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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 13:45:59

Title: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 13:45:59
All of the mech keyboards I've owned have had Costar stabilizers. I'm wondering, how is the process different for changing out the key caps, especially the larger key caps with the stabilizers, different on something like a Ducky with Cherry stabilizers? Could I use the same key cap sets I have, such as cc&g or red alert? Would I need anything extra to make it work, like different inserts, etc.?
Title: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 18 September 2012, 13:50:43
Ducky caps are very simple to change. All the big caps just pop off from side to side. The stabilizer kind of is like having a big key placed on three switches. Except the two side ones aren't as sturdy as the main.
Title: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 18 September 2012, 13:51:26
Oh and all basic sets will work. 6.25 space, 1.25 mods, normal shifts, etc.
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 13:57:01
Ok, thanks for the info. So to get the big keys out, do you just put your fingertips under each side and pull up gently? Also, do they use inserts like on Costar stabilizers?
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Tue, 18 September 2012, 14:01:08
Cherry don't have those crapy removable insert, it is part of the stabilizer mounted on the board. This is one of the big pros to Cherry, way less fuss to exchange the keycap, pull off, put on.
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 14:05:00
Got it. I'm thinking about getting the Ducky Shine II, should be in stock tomorrow @ mechanicalkeyboards.com. Really I want a board with green leds I can put my cc&g set on because I've been told that the lights do shine through them and it looks pretty nice. That and although I do have a tenkeyless board, I like my full decks as well. That, and I've never tried a board with cherry stabilizers before.

Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 14:06:34
Oh, Halverson. I was just looking at the Unicomp Wildcats board today. Great deal for it and I'd like to have a buckling springs board as well. How do you like it?
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 18 September 2012, 14:31:23
Oh, Halverson. I was just looking at the Unicomp Wildcats board today. Great deal for it and I'd like to have a buckling springs board as well. How do you like it?

Damn awesome! It's big. heavy and sounds like a champ! And I love the random wildcats theme. The price is oh so right as well :)

Ok, thanks for the info. So to get the big keys out, do you just put your fingertips under each side and pull up gently? Also, do they use inserts like on Costar stabilizers?

I just use a cap puller, gently pull up one side, then move to the other side and it just kinda pops off nice and easy.
Title: Re: Question about changing keys on a Ducky...
Post by: m00nshake on Tue, 18 September 2012, 16:31:17
Awesome. I might just have to get one, and you're right, the price is great! :)

Changing the keys sounds easy peasy. I'm definitely interested in getting a Ducky, I called the folks at mechanicalkeyboards.com and the price is $144-148, which is pricey for a Ducky. But I'm still interested... :)