Q: Full NKRO over USB (maybe with adapter) + access to springs + backlit?

[xman]

You guys rule!

   I need help finding a keyboard that has
at least 17NKRO (full is better) over USB,
and it must have easy Cherry MX spring access.
   I would use a PS/2 to USB adapter,
instead of full NKRO over USB,
as long as the full NKRO was maintained.

   Backlighting is very desirable but optional.

   I know that for some backlit keyboards
 that use PCB-mounted Cherry MX switches --
desoldering the backlit LEDs has to be done,
 in order to gain access to the switch springs.
   Is it possible to have a situation where backlit
MX switches can be easily opened for access to the spring?
Is a modification possible? (Maybe by adding a connector?)
   Or, if spring access is the higher priority --
should I just forget about the backlighting?

Also, I know that easy access to springs usually means
PCB-mounted switches. But --
Is there a plate-mounted scenario where the switch springs
  can still be accessed without desoldering every time?

I should mention that I mostly use Windows.
I say that for NKRO over USB compatibility reasons.

I've considered the Nopoo Chocs, but they are plate mounted, I think.

About variations in key sizes and spacings:
I've used many conventionally sized keyboards, and 
HP HD16 & DV6 laptops, & a Sidewinder X4, & the spacing
& key sizes for those seem OK to me (I could probably
get used to smaller).
I am also open to with or without a conventional numberpad.

I'm mentioning that I live on the East Coast USA
for reasons of keyboard labeling and layout and
where is the best place to buy from.

Thanks!
xman

ps: I like Cherry MX Red switches and white LEDs.
I could live with other types of Cherry MX switches
and other colors for the LEDs.

[kalrykh]

Not to be an ass, but if you're not willing to solder, you're best off not trying to mod any cherry boards.  the only plate mounted board ive seen that give you access to switch internals without desoldering are the phantoms.  and it's a kit you have to solder and put together

[xman]

That's very interesting information...
  that being the only plate-mounted board that gives access
    to switch internals, without having to desolder.
Thanks!
I would do a kit, especially if it came with all the parts needed.
I'm actually good at soldering. And if I have to do it, I will.
But I would prefer to avoid it, or minimize it, if possible
"without desoldering every time"

[alaricljs]

However there is no way to switch springs without desoldering LEDs if they are present.

[Wildcard]

The phantom kits were part of a group buy that is over. You can keep your eyes out for another sale if they start it up again. You might also want to consider as another option just getting a decent PCB mounted board and just adding a few LED's sideways around the case to add a little backlighting.

Welcome to Geekhack!

[xman]

alaricljs> However there is no way to switch springs without desoldering LEDs if they are present.

I guess I should just get a non-backlit.
That takes the backlit option off my list.
Thanks, alaricljs, for shortening my list!

Now I'm looking for just 2 things:
#1 Full NKRO over USB
#2 Access to the Cherry MX springs

Thanks!

[xman]

RiffRaff> The phantom kits were part of a group buy that is over. You can keep your eyes out for another sale if they start it up again.

I will be watching.


RiffRaff> Welcome to Geekhack!

Thanks!
Happy to be in the presence of those who know more than me.


RiffRaff>  You might also want to consider as another option just getting a decent PCB mounted board and just adding a few LED's sideways around the case to add a little backlighting.

Yes, a decent PCB mounted board.
Are there many decent PCB mounted boards with full NKRO over USB?

[kalrykh]

Just curious, but why do you need full nkro over USB?

[Joe221]

The Tesoro Durandal G1NL is full NKRO over USB, it's Brown, Lord knows about the construction for springs. It's about $110-111 on Amazon and EBay from the same seller. The backlight is red.

[xman]

kalrykh> Just curious, but why do you need full nkro over USB?

Full NKRO is needed because it is being used
for a steno system to enter text using chords.
It is not limited to 10 keys at once because
1 finger can press multiple keys by spanning the
spaces between the keys. Each finger can press
between 1 - 4 keys at once. Most steno chords
use 17 or less keys, but it is physically
possible for a steno chord to use up to
24 keys at the same time.

And to have it work over USB is needed because
of the lack (sadly) of a PS2 port.

But if I can get hold of a PS2-to-USB adapter/converter
that actually functions to allow full NKRO -- then a
full NKRO keyboard with a PS2 connector will work.

Does such a PS2-to-USB adapter/converter exist?

[Soarer]

...

But if I can get hold of a PS2-to-USB adapter/converter
that actually functions to allow full NKRO -- then a
full NKRO keyboard with a PS2 connector will work.

Does such a PS2-to-USB adapter/converter exist?

No off-the-shelf converters have NKRO, but if you can solder up 4 wires to a socket you could try my converter code on a Teensy :-)

However, I'm wondering... does PS/2 itself work OK for this task? I wonder because there is a limit on how many keys can be pressed or released simultaneously, imposed by the output queue of the keyboard. (I don't mean held down simultaneously, I mean the actual press/release events).

[xman]

Hi Soarer,

Soarer> No off-the-shelf converters have NKRO, but if you can solder up 4 wires to a socket you could try my converter code on a Teensy :-)

Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Yes, I can solder 4 wires to a socket.

I did a search, but I'm still not clear, so I have to ask:
What exactly is a Teensy?

And if there are different versions of a Teensy --
which version do you think would work best for what I need it do?

Thanks!
xman


 

[Soarer]

A Teensy is a breakout board for the Atmel AVR microcontrollers with USB - there are others around, but Teensies are nice and small, available, and a decent price. There's Teensy 2.0 based on the ATmega32U4, and Teensy++ 2.0 based on the AT90USB1286. The cheaper Teensy 2.0 is all you need. The ++ has more memory, which could be useful if you wanted to define many layers and/or macros.