Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[ajx]

on Poker 2, black PBT are not black but rather dark grey
all black PBT looks like dark grey?

[stoic-lemon]

I'm interested in having a plate cut for a Phantom. I would like to use one of the standard plates from the GB. Is it OK to do this? What files would I need to send to the company doing the cutting and how could I get these? I've noticed a few threads on producing plates, but I'm put off by the fact that I'd have to have them shipped a long way to get to me.

[Melvang]

I'm interested in having a plate cut for a Phantom. I would like to use one of the standard plates from the GB. Is it OK to do this? What files would I need to send to the company doing the cutting and how could I get these? I've noticed a few threads on producing plates, but I'm put off by the fact that I'd have to have them shipped a long way to get to me.

Code: [Select]

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13928714177726&key=ae397ad5dec9dcac1cf8902258ac4def&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fgeekhack.org%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D47744.0&v=1&libId=f2b2fc67-1c16-4744-8f62-b1ee96cd79b4&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fgb2uqdfwhqjhhl7%2FPhantomPlates.zip&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fgeekhack.org%2Findex.php%3Fboard%3D117.0&title=GH%20CAD%20Resources%20Hub&txt=Phantom%20Plates
This link came from here.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47744.0

[stoic-lemon]

Thanks Melvang!

[missalaire]

Any other places to buy Topre replacement key caps besides EliteKeyboards? I swear I saw someone posted a site with several options/colors, but I can't remember where it was posted :<

[gh_pp]

you need to use proxy to buy it from china

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.0.2KTaWd&id=36392535695
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.0.2KTaWd&id=14384988030

they only have 1-5 sets of each color.

[missalaire]

you need to use proxy to buy it from china

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.0.2KTaWd&id=36392535695
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.0.2KTaWd&id=14384988030

they only have 1-5 sets of each color.

Ah thanks. I was hoping the full sets would be reasonably priced but it doesn't seem that way :<

[CPTBadAss]

on Poker 2, black PBT are not black but rather dark grey
all black PBT looks like dark grey?

No it depends. Also remember if you're dye-subbing the PBT caps, they can't be black or the legends won't show.

[CPTBadAss]

CPTBadAss update time: I've overhauled the OP. It should be a lot nicer to navigate now. Yes, I've exercised my right as part of the Keepers team to takeover the second thread. I should also say I asked the mods in advance. Hopefully Strelok and everyone else don't mind. I've also added a feedback thread so please chime in and let me know what you'd like to see improved. The thread can be found here.

[Rena]

So how would I go about obtaining a good alps keyboard? I was interested in the white alps,  but I'm aware of how many different color switches there are and have no idea which are the best choice, or which of those are even available anymore (would like to find blue alps but it doubt that will happen). I've heard mostly about the Dell AT101W, which has black alps that apparently aren't very popular for typing, and the Focus FK-2001 which the majority of those boards out there don't even have real white alps. Right now whites seem the most likely to be available and the better choice for typing but I have no idea about these kinds of boards at all.

I would have liked to create a thread for this to possibly instigate more discussion but there's already a couple threads pertaining to alps on the first two pages so I wasn't sure.

[CPTBadAss]

So how would I go about obtaining a good alps keyboard? I was interested in the white alps,  but I'm aware of how many different color switches there are and have no idea which are the best choice, or which of those are even available anymore (would like to find blue alps but it doubt that will happen). I've heard mostly about the Dell AT101W, which has black alps that apparently aren't very popular for typing, and the Focus FK-2001 which the majority of those boards out there don't even have real white alps. Right now whites seem the most likely to be available and the better choice for typing but I have no idea about these kinds of boards at all.

I would have liked to create a thread for this to possibly instigate more discussion but there's already a couple threads pertaining to alps on the first two pages so I wasn't sure.

I recommend getting an Dell AT101W or Focus FK-2001 like you said. If you want to make a thread go ahead? And you can buy them on eBay.

[Rena]

So how would I go about obtaining a good alps keyboard? I was interested in the white alps,  but I'm aware of how many different color switches there are and have no idea which are the best choice, or which of those are even available anymore (would like to find blue alps but it doubt that will happen). I've heard mostly about the Dell AT101W, which has black alps that apparently aren't very popular for typing, and the Focus FK-2001 which the majority of those boards out there don't even have real white alps. Right now whites seem the most likely to be available and the better choice for typing but I have no idea about these kinds of boards at all.

I would have liked to create a thread for this to possibly instigate more discussion but there's already a couple threads pertaining to alps on the first two pages so I wasn't sure.

I recommend getting an Dell AT101W or Focus FK-2001 like you said. If you want to make a thread go ahead? And you can buy them on eBay.

I was looking on eBay. I found a couple listings for the Dell one just fine, about $30 (is that a good price used?) but I still wasn't sure if I'd like the black alps so much after hearing how many others disliked them. The only two listings I could find of the Focus were the ones with the Windows key, which to my understanding do not use even real alps switches but instead imitations. Most all other alps boards I tried searching for that were on the deskthority wiki I couldn't find on eBay. I'm really not sure what else to do, but I'm still interested in the white alps unless, perhaps, the green alps are available somewhere too, or something.

[CPTBadAss]

The problem with a lot of Alps stuff is that there is a huge variety of switches. I got real complicated white Alps in a Focus FK2001. So I think you read some bad information somewhere. The Dell AT101W is what I started on and I think $30 is a good deal. Anyways, I think you should definitely go make a new topic.

[Rena]

The problem with a lot of Alps stuff is that there is a huge variety of switches. I got real complicated white Alps in a Focus FK2001. So I think you read some bad information somewhere. The Dell AT101W is what I started on and I think $30 is a good deal. Anyways, I think you should definitely go make a new topic.

well I hope it wasn't bad information. On the deskthority wiki page for the FK-2001 it says that models without the windows keys have the real complicated white alps and possibly real blue switches, while those with the windows keys don't use real alps, or sometimes simplified blues (another imitation?). Here's the source - http://deskthority.net/wiki/Focus_FK-2001

Anyway, I would be glad to make a thread where we could continue discussion. Give me one moment, posting from my tablet right now.

[CPTBadAss]

The problem with a lot of Alps stuff is that there is a huge variety of switches. I got real complicated white Alps in a Focus FK2001. So I think you read some bad information somewhere. The Dell AT101W is what I started on and I think $30 is a good deal. Anyways, I think you should definitely go make a new topic.

well I hope it wasn't bad information. On the deskthority wiki page for the FK-2001 it says that models without the windows keys have the real complicated white alps and possibly real blue switches, while those with the windows keys don't use real alps, or sometimes simplified blues (another imitation?). Here's the source - http://deskthority.net/wiki/Focus_FK-2001

Anyway, I would be glad to make a thread where we could continue discussion. Give me one moment, posting from my tablet right now.

Again, you can find FK2001s with real white alps. I had one.

And yes, let's migrate this to a new thread: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55096.0

[Dreamre]

Does anyone know where I can get a hand on one of these?

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?pid=leo_tkb001

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know where I can get a hand on one of these?

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?pid=leo_tkb001

Try PM'ing/emailing them? If they're discontinued it's going to be hard to find. I think the TT eSports bag and the Razer bag are nice alternatives though.

[Dreamre]

Does anyone know where I can get a hand on one of these?

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?pid=leo_tkb001

Try PM'ing/emailing them? If they're discontinued it's going to be hard to find. I think the TT eSports bag and the Razer bag are nice alternatives though.

I just sent them an email...just trying my luck!

I like both bags, but I hate the huge strap D:

[Gondorff]

Hey guys,

I'm brand new to the mechanical keyboard scene, so excuse my ignorance...

What are the differences between buckling switches vs. cherry switches as far as internals go? To clarify, would they both be compatible with the same pcb?

[CPTBadAss]

1) What are the differences between buckling switches vs. cherry switches as far as internals go?

2) Would they both be compatible with the same pcb?

1) Check out the pictures of buckling spring switches and MX switches.

2) No

[Gondorff]

1) What are the differences between buckling switches vs. cherry switches as far as internals go?

2) Would they both be compatible with the same pcb?

1) Check out the pictures of buckling spring switches and MX switches.

2) No

Has geekhack ever had anyone develop any custom-made buckling spring pcbs?

[CPTBadAss]

Has geekhack ever had anyone develop any custom-made buckling spring pcbs?

It's not a PCB per se, since BS switches don't use PCBs. But wcass has made custom membranes the buckling spring over membrane switch.

[dndlmx]

Do Topre Realforce keycaps have a more consistent profile, particularly the alpha keys? Could some printed caps be rearranged to Colemak / Dvorak for the HHKB, without being too awkward?

[yasuo]

Do Topre Realforce keycaps have a more consistent profile, particularly the alpha keys? Could some printed caps be rearranged to Colemak / Dvorak for the HHKB, without being too awkward?

no unfortunately,topre caps have rows almost like cherry profile i see. IBM M i think don't have rows

[yasuo]

is Cherry stabs plate mount fit on plate 2mm?

[CPTBadAss]

is Cherry stabs plate mount fit on plate 2mm?

Cherry MX datasheet

From the datasheet, there's a picture that shows the min, max, and nominal dimension the plate can be.

.056 in minimum = 1.4224 mm min
.060 in nominal = 1.524 mm nominal
.064 in maximum = 1.6256 mm max

I think jdcarpe likes to cut his plates at .060" thickness. He says in that post that .0625" plates can work but you'll need to file it.

So the answer is no, 2mm is too thick.

And please don't double post. Edit your previous post next time.

[HoffmanMyster]

is Cherry stabs plate mount fit on plate 2mm?

Show Image

Cherry MX datasheet

From the datasheet, there's a picture that shows the min, max, and nominal dimension the plate can be.

.056 in minimum = 1.4224 mm min
.060 in nominal = 1.524 mm nominal
.064 in maximum = 1.6256 mm max

I think jdcarpe likes to cut his plates at .060" thickness. He says in that post that .0625" plates can work but you'll need to file it.

So the answer is no, 2mm is too thick.

And please don't double post. Edit your previous post next time.

I had a plate cut by The_Beast in 16 gauge steel (~1.59 mm, 0.0625") and it is a near-perfect thickness, no filing required.  Just as an added bit of information/experience.

[Melvang]

Do Topre Realforce keycaps have a more consistent profile, particularly the alpha keys? Could some printed caps be rearranged to Colemak / Dvorak for the HHKB, without being too awkward?

no unfortunately,topre caps have rows almost like cherry profile i see. IBM M i think don't have rows

Correct on the IBM M.  Hey have a uniform profile caps.

[BlueBär]

Made a USB cable, could, in case I did something wrong, testing it on my PC cause any harm to my USB port or the keyboard?

[Melvang]

Made a USB cable, could, in case I did something wrong, testing it on my PC cause any harm to my USB port or the keyboard?

I doubt it.  I would think worst case scenario would be what you are plugging in would be toasted.  If you are worried about it just test the plugs with a multimeter. 

[BlueBär]

I doubt it.  I would think worst case scenario would be what you are plugging in would be toasted.  If you are worried about it just test the plugs with a multimeter.

You know I would kind of mind if my keyboard got fried
I have no multimeter, but I think I can diy something with a LED.

[mechabit]

Hello. I posted a while ago with a few questions regarding Poker ii, thank you for your answers.

One more question. Can anyone confirm that n key rollover can be achieved using a USB -> PS2 adapter? I'm a little nervous about doing the firmware update after reading the thread.

Thank you.

Edit: Typos

[Norz]

What's the best site to offer various choice/customization and decent prices for PBT (ISO) key caps ? Something euro friendly.

[BlueBär]

What's the best site to offer various choice/customization and decent prices for PBT (ISO) key caps ? Something euro friendly.

There is none. You can get PBT ISO caps, but no custom ones, only ABS.

[Norz]

Damn!

Ok thanks a bunch

[epzy]

What's the point of aluminium spacebars? How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones? Will the sound be changed a lot?

[SpAmRaY]

What's the point of aluminium spacebars? How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones? Will the sound be changed a lot?

To me the point was having a space bar that would last longer.

Its metal so obviously it feels different. Cold and clunky if I had to describe it.

The sound is different and I would say it depends on switch type and stabilizer type.

Personally I was completely unimpressed.

[dndlmx]

Do Topre Realforce keycaps have a more consistent profile, particularly the alpha keys? Could some printed caps be rearranged to Colemak / Dvorak for the HHKB, without being too awkward?

no unfortunately,topre caps have rows almost like cherry profile i see. IBM M i think don't have rows

Correct on the IBM M.  Hey have a uniform profile caps.

So blank keycaps are my best option, huh...   

[epzy]

What's the point of aluminium spacebars? How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones? Will the sound be changed a lot?

To me the point was having a space bar that would last longer.

Its metal so obviously it feels different. Cold and clunky if I had to describe it.

The sound is different and I would say it depends on switch type and stabilizer type.

Personally I was completely unimpressed.

Thanks for your input! I think I should pick one up myself just to test it... I really hate the sound from my current spacebars.

[Zeal]

What's the point of aluminium spacebars? How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones? Will the sound be changed a lot?

To me the point was having a space bar that would last longer.

Its metal so obviously it feels different. Cold and clunky if I had to describe it.

The sound is different and I would say it depends on switch type and stabilizer type.

Personally I was completely unimpressed.

Thanks for your input! I think I should pick one up myself just to test it... I really hate the sound from my current spacebars.

I like the variety of finishes and colour on aluminum space bars, but they tend to ping on the upstroke --especially for clicky switches.

[epzy]

What's the point of aluminium spacebars? How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones? Will the sound be changed a lot?

To me the point was having a space bar that would last longer.

Its metal so obviously it feels different. Cold and clunky if I had to describe it.

The sound is different and I would say it depends on switch type and stabilizer type.

Personally I was completely unimpressed.

Thanks for your input! I think I should pick one up myself just to test it... I really hate the sound from my current spacebars.

I like the variety of finishes and colour on aluminum space bars, but they tend to ping on the upstroke --especially for clicky switches.

Mmm, I like the look of them as well. Will see if I can find one I want. '^'

[CPTBadAss]

One more question. Can anyone confirm that n key rollover can be achieved using a USB -> PS2 adapter? I'm a little nervous about doing the firmware update after reading the thread.

I've not heard that many people doing the firmware upgrade in general. I'm not sure what that means though. Either it's not popular or it works without issue. Wish I could help more =(.

1) What's the point of aluminium spacebars?
2) How do they feel compared to normal abs or pbt plastic ones?
3) Will the sound be changed a lot?

1) It's a diff material and can be cool?
2) It feels like cold metal, like aluminum.
3) The sound will be different.

[Rena]

Can anyone recommend to me a good set of PBT function keys (ctrl, shift, caps lock, etc. all of those kinds of keys around the sides of the letter keys whatever they're called) that are pink with white lettering? I'm looking into this set of white keycaps with pink letters for my black-bodied filco and I thought some pink keycaps with white letters in the right placement would make it look better, or something.

[CPTBadAss]

Can anyone recommend to me a good set of PBT function keys (ctrl, shift, caps lock, etc. all of those kinds of keys around the sides of the letter keys whatever they're called) that are pink with white lettering? I'm looking into this set of white keycaps with pink letters for my black-bodied filco and I thought some pink keycaps with white letters in the right placement would make it look better, or something.

I don't think this colorway in PBT exists unfortunately.

[Rena]

Can anyone recommend to me a good set of PBT function keys (ctrl, shift, caps lock, etc. all of those kinds of keys around the sides of the letter keys whatever they're called) that are pink with white lettering? I'm looking into this set of white keycaps with pink letters for my black-bodied filco and I thought some pink keycaps with white letters in the right placement would make it look better, or something.

I don't think this colorway in PBT exists unfortunately.

well if that's the case i'll be fine with ABS, so long as it's dyesub or double shot. the other set of keycaps I was planning to use along with them were PBT and double shot (these to be exact http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-Pink-Double-Shot-Thick-PBT-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/231099851959) so I'm not so sure if PBT and ABS on the same board are a good idea

[CPTBadAss]

Can anyone recommend to me a good set of PBT function keys (ctrl, shift, caps lock, etc. all of those kinds of keys around the sides of the letter keys whatever they're called) that are pink with white lettering? I'm looking into this set of white keycaps with pink letters for my black-bodied filco and I thought some pink keycaps with white letters in the right placement would make it look better, or something.

I don't think this colorway in PBT exists unfortunately.

well if that's the case i'll be fine with ABS, so long as it's dyesub or double shot. the other set of keycaps I was planning to use along with them were PBT and double shot (these to be exact http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-Pink-Double-Shot-Thick-PBT-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/231099851959) so I'm not so sure if PBT and ABS on the same board are a good idea

Ok I think I mis-remembered. Check out these upcoming Vortex caps here. And Ducky has some PBT caps in the colorway you want as well. Also check out the Valentine's set.

[Rena]

Can anyone recommend to me a good set of PBT function keys (ctrl, shift, caps lock, etc. all of those kinds of keys around the sides of the letter keys whatever they're called) that are pink with white lettering? I'm looking into this set of white keycaps with pink letters for my black-bodied filco and I thought some pink keycaps with white letters in the right placement would make it look better, or something.

I don't think this colorway in PBT exists unfortunately.

well if that's the case i'll be fine with ABS, so long as it's dyesub or double shot. the other set of keycaps I was planning to use along with them were PBT and double shot (these to be exact http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-Pink-Double-Shot-Thick-PBT-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/231099851959) so I'm not so sure if PBT and ABS on the same board are a good idea

Ok I think I mis-remembered. Check out these upcoming Vortex caps here. And Ducky has some PBT caps in the colorway you want as well. Also check out the Valentine's set.

The vortex keys in the thread you just linked are exactly what I'm looking for. It seems that thread was made back in November so has there been any word on them? Because I haven't seen those bi-colored sets on the facebook page anywhere for sale.

The valentines set is is pretty much what I wanted too althoug I don't think those are PBT, right?

[CPTBadAss]

1) The vortex keys in the thread you just linked are exactly what I'm looking for. It seems that thread was made back in November so has there been any word on them? Because I haven't seen those bi-colored sets on the facebook page anywhere for sale.

2) The valentines set is is pretty much what I wanted too althoug I don't think those are PBT, right?

1) I haven't heard anything from them yet.

2) Yes it's SP DCS ABS.

[Rena]

1) The vortex keys in the thread you just linked are exactly what I'm looking for. It seems that thread was made back in November so has there been any word on them? Because I haven't seen those bi-colored sets on the facebook page anywhere for sale.

2) The valentines set is is pretty much what I wanted too althoug I don't think those are PBT, right?

1) I haven't heard anything from them yet.

2) Yes it's SP DCS ABS.

I think I'll wait until the vortex keys come in stock then. It seems like if I participated in the valentines group buy it would cost far more to get a full set of 104 keycaps than it would be the vortex keys. Maybe if I send them an email they could inform me on the release time, although I'm not sure where I'd find their contact information.

[CPTBadAss]

1) The vortex keys in the thread you just linked are exactly what I'm looking for. It seems that thread was made back in November so has there been any word on them? Because I haven't seen those bi-colored sets on the facebook page anywhere for sale.

2) The valentines set is is pretty much what I wanted too althoug I don't think those are PBT, right?

1) I haven't heard anything from them yet.

2) Yes it's SP DCS ABS.

I'm not sure where I'd find their contact information.

You can try PMing Vortex_JC here and see if he responds.