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geekhack Marketplace => Classifieds => Topic started by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 08:47:16

Title: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 08:47:16: I'm interested in trying the ultra-light switch mod on a Cherry G81 keyboard. I got one, but ripped out all the switch internals to use for a Retr0brite solution tank setup.

Anyone have one in decent condition for sale, preferably without the card swipe thingy? I'm looking for a keyboard I'd be happy with long-term, not something that looks like a gas station discard. I was going to order another one from eBay, but it looks like a), all the inexpensive ones for sale have the card swipe feature; and b), none have double-shot keycaps (not required, but nice to have).

I figured I'd run this by the GH community before I gamble on another eBay keyboard. :D Anyone?
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:07:50: I have one. I'm keeping the case, if you want the internals.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:09:21: Quote from: esoomenona on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:07:50
I have one. I'm keeping the case, if you want the internals.

Same here. :)
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:12:28: PM incoming.
Title: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:14:18: I have one in a brand new case, sadly shipping from Canada would probably be more than its worth.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: inlikeflynn on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:33:16: The_Ed already has a g81-8000 with that mod in place that he'd gladly sell you

Or sorry moose, but you can have a g81-1800 (internals) or g81-8000 (internals+case) for free and I'll just ship it with your 1800 plates. might increase your shipping there a couple dollars of course
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:56:10: Quote from: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:14:18
I have one in a brand new case, sadly shipping from Canada would probably be more than its worth.

If I was still in Seattle, you could have shipped it to Vancouver, any excuse to drive up to the city on the bay! ;D

Now that I'm in Virginia, Canada is quite a ways away... Cross-border shipping is still exorbitant, eh? I sent a package of books to Australia, cost was 59.95 USD for shipping, crazy prices.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:58:26: Quote from: inlikeflynn on Wed, 24 April 2013, 09:33:16
The_Ed already has a g81-8000 with that mod in place that he'd gladly sell you

Or sorry moose, but you can have a g81-1800 (internals) or g81-8000 (internals+case) for free and I'll just ship it with your 1800 plates. might increase your shipping there a couple dollars of course

That might be my best option. I'd still prefer a complete keyboard, as the case I have is the one with the credit card slot, but free is a very good price. ;D

I'll see if anyone has a complete board, and let you know before the 1800 plate GB wraps up. Thanks!
Title: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:09:35: Yea shipping is not cheap, especially a heavy plate mounted MY board! Wouldn't doubt $30 without any tracking or insurance.
I sent a package to the states with tracking, less than a pound, probably 6x6x2 inches, was $16.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:17:48: Thanks inlikeflynn! It took me a few hours after I figured out HOW to do it without removing the switches from the plate. I can sell it with either PS/2 or USB (with 2 extra USB ports on the back). It has a set of black lasered POM. Everything is brand new on/in it.

This is the PS/2 configuration.

(http://i.imgur.com/IpXuJ.jpg)

Macro programmable with the software. The springs are included as well.

(http://i.imgur.com/DOuh9.jpg)
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:21:45: Quote from: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:17:48
Thanks inlikeflynn! It took me a few hours after I figured out HOW to do it without removing the switches from the plate. I can sell it with either PS/2 or USB (with 2 extra USB ports on the back). It has a set of black lasered POM. Everything is brand new on/in it.

This is the PS/2 configuration.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/IpXuJ.jpg)

Macro programmable with the software. The springs are included as well.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DOuh9.jpg)

That's a clean-looking unit! How much are you asking for these?

I can use either USB or PS2 connectors (one of the benefits of a docking station for the laptop...), if they're the same price I'd probably prefer the USB.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:27:51: Oh, wait. You're looking for a 3000? Where did I get 1800?
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:22: I believe I asked for $80 last year with no takers... (I still technically want that, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll get it...) Everything is brand new, and of course I had to spend a few hours to mod it. What do YOU think it's worth? (Before shipping/paypal, that will be worked out later)

EDIT: You will get a fresh crisp cherry box as well to store it or another board.
Title: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:58: Wait! I just thinking...maybe I should try this mod on mine. Can someone show me a link to it?
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: inlikeflynn on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:30:34: FYI Ed is in MN like me, so could still do the combined board+plates later in May shipment with his board. Featherweight is how i'd describe those MY switches after the mod. like lighter than Red's
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:32:51: Quote from: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:58
Wait! I just thinking...maybe I should try this mod on mine. Can someone show me a link to it?

There is the method on GH that the pics are probably long gone for, and then there is my method. I'm not gonna spend 20 minutes to write that half page though...

EDIT: I also don't remember the link to the mod. Look in the archives, it may be there.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:38:05: Quote from: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:58
Wait! I just thinking...maybe I should try this mod on mine. Can someone show me a link to it?

I'm sure there is a better write-up somewhere, but I just removed the springs from the top of each switch (the coil springs) using a couple of tiny flat screwdrivers. This leaves the leaf springs in place. Should be pictures at the link below...

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42211.0

Took about 30 minutes to do all the coil springs, but then I completely disassembled/reassembled the keyboard to make a MX stem holding plate, that took a bit longer.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:41:34: Quote from: Greystoke on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:38:05
Quote from: Halverson on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:58
Wait! I just thinking...maybe I should try this mod on mine. Can someone show me a link to it?

I'm sure there is a better write-up somewhere, but I just removed the springs from the top of each switch (the coil springs) using a couple of tiny flat screwdrivers. This leaves the leaf springs in place. Should be pictures at the link below...

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42211.0

Took about 30 minutes to do all the coil springs, but then I completely disassembled/reassembled the keyboard to make a MX stem holding plate, that took a bit longer.

Beauty! Thank you!
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:43:05: My MY switches wouldn't come apart that easily... I had to use a jewelers screwdriver and a pliers with a specific method...
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:43:49: Quote from: esoomenona on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:27:51
Oh, wait. You're looking for a 3000? Where did I get 1800?

If I was to spec my ideal MY-switch board, it'd be one of the Industrial 1800 Series keyboards pictured below, with double-shot keys...

[attachimg=1]
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/Industrial/1800/

But as this is just a side project (are there any other kind?), I'm open to any/all options.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:47:40: Quote from: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:43:05
My MY switches wouldn't come apart that easily... I had to use a jewelers screwdriver and a pliers with a specific method...

From my reading up on MY switches on Deskthority and other random links, it looks like there are several varieties of MY switches. I may have lucked out with a version that's easier to mod.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:50:53: I believe there are 4? distinct visual variations.

So are you interested in my board? What is it worth to YOU.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:55:01: Quote from: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 10:29:22
I believe I asked for $80 last year with no takers... (I still technically want that, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll get it...) Everything is brand new, and of course I had to spend a few hours to mod it. What do YOU think it's worth? (Before shipping/paypal, that will be worked out later)

EDIT: You will get a fresh crisp cherry box as well to store it or another board.

$80+shipping is above my personal budget for this experiment, but the option of macro programming is interesting too, I haven't done any macro programming apart from the CM Storm utility. Let me think about it, if I want to pursue this option I'll make an offer via PM by Friday. Sound fair?

Realistically, this is just to scratch the itch of trying another switch type, I could very well find myself hating it after 10 minutes. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: The_Ed on Wed, 24 April 2013, 11:01:59: That software CD is for the PS/2 PCB, so I don't know if it'll work with the USB PCB. All the rest of the CDs (that haven't been thrown away yet) are in a giant pile. I think there should be a few in there that work with the USB models.

EDIT: You only need the software for macros and the cardreader.
Title: Re: [WTB] Cherry G81 (MY switches) keyboard
Post by: czarek on Wed, 24 April 2013, 15:20:47: I've got G81-3000 brand new in a box, UK ISO layout. White, PS/2. All PBT lasered keycaps. PM me if you're interested.