Removing numpad - is it possible MOD?

[test157]

I have few ultrax + going to buy some, is it possible to remove tehre numpad? what you guys think? I'am just going to take them to workshop and to ask there to do this operation.

what you think is it good idea? or technically possible? I just want classic ten key less, what will be scissor based

[alaricljs]

Generally not possible without a replacement controller as the controller on fullsized keyboards usually occupies the space above the numpad.  The PCB for this particular KB will also extend over the F-keys to incorporate those silver buttons so moving or cutting the controller PCB gets that much more complicated.

Oh yeah, and what workshop would you be taking this to?  There is no place I've heard of in the US that would do that sort of work.

[sam113101]

With mechanical keyboards, you can rewire the circuit. I don't know how you're going to "rewire" the plastic sheets it probably has.
The controller is above the numpad most of the time, but I guess you could find somewhere else to stick it*? Where the buttons are seems to be a nice place, but you'll lose said buttons.

[test157]

I'm from russia, so here everything is possible.

[test157]

controller on the right side can be big trouble ((

[Tony]

Faster to exchange it with a tenkeyless board.

If you insist, first try it with normal rubber dome keyboards, they are cheaper.

[Izza]

If we're talking about a dome board, the easiest method is to cut the tenkey portion of the casing off, and fold the membrane under. This has been done, and documented, several places.

If you're referring to a mechanical board, the process is a bit more involved, and requires mapping the traces to determine what needs to be bridged.

[alaricljs]

The ultrax he's talking about appears to be a Logitech full size scissor switch/low profile with media buttons above F9 thru Pause/Brk.  That entire area will be 1 PCB.

[test157]

I want scissors, just to be the same like on notebook + I'm more accurate and fast with scissors than with topre or cherry brown, but all I want to make space

[Izza]

I would suggest using a laptop keyboard with a teensy, in that case.

[test157]

teensy is some kind of development tool? just didn't understood how I can use it?

[keyb_gr]

He means rolling your own controller board. There's a few projects like that out there already.

[Izza]

http://www.pjrc.com/store/teensy.html

This is what you would use for a controller.

You basically connect the keyboard's wires/pins/ribbon to the teensy, and modify existing code to reflect your keyboard's matrix.

If you decide to go this route, feel free to join #geekhack on Freenode IRC. Several of us can help you along.

[BiNiaRiS]

I'm from russia, so here everything is possible.

Haha, quote of the week right there.

[The Solutor]

With mechanical keyboards, you can rewire the circuit. I don't know how you're going to "rewire" the plastic sheets it probably has.

 
It's possible with an huge amount of patience, and some silver paint, but the amount of work needed and the uncertain durability are big concerns about this kind of mod.

[tystees]

I am really sorry for resurecting this old thread, but I cannot seem to find anymore information on this topic. So my question is,

What if you removed a few columns of keys and switches from your mechanical keyboard. I mean by cutting the pcb, and removing a few keys. If they are no longer there will if just simply be that they will not work? Or will removing a few keys by severing the pcb actually restrict or cause all the keys to not work?
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 24890[/ATTACH]
ANd lets say we cut the pcb right along that line....

[alaricljs]

It's highly dependent on the particular PCB.  There are boards where you can do that, and there are many where you cannot because the controller chip is situated above the numpad section.  Details of where that PCB came from would help and if no one knows from that, better close ups of both sides of the PCB might get you more advice.

[tystees]

I guess what im trying to say is regardless of where the controller chip is, if we forget about the location of the controller, and  if i cut along that line, would the it affect the functionality of the rest of the keys... Will the severing of the circuits from the cut affect other parts of the board?

[alaricljs]

That would be a strong maybe.

[tystees]

Ok thanks alaric

Anyone else ever try this or have any insight on this?

[sordna]

Haven't tried it, but if the section doesn't have the controller and you cut a few lines, you could solder some jumper wires to restore the severed connections if it doesn't work.

[tystees]

Ohhh ok that is a excellent idea sordna.. I will try it and see how it goes..