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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: figit090 on Tue, 05 February 2013, 18:08:39

Title: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: figit090 on Tue, 05 February 2013, 18:08:39

Hello all!  Just bought an Everex Enhanced Keyboard, made by NMB with space invader keyswitches.

The board is rather dirty and I wanted some tips on cleaning it before I start so I don't damage the switches.  Looks pretty easy to understand but thought I'd ask all the same.

Also, is there a good way to make these switches smoother?  I can understand why they aren't terribly popular, they feel rough when pressed softly before actuation, almost gritty.  This seems like a well used board so breaking in doesn't look to be an issue.  How do these compare to other switches?  my only other mechanical boards are a datadesk trackboard with creamy simple ALPS (super clicky, I don't care for them), and my Kinesis with cherry browns.  these space invader switches feel nice but i'm not sure I'd like to type on them for extended periods...

I'm planning to paint this board black, and probably sell it because right after I won this auction, I won another auction and got a kinesis classic which should be much better for my fingers and wrists. 

Here's the ebay image, CHECK OUT THE ORANGING!  I'd say yellowing but believe me, it's past that.  lol...

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Everex-keyboard-vintage-retro-clicky-118235-001-hxc-25020224-06729042-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$T2eC16hHJHIE9nysfrD9BQ+E7jEHh!~~60_57.JPG)

Title: Re: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: 1839cc on Tue, 05 February 2013, 19:01:06

Wow. Might as well paint it yellow instead of black. Good find.

Title: Re: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: DamienG on Tue, 05 February 2013, 21:14:31

Retr0brite to the rescue!

Title: Re: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: figit090 on Mon, 11 February 2013, 16:44:08

Haha, any word on the reputation of the switches?  only damage I see is one missing screw on the key plate (it's STEEL!  surprised me a bit but it is heavy) and a bit of damage to a key support but not detrimental to function.

I would like to lubricate this board but not sure if it would help or be worth it.

Otherwise I think I'll sell it if I take to liking my kinesis advantage. 

Title: Re: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: Grimey on Mon, 11 February 2013, 21:11:07

Like the color, thanks for sharing.

I too have wanted to try an NMB board with Space Invaders, I just have yet to find one with a sane layout to satisfy me.

Title: Re: Cleaning a space-invader keyboard, and general questions about improvement
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 11 February 2013, 21:22:05

Got two of those NMB's bought them NIB

Same layout as above.