Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

yes, why? what size spring cherry(dimension)?
 

Why can't you just buy the springs? Don't know. Probably because only a small percentage of mechanical keyboard users (which are already a small percentage of the market), are swapping springs so no one thinks of stocking them for sale.

And I don't know the dimensions off hand. I'm sure they're out there if you look hard enough and you can always take the measurements yourself. There are aftermarket springs so obviously someone has the measurements and suppliers.

[minho]

Sorry, another question about IMSTO's sets - does his beige set differ significantly from BSP's PBT beige sets in terms of shape or color?

[Puddsy]

Sorry, another question about IMSTO's sets - does his beige set differ significantly from BSP's PBT beige sets in terms of shape or color?

Not really. His beige is more grey than BSPs, but I think it just depends on the light.

[CPTBadAss]

Sorry, another question about IMSTO's sets - does his beige set differ significantly from BSP's PBT beige sets in terms of shape or color?

These pictures may help. And this thread might be useful.



BSP


Imsto

Profile? It depends. If it's from imsto, I think they're closer to OEM profile...or at least the set I had was OEM. Apparently according to eyesmiles, his set is Cherry profile which is the same as BSP. If they're blank BSP caps that imsto is dye-subbing? Then obviously they'll be the same.

[Photekq]

Sorry, another question about IMSTO's sets - does his beige set differ significantly from BSP's PBT beige sets in terms of shape or color?

Colour - yes. They are very different shades for certain.

Profile - No, except the bottom row. Imstos thick PBTs are Cherry profile, as are BSPs. However, Imstos bottom row is B-profile, while BSPs is A-profile [A-profile is much more steep].

[Sorn]

Question for all the knowledgeable users of this forum. As I am looking into modding a mechanical keyboard of my own and would like to swap out springs without needing to solder, what options are out there currently in terms of PCB mounted keyboards? And if anyone has a custom low activation force keyboard, I'd love to hear of it!

Thank you kindly,

Sorn

MOD EDIT: Please don't post Want To Buys outside the classifieds.  Please also read the Classifieds Rules: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56284.0

[CPTBadAss]

What options are out there currently in terms of PCB mounted keyboards?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=29253.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42342.0

And if anyone has a custom low activation force keyboard for sale, I'd love to hear of it!

Please don't use this thread as the classifieds.

[intelli78]

On that last pic (Imsto), I don't think those are his beige mods. I think those mods are from a different, all-gray set he did. The beige may be grayer than BSP beige, but it's not that gray.

[CPTBadAss]

On that last pic (Imsto), I don't think those are his beige mods. I think those mods are from a different, all-gray set he did. The beige may be grayer than BSP beige, but it's not that gray.

I welcome you to find more pictures because I find that "grayer" is not a very good descriptor. I think that "grayer" and "depends on lighting" are not very helpful. I tried looking for a proper picture of the imsto sets but came up short .

[fohat.digs]

I find that "grayer" is not a very good descriptor.

At the minimum there is "warm" gray and "cool" gray.

Beyond that, there is saturated gray that feels like a real color, and unsaturated gray that just looks like dingy white.

IBM's color "pebble" is a strong saturated warm gray that is a very handsome color. IBM's industrial cases are probably called "gray" but that color has strong undertones of green and brown in it as well.

And my Toyota Camry is called "gray" but it is distinctly brown!

[argcargv]

I just order a FMJ type 2 case, now,
1. I read that the FMJ case fits GH60 pcb but does it also support a metal plate + the pcb?
2. how do I acquire a GH60 pcb with a metal plate to go with the case?

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[CPTBadAss]

1. I read that the FMJ case fits GH60 pcb but does it also support a metal plate + the pcb?
2. how do I acquire a GH60 pcb with a metal plate to go with the case?

1) Yes
2) Wait for the GB, see if anyone is selling theirs in the classifieds, or see if those Taobao sellers still have the Rev B PCBs. But the rev B has some issues.

[yasuo]

when i glued switch on acrylic plate wth super glue i can remove they with gasoline.etc

[CPTBadAss]

when i glued switch on acrylic plate wth super glue i can remove they with gasoline.etc

Check out this link.

[argcargv]

1. I read that the FMJ case fits GH60 pcb but does it also support a metal plate + the pcb?
2. how do I acquire a GH60 pcb with a metal plate to go with the case?

1) Yes
2) Wait for the GB, see if anyone is selling theirs in the classifieds, or see if those Taobao sellers still have the Rev B PCBs. But the rev B has some issues.

Thank you CPTBadAss!
I'll wait for a GB.

[MGH]

Can someone tell me what the cheapest ergonomic mechanical keyboard is?

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone tell me what the cheapest ergonomic mechanical keyboard is?

Cheapest one I've picked up is a Chicony KB7001 for $2.

But I think the Kinesis boards or Maltese can be found for under $100   on eBay iirc. And there's the new uniquek keyboard for $130. Binge posted that in the ergonomics subforum.

Edit: link for uniquek = https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65719.msg1537586.msg#1537586

[intelli78]

On that last pic (Imsto), I don't think those are his beige mods. I think those mods are from a different, all-gray set he did. The beige may be grayer than BSP beige, but it's not that gray.

I welcome you to find more pictures because I find that "grayer" is not a very good descriptor. I think that "grayer" and "depends on lighting" are not very helpful. I tried looking for a proper picture of the imsto sets but came up short .

I think it's the difference between these two. The mods in that pic are from the second set here. Compare to the gray in the first pic, which is the standard gray in his gray/beige sets, and looks more like the Cherry/ BSP color.

[FRD]

...

[Puddsy]

Anyone have any idea where should i look for Topre short-throw keyboards, expect Yahoo Auctions Japan?

I seriously doubt you'll find one outside of Japan.

[crunch]

Hi. Does this have ALPS switches.

[CPTBadAss]

Hi. Does this have ALPS switches.

Can you get the person to pull a cap off? Or show a picture of the back if there's a label with some model information on it? It's really hard to tell from that picture.

[crunch]

Sorry I have tried to ask but he is afraid he will break something.

[CPTBadAss]

Sorry I have tried to ask but he is afraid he will break something.

I couldn't even begin to guess what that might be. Perhaps someone else will recognize it and can help you out.

[Kaibz]

Hi,

I 'm sorry i've searched for this information but couldn't find it, if i want to build a custom plate for a keyboard i'm building, which metal should i choose? aluminium, steel, stainless-steel?

Also if i may, what is the cheapest option to build a custom case? (ABS or metal)

Thank you.

[CPTBadAss]

1) If i want to build a custom plate for a keyboard i'm building, which metal should i choose? aluminium, steel, stainless-steel?

2) what is the cheapest option to build a custom case? (ABS or metal)

1) Whichever you prefer. I like stainless' weight over aluminum.

2) ABS is cheaper if you've got access to the equipment. An acrylic or polycarb case is probably cheaper for a custom one off board. Metal will cost more but I prefer metal cases. One off metal cases are pricey. Last quote I received for a 60% board I helped design was $400 including materials.

[Kaibz]

Thank you CptBadAss !

One last question, do you think stainless would also be more "sturdy"? (i mean less prone to slightly bend as you put pressure on it?)

[CPTBadAss]

Do you think stainless would also be more "sturdy"? (i mean less prone to slightly bend as you put pressure on it?)

In my opinion? For the grades of aluminum I've seen used in plates, they aren't as sturdy as the stainless steel plates I've seen. I have a TKL Aluminum plate. It's...ok. But I much prefer the stainless steel plates.

[Kaibz]

Excellent ! I'll go with stainless steel.

Thank you so much for your help!

Cheers.

[yasuo]

is there any cheap SA keycap set?

[CPTBadAss]

is there any cheap SA keycap set?

I thought the Filco sphericals was cheap. But it depends on what cheap means to you.

[CPTBadAss]

Excellent ! I'll go with stainless steel.

Thank you so much for your help!

Cheers.

In addition to my comments, I highly recommend TechPriest's thoughts on making a keyboard plate.

[rowdy]

is there any cheap SA keycap set?

Nuclear Data Green was $64 for a full set (plus extra speciality sets).

Was that around the price you were thinking?

[phx]

not sure if this is a simple question...

I recently got to try a new board (MX Clear stem, 62 gram springs, stickered, lubed with GPL 205, on a KMAC)
it was surprisingly smooth, felt very much like browns except a bit heavier and more tactile. thing is, I also have a 62 gram ergo clear board I put together myself. (mx clear stems, 62 gram springs, not stickered, lubed with GPL 201, on QFR)
There is a HUGE difference between the 2 boards, the one I have feels a lot more clunky and friction-y, the switch doesn't bounce back up as smooth as the other one. I'm so confused, is it JUST because of the lube difference? what's going on?

[Melvang]

not sure if this is a simple question...

I recently got to try a new board (MX Clear stem, 62 gram springs, stickered, lubed with GPL 205, on a KMAC)
it was surprisingly smooth, felt very much like browns except a bit heavier and more tactile. thing is, I also have a 62 gram ergo clear board I put together myself. (mx clear stems, 62 gram springs, not stickered, lubed with GPL 201, on QFR)
There is a HUGE difference between the 2 boards, the one I have feels a lot more clunky and friction-y, the switch doesn't bounce back up as smooth as the other one. I'm so confused, is it JUST because of the lube difference? what's going on?

The case and how worn/used the switches were before lube was applied, or even which batch the switches came from can have profound impacts of the feel of the switch.

[yasuo]

is there any cheap SA keycap set?

I thought the Filco sphericals was cheap. But it depends on what cheap means to you.

is there any cheap SA keycap set?

Nuclear Data Green was $64 for a full set (plus extra speciality sets).

Was that around the price you were thinking?

yeah, different mean cheap )

spacing with qwerkywriter keycap is differnt?

[CPTBadAss]

spacing with qwerkywriter keycap is differnt?

Yes

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65280.0

[argcargv]

I have a question about Click Clacks:

1. I have collected 3 topre depth black clacks, I noticed that there are slight color variations between the three. I've read somewhere that color variation is normal.
2. One of the clack sits a noticeably taller on the keyboard than the other two, is this normal?

Ann all three clacks comes with the CF stamp.

Thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

1. I have collected 3 topre depth black clacks, I noticed that there are slight color variations between the three. I've read somewhere that color variation is normal.
2. One of the clack sits a noticeably taller on the keyboard than the other two, is this normal?

1) What is your question? Are you asking if color variation is normal or simply commenting on that?
2) I don't think so. All the ones I've seen are the same profile. Are you sure the cap is seated correctly?

[argcargv]

1. I have collected 3 topre depth black clacks, I noticed that there are slight color variations between the three. I've read somewhere that color variation is normal.
2. One of the clack sits a noticeably taller on the keyboard than the other two, is this normal?

1) What is your question? Are you asking if color variation is normal or simply commenting on that?
2) I don't think so. All the ones I've seen are the same profile. Are you sure the cap is seated correctly?

1) Sorry my first question is whether all black clacks have the same black color?
2) I am pretty sure, I will upload pictures soon.

Thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

I have collected 3 topre depth black clacks, I noticed that there are slight color variations between the three. I've read somewhere that color variation is normal.

Sorry my first question is whether all black clacks have the same black color?

No, check out the Post your Clacks thread for more examples of when black isn't really black.

[argcargv]

I have collected 3 topre depth black clacks, I noticed that there are slight color variations between the three. I've read somewhere that color variation is normal.

Sorry my first question is whether all black clacks have the same black color?

No, check out the Post your Clacks thread for more examples of when black isn't really black.

thanks!

More picks here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=66057.0

[jevvix]

I have two keyboards: Cherry MY1800 and MY7000 that I harvested the caps from. Do people have any use for the remaining 'carcasses' of these or should I just recycle them?

[hwood34]

I have two keyboards: Cherry MY1800 and MY7000 that I harvested the caps from. Do people have any use for the remaining 'carcasses' of these or should I just recycle them?

Well, if they're just standard G81s, then there's really no remaining use for them. Sometimes the boards have interesting cases that people keep, and unless you for some reason like cherry MY there really isn't much reason to hang on to them

[katushkin]

A friend of mine has 4 stickey keys (1,2,A,S) and I'm asking for him if there is an easy way for him to clean them?

[CPTBadAss]

A friend of mine has 4 stickey keys (1,2,A,S) and I'm asking for him if there is an easy way for him to clean them?

I'll assume he has a mechanical keyboard. You can try putting a little isopropyl alcohol into the switches. Make sure it's 91% or 99% if you can get it. Then press it a bunch then put some rice over it and let it dry. I find isopropyl is really good for most cleaning applications in keyboards.

You can also just try taking the cap off, and blowing some compressed air or vacuuming the switch out to get any dust or anything else out.

If you think the sticky keys are caused by a drink of some sort, /r/MK has some guides and Geekhack has multiple threads on how to clean spills.

[katushkin]

A friend of mine has 4 stickey keys (1,2,A,S) and I'm asking for him if there is an easy way for him to clean them?

I'll assume he has a mechanical keyboard. You can try putting a little isopropyl alcohol into the switches. Make sure it's 91% or 99% if you can get it. Then press it a bunch then put some rice over it and let it dry. I find isopropyl is really good for most cleaning applications in keyboards.

You can also just try taking the cap off, and blowing some compressed air or vacuuming the switch out to get any dust or anything else out.

If you think the sticky keys are caused by a drink of some sort, /r/MK has some guides and Geekhack has multiple threads on how to clean spills.

Sorry, yeah, it's a Ducky with Browns and he spilled coffee on it which somehow got 3 LEDs, that didn't work, to work again.

I shall inform him, thanks

[yasuo]

is this handwiring no problem?
the wire diode light grey soldered on front switch?

[CPTBadAss]

(Attachment Link)
is this handwiring no problem?

As long as the diodes look like these from matt3o, I don't see why the diodes can't be horizontal instead of vertical.

Edit: See below.

[Euf0ria]

Big problem, your diodes are in series but they need to be in parallell.