Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

What are all the different types of KMAC's and what are the difference, (KMAC2, KMAC1.2 etc.), and what does LE stand for like KMAC LE?

I'm pretty sure KMAC 1, 1.2, and LE were all the same but there were supposed issues with the anodization. I guess the LE has different anodization on the top and bottom halves. But I own and LE and I can't spot the difference. LE I would imagine is limited edition.

My question is, WHY are there two types of switches?  Is there any benefit to have PCB mounted VS Plate mounted, or visa versa?

Depends on the PCB and the PCB manufacturer I guess. As seen above, there's PCBs that can accept PCB mount and some that can only take Plate mount. Customer requirements. Also I agree with what BlueBar said earlier.

2. Plate mounted switches feel more solid. If you PCB mount switches your board can tend to flex a bit depending on how the PCB is supported by the case.

[ajx]

any cleaning stuff to remove mark of grease on keys?
Too bad that my fingers are naturally greasy
I use wipe on it and keys become eventually more greasy lol

[CPTBadAss]

any cleaning stuff to remove mark of grease on keys?
Too bad that my fingers are naturally greasy
I use wipe on it and keys become eventually more greasy lol

I like using alcohol wipes/moist towelettes or a cloth with isopropyl alchohol for quick cleans. If you want to do a proper clean, pull all the caps off, then put them in warm water. You can add dish soap or denture cleaning tablets (what I like using). Shake and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water, then dry with a towel. Caps are clean again and if you use denture tabs, they smell minty

[juguerre]

Hi! Now that  EK's RF 55g is out of stock ... Is there any other store selling RF 55g? I just can't find nothing out there ...

[BlueBär]

Hi! Now that  EK's RF 55g is out of stock ... Is there any other store selling RF 55g? I just can't find nothing out there ...

There are some Amazon.co.jp listings that say "30/45/55g" but I don't see where you would select your desired weight (not that I know Japanese).
http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/...

[juguerre]

Hi! Now that  EK's RF 55g is out of stock ... Is there any other store selling RF 55g? I just can't find nothing out there ...

There are some Amazon.co.jp listings that say "30/45/55g" but I don't see where you would select your desired weight (not that I know Japanese).
http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/...

I think that "30/45/55g" stands for variable weighted keyboards that have all those switches.... 

[BlueBär]

I think that "30/45/55g" stands for variable weighted keyboards that have all those switches.... 

Oh right, I forgot about the 55g Esc. Sorry I don't know any other source then

[juguerre]

I think that "30/45/55g" stands for variable weighted keyboards that have all those switches.... 

Oh right, I forgot about the 55g Esc. Sorry I don't know any other source then

Thanks any way!  ... so ... I have to wait 

[Pacifist]

What TKL boards are there that allow

1. Reflashing new firmware
and
2. Backlighting
and
3. 1.5 1 1.5 7 1.5 1 1.5 bottom row and 1.75 right shift

Only one I know is KMAC, but that only fits 1 and 2, not 3.

[fohat.digs]

any cleaning stuff to remove mark of grease on keys?
Too bad that my fingers are naturally greasy
I use wipe on it and keys become eventually more greasy lol

Organic solvents (eg "citrus oil" cleaners) work well on oils but can be damaging to some plastics.

"wax on - wax off" quickly and you should be OK

Soaking in hot soapy water is better, but much harder.

[divito]

One of my sisters is a Korean fanatic. Showed her someone's keyboard with English and Hangul caps, she seemed quite interested. What's the easiest way to get caps, and where?

[SpAmRaY]

One of my sisters is a Korean fanatic. Showed her someone's keyboard with English and Hangul caps, she seemed quite interested. What's the easiest way to get caps, and where?

http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=62

[CPTBadAss]

What TKL boards are there that allow

1. Reflashing new firmware
and
2. Backlighting
and
3. 1.5 1 1.5 7 1.5 1 1.5 bottom row and 1.75 right shift

Only one I know is KMAC, but that only fits 1 and 2, not 3.

The Cheat, the LZ customs, Orion.

[colomb]

What TKL keyboards are there with:

1. 45g (or 55g) uniform topre silent switches
2. Dip switches to remap ctrl & caps-lock

[CPTBadAss]

What TKL keyboards are there with:

1. 45g (or 55g) uniform topre silent switches
2. Dip switches to remap ctrl & caps-lock

Not sure a keyboard like this exists In a stock form tbh. I'm definitely the wrong person to ask about Topre boards though so hopefully someone chimes in.

[intelli78]

What TKL keyboards are there with:

1. 45g (or 55g) uniform topre silent switches
2. Dip switches to remap ctrl & caps-lock

edit: there are none with silent and uniform switches.

[CPTBadAss]

What TKL keyboards are there with:

1. 45g (or 55g) uniform topre silent switches
2. Dip switches to remap ctrl & caps-lock

Just the silent Realforce TKLs. Check EliteKeyboards.

Realforces have a dipswitch to swap those Ctrl and Caps Lock?

[intelli78]

What TKL keyboards are there with:

1. 45g (or 55g) uniform topre silent switches
2. Dip switches to remap ctrl & caps-lock

Just the silent Realforce TKLs. Check EliteKeyboards.

Realforces have a dipswitch to swap those Ctrl and Caps Lock?

Yeah, they do, but my answer was wrong because he wants uniform and silent switches. AFAIK,  silent switches are only available on the variable weighted models.

[CPTBadAss]

Realforces have a dipswitch to swap those Ctrl and Caps Lock?

Yeah, they do

That's good to know.

But my answer was wrong because he wants uniform and silent switches. AFAIK,  silent switches are only available on the variable weighted models.

Yeah I thought the only way to get a silent TKL Topre board was to do the dental band or o-ring mod. And perhaps swap in domes/bands from another Type S board. But I could easily be mistaken.

Like I said, I'm sorely lacking in Topre knowledge.

[intelli78]

Realforces have a dipswitch to swap those Ctrl and Caps Lock?

Yeah, they do

That's good to know.

But my answer was wrong because he wants uniform and silent switches. AFAIK,  silent switches are only available on the variable weighted models.

Yeah I thought the only way to get a silent TKL Topre board was to do the dental band or o-ring mod. And perhaps swap in domes/bands from another Type S board. But I could easily be mistaken.

Like I said, I'm sorely lacking in Topre knowledge.

Yes, unless you are OK with variable weighting, then you can buy one of the stock silent models on ek.

[maxtortheone]

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

[Pacifist]

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

1. Big

2. Heavy

[Eszett]

How many times can I flash a programable keyboard controller? Does it “wear off”?

[Pacifist]

How many times can I flash a programable keyboard controller? Does it “wear off”?

1. Infinite
2. no......

[zig_ziglar]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

[Pacifist]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

Pic? Lots of 5 pin plugs

[intelli78]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

It is probably an AT/XT connector. If the keyboard uses the AT protocol, you need an AT --> PS2 and a PS2 --> USB. If it uses XT, you need a Soarer's converter or similar, and it will probably be more effort than you want to put in, unless you really love that kb.

[BlueBär]

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

I have a Cherry G80-2100 here which should be about the same size, it's ~51cm long and ~21cm wide.

[Eszett]

@Pacifist thanks and peace!

[zig_ziglar]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

It is probably an AT/XT connector. If the keyboard uses the AT protocol, you need an AT --> PS2 and a PS2 --> USB. If it uses XT, you need a Soarer's converter or similar, and it will probably be more effort than you want to put in, unless you really love that kb.

Thanks for the reply. The keryboard has an AT to XT switch, so you can select the "mode", I guess. So best path fowards is to procure an AT -> PS2 adaptor? Excuse my ignorance, but what is AT and XT? Cheers

[Pacifist]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

It is probably an AT/XT connector. If the keyboard uses the AT protocol, you need an AT --> PS2 and a PS2 --> USB. If it uses XT, you need a Soarer's converter or similar, and it will probably be more effort than you want to put in, unless you really love that kb.

Thanks for the reply. The keryboard has an AT to XT switch, so you can select the "mode", I guess. So best path fowards is to procure an AT -> PS2 adaptor? Excuse my ignorance, but what is AT and XT? Cheers

Different types of scancodes

[CPTBadAss]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

In addition to what intelli78 mentioned, you can buy a AT/DIN5 to PS2 adaptor. I have that adapter and then a PS/2 to USB adapter to hook up my Minitouch to my computer.

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

I can't find the dimensions for sure but ClickyKeyboards says that packed, the dimensions are as follows:

The shipping weight of these keyboards is approximately 6-7 pounds (2.7 kg). A cardboard box with the minimum dimensions of 24" x 10" x 4"

But what is AT and XT?

They were two types of IBM computer systems, XT and AT, which seem to use different connectors in terms of keyboards. The difference between the systems can be found in a chart I found in what appears to be a report on IBM computers. Link is here. I can't find the original report or link to the report unfortunately.



More information can be found here on XT and here on AT.

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

1. Big

2. Heavy

Do you really think answers like these are helping people? If you don't know, just leave it alone instead of spamming this thread with ridiculous answers.

[zig_ziglar]

I have acquired a vintage keyboard that has a 5 pin metal plug. What adapter do I need? (Forum search for "5 pin" does not succeed.)

In addition to what intelli78 mentioned, you can buy a AT/DIN5 to PS2 adaptor. I have that adapter and then a PS/2 to USB adapter to hook up my Minitouch to my computer.

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

I can't find the dimensions for sure but ClickyKeyboards says that packed, the dimensions are as follows:

The shipping weight of these keyboards is approximately 6-7 pounds (2.7 kg). A cardboard box with the minimum dimensions of 24" x 10" x 4"

But what is AT and XT?

They were two types of IBM computer systems, XT and AT, which seem to use different connectors in terms of keyboards. The difference between the systems can be found in a chart I found in what appears to be a report on IBM computers. Link is here. I can't find the original report or link to the report unfortunately.

Show Image

More information can be found here on XT and here on AT.

I'm curious on the dimensions of my soon to arrive Model M 122 key. And weight.

1. Big

2. Heavy

Do you really think answers like these are helping people? If you don't know, just leave it alone instead of spamming this thread with ridiculous answers.

Thanks for that, mate. I found a $2 female AT to male PS2 on eBay :) Then I can just use one of those dual PS2 (mouse+kb) plugs to USB male to complete the chain.

[intelli78]

Thanks for that, mate. I found a $2 female AT to male PS2 on eBay Then I can just use one of those dual PS2 (mouse+kb) plugs to USB male to complete the chain.

Probably; but not all PS2 to USB adapters are created equal. The Ziotec blue cube is good, and mkawa also has another good one for sale. Both of those have wide compatibility. Your particular unit may or may not work with your particular keyboard. Try it and see.

Also, it's always appreciated to pare down your quoted text to the essentials 

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks for that, mate. I found a $2 female AT to male PS2 on eBay Then I can just use one of those dual PS2 (mouse+kb) plugs to USB male to complete the chain.

Probably; but not all PS2 to USB adapters are created equal. Mkawa also has another good one for sale. Both of those have wide compatibility.

Agreed, I vouch for the one that mkawa and Geekhackers is selling.

[zig_ziglar]

Also, it's always appreciated to pare down your quoted text to the essentials 

Not a problem!

Probably; but not all PS2 to USB adapters are created equal. Mkawa also has another good one for sale. Both of those have wide compatibility.

Thanks for the link. I guess 5 times the price is worth the savings on frustration and time. I can't find any AT to ps2 adaptors locally, so I'll have to import one from the UK I think.

[fohat.digs]

IBM F AT Personal Computer keyboard

Can any of you please give me the quick dimensions of the footprint of the F AT?

Mine is packed and stored deep, and I can't seem to find the dimensions online.

Thanks!

[zig_ziglar]

Actually, I can't tell from the photo - is the GH ps2-usb a female or male ps2?

[fohat.digs]

I can't find any AT to ps2 adaptors locally,

If you can wait for shipping, these are pretty cheap.

It is always good to keep a full set of adapters around, you never know what you may stumble across.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Pin-Mini-Din-Male-to-5-Pin-Din-Female-Keyboard-Adapter-005132-/380804265324?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item58a9b3f56c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Din5-Female-to-MiniDin6-Male-AT-to-PS-2-Adapter-AD-K02P-/270721603823?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3f0843d8ef

[CPTBadAss]

IBM F AT Personal Computer keyboard

Can any of you please give me the quick dimensions of the footprint of the F AT?

I'm trying to get the dimensions now. Weight seems to be 6.2 lbs, according to Clickykeyboards.

Actually, I can't tell from the photo - is the GH ps2-usb a female or male ps2?

Female PS/2

[fohat.digs]

I'm trying to get the dimensions now.

Thanks, I just need to cut a rubber mat for somebody.

It is always hard with that one, because "IBM AT keyboard" turns up thousands of hits. Mine hasn't seen the light of day in a year or 2, although I keep meaning to bring it out and do a full ANSI mod on it.

Selling custom-cut keyboard mats has made me aware of how very different they all are!

[CPTBadAss]

IBM F AT Personal Computer keyboard

Can any of you please give me the quick dimensions of the footprint of the F AT?

Weight seems to be 6.2 lbs

I'm trying to get the dimensions now.

Dimensions as measured by ninjadoc.

Width (think 1 to Backspace): 20.5 inches (about 18.5 without the leg adjusters)
Height (think Escape to Left Control): 8.5 inches
Thickness (bottom of the keyboard to the top half): 1.5 inches

[zig_ziglar]

I have checked out via Paypal and there are no shipping charges applied. Do they ship internationally for free?!

[CPTBadAss]

I have checked out via Paypal and there are no shipping charges applied. Do they ship internationally for free?!

I have no idea how Geekhackers.org's shipping works because it's new. If there's an issue or question, feel free to ask here and/or PM mkawa.

[fohat.digs]

Dimensions as measured by ninjadoc.

Width (think Escape to F12): 20.5 inches (about 18.5 without the leg adjusters)
Height (think Escape to Left Control): 8.5 inches
Thickness (bottom of the keyboard to the top half): 1.5 inches

Huh? The F AT does not have F12 and Escape is in the numpad area.

Those dimensions seem awfully large, are we talking about the 84-key Model F AT?

[CPTBadAss]

Dimensions as measured by ninjadoc.

Width (think Escape to F12): 20.5 inches (about 18.5 without the leg adjusters)
Height (think Escape to Left Control): 8.5 inches
Thickness (bottom of the keyboard to the top half): 1.5 inches

Huh? The F AT does not have F12 and Escape is in the numpad area.

Those dimensions seem awfully large, are we talking about the 84-key Model F AT?

I'm sorry, think across from 1 to backspace. I just put those in so you can visualize which direction I'm talking about. And yes, the 84 key Model F AT.

[zig_ziglar]

I have checked out via Paypal and there are no shipping charges applied. Do they ship internationally for free?!

I have no idea how Geekhackers.org's shipping works because it's new. If there's an issue or question, feel free to ask here and/or PM mkawa.

It looks like a bug that really needs to be fixed asap, as I had to sign up and add an address to my account and then check-out NOT using Paypal before it applied International Shipping. This in itself is not a problem, however, I could have checked out for $12 only instead of $22.

[CPTBadAss]

I have checked out via Paypal and there are no shipping charges applied. Do they ship internationally for free?!

I have no idea how Geekhackers.org's shipping works because it's new. If there's an issue or question, feel free to ask here and/or PM mkawa.

It looks like a bug that really needs to be fixed asap

So comment in that thread?

[zig_ziglar]

So comment in that thread?

Have done so now

[CPTBadAss]

So comment in that thread?

Have done so now

Great! Here's to hoping you get your adapter soon