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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: zild1221 on Thu, 22 April 2010, 16:02:37
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Hi there. Again, I am new so please do not bash me.
Anyway, I have decided on getting a MX-11800. A few people pointed me in the right direction on where to find them. Anyway, now that I have found a few it comes down to making it look better. Most of the ones I have found are scuffed up and not too pleasant looking.
I was wondering what key caps would fit on that keyboard. I am not a huge fan of the white keys. The only way I think the whites would look good is if I did a nice matte black finish on the keyboard casing.
What are your guys thoughts? Any links you have would be appreciated. Also, I forgot to mention that I dislike blank caps.
I hope you guys can help. I will be purchasing within the next day or so.
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Its very tricky to find a 1:1 keycap swap for the MX11800. The reason is this, all the A-Z keys will fit fine, but you will find difficulty finding keys that will match the modifier keys such as left and right shift, spacebar, numpad keys.
If you look at the keyboard as my avatar, I used keys from a MY 1800 to put onto my Mx11800, but some of the keys didn't work exactly right.
Here's a similar donor keyboard on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cherry-Computer-Keyboard-MY-1800-G81-1800-HAU-03-/390180646523?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5ad8942e7b#ht_1275wt_928
All these keys fit except the right shift was the wrong size, the 0 on the numpad is wrong sized, the plus on the numpad is the wrong size.
You may consider trying to make your keys all black - again there will be no easy 1:1 keycap substitution for the MX11800. When you get your board give it a good look over, you might like it, I sort of like the look of it.
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Hmm. Well. I may just have to stick with refinishing the case and clean the keys really really well to get them as white as possible. This may look better.
If I could somehow make the keys black though and redo the lettering, that would be awesome. Is there any way of redoing the lettering without having it wear off?
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Hope this forum automerges. Anyway, I have found a solution.
Apperently, the keys on this keyboard take RIT dye very well.
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Its very tricky to find a 1:1 keycap swap for the MX11800.
Cherry MX11900. Both boards have PCB mounted switches so it is also easy to convert the Cherry to brown sliders/springs.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=5124&d=1255454040)
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Hm, that's a funky Enter key on that MX11800. Mine has the horizontal, standard return key with \ above it. Or is that just the ISO version?
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My MX11800 and MX11900 both have horizontal enter with \ above as well... Don't order an MX11900 blindly though, they're not all black :D
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Hi there. Again, I am new so please do not bash me.
Folks here are pretty mature and friendly. I don't think keyboard hobbyism really attracts mean, raucous types.
I have a Compaq 11800 and I was thinking of doing the same. I got mine in really clean condition though (from another geekhacker). I'm super glad I got to try the board but i discovered it doesnt really thrill me.
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Folks here are pretty mature and friendly. I don't think keyboard hobbyism really attracts mean, raucous types.
Speak for yourself, *******.
(Just kidding, of course)
(Maybe)
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Hm, that's a funky Enter key on that MX11800. Mine has the horizontal, standard return key with \ above it. Or is that just the ISO version?
Yes they are the ISO (UK) versions.
I assume the 11800 is available with Windows keys, but none of mine have them. Not sure if the 11900 ever came without Windows keys.
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Yeah. I have a feeling I will like the Cherry Browns (atleast for now). I have never used a mechanical keyboard before. I am hoping it is easy to transition from my cheapo keyboards and laptop keyboards to this.
I just won mine on ebay for $15.50 and shipping. It looked in decent condition. Either way I am going to take the thing apart and go crazy cleaning it. If I like it in a few days I am going to dye the keys and paint the enclosure.
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The problem with painting the casing is, sooner or later, the paint will wear away and it will look very ...........depends on your opinion.
Maybe better to also dye the case.
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Apparently there are big problems with dying the case. Since it is such a long peice of plastic, it bows and becomes unusable.
As for paint wearing, my hands almost never touch the case of my current keyboard. Also, my parents own a hardware store so I am sure I can figure something out paint wise for it.
Now for the color scheme. I am currently redoing my room and building a new desk and bedframe. My walls are a mid grey tone and the trim is black. The bed frame and desk I am making are black grey and white with bright orange accents. I was things for my keyboard to match well I could do a black case with the letters dyed orange. The numbers & f keys and all other keys will be a mid tone grey. Then maybe a few choice white keys in the mix.
What do you guys think? I am pretty new to this.