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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: JustCallMeCrash on Fri, 22 July 2011, 12:34:00
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I just got my 11900 (with Cherry MX Blacks and the trackpad, nice condition, too) and, of course, pulled a cap to see whether it was Blacks or not... it is, but the whole PCB and all the switches are covered in a thin membrane. For lack of a better term, I'll call it a condom. It makes the caps fit tightly, but I'm wondering how it's affecting the board. Could this make my switches feel different? I'm assuming this is just a protective feature to keep spilled substances off the PCB, but I've never seen one like it. Anybody have any experience with this? Is there some legitimate reason for this to be on the board that I haven't deduced?
This board is WAAAAAAY quieter than my 11800 with MX Browns. I'm guessing that's because it doesn't bottom out as easily? Glad I didn't get the Das Silent, because I LOVE my Blues.
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Protect the PCB in case of spillage?
Dampen noise?
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The switches are covered too? Very interesting, please take some keycaps off and post a pic!
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Same reason as any other condom. Protects the internals from spooge.
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something like this?
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ascaii/Demand_9002_3.jpg)
Usually these membranes are only on special order boards used in military/industrial environments, im surprised a "standard" cherry board would have been fitted with one.
Would you mind taking a picture for me?
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youre comparing apples and oranges again, rip^^
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Is it just me, or does it smell like ownage?
Actually, I think Ascaii was referring to how you posted a pic of uncovered switches, whereas the OP said his switches are totally covered.
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are these dye sub keycaps?
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got me there rip. The TG3 membrane is a bad comparison because it works very differently, it is a thicker material with individual domes for the switches, while the membrane op describes sounds a lot like mine, a thin foil that remains between stem and cap. I must say this alps board feels horrible due to the membrane, since the tension of the foil causes neighboring switches to wiggle whenever a key is pressed.
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]21882[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]21883[/ATTACH]
I pulled one off the H key so you can see these ARE MX Blacks (it comes off separately from the rest of the condom... odd they'd cover the shaft of the switch when it's sure to be jammed into the slot of the cap.
And let the **** jokes commence!
Quick Edit: I tried to show that the PCB and the base of the switch is also covered... those parts are actually connected, unlike the bit over top of the stem.
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Thanks! Very interesting, definitely better execution then on my board, this membrane is actually fitted to the switches. Nice find!
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Naaah. I buy shrink film as part of my job (packaging company) and this isn't that. It does have a similar feel to some of the Cryovac film, but this is really well planned out.
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Thanks! Very interesting, definitely better execution then on my board, this membrane is actually fitted to the switches. Nice find!
I'm not sure whether to pull it off or not. It doesn't seem to be hurting anything. I probably will pull off the little bits on the stems, but just because it makes me push down too hard on the caps when I replace it.
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I must say this alps board feels horrible due to the membrane, since the tension of the foil causes neighboring switches to wiggle whenever a key is pressed.
The bl82's silcone sheet is a true robber dome, it add tactility and stiffness to the keyboard, making it not pleasurable too.
Btw i tried to use it w/o the the springs and the keyboard still works, the keys become nice when pressed, but a little slow to regain its position.
I'm sure that with a very soft spring (something like 10 or 15g) the end result will be something topreish.
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do it, ****ing DO IT^^
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do it, ****ing DO IT^^
Well a bit of laziness and the stupid way TG3 use to solder the LEDs has prevented me to do it.
And after all, the best thing came out, with Italian ideas and German manufacturing, like the Golf car, isn't it ? :eyebrows: