Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

The grips on my HASRO are absolutely gone. Anyone know of any good replacement grips for keyboards? small enough to not make the keyboard slanted or anything..just to add a little grip underneath

BlueLounge Grips are what people have used on their HHKBs. Can also look into bumpons or rubber with adhesive backing from 3M. Can also sit it on something grippy like drawer linear or fohat.digs' EDPM mats.

[Dubsgalore]

The grips on my HASRO are absolutely gone. Anyone know of any good replacement grips for keyboards? small enough to not make the keyboard slanted or anything..just to add a little grip underneath

BlueLounge Grips are what people have used on their HHKBs. Can also look into bumpons or rubber with adhesive backing from 3M. Can also sit it on something grippy like drawer linear or fohat.digs' EDPM mats.

not to be THAT guy but I'm going to be THAT guy, anyone have a link for "Can also look into bumpons or rubber with adhesive backing from 3M." this? I'm aware of fohat's thread

thanks CPT

[CPTBadAss]

not to be THAT guy but I'm going to be THAT guy, anyone have a link for "Can also look into bumpons or rubber with adhesive backing from 3M." this? I'm aware of fohat's thread

thanks CPT

Nice non-statement. I could send you to let me google that for you but I won't be that guy. See how that works?  Here's some possible products that could help you:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-Clear/dp/B000NG60SW
http://www.amazon.com/3M-2155-Rubber-Splicing-Tape/dp/B001CGVEXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402372650&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+rubber+tape
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6

[Dubsgalore]

not to be THAT guy but I'm going to be THAT guy, anyone have a link for "Can also look into bumpons or rubber with adhesive backing from 3M." this? I'm aware of fohat's thread

thanks CPT

Nice non-statement. I could send you to let me google that for you but I won't be that guy. See how that works?  Here's some possible products that could help you:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-Clear/dp/B000NG60SW
http://www.amazon.com/3M-2155-Rubber-Splicing-Tape/dp/B001CGVEXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402372650&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+rubber+tape
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6

THANK YOU for not being that guy

serious potential for too many of those 'guys' tonight

seriously; thanks for the links

[CPTBadAss]

Nice non-statement. I could send you to let me google that for you but I won't be that guy. See how that works?  Here's some possible products that could help you:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-Clear/dp/B000NG60SW
http://www.amazon.com/3M-2155-Rubber-Splicing-Tape/dp/B001CGVEXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402372650&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+rubber+tape
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6

THANK YOU for not being that guy

serious potential for too many of those 'guys' tonight

seriously; thanks for the links

Dubsgalore, just be careful when picking out bumpons. They come in a lot of different sizes. The heights may angle your board to an angle you won't like. It's probably easiest if you make paper shims and measure the shims with a ruler to figure out what size bumpon would work for you. I think people are really happy with those BlueLounge strips too.

[combataran]

What's the heaviest 60% case on the market?

[BlueBär]

What's the heaviest 60% case on the market?

Probably one of those with brass weights, so I'd guess the 356mini.

(That's of course a whole keyboard, not sure what standalone cases have brass weights)

[combataran]

What's the heaviest 60% case on the market?

Probably one of those with brass weights, so I'd guess the 356mini.

(That's of course a whole keyboard, not sure what standalone cases have brass weights)

I'm only aware of the Duck Poker with brass pucks, and the FMJ #1 with brass suites. And that beautiful brass slab of the 356mini.

[CPTBadAss]

What's the heaviest 60% case on the market?

LZ-SE. Heaviest board I ever picked up, period. I literally hurt my hand picking it up one handed at keycon.

60%? probably the 356mini, duck mini, or hsmmer case.

[jdcarpe]

Didn't Gupgup have a milled steel imsto poker case at one time? I wonder what ever happened to that thing...

[Puddsy]

What's the heaviest 60% case on the market?

LZ-SE. Heaviest board I ever picked up, period. I literally hurt my hand picking it up one handed at keycon.

60%? probably the 356mini, duck mini, or hsmmer case.

definitely the 356

[minho]

Quick question -

If I'm using red springs in clear switches, should I go with thin lube? I read that thick lube is better for clear switches, but at the same time, thin lube may be the only thing that red springs will be able to support in combination with the clear switch.

[BlueBär]

If I'm using red springs in clear switches, should I go with thin lube? I read that thick lube is better for clear switches, but at the same time, thin lube may be the only thing that red springs will be able to support in combination with the clear switch.

I don't think that thick lube is that sticky that it would be an issue.

[swill]

Quick question -

If I'm using red springs in clear switches, should I go with thin lube? I read that thick lube is better for clear switches, but at the same time, thin lube may be the only thing that red springs will be able to support in combination with the clear switch.

I bought grease and oil and mixed until I thought it was a good consistency.  It is greasy enough to stay where I put it, but it is viscous enough that if I shake the container, it moves the mixture down the side of the container pretty easily.  I found the thickness of the lube to be very subjective.  I played with it a bit until I was happy with it.  I still don't KNOW for sure that it is the perfect mix, but it feels right now. 

Maybe someone can link a guide that describes the consistency that lube should be.  I think it is probably too subjective and hard to quantify for people to give really good answers on this...

[CPTBadAss]

Quick question -

If I'm using red springs in clear switches, should I go with thin lube? I read that thick lube is better for clear switches, but at the same time, thin lube may be the only thing that red springs will be able to support in combination with the clear switch.

Maybe someone can link a guide that describes the consistency that lube should be.  I think it is probably too subjective and hard to quantify for people to give really good answers on this...

For my switches, I just mixed it like you did until I was happy with the consistency. It turned out to be about fifty percent Krytox 206 and fifty percent 1506. This one might be a test-for-yourself thing. Could also get mkawa to chime in since he's the one that's done the most research into Krytox.

[minho]

Just to clarify, the thin and thick lubes I'm talking about are mkawas.

[swill]

Just to clarify, the thin and thick lubes I'm talking about are mkawas.

is one a grease and one an oil?  if so, I would recommend getting both and mixing them till you have a nice consistency.  i bought Krytox grease from mkawa and Krytox oil from Sprit and mixed them to a consistency I was happy with...

[minho]

Just to clarify, the thin and thick lubes I'm talking about are mkawas.

is one a grease and one an oil?  if so, I would recommend getting both and mixing them till you have a nice consistency.  i bought Krytox grease from mkawa and Krytox oil from Sprit and mixed them to a consistency I was happy with...

I'm pretty sure its a premixed solution of oil and grease already.

How did you know when it was "right"?

Also, is thicker lube recommended for clears generally because thin lube doesn't have much effect on how they feel?

[CPTBadAss]

How did you know when it was "right"?

Also, is thicker lube recommended for clears generally because thin lube doesn't have much effect on how they feel?

It was right 'cause I shook it in the can and I watched how the fluid flowed. When I liked the viscosity, I stopped.

I believe thick is for Topre. I think the thin will work fine for Clears. This thread has some feedback on how people like lubing their switches.

[combataran]

How does the pcb and plate being bolted down to the case instead of sandwiched between 2 aluminum layers like the kmac and 356mini affect the stability and typing feedback on the fingers? The first thing that comes to mind is the plate flex for sandwiched cases. Anything else?

[CPTBadAss]

How does the pcb and plate being bolted down to the case instead of sandwiched between 2 aluminum layers like the kmac and 356mini affect the stability and typing feedback on the fingers? The first thing that comes to mind is the plate flex for sandwiched cases. Anything else?

The KMAC is bolted to the bottom half of the case. I'm not sure what you're referring to.

[ideus]

Can someone tell if this GH60 PCB is a revision with no major problems? How could it be this cheap?

[jdcarpe]

Can someone tell if this GH60 PCB is a revision with no major problems? How could it be this cheap?

That is a FaceU by BeastMask. Similar to a GH60 in that it's programmable and configurable for several layouts. But not a GH60.

sprit has been selling its successor, the FaceW, for a while now.

[minho]

Thanks for responses about lubing.

I also have some questions about purchasing stabilizers and stabilizers in general.

First, what are the primary differences in appearance between plate and pcb mount stabilizers? Is it possible to turn one into the other as with PCB mount switches into plate mount switches?

Second, what type is typically used for custom keyboards? (Seems like Cherry is?)

Third, where can I purchase them for cheap? Willing to buy in bulk (up to about $50 worth, maybe $100 if absolutely necessary). Cherry preferred.

[combataran]

How does the pcb and plate being bolted down to the case instead of sandwiched between 2 aluminum layers like the kmac and 356mini affect the stability and typing feedback on the fingers? The first thing that comes to mind is the plate flex for sandwiched cases. Anything else?

The KMAC is bolted to the bottom half of the case. I'm not sure what you're referring to.

What I meant was the KMAC is bolted to the sides of the bottom half, and that with the aluminium 60%s, the pcb and plate is bolted directly to the base of the case.

[Melvang]

Thanks for responses about lubing.

I also have some questions about purchasing stabilizers and stabilizers in general.

First, what are the primary differences in appearance between plate and pcb mount stabilizers? Is it possible to turn one into the other as with PCB mount switches into plate mount switches?

Second, what type is typically used for custom keyboards? (Seems like Cherry is?)

Third, where can I purchase them for cheap? Willing to buy in bulk (up to about $50 worth, maybe $100 if absolutely necessary). Cherry preferred.

There is enough of a difference between plate and PCB mount Cherry stabs that they are not interchangeable.  PCB mount stabs will not for through the hole in a plate meant for plate mount and plate mount stabs will not clip into the PCB.  Also Costar stabs only come in plate mount.  There is a hole design for the plate that will accept both plate mount cherry and costar.  It was used on the phantom plates iirc.

For cherry switches though the only difference is PCB mount has 2 extra pins as part of the bottom switch housing.  Clip them off and you now have plate mount.  Plate mount switches will technically work without a plate but it is not recommended for stability reasons and it is almost impossible to get them to line up correctly.

[CPTBadAss]

1) What are the primary differences in appearance between plate and pcb mount stabilizers?

2) Is it possible to turn one into the other as with PCB mount switches into plate mount switches?

3) What type is typically used for custom keyboards? (Seems like Cherry is?)

4) Where can I purchase them for cheap? Willing to buy in bulk (up to about $50 worth, maybe $100 if absolutely necessary). Cherry preferred.

1) Check out this image from the GH60 GB OP.

2) No

3) I've seen both. The Korean customs tend to go Cherry and I think the Phantom has Costar. Although I think Melvang might know better than I do.

4) Mouser will sell the stabilizers in bulk but they don't have the 6.25x wires. I think they had 6x and 8x but I don't remember. OnlineComponents might have it too. And I think Imsto and GON have stabilizers as well but I don't know if you'll be able to buy in bulk. I bought like 20 kits of the stabilizers (besides the wires) from Mouser a while back. You can either bend the wire yourself, harvest them, or try and find another supplier that has the proper kits. The OP has some details about the component names and how to buy them on Mouser.

How does the pcb and plate being bolted down to the case instead of sandwiched between 2 aluminum layers like the kmac and 356mini affect the stability and typing feedback on the fingers? The first thing that comes to mind is the plate flex for sandwiched cases. Anything else?

The KMAC is bolted to the bottom half of the case. I'm not sure what you're referring to.

What I meant was the KMAC is bolted to the sides of the bottom half, and that with the aluminium 60%s, the pcb and plate is bolted directly to the base of the case.

I don't notice a change in feel between the two. The Duck Minis I've tried are just as solid feeling as my KMAC.

[combataran]

And do I need to get the addon pack for the Taihao Dolch if I'm only using a 60%?

[CPTBadAss]

And do I need to get the addon pack for the Taihao Dolch if I'm only using a 60%?

I don't know. Is your 60% ISO, Winkeyless, setup like the Pure, or do you want blank windows caps? If you answer yes to any of those, then you probably want it. Although you could start a new trend and not put caps in certain places and type on the stems  ).

[BlueBär]

And do I need to get the addon pack for the Taihao Dolch if I'm only using a 60%?

Please take a closer look at what the addon pack contains. It depends on your planned layout.

Sniped!

[ideus]

Can someone tell if this GH60 PCB is a revision with no major problems? How could it be this cheap?

That is a FaceU by BeastMask. Similar to a GH60 in that it's programmable and configurable for several layouts. But not a GH60.

sprit has been selling its successor, the FaceW, for a while now.

Does it worth a try?

[combataran]

And do I need to get the addon pack for the Taihao Dolch if I'm only using a 60%?

Please take a closer look at what the addon pack contains. It depends on your planned layout.

Sniped!

It has Poker II innards.

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone tell if this GH60 PCB is a revision with no major problems? How could it be this cheap?

That is a FaceU by BeastMask. Similar to a GH60 in that it's programmable and configurable for several layouts. But not a GH60.

sprit has been selling its successor, the FaceW, for a while now.

Does it worth a try?

Can't hurt to try it. But if it were me, I'd rather get the FaceW since it's newer and presumably updated.

And do I need to get the addon pack for the Taihao Dolch if I'm only using a 60%?

Please take a closer look at what the addon pack contains. It depends on your planned layout.

Sniped!

It has Poker II innards.

So you don't need it unless you want the blank windows keys.

[asgeirtj]

I hear that thick abs cherry/gmk is the best, however I can't seem to find where to buy keysets like that? Is it only sold in the aftermarket?

[CPTBadAss]

I hear that thick abs cherry/gmk is the best, however I can't seem to find where to buy keysets like that? Is it only sold in the aftermarket?

There's a GB running right now for GMK keycaps in the Dolch Colorway here from Ivan. BunnyLake has also hinted CTRL ALT will be running GMK sets soon. You can also look for Cherry G80-XXXXH and G81-XXXXH keyboards on eBay to harvest the keycaps from. Finally, they might show up in the classifieds.

Edit: FWIW, the doubleshot Cherry/GMK caps are my favorite keycaps hands down.

[Puddsy]

My favorites too.

[swill]

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but we will see.

I am putting together a 60% board right now and I was planning to do an ANSI Pure layout (1.75 short right shift + fn key).  I was putting the stabilizers together and putting them on the board and I realized that since the shift key is less than 2 units long, it does not have stabilizers.  I am interested in people's feedback who have used the pure layout if that has been an issue at all.  My main concern is that when I do hit that key, I almost never hit it in the middle of the key and I am wondering if people have had problems with it because of that.

Thanks for the input...

[ideus]

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but we will see.

I am putting together a 60% board right now and I was planning to do an ANSI Pure layout (1.75 short right shift + fn key).  I was putting the stabilizers together and putting them on the board and I realized that since the shift key is less than 2 units long, it does not have stabilizers.  I am interested in people's feedback who have used the pure layout if that has been an issue at all.  My main concern is that when I do hit that key, I almost never hit it in the middle of the key and I am wondering if people have had problems with it because of that.

Thanks for the input...

Caps Lock is 1.75 and it does not have an stabilizer, I have heard no complains on the caps lock being
an issue. Neither in the center stem, nor in the sided stem one.

In my case I use caps lock as control and I have not had any issue at all, of course its use as control key is far more frequent than as caps lock. According with WhatPulse it has  3% of usage.

[swill]

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but we will see.

I am putting together a 60% board right now and I was planning to do an ANSI Pure layout (1.75 short right shift + fn key).  I was putting the stabilizers together and putting them on the board and I realized that since the shift key is less than 2 units long, it does not have stabilizers.  I am interested in people's feedback who have used the pure layout if that has been an issue at all.  My main concern is that when I do hit that key, I almost never hit it in the middle of the key and I am wondering if people have had problems with it because of that.

Thanks for the input...

Caps Lock is 1.75 and it does not have an stabilizer, I have heard no complains on the caps lock being
an issue. Neither in the center stem, nor in the sided stem one.

In my case I use caps lock as control and I have not had any issue at all, of course its use as control key is far more frequent than as caps lock. According with WhatPulse it has  3% of usage.

I also use caps lock as control, so that is a pretty good comparison.  Thanks for the input, that helps me...

[jdcarpe]

Yeah, I like the short right shift. No stabilizer needed. I always hit it on that side, anyway, so I don't miss the extra length. And when you get used to the HHKB layout, you just expect the Fn key to be to the right of the shift key.

[Melvang]

Any idea where I could find images that are printable for actual size for bending cherry, costar, and/or alps stabilizer wires?  Looking for something I can use as a template for sizes and styles that I don't have in my possession.   Also, wire thickness for these would be great.

[Hzza]

I know the size of the wire is 1.6mm (I use stainless steel welding rods), and there are spacebar dimensions on the DT wiki but don't know if there are any templates. I just use an existing wire and a wire bending jig (picked one up on ebay for like £5) to make mine.

Spacebar dims - http://deskthority.net/wiki/Space_bar_dimensions
Jig - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/wire-bending-jig-perfect-shapes-every-time-/281193034524?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Welding_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item417869331c#ht_559wt_1161
Rods - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171205928211?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1701wt_1161

[Melvang]

I know the size of the wire is 1.6mm (I use stainless steel welding rods), and there are spacebar dimensions on the DT wiki but don't know if there are any templates. I just use an existing wire and a wire bending jig (picked one up on ebay for like £5) to make mine.

Spacebar dims - http://deskthority.net/wiki/Space_bar_dimensions
Jig - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/wire-bending-jig-perfect-shapes-every-time-/281193034524?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Welding_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item417869331c#ht_559wt_1161
Rods - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171205928211?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1701wt_1161

That thickness almost sounds like it would be for cherry wires. 

Also, that jig wouldn't really work much for costar wires.  I was planning on getting a set of round nose and possibly a set of 3 jaw pliers. 

[Hzza]

Yeah, you're right, all that information just relates to Cherry wires. I have no idea about Costar/Alps thickness, that post should cover the Costar side though.

[CPTBadAss]

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but we will see.

I am putting together a 60% board right now and I was planning to do an ANSI Pure layout (1.75 short right shift + fn key).  I was putting the stabilizers together and putting them on the board and I realized that since the shift key is less than 2 units long, it does not have stabilizers.  I am interested in people's feedback who have used the pure layout if that has been an issue at all.  My main concern is that when I do hit that key, I almost never hit it in the middle of the key and I am wondering if people have had problems with it because of that.

Thanks for the input...

I wouldn't worry about it. I have two keyboards with this layout (Pure and Epsilon) and it hasn't been an issue.

Any idea where I could find images that are printable for actual size for bending cherry, costar, and/or alps stabilizer wires?  Looking for something I can use as a template for sizes and styles that I don't have in my possession.   Also, wire thickness for these would be great.

I'm not sure there has been templates made. I know metalliqaz bent wire for the Epsilon boards by trial and error.

[jdcarpe]

Litster had a YouTube video for bending Costar wires. Is it not in the OP? I can post a link later if not, and if someone doesn't beat me to it. I'm on my mobile right now.

[Hzza]

Litster had a YouTube video for bending Costar wires. Is it not in the OP? I can post a link later if not, and if someone doesn't beat me to it. I'm on my mobile right now.

It's in the post I linked 2 posts above yours (and linked in the OP).

[CPTBadAss]

Litster had a YouTube video for bending Costar wires. Is it not in the OP? I can post a link later if not, and if someone doesn't beat me to it. I'm on my mobile right now.

It's in the OP. Here is the link in the OP. Here is the link to the video itself.

[gustavQ]

Hi guys,

this is a keyboard that it is worth it to buy?

PREH COMMANDER PC-POS C2A12L03G1

[CPTBadAss]

Hi guys,

this is a keyboard that it is worth it to buy?

PREH COMMANDER PC-POS C2A12L03G1

Show Image

It would help way more to know what switches are in it. After doing some poking around, it seems they might be MX compatible keycaps, perhaps from WYSE, with the possibility of having the following switches: MX, MY, Keytronic, Slider over rubber dome. If you're not there in person to test it, have someone pull a keycap and take a picture. Just a glance of the top isn't that helpful and I can't recommend you buy it or not buy it until I know more. Posts I gathered information from:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38676.msg750974#msg750974
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38676.0
http://deskthority.net/f-o-r-s-a-l-e-f58/ugly-thin-old-yellowed-doubleshot-mx-compatible-caps-t6039.html
http://deskthority.net/f-o-r-s-a-l-e-f58/ugly-thin-old-yellowed-doubleshot-mx-compatible-caps-t6039.html