Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[SpAmRaY]

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.

won't new housings negate the benefits of vintage blacks??

[nubbinator]

Is there any place to get Costar stabilizers since WASD is out and I don't feel like paying $15 or so to get 5 Cherry plate mounted stabilizers?

[rowdy]

Is there any place to get Costar stabilizers since WASD is out and I don't feel like paying $15 or so to get 5 Cherry plate mounted stabilizers?

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/2-filco-black-stabilizers.asp

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/4-filco-white-stabilizers.asp

[nubbinator]

Is there any place to get Costar stabilizers since WASD is out and I don't feel like paying $15 or so to get 5 Cherry plate mounted stabilizers?

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/2-filco-black-stabilizers.asp

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/4-filco-white-stabilizers.asp

Haha, that's even more expensive than getting the 5 sets of PCB mounted Cherry stabilizers.  I found them on MechanicalKeyboards.com as well, but $5.50 for a pair without a stabilizer wire is a joke and obscenely overpriced for a $0.03 piece of plastic.  I found a few on Taobao.  At this rate, it would be cheaper to buy a bunch and have them shipped to me here in the US than to source it locally.

[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.

won't new housings negate the benefits of vintage blacks??

I thought it was the stem that made the difference O_O.

[SpAmRaY]

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.

won't new housings negate the benefits of vintage blacks??

I thought it was the stem that made the difference O_O.

Guess there is only one way to find out.....try it and see what happens

[CPTBadAss]

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.

won't new housings negate the benefits of vintage blacks??

I thought it was the stem that made the difference O_O.

According to the Corsair Cherry Q&A, the stem materials haven't changed. So I think what affects vintage black is the change in molding processes and the finish those molds leave. But does that mean that the housing material has stayed the same? And did the molding process change the friction points on the stem? I'm not sure.

Guess there is only one way to find out.....try it and see what happens

^This

[Dreamre]

I will update you in a couple of weeks when I try it out .

Edit- New question

How the heck do you guys remove the female pin header out of the plastic housing? I'm having a hard time...

This is what I'm referring to:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/140910386490?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[swill]

I will update you in a couple of weeks when I try it out .

Edit- New question

How the heck do you guys remove the female pin header out of the plastic housing? I'm having a hard time...

This is what I'm referring to:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/140910386490?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I used flush cutters.

[nuclearsandwich]

I will update you in a couple of weeks when I try it out .

Edit- New question

How the heck do you guys remove the female pin header out of the plastic housing? I'm having a hard time...

This is what I'm referring to:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/140910386490?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I used a small wirecutters to cut them into individual pins with the housing still attached. Then held the pin in a needlenose pliers and gripped the housing in the cutters and pushed directly down. This pushed the housing off of the socket and the only time I broke a pin was when I wasn't pushing straight down. If I had a second needlenose I'd probably use it instead of the cutters to alleviate the low risk of cutting the socket in half.

I'll try to post a video like Swill's when I get home.

[swill]

Ya, my method is by no means perfect. I tried initially with a blade and I ended up cutting the socket. I had end cutters handy and they worked pretty well, so that's what I used. I think pressing through the housing could work, but only in one direction. I think that's what nuclearsandwich did. Instead of holding the housing with cutters, you may be able to place the strip over a small opening and press into the void. If I tried that, I would use a small box vice I have so I could adjust the gap. Nuclearsandwich, do you think that would work?

[Dreamre]

Yeah...I used flush cutters, but I was like how does everyone do so many?! It's extremely timely to do. Thanks for the input!

[swill]

Yeah...I used flush cutters, but I was like how does everyone do so many?! It's extremely timely to do. Thanks for the input!

Ya I did like 400 and it took me like 3 hours and I was movin.

[mashby]

Is there any way to disable/bypass the USB hub on the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2?

I'd like to be able to use it with mobile devices, but I'm unable to unless I use a powered hub. I know the Professional 1 came without the USB hub, so I'm hoping there's some (hopefully simple) method of bypassing it.

[SpAmRaY]

Is there any way to disable/bypass the USB hub on the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2?

I'd like to be able to use it with mobile devices, but I'm unable to unless I use a powered hub. I know the Professional 1 came without the USB hub, so I'm hoping there's some (hopefully simple) method of bypassing it.

Not that it will help anytime soon but have you seen Hasu's replacement controller for the HHKB?

[HPE1000]

How can I get my avatars background transparent? I want to use this picture, which does have a transparent background but it just turns black. It is transparent when uploaded to imgur, but once I either upload it to GH or specify avatar by URL it just turns the transparency black. Help

http://i.imgur.com/0rAwCqK.png

[Zeal]

How can I get my avatars background transparent? I want to use this picture, which does have a transparent background but it just turns black. It is transparent when uploaded to imgur, but once I either upload it to GH or specify avatar by URL it just turns the transparency black. Help

http://i.imgur.com/0rAwCqK.png

Try using "Upload an Avatar" instead of linking the URL to imgur. That's how I got mine transparent.

Oops. missed the part where you said you tried uploading directly. Lemme try and steal the pic for a sec

Edit: Success! Your image had to be automatically cropped as it was too big -- which filled the transparency with black.

Here's the 150x150 version:


More centered version?

[HPE1000]

How can I get my avatars background transparent? I want to use this picture, which does have a transparent background but it just turns black. It is transparent when uploaded to imgur, but once I either upload it to GH or specify avatar by URL it just turns the transparency black. Help

http://i.imgur.com/0rAwCqK.png

Try using "Upload an Avatar" instead of linking the URL to imgur. That's how I got mine transparent.

Oops. missed the part where you said you tried uploading directly. Lemme try and steal the pic for a sec

Edit: Success! Your image had to be automatically cropped as it was too big -- which filled the transparency with black.

Here's the 150x150 version:

Show Image

More centered version?

Show Image

YAY!


I spent quite a few hours trying to figure it out and I just couldn't, thanks so much

[Rewind]

Do IMSTO Cherry profile caps have the same profile as BSP/GMK?

Would it look good if mixed?

[BlueBär]

Do IMSTO Cherry profile caps have the same profile as BSP/GMK?

Would it look good if mixed?

Not sure if Imstos caps are actually Cherry profile, but GMK and BSP caps both are Cherry profile.

[riotonthebay]

Do IMSTO Cherry profile caps have the same profile as BSP/GMK?

Would it look good if mixed?

Not sure if Imstos caps are actually Cherry profile, but GMK and BSP caps both are Cherry profile.

IMSTO's PBT caps are Cherry profile as well.

[Dreamre]

Yeah...I used flush cutters, but I was like how does everyone do so many?! It's extremely timely to do. Thanks for the input!

Ya I did like 400 and it took me like 3 hours and I was movin.

I can't imagine how long it's going to take to sticker and lube switches...thanks again for the help!

[phoenix1234]

Do IMSTO Cherry profile caps have the same profile as BSP/GMK?

Would it look good if mixed?

imsto PBT will have identical look like BSP/GMK as you see in my BSP / Imsto mix
The red ESC is BSP PBT, the rest are imsto PBT Cherry profile.

The obvious difference between imsto vs BSP vs GMK is the roughness on the surface.
Imsto PBT is rougher, so I do feel imsto PBT is less slippery to type on comparing to BST / Cherry classic PBT.
Actually, imsto PBT is my first and foremost recommendation for anyone who is looking for a decent Cherry MX PBT keycap set.  Anyway, it is just my personal experience, maybe other people may have different feelings.

[CommonCurt]

Do IMSTO Cherry profile caps have the same profile as BSP/GMK?

Would it look good if mixed?

imsto PBT will have identical look like BSP/GMK as you see in my BSP / Imsto mix
The red ESC is BSP PBT, the rest are imsto PBT Cherry profile.
(Attachment Link)
The obvious difference between imsto vs BSP vs GMK is the roughness on the surface.
Imsto PBT is rougher, so I do feel imsto PBT is less slippery to type on comparing to BST / Cherry classic PBT.
Actually, imsto PBT is my first and foremost recommendation for anyone who is looking for a decent Cherry MX PBT keycap set.  Anyway, it is just my personal experience, maybe other people may have different feelings.

IMSTO's Cherry PBT caps are some of my favorites. I have them on three of my boards right now.

[cannonking]

I have a TKL Filco and want to start using Caps Lock as my Control, but the key doesn't feel very good because it has no stabiliser. Can I fit in my own stabiliser easily or not? Also, would a keyboard with an off-centre Caps fix my issue?

[BlueBär]

1. I have a TKL Filco and want to start using Caps Lock as my Control, but the key doesn't feel very good because it has no stabiliser.
2. Can I fit in my own stabiliser easily or not?
3. Also, would a keyboard with an off-centre Caps fix my issue?

1. Please elaborate. Is the key somehow harder to press? What exactly is the problem? If it does not depress evenly, I can't really replicate that problem.
2. No, you would need a special plate and keycap.
3. If my suspicion is true, it would make it worse.

Where is your pinky on the keycap? Rather centered or more left/right?

[HPE1000]

Yeah, my filcos capslock isn't wobbly or uneven at all 

[cannonking]

1. I have a TKL Filco and want to start using Caps Lock as my Control, but the key doesn't feel very good because it has no stabiliser.
2. Can I fit in my own stabiliser easily or not?
3. Also, would a keyboard with an off-centre Caps fix my issue?

1. Please elaborate. Is the key somehow harder to press? What exactly is the problem? If it does not depress evenly, I can't really replicate that problem.
2. No, you would need a special plate and keycap.
3. If my suspicion is true, it would make it worse.

Where is your pinky on the keycap? Rather centered or more left/right?

My pinky is on the left side. The key feels a bit mushy, it seems like it's because the left side of the key goes down before the right side, and when I bottom out the right side doesn't always touch the bottom. If I press the key in the opposite place on the right side, or in the middle, it feels fine.

[BlueBär]

My pinky is on the left side. The key feels a bit mushy, it seems like it's because the left side of the key goes down before the right side, and when I bottom out the right side doesn't always touch the bottom. If I press the key in the opposite place on the right side, or in the middle, it feels fine.

Oh so if it's more to the left an off-center capslock would actually help. You can't really mod a Filco to have one though.

[mashby]

Not that it will help anytime soon but have you seen Hasu's replacement controller for the HHKB?

I did, but it was unclear if it made use of, or bypassed the USB hub.

[SpAmRaY]

Not that it will help anytime soon but have you seen Hasu's replacement controller for the HHKB?

I did, but it was unclear if it made use of, or bypassed the USB hub.

It's a complete replacement for the entire controller board, as in you take out the original controller board that has usb hub and replace it with hasu's board that has no hub!

[combataran]

Any way to make a 45g RF *thock* louder?

[CPTBadAss]

Any way to make a 45g RF *thock* louder?

The "thockiest" Topre I've ever tried was mkawa's 10AE. That's because he had used the board so much that the stock lube had worn away. Other than that I'm not sure.

[do_Og@n]

Any way to make a 45g RF *thock* louder?

Take it apart, use rubbing alcohol to remove all lube  , put it back together, and prepare your jimmies for rustling.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there any way to disable/bypass the USB hub on the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2?

I'd like to be able to use it with mobile devices, but I'm unable to unless I use a powered hub. I know the Professional 1 came without the USB hub, so I'm hoping there's some (hopefully simple) method of bypassing it.

I PMed Bro Caps who suggested this: Since the USB hub is hardwired, you might be able to de-solder the hub and bypass it.

[epzy]

Where can I get Poker 2 and Realforce replacement screws online? And where can I get one of these USB things? Mine is borked...

[BlueBär]

Where can I get Poker 2 and Realforce replacement screws online? And where can I get one of these USB things? Mine is borked...

Show Image

You can get those connectors on ebay, for example these ones look like they would fit.

[epzy]

Where can I get Poker 2 and Realforce replacement screws online? And where can I get one of these USB things? Mine is borked...

Show Image

You can get those connectors on ebay, for example these ones look like they would fit.

Thanks. :) Are you sure it will work?

[CPTBadAss]

Where can I get Poker 2 and Realforce replacement screws online?

Think the Poker 2 screws would be the same size as the Poker X and Pure which is listed in the OP. Realforce screw sizes can be found in this post by limmy.

[BlueBär]

Thanks. Are you sure it will work?

I would say 90% sure. They look identical to yours.

[epzy]

Where can I get Poker 2 and Realforce replacement screws online?

Think the Poker 2 screws would be the same size as the Poker X and Pure which is listed in the OP. Realforce screw sizes can be found in this post by limmy.

Nice, thanks.

Thanks. Are you sure it will work?

I would say 90% sure. They look identical to yours.

Okay, can anyone confirm?

[hwood34]

Would the GON kitty pad housing fit a Leopold 210tp PCB?

[CPTBadAss]

Would the GON kitty pad housing fit a Leopold 210tp PCB?

I only took a quick glance but it looks like the bezels look different so I will guess no.

Thanks. Are you sure it will work?

I would say 90% sure. They look identical to yours.

Okay, can anyone confirm?

Looks similar to me.

[cannonking]

http://www.cmstore-usa.com/mechanical-key-switch-demo-board/

How close does each switch feel to the 'real thing', and can I easily (without soldering) take out the spring from the brown/blue/red and test an ergo clear with it?

[BlueBär]

1. How close does each switch feel to the 'real thing'
2. Can I easily (without soldering) take out the spring from the brown/blue/red and test an ergo clear with it?

1. It's the closest you will get in terms of switch testers.
2. You will need to disassemble the case (you don't have to but it makes things easier) but you don't need to desolder. For an Ergo Clear you should get Krytox, too.

[cannonking]

1. How close does each switch feel to the 'real thing'
2. Can I easily (without soldering) take out the spring from the brown/blue/red and test an ergo clear with it?

1. It's the closest you will get in terms of switch testers.
2. You will need to disassemble the case (you don't have to but it makes things easier) but you don't need to desolder. For an Ergo Clear you should get Krytox, too.

Thanks, you've been very helpful .

[riotonthebay]

1. How close does each switch feel to the 'real thing'
2. Can I easily (without soldering) take out the spring from the brown/blue/red and test an ergo clear with it?

1. It's the closest you will get in terms of switch testers.
2. You will need to disassemble the case (you don't have to but it makes things easier) but you don't need to desolder. For an Ergo Clear you should get Krytox, too.

Thanks, you've been very helpful .

To be a bit more specific about 2., I'd recommend this option from techkeys.us, and even more specifically the Thick formula.

[SeeThruHead]

I just received a frosty flake in the mail. (Toasted and tested version.) Can I just drop it into my QFR? Or do I need to flash firmwares or something. Can someone link me the instructions if there are any?

[CPTBadAss]

I just received a frosty flake in the mail. (Toasted and tested version.) Can I just drop it into my QFR? Or do I need to flash firmwares or something. Can someone link me the instructions if there are any?

I'm pretty sure you still need to desolder the other controller and solder on your Frosty Flake. Info on the Frosty Flake can be found on the DT Wiki.

[SpAmRaY]

I just received a frosty flake in the mail. (Toasted and tested version.) Can I just drop it into my QFR? Or do I need to flash firmwares or something. Can someone link me the instructions if there are any?

I'm pretty sure you still need to desolder the other controller and solder on your Frosty Flake. Info on the Frosty Flake can be found on the DT Wiki.

Are they not socket mounted??