Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[dorkvader]

Some keyboards allow you to plug in an additional PS/2 device, but this is uncommon as PS/2 devices are not normally hot-swappable.

I have used this feature to "daisy chain" two access-IS keyboards together to make a split KB.

[epzy]

So I was going to buy a Realforce 87u 55g, but the seller told me there is some rust on the plate. Just a few spots. Is this dangerous to the keyboard? Can it be dangerous over time? How can it be removed, with sandpaper or something? He says it functions perfectly, though.

Thanks!

[BlueBär]

It is the right length, but I am not sure if the stems will fit.

If the stem is centered on the Pure Pro then it will probably fit.

Is there such a thing as a PS2 Hub so I can use multiple keyboards for one computer?

PS2 to USB converters + USB hub would work.

So I was going to buy a Realforce 87u 55g, but the seller told me there was some rust on the plate. Just a few spots. Is this dangerous to the keyboard? Can it be dangerous over time? How can it be removed, with sandpaper or something? He says it functions perfectly, though.

It depends on how bad the rust is. You can remove it with sandpaper (make sure the rust is all gone) and you need to paint it afterwards to seal it again. I'm just wondering how a keyboard plate can rust? Shouldn't it be aluminium?

[delobe]

Hi, I have Filco majestouch mx brown. Filco, I believe, is plate mounted. I want to replace with cherry mx clears.

Can I use pcb mount style clears? Is the swap out simple?

[BlueBär]

Hi, I have Filco majestouch mx brown. Filco, I believe, is plate mounted. I want to replace with cherry mx clears.

Can I use pcb mount style clears? Is the swap out simple?

Yes Filco is plate mounted. You can use PCB mount switches, but you will have to cut off two plastic pins on the bottom (see this image) on each switch. To swap them out you need to desolder your switches, replace them with the new ones and solder them in again. If you haven't done any soldering or desoldering yet, I would recommend you to train that a bit on an old PCB. You can also check out my modding guide by clicking the link in my signature.

[delobe]

Yes Filco is plate mounted. You can use PCB mount switches, but you will have to cut off two plastic pins on the bottom (see this image) on each switch. To swap them out you need to desolder your switches, replace them with the new ones and solder them in again. If you haven't done any soldering or desoldering yet, I would recommend you to train that a bit on an old PCB. You can also check out my modding guide by clicking the link in my signature.

Many thanks, perfect

[CPTBadAss]

I want minimal travel distance reduction and change in feel, which keyboard should I go for? HHKB Pro 2 w/ dental bands mod vs HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. Same question goes for the regular Realforce 87u and the Silenced version as well.

I guess it depends on what layout you want. I've read that the dental bands can make the travel distance change but that's not always 100% of the feedback out there. From what I read, the Type S boards feel the same as the regular boards.

[stancato9]

Are there any PBT sets with a tsangan?

[CPTBadAss]

Are there any PBT sets with a tsangan?

Some Cherry boards might have the 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods you're looking for but I'm not aware of PBT Tsangan kits. Hm...well, wait, aren't the Cherry spacebars on boards with PBT caps made from ABS? Can someone verify that?

[BlueBär]

Some Cherry boards might have the 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods you're looking for but I'm not aware of PBT Tsangan kits. Hm...well, wait, aren't the Cherry spacebars on boards with PBT caps made from ABS? Can someone verify that?

Iirc they have a "PBT" stamp on the bottom but aren't actually PBT.

[SpAmRaY]

Some Cherry boards might have the 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods you're looking for but I'm not aware of PBT Tsangan kits. Hm...well, wait, aren't the Cherry spacebars on boards with PBT caps made from ABS? Can someone verify that?

Iirc they have a "PBT" stamp on the bottom but aren't actually PBT.

^^ Was about to post the same thing

[BlueBär]

^^ Was about to post the same thing

Sniping you is quite the achievement

[stancato9]

Thanks guys. So you are pretty much forced to go with doubleshots on a board with 1.5 mods.. That's unfortunate.

[epzy]

@Bluebär

No clue, he said he didn't know about it until he tried to clean it. Haven't gotten a picture either...

I want minimal travel distance reduction and change in feel, which keyboard should I go for? HHKB Pro 2 w/ dental bands mod vs HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. Same question goes for the regular Realforce 87u and the Silenced version as well.

I guess it depends on what layout you want. I've read that the dental bands can make the travel distance change but that's not always 100% of the feedback out there. From what I read, the Type S boards feel the same as the regular boards.

Okay, seems like I should go for a Type-S then, but I'll have to do some thorough research regardless.

[jdcarpe]

It depends on how bad the rust is. You can remove it with sandpaper (make sure the rust is all gone) and you need to paint it afterwards to seal it again. I'm just wondering how a keyboard plate can rust? Shouldn't it be aluminium?

Actually, most switch plates in stock keyboards are made from regular mild steel.

[BlueBär]

Actually, most switch plates in stock keyboards are made from regular mild steel.

Oh yes you're right. Makes me wonder though, why don't they use aluminium? It's fairly cheap (not sure how it compares to steel), light, easy to work with, etc?

[CPTBadAss]

Actually, most switch plates in stock keyboards are made from regular mild steel.

Oh yes you're right. Makes me wonder though, why don't they use aluminium? It's fairly cheap (not sure how it compares to steel), light, easy to work with, etc?

Mild steel is really easy to find, easy to work with, and is really cheap. Aluminum is very light and doesn't give that added heft to the keyboard when you pick it up. It doesn't feel as "solid". I have an aluminum TKL plate and it's significantly lighter than a stainless steel plate.

[BlueBär]

Mild steel is really easy to find, easy to work with, and is really cheap. Aluminum is very light and doesn't give that added heft to the keyboard when you pick it up. It doesn't feel as "solid". I have an aluminum TKL plate and it's significantly lighter than a stainless steel plate.

I suppose cost is the bigger factor here... Anyways, good to know, thanks!

[stancato9]

Sorry for so many questions, but what diameter sleeve is generally used for sleeving usb cables?

[BlueBär]

Sorry for so many questions, but what diameter sleeve is generally used for sleeving usb cables?

Most common sleeves are paracord (which you can get on Amazon, ebay,...) and MDPC (available here: mdpc-x.com).

[stancato9]

Sorry for so many questions, but what diameter sleeve is generally used for sleeving usb cables?

Most common sleeves are paracord (which you can get on Amazon, ebay,...) and MDPC (available here: mdpc-x.com).

Yeah, but some ebay listings for PET material show the diameter.. and it differs greatly. I need to know which size is good for USB cables.

[CPTBadAss]

Yeah, but some ebay listings for PET material show the diameter.. and it differs greatly. I need to know which size is good for USB cables.

Do you have a ruler and a USB cable? Take a rough inner diameter measurement. I don't know the diameter off the top of my head but it should be very easy to get a rough number for your purposes.

[BlueBär]

Yeah, but some ebay listings for PET material show the diameter.. and it differs greatly. I need to know which size is good for USB cables.

It depends on the USB cable of course. My KBT Pure stock cable is about 4-5mm thick.

[CPTBadAss]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

[Sifo]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

I bet it makes you happy that you're not alone ))

[epzy]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

Hehe, congratulations with a much needed, successful thread I guess.

[CPTBadAss]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

I bet it makes you happy that you're not alone )

At night I don't cry myself to sleep anymore. Just whimpers now. 

[BlueBär]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

Very nice! First place when?

[CPTBadAss]

Very nice! First place when?

At the pace we're going at? A little over two years from now we'll have taken over the world "What did you get in the mail thread".

[do_Og@n]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

I'm curious to know how many of those replies are from Pacifist?

[Lastpilot]

This is pretty awesome, I remember when this topic was created. I should have posted a question just to be on the first page! Instead I waited until page 10 lol.

[Pacifist]

Random fun fact: This thread now has the second most replies on Geekhack as shown by the stats page. It has 6972 as of this post. The next topic "What did you add to your keyboard today?" has 6914. And the topic with the most replies is "What did you get in the mail today?" with 18493.

What I'm really trying to say is, thanks for making this thread such a hit. It's been a little over a year since I made the OP and I honestly didn't think it would get this response.

I think a giveaway might be in order...Or something else celebratory!

I'm curious to know how many of those replies are from Pacifist?

At least I post in here instead of making a new thread

[Dubsgalore]

This is pretty awesome, I remember when this topic was created. I should have posted a question just to be on the first page! Instead I waited until page 10 lol.

waited until page 10 too

[Pacifist]

Is there any way, either via software or physically, to disable a keyboard from being affected by numlock?

Also can I swap out costar stabs plate for cherry plate stabs? Or do I need to change the holes?

Also are there any custom 75% plates that fit the kc 84 (race plate won't work)

[BlueBär]

1. Is there any way, either via software or physically, to disable a keyboard from being affected by numlock?
2. Also can I swap out costar stabs plate for cherry plate stabs? Or do I need to change the holes?
3. Also are there any custom 75% plates that fit the kc 84 (race plate won't work)

1. Yes, you could for example always send out page up etc. or only the number via AHK or a custom firmware.
2. You would need different holes.
3. Not sure but I'd guess no.

[hudson0804]

Can I get a spare tray for my ducky shine 3?

I want to paint my tray and would prefer to have a replacement/spare in case I balls it up.

Also has anyone seen my keys?  I had them last night but I cant find them.

Thanks

[BlueBär]

1. Can I get a spare tray for my ducky shine 3?
2. Also has anyone seen my keys?  I had them last night but I cant find them.

1. I don't think you can buy spare trays for Ducky boards.
2. Do you have a photo so you we can identify them?

[hudson0804]

I was hoping that someone may know of an oem supplier -sadface-

As for the keys.  Not too dissimilar to these (http://www.quick-return-cleaners.co.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/keys.jpg)

[Candyflip]

Does any one own or know of a Cherry Yugoslav ISO board? If so link for pics would be nice 

[BlueBär]

Does any one own or know of a Cherry Yugoslav ISO board? If so link for pics would be nice 

There is a language code for Yugoslav ISO, so I guess there are a few. Here is an example:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/cherry-g81-3000-say-t2754.html

[Candyflip]

Does any one own or know of a Cherry Yugoslav ISO board? If so link for pics would be nice 

There is a language code for Yugoslav ISO, so I guess there are a few. Here is an example:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/cherry-g81-3000-say-t2754.html

Wow thanks for the link, now I want one so bad. They seem hard to find tho

[CPTBadAss]

Also has anyone seen my keys?  I had them last night but I cant find them.

I GOT THEM. I TAKE BRIBES/REPAYMENT IN ICE CREAM. PM ME FOR MORE INFO.

Also are there any custom 75% plates that fit the kc 84 (race plate won't work)

I'm not sure there are any other 75% plates made besides the Race one and the one made for the Epsilon.

[hudson0804]

Also has anyone seen my keys?  I had them last night but I cant find them.

I GOT THEM. I TAKE BRIBES/REPAYMENT IN ICE CREAM. PM ME FOR MORE INFO.

How about I PM you my address.. let yourself in.. (tidy up if you're hard pressed fro something to do) and just drop them on the side ?

[CPTBadAss]

Also has anyone seen my keys?  I had them last night but I cant find them.

I GOT THEM. I TAKE BRIBES/REPAYMENT IN ICE CREAM. PM ME FOR MORE INFO.

How about I PM you my address.. let yourself in.. (tidy up if you're hard pressed fro something to do) and just drop them on the side ?

This thread just got a bit naughty. 

[hudson0804]

Is it normal behaviour to be searching on eBay for the term "key caps" at times I care not to mention (very AM people). 

[epzy]

nvm

[JaccoW]

Are USB G80-1800s Mac compatible?

[CPTBadAss]

Are USB G80-1800s Mac compatible?

Think the only issue you'll have is that there's no command button? You'll have to remap it to be command. KeyRemap4MacBook and PCKeyboardHack should do the trick.

[hwood34]

What are mandolin crystals?

[CPTBadAss]

What are mandolin crystals?

It's an inside joke. There was a user named Mandolin who was trying to sell Model M keyboards with what he called "rare crystals" in them. He was advertising his eBay auctions with ridiculous markups since he had these crystals in.