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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: menuhin on Sat, 14 January 2017, 08:15:31

Title: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: menuhin on Sat, 14 January 2017, 08:15:31
I received a bunch of switch blockers from Pimpmykeyboard for covering up unused key locations of a Tipro keyboard.
It works aesthetically - the blockers held the switch stem in a pressed down position with its top leveling at about the lower edge of an installed key cap.
However, it meant all those keys under the blockers are pressed and held down.

I didn't know what will happen, so I plugged in my pre-programmed Tipro keyboard. After about 2 seconds of flashing its indicator LEDs, its scream as loud as a smoke detector.

How should I use these switch blockers properly so that the keyboard can work like normal when have them installed?
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: Phenix on Sat, 14 January 2017, 09:43:27
Maybe set the blocked keys to do nothing?
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: mike52787 on Sat, 14 January 2017, 10:46:13
desolder the switches underneath and make sure the pins aren't making contact with the pcb
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: menuhin on Sat, 14 January 2017, 11:16:55
It is a Tipro 128, and I'm not ready to desolder any switch on it, as it currently serves as a ortholinear layout whiteboard for me.

For these keys with the switch blockers on, I have not assigned any function to them in the 'ChangeMe' layout editing package, and normally pressing them when plugged in wouldn't trigger anything.
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: PollandAkuma on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:35:10
Hey Freund! I have a Tipro too :D what layout are you using?
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:55:27
Perhaps like this?

(http://i.imgur.com/7maV71g.png)

Before I have all my Space Cadet 'Round 7' (?) caps, I have some of my DSA Granite caps and other DSA caps there.
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: PollandAkuma on Wed, 01 February 2017, 17:52:34
Quote from: menuhin on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:55:27
Perhaps like this?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/7maV71g.png)


Before I have all my Space Cadet 'Round 7' (?) caps, I have some of my DSA Granite caps and other DSA caps there.
Wow, 3u caps... I currently have a qwertz layout with numpad, and random cashier things on top. I'm planning to change it to a planck layout, or a Terminus mini. The thing that bothers me is the heaviness of using two switches to one cap, may need to swap the springs out, which is awfully troublesome. And the caps...
Title: Re: Switch blockers to cover switches of a keyboard - how?
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 01 February 2017, 18:02:27
Quote from: PollandAkuma on Wed, 01 February 2017, 17:52:34
Quote from: menuhin on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:55:27
Perhaps like this?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/7maV71g.png)


Before I have all my Space Cadet 'Round 7' (?) caps, I have some of my DSA Granite caps and other DSA caps there.
Wow, 3u caps... I currently have a qwertz layout with numpad, and random cashier things on top. I'm planning to change it to a planck layout, or a Terminus mini. The thing that bothers me is the heaviness of using two switches to one cap, may need to swap the springs out, which is awfully troublesome. And the caps...

Swapping springs is relatively easy, compared to lubing or desoldering. I didn't plan to swap springs because 2u POS are actually not that heavy at all, but 3u POS keys are really quite heavy.
I found these 3u POS space bar caps only from 7bit, an perhaps those that fit on Filco Minila are similar too. For 2u caps but not necessary in space bar profile, I'm able to get quite some color and profile options on Pimpmykeyboard.