Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[jdcarpe]

Why not get a black Pro 2 and a Type-S and swap the plungers. Then you could always sell the white "non-Type-S" haha

[juguerre]

Because I have a thin desk at my home workspace I get a "clock-clock"  instead of "click - click" from my kb. I think it's due to some resonate think. This is not happening when I  type with the kb on my lap. So,  which could be the best cheap solution for that? A mouse pad or something like that?
Thanks!

[rowdy]

Because I have a thin desk at my home workspace I get a "clock-clock"  instead of "click - click" from my kb. I think it's due to some resonate think. This is not happening when I  type with the kb on my lap. So,  which could be the best cheap solution for that? A mouse pad or something like that?
Thanks!

I use some drawer liner under mine.

[Melvang]

Because I have a thin desk at my home workspace I get a "clock-clock"  instead of "click - click" from my kb. I think it's due to some resonate think. This is not happening when I  type with the kb on my lap. So,  which could be the best cheap solution for that? A mouse pad or something like that?
Thanks!

Drawer liner or a small towel are both popular choices.

[fohat.digs]

Drawer liner or a small towel are both popular choices.

For people who don't want to buy my EPDM mats.

[BlueBär]

Three questions:
1. Can you remove plate mounted Cherry stabs by desoldering just the one switch in the middle?
2. I assume that the sliders of plate and PCB mounted Cherry stabilizers are identical. Is this correct?
3. Does clipping stabilizers affect the feel of Cherry plate mounted stabs?

[Melvang]

Three questions:
1. Can you remove plate mounted Cherry stabs by desoldering just the one switch in the middle?
2. I assume that the sliders of plate and PCB mounted Cherry stabilizers are identical. Is this correct?
3. Does clipping stabilizers affect the feel of Cherry plate mounted stabs?

1.  If there is a slot in the plate connecting all three then yes, if not no.

2.  Yes.

3.  Yes, in the same way as clipping PCB mount.

[BlueBär]

Thanks for the quick reply!

[Melvang]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Not a problem.  Though there might still be a difference between plate and pcb mount cherry stabs just due to the plate.

[asgeirtj]

Thanks for answers on the o-rings sp keycaps issue.  I have blue switches to clarify.  So as I understand it it's basically impossible to use o-rings on sp keycaps? So my question is then, are  soft landing pads compatible with sp keycaps?

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks for answers on the o-rings sp keycaps issue.  I have blue switches to clarify.  So as I understand it it's basically impossible to use o-rings on sp keycaps? So my question is then, are  soft landing pads compatible with sp keycaps?

So how blue switches work, you're already going to have a louder switch to begin with. It's not "impossible", you'll just need to stack more o-rings to have it work, as you've already figured out. Soft landing pads have the same issue with the SP keycaps. You can also try the myriad of suggestions that were posted earlier. I highly suggest you put drawer liner in your keyboard.

[hwood34]

So is the right shift on the Leopold FC660M the same size as the right?

[Razor Lotus]

When do you need to use a ferrite bead when making a DIY cable?

Cause looking at some of our artisans making their own DIY cables, how come they don't need a ferrite bead?

[CPTBadAss]

So is the right shift on the Leopold FC660M the same size as the right?

Is the right shift same as the right shift? Yes  )
Is the right shift same as the left shift? No. According to eyesmiles and rjrich, you'll need two 2.25x shift keys.

When do you need to use a ferrite bead when making a DIY cable?

Cause looking at some of our artisans making their own DIY cables, how come they don't need a ferrite bead?

I believe that it's to help with EMF interference. But I don't think there's a lot of EMF interference in cables. It's just there for overkill. So when people make them, it's nice to have but not 100% necessary.

[fohat.digs]

When do you need to use a ferrite bead when making a DIY cable?

I believe that it's to help with EMF interference. But I don't think there's a lot of EMF interference in cables. It's just there for overkill. So when people make them, it's nice to have but not 100% necessary.

I have wondered about this a lot. They seemed very common a decade or 2 ago, and quite rare now.

Would you consider the need to be equal in just about any cable, or would some keyboards/cables/connectors be more prone to accumulate capacitance or some other property than others?

[CPTBadAss]

When do you need to use a ferrite bead when making a DIY cable?

I believe that it's to help with EMF interference. But I don't think there's a lot of EMF interference in cables. It's just there for overkill. So when people make them, it's nice to have but not 100% necessary.

I have wondered about this a lot. They seemed very common a decade or 2 ago, and quite rare now.

Would you consider the need to be equal in just about any cable, or would some keyboards/cables/connectors be more prone to accumulate capacitance or some other property than others?

I'm definitely not an authority on this but I suspect that like ESD, EMF is a lesser concern now. But like I said, I'm just assuming. It might be better to ask a cable maker or someone who understands much better such as mkawa or dorkvader.

[ideus]

So is the right shift on the Leopold FC660M the same size as the right?

The Leo 660M's right shift is 2.25u, the same size as the left shift key on any standard ANSI keyboard. It takes two shift keys in the same 2.25u size.

[combataran]

What is the appeal of OTD boards that justify their celestial prices?

[Dubsgalore]

What is the appeal of OTD boards that justify their celestial prices?

They are the best built customs, the group buys are pretty exclusive to enter and require a certain number of 'points' on OTD to even enter, and even after that, usually no more then 100~+ of each model are made once and never again. the most common 356 is the DGE with about 200 units made. There are two types of 356 minis as well, V1 and V2, V1 came in red, black and gunmetal, and V2 was much more recent and only came in red.

[combataran]

What is the appeal of OTD boards that justify their celestial prices?

They are the best built customs, the group buys are pretty exclusive to enter and require a certain number of 'points' on OTD to even enter, and even after that, usually no more then 100~+ of each model are made once and never again. the most common 356 is the DGE with about 200 units made. There are two types of 356 minis as well, V1 and V2, V1 came in red, black and gunmetal, and V2 was much more recent and only came in red.

There's a more recent mini huh? Now I'm interested. What's the going price for a Mini v2?

[Dubsgalore]

There's a more recent mini huh? Now I'm interested. What's the going price for a Mini v2?

$400 unassembled, $500-550 for assembled

[Puddsy]

I've seen them go higher assembled. Somewhere in the $650 range.

[Dubsgalore]

I've seen them go higher assembled. Somewhere in the $650 range.

Just for an assembled 356mini? Profit on OTD is really, really, really a big NO NO, so super high priced 356 series boards are not seen very often. the reason why the 356 series is the most wanted and most expensive/rare series of keyboards on earth is because once people have them, they literally are not let go of, ever. Geekhack always seems to have users that get clacks/keyboards and just sell them and give them up after a few weeks of use, but most people who actually can get their hands on a 356 board keep them for life.

[combataran]

Oh my, that IS pricey. Welp, better start saving. 

That being said, what are the other better aluminium 60% cases out there(preferably with brass weights and a cheaper price tag)?

@Dubsgalore I've seen a 356cl and 356dge go for 12000RMB and 10000RMB respectively in a chinese board forum. The scary part is that the boards were actually sold.

[Dubsgalore]

Oh my, that IS pricey. Welp, better start saving. 

That being said, what are the other better aluminium 60% cases out there(preferably with brass weights and a cheaper price tag)?

@Dubsgalore I've seen a 356cl and 356dge go for 12000RMB and 10000RMB respectively in a chinese board forum. The scary part is that the boards were actually sold.

If all you want is an aluminum 60% case, maybe the 356 series ain't the easiest option ) , why not check out mechanicalkeyboards.com? they have $100 aluminum 60% cases there I think..

[Photekq]

Combataran, the 356CL and DGE are BY FAR the most wanted Korean customs. They're considered the absolute best, which is why they sold for such ridiculous prices. 356L and 356N are close.

The only 356 board that multiple members of GH own is the 356mini. The rest are just too rare, and never really leave OTD members hands. I mean.. Tsangan has a 356N MK2, but that doesn't come near the 356CL/DGE, 356L or 356N.

More info on the series can be found here : http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/the-korean-custom-keyboards-1-356-series-t255.html?hilit=356CL

Worth noting there are other, non-356 OTD customs. The 456GT and 360corsa.

[combataran]

Oh my, that IS pricey. Welp, better start saving. 

That being said, what are the other better aluminium 60% cases out there(preferably with brass weights and a cheaper price tag)?

@Dubsgalore I've seen a 356cl and 356dge go for 12000RMB and 10000RMB respectively in a chinese board forum. The scary part is that the boards were actually sold.

If all you want is an aluminum 60% case, maybe the 356 series ain't the easiest option ) , why not check out mechanicalkeyboards.com? they have $100 aluminum 60% cases there I think..

All I see are TEX cases for pokers(too low a profile) and those horrible vortex cases. Anything between $170 and $250?

[Dubsgalore]

Combataran, the 356CL and DGE are BY FAR the most wanted Korean customs. They're considered the absolute best, which is why they sold for such ridiculous prices. 356L and 356N are close.

The only 356 board that multiple members of GH own is the 356mini. The rest are just too rare, and never really leave OTD members hands. I mean.. Tsangan has a 356N MK2, but that doesn't come near the 356CL/DGE, 356L or 356N.

More info on the series can be found here : http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/the-korean-custom-keyboards-1-356-series-t255.html?hilit=356CL

Worth noting there are other, non-356 OTD customs. The 456GT and 360corsa.

Few other members here have MK2s, but those members are all active OTD members, so it doesn't really count. The 456 and 360 Series boards can be looked at like triple A series if the 356 series is major leagues

[Dubsgalore]

All I see are TEX cases for pokers(too low a profile) and those horrible vortex cases. Anything between $170 and $250?

Yeah I don't like the low profile cases either. Duck Poker cases exist..and pop up on kbdmania often, I just sold my LZCE but you see them pop up on GH and kbdmania sometimes, the Duck V2 cases can be used with most 60% pcbs I believe as well, that one may be the best to look out for now

[combataran]

All I see are TEX cases for pokers(too low a profile) and those horrible vortex cases. Anything between $170 and $250?

Yeah I don't like the low profile cases either. Duck Poker cases exist..and pop up on kbdmania often, I just sold my LZCE but you see them pop up on GH and kbdmania sometimes, the Duck V2 cases can be used with most 60% pcbs I believe as well, that one may be the best to look out for now

That's the one with the raiser block right? Yeah I've been keeping an eye out for those too but no luck. That, and the 356mini. What about the FMJ and Hammer cases? Do they belong in their own category?

[Dubsgalore]

All I see are TEX cases for pokers(too low a profile) and those horrible vortex cases. Anything between $170 and $250?

Yeah I don't like the low profile cases either. Duck Poker cases exist..and pop up on kbdmania often, I just sold my LZCE but you see them pop up on GH and kbdmania sometimes, the Duck V2 cases can be used with most 60% pcbs I believe as well, that one may be the best to look out for now

That's the one with the raiser block right? Yeah I've been keeping an eye out for those too but no luck. That, and the 356mini. What about the FMJ and Hammer cases? Do they belong in their own category?

Nah I forgot about those, those are about in the same price range, $200~

If you're looking for a 356mini on geekhack, you're are almost definitely not going to find it, you're probably going to have to venture over to kbdmania to find one

and yes the Duck V2 has the raiser block. There was a GB for it a while ago but I think that'd be a great option for you. that or the FMJ/Hammer

[combataran]

Nah I forgot about those, those are about in the same price range, $200~

If you're looking for a 356mini on geekhack, you're are almost definitely not going to find it, you're probably going to have to venture over to kbdmania to find one

and yes the Duck V2 has the raiser block. There was a GB for it a while ago but I think that'd be a great option for you. that or the FMJ/Hammer

How tolerant are the kbdmania folks towards foreigners? Chinese forums are one thing, Korean forums are a totally different beast. And what about OTD?

I think I'll just keep my scopes on the duck mini v2 and the 356mini. Fmj cases look...different, and the Hammer, don't see thosaround anymore. Not since the GH60 days.

[Photekq]

Sales on OTD market for custom boards will usually say 'will not sell to foreigners'.

[Puddsy]

They will proxy to you, though. You just have to find someone to proxy for you.

[combataran]

Sales on OTD market for custom boards will usually say 'will not sell to foreigners'.

What about kbdmania then?

[Photekq]

Sales on OTD market for custom boards will usually say 'will not sell to foreigners'.

What about kbdmania then?

356/456/360 series don't come up on kbdmania often at all.

[combataran]

Sales on OTD market for custom boards will usually say 'will not sell to foreigners'.

What about kbdmania then?

356/456/360 series don't come up on kbdmania often at all.

That sucks major b*lls. Guess I'll go hide in a corner and wait for a duck mini to pop up then. Or a hammer. Or an fmj case. Not the premium edition though.

[CPTBadAss]

What is the appeal of OTD boards that justify their celestial prices?

They're cool and rare...like everything else  ). I don't know about being "the best" Korean custom but they're certainly very nice. I definitely wouldn't say no to a pink 456GT. I feel like sometimes the OTD boards are put on this pedestal because of rarity when you can get a KMAC or 2TU or GON more easily. And they're *really* nice boards.

What's the going price for a Mini v2?

Please try not to ask for pricing here. Thanks. I know it was harmless though so no worries.

Should also say there's some really cool info in the last two pages about Korean customs that you don't see everyday ^__^

[Jixr]

best way to clean keycaps?

[hwood34]

best way to clean keycaps?

Denture cleaning tablets always work well

[Photekq]

best way to clean keycaps?

Here's the way I do it.. Get some hot water. Not boiling, but hot enough so that putting your hand in it would be uncomfortable after a few seconds. Put a few denture tablets in there, then put your keycaps in. Stir every 5-10 minutes until the water is cold. Then transfer them to some more hot water and stir it for a few minutes. Then dry.

[Jixr]

would denture tablets affect anything with keycaps wiht pad printed legends or anything like that?

I have a mix of abs/pbt with pad printing, dub shots, dye subs, etc. I would just like to get them all cleaned up.

[Photekq]

would denture tablets affect anything with keycaps wiht pad printed legends or anything like that?

I have a mix of abs/pbt with pad printing, dub shots, dye subs, etc. I would just like to get them all cleaned up.

It has never effected pad printing for me. I don't know for sure though.

By the way, I use 2 or 3 tablets for 1 keyset, so you'll want to use a few if your cleaning lots of sets.

[Jixr]

yeah, I just hate when my keyboards start to feel greesey, and I have around 6 or 7 keysets I would like to clean up.

[Candyflip]

I go with 2 tabs for 1 set its pretty good you don't need more than that. It won't affect the pad printed caps what so ever.

[CPTBadAss]

would denture tablets affect anything with keycaps wiht pad printed legends or anything like that?

I have a mix of abs/pbt with pad printing, dub shots, dye subs, etc. I would just like to get them all cleaned up.

I've been cleaning all types of caps for over a year with denture tabs with no issues. Think about it, they're meant to clean something that goes in your mouth. It can't be *that* harsh. If you're really that paranoid, you can just wash them with dish soap.

[Jixr]

I'm not worried. I just wanted to make sure. I don't know anything about denture sets or whatever. I'll pick some up next time I'm at the store. I'm getting a new alum case in the mail Monday and want to get things cleaned up so when I put it together it's all ready to go

[fohat.digs]

I just don't get all this fancy stuff. I have cleaned thousands of keys squeaky clean without any further work on 99% of them by using a spoonful of powdered laundry detergent (I like Charlie's or 365) in a liter of hot water. 5-20 minutes is plenty of time. Adding half a spoon of Oxi or washing soda probably helps.

Rinse well about 3 times pouring back and forth between a bowl and a colander, and toss out on a T-shirt to dry for a little while.

All that other rigamarole is just a big waste of time, money, and energy.

If you shake the water out of each key and roll them over right-side-up on the T-shirt, the entire affair, including drying, hardly takes half an hour.

[CPTBadAss]

I just don't get all this fancy stuff. I have cleaned thousands of keys squeaky clean without any further work on 99% of them by using a spoonful of powdered laundry detergent (I like Charlie's or 365) in a liter of hot water. 5-20 minutes is plenty of time. Adding half a spoon of Oxi or washing soda probably helps.

Rinse well about 3 times pouring back and forth between a bowl and a colander, and toss out on a T-shirt to dry for a little while.

All that other rigamarole is just a big waste of time, money, and energy.

If you shake the water out of each key and roll them over right-side-up on the T-shirt, the entire affair, including drying, hardly takes half an hour.

I don't get powdered laundry detergent. I've never seen it before and I think it's fancy lol. Same thing with Oxi, I don't have Oxi in my home. I know most people have dish soap so I always suggest that in addition to denture tabs. If you have it and it works for you, that's great. I just don't think powdered laundry detergent is commonly used.

[fohat.digs]

I know most people have dish soap so I always suggest that in addition to denture tabs.

I think that laundry detergent works better than dish soap and certainly rinses easier.

I gave up that syrupy liquid laundry detergent years ago and never looked back. I think that the powder works better and it is way cheaper. Just make sure that it is dissolving properly.

Oxi/Biz type products are very helpful cleaning aids, if a bit harsh on fabric. It only takes a little bit.