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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: litster on Sat, 09 July 2011, 00:11:59

Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Sat, 09 July 2011, 00:11:59
I have a Goldtouch numeric keypad that I want to turn it into a cherry switch tester.  I am thinking of the following layout.  I am kind of trying to sort the switches from linear to tactile, light to heavy.  And since Blue is very different, and there are only 6 rows, I put it on the side.

Any feedback?

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=20253&d=1310188012)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 09 July 2011, 00:19:27
I call first dibs if you're planning to mail it around for testing! :)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: reaper on Sat, 09 July 2011, 00:24:06
In for second. lol  I have yet to try clear/ergo clear switches.  Btw, that looks good, lister.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Sat, 09 July 2011, 00:40:50
I haven't decided if/when I will send it around.  But that sounds like a good thing to do.  I am still missing red switches.  Input Nirvana is going to get some red switches and other switches. And I will trade him some black and clear switches for the reds.  If I send it out I will want pictures of the numpad with interesting background in your cities :).  That will be fun!
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 09 July 2011, 11:57:33
What is tacto black? Don't you mean panda clear?
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Sat, 09 July 2011, 12:09:09
Whatever it is called.  It clear stem with black's heavy spring.  Albany and ivory, live together in perfect harmony....

[video=youtube;sssqBjaTzOU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sssqBjaTzOU[/video]
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: CeeSA on Sat, 09 July 2011, 12:19:58
nice idea, my world tour of the
The Cherry Switch Try Gaming PCB's (http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=780)
is open.
but before the world tour there is the europe tour.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Sat, 09 July 2011, 14:52:47
Hi CeeSA!  Saw your thread over at DT.  I like your setup.  On my setup I don't have room for ghetto red like yours.  I have to give up ghetto red if I stay with using just what the numpad has room for.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Sun, 10 July 2011, 03:23:42
Quote from: keyboardlover;376918
What is tacto black?

 
It's the official name
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Wed, 10 August 2011, 00:55:57
Here is the Goldtouch numeric keypad to be used for the mod.  It had Cherry browns:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23759&d=1312955252)

With original keycaps pulled:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23753&d=1312954986)

After the mod, minus Cherry red switches for the top row:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23751&d=1312954984)

Tried to use markers to show the ergo clear and tacto black:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23749&d=1312954982)

With clear keycaps from Round 3 group buy:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23750&d=1312954983)

I think I will change to use re-legendable keycaps from POS keyboards instead.  And I am just waiting for Input Nirvana to get some red switches and I will be done! :-)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: REVENGE on Wed, 10 August 2011, 02:22:14
Sweeeeeeeet. Now add some multicolored LEDs! :happy: (j/k)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Mon, 05 September 2011, 23:09:07
Finally acquired the red switches I needed.  Now it is complete.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=25964&d=1315282062)(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=20253&d=1310188012)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: agor on Tue, 06 September 2011, 01:11:10
Looks nice!
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: VPX on Wed, 07 September 2011, 13:03:52
Did somebody ever try a full gray or green keyboard? For the tough guys. :smash:
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Wed, 07 September 2011, 13:06:11
Would be pretty hard to do that because I have only seen green and gray switches on older keyboards and only one switch per keyboard for the spacebar.  It would take a lot of keyboards to make a keyboardful of green of gray switches.  Or are they available to buy in bulk?
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: VPX on Wed, 07 September 2011, 13:10:14
Of course, they are available at the german Mouser Electronics.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 07 September 2011, 13:14:08
Somebody here modded a keyboard with "ghetto-greens" (blue stem/black spring, IIRC).  I don't remember what they thought of it, though.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: VPX on Wed, 07 September 2011, 13:20:07
Seems Mouser only got the gray 37 ones, but I think I saw the green ones somewhere else.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: AlleyViper on Wed, 07 September 2011, 23:30:45
Just an ideia to pimp it, what about ordering some SP blank keycaps colored the same as the switches if there's some cheap ones in stock? Maybe a lighter shade of the correspondent spring color could be used on the frankensteins.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Wed, 07 September 2011, 23:46:30
That's a good idea!  It would for red, blue, brown, and clear switches.  I wonder what colors would work for ergo clear and tacto black.  

I just bought a set of clear transparent numpad keycaps.  Will see how they work.  I have been bringing my tester to work and letting people try it.  It is a great tool to promote mechanical keyboards :-).
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: hashbaz on Wed, 07 September 2011, 23:48:25
What a great idea.  Are you going to send it around litster?  If so you should start a sign-up and picture thread. :)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Thu, 08 September 2011, 00:24:01
Quote from: hashbaz;412459
What a great idea.  Are you going to send it around litster?  If so you should start a sign-up and picture thread. :)

I want to send it around to let people try the different switches.  I only have one now, but I have 3 more Goldtouch numpads.  I want get one more modded before I send one out.  I want pictures of the numpad like the traveling gnome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_gnome_prank)'s.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: sordna on Thu, 08 September 2011, 00:32:43
Quote from: ripster;412464
Still pissed that MMTY stole my Redpill Poker Red with Clear Keys away from me - coulda spiffed this one up with those.

Here's clear/smoke keycaps available, if you scroll down there's clear/transparent ones too:

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?21674-Lots-of-key-caps-for-sale.-104-clear-37-PBT-Customized-keys-and-Aluminum-keys
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: hashbaz on Thu, 08 September 2011, 01:04:11
Quote from: litster;412476
I want pictures of the numpad like the traveling gnome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_gnome_prank)'s.

This is also a great idea.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: nolliepoper on Thu, 08 September 2011, 01:32:20
Let me know and put me on the list if you are going to send it around for people like me to test.
I really want to see if putting the time and money into a ergo clear mod would really be worth it for a plate mounted keyboard before actually going through with the mod.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: bpiphany on Thu, 08 September 2011, 07:14:47
I changed the springs on some blue cherries to springs from the linear gray switches mouser supplies. It was... too much, I changed them all back except for the keys on the F-row. I even replaced the spring on the spacebar with one from a black switch.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: AlleyViper on Thu, 08 September 2011, 10:33:30
Quote from: litster;412456
That's a good idea!  It would for red, blue, brown, and clear switches.  I wonder what colors would work for ergo clear and tacto black.  

I just bought a set of clear transparent numpad keycaps.  Will see how they work.  I have been bringing my tester to work and letting people try it.  It is a great tool to promote mechanical keyboards :-).

Would also for Grey and Green for the large keys. For the frankenclears I'd cut colored tape (either black electric tape or brown packaging to match springs) in four small parts with a cut corner and glue them inside the tops of clear keycaps. Colored cardboard, (if light to keep weight even) should also work, and be easier to cut exactly in the rounded part, but that way you'd have to mess with separate glue to fix them.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 12:50:02
Quote from: litster;412456
I wonder what colors would work for ergo clear and tacto black.  
.


Obviously beige and dark brown
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 12:50:59
Obviously.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:07:35
Quote from: The Solutor;412755
Obviously beige and dark brown

Beige for ergo clear and dark brown for tacto black?  I don't get it... :noidea:

EDIT:  the black background doesn't show the emoticon's black-colored arms...
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:14:29
Quote from: litster;412843
Beige for ergo clear and dark brown for tacto black?  I don't get it... :noidea:


i was in hurry so I wrote dark brown instead of dark gray, by mistake

BTW

white + brown = beige



white + black = gray (we have already a gray switch so, dark gray)


brown + black (the stiffer browns)= dark brown
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:21:32
I tried brown + black before.  It almost felt like a black. You have to press so hard that the tactile bump almost ceases to exist.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:29:53
Quote from: itlnstln;412860
I tried brown + black before.  It almost felt like a black. You have to press so hard that the tactile bump almost ceases to exist.


Indeed browns are pointless, and stiffer browns are even worst.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:36:53
After I tried browns, all other switches are pointless.  Like Solutor's post.

I have until Monday.  I need to get it all out.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:42:03
I like broad statements.  Like, "Damn, that broad is hot!"

I've probably told this one before, but in fourth or fifth grade in reading class, my teacher asked, "Does anyone know what 'abroad' means?"  After no one spoke for awhile, one kid offered, "I don't know, but my dad calls my mom 'a broad.'"  The teacher, of course, was speechless while the rest of us were still clueless.  These days, I kinda wonder what was going on in that kid's house.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:45:30
Quote from: itlnstln;412881
After I tried browns, all other switches are pointless.  Like Solutor's post.


What a strange mutation for a good Sicilian DNA :tongue:
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:49:44
"This 122-key model F keyboard is broad!"
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:54:49
Quote from: ripster;412894
ItlnStln, you get this one?  Perhaps it's my German blood blocking the humour.

Mainlanders don't typically care for Sicilians and vice-versa.

Kind like the movie Heat, or so I've been told (I don't know why I haven't seen it yet).

EDIT: I don't think was Heat, but now I can't remember what movie it is that I'm thinking about.  It was one of these mob-type flicks.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:01:16
It's true. My grandmother doesn't like sicilians. She's Abruzzese.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:02:28
The Jersey Shore kids are just stupid.  Some of them aren't even Italian.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:03:28
Quote from: itlnstln;412902
Mainlanders don't typically care for Sicilians and vice-versa.


Actually "continentals" is the term used in Sicily to define the people from the mainland.

Btw we should have one of them to know his opinion...
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:12:39
Quote from: ripster;412912
I wish A&F would pay ME to not wear their clothes. (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/business/abercrombie-offers-jersey-shore-cast-a-paid-non-product-placement.html)

Yeah, I wouldn't mind that kind of pay out.
 
Quote from: The Solutor;412913
Actually "continentals" is the term used in Sicily to define the people from the mainland.

Btw we should have one of them to know his opinion...

Personally, I don't care, and my family never shared any feelings like that with me, but that doesn't mean they didn't feel that way towards Continentals.  I have a hard time buying into general dislike of people, personally.  I abhor bigotry and racism.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:20:06
Quote from: ripster;412921
So if it was the year of the Goat would it be Ducky Goatse?

Yes.

And no, there will not be pics.  I bet that guy could fit the keyboard, though.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:20:20
Quote from: itlnstln;412920

Personally, I don't care, and my family never shared any feelings like that with me, but that doesn't mean they didn't feel that way towards Continentals.  I have a hard time buying into general dislike of people, personally.  I abhor bigotry and racism.


Hey hey, relax yourself, personally I'm jocking here, and BTW there's nothing of offensive in the term "continental" it's just the therm used in Sicily, which is uncommon in the rest of Italy
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:21:35
Quote from: The Solutor;412932
Hey hey, relax yourself, personally I'm jocking here, and BTW there's nothing of offensive in the term "continental" it's just the therm used in Sicily, which is uncommon in the rest of Italy

Oh, I know.  I was just throwing that out there.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:24:04
I've been called oriental.  I say if you are not oriental, you are disoriented.  Continental vs. discontint? ;)
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:26:26
Quote from: litster;412936
I've been called oriental.  I say if you are not oriental, you are disoriented.  Continental vs. discontint? ;)


Incontinent...

In need of a diaper...:biggrin:
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:27:41
Quote from: ripster;412938
They must have good breakfasts.  Those Continentals.

No hot breakfast?  Just cereal and cold milk, maybe a bagel?
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: crazing on Fri, 09 September 2011, 11:40:41
Eaten over a copy of USA Today.

Anyways, I'd be super interested in this.  Baited breath and all that.  Bated? Bated.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: Danny356 on Tue, 22 November 2011, 00:29:44
Is there anywhere i can buy one of these cherry samplers? Either a number pad like this or a full keyboard, idc. I would LOVE to have one of those
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: TheProfosist on Tue, 22 November 2011, 19:55:24
Looking for Clear Stems I was hoping that since you made this you would have some extras.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:01:11
Yes, I do have a lot of clear switches.  but I am keeping them for modding later.  Or use them to make ergo clear for one of my Phantoms.  You can get cheap used clear switches from Cherry POS keyboards on ebay.  Or you can order new clear switches from the Phantom group buy (you know that already :smile:).
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: TheProfosist on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:02:26
Quote from: litster;457899
Yes, I do have a lot of clear switches.  but I am keeping them for modding later.  Or use them to make ergo clear for one of my Phantoms.  You can get cheap used clear switches from Cherry POS keyboards on ebay.  Or you can order new clear switches from the Phantom group buy (you know that already :smile:).
know any models of POS board off the top of your head that have Clears?
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: litster on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:12:29
I got my from rawko who sold a lot of Cherry G80 POS keyboards with credit card reader.  At one point in the summer, rawko was selling beige color POS keyboards with either clear switches or brown switches for about $15 to $20 each plus shipping, IIRC.  You can't tell what switches a keyboard has from its model number.  A lot of buyers asked him, so at one point he listed them as "white" switch Cherry POS keyboards and "brown" Cherry POS keyboards separately.  That was when you couldn't buy new keyboard with clear or clear switches at all.  Now you can buy clear leopold and order clear switches from the Phantom group buy.  

I just looked on ebay.  Currently there are only 2 beige color Cherry POS keyboards and they are very expensive (one is new and there other looks like crap).  I would get new switches from the Phantom group buy instead.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: TheProfosist on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:16:26
Quote from: litster;457907
I got my from rawko who sold a lot of Cherry G80 POS keyboards with credit card reader.  At one point in the summer, rawko was selling beige color POS keyboards with either clear switches or brown switches for about $15 to $20 each plus shipping, IIRC.  You can't tell what switches a keyboard has from its model number.  A lot of buyers asked him, so at one point he listed them as "white" switch Cherry POS keyboards and "brown" Cherry POS keyboards separately.  That was when you couldn't buy new keyboard with clear or clear switches at all.  Now you can buy clear leopold and order clear switches from the Phantom group buy.  

I just looked on ebay.  Currently there are only 2 beige color Cherry POS keyboards and they are very expensive (one is new and there other looks like crap).  I would get new switches from the Phantom group buy instead.
I already have new housings on the way for cheap and some used Blue Springs. I would love new everything but it would cost a fortune just for switches. And I would like to have my switch sooner than when the group buys switches are going out.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:21:28
Quote from: TheProfosist;457911
I already have new housings on the way for cheap and some used Blue Springs. I would love new everything but it would cost a fortune just for switches. And I would like to have my switch sooner than when the group buys switches are going out.

Have you posted a WTB in the classifieds?  Ascaii sold a stripped-down PCB with blue switches to someone for a very reasonable price recently.  You could also post on Deskthority, since I think clears are more common in Europe than they are in the US.
Title: Cherry Numpad Switch Tester
Post by: TheProfosist on Tue, 22 November 2011, 20:23:45
Quote from: hashbaz;457914
Have you posted a WTB in the classifieds?  Ascaii sold a stripped-down PCB with blue switches to someone for a very reasonable price recently.  You could also post on Deskthority, since I think clears are more common in Europe than they are in the US.
yep posted and contacted ascaii about blue switches. I dont have a account on Deskthority so no cred on there...