geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: nigritude on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:06:12

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: nigritude on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:06:12

I just pre-ordered the keycap set for the Topre in blue. Is the spacebar for the 87 the same as the spacebar for the 86 or will I not be able to use the colored spacebar on my 86?

Also, if I have two keycap pullers, what is the best way to remove the spacebar? Are there any metal stabilizers I have to press down before pulling?

Thanks!

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: reaper on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:11:56

For the spacebar removal, Topre one is pretty easy compare to Filco/Costar.  I'd just remove the 2 keycaps next to the spacebar and gently lift it up.  Works perfectly everytime.  Good luck and let us know how it goes. =P

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: suntorytime on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:15:55

Unfortunately the spacebar will not fit properly as it will be too short on the 86U. To remove the spacebar just place one metal hinge on each end of the space and pull upwards, I can't recall if there are stabilizers, but if there are, they aren't like the cherry MX type. If you break it you can always go MacGyver (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:7517) on it.

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: nigritude on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:17:37

Thanks for the prompt replies! Guess I will just find out in a week whether that spacebar will be usable or not...

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: reaper on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:17:39

Quote from: suntorytime;438479

Unfortunately the spacebar will not fit properly as it will be too short on the 86U. To remove the spacebar just place one metal hinge on each end of the space and pull upwards, I can't recall if there are stabilizers, but if there are, they aren't like the cherry MX type. If you break it you can always go MacGyver (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:7517) on it.

Thanks for the correction.  I've edited my post above and here's the picture of the spacebar:

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Realforce/DSC05893.jpg)

There's no stabilizers, just that spring in the middle.

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: jpm804 on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:25:35

Quote from: nigritude;438481

Thanks for the prompt replies! Guess I will just find out in a week whether that spacebar will be usable or not...

It will not fit like mentioned above since the spacebar is shorter on an 87u compared to the 86u

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: Kisakuku on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:26:40

It will be usable alright, you'll just have gaps on both sides:

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?10287-Topre-and-HHKB-pictures&p=397258&viewfull=1#post397258

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: nigritude on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:37:27

Ah, I see. Thanks for the picture reaper and Kisakuku, that is very helpful.

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: reaper on Mon, 24 October 2011, 19:39:09

I thought it might come in handy for others...   and you're welcome. =)

Title: Topre Spacebar Size
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 01 December 2011, 15:06:07

Quote from: reaper;438482

Show Image

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Realforce/DSC05893.jpg)

There's no stabilizers, just that spring in the middle.

Old post, but it needs a correction: The stabilizer bar is inside the keyboard, underneath the top plate. The two switch-looking things are its attachments. I dunno if the space bar is stable enough without them, though.