Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Karura]

Thanks for the explanations, much appreciated.

That brings up the question, did I mess up majorly? Are PCB stabs significantly better than plate mounted ones?

Where to buy PCB mounted ones?

[CPTBadAss]

1) Are PCB stabs significantly better than plate mounted ones?

2) Where to buy PCB mounted ones?

1) FWIW, I prefer Cherry PCB stabilizers to plate. I've had plate mounted stabilizers come loose while typing on my Epsilon. Granted, they're not exactly seated correctly but it's still a pain.

2) I bought mine from Ivan's GB. Perhaps there will be extras floating around soon. I think Mouser no longer carries them. IMSTO and I believe GON has them but the shipping for just stabilizers is a bit much.

[HoffmanMyster]

speaking of stabs, i only recently found out about clipping Cherry stabs so they feel like Costar but still retain the ability to quick swap modifiers. is this worth the effort?

Absolutely.  It takes about 5 minutes (over-estimation) to do an entire set for a keyboard and the results are positive.  In the grand scheme of things (an entire keyboard build) it is totally worth it.

[CPTBadAss]

Absolutely.  It takes about 5 minutes (over-estimation) to do an entire set for a keyboard and the results are positive.  In the grand scheme of things (an entire keyboard build) it is totally worth it.

Agreed. In all honesty, I would rather clip my stabilizers than to sticker my switches. I feel the time invested into clipping stabilizers enhances my boards much more than stickers do. Stickers are larger time investment for minimal return in my opinion. I've done this for a few boards: Swap springs, lube stems/housing, clip stabilizers, and laughed at stickers.

[whentheclouds]

i heard 'clipping' and assumed it was a tedious process. looked up an youtube vid and positively surprised to see how wrong i was. another question: exactly which parts are lube-able? e.g. i didn't know springs can be lubed until i read about it on Gon's site, though you need a different type of lubricant for them

[BlueBär]

another question: exactly which parts are lube-able? e.g. i didn't know springs can be lubed until i read about it on Gon's site, though you need a different type of lubricant for them

Generally that any part that slides and could cause friction. You can lube the both ends of springs as when you push on a spring, the ends rotate.

[CPTBadAss]

Exactly which parts are lube-able?

The parts that will feel different went lubed: Stem, Housing, Spring. You're welcome to lube other parts of your keyboard but they might not have the same feeling or the feeling you want ).

[Karura]

Another stab question!

http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/stabilizers/90-wire-for-spacebar-stabilizers.html

Why do GON make these? Would they be similar to taking the wire from a plate mounted 7u or 6.25u stab for use with a PCB mounted stab?

What is the purpose?

[CPTBadAss]

http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/stabilizers/90-wire-for-spacebar-stabilizers.html

Why do GON make these?

Those are Cherry 6.25x and 7x PCB mount stabilizer wires which will work with a plate. If you're harvesting or you order from say Mouser, you won't get 6.25x or 7x wire. So you're stuck with the little housings but no wire to use. Or sometimes you get the bent, Costar-esque wire which will bind against the plate when the switch is actuated.

[whentheclouds]

thanks Bluebar and Cpt. turns out there was already a comprehensive guide on lubing written by MagicMeatball, but i could only find it thanks to Google. forum search = meh. and speaking of forum issues, it's quite amusing to see a new topic appear two or three, maybe even four times

[CPTBadAss]

But i could only find it thanks to Google. forum search = meh.

Many of my answers here are found through Google searching. And all of my searching is done through Google. "Site:Geekhack.org" is the best way to search GH in my opinion. I point this out in the OP as well.

[whentheclouds]

ugh i was just too lazy to set up a custom search engine for this site through google. gonna do that now

[ComradeSniper]

On the topic of clipping stabilizers, can you remove PCB mount stabs after the switches are soldered to the plate or would it require desoldering them all?

[Photekq]

On the topic of clipping stabilizers, can you remove PCB mount stabs after the switches are soldered to the plate or would it require desoldering them all?

Desolder, unfortunately :/

EDIT: If the hole is large enough then you can remove it by just desoldering that one switch. This is rarely the case though.

[Melvang]

It depends on the hole in the plate.  If it is a large rectangle then you might be able to do it with only desoldering the one switch.  If you are using plate mount then you only need to desolder the one switch.  For the record, the only plate I have seen that will allow removing just the one switch for PCB mount would the the spacebar on WYSE terminal boards. 

The reason is the base of the PCB mount stabilizer is to big to fit through plate mount holes.  So you have to install PCB mount stabs before any switches get soldered to the PCB.

[Karura]

How can I find a 1800 for their thick PBT caps? Not sure what models for look for.

[CPTBadAss]

How can I find a 1800 for their thick PBT caps? Not sure what models for look for.

Check out this link: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers

[a_ak57]

Does being a Type-S affect typing feel to any noticeable degree?  I'm trying to figure out if the less "crisp" feeling I get from my HHKB Type-S vs the realforce is entirely due to plastic vs metal or if the silenced nature adds to that and I'd be happier with a normal HHKB.  And would swapping out to 55g domes help?  My thought is the greater initial resistance would lead to a more satisfying collapse and kind of simulate the feeling.

[Flyersfan1]

Does being a Type-S affect typing feel to any noticeable degree?  I'm trying to figure out if the less "crisp" feeling I get from my HHKB Type-S vs the realforce is entirely due to plastic vs metal or if the silenced nature adds to that and I'd be happier with a normal HHKB.  And would swapping out to 55g domes help?  My thought is the greater initial resistance would lead to a more satisfying collapse and kind of simulate the feeling.

The difference between a regular HHKB and a Type-s, aside from the silencing rings in the type-s, is the stems being slightly taller to compensate for the lack of travel.  I only had limited time with a type-s, but I can't remember it feeling too different from a normal hhkb.  Adding 55g domes would definitely give it more snappiness, a number of people around here have done a dome swap with their hhkb's and have been very satisfied with the results.

[a_ak57]

I see, thanks.  And for selling the harvested board, would it be best to swap out 60 of the main 61 keys of the 55g board for the 60 of the HHKB (leaving I guess the spacebar, the F row, arrows and other clusters as 55g), or should I leave the qwerty keys as 55g and take basically everything else (minus the spacebar again I guess)?  I can see the argument for main cluster consistency of the first method but the allure of still "basically" being a 55g board for the second.


Or am I overthinking it because the only person who will buy it will be harvesting themselves and won't care?

[CPTBadAss]

Or am I overthinking it because the only person who will buy it will be harvesting themselves and won't care?

I think if you're going to do a swap, swap all the domes.

[yasuo]

what kibord have staggering like tipro 122 futura?

[a_ak57]

Hmm, I guess I could actually get my work board in the mix and turn that into the hybrid, making the HHKB 55g, the 87U 45g uniform and then my 104UB some combo that I could decide on.  That'd make the most sense, now that I think about it.  Thanks.

[CPTBadAss]

what kibord have staggering like tipro 122 futura?

Other Tipro POS boards, there's that new board from reddit that is a 40% that has that layout, I think there are other POS boards too but you'll have to do some digging for. Oh and that IBM 50 key.

[yasuo]

what kibord have staggering like tipro 122 futura?

Other Tipro POS boards, there's that new board from reddit that is a 40% that has that layout, I think there are other POS boards too but you'll have to do some digging for. Oh and that IBM 50 key.

like this?

[CPTBadAss]

like this?

Show Image

The WEY boards, any financial keyboard will have a layout similar to that. There's a few Alps boards I've seen like that. And that looks like a POS board so do some hunting of Tipros and other POS keyboards.

[yasuo]

like this?

Show Image

The WEY boards, any financial keyboard will have a layout similar to that. There's a few Alps boards I've seen like that. And that looks like a POS board so do some hunting of Tipros and other POS keyboards.
[/quote :thumb:

[ComradeSniper]

Does being a Type-S affect typing feel to any noticeable degree?  I'm trying to figure out if the less "crisp" feeling I get from my HHKB Type-S vs the realforce is entirely due to plastic vs metal or if the silenced nature adds to that and I'd be happier with a normal HHKB.  And would swapping out to 55g domes help?  My thought is the greater initial resistance would lead to a more satisfying collapse and kind of simulate the feeling.

55g domes will make it a little more snappy but it will never be quite as snappy as the Realforce. That being said, I think it's still definitely worth it.

The only difference I noticed between the Type-S and regular HHKB was that the regular one was a little more smooth (I think this is because of the tighter fit between the sliders and the case on the type-s?). Otherwise the typing feel is very similar.

[jorgenslee]

Does someone have a picture for the following.

1. Thick keycaps / Transparent switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color
2. Thick keycaps / Black switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color

I'm trying to decide if getting a transparent switch cover would make a difference given there is already a reflective plate, or the black switch cover would suffice given a reflective plate  is installed.

Thanks

[dorkvader]

Show Image

?

I saw those too. Soviet reed switches.

speaking of stabs, i only recently found out about clipping Cherry stabs so they feel like Costar but still retain the ability to quick swap modifiers. is this worth the effort?

only if you bottom out.

like this? :)

Show Image

The WEY boards, any financial keyboard will have a layout similar to that. There's a few Alps boards I've seen like that. And that looks like a POS board so do some hunting of Tipros and other POS keyboards.

the tipro has a 1.5 stagger on the middle row instead of 1.25 or whatever. I don't know of other keyboards that do that.

Does someone have a picture for the following.

1. Thick keycaps / Transparent switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color
2. Thick keycaps / Black switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color

I'm trying to decide if getting a transparent switch cover would make a difference given there is already a reflective plate, or the black switch cover would suffice given a reflective plate  is installed.

Thanks

yeah I have that on my lightsaver and poker II pictures incoming. I don't see a difference.

for thick keycaps, i have imsto PBT which let a lot of light through (ideal backlit keycaps, IMO) and cherry blank POM which let no light throught. Do you want me to put GMK or cherry doubleshots on it as well?

[Puddsy]

Does someone have a picture for the following.

1. Thick keycaps / Transparent switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color
2. Thick keycaps / Black switch cover / Reflective plate / Any LED color

I'm trying to decide if getting a transparent switch cover would make a difference given there is already a reflective plate, or the black switch cover would suffice given a reflective plate  is installed.

Thanks

Shouldn't make too much of a difference, but when DV takes pictures you can't stop him.

[wes1099]

Is there anywhere I could get a 60% plate compatible with plate mount stabilizers?

[CPTBadAss]

Is there anywhere I could get a 60% plate compatible with plate mount stabilizers?

I think I need a little clarification. By plate mount stabilizers, do you mean Cherry plate mount or Costar?

[jorgenslee]

yeah I have that on my lightsaver and poker II pictures incoming. I don't see a difference.

for thick keycaps, i have imsto PBT which let a lot of light through (ideal backlit keycaps, IMO) and cherry blank POM which let no light throught. Do you want me to put GMK or cherry doubleshots on it as well?

I think any thick keycap that wouldn't let light would suffice. What I plan to assemble is a Duck Viper and putting Dolch I get from Ivan.

[a_ak57]

Hmm, just thought about something.  Would having the keyboard sit on a mousepad instead of the desk mess with the feeling?

[BlueBär]

Hmm, just thought about something.  Would having the keyboard sit on a mousepad instead of the desk mess with the feeling?

Not if it's super thick or soft. It could dampen the sound a bit though.

[wes1099]

Is there anywhere I could get a 60% plate compatible with plate mount stabilizers?

I think I need a little clarification. By plate mount stabilizers, do you mean Cherry plate mount or Costar?

The kind that filco uses (I think Costar).

[CPTBadAss]

Is there anywhere I could get a 60% plate compatible with plate mount stabilizers?

The kind that filco uses (I think Costar).

Filco uses Costar stabilizers. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any plates that are available and take Costar. Seems like most custom plates take Cherry.

[fohat.digs]

Would having the keyboard sit on a mousepad instead of the desk mess with the feeling?

Aha! Someone else who needs one of my mats!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59308.0

[a_ak57]

Would having the keyboard sit on a mousepad instead of the desk mess with the feeling?

Aha! Someone else who needs one of my mats!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59308.0

Hah, I actually don't want the keyboard on a pad, it's just that I bought a desk-sized pad because I use really low sensitivity in games and it gives more room (so the board being on top is a side-effect, not a goal).

[CPTBadAss]

Would having the keyboard sit on a mousepad instead of the desk mess with the feeling?

I think the mousepads and mats change the feeling in subtle ways.

[HoffmanMyster]

Is there anywhere I could get a 60% plate compatible with plate mount stabilizers?

The kind that filco uses (I think Costar).

Filco uses Costar stabilizers. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any plates that are available and take Costar. Seems like most custom plates take Cherry.

A lot of them will take both.  I think most of JD's designs take both (though he can confirm or deny), and I believe the GH60 plates take both.  The ability and drawing template should be out there somewhere.

[CPTBadAss]

A lot of them will take both.  I think most of JD's designs take both (though he can confirm or deny), and I believe the GH60 plates take both.  The ability and drawing template should be out there somewhere.

If I recall correctly, they need a subtle cutout within the Cherry stabilizer slot in order to snap in. JD has a design that has that cutout but I cannot remember which exact plates have them and which don't.

[HoffmanMyster]

A lot of them will take both.  I think most of JD's designs take both (though he can confirm or deny), and I believe the GH60 plates take both.  The ability and drawing template should be out there somewhere.

1. If I recall correctly, they need a subtle cutout within the Cherry stabilizer slot in order to snap in.
2. JD has a design that has that cutout but I cannot remember which exact plates have them and which don't.

1. That is true.
2. I think the JD40 does, and I think most of his other designs do. (can confirm later if he doesn't comment by then)

JD, we need you!

[Blaise170]

Has anyone made any CAD designs for converting Alps switches to MX stems (i.e. use MX keycaps on Alps switches)?

[BlueBär]

Has anyone made any CAD designs for converting Alps switches to MX stems (i.e. use MX keycaps on Alps switches)?

Yes: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html
They didn't work so well iirc though.

[blueleorio]

Which brand offer these keyboards with 75% , backlit, and Cherry mx?

[CPTBadAss]

Which brand offer these keyboards with 75% , backlit, and Cherry mx?

Don't think there's a stock board that fits this description besides the TG3 BL82. The cop car keyboards with and without the touch pads. Think they're also called Data 911 boards.

Mine is a TG3-BL82 (75% with MX Blacks and splashguard) with red backlighting. Mine was used. Don't think you can find a NIB one easily.

[00zeRO]

Which brand offer these keyboards with 75% , backlit, and Cherry mx?

KBT Race II's - (We have one NIB White Case Imperfect Pink Keycap White LED Race I, Blue Cherry MX. PM if interested.)
Keycool 84's

Just to name a few...

[Melvang]

Any ideas where I can get pcb mount cherry stabs for 2unit?  Digikey and mouser are out.  I also ordered the last two from OC but I need some more.  The only other place I see them is Gon but thats for ~$27 shipping for $13 worth of stuff.