Need more info on the Noppoo Choc Mini before buying

[TheProfosist]

I am looking at a Noppoo Choc Mini but i have a few questions first:

are all of them plate mounted?
what is the difference between the new and the old models?
can i replace the keys with standard "Filco Sized" ones?

anything else important i should know before buying one of these?

[hashbaz]

I wasn't aware that there was an old model of Choc Mini.  The current Chocs are all plate mounted.  Most of its keycaps are standard size, but it has some non-Filco compatible ones too, like the short right-side shift and Alt/Fn keys.  Its caps, num, scroll, and switch lock keys are windowed to let the LEDs shine through.  Calavera's white Choc here might be a useful reference:



I have one with blue switches for sale if you're interested.

[TheProfosist]

I guess the new or old has everything to do with the lettering on the caps http://tinyurl.com/3keptsw

For the short right side shift I was planning on using a Caps Lock key. I know that its from the wrong row but being as i rarely use that key it shouldnt make much difference.
Are the left win, right alt, right fn standard 1 key wide? If so I should be able to grab them and the Del key from the num pad.
As for the light holes i read that you can drill the hole out, tape over the hole, put a dab of epoxy on the underside of the hole, let dry, and then peel the tape off and you should have the same effect as the original.


Also looking that the pic that you posted to me it looks like the Left Ctrl, Left Alt, and Right Alt are not their standard size. Is this the case? What about the spacebar?

[ishtob]

those alt and windows are 1x sized instead of 1.25x sized, and space bar is almost impossible to find a replacement outside of other choc minis because its so short.. and SP said that they currently have no mold for one.

[hashbaz]

The small alt and fns are 1x width.  I imagine you'd have the same profile issues as with the capslock/shift key.  I believe the ctrls and left alt are standard.

[hashbaz]

Another thing to be aware of is that due to their NKRO-over-USB scheme, Chocs don't work natively with Macs or under Linux.  You can use two adapters to make it work, however (USB => PS/2 => USB).

[TheProfosist]

those alt and windows are 1x sized instead of 1.25x sized, and space bar is almost impossible to find a replacement outside of other choc minis because its so short.. and SP said that they currently have no mold for one.

your talking about the left win, right alt, right fn right (and Del)? Then the "1" "2" "3" "." from the Num Pad should work when filling those correct?
Do you know what the spacing of the stabilizers are for the spacebar? If its the same as a Filco there may be a possibility of cutting it down slightly.

The small alt and fns are 1x width.  I imagine you'd have the same profile issues as with the capslock/shift key.  I believe the ctrls and left alt are standard.

I should have the same problems because row height from bottom to top goes 112344
To me the Ctrls and Alt look like 1.5x (Tab and Backslash) not 1.25x going by this image http://tinyurl.com/6dme5vs

Another thing to be aware of is that due to their NKRO-over-USB scheme, Chocs don't work natively with Macs or under Linux.  You can use two adapters to make it work, however (USB => PS/2 => USB).

yes I knew that from what I have read so far of the review. I am not too worried about that as I dont go near macs.

[hashbaz]

I believe the ctrls and left alt are standard.

I take this back.  The Choc's ctrls and left alt look like 1.5x, whereas Filcos have 1.25x.

edit: yup, you're right

[peda]

Another thing to be aware of is that due to their NKRO-over-USB scheme, Chocs don't work natively with Macs or under Linux.  You can use two adapters to make it work, however (USB => PS/2 => USB).

They work under Linux! The only problem i (and others) have is that the leds are not working. But the keys do work as intended.

[TheProfosist]

Anyone know or is able to measure the holes for the stabilizers on the Noppoo Choc Mini's Spacebar?

[TheProfosist]

decided against it due to the many limitations and imperfections of the board