Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Photekq]

yeah just read the thread...now i'm wondering if i should file a chargeback right now, or wait.

If there is electronic shipping info that means they've paid for the shipping. That tells me that they're probably planning to send them to you

[Demetrium]

Can anyone give a quick description on the feel of Matias Quiet Clicks?

http://matias.ca/switches/quiet/

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/matias-secure-pro?mode=guest_open&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Massdrop%20-%20Master&utm_campaign=Product%20Announcement%202014-07-22

From what I'm guessing they're probably like stiffer browns? I do a lot of gaming on reds currently. Would these be awful for it? I'm really interested in getting a smaller wireless mechanical so I can quickly clear my desk.

[CPTBadAss]

Can anyone give a quick description on the feel of Matias Quiet Clicks?

From my Alps vs MX review thread, here are my impressions of them. They feel like dampened cream Alps but most people don't have a lot of experience with Alps.

Matias Quiet Click Alps clones – A while back there was a thread about adding silicone balls to the MX switch housings. I think that this switch might feel like a heavier MX Brown with one of those balls inside. When you press down, the switch feels sort of like the Matias Click. When you bottom out, it’s cushiony. Then on the rebound, the switch also has a bit of dampening so the top out feels cushiony, but not as much as the bottom out. It’s definitely a very unique typing experience.

I don't know what you're looking for when you're gaming so if you're ok with tactile bumps, this may work out for you. I've never gamed on the Quiets but I can game on anything.

[Demetrium]

Can anyone give a quick description on the feel of Matias Quiet Clicks?

From my Alps vs MX review thread, here are my impressions of them. They feel like dampened cream Alps but most people don't have a lot of experience with Alps.

Matias Quiet Click Alps clones – A while back there was a thread about adding silicone balls to the MX switch housings. I think that this switch might feel like a heavier MX Brown with one of those balls inside. When you press down, the switch feels sort of like the Matias Click. When you bottom out, it’s cushiony. Then on the rebound, the switch also has a bit of dampening so the top out feels cushiony, but not as much as the bottom out. It’s definitely a very unique typing experience.

I don't know what you're looking for when you're gaming so if you're ok with tactile bumps, this may work out for you. I've never gamed on the Quiets but I can game on anything.

Interesting! Thanks for the quick reply!

[intelli78]

Can you put a G80-1800 PCB in a G81-1800 case?

[Kblavkalash]

Got both red 40A-L and blue 40A-R rings. Mechanicalkeyboards.nl send me one package for free, super happy about that!

Now I tried blue o-rings on my filco cherry mx blues and it feels amazing! I regret that I didn't mod it earlier, it feels awesome.

Red o-rings installed on my Poker 2 with red switches, and it definitely feels better, but overall red switches feels kind of cheap for me, dunno why. Cherry mx blues are little bit too hard for me, and reds are very light which I like but they feel very cheap. I think cherry mx brown would be perfect for me how do you think?

[CPTBadAss]

Can you put a G80-1800 PCB in a G81-1800 case?

I can't find the thread where Ivan and I think Photekq were talking about it but this thread from sth seems to be helpful. I believe that you can but you'll have to cut some supports and things out of the G81 case.

[kevinlivecomau]

Just removed the top of my filco case for cleaning and discovered that I quite like the feel of the keyboard without having it on. My concern is having the keyboard's controller exposed. Can this be harmful to my keyboard?

[Photekq]

I can't find the thread where Ivan and I think Photekq were talking about it but this thread from sth seems to be helpful. I believe that you can but you'll have to cut some supports and things out of the G81 case.

I think it really depends on the particular case/PCB. Cherry has revised their cases and PCBs multiple times. I know for a fact that with all of my G80/G81 frankenboards no modification was required. However, all of mine are old winkeyless cases. Other ones may require some modification.

Also, I have never tried this with 1800 cases, only 3000s.

[CPTBadAss]

Just removed the top of my filco case for cleaning and discovered that I quite like the feel of the keyboard without having it on. My concern is having the keyboard's controller exposed. Can this be harmful to my keyboard?

Other than the fact that it's easier for dust and water to get on the controller, you'll be fine.

[hwood34]

Does anyone know what switches the keyboard for the colecovision Adam used?

[jdcarpe]

Does anyone know what switches the keyboard for the colecovision Adam used?

Ah yes, the ADAM. The excuse to own a ColecoVision. But Mom, Dad, it's a computer!


I was jealous of my friend who owned the ColecoVision. I only had an Atari 2600.

[HoffmanMyster]

This might be a dumb question, but I haven't found an answer in my searches.

Can I make the HHKB delete key (with DIPs such that upper right is delete and above enter is backspace) work as delete without being under a function layer?  This is my one complaint with the HHKB layout.  Adding an extra key press just to delete things is silly.

Thanks in advance.

[fohat.digs]

Adding an extra key press just to delete things is silly.

I have never understood the lack of respect for the Delete key.

One of my favorite, and most-used keys.

[Melvang]

Is Code::Blocks a sutible environment for a beginner learning to code and write custom firmware?

[Smasher816]

This might be a dumb question, but I haven't found an answer in my searches.

Can I make the HHKB delete key (with DIPs such that upper right is delete and above enter is backspace) work as delete without being under a function layer?  This is my one complaint with the HHKB layout.  Adding an extra key press just to delete things is silly.

Thanks in advance.

Sadly not with the stock controller. With a custom one you can of course do whatever you want.

[HoffmanMyster]

This might be a dumb question, but I haven't found an answer in my searches.

Can I make the HHKB delete key (with DIPs such that upper right is delete and above enter is backspace) work as delete without being under a function layer?  This is my one complaint with the HHKB layout.  Adding an extra key press just to delete things is silly.

Thanks in advance.

Sadly not with the stock controller. With a custom one you can of course do whatever you want.

Thanks for the answer!  I guess this means it's time to finish reading your guide, pull a teensy out of the drawer, and get working!   

[intelli78]

You can also easily accomplish that with Autohotkey or Karabiner. Much easier than doing a hardware mod.

[HoffmanMyster]

You can also easily accomplish that with Autohotkey or Karabiner. Much easier than doing a hardware mod.

Yeah.  I've always found software mods a bit tedious though.  It's a good temporary solution for sure, but then I have to make sure my AHK scripts are synced across my computers or I'll frustrate myself, and then when I use it with OTG on my tablet I'm back to square one.  Better to hardware mod it, IMO.   

[sakai4eva]

Semi shot in the dark here, but I was recently tasked with creating a keyboard with three control knobs. I don't have to do anything in the programming side, but I need to know what parts should I get as the control knob?

Any help?

[Melvang]

Semi shot in the dark here, but I was recently tasked with creating a keyboard with three control knobs. I don't have to do anything in the programming side, but I need to know what parts should I get as the control knob?

Any help?

What are the control knobs supposed to do?  That will have a large impact on what to use.

[sakai4eva]

Semi shot in the dark here, but I was recently tasked with creating a keyboard with three control knobs. I don't have to do anything in the programming side, but I need to know what parts should I get as the control knob?

Any help?

What are the control knobs supposed to do?  That will have a large impact on what to use.

They are used to control photo characteristics in Adobe Lightroom.

Basically, my guy's wrist is aching from clicking, holding and dragging sliders around in Adobe.

What he wants is a device with three knobs (apparently control sliders comes in groups of three in lightroom) to control these sliders instead of relying on mouse clicks.

Apparently, the knobs should also be usable for controlling video editing stuff, but he needs that one urgently.

[Melvang]

Semi shot in the dark here, but I was recently tasked with creating a keyboard with three control knobs. I don't have to do anything in the programming side, but I need to know what parts should I get as the control knob?

Any help?

What are the control knobs supposed to do?  That will have a large impact on what to use.

They are used to control photo characteristics in Adobe Lightroom.

Basically, my guy's wrist is aching from clicking, holding and dragging sliders around in Adobe.

What he wants is a device with three knobs (apparently control sliders comes in groups of three in lightroom) to control these sliders instead of relying on mouse clicks.

Apparently, the knobs should also be usable for controlling video editing stuff, but he needs that one urgently.

Gotcha.  That I have zero clue about how to go about that.  Though that would probably be outside the realm of a simple answer unless you know how to go about the programming for that.  My suggestion would be a new thread in the Making Stuff Together section.

[sakai4eva]

Semi shot in the dark here, but I was recently tasked with creating a keyboard with three control knobs. I don't have to do anything in the programming side, but I need to know what parts should I get as the control knob?

Any help?

What are the control knobs supposed to do?  That will have a large impact on what to use.

They are used to control photo characteristics in Adobe Lightroom.

Basically, my guy's wrist is aching from clicking, holding and dragging sliders around in Adobe.

What he wants is a device with three knobs (apparently control sliders comes in groups of three in lightroom) to control these sliders instead of relying on mouse clicks.

Apparently, the knobs should also be usable for controlling video editing stuff, but he needs that one urgently.

Gotcha.  That I have zero clue about how to go about that.  Though that would probably be outside the realm of a simple answer unless you know how to go about the programming for that.  My suggestion would be a new thread in the Making Stuff Together section.

The programming shouldn't be an issue. I just need to know what kind of knobs can get me started

[Vitaly]

Best way for creating mockup of key layout? Maybe some icon library with different button sizes?

[BlueBär]

Best way for creating mockup of key layout? Maybe some icon library with different button sizes?

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/

[Vitaly]

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for!

[koalapear]

*Deleted*

Found the answer

[b7ad]

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

[blackbox]

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

Krytox lube:

=lube&s[title]=Y&s[short_desc]=Y&s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0]http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=search_list&s[search]=lube&s[title]=Y&s[short_desc]=Y&s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0

Description of the lube and a guide for which lube to buy is in the descrition of the product:

"There are 3 different mixes: Thin, Thick, and Very Thick. Thick lube is made for tactile switches where as thin lube is made for linear switches. The kits are the perfect fit for all keyboard enthusiasts!"

[jdcarpe]

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

For stabilizers, Super Lube or the EK lube is great.

Only Krytox ever for switches.

[CPTBadAss]

*Deleted*

Found the answer <img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/tapatalk-emoji/emoji2.png" />

Can you repost the question and your found answer so others can learn too? That'd be great

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

EK grease or superlube. I think silicone based grease in general should be ok? But you should poke around and doublecheck.

Only Krytox ever for switches.

What about that super thick Krytox? The old lube kits come with the thick stuff and thinner Krytox that you mixed together to get a viscosity you liked.


FWIW Jdcarpe is much smarter than me so I'd defer to his experience.

[jdcarpe]

What about that super thick Krytox? The old lube kits come with the thick stuff and thinner Krytox that you mixed together to get a viscosity you liked.

I was just referring in general to using only Krytox for lubing switches. You definitely want to mix Krytox grease with Krytox oil to get the consistency you prefer for your switches.

You could use Krytox grease for lubing stabilizers, as I have done a few times in the past. But Krytox is expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives that will work just fine for stabilizers.

[CPTBadAss]

You could use Krytox grease for lubing stabilizers, as I have done a few times in the past. But Krytox is expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives that will work just fine for stabilizers.

Got it. So we're just ballin' outta control and you're looking out for the common GHer's wallet. I feel I feel.

[koalapear]

Can you repost the question and your found answer so others can learn too? That'd be great

Sorry! My original question was what are the differences between the KMAC 1 and KMAC 2 since they look identical to me. I found the answer here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37103.0

Turns out not much difference! )

[CPTBadAss]

Can you repost the question and your found answer so others can learn too? That'd be great

Sorry! My original question was what are the differences between the KMAC 1 and KMAC 2 since they look identical to me. I found the answer here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37103.0

Turns out not much difference! )

Thanks! Appreciate it. Glad you found your answer ^__^

[b7ad]

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

Krytox lube:

=lube&s[title]=Y&s[short_desc]=Y&s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0]http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=search_list&s[search]=lube&s[title]=Y&s[short_desc]=Y&s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0

Description of the lube and a guide for which lube to buy is in the descrition of the product:

"There are 3 different mixes: Thin, Thick, and Very Thick. Thick lube is made for tactile switches where as thin lube is made for linear switches. The kits are the perfect fit for all keyboard enthusiasts!"

Thanks but I'm talking about lubing stabilizers not switches. I have a few packs of the thick GH krytox mix, but would think something with more grease would be good for stabs.

What would you guys recommend to use to lube stabs with? I was thinking of picking up some of the EK grease.

For stabilizers, Super Lube or the EK lube is great.

Only Krytox ever for switches.

Did you mean the EK grease? In reference to mixing your own grease and oil with krytox, I just don't see it would be worth sourcing the stuff vs. just using the EK grease? Not really a matter of cost, more laziness.

[CPTBadAss]

Did you mean the EK grease? In reference to mixing your own grease and oil with krytox, I just don't see it would be worth sourcing the stuff vs. just using the EK grease? Not really a matter of cost, more laziness.

Grease and lube are pretty interchangable in my eyes. Grease is a type of lubricant or lube. So yes, EK grease is probably correct but I shouldn't speak for jdcarpe.

The mixing I was referring to is that the old kits of the Krytox lube kits came with a thick grease and a thin oil that you mixed together to get your own viscosity. Both were Krytox. I don't think they come like that anymore. Hence the Thin, Thick, and Very Thick options.

[swill]

If I am hand wiring a keyboard, what gauge wire is ideal?  I am guessing something like 26AWG?  Solid core with insulator?

What is ideal and what do people use in practice?  Thx...

[CPTBadAss]

If I am hand wiring a keyboard, what gauge wire is ideal?  I am guessing something like 26AWG?  Solid core with insulator?

What is ideal and what do people use in practice?  Thx...

I believe the wire I have at home that I use as jumpers is 24 AWG solid copper core with the rubber outside. Is that the insulator?

[swill]

If I am hand wiring a keyboard, what gauge wire is ideal?  I am guessing something like 26AWG?  Solid core with insulator?

What is ideal and what do people use in practice?  Thx...

I believe the wire I have at home that I use as jumpers is 24 AWG solid copper core with the rubber outside. Is that the insulator?

Yes, that is what I meant by insulation.    So you use 24 gauge?

[CPTBadAss]

I believe the wire I have at home that I use as jumpers is 24 AWG solid copper core with the rubber outside. Is that the insulator?

Yes, that is what I meant by insulation.    So you use 24 gauge?

I believe so, yes. I'll need to double check when I'm home but that seems right in my head. And I didn't realize that was called insulation.

[b7ad]

Did you mean the EK grease? In reference to mixing your own grease and oil with krytox, I just don't see it would be worth sourcing the stuff vs. just using the EK grease? Not really a matter of cost, more laziness.

Grease and lube are pretty interchangable in my eyes. Grease is a type of lubricant or lube. So yes, EK grease is probably correct but I shouldn't speak for jdcarpe.

The mixing I was referring to is that the old kits of the Krytox lube kits came with a thick grease and a thin oil that you mixed together to get your own viscosity. Both were Krytox. I don't think they come like that anymore. Hence the Thin, Thick, and Very Thick options.

Yeah my bad, worded badly. I meant there is a product by EK called 'grease' for stabs, and one that's just called lube which I guess is much thinner for switches. I assume that JD did indeed mean the 'grease'. Thanks again

[swill]

I believe the wire I have at home that I use as jumpers is 24 AWG solid copper core with the rubber outside. Is that the insulator?

Yes, that is what I meant by insulation.    So you use 24 gauge?

I believe so, yes. I'll need to double check when I'm home but that seems right in my head. And I didn't realize that was called insulation.

I could be wrong about it being called that in the field, that is just what I have always called it because it basically insulates the wire inside.  Let me know when you check.  I will be buying some and I want to invest in the 'right' stuff. 

[CPTBadAss]

I meant there is a product by EK called 'grease' for stabs, and one that's just called lube which I guess is much thinner for switches.

Right from the EK product description and name:

EK "MechLube" Premium Stabilizer Grease
2ml premium grease w/curved-tip dispenser
High-viscosity formula helps prevent stabilizer squeaks and rattles

I'd say grease is what you want.

[Kmynis]

Is there any HHKB like case coming for the GH60?

[jdcarpe]

Is there any HHKB like case coming for the GH60?

Not that I know of. The_Beast was planning on making one, but he's not very active here anymore, it seems.

[BlueBär]

Is there any HHKB like case coming for the GH60?

Not especially made for the GH60 but the Duck Viper case should be able to fit it.

[Vitaly]

Where I can get information about keyboard matrices? How to best wiring keys, or maybe poker or similar board for example or some projects with scheme layouts?

[Flyersfan1]

Where I can get information about keyboard matrices? How to best wiring keys, or maybe poker or similar board for example or some projects with scheme layouts?

This guide by Matt3o should give you a nice start!
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/brownfox-step-by-step-t6050.html