LZ-FE, modded to perfection

[henz]

I bought a LZ-FE from a member here on geekhack. This was my first full metal alu keyboard. I have always admired people here on gh who document their modding process, while i myself usually consume myself totally in what im doing hence finnishing everything before im able to snap of any pictures.

But for this keyboard, the process was long and dragged out. Having issues with PCBs and modding switches to my liking(will try to take it step by step.)

First. After receiving my keyboard i started to remove the switches, the plate were made with cutouts to allow for switch top removal. I read a bunch of threads how to accomplish sip socketed switches. Mostly having this thread as inspiration: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51792.0. I soon realized that the sipsockets did not fit snugly(as you can see in the pictures from the thread). So i started experimenting with my drilling tool to make the top to fit properly with sipsockets inside the switch, and came to the conclusion that you need to remove this:






This made the switch top to fit snugly, and did not affect performance. But sometimes i would slip and hit the back with the drilling tool(just making a small scratch) this would cause me great headaches later on in the porcoess. Some switches started chatter because of it. Why you ask? I have no freaking idea. But swapping the tops fixed the problem. So if you plan to apply this mod, be careful unless you have a bunch of housings laying around(as i had ) ) After a long and painful process voila:



After a while of use, i noticed some issues with, it might had been the mods, but at the time i was browsing the forums, and could not find one person who was happy with their trik PCB. So i ordered a NERD pcb from gon instead, whilst also getting some isolation foam as well.





After a while of use i swapped my lubed blacks for lubed ergo clears. And then finally the end result:





If you have any questions regarding mods or whatnot feel free to ask questions here or on pming. Ive done alot of modding but im exceptionally bad at sharing. Trying to redeem myself

[rpeterclark]

That looks fantastic! And nice work documenting along the way. I keep saying I am going to do that but never actually have the patience when building to follow through.

I think you would have had less headaches with the SIPs if you just removed them from the black housing entirely. The switch tops can then close flush without modification. That's why Zeal sells them pre-removed from the housing.

Any more plans for the board or are you good with it now?

[henz]

That looks fantastic! And nice work documenting along the way. I keep saying I am going to do that but never actually have the patience when building to follow through.

I think you would have had less headaches with the SIPs if you just removed them from the black housing entirely. The switch tops can then close flush without modification. That's why Zeal sells them pre-removed from the housing.

Any more plans for the board or are you good with it now?

ive made a board with the sips like that also , still you need to modify the tops for snuggish fit and those buggers wont stay in place if you turn the board over when you want to solder, so you need to but something into the sips before you start soldering. Much more hassle. When i orderder the sockets from my electric shop i ordered both. But i myself would recommend using the black housings and clib them a little on the sides. Much less hassle imo.

This board is Done Next up i will do some work on a KMAC and a 456gt. Im moving right now and i have my 2nd kid on the way. Not sure when i will get some free time next.

[Jokrik]

I can't wait til I can trial the sip socket myself, sometimes reading stuff just doesn't give me the entire idea and picture

Really nice keyboard nevertheless!
You getting a KMAC and 456GT after?Very nice collection man

[henz]

I can't wait til I can trial the sip socket myself, sometimes reading stuff just doesn't give me the entire idea and picture

Really nice keyboard nevertheless!
You getting a KMAC and 456GT after?Very nice collection man

I already have them ) jHit me up if you have any questions regarding the process.