Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

In terms of feel, are there any differences though? Thanks for your input!

To me the metal case makes the typing experience feel more solid. The polycarbonate can flex and yield while typing, which to me feels less solid.

[Dreamre]

In terms of feel, are there any differences though? Thanks for your input!

To me the metal case makes the typing experience feel more solid. The polycarbonate can flex and yield while typing, which to me feels less solid.

Ah okay, thanks! I was curious as I'm complementing whether if I should get a poly carb plate for my KMAC.

[hwood34]

In terms of feel, are there any differences though? Thanks for your input!

To me the metal case makes the typing experience feel more solid. The polycarbonate can flex and yield while typing, which to me feels less solid.

Ah okay, thanks! I was curious as I'm contemplating whether if I should get a poly carb plate for my KMAC.

Definitely go for a metal plate if you're dropping that much on a nice keyboard

[Melvang]

In terms of feel, are there any differences though? Thanks for your input!

To me the metal case makes the typing experience feel more solid. The polycarbonate can flex and yield while typing, which to me feels less solid.

Ah okay, thanks! I was curious as I'm contemplating whether if I should get a poly carb plate for my KMAC.

Definitely go for a metal plate if you're dropping that much on a nice keyboard

I second this motion and would like to add if going with a KMAC I would go with a steel/stainless plate over aluminum, though with a TKL the difference isn't as noticeable as on a full sized board

[hwood34]

In terms of feel, are there any differences though? Thanks for your input!

To me the metal case makes the typing experience feel more solid. The polycarbonate can flex and yield while typing, which to me feels less solid.

Ah okay, thanks! I was curious as I'm contemplating whether if I should get a poly carb plate for my KMAC.

Definitely go for a metal plate if you're dropping that much on a nice keyboard

I second this motion and would like to add if going with a KMAC I would go with a steel/stainless plate over aluminum, though with a TKL the difference isn't as noticeable as on a full sized board

Or if you want to go all out: titanium

[MGH]

Is Ducky Shine Zero TKL and Ducky Shine TKL 2/3 the only backlit TKL keyboards that fit in those aluminum cases? Also does anyone know if the Novatouch can fit in a Aluminum case?

[intelli78]

What is the stem spacing like on a 6x Cherry spacebar? If I put Novatouch parts in a FC660C, will a Cherry 6x work?

[Photekq]

What is the stem spacing like on a 6x Cherry spacebar?

Three keymounts, one middle mount 0.5 units (9.525mm) right from centre, left 3 units (57.15mm) and right 2 units (38.1mm) apart from middle mount.

[CPTBadAss]

1) Is Ducky Shine Zero TKL and Ducky Shine TKL 2/3 the only backlit TKL keyboards that fit in those aluminum cases?
2) Also does anyone know if the Novatouch can fit in a Aluminum case?

1) I think the rapid I would fit into a TEX TKL set.
2) I don't know offhand. I don't have a TKL case to test this idea with. But I wonder if it would fit into a digilog case or if it was similar enough to a QFR that it'd fit a QFR compatible case.

[intelli78]

What is the stem spacing like on a 6x Cherry spacebar?

Three keymounts, one middle mount 0.5 units (9.525mm) right from centre, left 3 units (57.15mm) and right 2 units (38.1mm) apart from middle mount.

Thanks... sounds like it won't work, since Topre has equidistant stem spacing.

[Blaise170]

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon. I know you can use a Teensy with Soarer's firmware, but are there any easier ways to convert it? Ideally I'd like to do so without soldering since I don't really have the time or availability (can't solder in my dorm without setting off fire alarm). I don't know much about the board other than it is an Altos using Cherry MX Blacks with a 4P4C modular connector.

[Puddsy]

Is Ducky Shine Zero TKL and Ducky Shine TKL 2/3 the only backlit TKL keyboards that fit in those aluminum cases? Also does anyone know if the Novatouch can fit in a Aluminum case?

those won't fit IIRC

and no the novatouch doesn't have any alu case options yet

[MGH]

1) Is Ducky Shine Zero TKL and Ducky Shine TKL 2/3 the only backlit TKL keyboards that fit in those aluminum cases?
2) Also does anyone know if the Novatouch can fit in a Aluminum case?

1) I think the rapid I would fit into a TEX TKL set.
2) I don't know offhand. I don't have a TKL case to test this idea with. But I wonder if it would fit into a digilog case or if it was similar enough to a QFR that it'd fit a QFR compatible case.

Hmm ok, I will look out for a rapid I

Is Ducky Shine Zero TKL and Ducky Shine TKL 2/3 the only backlit TKL keyboards that fit in those aluminum cases? Also does anyone know if the Novatouch can fit in a Aluminum case?

those won't fit IIRC

and no the novatouch doesn't have any alu case options yet

Aww, guess Rapid I is my only option

[fohat.digs]

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon.

I have a beautiful board with a 4P4C connector that I would love to somehow rig up.

Since I have limited time, I have not delved into it too deeply, yet, but I would love to know how you do it, if you are successful.

I have a multimeter, but I have some doubts that I would trust your pinout. Mine is a Televideo.

[dorkvader]

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon.

I have a beautiful board with a 4P4C connector that I would love to somehow rig up.

Since I have limited time, I have not delved into it too deeply, yet, but I would love to know how you do it, if you are successful.

I have a multimeter, but I have some doubts that I would trust your pinout. Mine is a Televideo.

I have same 4p4c televideo. WYSE also used 4p4c as well as (I think) IBM.

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon. I know you can use a Teensy with Soarer's firmware, but are there any easier ways to convert it? Ideally I'd like to do so without soldering since I don't really have the time or availability (can't solder in my dorm without setting off fire alarm). I don't know much about the board other than it is an Altos using Cherry MX Blacks with a 4P4C modular connector.

anyway: I can't think of a way to get it working unless you solder. Most likely a WYSE board under a different brand though. (there's lots).

Also: I know from lots of experience (and 2 years in the society of Fire protection enginnering club) that you can indeed solder inside the dorms without setting off the fire alarm. Or just go to someone's apartment.

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know how to change the lighting mode on a Leeku PCB? I tried using Esc + Home. I have my Leeku 1800 in hand but I don't know how to change the lighting.

[infiniti]

Does anyone know how to change the lighting mode on a Leeku PCB? I tried using Esc + Home. I have my Leeku 1800 in hand but I don't know how to change the lighting.

Try this CPT:

FN = Pause

Pause = FN + Scroll Lock

LED Control = FN + Esc

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know how to change the lighting mode on a Leeku PCB? I tried using Esc + Home. I have my Leeku 1800 in hand but I don't know how to change the lighting.

Try this CPT:

FN = Pause

Pause = FN + Scroll Lock

LED Control = FN + Esc

This works like a charm. Thanks infiniti!

[Blaise170]

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon.

I have a beautiful board with a 4P4C connector that I would love to somehow rig up.

Since I have limited time, I have not delved into it too deeply, yet, but I would love to know how you do it, if you are successful.

I have a multimeter, but I have some doubts that I would trust your pinout. Mine is a Televideo.

I have same 4p4c televideo. WYSE also used 4p4c as well as (I think) IBM.

I might be getting a mech with a 4P4C connector soon. I know you can use a Teensy with Soarer's firmware, but are there any easier ways to convert it? Ideally I'd like to do so without soldering since I don't really have the time or availability (can't solder in my dorm without setting off fire alarm). I don't know much about the board other than it is an Altos using Cherry MX Blacks with a 4P4C modular connector.

anyway: I can't think of a way to get it working unless you solder. Most likely a WYSE board under a different brand though. (there's lots).

Also: I know from lots of experience (and 2 years in the society of Fire protection enginnering club) that you can indeed solder inside the dorms without setting off the fire alarm. Or just go to someone's apartment.

Yeah, at the same time the smoke detector is right over my desk... And I don't wanna have to move my bed, dresser, and desk to fix that. Plus I'm not very experienced with solder.

[Geoph]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

[Melvang]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

It is possible.  I have replaced CPU fans from a computer that was in a bar for a few years.  The fan was so gummed up with tar that it wouldn't spin at all.  I refused to even allow bar computers into my house after that cause it took 3 weeks for the smell to vacate my house and I smoked at the time though not in my house.  Cigarette smoke will also destroy pretty much any electronics that have active cooling fans as well.

[Puddsy]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

absolutely possible

like you said, 99% isopropyl will clean it out to some degree

you shouldn't be smoking at your keyboard anyway though, it yellows white plastics, and the ash gets all up in your fans

[Melvang]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

absolutely possible

like you said, 99% isopropyl will clean it out to some degree

you shouldn't be smoking at your keyboard anyway though, it yellows white plastics, and the ash gets all up in your fans

Not to mention the tar makes the ash stick to everything that much more.

[Puddsy]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

absolutely possible

like you said, 99% isopropyl will clean it out to some degree

you shouldn't be smoking at your keyboard anyway though, it yellows white plastics, and the ash gets all up in your fans

Not to mention the tar makes the ash stick to everything that much more.

yeah, it's not nice to computer

i'm not gonna say don't smoke, make your own choices and all that

just don't do it in front of a computer

[Melvang]

Could cigarette smoke/ash cause problems with cherry switches? At random some of my keys start becoming unresponsive so I clean them with some 99% isopropyl and everything works just fine for a while. Also, should I re-lube my switches after using isopropyl?

absolutely possible

like you said, 99% isopropyl will clean it out to some degree

you shouldn't be smoking at your keyboard anyway though, it yellows white plastics, and the ash gets all up in your fans

Not to mention the tar makes the ash stick to everything that much more.

yeah, it's not nice to computer

i'm not gonna say don't smoke, make your own choices and all that

just don't do it in front of a computer

Pretty much my sentiments as well.  I personally recently quit smoking myself using a good e-cig after smoking for 15+ years.  In those years I never smoked in my own home.  Couldn't stand my house smelling like that.

[Puddsy]

a few of my friends smoke, but i don't because i don't want my clothes to smell

that's literally the only reason, but it's important to me

[yasuo]

how to apply file to teensy w/ soarer controller

Soarers/docs/index/tools something like that. What I am telling you is incomplete from my memory.

When you run Teensy.exe (from pjrc) it will ask you for a hex file. If you point it to soarers "atmega32" it should take care of the rest automatically.

This is all in Soarer's excellent documentation but you may have to dig around a bit.

once the soarer's code is on the teensy, you add the file with the following
open a command line
make sure the file is the layout and options you want
navigate the the /tools directory (where scinfo, scdis scas and scwr are locatied)
run scas <filename.sc>
run scwr <filename>

If you are in windows you can just run scaswr <filename.sc>

I put my layout.sc file in the/tools directory of the soarer install to make things easy.

The above info is also in the HTML documentation, but it's a little hard to understand sometimes.

my teensy broken i use pro micro now
i cant open scas/scwr when i click its not showup
yup im in windows i open scawr i drag/drop <filename.sc>
my bad its run in cmd )
C:\Users\User 7>Desktop>tools> run scas <myfilename.sc> run scwr <myfilename>
right?

but always show
The syntax of the command is incorrect.
what's wrong?
i tried drag n drop
and show like this

Code: [Select]

error at line 5: invalid command

[argcargv]

Question about Ducky year of the horse:

1. does it have a plate?

2. Will the pcb fit into one of the custom 60% cases? for example the FMJ case?

watching the production video here at 1m47s mark, the pcb looks to have red circle marked holes for the standoffs.

t=1m47s

Thanks in advance!

[CPTBadAss]

Question about Ducky year of the horse:

1. does it have a plate?

2. Will the pcb fit into one of the custom 60% cases? for example the FMJ case?

watching the production video here at 1m47s mark, the pcb looks to have red circle marked holes for the standoffs.

t=1m47s

Thanks in advance!

1) yes
2) not 100% sure but I think so. Never actually tried it myself but I'd assume so.

[Moralless]

Question about Ducky year of the horse:

1. does it have a plate?

2. Will the pcb fit into one of the custom 60% cases? for example the FMJ case?

watching the production video here at 1m47s mark, the pcb looks to have red circle marked holes for the standoffs.

t=1m47s

Thanks in advance!

1) yes
2) not 100% sure but I think so. Never actually tried it myself but I'd assume so.

I don't think it would fit, since the mini USB placement for most aftermarket 60% cases are at the back where as on the ducky mini is on the side.

[CPTBadAss]

Question about Ducky year of the horse:

2. Will the pcb fit into one of the custom 60% cases? for example the FMJ case?

2) not 100% sure but I think so. Never actually tried it myself but I'd assume so.

I don't think it would fit, since the mini USB placement for most aftermarket 60% cases are at the back where as on the ducky mini is on the side.

That makes a lot of sense. My guess was totally wrong haha. Thanks!

[argcargv]

Question about Ducky year of the horse:

2. Will the pcb fit into one of the custom 60% cases? for example the FMJ case?

2) not 100% sure but I think so. Never actually tried it myself but I'd assume so.

I don't think it would fit, since the mini USB placement for most aftermarket 60% cases are at the back where as on the ducky mini is on the side.

That makes a lot of sense. My guess was totally wrong haha. Thanks!

Thanks for the answers guys!
as for question number 2.

please take a look at the video, the side mini usb is actually connected by a pretty long wire to the pcb, so I'm thinking I could make it work by just gluing the mini usb to the back of the fmj case.

the only thing I'm worried about is the screw placement for the pcb/plate will not match the standoffs on a FMJ

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks for the answers guys!
as for question number 2.

please take a look at the video, the side mini usb is actually connected by a pretty long wire to the pcb, so I'm thinking I could make it work by just gluing the mini usb to the back of the fmj case.

the only thing I'm worried about is the screw placement for the pcb/plate will not match the standoffs on a FMJ

FMJ Case

Ducky Mini PCB

Looks like there's a third stand off on the FMJ case that will interfere with the Ducky PCB. The Mini looks to have 4 holes and the FMJ has three stand offs; one being offset.

And you're right. There's a little daughter board where the USB port is so you can move it around as is.

[argcargv]

It would be really helpful if we could find a picture of the bottom case of the ducky year of the horse, and see if the standoffs on that matches the FMJ case.

[jackalope]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

[byker]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

Right now, they have to be harvested. I could see them potentially being available in the future. If you only want one or two, then matt3o has a design that can be 3d printed that he has been working on.

[jackalope]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

Right now, they have to be harvested. I could see them potentially being available in the future. If you only want one or two, then matt3o has a design that can be 3d printed that he has been working on.

Thanks, I may just have to buy a novatouch and swap stems with my HHKB.  Determined to have miami on my HHKB.

[byker]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

Right now, they have to be harvested. I could see them potentially being available in the future. If you only want one or two, then matt3o has a design that can be 3d printed that he has been working on.

Thanks, I may just have to buy a novatouch and swap stems with my HHKB.  Determined to have miami on my HHKB.

No worries, check amazon, they were $160 with prime shipping at one point in time, and you can always resell it with regular topre stems. The "novabrid" as tj calls it..

[CommonCurt]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

Right now, they have to be harvested. I could see them potentially being available in the future. If you only want one or two, then matt3o has a design that can be 3d printed that he has been working on.

Thanks, I may just have to buy a novatouch and swap stems with my HHKB.  Determined to have miami on my HHKB.

No worries, check amazon, they were $160 with prime shipping at one point in time, and you can always resell it with regular topre stems. The "novabrid" as tj calls it..

$177.37 at the time of this post.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY3S288/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[jackalope]

Any one know if it's possible to just buy novatouch stems, or do they have to be harvested.

Right now, they have to be harvested. I could see them potentially being available in the future. If you only want one or two, then matt3o has a design that can be 3d printed that he has been working on.

Thanks, I may just have to buy a novatouch and swap stems with my HHKB.  Determined to have miami on my HHKB.

No worries, check amazon, they were $160 with prime shipping at one point in time, and you can always resell it with regular topre stems. The "novabrid" as tj calls it..

$177.37 at the time of this post.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY3S288/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Thank you.

This is why I shouldn't drink and browse GH, think im about to pick that up, lol.

[asgeirtj]

Is there anywhere a guide to opening the IKBC F-104? Or at least of opening a keyboard similar to it?  This is the first keyboard that I open.  I plan to replace the switch springs.  I understand that this board has some special modability for leds, I don't intend to install any leds however.  Will this led function be in my way in any way?

[dorkvader]

I had to look up some pictures.

Top "case" clips on to bottom. There are likely some screws holding it on as well.

step one: find all the screws. There might be one under a label or a QC sticker. Take them out.
Step two: get a butterknife, credit card, guitor pick, nylon stick, fingernail, etc to pry the top case off.

For additional info look up a guide on removing a filco top case, as it is very likely similar.

as to the LED: it was really hard to find PCB photos but it looks like all you need to do is remove the solder from the LED holes and install an LED.

Note: if you don't want LEDs then it won't get in your way at all.

Also note: to change springs you will have to desolder. The KB I found pictures of is plate-mounted.

Just desolder the switches, open them up, change springs, solder them back and you're good to go!

[cypherzion751]

I have two questions for you guys:

1) Where can you buy a KBC Poker II PBT with Brown cherry MX switches?

-Hoping to buy two of them
-I know I missed the massdrop
-Mechanicalkeyboards.com is out of stock
-Newegg has two? One made by five star and the other listed as generic? Where are the Vortex boards at? 

2) I know that single color led backlighting is an easy mod on the poker II but has anyone tried to put multicolor leds in them instead?

-Hoping to switch between red, green and blue.  I don't need mixed colors so that would make it easier.

Thanks for the help guys.

[yasuo]

the position two month is same as usually?

[HoffmanMyster]

the position two month is same as usually?

Show Image

The English here is hard to understand, so I will attempt my best.

Are you asking "it this was 2unit keycaps should look like?", or maybe "why do these look this way?"

If either of those are close, I can say that those 2u keycaps are from a POS board, which used two switches to provide stabilization, instead of using one switch in the middle and a stabilizer bar connecting to two outer points on the keycap.

Hopefully that answers your question, but if not, an alternate translation might help.  :)

[CPTBadAss]

I have two questions for you guys:

1) Where can you buy a KBC Poker II PBT with Brown cherry MX switches?

-Hoping to buy two of them
-I know I missed the massdrop
-Mechanicalkeyboards.com is out of stock
-Newegg has two? One made by five star and the other listed as generic? Where are the Vortex boards at? 

2) I know that single color led backlighting is an easy mod on the poker II but has anyone tried to put multicolor leds in them instead?

-Hoping to switch between red, green and blue.  I don't need mixed colors so that would make it easier.

Thanks for the help guys.

1) I'd wait for MK.com to restock. Vortex is known for odd supply issues. They're out of China.
2) IIRC Jixr has a Poker 2 that looks like an American flag with the LEDs. It's possible.

[intelli78]

What does a beam spring keyboard feel like? 

[hwood34]

What does a beam spring keyboard feel like? 

Magical

[dorkvader]

I have two questions for you guys:

1) Where can you buy a KBC Poker II PBT with Brown cherry MX switches?

-Hoping to buy two of them
-I know I missed the massdrop
-Mechanicalkeyboards.com is out of stock
-Newegg has two? One made by five star and the other listed as generic? Where are the Vortex boards at? 

2) I know that single color led backlighting is an easy mod on the poker II but has anyone tried to put multicolor leds in them instead?

-Hoping to switch between red, green and blue.  I don't need mixed colors so that would make it easier.

Thanks for the help guys.

1. I recommend just waiting for the next drop.
2. You can put different colour LEDs in it like red on some green on some, etc. You can also get LEDs that change colour over time, (check it) but you can't put in LEDs that can be multiple colours (like bipolar bicolour LEDs and RGBLEDS)

the position two month is same as usually?

Show Image

Usually 2-unit keys have three stems, one in the middle. Those keycaps are for a POS keyboard and are designed to fit over two separate switches. They are common on matrix POS boards.

What does a beam spring keyboard feel like?  :)

They tried to get the feel of the selectric typewriter. The beamspring is similar but with a soft click rather than a loud thunk.

[yasuo]

the position two month is same as usually?

Show Image

The English here is hard to understand, so I will attempt my best.

Are you asking "it this was 2unit keycaps should look like?", or maybe "why do these look this way?"

If either of those are close, I can say that those 2u keycaps are from a POS board, which used two switches to provide stabilization, instead of using one switch in the middle and a stabilizer bar connecting to two outer points on the keycap.

Hopefully that answers your question, but if not, an alternate translation might help.  :)

Usually 2-unit keys have three stems, one in the middle. Those keycaps are for a POS keyboard and are designed to fit over two separate switches. They are common on matrix POS boards.

yup, the 2month position is same as like 3month just leave one month in middle, right?
or different spacing?