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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: See Spot Solder on Wed, 02 March 2016, 01:30:43
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Hey everyone! I'm pretty new to mechanical keyboards, but I'm ready to dive in with reckless vigor! I got my first mech a few months ago, a Rosewill Apollo (Kinda regretting buying this), and I'm very excited to start experimenting with other switches and boards!
My current project is to try and turn a Compaq MX 11800 I got my hands on into a tenkeyless. I have no idea how to do this but I intend to do my homework and stumble my way through it! Being in university, I have access to a 3D printer for practically free so I'll also be trying to scrounge up parts for a 60% keyboard so I can print myself a case.
I look forward to getting to know you all!
Also, here is a picture of the keyboard I intend to break modify!
(http://i.imgur.com/DITfmv0.jpg)
*Edit: Big thanks to MassDrop for the green caps! Got them in a raffle at the keyboard meetup that MassDrop just hosted in San Francisco! Unfortunately, only some of the keycaps for the modifier keys fit this board.
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Sounds interesting :) you going for the standard TKL layout or some kinda 1800 looking one with those arrows?
You should check out sth's blog too.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74337.0
I just did :)
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Sounds interesting :) you going for the standard TKL layout or some kinda 1800 looking one with those arrows?
You should check out sth's blog too.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74337.0
I just did :)
1800 is pretty close to what I am shooting for! If possible, I would like to cut off the F keys on top as well, but I think that would cause too many complications for my current skills. As of right now, I plan to cut just along the right side of the arrows, then cut in about a keycaps length after I pass the arrows and go straight to the top. After that, use the piece of case I cut off and glue it back on to the right side so I can still use the intact corners. Behold! My amazing paint skills.
*Edit: I should mention that I found the idea here!
https://deskthority.net/f-o-r-s-a-l-e-f58/spacesaver-mod-compaq-cherry-mx-11800-to-tenkeyless-85k-t2649.html (https://deskthority.net/f-o-r-s-a-l-e-f58/spacesaver-mod-compaq-cherry-mx-11800-to-tenkeyless-85k-t2649.html)
(http://i.imgur.com/xa9yrM3.jpg)
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:eek: but it is such a beautiful keyboard. Welcome, GL with your project, I hope to see your build log :thumb:
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:eek: but it is such a beautiful keyboard. Welcome, GL with your project, I hope to see your build log :thumb:
I do like the board, but I never use the trackball and wanted something smaller. And it's a fun project to work on! Though it will probably look more ugly once I'm done with it...
I'll for sure post a build log!
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Looks like Tai Hao ABS doubleshots you hae - they provide only standard ANSI layout keycaps, so it's not surprising that some of the modifiers won't fit.
I was going to say, about your project, that the PCB might be the limiting factor. Some PCBs don't respond very well to having a chunk cut off one end, but as it looks like it is quite possible to do, then I will just wish you good luck :)
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Looks like Tai Hao ABS doubleshots you hae - they provide only standard ANSI layout keycaps, so it's not surprising that some of the modifiers won't fit.
I was going to say, about your project, that the PCB might be the limiting factor. Some PCBs don't respond very well to having a chunk cut off one end, but as it looks like it is quite possible to do, then I will just wish you good luck :)
Thanks for the welcome!
Yeah, the PCB is going to be the tough part! I've seen other mods where they cut off the mouse/num pad and it works with only a couple redirects. I'm thinking about cutting the F keys off as well though, which would cut off the controller, so I will probably have to get my own controller and do a LOT of wiring from the PCB circuits to the controller. Not sure if that would even work, but I'll give it a shot!
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Looks like Tai Hao ABS doubleshots you hae - they provide only standard ANSI layout keycaps, so it's not surprising that some of the modifiers won't fit.
I was going to say, about your project, that the PCB might be the limiting factor. Some PCBs don't respond very well to having a chunk cut off one end, but as it looks like it is quite possible to do, then I will just wish you good luck :)
Thanks for the welcome!
Yeah, the PCB is going to be the tough part! I've seen other mods where they cut off the mouse/num pad and it works with only a couple redirects. I'm thinking about cutting the F keys off as well though, which would cut off the controller, so I will probably have to get my own controller and do a LOT of wiring from the PCB circuits to the controller. Not sure if that would even work, but I'll give it a shot!
It is possible to hard-wire the switches. I've seen it done a few times, but not very often as it is a very painstaking slow process. Then you'd only need the plate to support the switches, and get rid of the PCB completely.