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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: lucas on Wed, 13 January 2010, 02:03:58

Title: storage
Post by: lucas on Wed, 13 January 2010, 02:03:58
is it bad to store a keyboard with the keys compressed?

i'd imagine that storing a keyboard with buckling springs compressed for a month would be ok, but storing it compressed for a decade would not be good.

what do you think?

what about cherry switches? do you think that keeping them compressed for a while will wear them out?
Title: storage
Post by: Mental Hobbit on Wed, 13 January 2010, 06:44:01
I think being stored with keys compressed will wear out any switch. Most likely you won't feel a difference after a month, but still... I just wouldn't do it. Why would you want to anyway? Just to save 4 mm height?
Title: storage
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 13 January 2010, 06:57:42
Definitely. Those switches rely on the fact that when depressed, the springs exist in a highly tensed state and want to push themselves back into an ordinary position. If you keep the springs in that state for too long, the stress on the metal will slowly cause them to lose that tension. Given enough time, it would probably kill the switch.

Oh, and Model Ms don't like to be shrink wrapped. Can't remember why though, but it screws with them big time.
Title: storage
Post by: lucas on Wed, 13 January 2010, 13:18:46
i'm shopping for a case for my 87-key filco. these (http://www.sfbags.com/products/keyboardcases/keyboard.htm) are amazing sleeve cases (i've owned several for thinkpad laptops). i'm simply afraid that, depending on the fit, the sleeve may compress the keys somewhat.
Title: storage
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 13 January 2010, 13:24:34
Put the plastic cover over it. Cut out a slot at the back so that it fits around the cable.
Title: storage
Post by: lucas on Wed, 13 January 2010, 13:38:22
but i want that sexy sexy neoprene all up on those keys! :)

i'm afraid that the plastic cover will scuff the keyboard over time and travel.
Title: storage
Post by: lucas on Wed, 13 January 2010, 19:09:22
that foam will probably compress the springs, too, though. :(
Title: storage
Post by: Hofy on Wed, 13 January 2010, 19:41:23
dice cut pluck and pull foam.  I use a Penguin 1080 to transport my Dell Mini9 netbook.  Awsome case and worth every penny ofthe $70 I paid for it.
Title: storage
Post by: didjamatic on Wed, 13 January 2010, 20:31:32
Penguin or Pelican?
Title: storage
Post by: AndrewZorn on Wed, 13 January 2010, 20:35:12
hey, a pelican case is a good idea for my HHKB...
like a tiny gun case
Title: storage
Post by: spolia optima on Wed, 13 January 2010, 20:36:00
fly, pelican, fly!