Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[dorkvader]

WASD only does pad printing, Keypop sells doubleshots from SP. Doubleshots are better than pad printed caps.

Both are OEM profile.

1. wasd does UV which is a different process than pad printing.
2. SP does not do OEM profile. I believe the keypop SP doubleshots are SP's DCS profile
3. There are benefits to both WASD's process and SP's. I wouldn't call one "better" but I guess it's all opinion anyway.

[madhias]

Where do i currently get a 60% anodized aluminum plate, with ISO support, and possibility to open switches afterwards? I have now cheap aluminum plate, which is silver, but i don't really like the look, it is too glossy, and too shiny with dark caps!

[Puddsy]

rofl what a bad idea TS

[hwood34]

Anyone know what these might be?

actually know that I look at it appears to be some sort of splash guard covered swtich

[CPTBadAss]

Where do i currently get a 60% anodized aluminum plate, with ISO support, and possibility to open switches afterwards?

I'm not sure if there's a vendor that that regularly stocks 60% plates. Try looking at imsto and GONs stores. But iso might make things tricky. You could always finish the plate you have now. I'm sure there's anodizing or powder coating available near you. Or you could possibly spray paint.

[BlueBär]

Show Image

Anyone know what these might be?

actually know that I look at it appears to be some sort of splash guard covered swtich

That is definitely a splash guard. Switches seem to have square stems which is common with RAFI switches, so maybe one of those? Could be completly wrong though.

[madhias]

Where do i currently get a 60% anodized aluminum plate, with ISO support, and possibility to open switches afterwards?

I'm not sure if there's a vendor that that regularly stocks 60% plates. Try looking at imsto and GONs stores. But iso might make things tricky. You could always finish the plate you have now. I'm sure there's anodizing or powder coating available near you. Or you could possibly spray paint.

Thanks! I thought of finishing the plate i currently have, and also build another plate & PCB combo, but this time with a transparent acrylic plate. I just didn't like that silver of the aluminum plate i currently have, it 'glows' under the caps - don't know how to describe it 

[nubbinator]

Show Image

Anyone know what these might be?

actually know that I look at it appears to be some sort of splash guard covered swtich

That is definitely a splash guard. Switches seem to have square stems which is common with RAFI switches, so maybe one of those? Could be completly wrong though.

Given the size and shape of the switch (look at how tall it appears to be and the shape of the stem, not just the square), I'm almost 100% sure it's not RAFI.  My guess is that it's some sort of dome or membrane switch.

[jdcarpe]

Would a QFR tkl top case fit on a Ducky shine 3 or a Filco mj 2 tkl?

Actually, I think I have used a QFR top on a Filco MJ2 TKL bottom before. I didn't think it would work, but it did. But I don't think the screw lines up for closure, only the side tabs.

[Elocutive]

Is there such thing as an ANSI skidata keyboard?

[CPTBadAss]

Is there such thing as an ANSI skidata keyboard?

I don't know if there's an ANSI board but if you're looking for just caps, Originative came out with a set that was very similar to that color scheme.

[Karura]

Quick question before sleep!

I've narrowed down my choices for LED sizes to 1.8mm and 2x3x4.

From what I've read, 1.8mm is the one to go with, because it has full clearance of almost any keycap, while 2x3x4 might have problems with thicker ones.

1) Now what I'm really curious about is which LEDs will have a better glow to them?

Not sure if anyone has compared the two sizes side by side, but I think it might be worth risking the clearance issues if the 2x3x4 ones are significantly brighter

2) Also, does anyone know which keycaps have clearance issues with 2x3x4?

[nubbinator]

2x3x4 is brighter and, IMO, has a better diffuse glow.  The 1.8mm has a weird heavy concentric glow with heavy falloff on the edges.  That said, both are nice, but it you want bright, 2x3x4 is the way to go.

And, for the record, I've used TA PBT, Cherry caps, and others with no issue with 2x3x4.  I think it's mainly Imsto that has issues with it.

[whentheclouds]

what program can i use to remap Caps Lock to FN? tried KeyTweak and it doesn't support remapping to FN (windows 8.1)

[rowdy]

Is there such thing as an ANSI skidata keyboard?

I don't know if there's an ANSI board but if you're looking for just caps, Originative came out with a set that was very similar to that color scheme.

I asked the same thing a while back: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1273891#msg1273891

[MGH]

Are there any TenKeyLess ALPS keyboards? If so, where do I buy them?

[CPTBadAss]

Are there any TenKeyLess ALPS keyboards? If so, where do I buy them?

There's not many options. Filco Zero and ducky 1087xm for stock boards. Kingsaver for a custom.

[fohat.digs]

Filco Zero and ducky 1087xm for stock boards. Kingsaver for a custom.

All out of production and pricey in the aftermarket.

[dorkvader]

Show Image

Anyone know what these might be?

actually know that I look at it appears to be some sort of splash guard covered swtich

That is definitely a splash guard. Switches seem to have square stems which is common with RAFI switches, so maybe one of those? Could be completly wrong though.

Given the size and shape of the switch (look at how tall it appears to be and the shape of the stem, not just the square), I'm almost 100% sure it's not RAFI.  My guess is that it's some sort of dome or membrane switch.

backlit, square stem, splash guard, very nice plate: looks like cortronics rubber dome to me (first clue was that keycap printing / font)

[yasuo]

what mean industrial ibm?

[hwood34]

what mean industrial ibm?

It's the color of the case:

[yasuo]

what mean industrial ibm?

It's the color of the case:

Show Image

yup, but i want to know the history i heard because ibm dont have mold,not sure

[hwood34]

what mean industrial ibm?

It's the color of the case:

Show Image

yup, but i want to know the history i heard because ibm dont have mold,not sure

[Melvang]

what program can i use to remap Caps Lock to FN? tried KeyTweak and it doesn't support remapping to FN (windows 8.1)

For this you will have to do it at the firmware level so a programmable keyboard will be required.  The reason is because there is no actual scan code for function.  This is handled 100% at the keyboards hardware level. 

[yasuo]

what mean industrial ibm?

It's the color of the case:

Show Image

yup, but i want to know the history i heard because ibm dont have mold,not sure

Show Image

)

[Puddsy]

what program can i use to remap Caps Lock to FN? tried KeyTweak and it doesn't support remapping to FN (windows 8.1)

For this you will have to do it at the firmware level so a programmable keyboard will be required.  The reason is because there is no actual scan code for function.  This is handled 100% at the keyboards hardware level.

++

You could also do it at a hardware level, but that's a lot harder.

[CPTBadAss]

what program can i use to remap Caps Lock to FN? tried KeyTweak and it doesn't support remapping to FN (windows 8.1)

Does auto hot key work?

[Melvang]

what program can i use to remap Caps Lock to FN? tried KeyTweak and it doesn't support remapping to FN (windows 8.1)

Does auto hot key work?

I don't think any software solution will work when attempting to change anything from or two Fn due to Fn not having a scancode for the OS to even read.

[whentheclouds]

really intriguing. so when you use FN on a keyboard laptop, how does the OS interpret it?

[BlueBär]

really intriguing. so when you use FN on a keyboard laptop, how does the OS interpret it?

It doesn't. The FN key is keyboard internal functionality. The keyboard in a laptop works the same as a normal keyboard, if you check out your attached devices you will usually find it as a PS/2 keyboard in the list.

[swill]

Are these GMK?  If so, would someone mind proxying an order for me?  Thx...

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_blu_shift

[hwood34]

Are these GMK?  If so, would someone mind proxying an order for me?  Thx...

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_blu_shift

Yep. They really don't ship to Canada? I could proxy it for you

[swill]

Are these GMK?  If so, would someone mind proxying an order for me?  Thx...

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_blu_shift

Yep. They really don't ship to Canada? I could proxy it for you

Yes, they ship to Canada, but I usually end up spending something like $20-$50 in customs on every order.  Unlike MK, the shipping option is only $8, so I might actually just try it and see how bad I get hit (for future reference).  The order will be under $50, so I will just try it and see if I get dinged and how bad it is...

[hwood34]

Are these GMK?  If so, would someone mind proxying an order for me?  Thx...

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_blu_shift

Yep. They really don't ship to Canada? I could proxy it for you

Yes, they ship to Canada, but I usually end up spending something like $20-$50 in customs on every order.  Unlike MK, the shipping option is only $8, so I might actually just try it and see how bad I get hit (for future reference).  The order will be under $50, so I will just try it and see if I get dinged and how bad it is...

Well let me know if you ever need stuff proxied

[swill]

Are these GMK?  If so, would someone mind proxying an order for me?  Thx...

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_blu_shift

Yep. They really don't ship to Canada? I could proxy it for you

Yes, they ship to Canada, but I usually end up spending something like $20-$50 in customs on every order.  Unlike MK, the shipping option is only $8, so I might actually just try it and see how bad I get hit (for future reference).  The order will be under $50, so I will just try it and see if I get dinged and how bad it is...

Well let me know if you ever need stuff proxied

Thanks, I really appreciate it. 

[DrHubblePhD]

Does anyone have a link to the reprogramming software for the 356 mini?

[FrostyToast]

Where can i find a 5.5 mm nut driver?
I need to open up my model m and i don't know which ones will be able to reach down there.

[0100010]

Any thin wall 5.5mm or 7/32" thin wall nut driver will work.  The key is the thin wall.  Clickykeyboards used to carry them, but don't see any in stock there.

Another option : http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26556-Precision-Driver-Inch/dp/B000O5ILWA

[fohat.digs]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stanley-7-32-Hex-Nut-Driver-61-104-Brown-Handle-FREE-SHIPPING-/191100444203?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item2c7e795e2b

This is a better one, but it may not ship to Canada for free.

[Melvang]

Will F XT internals fit inside a Bigfoot version of the F?  My logic here is this might be an easier way to try the F switches inside the bigfoot case than trying to actually get the bigfoot internals working.

[FrostyToast]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stanley-7-32-Hex-Nut-Driver-61-104-Brown-Handle-FREE-SHIPPING-/191100444203?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item2c7e795e2b

This is a better one, but it may not ship to Canada for free.

What is better about this nut driver?
If there is enough of a benefit, then I will consider it.

[Melvang]

So I was attempting to bind Print Screen to my Orbweaver as the JD40 does not have it.  It would not work with attempting to do it with the on screen keyboard on Win 8.1.  Would this be a limitation of the Synapse software or could it be partly due to how Print Screen interacts with the OS, as most of the keys in that cluster wouldn't work either. 

[CPTBadAss]

So I was attempting to bind Print Screen to my Orbweaver as the JD40 does not have it.  It would not work with attempting to do it with the on screen keyboard on Win 8.1.  Would this be a limitation of the Synapse software or could it be partly due to how Print Screen interacts with the OS, as most of the keys in that cluster wouldn't work either.

I'm guessing it's a Synapse thing. You can only program it as much as that program will let you .

[Melvang]

So I was attempting to bind Print Screen to my Orbweaver as the JD40 does not have it.  It would not work with attempting to do it with the on screen keyboard on Win 8.1.  Would this be a limitation of the Synapse software or could it be partly due to how Print Screen interacts with the OS, as most of the keys in that cluster wouldn't work either.

I'm guessing it's a Synapse thing. You can only program it as much as that program will let you .

Probably.  Say any idea if F XT internals will fit into a BigFoot F case??

[CPTBadAss]

Say any idea if F XT internals will fit into a BigFoot F case??

I don't even have a guess. However if you PM Haata, Parak, or dorkvader, I'm sure you can get a proper answer. Sorry I couldn't be of further help

[yasuo]

what tool for test switches still active/not?

[CPTBadAss]

what tool for test switches still active/not?

Multimeter, aqua key test, EKs switch hitter program.

[dorkvader]

Say any idea if F XT internals will fit into a BigFoot F case??

I don't even have a guess. However if you PM Haata, Parak, or dorkvader, I'm sure you can get a proper answer. Sorry I couldn't be of further help

I think they will, but don't have a "bigfoot" to test (always wanted to get one but the current candidate on eBay is too expensive for me and broken to boot!)

You can just use soarer's converter though. It's supposed to work.

edit: I have no idea where I read that and have not yet substantiated it with research. Will have to do more looking.

[Melvang]

Use soarers on the XT or the BigFoot?  I was under the impression that it won't work on the bigfoot due to not having a controller on board.

[dorkvader]

Use soarers on the XT or the BigFoot?  I was under the impression that it won't work on the bigfoot due to not having a controller on board.

edit: here
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48950.msg1224258#msg1224258

He says he got it working with soarers.

It does not have a controller on the board but does have a thing that helps to interpret the capacitive matrix, so it was easy for him to convert.

side note: the schematic of this KB was instrumental in figuring out how to make a capacitive controller for general model F use.

edit: note this is his KB controller code, not protocol converter code.