geekhack
geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: Leslieann on Wed, 05 December 2012, 22:24:48
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Hello :)
I have been into mechanicals for many years, I ended up joining to get in on a sale then realized I had missed it. Haha, oh well.
Anyhow I started out on an 80's IBM Model M that my family had since new (which has since been lost).
Current boards:
Model M Grey label converted internally to USB from terminal (damaged after a few years of use, I got it free at a shop unaware of what it was)
Model M Blue label ps2 (was planning to return to this, but found it too stiff after using the Das)
Logitech Illuminated (I have 2, one is damaged)
Razer Black Widow Ultimate (bought as an open box, and currently in pieces, used for the Race)
Das with browns, with zinc esc key (from Feng on Ebay).
Current daily use KB:
KBTalking Race S L.E. in white with white LED's and red switches. I added a nice sleeved cable, blue WASD o-rings, and few keys have been swapped with purple side printed PBT keys (also from Feng). Internally, the switch tops have been modded to allow access without removing the LED's, and while the red springs are still in place I replaced the stems with blues locked in a permanent down position, then lubed the stems and springs. I have clear switches on the way, but depending on how they feel, I may stick with the locked blues (I call them "Jailhouse Blues (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38091.0)").
So far I love this keyboard it is certainly my favorite. Future plans call for some sound dampening inside and a heavier, stronger chassis, either aluminum or make one from Plexiglass or a combination of Plexiglass and aluminum. It feels a little too light, which is good for travel, but feels cheap otherwise.
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/kb.jpg)
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Welcome to Geekhack!
That's an interesting mod to the switches. Where did you get the idea from? How does it feel to type?
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I'm interested in how it feels as well. What exactly do you mean permanently down?
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Cool idea... interested to see how you did your mods!
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Sounds like an interesting way to get a good tactile feel with less noise.
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Yeah. Wonder how they did it...
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Here is how I did the switches.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38091.0
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I'm interested to know how you mod the switch tops to allow access without removing the LED's,
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I'm interested to know how you mod the switch tops to allow access without removing the LED's,
Very carefully? ;D
I'm not sure if this is worthy of a separate thread, so I will leave it here.
Many will cringe at the idea, but it works. You stick an Exacto razor blade down in alongside the LED, into the holes, and then slice the top of the switch on each side (see attached image). Make sure it's sharp or it will require a lot of force, and you may want to put something down to protect the circuit board. Then carefully bend the LED over and out of the way. After I got my tops off, I used the razor to clean up the cuts. It did not effect switch stability. Keep in mind that his will not help people with plate mount.
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This also means the switch is deemed as non resell-able. Appreciate for sharing.
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Doesn't matter if a switch top is resellable, they're cheap enough. :)
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I couldn't care less about switch tops as they are universal and easy to get (not to mention I have nearly 4 boards worth of them, soon to be 5), but if I ever were to sell them, I would disclose it.
More importantly though, I'm spending a small fortune building my dream keyboard for me to use, not to sell.
Besides, with what I have invested in this, a set of tops is nothing.