Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[SeeThruHead]

Is that a typo or am I misunderstanding something?

[Sifo]

Is that a typo or am I misunderstanding something?

Massdrop and/or Mechanicalkeyboards.com

Ignore pacifist

[Pacifist]

Is that a typo or am I misunderstanding something?

MassDrop

MechanicalKeyboards.COM

sorry for the shorthand

[SeeThruHead]

ah i should have been able to figure that out. Does massdrop do ergo kits constantly. Because it seems like a missed the last one. If they do another one again soon I'll probably wait for that.

[CPTBadAss]

Does massdrop do ergo kits constantly.

It seems like they run the ergo-dox kit pretty often.

[Pacifist]

ah i should have been able to figure that out. Does massdrop do ergo kits constantly. Because it seems like a missed the last one. If they do another one again soon I'll probably wait for that.

a lot

probally their #1 hit

[ithinkimkorean]

What screwdriver do I need for the kpad? It looks like the ones they give you to put together ikea furniture. I want to buy one off amazon. Can't find the size.


Also, do I need to open it to take off the metal feet?

[CPTBadAss]

What screwdriver do I need for the kpad? Also, do I need to open it to take off the metal feet?

I think the KMAC stuff all uses the same size screws. Try looking for a 2.0mm hexdriver/hex key. That's what I'm using for my KMAC. And if it's like my board, yes you'll have to open it up to get the feet off.

[ithinkimkorean]

What screwdriver do I need for the kpad? Also, do I need to open it to take off the metal feet?

I think the KMAC stuff all uses the same size screws. Try looking for a 2.0mm hexdriver/hex key. That's what I'm using for my KMAC. And if it's like my KMAC LE, yes you'll have to open it up to get the feet off.

So quick. Thanks 

[minho]

Is there a difference between the actually switches that are used in plate mounted vs PCB mounted switches? (ex. would I be able to mount the same switches on PCB or plate? Were I to build my own keyboard, would I have to determine if I want PCB or plate mount prior to buying the switches?)

[Sifo]

Is there a difference between the actually switches that are used in plate mounted vs PCB mounted switches? (ex. would I be able to mount the same switches on PCB or plate? Were I to build my own keyboard, would I have to determine if I want PCB or plate mount prior to buying the switches?)

PCB mount you can snip off the 2 plastic pins at the bottom and "convert" it to plate mount.

Plate mount can't technically be put onto a PCB without a plate while maintaining the stability that the two pins are there for.

So it only really matters if you're planning on building PCB mounted because you can't have plate mounted switches.

[HPE1000]

Is there a difference between the actually switches that are used in plate mounted vs PCB mounted switches? (ex. would I be able to mount the same switches on PCB or plate? Were I to build my own keyboard, would I have to determine if I want PCB or plate mount prior to buying the switches?)

PCB mount switches have 2 little plastic nubs on them, but they can just be clipped off if you are using a plate to mount the switches on. So best bet it to just aim for PCB mount switches if you are not sure what you are using them for.

Edit: Sifo beat me

[Jalberstone]

What is the difference between cherry mx greens and whites besides the fact that whites have a softer click?

[epzy]

Where can I get a black replacement spacebar for a black Realforce 88u?

[BlueBär]

What is the difference between cherry mx greens and whites besides the fact that whites have a softer click?

Apart from the color and the click, nothing.
Some say there's extra lube on Whites (which seems to be the case on the MX Whites I have), but others, including Cherry themselves, say there is no extra lube. Could be a different plastic as well, but why the click is dampened on Whites is not really clear.

Where can I get a black replacement spacebar for a black Realforce 88u?

Since EK doesn't offer any black sets for it, ebay, some Japanese auction sites, the classifieds etc. should be your best bet.

[Pacifist]

Are resistors mandatory? My techkeys card and qazpad didn't need any and I just soldered the LEDs directly to the switch

[CPTBadAss]

Are resistors mandatory? My techkeys card and qazpad didn't need any and I just soldered the LEDs directly to the switch

Because those had SMD resistors soldered on already? So yes...

[Pacifist]

Are resistors mandatory? My techkeys card and qazpad didn't need any and I just soldered the LEDs directly to the switch

Because those had SMD resistors soldered on already? So yes...

Did not know that

are resisitors always SMD? Can they be throughhole?

[CPTBadAss]

Are resistors mandatory? My techkeys card and qazpad didn't need any and I just soldered the LEDs directly to the switch

Because those had SMD resistors soldered on already? So yes...

1) Are resisitors always SMD?
2) Can they be through hole?

1) No
2) Yes

[SpAmRaY]

Has anyone done any force measurements for MY switches?

And what are the white alps switches called described as follow, white stem, black body, clicky, almost remind me of a buckling spring sound, very springy sound. It said ALPS on the switch and I think had a letter and the number 21

[CPTBadAss]

1) Has anyone done any force measurements for MY switches?

2) And what are the white alps switches called described as follow, white stem, black body, clicky, almost remind me of a buckling spring sound, very springy sound. It said ALPS on the switch and I think had a letter and the number 21

1) Check out this post on Geekhack

2) From what you're describing, they sound like Simplified White Alps. But to be sure, can you check Mr. Interface's simulation links to see if your switches sound like the sounds he posted?

[Sifo]

1) Has anyone done any force measurements for MY switches?

2) And what are the white alps switches called described as follow, white stem, black body, clicky, almost remind me of a buckling spring sound, very springy sound. It said ALPS on the switch and I think had a letter and the number 21

1) Check out this post on Geekhack

2) From what you're describing, they sound like Simplified White Alps. But to be sure, can you check Mr. Interface's simulation links to see if your switches sound like the sounds he posted?

Bro your link ****ed up

http://www.mrinterface.com/

[CPTBadAss]

1) Has anyone done any force measurements for MY switches?

2) And what are the white alps switches called described as follow, white stem, black body, clicky, almost remind me of a buckling spring sound, very springy sound. It said ALPS on the switch and I think had a letter and the number 21

1) Check out this post on Geekhack

2) From what you're describing, they sound like Simplified White Alps. But to be sure, can you check Mr. Interface's simulation links to see if your switches sound like the sounds he posted?

Bro your link ****ed up

http://www.mrinterface.com/

Thanks mang <3

[SpAmRaY]

1) Has anyone done any force measurements for MY switches?

2) And what are the white alps switches called described as follow, white stem, black body, clicky, almost remind me of a buckling spring sound, very springy sound. It said ALPS on the switch and I think had a letter and the number 21

1) Check out this post on Geekhack

2) From what you're describing, they sound like Simplified White Alps. But to be sure, can you check Mr. Interface's simulation links to see if your switches sound like the sounds he posted?

Thanks CPT! I'm falling asleep at the computer so I'll look into these more in 8 hours or so.

[vovkab]

Does anyone know where I can find keycaps set from official ergodox keyboard image?

[rowdy]

Does anyone know where I can find keycaps set from official ergodox keyboard image?

Show Image

Welcome to Geekhack!

Those look almost like DSA.

You might try the Granite GB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56354.0

[SeeThruHead]

Is it possible to make a one hand ergodox. And for it to be the left hand? I'm thinking of an orbweaver alternative.

[dorkvader]

Is it possible to make a one hand ergodox. And for it to be the left hand? I'm thinking of an orbweaver alternative.

I made one a few weeks ago. It works great with soarer's firmware. I've been meaning to post pictures sometime.

Does anyone know where I can find keycaps set from official ergodox keyboard image?

Show Image

Welcome to Geekhack!

Those look almost like DSA.

You might try the Granite GB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56354.0

The keyset in that render was never actually produced, though the model is closest to SP's DSA

[delobe]

Does anyone have a picture of the inside of their edsyn soldapult? Just got one wanted to check I wasn't missing anything. There's just a simple metal pole inside. Also, maintenance?

Thanks

[CPTBadAss]

1) Does anyone have a picture of the inside of their edsyn soldapult?

2) Maintenance?

1) I can't find a decent picture through a quick Google search. Picture I did find won't open up to the proper size. You can try searching for pictures. The model number is DS017. I did find this Edsyn video where he disassembles the tool.

2) Check out this post from mkawa and this other post from mkawa. This video looks ok as well.

[delobe]

1) Does anyone have a picture of the inside of their edsyn soldapult?

2) Maintenance?

1) I can't find a decent picture through a quick Google search. Picture I did find won't open up to the proper size. You can try searching for pictures. The model number is DS017. I did find this Edsyn video where he disassembles the tool.

2) Check out this post from mkawa and this other post from mkawa. This video looks ok as well.

Found a link on youtube to my soldapult from yours, many thanks.

[combataran]

How much for a Ruby red topre brobot, CC and gas mask respectively?

[BlueBär]

How much for a Ruby red topre brobot, CC and gas mask respectively?

We have a seperate price check thread in the classifieds, but for CCs you should check the Clack info thread.

[ideus]

Does anyone know where I can find keycaps set from official ergodox keyboard image?

Show Image

Welcome to Geekhack!

Those look almost like DSA.

You might try the Granite GB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56354.0

I thought in that yesterday when I read this post, but I do not want to be accused to advertise it, so I prefer to say nothing.

[esoomenona]

That looks to be a rendered image. I don't think those caps exist. Granite may be best bet.

[BlueBär]

I thought in that yesterday when I read this post, but I do not want to be accused to advertise it, so I prefer to say nothing.

You are allowed to sell things in the classifieds, it is not a commercial group buy (apart for SP) and it is not even your group buy. There is no "hidden advertising" you could have done or profited from.

[ideus]

I thought in that yesterday when I read this post, but I do not want to be accused to advertise it, so I prefer to say nothing.

You are allowed to sell things in the classifieds, it is not a commercial group buy (apart for SP) and it is not even your group buy. There is no "hidden advertising" you could have done or profited from.

Yeah that is correct sir. Thank you for your feedback. It cleared my thoughts.

[meiosis]

I'm sure many people have asked before me, but can someone point me in the direction to find some 3mm led's that work with boards such as an LZ-GH? without much modding (or trimming the bulb)

[Pacifist]

I'm sure many people have asked before me, but can someone point me in the direction to find some 3mm led's that work with boards such as an LZ-GH? without much modding (or trimming the bulb)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321332751221?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[swill]

I'm sure many people have asked before me, but can someone point me in the direction to find some 3mm led's that work with boards such as an LZ-GH? without much modding (or trimming the bulb)

You can see more selection with this search. It may be mobile specific cause I'm on my phone.

http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=2x3x4mm+led&isNewKw=1&_pgn=1&epp=24&itemId=&isRefine=true&mfs=GOCLK&acimp=0&sqp=2x3x4mm+led&trksid=p2056088.m2428.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X2x3x4mm+led

[Pacifist]

is the only way to open MYs is through taking off the whole thing or can I open it from the top?

figured it out

[swill]

I'm sure many people have asked before me, but can someone point me in the direction to find some 3mm led's that work with boards such as an LZ-GH? without much modding (or trimming the bulb)

You can see more selection with this search. It may be mobile specific cause I'm on my phone.

http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=2x3x4mm+led&isNewKw=1&_pgn=1&epp=24&itemId=&isRefine=true&mfs=GOCLK&acimp=0&sqp=2x3x4mm+led&trksid=p2056088.m2428.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X2x3x4mm+led

Two more things to note:
- there are crystal clear and diffused style led's there. Choose what you think you will enjoy.
- they will come in either 2.x forward voltage (red, orange, yellow) or 3.x forward voltage (white, blue, green, pink$$). The difference is that they require different resistors.

[Melvang]

I believe there was a third range which was high 1.x to low 2.x forward voltages.

[swill]

I believe there was a third range which was high 1.x to low 2.x forward voltages.

Ya, there may be a third range.  I remember there being some in the high 1s and low 2s, so for simplicity I just put 2.x.  I think everything I bought was >=3.2.

[dorkvader]

orange / red are usually 1.7 Vf
yellow amber can vary, but are usually in the 2.0 Vf
White/blue are usually 3.1 vf to 3.4 vf

they don't necessarily require different resistors, but you can use ones that will make them brighter if you like. At that point, your KB will be VERY bright, so I say to calculate a value and stick with it.

[Dreamre]

I'm planning on relubing my vintage blacks and I wanted to know the most effective method of removing old lube on the stems. Thanks!

[Melvang]

I'm planning on relubing my vintage blacks and I wanted to know the most effective method of removing old lube on the stems. Thanks!

I would just use a paper towel and re apply.  The bit of residue shouldn't hurt anything.  If you are really worried about it you could use a soak of as high of percentage as you can find of rubbing alcohol.

[swill]

I'm planning on relubing my vintage blacks and I wanted to know the most effective method of removing old lube on the stems. Thanks!

I would just use a paper towel and re apply.  The bit of residue shouldn't hurt anything.  If you are really worried about it you could use a soak of as high of percentage as you can find of rubbing alcohol.

Not sure I would recommend soaking the switch bases, only the stems.  The leafs in the switch bases may corrode if you soak them.  I know they will if you soak them in water (there are pictures on here somewhere).  You are taking a risk (IMO) if you soak the bases in alcohol...

[Dreamre]

Thanks for the replies! I'm actually using new housings. I will probably go with the cloth rubbing off method. I asked because I saw someone here leave the stems soaking in water with something else.

[Melvang]

I wouldn't be afraid to soak the housings in alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes before drying.