puller?

I think so? When I went to MK.com, they had TONS of Ducky Keypullers so I assume that they put them in their Ducky board boxes when they ship them out. But I've never bought a Ducky so I don't know. Just assuming.

[rowdy]

Is the rubber coating on QFR an issue? Meaning does it wear of and you need to be extra careful while using/transporting it?

If yes, how hard is it to remove it and is it somewhat complicated process and is it really worth it?

And last one..Has anybody modded in any way their Keycool? Because I've seen many tricked out QFRs and not much of Keycools. Does it mean that QFR is more suited for mods than the other?

Apparently it is quote resilient, although I read somewhere (here, might have been from Carter) that the coating was changed semi-recently to make it even more resilient.

Is the rubber coating on QFR an issue? Meaning does it wear of and you need to be extra careful while using/transporting it?

If yes, how hard is it to remove it and is it somewhat complicated process and is it really worth it?

And last one..Has anybody modded in any way their Keycool? Because I've seen many tricked out QFRs and not much of Keycools. Does it mean that QFR is more suited for mods than the other?

The biggest reason you will see more tricked out QFR's than Keycools is price and availability.  QFR's are cheaper and available more places.

Edit:  Do Ducky full sized boards from mechanicalkeyboards.com ship with a key puller?

Both Ducky Shines I have came with extra WASD keycaps and a plastic keycap puller in a little plastic baggie.

[MJ45]

Most of the recent Ducky's have nice wire type keycap pullers included with them. 

[Melvang]

Thanks guys.  I am getting my aunt and uncle both much boards for Christmas and already have a couple extra caps and a couple more in the pipeline for them and just didn't want to have to pay for shipping again just for a puller.

[bMind]

Thank you rowdy

And since you have both..got a question. You like QFR or Keycool more?

[bMind]

Thank you rowdy

And since you have both..got a question. You like QFR or Keycool more?

[bMind]

Thank you rowdy

And since you have both..got a question. You like QFR or Keycool more?