Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[jackalope]

Is the short shift small enough to fit the right shift on a HHKB
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=tmod_grn

[Puddsy]

it is 1.75x, so i believe so, yes

[jackalope]

it is 1.75x, so i believe so, yes

Thank you, that is excellent news.

[dorkvader]

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?

Different.

I can take a picture comparing the two side by side.

edit: picture uploading now.

[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?

Different.

I can take a picture comparing the two side by side.

edit: picture uploading now.

Show Image

thanks

[RoflCopter4]

Is there any difference between the keycaps currently produced by Unicomp and the keycaps used for old IBM Model F keyboards? I want to replace the filthy keycaps on my 122 key terminal board and Unicomp seems like the best place to go. The keys on my Unicomp keyboard feel basically the same as the keys on my barely used Model M, which are themselves very nice. Unfortunately my Unicomp is at work and my Model F is at home and I can't be bothered to lug the thing home on the bus just to test if the keycaps are compatible. Does anyone know?

[asgeirtj]

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!

Wow, thx for such a good answer, you are awesome.  One other thing, I want to disable the num lock, scroll, lock caps lock leds because I find them annyoing.  What is best way to do that? Just desolder the leds from the pcb and throw them in the trash?

[intelli78]

Is the short shift small enough to fit the right shift on a HHKB
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=tmod_grn

it is 1.75x, so i believe so, yes

Sorry, this is wrong, the left (small) shift is 2.25x in that mod kit, not 1.75x. It will work for the HHKB's left shift but not the right.

Is there any difference between the keycaps currently produced by Unicomp and the keycaps used for old IBM Model F keyboards? I want to replace the filthy keycaps on my 122 key terminal board and Unicomp seems like the best place to go. The keys on my Unicomp keyboard feel basically the same as the keys on my barely used Model M, which are themselves very nice. Unfortunately my Unicomp is at work and my Model F is at home and I can't be bothered to lug the thing home on the bus just to test if the keycaps are compatible. Does anyone know?

I recently read a post by dorkvader, in which he mentioned that the keycaps are compatible but the legends are different. Perhaps he'll explain further.

[fohat.digs]

the keycaps are compatible but the legends are different

The are exactly the same, except different.

Unicomp uses the same machinery, in the same factory, as IBM and Lexmark used.

Even in the old days, IBM cap legends varied in depth of color and placement on the caps. I have some from the 1980s with legends practically crammed into the top left corners.

Recently, I bought a "green alert" set and the legends were almost centered, but not consistently, and a few of the legends were even below and to the right of center.

[MOZ]

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?

Different.

I can take a picture comparing the two side by side.

edit: picture uploading now.

Show Image

Just to add, from specs, the distance between the two stab mount positions in a three mount 2u key is 23.876mm. For the two mount 2u key it is going to be 19.05mm because it is meant to be mounted on two adjacent switches.

[hwood34]

Is there any difference between the keycaps currently produced by Unicomp and the keycaps used for old IBM Model F keyboards? I want to replace the filthy keycaps on my 122 key terminal board and Unicomp seems like the best place to go. The keys on my Unicomp keyboard feel basically the same as the keys on my barely used Model M, which are themselves very nice. Unfortunately my Unicomp is at work and my Model F is at home and I can't be bothered to lug the thing home on the bus just to test if the keycaps are compatible. Does anyone know?

besides the one piece vs two piece contruction, nope

[dorkvader]

One other thing, I want to disable the num lock, scroll, lock caps lock leds because I find them annyoing.  What is best way to do that? Just desolder the leds from the pcb and throw them in the trash?

you can desolder the LEDs or the LED resistor or cut the trace. I recommend desoldering the LEDs as you can resolder them if you want to sell it to someone who likes LEDs there.

Is there any difference between the keycaps currently produced by Unicomp and the keycaps used for old IBM Model F keyboards? I want to replace the filthy keycaps on my 122 key terminal board and Unicomp seems like the best place to go. The keys on my Unicomp keyboard feel basically the same as the keys on my barely used Model M, which are themselves very nice. Unfortunately my Unicomp is at work and my Model F is at home and I can't be bothered to lug the thing home on the bus just to test if the keycaps are compatible. Does anyone know?

I recently read a post by dorkvader, in which he mentioned that the keycaps are compatible but the legends are different. Perhaps he'll explain further.

OK so IBM has changed legending techniques (dyesub equipment) a few times over the course of buckling spring history. You can see small differences like the colour of the sublegends on the tenkey, and huge differences like the change of font between the AT model F and model M keyboards. Later on the legends got thinner and more precise.

Unicomp bought lexmark's tooling so they have similar lines to lexmark. However, as fohat has said their accuracy is sometimes not as good.

So: old IBM: high accuracy, low precision (legends are thick and can get "fuzzy") Later IBM: sometimes better. Very late IBM and lexmark: thin lines, decent accuracy, they stuck to one colour usually (so no green alt) Unicomp: thin lines, multiple colours, high precision, lower accuracy (offset or crooked letting is not uncommon)

as to the keys themselves: I believe they changed moulds a few times over production history: you can tell there are some differences in surface roughness of the keycap itself. Unicomp is just fine.

to sum up: they are basically the same but can have tiny differences.

besides the one piece vs two piece contruction, nope

Both IBM and unicomp have 1 piece and 2 piece keycaps.

[cypherzion751]

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)

Thanks for the info.  Is there a 60% keyboard that is similar to the Poker II but does have RGB led or ability to solder them in?

[CPTBadAss]

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)

Thanks for the info.  Is there a 60% keyboard that is similar to the Poker II but does have RGB led or ability to solder them in?

I don't see why you can't put in RGB LEDs into a Poker 2. Glissant has a KMAC which has RGB LEDs in it. Could you explain Dorkvader?

And I think Kaliet has a new 60% board that might fit your wish cypherzion751.

[intelli78]

I don't see why you can't put in RGB LEDs into a Poker 2. Glissant has a KMAC which has RGB LEDs in it. Could you explain Dorkvader?

And I think Kaliet has a new 60% board that might fit your wish cypherzion751.

That's interesting... wouldn't you need a PCB with control signals for the LEDs and a controller that supports them?

[CPTBadAss]

That's interesting... wouldn't you need a PCB with control signals for the LEDs and a controller that supports them?

Don't know about the control signals but apparently the KMAC controller can handle it. I asked both Glissant and jdcarpe about it but neither knew a lot about the mod. Hopefully someone else can fill us in.

[cypherzion751]

oh ok, still holding out hope for it to work.  Doesn't have to be a poker 2, just a 60% board.  I know most RGB leds have 4 leads on them when the poker 2 only has 2 holes per led.  I don't need mixing colors, but hopefully wanted to be able to switch between red, green, blue and white.  Eventually want both a 60% and a full size with that functionality.  If is not possible i'll just stick to white leds.

[dorkvader]

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)

Thanks for the info.  Is there a 60% keyboard that is similar to the Poker II but does have RGB led or ability to solder them in?

I don't see why you can't put in RGB LEDs into a Poker 2. Glissant has a KMAC which has RGB LEDs in it. Could you explain Dorkvader?

And I think Kaliet has a new 60% board that might fit your wish cypherzion751.

RGBLEDS have 4 leads.

KMAC and poker II only have 2 leads for each LED (power and GND).

Additionally there is no way to fit the RGBLED into the switch. GMK have bi color LEDS in some of their WEY keyboards and they have a random LED leg coming out the front.

I bet they are using those colour change LEDS like in the disco poker link.

I am going to PM glissant and jdcarpe about it because I'm sure the KMAC PCB doesn't support RGBLEDs and I'm pretty sure the firmware dosen't either. Even the cherry switch itself doesn't support them. The way the corsair KB gets around it is with a SMD RGBLED and a different housing.

[Melvang]

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)

Thanks for the info.  Is there a 60% keyboard that is similar to the Poker II but does have RGB led or ability to solder them in?

I don't see why you can't put in RGB LEDs into a Poker 2. Glissant has a KMAC which has RGB LEDs in it. Could you explain Dorkvader?

And I think Kaliet has a new 60% board that might fit your wish cypherzion751.

RGBLEDS have 4 leads.

KMAC and poker II only have 2 leads for each LED (power and GND).

Additionally there is no way to fit the RGBLED into the switch. GMK have bi color LEDS in some of their WEY keyboards and they have a random LED leg coming out the front.

I bet they are using those colour change LEDS like in the disco poker link.

I am going to PM glissant and jdcarpe about it because I'm sure the KMAC PCB doesn't support RGBLEDs and I'm pretty sure the firmware dosen't either. Even the cherry switch itself doesn't support them. The way the corsair KB gets around it is with a SMD RGBLED and a different housing.

What about going with LEDs that have two legs but change colors with different voltages.  I know those can be had in a few different 2 color patterns, though not sure about more than that especially with the sizes that work with Cherry switches.

[cypherzion751]

a bi-color led board would be cool as well.  maybe a GB, but if I were to go that route, a lot of the ones that I saw require the polarity to switch to change color which is probably something that can't be done in the poker II can it?  I know that the KBParadise v60 is GB but I like the ability to program the poker. Between the v60 and two single LED pokers I think I would choose the poker.  Especially now that the Poker III is going to be coming out.  I want to pick up a poker II still though, I really want that "Enjoy Your Feeling" spacebar hahaha

[CPTBadAss]

I am going to PM glissant and jdcarpe about it because I'm sure the KMAC PCB doesn't support RGBLEDs and I'm pretty sure the firmware dosen't either.

You're welcome to try. When I asked them, neither of the two knew how it had been done.

[dorkvader]

What about going with LEDs that have two legs but change colors with different voltages.  I know those can be had in a few different 2 color patterns, though not sure about more than that especially with the sizes that work with Cherry switches.

You can get a second "color" out of the LED by exploiting the fact that LEDs are directional. Such bicolour 2 pin LEDs get a second colour by runnig current in the other direction. The KMAC and poker II hardware do not support this, though you could probably "hack" it by cutting power from the transistor (so you don't destroy it) and switching power and ground on the LED array power rails.

I checked with jdcarpe and he confirmed the RGBLEDs on glissant's KMAC are the 2 pin types that just cycle through the colours with no control. The "disco poker" uses these.

[Blaise170]

Are all of the Teensy models functionally compatible? I'd hate to, for example, buy a Teensy 3.0 if it won't work with the Teensy 2.0 firmware I plan to use.

[fohat.digs]

I'd hate to, for example, buy a Teensy 3.0 if it won't work with the Teensy 2.0 firmware I plan to use.

Soarer's stuff is for the 2.0

It is my understanding that the 3x series runs at a different voltage not suitable for USB keyboards.

[Blaise170]

Soarer's stuff is for the 2.0

It is my understanding that the 3x series runs at a different voltage not suitable for USB keyboards.

Thanks for the info. Do you happen to know if there is a difference between the 2.0 and 2.0++ other than the additional IO sockets?

[hwood34]

What's the closest alps equivalent to MX blues?

[CPTBadAss]

What's the closest alps equivalent to MX blues?

Grey Alps I think.

[hwood34]

What's the closest alps equivalent to MX blues?

Grey Alps I think.

Available in anything besides Matiases? I'm just looking for the switches for my Omnikey

[CPTBadAss]

What's the closest alps equivalent to MX blues?

Grey Alps I think.

Available in anything besides Matiases? I'm just looking for the switches for my Omnikey

They exist outside of Matias. I've typed on a board with them. I would say White Alps but I don't think you like them. Blue Alps have a similar sound but not the same feeling. Other than those? I'm not sure there's an option.

[Puddsy]

Green XM ALPS

[CPTBadAss]

Green XM ALPS

I don't think those feel like MX Blues at all. From what I remember, they feel gritty and crunchy and clicky. Really disliked them.

[HoffmanMyster]

Green XM ALPS

I don't think those feel like MX Blues at all. From what I remember, they feel gritty and crunchy and clicky. Really disliked them.

Yeah.  I had a Green XM board and it was poopy.  My first exposure to Alps, and it was not pleasant.  Just felt like a super cheap/dirty MX Blue.

[hwood34]

Also, I should just be able to dunk the housings and sliders of my orange alps in some water right? I'm gonna try and lube them, but I want to get any gunk out of them first because a few still feel majorly scratchy and slow to return after actuation

[CPTBadAss]

Also, I should just be able to dunk the housings and sliders of my orange alps in some water right? I'm gonna try and lube them, but I want to get any gunk out of them first because a few still feel majorly scratchy and slow to return after actuation

Yup. I'd recommend distilled water and a proper dry though. Or isopropyl.

[hwood34]

Also, I should just be able to dunk the housings and sliders of my orange alps in some water right? I'm gonna try and lube them, but I want to get any gunk out of them first because a few still feel majorly scratchy and slow to return after actuation

Yup. I'd recommend distilled water and a proper dry though. Or isopropyl.

Cool. And this thick lube should work?

[CPTBadAss]

Cool. And this thick lube should work?

For Orange Alps? I think a thin lube would work better.

[nubbinator]

Cool. And this thick lube should work?

For Orange Alps? I think a thin lube would work better.

I'd almost think a dry lube would be better for Alps due to their design.  An oil or grease lube may encourage dust and other unwanted things to collect.  Are there any electrically non-conductive dry lubes, be they a powder, spray, coating, or whatever?  I know PTFE could work, but that's usually in an oil or grease.

[cptmullet]

I want a board with MX clears, TKL, ideally with PBT caps.
Is there a better option than the WASD Code?

I had them on my Leopold f660m but hated the 60% compromise.

[CPTBadAss]

I want a board with MX clears, TKL, ideally with PBT caps.
Is there a better option than the WASD Code?

I had them on my Leopold f660m but hated the 60% compromise.

Ducky Shine or KUL 87. Or get something you like and then get a modder to swap it to Clears for you. drhubblephd is still running his free assembly promotion I think and dorkvader, hoffmanmyster, and tjcaustin all do assembly in the USA.

[Flyersfan1]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and them arriving to the buyer in pieces.   

[hwood34]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and have them arrive to the buyer in pieces.   

I've never had anything damaged in a bubble mailer. But there seem to be different qualities. I always use the ones they sell at the PO, they're nicely cushioned but also sturdy

[Flyersfan1]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and have them arrive to the buyer in pieces.   

I've never had anything damaged in a bubble mailer. But there seem to be different qualities. I always use the ones they sell at the PO, they're nicely cushioned but also sturdy

I have the scotch ones, I bought a few from CVS.  They seem like good quality, I'm just overly paranoid about these things.

[cptmullet]

I want a board with MX clears, TKL, ideally with PBT caps.
Is there a better option than the WASD Code?

I had them on my Leopold f660m but hated the 60% compromise.

Ducky Shine or KUL 87. Or get something you like and then get a modder to swap it to Clears for you. drhubblephd is still running his free assembly promotion I think and dorkvader, hoffmanmyster, and tjcaustin all do assembly in the USA.

I can't for the life of me find a TKL ducky shine with clears.
Definitely have to look into having a board replaced with some clears, I have a couple rotting away in my closet... Thanks! 

[hwood34]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and have them arrive to the buyer in pieces.   

I've never had anything damaged in a bubble mailer. But there seem to be different qualities. I always use the ones they sell at the PO, they're nicely cushioned but also sturdy

I have the scotch ones, I bought a few from CVS.  They seem like good quality, I'm just overly paranoid about these things.

Usually shipping small sets or parts of and cheaper novelty caps, it's fine. But if I'm shipping something more valuable I'll sometimes put it in a small priority box, but only CONUS because priority international is outrageous

[Puddsy]

Will any plate work with a KMAC PCB, or do I need a KMAC specific plate?

Same question but about cases as well.

[Flyersfan1]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and have them arrive to the buyer in pieces.   

I've never had anything damaged in a bubble mailer. But there seem to be different qualities. I always use the ones they sell at the PO, they're nicely cushioned but also sturdy

I have the scotch ones, I bought a few from CVS.  They seem like good quality, I'm just overly paranoid about these things.

Usually shipping small sets or parts of and cheaper novelty caps, it's fine. But if I'm shipping something more valuable I'll sometimes put it in a small priority box, but only CONUS because priority international is outrageous

I know! It's absolutely outrageous, I wish there were more affordable options!  Thanks for your help, Hwood! =)

[Blaise170]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and them arriving to the buyer in pieces.   

Not all options are available online, for the ones that aren't you have to use Stamps.com or another verified service. You can ship first class in small boxes, whenever I shipped a set of keycaps I used a box about the size of a tissue box.

[Flyersfan1]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and them arriving to the buyer in pieces.   

Not all options are available online, for the ones that aren't you have to use Stamps.com or another verified service. You can ship first class in small boxes, whenever I shipped a set of keycaps I used a box about the size of a tissue box.

Thanks Blaise! I just registered for a trial on stamps.com!

[HoffmanMyster]

Is first class international the best option for shipping keycaps overseas? When making labels on USPS.com, it only ever shows priority mail.  And if so, are bubble mailers safe? I'm scared at the thought of them getting crushed somewhere in transit and them arriving to the buyer in pieces.   

Not all options are available online, for the ones that aren't you have to use Stamps.com or another verified service. You can ship first class in small boxes, whenever I shipped a set of keycaps I used a box about the size of a tissue box.

Thanks Blaise! I just registered for a trial on stamps.com!

Stamps.com is great, and worth the cost if you ship a lot.  When I first started using it maybe 8 months ago, I had a few questions, so if you have questions feel free to ask (I'm not sure how many users there are on here).  I'm no expert, but I have a bit of experience.

[CPTBadAss]

Will any plate work with a KMAC PCB, or do I need a KMAC specific plate?

Same question but about cases as well.

I think the KMAC plates are specific to the case. There's a lot of little tabs on the plate that play into the case/plate screw setup. I don't think I've seen the KMACs exact mounting setup in another board.

Stamps.com is great, and worth the cost if you ship a lot.  When I first started using it maybe 8 months ago, I had a few questions, so if you have questions feel free to ask (I'm not sure how many users there are on here).  I'm no expert, but I have a bit of experience.

I enjoyed my trial period with Stamps.com as well. Easy to use app, good for bulk packages, and great customer service. I just don't ship enough packages consistently to warrant the monthly payment.