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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Rychubil on Sat, 12 November 2016, 13:38:17

Title: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sat, 12 November 2016, 13:38:17
Hello!

I'm looking for a 40% mechanical keyboard on blue switches, like: Minivan, Vibex JD40 or similar. Anyone to know where can I to purchase it?

Regards
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: apstra on Sat, 12 November 2016, 14:13:46
Have you tried /r/mechmarket?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: ctm on Sat, 12 November 2016, 14:22:08
Both 1UpKeyboard and TechKeys have JD40 for sale. 1Up also has kit.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sat, 12 November 2016, 15:49:26
Techkeys already has only one part for JD40 but 1Up has a kit.
Maybe the questions be a bit stupid but I am a begginer in this subject.
Does the kit will arrive in parts and it will need to submit by yourself?
How about choosing switches and other options like for example backlit leds?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: ctm on Sat, 12 November 2016, 16:53:23
Techkeys already has only one part for JD40 but 1Up has a kit.
Maybe the questions be a bit stupid but I am a begginer in this subject.
Does the kit will arrive in parts and it will need to submit by yourself?
How about choosing switches and other options like for example backlit leds?
The kit comes in parts so you need to assemble them yourself. The JD40 kit from 1Up contains PCB, top and bottom plate. You still need switches and keycaps (and LEDs if you want them) to finish your build. If you prefer a pre-assembled board, you take look at JD45 and I think mechanicalkeyboards.com still have some stock. Or you can search around GH classifieds.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sat, 12 November 2016, 17:39:52
The kit comes in parts so you need to assemble them yourself. The JD40 kit from 1Up contains PCB, top and bottom plate. You still need switches and keycaps (and LEDs if you want them) to finish your build.

I would prefer JD40. Does it a difficult to assemble for someone who never make it?

You still need switches and keycaps (and LEDs if you want them) to finish your build.

Where can I to purchase switches, keycaps and LEDs?

P.S. Could you tell me something about Planck keyboard? What is the idea of this keyboard layout?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: ctm on Sat, 12 November 2016, 20:29:10
I would prefer JD40. Does it a difficult to assemble for someone who never make it?

Putting things together is easy. The harder part is soldering. Personally I think soldering is not hard to learn.

Where can I to purchase switches, keycaps and LEDs?

P.S. Could you tell me something about Planck keyboard? What is the idea of this keyboard layout?
I am not familiar with dealer in UK. I think you can get them from keyboardco.com. There are also plenty on eBay.

I have heard of Planck but I know little but the advantage/disadvantage of ortholinear keyboard.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: menuhin on Sun, 13 November 2016, 05:09:53
I'm looking for a dealer for either JD45 or a Planck in EU forever.
Some offers pop up here and there in Marketplaces, but not exactly what I want so far.

By the way, why 40%?
Have you used some 60% before?
Personally I think 40% is quite similar to the cellphone keypad with layers.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sun, 13 November 2016, 08:52:24
By the way, why 40%?
Have you used some 60% before?
I want to have really small, portable mechanical keyboard for a small desktop. Second reason is - I like small and smart devices ;)
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: dilbertprogrammer on Wed, 16 November 2016, 17:02:56
If you are hunting a new, assembled 40% with Blue switches, you have several JD45 options here (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=JD45&brand=&switch=3&size=Other&led=&capmat=&capprint=&model=&availability=in_stock&show_kb=off&show_kb=on&show_acc=off&show_acc=on).
I can personally recommend the Minorca and Sebright keyboards from Panc Interactive.  The Minorca kit (assembly required) will be restocked soon at Switchtop (https://geekhack.org/www.switchtop.co/product/40-percent-keyboard-kits).  You can find these on Mech Market on ocassion.  Here is a Sebright that listed for sale yesterday (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/5d1gt9/uscahsebright_pok3r_clears_wrist_rests_industrial/).
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 16 November 2016, 17:29:00
If you are hunting a new, assembled 40% with Blue switches, you have several JD45 options here (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=JD45&brand=&switch=3&size=Other&led=&capmat=&capprint=&model=&availability=in_stock&show_kb=off&show_kb=on&show_acc=off&show_acc=on).
I can personally recommend the Minorca and Sebright keyboards from Panc Interactive.  The Minorca kit (assembly required) will be restocked soon at Switchtop (https://geekhack.org/www.switchtop.co/product/40-percent-keyboard-kits).  You can find these on Mech Market on ocassion.  Here is a Sebright that listed for sale yesterday (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/5d1gt9/uscahsebright_pok3r_clears_wrist_rests_industrial/).

Really need someone to tell me why a JD45 kit can cost twice as much as a Planck kit that has basically everything?
I have been thinking about getting the JD45 across the Atlantics for ages, but ended up spending the money on an HHKB first - and I immediately own a piece of working classic modern keyboard history completed with high quality PBT caps.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Wed, 16 November 2016, 17:41:51
I know about JD45 but I like more JD40 which is easier to build than Panc, I think (it looks like).
Already I found all parts, I need to find only nice keycaps like DSA Dolch but they are unavailable.
What is better in Planck keyboard than JD's?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 16 November 2016, 18:30:31
I know about JD45 but I like more JD40 which is easier to build than Panc, I think (it looks like).
Already I found all parts, I need to find only nice keycaps like DSA Dolch but they are unavailable.
What is better in Planck keyboard than JD's?

I can't tell my experience on either of the Planck or the JD45 as I don't have them, but as a matter of fact Planck as an ortholinear board will bring a new experience.
And for the Planck, I recently came across a video like this:
Pretty cool to use Planck or ErgoDox as a 'Steno machine'.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sat, 19 November 2016, 17:46:33
Hi guys!
Could you say some pros and cons about two different 40% keyboard layouts, like: regular qwerty layout vs Planck layout? Does someone have any experience with both?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Mon, 21 November 2016, 15:54:10
I decided for JD40 kit on Cherry MX green and DSA Dolch caps :)
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: jenggo on Sat, 26 November 2016, 05:40:28
At first planck would be good choice but i regret it haha... then i build jd40
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161126/4617d868b30a49a5d0890577a9f51409.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Sat, 26 November 2016, 05:42:26
What is your experience with writing on Planck? Why you regret?
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Fri, 09 December 2016, 15:41:28
Some time ago I got whole ordered accessories for assembly JD40 keyboard. Now I'm waiting for extra purchased red WASD keycaps and for a moment my stuff looks like that:
http://www.fotosik.pl/u/rychubil/album/2391642
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Thu, 29 March 2018, 10:33:07
Hello
I already assebled JD40 mkII keyboard:
https://imgur.com/a/zZnf6
Generally, it was my first one soldering and I really enjoyed that :)
My JD40 is built on Cherry MX green switches with 150g springs and finnished on Datamancer Typewriter Classic keycaps. In the nearest future I will change the cable for coiled one, the same color and style.
Now I need to find drivers and install them but I am not sure where can I find and  how to do for proper working and what should I do the first, to start this keyboard?
Anyone can help me please? Every advice will be much appreciated.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Blaise170 on Thu, 29 March 2018, 10:45:17
Personally never been a fan of the typewriter style keys, but great build either way!  :)
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rob27shred on Thu, 29 March 2018, 11:32:40
Hello
I already assebled JD40 mkII keyboard:
https://imgur.com/a/zZnf6
Generally, it was my first one soldering and I really enjoyed that :)
My JD40 is built on Cherry MX green switches with 150g springs and finnished on Datamancer Typewriter Classic keycaps. In the nearest future I will change the cable for coiled one, the same color and style.
Now I need to find drivers and install them but I am not sure where can I find and  how to do for proper working and what should I do the first, to start this keyboard?
Anyone can help me please? Every advice will be much appreciated.

I'm not 100% sure by the way you worded your question, but it sounds to me like you need to program the PCB now. Read over this thread, https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83626.0, it should give you the info you're looking for. :thumb:
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Thu, 29 March 2018, 11:58:36
I'm not 100% sure by the way you worded your question, but it sounds to me like you need to program the PCB now. Read over this thread, https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83626.0,

You correct. I meant PCB plate.
Thanks for this link but now is one problem. 2nd point: download Atmel FLIP is not working.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Hyde on Thu, 29 March 2018, 12:42:52
If you're new to this I would suggest maybe start with Vortex Core?

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=375

It's pre-built and easy to buy.


EDIT:  Ops nevermind just read you built your keyboard already, congrats!
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: Rychubil on Thu, 29 March 2018, 12:44:52
If you're new to this I would suggest maybe start with Vortex Core?

I also got Vortex Core.
Title: Re: 40% mech keyb
Post by: elfick on Thu, 29 March 2018, 13:55:30
The JD40 probably came flashed with the default layout. If you want to use the default layout, you should be able to just plug it in and start typing.
My JD45 came flashed with a default layout. I think I got it from MechanicalKeyboards.com.