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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: tethyrian on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:32:20

Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: tethyrian on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:32:20
So I have a cheap rubber-dome dynex keyboard (Model No.: DX-WKBD) and I was wondering if (with some minor soldering) it was possible to make it a 10-keyless keyboard. Or possibly even cut it off at the F12/right-ctrl line. Trying to save a lot of space so just want to know if this is possible..
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:36:16
Generally the only way to do this with a rubber down is the fold the membrane and get it all to fit back in the case like that.  Then cut off the extra case section.
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:36:53
It is completely possible, it isn't too hard... I don't have a link for you, but it is possible with a hacksaw and no soldering usually.
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: tethyrian on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:41:25
Quote from: alaricljs;484573
Generally the only way to do this with a rubber down is the fold the membrane and get it all to fit back in the case like that.  Then cut off the extra case section.

I am assuming the ENTIRE membrane needs to be intact at all times than?
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:44:35
This is usually the case.  The traces that go past the nav keys often turn around and come right back.  Often the controller is over in that section you want to get rid of as well.
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: tethyrian on Fri, 06 January 2012, 08:56:50
So, essentially, if I just cut the casing, the LEDs, and the PCB right where the 10-key is, but left the membrane intact, it "should" work?
Title: Making a Keyboard 10-keyless
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 06 January 2012, 09:02:26
What PCB?  If it's a RD membrane, there should be no PCB except a small chunk to integrate the controller to the membrane and it's probably what the LEDs are attached to.  You'll need to keep that, otherwise it's not a keyboard any more.