Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[jdcarpe]

Yeah, that looks like an active one. I bought this one at Best Buy, and it's active:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/usb-to-ps-2-adapter/7334306.p

[Dreamre]

Has anyone added rubber onto their QFR/Ducky's feet? If so, what did you guy use? I'm tired of having the keyboard slip around.

[esoomenona]

Has anyone added rubber onto their QFR/Ducky's feet? If so, what did you guy use? I'm tired of having the keyboard slip around.

Add an aluminum case.

[CPTBadAss]

Has anyone added rubber onto their QFR/Ducky's feet? If so, what did you guy use? I'm tired of having the keyboard slip around.

I've used 3M bumpons before for my GHPad and Epsilon. Some people have used BlueLounge Kicks for the HHKB and might work for the QFR.

Add an aluminum case.

That would also work lol.

[SpAmRaY]

How much would it cost to ship 3 keycaps to the UK?

~$6 in a bubble mailer with tracking

[kgrad5]

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

[MJ45]

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

You should be able to tell what kind of stabilizers you have by feel or pop the space bar off or any other stabilized key.

[Dreamre]

I'm thinking of buying a KMAC2 off Originative, however I'm not sure where I can source stabilizers for the keyboard. Can anyone lead me to the right direction? Also, are these stabilizers plate or PCB mounted? I'm not sure cause this is a Korean custom board and it looks different to me. Thanks!

Edit-

Watched WFD's video and they are indeed PCB mounted. Does anyone know where I can source these stabilizers? Thanks!

[HPE1000]

This might get slightly confusing.

If you have a PCB that supports PCB mounted switches but you are using a plate to mount the switches, do you still need to clip the extra spikes on PCB mounted switches or can you leave them on?

[Pacifist]

This might get slightly confusing.

If you have a PCB that supports PCB mounted switches but you are using a plate to mount the switches, do you still need to clip the extra spikes on PCB mounted switches or can you leave them on?

nope and you get extra support

[dorkvader]

I'm thinking of buying a KMAC2 off Originative, however I'm not sure where I can source stabilizers for the keyboard. Can anyone lead me to the right direction? Also, are these stabilizers plate or PCB mounted? I'm not sure cause this is a Korean custom board and it looks different to me. Thanks!

Edit-

Watched WFD's video and they are indeed PCB mounted. Does anyone know where I can source these stabilizers? Thanks!

All the KMAC keyboards are korean customs, from KBDmania. Custom keyboards can look like anything.

It's actually an acronym for Keyboard Maniac Attic Craze.

From the pictures, it looks like KMAC2 supports cherry PCB mount stabilizers. I get all mine from old cherry keyboards I take apart.

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

Das started with a keytronic as their keyboard OEM, then they switches to cherry when they went mechanical. The next generation used the well-respected Costar as the OEM. I'm not sure what they use now, but the issue is with the entire build not (just) the stabilizers.

How much would it cost to ship 3 keycaps to the UK?

~$6 in a bubble mailer with tracking

It's actually quite variable now for first class mail  international, and the price goes up after 3 oz or so (3 keycaps and a small bubblemailer should weigh about that) Keep in mind that the tracking is only provided until after it leaves the USA.  After that, the user can sometimes track the package using the customs form number with the local post their country has.

The USPS postage price calculator says it's $6.16 for a 2 oz package and $8.88 for a 3 oz package
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.aspx?country=10150&m=6&p=0&o=2
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.aspx?country=10150&m=6&p=0&o=3

[Proc31]

I've been looking into buying a board to build myself however I'm a bit confused about stabilisers. I really really like Costar stabs over cherry which means all of the Korean customs seem to be out of the window for me. Is it the plate setup that determines what stabiliser is used or it the pcb setup?

Thanks.

[BlueBär]

I've been looking into buying a board to build myself however I'm a bit confused about stabilisers. I really really like Costar stabs over cherry which means all of the Korean customs seem to be out of the window for me. Is it the plate setup that determines what stabiliser is used or it the pcb setup?

Cherry stabilizers are great in my opinion if you do the clipping mod and lube them (that's why Koreans prefer them afaik). It depends on both the plate and the PCB which stabilizers you can use. Which board do you want to buy?

[Proc31]

I've been looking into buying a board to build myself however I'm a bit confused about stabilisers. I really really like Costar stabs over cherry which means all of the Korean customs seem to be out of the window for me. Is it the plate setup that determines what stabiliser is used or it the pcb setup?

Cherry stabilizers are great in my opinion if you do the clipping mod and lube them (that's why Koreans prefer them afaik). It depends on both the plate and the PCB which stabilizers you can use. Which board do you want to buy?

Maybe that is something I should try. I don't want to shell out a load of money for a KMAC for example and be unhappy with my stabilisers.

[SpAmRaY]

How much would it cost to ship 3 keycaps to the UK?

~$6 in a bubble mailer with tracking

It's actually quite variable now for first class mail  international, and the price goes up after 3 oz or so (3 keycaps and a small bubblemailer should weigh about that) Keep in mind that the tracking is only provided until after it leaves the USA.  After that, the user can sometimes track the package using the customs form number with the local post their country has.

The USPS postage price calculator says it's $6.16 for a 2 oz package and $8.88 for a 3 oz package
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.aspx?country=10150&m=6&p=0&o=2
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.aspx?country=10150&m=6&p=0&o=3

The keycaps I recently sent to UK were tracked all the way to delivery by USPS.

[kgrad5]

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

You should be able to tell what kind of stabilizers you have by feel or pop the space bar off or any other stabilized key.

Thanks, just to confirm, this is a costar stabilizer correct?

[do_Og@n]

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

You should be able to tell what kind of stabilizers you have by feel or pop the space bar off or any other stabilized key.

Thanks, just to confirm, this is a costar stabilizer correct?

Yes those are Costar. Cherry Stabilizers won't have any pieces coming off when you remove the bigger keycaps.

[kgrad5]

How would I find out which version of Das keyboard I own? I have a Das Pro model S, I have the box it came in. I believe they changed from costar stabilizers at one point, and quality degraded?

You should be able to tell what kind of stabilizers you have by feel or pop the space bar off or any other stabilized key.

Thanks, just to confirm, this is a costar stabilizer correct?

Yes those are Costar. Cherry Stabilizers won't have any pieces coming off when you remove the bigger keycaps.

Thanks!

Another question regarding the DAS, I was not around for the "media key fiasco" what are people's complaints about the media keys? I have been searching for information and all I have been able to find is that people don't seem to like the media keys?

[do_Og@n]

I've never used a Das Keyboard so I couldn't give you an honest opinion on it, but media keys in general on keyboards are on a Fn layer that is optional. You don't have to use it if you don't want too.

I did some research on the Das keyboard media keys and it seems that the only real problems people have encountered is them not working over PS2, the audio controls are finicky with different audio devices you are using, and that's about it.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35295.0

[MJ45]

I've been looking into buying a board to build myself however I'm a bit confused about stabilisers. I really really like Costar stabs over cherry which means all of the Korean customs seem to be out of the window for me. Is it the plate setup that determines what stabiliser is used or it the pcb setup?

Cherry stabilizers are great in my opinion if you do the clipping mod and lube them (that's why Koreans prefer them afaik). It depends on both the plate and the PCB which stabilizers you can use. Which board do you want to buy?

Maybe that is something I should try. I don't want to shell out a load of money for a KMAC for example and be unhappy with my stabilisers.

If you would like to build a custom get a Phantom kit and you'll be able to go ether way with the stabilizers as it supports both types and mod switches without de-soldering. Also the WFD universal plates had that feature also if you wanted to mod a Filco or QFR for less money. (if you your lucky to find them)

[CPTBadAss]

Not keyboard related and I don't care. Come at me keybros. =P

I have a simple question: Why does my dog smell like cake? Reunited on Thanksgiving and it feels so good.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll and thanks for making Simple Question Simple Answers such a big part of the GeekHack community ^__^.

[swill]

Not keyboard related and I don't care. Come at me keybros. =P

I have a simple question: Why does my dog smell like cake? Reunited on Thanksgiving and it feels so good.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll and thanks for making Simple Question Simple Answers such a big part of the GeekHack community ^__^.

Haha...  My dog's feet smell like popcorn and leather.  It is absolutely awesome...  Love my doggies... 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

[MJ45]

Happy Thanks Giving GH people!!! I don't why your dogs smell like that, your lucky mine smells like a regular dog??

[Badwrench]

How long would you guys wait for an order from China (to the US)?  I am at 37 days for a set of brass risers.  Thinking I should just re-order them. 

[SpAmRaY]

How long would you guys wait for an order from China (to the US)?  I am at 37 days for a set of brass risers.  Thinking I should just re-order them. 

Usually only 2 or 3 weeks tops.

[Badwrench]

How long would you guys wait for an order from China (to the US)?  I am at 37 days for a set of brass risers.  Thinking I should just re-order them. 

Usually only 2 or 3 weeks tops.

The screws showed up in 10 days.  I just re-checked the ebay listing:  ordered Oct. 23rd.  Estimated deliverey is between Tue. Dec. 10 and Wed. Dec. 18 
Didn't notice that!  At least I have until Dec. 6 to dispute the order if they send the wrong thing  )

[MOZ]

Ordering stuff from China is weird, I have had stuff come in between 6-40 days. Out of the 20+ items bought only one never came.

[Badwrench]

Ordering stuff from China is weird, I have had stuff come in between 6-40 days. Out of the 20+ items bought only one never came.

I have had good luck until this one.  These are the last parts I need to assemble my Pure. 

Anyone have 6 - M2x5mm spacers they want to send me?

[fiftypoints]

How should I go about programming windows media codes in an Aikon controller? The Aikon programmer doesn't support them natively.

[yasuo]

1.What this true? holes size
http://i.imgur.com/3WjRZDZ.jpg
2.And how spacing this?, all 1x1 and one 1.50?
http://i.imgur.com/zkyhY4P.jpg

Thanks

[BlueBär]

1.What this true? holes size
http://i.imgur.com/3WjRZDZ.jpg
2.And how spacing this?, all 1x1 and one 1.50?
http://i.imgur.com/zkyhY4P.jpg

The cutouts for plates need to be 0.551" square. From the Cherry datasheet (measurements are in inches):



I don't think I understand the second part of your question.

[yasuo]

The cutouts for plates need to be 0.551" square. From the cherry datasheet (measurements are in inches):

Show Image

I don't think I understand the second part of your question.

thanks blue bar ;)
2.  i mean distance of each hole,i hope understand :D

[BlueBär]

thanks blue bar
2.  i mean distance of each hole,i hope understand

Ah that makes more sense. The centers of the switches have to be 0.75" apart, so you need about 0.2" between the holes.

[yasuo]

Ah that makes more sense. The centers of the switches have to be 0.75" apart, so you need about 0.2" between the holes.

sorry2x   nah,this i mean
http://i.imgur.com/h8poJab.jpg

[BlueBär]

sorry2x   nah,this i mean
http://i.imgur.com/h8poJab.jpg

Yes, as I said 0.2". Hope this helps:



Maybe we should add this to the OP? I don't know if theres any documented official recommendation on the spacing between the holes btw.

[yasuo]

Nice,your editing   really understand now )
thanks blue bar

[Signature]

A proxy that can proxy GBs from KBDmania?

[Photoelectric]

How would you compare the feeling of typing on SA keycaps to OEM?  Or a less ergonomic (flat) profile like DSA?  Just trying to imagine if there's a period of adjustment required for SA, where going to Cherry or DCS from OEM is not really dramatically different vs. going to DSA from OEM. 

[stancato9]

The mini usb port just fell off my Poker 2 pcb. What do I do?

PS looks like there are 2 black knobs on the bottom of it that anchor it on the pcb. One of them is broken off.

Edit: The other one just broke off too..

[SpAmRaY]

The mini usb port just fell off my Poker 2 pcb. What do I do?

PS looks like there are 2 black knobs on the bottom of it that anchor it on the pcb. One of them is broken off.

Edit: The other one just broke off too..

How in the world did that happen? Was it dropped or was the cable pulled?

[stancato9]

.

[SpAmRaY]

The mini usb port just fell off my Poker 2 pcb. What do I do?

PS looks like there are 2 black knobs on the bottom of it that anchor it on the pcb. One of them is broken off.

Edit: The other one just broke off too..

How in the world did that happen? Was it dropped or was the cable pulled?

No, I had unscrewed the pcb from the case to flip it over and test some LEDs by touching them on the solder points. I then put the PCB back into the case and started to change the keycaps without screwing it back in. I guess the mini usb jack wasn't properly through the hole in the case, so there was pressure being put on it, and it fell off.

So in other words you broke it

[stancato9]

The mini usb port just fell off my Poker 2 pcb. What do I do?

PS looks like there are 2 black knobs on the bottom of it that anchor it on the pcb. One of them is broken off.

Edit: The other one just broke off too..

How in the world did that happen? Was it dropped or was the cable pulled?

No, I had unscrewed the pcb from the case to flip it over and test some LEDs by touching them on the solder points. I then put the PCB back into the case and started to change the keycaps without screwing it back in. I guess the mini usb jack wasn't properly through the hole in the case, so there was pressure being put on it, and it fell off.

So in other words you broke it

Yes, that is a blunt way of saying it. I know it's fixable. I probably just need to get another port and solder it back in place. Does anyone know if mini usb ports are generic? Can I just open up something like a broken camera and take it out?

[dante]

If Cherry MX Blue is referred as 'Green Axis' in China - then what are Cherry MX Greens called?

[Pacifist]

If Cherry MX Blue is referred as 'Green Axis' in China - then what are Cherry MX Greens called?

tea

[dante]

If Cherry MX Blue is referred as 'Green Axis' in China - then what are Cherry MX Greens called?

tea

Tea Axis = Browns

[HPE1000]

Anyone know what these are?



I wasn't there so I can't check.

[ComradeSniper]

Anyone know what these are?

Show Image

I wasn't there so I can't check.

Those are rubber domes.

[Pacifist]

how much does international tracking cost?

[ComradeSniper]

how much does international tracking cost?

You should get tracking for free with First Class International.