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geekhack Community => geekhack Media => Topic started by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 08:51:47

Title: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 08:51:47
This will be a build log for my keyboard. I had been wanting to do this for months and I can finally start, I have been getting parts for it since October last year. The PCB and Plate are in the mail and should get here today or tomorrow and I will start assembly shortly after.

Keyboard "specs"
-Cherry MX Clears (67g Limited Springs, Lime Green Switch Stickers, Krytox Lubricant, Transparent Switch Tops)
-GMK Classic Beige Doubleshot Keycaps
-FMJ Design #2 Grey
-Sprits "FaceW" 60% PCB (Black)
-5mm Acrylic Plate
-Green LEDs
-Cherry PCB Mount Stabilizers (Clipped and Lubricated)

This will be my first real custom keyboard, and the first keyboard I fully solder. I am soldering the Diodes, Resistors, Switches, and LEDs.

Here are some pictures of the parts going in this keyboard.

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

(http://i.imgur.com/Wkfj2OU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/sPTqc2U.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/h7BMYs8.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/y2h5XM7.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/PPvdZo1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/iYSC36x.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1oV5Eh4.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Signature on Mon, 28 April 2014, 11:58:52
Loving this! Can't wait to get some updates! :) :)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: b7ad on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:00:58
Look forward to updates. Those transparent switch tops look great!
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:02:14
Is that screw there just to hold down the drawer liner or do you just have it threaded in there for safe keeping? Nice pictures too :)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:41:00
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:02:14
Is that screw there just to hold down the drawer liner or do you just have it threaded in there for safe keeping? Nice pictures too :)
What screw?  :confused:

(http://i.imgur.com/wyko8c0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/mA7eMPr.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:44:19
(http://i.imgur.com/OqxwIgu.jpg)

Looks like there's a screw center right in the case holding in the drawer liner? Close to the right edge.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:45:59
Show Image
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:44:19
(http://i.imgur.com/OqxwIgu.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/OqxwIgu.jpg)

Looks like there's a screw center right in the case holding in the drawer liner? Close to the right edge.

Isn't that just the stand-off in the bottom of the case?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Photekq on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:47:39
C'mon CPT, step it up. You should've known that was a standoff for the PCB.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:49:15
Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 28 April 2014, 12:47:39
C'mon CPT, step it up. You should've known that was a standoff.

Which is why I asked if it was a screw or it was just a placeholder for something else. Was kinda hoping to see something different in a case design.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:28:21
Nope they are just standoffs.

Well, it is technically together (no leds or led resistors installed though) I have some problems. Lots of keys aren't registering and I don't know if I messed up some soldering(diodes) or what, so I am just going to wait to see if sprit has any advice. (this could all by my fault, first time putting together a keyboard in this fashion)
(http://i.imgur.com/HLKRkfJ.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/6jj54H7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/j1PSK3u.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:31:43
If you have a multimeter handy, you can check to see if your solder joints are ok by running a continuity check.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:33:25
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:31:43
If you have a multimeter handy, you can check to see if your solder joints are ok by running a continuity check.
I don't. I mean, I am wondering what it could be because it seems so consistent (maybe not the right word) how the whole bottom row isn't working then the little stripe up the side.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:35:35
Maybe you can take a pic to show us the solder joints? That might be a little faster than waiting for sprit's reply?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:37:13
Probably a couple diodes installed backwards, or maybe the firmware isn't programmed correctly?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:38:47
Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:37:13
Probably a couple diodes installed backwards, or maybe the firmware isn't programmed correctly?
I was thinking one of the two, I will flip diodes later today to see.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:39:38
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:35:35
Maybe you can take a pic to show us the solder joints? That might be a little faster than waiting for sprit's reply?
Okay lol

My solder joints are great I think, pics incoming.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:46:09
Working Keys
(http://i.imgur.com/t4kLzG1.jpg)

Non Working Keys (Bottom Row)
(http://i.imgur.com/ngw5kX9.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:47:24
Hm...your joints look ok so I think jdcarpe's got the right idea.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 13:48:31
Well I have got about 20 mins here before I have to go run off and do something, so I will flip a couple diodes and see what happens.

Edit: Flipping them didn't work :(

Maybe I should get some through hole diodes and see if that would work.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Jokrik on Mon, 28 April 2014, 15:05:11
Hope you find the problem soon
You are building a beast as I can see,  well done
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 00:43:02
It has fixed!  Thanks! HPE1000   :thumb:
The PCB I sent to HPE1000 was an early hand soldering sample from a factory.  I did not like it, no more samples with them.
We found a cold soldering issue on the MCU, retouched several pins, fixed it.   
I am doing soldering, checking and inspecting all the PCBs to ship.   ;)


Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 00:55:22
Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:05:28
Quote from: jokrik on Mon, 28 April 2014, 15:05:11
Hope you find the problem soon
You are building a beast as I can see,  well done
Thank you, it is my dream keyboard :)
Quote from: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 00:43:02
It has fixed!  Thanks! HPE1000   :thumb:
The PCB I sent to HPE1000 was an early hand soldering sample from a factory.  I did not like it, no more samples with them.
We found a cold soldering issue on the MCU, retouched several pins, fixed it.   
I am doing soldering, checking and inspecting all the PCBs to ship.   ;)



Correct, everything is working now.
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 00:55:22
Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!
Thank you, I just put on the resistors and I am working on getting all the leds in right now. It is 2 AM currently though lol
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:09:32

Correct, everything is working now.
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 00:55:22
Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!
Thank you, I just put on the resistors and I am working on getting all the leds in right now. It is 2 AM currently though lol
[/quote]

Been there haha. Soldering is the easy part though. De-soldering everything on my race took multiple days while soldering took an afternoon. (also helps that all of the SMD components were already soldered.)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:14:29
True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:16:02
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:14:29
True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.

That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:36:20
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:16:02
That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.
Great Job!!!   :thumb:     Thanks for Your TIP!
No desoldering is same as what I do, when I put LEDs on the pre-soldered (lead covered) pads in PCBs like Pokers.
- place a LED to the position, heat up positive pad, let the positive LED leg pass thru the pad a little bit. (till the shorter leg touch it's pad)
- Heat both pads to let the both Legs pass all thru, and check all.   
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:41:06
Quote from: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:36:20
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:16:02
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:14:29
True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.

That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.
Great Job!!!   :thumb:     Thanks for Your TIP!
No desoldering is exactly what I do, when I put LEDs on the pre-soldered (lead covered) pads in PCBs like Pokers.
- place a LED to the position, heat up positive pad, let the positive LED leg pass thru the pad a little bit. (till the shorter leg touch it's pad)
- Heat both pad to let the both Legs pass all thru,  check it.    That's all.

Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:46:51
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:41:06
Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.
:thumb:    Yes Sir!  My  Maestro!! 
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:48:36
Quote from: sprit on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:46:51
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 01:41:06
Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.
:thumb:    Yes Sir!  My  Maestro!!

I am but a mere peon compared to the likes of you sir, haha.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:07:19
It's done :)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:08:51
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:07:19
It's done :)

YAY!
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:21:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)


Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:41:58
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:21:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)


Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.
Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40
(http://i.imgur.com/5tGz4Df.jpg)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:48:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:41:58
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:21:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)


Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.
Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/5tGz4Df.jpg)


Looks awesome. And I agree, clears are so spectacularly silent. I've actually been rotating my race 2 in with my alu skin for after the fiancee goes to bed since I finished it because it feels amazing and is almost quieter than my vintage blacks.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Lain1911 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:50:47
yummy sour apple.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: n0rvig on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:52:14
That's such a beauty! Great job HPE1000. I love the green LEDs & stickers.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 08:11:33
 :-*

(http://i.imgur.com/jBjkXea.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Yud9ihy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xRYem5g.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UB5ygIy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zJuzMaw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jfudS1J.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EBrdFDf.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/AJ2aIZ2.jpg)

Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: n2k on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:26:58
So so sexy :eek:

Good work!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Photekq on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:27:41
Slick as hell. Nice one :thumb:
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:30:39
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:41:58
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:21:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)


Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.
Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/5tGz4Df.jpg)


I'd love to see that wich dolch on it :D
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: pmh1410 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:52:42
Hi HPE, I'm curiour about keymap with FaceU PCB. Can you guide me and everybody to keymap this PCB? Thanks in advance ;)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:05:32
Quote from: pmh1410 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:52:42
Hi HPE, I'm curiour about keymap with FaceU PCB. Can you guide me and everybody to keymap this PCB? Thanks in advance ;)
I think I will try it soon, I have flashed the firmware already and that was super easy.

Here is a little guide sprit made for it, seems simple enough. He did say he would be working on a more in depth guide soon though.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50580.msg1256970#msg1256970

Quote from: Photekq on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:27:41
Slick as hell. Nice one :thumb:
Thanks, I am so happy to have it done.
Quote from: n2k on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:26:58
So so sexy :eek:

Good work!  :thumb:
:)
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:30:39
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:41:58
Quote from: exitfire401 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:21:47
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 02:17:42
I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  :))

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PmUi1re.jpg)


Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.
Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/5tGz4Df.jpg)


I'd love to see that wich dolch on it :D
I would too, hopefully dolch will available soon from ivan.
Title: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: CK Briefs on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:12:25
Awesome custom, HPE!

I think I'm more obsessed with the quality of the PCB than the board itself hurhur
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:21:51
Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears

It's so nice to listen to.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: pichu23 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:22:19
Looks great ! I really can't wait to receive mine.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Jokrik on Thu, 01 May 2014, 01:44:47
Well done!
That looks amazing,  I know how you went through all the troubles to collect all the parts.  And to see it assembled, I can't even imagine your satisfaction

Thumbs up
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: sprit on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:11:13
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:21:51
Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.     -  No Mod?
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430 (https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430)

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.   - Lubed?
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears (https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears)

It's so nice to listen to.

What makes the difference?  I am interested  ;)
If You have chance, Would You please put the Face +Clear SW +5mm Acrylic Plate combo to the Poker2 case, and compare both, vice versa?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:16:07
Quote from: sprit on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:11:13
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:21:51
Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430 (https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430)

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears (https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears)

It's so nice to listen to.


What makes the difference?  I am interested  ;)
If You have chance, Would You please put the Face +Clear SW +5mm Acrylic Plate combo to the Poker2 case, and compare both, vice versa?
I will do that tomorrow, as I am now interested to find out.

I have a feeling it is a combination of everything, the thick metal case, shelf liner, acrylic plate, and non clicky switches that make this keyboard so quiet.  ;)

Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:20:27
Great job on the assembly, hopefully mine goes well... when I eventually get it.

One question. Is there a feature to have the caps lock LED to turn on/off or change colour to show if you have caps lock on/off?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Dubsgalore on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:23:13
Nice HPE, I've been waiting to make a thread like this for my GH60 Build since March of 2013. still waiting to make it!
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:54:17
Quote from: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:20:27
Great job on the assembly, hopefully mine goes well... when I eventually get it.

One question. Is there a feature to have the caps lock LED to turn on/off or change colour to show if you have caps lock on/off?
Caps lock led stays off when the leds are turned on, and then turns on once you turn on caps lock. How exactly would it change colors?
Quote from: Dubsgalore on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:23:13
Nice HPE, I've been waiting to make a thread like this for my GH60 Build since March of 2013. still waiting to make it!
Good luck, hopefully that can take place soon  :)
Quote from: jokrik on Thu, 01 May 2014, 01:44:47
Well done!
That looks amazing,  I know how you went through all the troubles to collect all the parts.  And to see it assembled, I can't even imagine your satisfaction

Thumbs up
Thank you, it was a relief to get it put together. I have been collecting parts practically since I first joined geekhack :D
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 23:16:53
Quote from: HPE1000 on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:54:17
Quote from: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:20:27
Great job on the assembly, hopefully mine goes well... when I eventually get it.

One question. Is there a feature to have the caps lock LED to turn on/off or change colour to show if you have caps lock on/off?
Caps lock led stays off when the leds are turned on, and then turns on once you turn on caps lock. How exactly would it change colors?
Sprit is selling multi-colour LEDs with everything else, and he mentioned that they would automatically cycle colours over time. So I thought maybe you can have it be red when it's off and green when it's on, or something similar.

Good to know that the LED turns on and off to indicate caps lock though. I was kind of having second thoughts on installing them.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 02 May 2014, 01:10:48
Ohh man, you've gotta get a Toxic set on that thing :)
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Fri, 02 May 2014, 07:27:51
Quote from: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 23:16:53
Quote from: HPE1000 on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:54:17
Quote from: Melanic on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:20:27
Great job on the assembly, hopefully mine goes well... when I eventually get it.

One question. Is there a feature to have the caps lock LED to turn on/off or change colour to show if you have caps lock on/off?
Caps lock led stays off when the leds are turned on, and then turns on once you turn on caps lock. How exactly would it change colors?
Sprit is selling multi-colour LEDs with everything else, and he mentioned that they would automatically cycle colours over time. So I thought maybe you can have it be red when it's off and green when it's on, or something similar.

Good to know that the LED turns on and off to indicate caps lock though. I was kind of having second thoughts on installing them.
That wouldn't really be possible unless you had controllable RGB leds, something like the ones that are going to be on corsairs keyboard if they ever come out with it. Sprits leds just cycle between the colors with no control over it.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 02 May 2014, 09:26:30
Quote from: HPE1000 on Thu, 01 May 2014, 22:54:17
Caps lock led stays off when the leds are turned on, and then turns on once you turn on caps lock.

Thanks for confirming this, I was wondering about this too.

Nice build HPE1000! :thumb: Sadly, my build has stalled waiting for the switches. :(

Anyway, this got me thinking of testing the PCB to verify that I soldered the diodes properly; luckily they all work.  Next, LEDs.  How do you turn the backlight on?
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: HPE1000 on Fri, 02 May 2014, 09:43:29
Backlight is caps lock + fn key.

Can't wait to see your build done Infiniti  :thumb:
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 02 May 2014, 10:08:12
Quote from: HPE1000 on Fri, 02 May 2014, 09:43:29
Backlight is caps lock + fn key.

Can't wait to see your build done Infiniti  :thumb:

Thanks!  I'll test things out with a multimeter.

Ooooh...the pressure is on not to disappoint  :))
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: combataran on Sat, 10 May 2014, 10:26:32
Quote from: HPE1000 on Wed, 30 April 2014, 12:21:51
Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears

It's so nice to listen to.

The sound...the sound is just right. Great job! How does the acrylic plate fare? Is it stable enough? And how much did this cost you? A price breakdown/planning sheet would be great.
Title: Re: Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)
Post by: Karura on Mon, 10 November 2014, 03:46:36
Hi HPE, got some questions for ya.

What LEDs are those? If they're  2x3x4, have you encountered any clearance issues with them?

Also, do the stickers get in the way of the LEDs? Do you think they help, or are they not actually that useful?

Thanks :)