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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: randrews on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:01:52

Title: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:01:52
I'm putting together a KMAC 2. I have almost all the parts, I'll be ready to do the assembly this weekend. I just have one problem though:

I'm going to use a custom keycap set from WASD. But the spacebar doesn't fit. Their spacebars are 6.25x, I only see a way to use a 7x one with the KMAC. So, I have a couple options:

- I got a 7x spacebar from Originative, which is the perfect size and a slightly mismatched color. I'll use it but it'll be annoying.

- I saw somewhere here in another thread someone saying that it would work with a 6.25x spacebar depending on how you laid out the bottom row. I can't figure out how to do that though; it looks like the stabilizer holes won't line up.

I already know I'm going to need to get a couple more single keycaps for the bottom row modifiers (the ones that the WASD set comes with assume you have a windows key), so if there's actually a layout that works with a 6.25x spacebar I can order the right size keys for that too. Any help?
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:03:41
There are a few versions of the KMAC. With the version you have you can't use a 6.25x spacebar or 1.25x modifiers. You will need to use 1.5x modifiers and a 7x spacebar unfortunately.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: codyeatworld on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:13:50
WASD keys are nice, but they are mehh.
And unfortunately I don't think they have 1.5 row 1 keys available for purchase.

I would buy a nicer set with a "Tsangan" addon kit, which includes the 1.5 mods you need, along with the spacebar.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:16:17
You might put up a WTB thread in the classifieds section for a 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06

(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37900127.jpg)
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: okooko on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:33:15
Quote from: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06
Bought KMAC2... doesn't know about tsangan kits.

wow

If that was a meme...omg.

[edit...OMG] /end thread. WE have a winner....

Yo Metalliqaz, you know the various blockers right? changing them would work for the 'ctrl's and 'alt's but the bigger blockers would mean that the atl/ctrl are smaller but wouldnt that make a gap between the space and alt's on both sides?

Using 1x with 1.5mods, cant see how the other blockers would work...
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: codyeatworld on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:42:39
Quote from: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06
Bought KMAC2... doesn't know about tsangan kits.

wow

This was my first thought.... along with.... KMAC with WASD keys... smh...

EDIT: hahaha metalliqaz!!
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: okooko on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:46:32
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/okooko_PB/IMAG0086_zps05589037.jpg)

for reference

 |  1.5  | X |  1.5  |              7               |  1.5  | X |  1.5  |
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:59:16
Tsangan kit: thought about that. 1.75x modifiers fit fine actually, but replacing all the modifiers with an adapter kit has the same problem; the colors won't match the rest of the keys.

Oh well, if one key has to be a different color you could do worse than it being the spacebar.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: MJ45 on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:06:03
Seriously?? WASD keys on a KMAC that's not right! 
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: YongJK on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:06:49
Quote from: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06

Show Image
(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37900127.jpg)

LOL
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:24:53
The one you bought on Originative only comes with a PCB and plate that supports the 7x spacebar, so you won't be able to fit a 6.25x spacebar and stabilizer on there. WASD bottom row modifiers wont' fit. The PCB I have is the opposite, where it uses 1.25x modifiers and 6.25x spacebar.

I might be able to trade my PCB with yours if you can't find a solution.



Quote from: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06

Show Image
(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37900127.jpg)


Well to be fair, OP is kinda new, he just wanted a cool keyboard. Knowing what a tsangan kit is, is not second nature.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: okooko on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:28:13
Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:24:53
The one you bought on Originative only comes with a PCB and plate that supports the 7x spacebar, so you won't be able to fit a 6.25x spacebar and stabilizer on there. WASD bottom row modifiers wont' fit. The PCB I have is the opposite, where it uses 1.25x modifiers and 6.25x spacebar.

I might be able to trade my PCB with yours if you can't find a solution.



Quote from: metalliqaz on Thu, 16 May 2013, 22:28:06

Show Image
(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37900127.jpg)


Well to be fair, OP is kinda new, he just wanted a cool keyboard. Knowing what a tsangan kit is, is not second nature.

this reminds me of the matrix where Neo had to jump build gap lol...
everyone fails the first time haha.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 09:24:02
I chose a WASD set because the layout is more important to me than the kind of plastic, and I don't think there's a pre-made Dvorak set anywhere. If I'm wrong, please, post a link. Keycaps are easy to replace. :)
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 17 May 2013, 09:34:27

Quote from: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 09:24:02
I chose a WASD set because the layout is more important to me than the kind of plastic, and I don't think there's a pre-made Dvorak set anywhere. If I'm wrong, please, post a link. Keycaps are easy to replace. :)

Yeah, ignore them... They're just giving you a hard time. :-) Keycaps are easy to replace... You have an awesome board.

For Dvorak- there was a big group buy that's shipping just now (after ~2 years wait!) that had Dvorak options. You could try posting in classifieds and perhaps someone changed their mind after the long wait. Otherwise, be on the lookout for DSA profile keycaps. There was a recent group buy that's shipping now too, but rumors are there will be more. DSA profiles don't vary from row to row so you can arrange however you wish. It might take a bit to get used to typing on them, but they're not bad!

Either way, figure something out with WASDs and whatever else for now... then plan for the future.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:17:55
Wow, that would be perfect. Any idea where I can get a set other than a group buy?
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: domoaligato on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:30:17
Quote from: aggiejy on Fri, 17 May 2013, 09:34:27
You could try posting in classifieds and perhaps someone changed their mind after the long wait.

Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:37:50
No I can't. Fewer than 60 posts.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: codyeatworld on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:39:57
Quote from: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:37:50
No I can't. Fewer than 60 posts.

You'll need to contribute before you can post there, you can keep an eye out while your getting your post count up.

If you like the RGB sets, you can pick one of those up along with a spacebar and that will get you by til you can find DSA or Dvorak.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: Photekq on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:41:33
Quote from: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:37:50
No I can't. Fewer than 60 posts.
60 posts ain't much and you should be able to get them fairly fast. Just remember that a post in the off topic section doesn't add to your post count. Also, if someone puts one up for sale in the classified section you can still contact them without 60 posts.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:52:22
Honestly, after the first few posts in this thread, I think I'm not going to stay on this forum much longer. Thanks for the information about the DSA profile though, that's good to know.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: domoaligato on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:59:49
Quote from: randrews on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:52:22
Honestly, after the first few posts in this thread, I think I'm not going to stay on this forum much longer. Thanks for the information about the DSA profile though, that's good to know.

I am sorry to hear this. you can get more information about adapter kits here .... http://deskthority.net/wiki/Adapter_kit
deskthority.net also has a classifieds section that may help you as well.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:11:49
What color caps do you have right now? 

As far as new sets... I think I read that techkeys.us will be stocking some leftovers of the DSA set.  You might want to signup for the newsletter and keep an eye out.  That's probably your best bet for leftovers.  Else, watch the classifieds for people selling their DSA set.  (Much better chance of that than a Round 4 group buy Dvorak set.)  Remember, you can post in classifieds, you just can't post a new "want to buy" topic yet.

I hope you stick around!  I apologize on behalf of the numbskulls that memed you... they're just jelly of your KMAC.  :p
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: domoaligato on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:18:12
http://www.techkeys.us/custom-keys.php

WYSE Addon (Tsangan Kit) - $20
Double Shot ABS Key will fit any Cherry MX keyboard.  Modifiers are 1.5 and Caps Lock is Off Center.

anyone know what size the spacebar is in that pic?

i3oilermaker is the main man for techkeys.us
http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=16742
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: domoaligato on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:19:36
this one might help also... edit comes with winkeys
http://keypop.bigcartel.com/product/coffee-set-tsangan-kit-winkeyless

it would look sweet with the full coffee set
http://keypop.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-coffee-set
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:31:44
Quote from: aggiejy on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:11:49
I apologize on behalf of the numbskulls that memed you... they're just jelly of your KMAC.  :p

Oh please, welcome to the Internet.  We can have a little fun
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:39:29
I know you didn't mean anything mean. :)

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: mkawa on Fri, 17 May 2013, 11:50:58
this is a community that welcomes and helps new members. don't a ****, please.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: elttaboi on Fri, 17 May 2013, 16:25:14
Wasd has the upper hand in customization though. Hope they would sell pbt caps though.
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 17 May 2013, 17:02:55
They're laser etched (as they would have to be), which is the main downside IMHO
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 17 May 2013, 17:39:14
They should laser etch PBT!
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: elttaboi on Fri, 17 May 2013, 20:36:26
Is that doable? What about embossed lettering? That would be cool
Title: Re: KMAC 2 bottom row
Post by: bazemk1979 on Fri, 17 May 2013, 20:38:49
https://www.originativeco.com/pbt-dye-sublimation-rgb-and-red-esc