Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Lain1911]

Advice on a nice entry level TKL with cherry blues for someone who has never owned a mechanical keyboard? Used for causal gaming with RTS and typing. LED's would be nice but this person has a $120 limit.

[jdcarpe]

Advice on a nice entry level TKL with cherry blues for someone who has never owned a mechanical keyboard? Used for causal gaming with RTS and typing. LED's would be nice but this person has a $120 limit.

You're going to get so many QFR* responses to this question.

* CoolerMaster CM Storm QuickFire Rapid.

[Lain1911]

Advice on a nice entry level TKL with cherry blues for someone who has never owned a mechanical keyboard? Used for causal gaming with RTS and typing. LED's would be nice but this person has a $120 limit.

You're going to get so many QFR* responses to this question.

* CoolerMaster CM Storm QuickFire Rapid.

I hear they are coming out with a new board next month?

[Hordak]

How long do thick PBT caps usually last resp. how long does it take them to get shiny/greasy under medium typing conditions?

[jdcarpe]

How long do thick PBT caps usually last resp. how long does it take them to get shiny/greasy under medium typing conditions?

Shiny...just short of forever. Some people use them for years, with hardly any shine.

Dirty, about 0.02 milliseconds. They are great for cleaning your fingertips!

[Hordak]

Thanks, that's good to hear. I'm gonna get me one set of these then as the stock ABS on my QFR are barely 4 months old but already dying. Three more questions though:

1) How do you guys clean these caps? Will 70% alcohol damage the PBT/texture?
2) Are the thick PBT caps (imsto) to heavy for mx reds?
3) Any experience combining these with the EK soft landing pads?

[alosec]

heyo, I have a leopold fc660c and while I love the keyboard for typing, it's not the best for gaming because the keys are too light and sometimes a little mushy. I like blues for gaming because they are heavier and give good tactile feedback but they are too scratchy for typing/general use... I use my keyboard for 2-3 hrs every night of heavy fps gaming, would a 55g RF be good for me? if no, what other board would anyone recommend? thanks bros.

[BlueBär]

1) How do you guys clean these caps? Will 70% alcohol damage the PBT/texture?
2) Are the thick PBT caps (imsto) to heavy for mx reds?
3) Any experience combining these with the EK soft landing pads?

1. Denture tablets are a quick and easy solution.
2. Shouldn't be too heavy.

[Photoelectric]

Does the LZ MX have similar debounce issues that the LZ GH had/has? I know LZ released software to fix..

LZ-MX uses an entirely different PCB with different firmware, so TRiK PCB issues are not related to it.  But you'd have to ask LZ-MX users if their firmware is alright.

[combataran]

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

[BlueBär]

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Only the WASD V2, Filco has a non-removable cable.

[epzy]

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Only the WASD V2, Filco has a non-removable cable.

But you can buy a detachable cable mod from here; http://pexonpcs.co.uk/Detachable-Filco-Mod-Kit-_p_30.html

[combataran]

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Only the WASD V2, Filco has a non-removable cable.

But you can buy a detachable cable mod from here; http://pexonpcs.co.uk/Detachable-Filco-Mod-Kit-_p_30.html

Which would be the cheaper one between the two, including the cable mod?

[Puddsy]

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Do either the WASD V2 or Filco use micro USB?

Only the WASD V2, Filco has a non-removable cable.

But you can buy a detachable cable mod from here; http://pexonpcs.co.uk/Detachable-Filco-Mod-Kit-_p_30.html

Which would be the cheaper one between the two, including the cable mod?

WASD I think, but the Filco is better IMO.

[combataran]

Does everyone agree that the Filco is better than the WASD V2?

[RESPRiT]

I would prefer Filco over WASD, but I haven't had a lot of exposure to WASD boards.

[phoenix1234]

Does anyone feel the scratchiness on some Cherry MX Red recently?
Comparing to my previous Cherry MX Red, this one is very different. I can feel the scratchiness on my fingers obviously.
Of course, it has nothing to do with keyboard manufacturer.
Is it because of Cherry production line different?

[riotonthebay]

Does anyone feel the scratchiness on some Cherry MX Red recently?
Comparing to my previous Cherry MX Red, this one is very different. I can feel the scratchiness on my fingers obviously.
Of course, it has nothing to do with keyboard manufacturer.
Is it because of Cherry production line different?

Nothing has changed in production. I've heard people report that the feel of new reds change over the course of a few month break-in period. You could also lube them, but you should really break them in first.

[phoenix1234]

Does anyone feel the scratchiness on some Cherry MX Red recently?
Comparing to my previous Cherry MX Red, this one is very different. I can feel the scratchiness on my fingers obviously.
Of course, it has nothing to do with keyboard manufacturer.
Is it because of Cherry production line different?

Nothing has changed in production. I've heard people report that the feel of new reds change over the course of a few month break-in period. You could also lube them, but you should really break them in first.

Well noted with thanks.
I will try to reach beyond their break-in point then.
Perhaps spamming more on GH can help? 

[LechnerDE]

Perhaps spamming more on GH can help? 

Always a good idea 

Ask SpAmRaY for his expertise on that matter

[phoenix1234]

Perhaps spamming more on GH can help? 

Always a good idea 

Ask SpAmRaY for his expertise on that matter

hahaha, good idea 
I will PM him, ask him and we can plan an evil plan.
Together, we will spam GH and bring everything down its end

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

[HPE1000]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

I didn't now if we had a thread anywhere dedicated to sounds, typing sounds etc. Like different switches, boards etc.

I was considering posting a guess the sound thread but it seems like uploading and streaming sounds might be pain for people.

[epzy]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

I think he's looking after a big thread with lots of different typing videos with different keyboards.

Nvm, he answered already. ^^

[HPE1000]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

I didn't now if we had a thread anywhere dedicated to sounds, typing sounds etc. Like different switches, boards etc.

I was considering posting a guess the sound thread but it seems like uploading and streaming sounds might be pain for people.

That is what I was thinking, I might record some of my typing. I have been meaning to do it for awhile, I can record mx blacks/reds, blues/greens, buckling springs/capacitive buckling springs.

I might record some stuff later today and upload it to soundcloud.

You should start a thread though 

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

I didn't now if we had a thread anywhere dedicated to sounds, typing sounds etc. Like different switches, boards etc.

I was considering posting a guess the sound thread but it seems like uploading and streaming sounds might be pain for people.

That is what I was thinking, I might record some of my typing. I have been meaning to do it for awhile, I can record mx blacks/reds, blues/greens, buckling springs/capacitive buckling springs.

I might record some stuff later today and upload it to soundcloud.

You should start a thread though 

Nah I suck at threads, you start a thread haha

[HPE1000]

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please

I didn't now if we had a thread anywhere dedicated to sounds, typing sounds etc. Like different switches, boards etc.

I was considering posting a guess the sound thread but it seems like uploading and streaming sounds might be pain for people.

That is what I was thinking, I might record some of my typing. I have been meaning to do it for awhile, I can record mx blacks/reds, blues/greens, buckling springs/capacitive buckling springs.

I might record some stuff later today and upload it to soundcloud.

You should start a thread though 

Nah I suck at threads, you start a thread haha

Okay then, it wont be a sound guessing thread, just a place for people to post their keyboard sound recordings. That way it will actually have some longevity, because after people guess the switches, it is over

[findingthelimit]

What reputable brands sell boards with green switches, aside from Cooler Master (QFR) and WASD (CODE)?

[riotonthebay]

What reputable brands sell boards with green switches, aside from Cooler Master (QFR) and WASD (CODE)?

Leopold offers green switches as an option with the FC660M.

[SpAmRaY]

What reputable brands sell boards with green switches, aside from Cooler Master (QFR) and WASD (CODE)?

ducky...

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=667

[findingthelimit]

What reputable brands sell boards with green switches, aside from Cooler Master (QFR) and WASD (CODE)?

Leopold offers green switches as an option with the FC660M.

Does the leopold FC700R have a version with a numpad, and does it come with green switches?

[LechnerDE]

What reputable brands sell boards with green switches, aside from Cooler Master (QFR) and WASD (CODE)?

Leopold offers green switches as an option with the FC660M.

Does the leopold FC700R have a version with a numpad, and does it come with green switches?

No, only tenkeyless version with MX Black, Red, Blue or Brown.

[Pacifist]

Is it possible to reanodize a case thats already been anodized?

[Hordak]

Question 1: the HHKB is the only small (mini) form factory keyboard with topres, right?
Question 2: is the HHKB programable like the Poker 2 and if yes, can you move the arrow keys to WASD?

[Pacifist]

Question 1: the HHKB is the only small (mini) form factory keyboard with topres, right?
Question 2: is the HHKB programable like the Poker 2 and if yes, can you move the arrow keys to WASD?

HHKB is only 60% topref660c

HHKB is not programable, however Hasu is working on a new controller for it

[BlueBär]

Is it possible to reanodize a case thats already been anodized?

Yes, but I think it needs to get sandblasted first. If you found somebody who anodizes metal parts he can probably help you out.

Question 1: the HHKB is the only small (mini) form factory keyboard with topres, right?
Question 2: is the HHKB programable like the Poker 2 and if yes, can you move the arrow keys to WASD?

1. No, there is also the Leopold FC660C.
2. No.

[epzy]

 

[Pacifist]

Is it possible to reanodize a case thats already been anodized?

Yes, but I think it needs to get sandblasted first. If you found somebody who anodizes metal parts he can probably help you out.

Sweet. I'll probably buy some cheaper priced cases that are soft anodized and have them hard anodized

[BlueBär]

I wanna know this as well.

Sweet. I'll probably buy some cheaper priced cases that are soft anodized and have them hard anodized

Just looked it up, you can strip parts of the anodizing with lye for example, but usually the anodizer does that for you. The size might slightly change (because it actually removes a tiny layer of aluminium), but I think it should be fine for the screws and such. Again, an anodizer should be able to tell you what is possible and what not in a lot more detail.

[Pacifist]

I wanna know this as well.

Sweet. I'll probably buy some cheaper priced cases that are soft anodized and have them hard anodized

Just looked it up, you can strip parts of the anodizing with lye for example, but usually the anodizer does that for you. The size might slightly change (because it actually removes a tiny layer of aluminium), but I think it should be fine for the screws and such. Again, an anodizer should be able to tell you what is possible and what not in a lot more detail.

Thanks for the help!

When I do get a case re anodized, I'll contact whoever does them locally and see exactly the process

[jdcarpe]

I wanna know this as well.

Sweet. I'll probably buy some cheaper priced cases that are soft anodized and have them hard anodized

Just looked it up, you can strip parts of the anodizing with lye for example, but usually the anodizer does that for you. The size might slightly change (because it actually removes a tiny layer of aluminium), but I think it should be fine for the screws and such. Again, an anodizer should be able to tell you what is possible and what not in a lot more detail.

Thanks for the help!

When I do get a case re anodized, I'll contact whoever does them locally and see exactly the process

You can also talk to Photoelectric about this. Photo had that LZ-GH reanodized, and it came out great.

[CPTBadAss]

Can I use the Pexon filco mod on my RF87U?  Or am I better getting a USB mini extender, cutting/soldering it to a mobo header and attaching that to my PCB?

Don't think you can use the Pexon Filco Mod. Why don't you ask him or tjcuaustin if they can make you a detachable RF87U cable? Your idea will also work.

i wonder how to remap arrows from wasd to Fn, Pn, CTRL?
Tilde/Esc can i use them independently, switching from one to the other? 
also heard about firmware? does i need to update (NKRO on USB)

You could try autohotkey.

http://imgur.com/a/x8tF9

Is there something that can be added to this case + Poker 2 to make it heavier, if so what would that be? I'm asking for someone else.

You can try seeing if any of the suggestions in this thread will help you.

On SP Keycap Vertical numpad (+),include row?    on WASD/OEM is R3

I think it's row 3 as well.

How does one create mock-ups like these ?

Check out the OP. There's quite a few tools listed to make the mockups.

I'm trying to put my RF into a digil0g case, but goddamnit I can't get the screw off the ground on the usb cable.  This is the one here:

Show Image

(that's the bottom of the board, the top is a phillips head screw, about 3mm I believe.

Do they put some kind of lock tight on it now?  Any tips or hints?

Could be lock tight. Did you try holding the nut with a socket and then unscrewing the screw?

1) He's away for University and won't be back for another month and so  :p. How do switches become ruined with too much lube :eek:?

2) Are there any PCB manufacturers that are on par with OshPark as far as quality vs cost?  Would like them to accept gerber files for online ordering.

1) Lube can cause the contact to be off.
2) I'm not sure. I've never personally ordered a PCB. But this link seems to show a few competitors to Osh Park.

Hey guys. Does anyone know what type of wire you need to make USB to mini USB and USB to micro USB cables?

You can just use hookup wire that's a small gauge like 24 gauge.

One more alps question: The big ass enter key on one of my alps keyboards keeps getting stuck and no matter what I do I can't fix the problem. It looks like all the stabilizers are facing the right way, so what could possibly be going wrong? Does anyone have a specific strategy for replacing alps enter keys?

Think one of your wires are binding. There's quite a few wires on it and one is probably jamming when you're popping it on. Just keep trying? Alps stuff can be really tricky :(.

Can anyone identify this funky alps board?

Show Image

The back has no identifying marks, but it is made of steel.

Show Image

Looks like a Northgate Omnikey 102 Clone.

1) Ok I have this AEK II with what I am sure is cream alps.  Hear is the thing though.  I want to convert it to Teensy powered but keep the same plug and connector and what not but it didn't come with a cord.  After a bit of research on wikipedia I have found that the ADB connector is a minidin 4 connector which happens to be the same as an S-Video plug.  Would someone be able to confirm that this is the correct plug.  Part number is MD-40 and to me it looks like the assembly process is as simple as soldering the wires on, and snap the rest of the connector together.

2) Now to find that retrobrite thread.

1) I'm a little confused. Why convert it to Teensy but not convert it to USB. What could you plug a S Video into?
2) Retr0bright Wiki thread.

Will a A.87 PCB fit in a KMAC2?

It might but I'd recommend you get a KMAC PCB instead. I think that the KMAC PCBs are better than the A.87 PCBs.

Q: I did a ergo clear mod (blue springs in clear switches). some of the switches like to stay in the down position unless I press the key again to make it bounce back up. I also stickered and lubed them...
 MOAR LUBE? :D

I never figured out the fix for this. I just know it can be a problem with ergo-clears. You can try more lube but honestly, I'm not sure the stock blue springs are strong enough. Try lubing the spring as well.

heyo, I have a leopold fc660c and while I love the keyboard for typing, it's not the best for gaming because the keys are too light and sometimes a little mushy. I like blues for gaming because they are heavier and give good tactile feedback but they are too scratchy for typing/general use... I use my keyboard for 2-3 hrs every night of heavy fps gaming, would a 55g RF be good for me? if no, what other board would anyone recommend? thanks bros.

I always thought that 45g Topre boards were too light/mushy and that 55g boards felt like "proper" Topre switches. However I'm not a Topre enthusiast so I don't have too much personal experience.

Is there a thread anywhere of typing sounds?

What exactly are you looking for? Explain more please :)

I didn't now if we had a thread anywhere dedicated to sounds, typing sounds etc. Like different switches, boards etc.

I was considering posting a guess the sound thread but it seems like uploading and streaming sounds might be pain for people.

Check out Mr Interface's website. The column "Sim" has sounds. When the keyboard pops up you can type and it will register sounds. You can also watch his videos. Making a thread to compile sounds would also be a cool idea. Be like Nike and just do it.

[ComradeSniper]

One more alps question: The big ass enter key on one of my alps keyboards keeps getting stuck and no matter what I do I can't fix the problem. It looks like all the stabilizers are facing the right way, so what could possibly be going wrong? Does anyone have a specific strategy for replacing alps enter keys?

Think one of your wires are binding. There's quite a few wires on it and one is probably jamming when you're popping it on. Just keep trying? Alps stuff can be really tricky .

After playing with it for another hour or so, I thought to try completely removing the stabilizers and stabilizer clips, and it's still getting stuck. Any other keycap except for Enter works on that switch 

[CPTBadAss]

One more alps question: The big ass enter key on one of my alps keyboards keeps getting stuck and no matter what I do I can't fix the problem. It looks like all the stabilizers are facing the right way, so what could possibly be going wrong? Does anyone have a specific strategy for replacing alps enter keys?

Think one of your wires are binding. There's quite a few wires on it and one is probably jamming when you're popping it on. Just keep trying? Alps stuff can be really tricky .

After playing with it for another hour or so, I thought to try completely removing the stabilizers and stabilizer clips, and it's still getting stuck. Any other keycap except for Enter works on that switch 

Maybe it's the keycap itself? Perhaps its molded poorly. Do you have another Enter you could try using?

[ComradeSniper]

One more alps question: The big ass enter key on one of my alps keyboards keeps getting stuck and no matter what I do I can't fix the problem. It looks like all the stabilizers are facing the right way, so what could possibly be going wrong? Does anyone have a specific strategy for replacing alps enter keys?

Think one of your wires are binding. There's quite a few wires on it and one is probably jamming when you're popping it on. Just keep trying? Alps stuff can be really tricky .

After playing with it for another hour or so, I thought to try completely removing the stabilizers and stabilizer clips, and it's still getting stuck. Any other keycap except for Enter works on that switch 

Maybe it's the keycap itself? Perhaps its molded poorly. Do you have another Enter you could try using?

Just tried flip flopping enter keys with another board, and the 'sticky' enter key works fine on my other board, but on the original board the problem is still there, even with a different enter key. I can't see any points where it's getting stuck on the edge of the case, so I guess it must be some part of the enter key getting stuck on the switch? If I'm careful, I can push it to the point where it will actuate and then it will come back up, but any further than that and it gets stuck.

[dorkvader]

Can anyone identify this funky alps board?

Show Image

The back has no identifying marks, but it is made of steel.

Show Image

Looks like a Northgate Omnikey 102 Clone.

It could well be an actual northgate board.  It has the RGB, doubleshots, metal back, etc. I don't have one to compare, but it's a good bet.

[CPTBadAss]

Just tried flip flopping enter keys with another board, and the 'sticky' enter key works fine on my other board, but on the original board the problem is still there, even with a different enter key. I can't see any points where it's getting stuck on the edge of the case, so I guess it must be some part of the enter key getting stuck on the switch? If I'm careful, I can push it to the point where it will actuate and then it will come back up, but any further than that and it gets stuck.

There's multiple sets of stabilizers on the enter right? Should be like 3-4 sets? What if you tried removing one at a time to see if one of the sets is the issue.

[ComradeSniper]

Can anyone identify this funky alps board?

Show Image

The back has no identifying marks, but it is made of steel.

Show Image

Looks like a Northgate Omnikey 102 Clone.

It could well be an actual northgate board.  It has the RGB, doubleshots, metal back, etc. I don't have one to compare, but it's a good bet.

Cool, thanks guys.

Just tried flip flopping enter keys with another board, and the 'sticky' enter key works fine on my other board, but on the original board the problem is still there, even with a different enter key. I can't see any points where it's getting stuck on the edge of the case, so I guess it must be some part of the enter key getting stuck on the switch? If I'm careful, I can push it to the point where it will actuate and then it will come back up, but any further than that and it gets stuck.

There's multiple sets of stabilizers on the enter right? Should be like 3-4 sets? What if you tried removing one at a time to see if one of the sets is the issue.

I tried that as well, didn't work. 

[Pacifist]

For the older DSA caps with really tight stems, could you make it looser by warming it up with a hairdryer and then while its soft put it on a switch and let it cool to a bigger size?