Author Topic: Is my spacebar normal?  (Read 3287 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 12:49:29 »
Hi guys,

Just received my Leopold TKL Brown purchased from another member here, and I'm trying to figure out if the behavior of my spacebar is normal. Here is a little video: http://webftp.dnll.net/IMG_0340.MOV
Please note that the same happen when I bottom out on the left side of the spacebar, but I must apply a greater pression to reproduce the "problem".

This keyboard, as far as my understanding goes (this is my first mech keyboard), uses cherry stabilizers.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:34:52 »
well, I just want to know if it is normal for the spacebar to unclip when I'm typing. it might be annoying in the long run, but usually I'm just hitting it right in the center.

Offline pitashen

  • Posts: 1200
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:35:26 »
It sure is normal. As far as i can tell nothing is "broken." You are just having some loose ends there.
\\\\ DSI Mac Modular Keyboard (Brown) w/ Leo  Blank Keycaps //
\\\\ Leopold 87keys Keyboard (Brown) w/ Black CherryCorp + SP DoubleShots //
\\\\ Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Black) w/ White CherryCorp + SP DoublsShots //

Offline AeneaS

  • Posts: 19
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:35:40 »
Quote from: ripster;532278
Depends on how you define "normal".
normal as in "working as intended" I'd say? ^^

Offline pitashen

  • Posts: 1200
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:43:28 »
Quote from: ripster;532295
I'd remove the spacebar, add a bit of tape to the left stem, and replace the spacebar.

Report back.

There is a Wiki for this in the Modifications Subforum of all places.

If you think it should be moved to the Key Caps Section post here:
http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?64-feedback-suggestions


wow, ripster is in the MOOOOD
\\\\ DSI Mac Modular Keyboard (Brown) w/ Leo  Blank Keycaps //
\\\\ Leopold 87keys Keyboard (Brown) w/ Black CherryCorp + SP DoubleShots //
\\\\ Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Black) w/ White CherryCorp + SP DoublsShots //

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:45:16 »
Quote from: ripster;532295
I'd remove the spacebar, add a bit of tape to the left stem, and replace the spacebar.

Report back.

There is a Wiki for this in the Modifications Subforum of all places.
Thank you, I will take a look to find that Wiki and try this mod.

Offline pitashen

  • Posts: 1200
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:46:51 »
Quote from: dnLL;532299
Thank you, I will take a look to find that Wiki and try this mod.

and then ripster is gonna ask you to vote for him
\\\\ DSI Mac Modular Keyboard (Brown) w/ Leo  Blank Keycaps //
\\\\ Leopold 87keys Keyboard (Brown) w/ Black CherryCorp + SP DoubleShots //
\\\\ Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Black) w/ White CherryCorp + SP DoublsShots //

Offline Findecanor

  • Posts: 5085
  • Location: Koriko
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:53:45 »
No, that is not normal.

It should be safe to gently pull off the space bar and look inside. If you have a key cap puller, pull each end gently and then the centre. Otherwise, you could use a flat-head screwdriver, but then you would have to be more careful to not damage the key. If you use a screwdriver, hold your other hand on the other side of the key to prevent warping it.

Now, to the left and to the right there should be a black cross-shaped stabilizer stem that should fit inside a cross-shaped hole mount under the space bar. The two stems don't have any springs in them, so they should have fallen to the bottom.

  • Does anything look like it is broken?
  • Do the stems and hole mounts match up? Newer Leopolds have been reported to have the mounts in different places than other keyboards, including older Leopolds. It looks to me as if the space bar is not the one that came with the keyboard originally, so I think that this is a possibility.
  • If you pull on one of the cross-shaped stabilizer mounts with a tweezer or pliers, does the other one come along?

If none of the above, it may be that the mounts are just a little loose. Put a tiny piece of sticky tape on the sides of the left stabilizer mount and try if it works better.

Edit: Bah. Lots of replies while I was writing the above. Let's hope that you can fix it with a bit of sticky tape.
« Last Edit: Thu, 01 March 2012, 14:58:21 by Findecanor »
🍉

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 15:01:29 »
Quote from: Findecanor;532314
No, that is not normal.

It should be safe to gently pull off the space bar and look inside. If you have a key cap puller, pull each end gently and then the centre. Otherwise, you could use a flat-head screwdriver, but then you would have to be more careful to not damage the key. If you use a screwdriver, hold your other hand on the other side of the key to prevent warping it.

Now, to the left and to the right there should be a black cross-shaped stabilizer stem that should fit inside a cross-shaped hole mount under the space bar. The two stems don't have any springs in them, so they should have fallen to the bottom.

  • Does anything look like it is broken?
  • Do the stems and hole mounts match up? Newer Leopolds have been reported to have the mounts in different places than other keyboards, including older Leopolds. It looks to me as if the space bar is not the one that came with the keyboard originally, so I think that this is a possibility.
  • If you pull on one of the cross-shaped stabilizer mounts with a tweezer or pliers, does the other one come along?

If none of the above, it may be that the mounts are just a little loose. Put a tiny piece of sticky tape on the sides of the left stabilizer mount and try if it works better.

Edit: Bah. Lots of replies while I was writing the above. Let's hope that you can fix it with a bit of sticky tape.
I'm not at home actually to try it, but I don't need any keycap puller to remove the spacebar, it's already half removed when I press on the sides of it (like on the video). I will take some picture of  the stabilizers and the spacebar later. It is not the original spacebar by the way.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #9 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 16:05:05 »
Okay, here is another video, uploaded to Youtube this time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtiAFul_fSk

I guess I shouldn't remove the spacebar the way I did on the video. Usually it comes off really easily.
If I pull one of the stabilizer, the other one comes too. but it looks a little bit loose.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 17:10:35 »
Quote from: dnLL;532393
Okay, here is another video, uploaded to Youtube this time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtiAFul_fSk

I guess I shouldn't remove the spacebar the way I did on the video. Usually it comes off really easily.
If I pull one of the stabilizer, the other one comes too. but it looks a little bit loose.

Yea ok,, simple fix,, just roll some thin tape over the stabilizer stem, so the space bar will connect without popping out.

IF  it's a really bad molding problem, then just buy another key set. You were gonna do it down the lines anyway

Offline regca

  • Posts: 26
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 17:25:30 »
Quote from: dnLL;532393
Okay, here is another video, uploaded to Youtube this time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtiAFul_fSk

I guess I shouldn't remove the spacebar the way I did on the video. Usually it comes off really easily.
If I pull one of the stabilizer, the other one comes too. but it looks a little bit loose.

your stuffed animal is cute o.o

sorry about your spacebar though :( that happened to my tg3. ripster's right. you just need some tape. it might take a few tries but it'll work.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 01 March 2012, 17:51:09 »
ahah yeah, thank you.

Offline regca

  • Posts: 26
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 01:27:11 »
it helps to use tools when putting the tape on/managing the time because fingers are oily and big and the tape piece is small. tweezers or something worked well for me.

Quote from: ripster;532516
Half this thread is people saying I'm right.

I know that already.

P: heh

Offline thebilgerat

  • Posts: 68
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 02:23:35 »
My leopold did the same thing.  you can tape it or just buy another one form EK.  I had to get a new one from them.  When the other keys start loosening up, I recommend getting replacements that actually grip the stem.

Offline jas0nt

  • Posts: 3
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 09:56:22 »
Nope, it's not normal (based on the fact my Leo doesn't do that).

Or mine could be abnormal depending on how you view things :)

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 10:14:04 »
Quote from: thebilgerat;532950
My leopold did the same thing.  you can tape it or just buy another one form EK.  I had to get a new one from them.  When the other keys start loosening up, I recommend getting replacements that actually grip the stem.
I'm in Canada, replacing it would actually almost cost as much as the price I've paid for it. Plus, a "void warranty if removed" sticker have been damaged (the previous owner probably unscrewed some screws). Well, I've not been able to reproduce the problem when I'm typing. Just when I'm doing it on purpose.

I will probably buy the OEM spacebar from elitekeyboards to see if it helps. in the meantime, I will try the tape mod (do you guys can link me to the right Wiki? I'm not sure how to find it lol)

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 10:27:00 »
Quote from: ripster;533127
Haven't you found any tape yet?

I'm tired of people repeating what I said.  I'm feeling like I'm at the Grand Canyon.
i don't want anyone to repeat anything, I want a tutorial on how to do it. it's my first mechanical keyboard you know. don't get angry, lol

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 11:05:57 »
you're talking of this? http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:12649
I don't see any instruction regarding the tape. I must be blind.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 12:40:12 »
well, surprisingly it's working well. the spacebar doesn't lift off anymore and I have to take some sort of tool if I want to remove it. 5mm˛ is really small, I didn't really take any measure at first (I probably cut about 8-9mm˛ squares) and figured out that it was too big because I was hearing the tape moving inside. now it's 4-5mm˛ and it's perfect.

thank you. i will probably keep that spacebar, the carbon thing looks like a sticker but it actually, it still feels great.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 02 March 2012, 12:52:39 »
Quote from: ripster;533134
Don't ask iMav either, he's got bigger Trojan problems to deal with.
ya, just had to kill Avast again to see your reply... it seems like the "virus" is still there.

Offline dnLL

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 54
Is my spacebar normal?
« Reply #21 on: Sun, 04 March 2012, 22:34:19 »
Quote from: ripster;535089
Oh wait.  You voted AGAINST me.

How ungrateful.

Last time I answer one of YOUR questions.
hehe. just don't like to say someone is "#1 on the earth" and you insisted so much for a vote that... I couldn't resist.