Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[domoaligato]

Corsair K70 RGB.
Does it use standard ANSI stabilizer/spacebar sizes?
Is it compatible with the phantom plates?
Is it compatible with aluminium tenkeyless cases like the filco/vortex?

K70 does NOT use standard bottom row.
It uses 1.5 x 1 x 1.25 x 6.5 x 1.25 x 1 x 1 x 1.5

I'm not sure how to answer the rest, the bottom row caps wouldn't be compatible with a phantom plate since phantom is standard but everything besides the space bar stabs could be harvested used on a phantom plate, you'd just have source a 6.25u spacebar stab wire.
The entire piece is installed on an aluminum plate which also makes up the case so it's not compatible with anything really.

How about the Corsair K95 RGB ?

[Moralless]

Corsair K70 RGB.
Does it use standard ANSI stabilizer/spacebar sizes?
Is it compatible with the phantom plates?
Is it compatible with aluminium tenkeyless cases like the filco/vortex?

K70 does NOT use standard bottom row.
It uses 1.5 x 1 x 1.25 x 6.5 x 1.25 x 1 x 1 x 1.5

I'm not sure how to answer the rest, the bottom row caps wouldn't be compatible with a phantom plate since phantom is standard but everything besides the space bar stabs could be harvested used on a phantom plate, you'd just have source a 6.25u spacebar stab wire.
The entire piece is installed on an aluminum plate which also makes up the case so it's not compatible with anything really.

How about the Corsair K95 RGB ?

All Corsair keyboards use the same non-standard bottom row. Since it's a full size keyboard, it is not compatible with phantom plates and the TKL cases by filco and vortex (please note: I'm not sure if there are any full sized cases made by them either).

[domoaligato]

All Corsair keyboards use the same non-standard bottom row. Since it's a full size keyboard, it is not compatible with phantom plates and the TKL cases by filco and vortex (please note: I'm not sure if there are any full sized cases made by them either).

sorry I should have made a complete question. I was thinking about the layout. thanks for answering both questions bro.

[MGH]

How much does a Tex 60% aluminum case weigh?

[rowdy]

How much does a Tex 60% aluminum case weigh?

(link removed)
nvm sorry that one's acrylic

[MGH]

How much does a Tex 60% aluminum case weigh?

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case?mode=guest_open

5.68oz (161.03g)

Aluminum, not Acrylic ) I couldn't find any info on mechanicalkeyboards.com

[rowdy]

How much does a Tex 60% aluminum case weigh?

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case?mode=guest_open

5.68oz (161.03g)

Aluminum, not Acrylic ) I couldn't find any info on mechanicalkeyboards.com

Sorry, I didn't notice the material until too late.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/metal-60-case?mode=guest_open

This is Vortex aluminium case at 12.99oz (368.26g).

A similar case from Pexon http://pexonpcs.co.uk/products/60-aluminium-case is around 320g.

Most 60% cases would probably be around the same weight.

[HoffmanMyster]

How much does a Tex 60% aluminum case weigh?

My scale says 13.1 oz.

[7Teku]

I was looking to get Ducky Mini, but I don't like how wide the bezel of the case is (part around the keys) and that it is silver. Are there any other aluminum cases that would fit the Ducky Mini?

I was looking at a case made by Tex, but the USB port is in a different place than on the Mini. I'll link it anyways just to give an idea of what I'm looking for. http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=630

Thanks

[hwood34]

I was looking to get Ducky Mini, but I don't like how wide the bezel of the case is (part around the keys) and that it is silver. Are there any other aluminum cases that would fit the Ducky Mini?

I was looking at a case made by Tex, but the USB port is in a different place than on the Mini. I'll link it anyways just to give an idea of what I'm looking for. http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=630

Thanks

You might as well just get a Poker or a Pure or something similar if you want to go that route, since those boards are compatible with all standard cases

[7Teku]

I was looking to get Ducky Mini, but I don't like how wide the bezel of the case is (part around the keys) and that it is silver. Are there any other aluminum cases that would fit the Ducky Mini?

I was looking at a case made by Tex, but the USB port is in a different place than on the Mini. I'll link it anyways just to give an idea of what I'm looking for. http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=630

Thanks

You might as well just get a Poker or a Pure or something similar if you want to go that route, since those boards are compatible with all standard cases

The reason I was thinking of the Mini was because I didn't really want to install backlights myself/I wanted purple backlighting.

[intelli78]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Keyboard-SSK-ID5000133-41G3613-/261742103850?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf10b8d2a

Does that look like an Industrial to anyone else? Pic is so potato.

[Dihedral]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Keyboard-SSK-ID5000133-41G3613-/261742103850?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf10b8d2a

Does that look like an Industrial to anyone else? Pic is so potato.

Looks like its got an instagram filter on it

Still though, I'd call industrial. It looks overly blue, so maybe tone down the blue in a photo editor and see if that helps

[CPTBadAss]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Keyboard-SSK-ID5000133-41G3613-/261742103850?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf10b8d2a

Does that look like an Industrial to anyone else? Pic is so potato.

Yeah and the model number looks right.

[intelli78]

Cool - posted in great finds
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67869.0

[CPTBadAss]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Keyboard-SSK-ID5000133-41G3613-/261742103850?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf10b8d2a

Does that look like an Industrial to anyone else? Pic is so potato.

Yeah and the model number looks right.

Cool - posted in great finds
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67869.0

Just FYI, upon further inspection, this board looks like it's a no-go.

[rowdy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Keyboard-SSK-ID5000133-41G3613-/261742103850?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf10b8d2a

Does that look like an Industrial to anyone else? Pic is so potato.

Yeah and the model number looks right.

Cool - posted in great finds
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67869.0

Just FYI, upon further inspection, this board looks like it's a no-go.

And on further further inspection, seems legit.

[Melvang]

Would this layout be possible using an AT as a starting point with just moving caps, barrels and such around or will it need a custom PCB?  I have done a little digging and found that the pcb does have pads in all places but I am not sure if the pads in the numpad area where I went from 2 unit keys to singles to make a 4x5 matrix register at the controller.

If possible, would both Soarers converter and xwhatsit controller work or do I need the xwhatsit due to using extra pads?

keyboard layout editor link

Edit:  finished legends.

Can it be done to an AT and keep stock PCB?

[dorkvader]

I think it could work. I'll have to check through etwentynine's AT model F build guide to see where the PCB pads are and which ones he's using (and how). If you need, I can soarer test my AT to see what pads are or arent usable. You can do this with the flip plates on the PCB (no case.barrels) if you're careful.

[Melvang]

I think it could work. I'll have to check through etwentynine's AT model F build guide to see where the PCB pads are and which ones he's using (and how). If you need, I can soarer test my AT to see what pads are or arent usable. You can do this with the flip plates on the PCB (no case.barrels) if you're careful.

According to some threads at DT it does look like it will work with either.  I think I will go with xwhatsit for this one.

Now that being said what are my options for getting one in hand for prioritizing speed or price?

[CPTBadAss]

Now that being said what are my options for getting one in hand for prioritizing speed or price?

I think you're asking what the cheapest or fastest way to get an AT F? eBay, classifieds, ewaste recycler.

[Melvang]

Now that being said what are my options for getting one in hand for prioritizing speed or price?

I think you're asking what the cheapest or fastest way to get an AT F? eBay, classifieds, ewaste recycler.

Sorry was referring to xwhatsit controller.

Cheapest option vs fastest option

[CPTBadAss]

Now that being said what are my options for getting one in hand for prioritizing speed or price?

I think you're asking what the cheapest or fastest way to get an AT F? eBay, classifieds, ewaste recycler.

Sorry was referring to xwhatsit controller.

Cheapest option vs fastest option

Cheapest is to buy it from xwhatsit. Fastest? There was a user on DT or GH who had like thirty controllers for sale and I think he was in the USA. If I had to pick? I'd get it from xwhatsit.

[jdcarpe]

Now that being said what are my options for getting one in hand for prioritizing speed or price?

I think you're asking what the cheapest or fastest way to get an AT F? eBay, classifieds, ewaste recycler.

Sorry was referring to xwhatsit controller.

Cheapest option vs fastest option

Cheapest is to buy it from xwhatsit. Fastest? There was a user on DT or GH who had like thirty controllers for sale and I think he was in the USA. If I had to pick? I'd get it from xwhatsit.

His username here is Ellipse. I believe he still has three left. I bought two from him for $30 each, plus $5 shipping.

[Melvang]

Thanks guys, I am now debating on doing a small run of these.  Just not sure if I would need to test with a scope on each one or if that has already been taken care of and I would just need to solder it up and have at it with the software side.

[hwood34]

The PCBs from winkeyless come with controllers right? The first option "controller soldering and firmware update" is just for the actually soldering?

[MGH]

Has anyone used thin lube on clears to obtain a bump in between brown and clear?

[CPTBadAss]

The PCBs from winkeyless come with controllers right? The first option "controller soldering and firmware update" is just for the actually soldering?

I can't tell. Google Translate isn't helping. I would guess that they don't from the pictures unless you specify in the first option.

Has anyone used thin lube on clears to obtain a bump in between brown and clear?

I'm not sure the lube consistency changes the feeling of the bump all that much. That being said, I've not tried it myself.

[Evo_Spec]

The PCBs from winkeyless come with controllers right? The first option "controller soldering and firmware update" is just for the actually soldering?

yes, it comes with the controller regardless of whether or not you want it done for you or not. if you look below he has this state in the list (for the TKL anyways) "Tenkeyless-Sized PCB and Controller parts"

[hwood34]

The PCBs from winkeyless come with controllers right? The first option "controller soldering and firmware update" is just for the actually soldering?

yes, it comes with the controller regardless of whether or not you want it done for you or not. if you look below he has this state in the list (for the TKL anyways) "Tenkeyless-Sized PCB and Controller parts"

cool, thanks

[SpAmRaY]

I'm too lazy to search and on my phone. Can someone link me to dental bands for topre silencing?

[Moralless]

Has anyone used thin lube on clears to obtain a bump in between brown and clear?

I've lubed 68g tactile greys with the thin lube sold by CtrlAlt and comparing it with 68g un lubed clears, the tactile feedback is definitely less pronounced but not by that much which I much prefer since it does make it feel more linear with a still, very much more pronounced (compared to browns) tactile feel. Keep in mind thought that I don't have any access to any thick lube so I'm not sure how it feels compared to that.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm too lazy to search and on my phone. Can someone link me to dental bands for topre silencing?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44692.0

[MGH]

What type of wire is used in keypullers?

Also whats the easiest way to make the wires on new pullers more extended (not flat)

[CPTBadAss]

What type of wire is used in keypullers?

I would guess piano or music wire. I measure the diameter of my TechKeys keypuller's wire to be .035 inches.

[Melvang]

What type of wire is used in keypullers?

Also whats the easiest way to make the wires on new pullers more extended (not flat)

You will want to use .031/.032 inch diameter in case you want to reach between DSA caps as they seem to sit a touch closer together.  CBA's suggestion will work fine but I find that diameter tough to get into some spots on my Rosewill with PBT DSA caps.

As far as material selection, you will want something with either a spring temper (generally music wire) or hardened and preferentially stainless so it doesn't rust.

[MGH]

What type of wire is used in keypullers?

Also whats the easiest way to make the wires on new pullers more extended (not flat)

You will want to use .031/.032 inch diameter in case you want to reach between DSA caps as they seem to sit a touch closer together.  CBA's suggestion will work fine but I find that diameter tough to get into some spots on my Rosewill with PBT DSA caps.

As far as material selection, you will want something with either a spring temper (generally music wire) or hardened and preferentially stainless so it doesn't rust.

What type of wire is used in keypullers?

I would guess piano or music wire. I measure the diameter of my TechKeys keypuller's wire to be .035 inches.

Thanks for the info!

For music wire, what would you use to bend it? Would simple pliers work? Also is there any way to bend it consistently?

[CPTBadAss]

For music wire, what would you use to bend it? Would simple pliers work? Also is there any way to bend it consistently?

Vice and pliers, bare hands, a bending/forming tool, a specialty wire bending tool like this dubro wire forming tool are all options.


Consistently? A wire bending machine or a jig that you make yourself would be the most consistent.

[MGH]

For music wire, what would you use to bend it? Would simple pliers work? Also is there any way to bend it consistently?

Vice and pliers, bare hands, a bending/forming tool, a specialty wire bending tool like this dubro wire forming tool are all options.


Consistently? A wire bending machine or a jig that you make yourself would be the most consistent.

OK thanks! Time to buy some wire and do some experimenting

[HoffmanMyster]

For music wire, what would you use to bend it? Would simple pliers work? Also is there any way to bend it consistently?

Vice and pliers, bare hands, a bending/forming tool, a specialty wire bending tool like this dubro wire forming tool are all options.


Consistently? A wire bending machine or a jig that you make yourself would be the most consistent.

Also, keep in mind that some music wire (at least the kind I used) is very hard steel and difficult to cut with a wire cutters (meaning it will just dent the cutters and the wire will not cut), so you'll likely end up having to cut it with a dremel.

[jdcarpe]

For music wire, what would you use to bend it? Would simple pliers work? Also is there any way to bend it consistently?

You can easily bend that size wire with hand tools (pliers), but if you want consistent bends, you might want something like this:

Du-Bro E/Z Bender Wire Forming Tool

[fohat.digs]

You can easily bend that size wire with hand tools (pliers),

At some point in the taper of the tip of your needle-nosed pliers the width across the flat will be the same width you need for a key cap. Hold the pliers tight and press the wire against the table top. Do both sides without releasing it from the pliers.

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

What do you mean by minimize damage? Looking for a clean cut? Or the safest location to cut a PCB?

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

What do you mean by minimize damage? Looking for a clean cut? Or the safest location to cut a PCB?

Clean, not concerned with functionality.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

What do you mean by minimize damage? Looking for a clean cut? Or the safest location to cut a PCB?

Clean, not concerned with functionality.

Bandsaw would probably be cleanest. But I'm sure a hacksaw and a steady hand would be just fine.

[jdcarpe]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

What do you mean by minimize damage? Looking for a clean cut? Or the safest location to cut a PCB?

Clean, not concerned with functionality.

Bandsaw would probably be cleanest. But I'm sure a hacksaw and a steady hand would be just fine.

Dremel with a cutting wheel?

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

What do you mean by minimize damage? Looking for a clean cut? Or the safest location to cut a PCB?

Clean, not concerned with functionality.

Bandsaw would probably be cleanest. But I'm sure a hacksaw and a steady hand would be just fine.

Dremel with a cutting wheel?

This is what I was thinking.

[fohat.digs]

Bandsaw would probably be cleanest.

Dremel with a cutting wheel?

This is what I was thinking.

For me, a good saw with a sharp blade will do far better than I could with a Dremel.

[Melvang]

Is there a recommended way to cut up a PCB to minimize damage?

One of those oscillating multi tools with the curved blade work great for cutting PCB.  It does make a lot of dust that is bad for you so try and do it outside.  But it does make a very clean cut and puts very little heat in the PBC.  Just don't hold in one spot to long.  Make long strokes back and forth across the pcb.