Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Melvang]

Was there every one piece buckling springs caps with homing nubs that will match the stock caps on my F XT?

[bowji]

Ive started looking into building my own keyboard but I was confused with which switch type to get between PCB mount and plate mount. Im thinking of getting my parts from GONs and his mx clear switches are PCB mount while Im planning on using a plate.
Can I use a plate using PCB mount switches?
Can I use a plate with PCB mount stabilizers?
Thanks in advance!

It all depends on the PCB if it has the holes for the PCB pins on the switches and if it has the proper holes for the PCB mount stabilizers, the plate would also have to have a proper cut out for the PCB mount stabilizers to fit through.

FYI you can take PCB mount switches and cut the little legs off to make them plate mount but can't go the other way.

Thanks. I never knew the only difference were the legs of the switches, Ill keep that in mind if I get a PCB that doesnt come with mount holes.

Im thinking of getting my parts from GONs and his mx clear switches are PCB mount while Im planning on using a plate.

^^  I will answer this specifically for GON's hardware.  The answers vary based on plate and PCB design, but my answer below are specifically for GON's plates and PCBs.

Can I use a plate using PCB mount switches?

Yes.  PCB mount switches interact with the plate exactly the same as plate mount switches do.  Where they differ is how they interact with the PCB.  PCB mount switches have two tabs on the bottom that fit into the plate to secure it in place (hence why you wouldn't need a plate in that case).  Adding a plate will only increase stability, there will be no compatibility issues (some people prefer the feeling of no plate though, but that's preference).  GON's PCBs do support PCB mount switches, so you will have no issues there.

Can I use a plate with PCB mount stabilizers?

This depends entirely on the design of the plate you're using.  GON designs all his plates to use PCB mount stabilizers (I believe this is a common occurrence in Korean keyboards), so you actually have to use PCB mount stabilizers.  There are no mounting points on the plates for plate mount stabilizers.


Hope this helps.   

That helped a TON. Specifically, I was looking into GONs PCB and plate since the general consensus on GH seems to be that his PCB is superior. (Looking into taobao for cases.)
PCB mount switches interacts with GONs plate. GONs PCB support PCB mount switches. GONs plate is for PCB mount stabilizers. PERFECT.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate your time <3

[jdcarpe]

It sure looks like a 6x spacebar =/

It looks fine to me. But for curiousity's sake, I messaged Ducky on Facebook. I'll let you know what their response is. Alternatively, you could ping 00ZerO or JoshMK and have them check one of their boards in their shop.

It's a 6.25u spacebar. It's hard to tell from that image, but the spacebar starts halfway under the 'X' key, and ends 3/4 into the <, key. So standard ANSI layout.

I have a very strong hunch that the ANSI Ducky Mini is actually just a rebranded Vortex (Poker II), the same as was the case with the ISO Ducky Mini.

OK, yeah looking at my Cherry set, it looks standard. I'm going to order one anyway, see how it goes.

Show Image

Ducky replied to my message on Facebook. As intelli78, jdcarpe, and I suspected, it's 6.25x.

Ask them if it's a rebranded Vortex! :D

[HoffmanMyster]

That helped a TON. Specifically, I was looking into GONs PCB and plate since the general consensus on GH seems to be that his PCB is superior. (Looking into taobao for cases.)
PCB mount switches interacts with GONs plate. GONs PCB support PCB mount switches. GONs plate is for PCB mount stabilizers. PERFECT.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate your time <3

I don't have much experience with building his boards separate from the cases he offers (PCB + plate + third party case), but just make sure that you're not purchasing a full case and are indeed purchasing a plate.  I only mention this because his cases can look a lot like plates in some instances to unfamiliar eyes, but obviously cannot fit into another housing.

And GON's NerD PCB is really great.      I've got two of them I still need to build up.  )

And no problem!  That's what this thread is for, after all. 

[bowji]

That helped a TON. Specifically, I was looking into GONs PCB and plate since the general consensus on GH seems to be that his PCB is superior. (Looking into taobao for cases.)
PCB mount switches interacts with GONs plate. GONs PCB support PCB mount switches. GONs plate is for PCB mount stabilizers. PERFECT.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate your time <3

I don't have much experience with building his boards separate from the cases he offers (PCB + plate + third party case), but just make sure that you're not purchasing a full case and are indeed purchasing a plate.  I only mention this because his cases can look a lot like plates in some instances to unfamiliar eyes, but obviously cannot fit into another housing.

And GON's NerD PCB is really great.      I've got two of them I still need to build up.  )

And no problem!  That's what this thread is for, after all. 

Any and all pointers are good for me, as it is my first attempt to build a board (or solder...). As of now, Im looking into GONs Nerd 60 + his plate along with this taobao case.

Are the 3 compatible? Im also considering the wireless option IF it fits, any idea if it does fit in the taobao case?

[katushkin]

It sure looks like a 6x spacebar =/

It looks fine to me. But for curiousity's sake, I messaged Ducky on Facebook. I'll let you know what their response is. Alternatively, you could ping 00ZerO or JoshMK and have them check one of their boards in their shop.

It's a 6.25u spacebar. It's hard to tell from that image, but the spacebar starts halfway under the 'X' key, and ends 3/4 into the <, key. So standard ANSI layout.

I have a very strong hunch that the ANSI Ducky Mini is actually just a rebranded Vortex (Poker II), the same as was the case with the ISO Ducky Mini.

OK, yeah looking at my Cherry set, it looks standard. I'm going to order one anyway, see how it goes.

Show Image

Ducky replied to my message on Facebook. As intelli78, jdcarpe, and I suspected, it's 6.25x.

Oh Captain, my captain. <3 thank you so much

[heedpantsnow]

That helped a TON. Specifically, I was looking into GONs PCB and plate since the general consensus on GH seems to be that his PCB is superior. (Looking into taobao for cases.)
PCB mount switches interacts with GONs plate. GONs PCB support PCB mount switches. GONs plate is for PCB mount stabilizers. PERFECT.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate your time <3

I don't have much experience with building his boards separate from the cases he offers (PCB + plate + third party case), but just make sure that you're not purchasing a full case and are indeed purchasing a plate.  I only mention this because his cases can look a lot like plates in some instances to unfamiliar eyes, but obviously cannot fit into another housing.

And GON's NerD PCB is really great.      I've got two of them I still need to build up.  )

And no problem!  That's what this thread is for, after all. 

Any and all pointers are good for me, as it is my first attempt to build a board (or solder...). As of now, Im looking into GONs Nerd 60 + his plate along with this taobao case.

Are the 3 compatible? Im also considering the wireless option IF it fits, any idea if it does fit in the taobao case?

Should all fit but the wireless might be blocked. If you want to do wireless might want to get the case from GON to guarantee compatibility and signal.

[SpAmRaY]

Has anyone done a detachable cable mod on a Realforce 23U number pad?

[Firebolt1914]

What keyboard would this: http://puu.sh/ekxiL/c7b76b2c12.jpg be?

[Evo_Spec]

What keyboard would this: http://puu.sh/ekxiL/c7b76b2c12.jpg be?

I'm not good with my BS boards but i think this is a IBM Model F 122 key

[hwood34]

What keyboard would this: http://puu.sh/ekxiL/c7b76b2c12.jpg be?

I think those are rubberdome kind

[bowji]

Any and all pointers are good for me, as it is my first attempt to build a board (or solder...). As of now, Im looking into GONs Nerd 60 + his plate along with this taobao case.

Are the 3 compatible? Im also considering the wireless option IF it fits, any idea if it does fit in the taobao case?

Should all fit but the wireless might be blocked. If you want to do wireless might want to get the case from GON to guarantee compatibility and signal.

I guess the wireless option is out for me since I opted for a "budget" case, and the taobao one seemed to be the best bet. I will be looking into the wired option and other options for more possible choices before I make any purchases. After all I do need to find a way to practice soldering on something...
Thanks a lot! I appreciate the response 

[Photekq]

What keyboard would this: http://puu.sh/ekxiL/c7b76b2c12.jpg be?

I think those are rubberdome kind

Yes, it's definitely a rubberdome.

[azhdar]

Has anyone done a detachable cable mod on a Realforce 23U number pad?

If the numpad cable isn't different from the keyboard cable :
http://pexonpcs.co.uk/products/realforce-cables

[intelli78]

Phantom PCB and winkey plate will support off-center-stemmed 6.25 Cherry-style spacebar, right?

[CPTBadAss]

Phantom PCB and winkey plate will support off-center-stemmed 6.25 Cherry-style spacebar, right?

Looks like it will support it, yes.

[intelli78]

Yea, PCB does, I guess my question should have been if anyone has ever made a plate with that cutout?

Edit: and own question is answered, yes

[asgeirtj]

Is this https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_grn_alt the same green color as https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54442.0 ?

[hwood34]

Is this https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_grn_alt the same green color as https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54442.0 ?

No, the GB ones are a slight darker green, while the EK ones are lime green

[asgeirtj]

Is this https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_grn_alt the same green color as https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54442.0 ?

No, the GB ones are a slight darker green, while the EK ones are lime green

Damn, guess I'll wait for originative's store to open again for his rgb

[hwood34]

Is this https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys&pid=cds_grn_alt the same green color as https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54442.0 ?

No, the GB ones are a slight darker green, while the EK ones are lime green

Damn, guess I'll wait for originative's store to open again for his rgb

originative is known for being less than reputable. Your best bet is to find it elsewhere

[RoflCopter4]

I'm sure this is asked relatively often but I can't seem to find the answer, so I'll just ask it here:

How many missing plastic rivets is too many missing plastic rivets for a Model M? I would have sworn that my '86 silver logo one was at most very rarely used over the years given the condition it's in, but I finally got the right nut driver in the mail today (6 weeks for shipping?? Amazon sucks in Canada) and opened the thing up. Only one rivet is totally cleaved off but at least one other is basically hanging by a thread and a few others are looking a bit on the weather. It still works just fine, but I can't help but worry about whether I sould be doing something about this sooner rather than later.

[fohat.digs]

I'm sure this is asked relatively often but I can't seem to find the answer, so I'll just ask it here:

How many missing plastic rivets is too many missing plastic rivets for a Model M? I would have sworn that my '86 silver logo one was at most very rarely used over the years given the condition it's in, but I finally got the right nut driver in the mail today (6 weeks for shipping?? Amazon sucks in Canada) and opened the thing up. Only one rivet is totally cleaved off but at least one other is basically hanging by a thread and a few others are looking a bit on the weather. It still works just fine, but I can't help but worry about whether I sould be doing something about this sooner rather than later.

A single broken rivet in isolation will not make much difference. A cluster of them in an area will make a soft spot.

My most recent Model M had a number of rivets that looked attached but popped off instantly when I touched them. Run your fingernail under them to see whether they are actually solid in place.

Sometimes they just let go due to age or fatigue, and sometimes a sharp impact will break a number of them loose.

[intelli78]

Anyone know where this aluminum case comes from?

[jdcarpe]

Anyone know where this aluminum case comes from?

Show Image

Leopold in Korea. That's a TypeNow Solid.

[intelli78]

Leopold in Korea. That's a TypeNow Solid.

Nice, Thank you

[jdcarpe]

Leopold in Korea. That's a TypeNow Solid.

Nice, Thank you

If that pic is one from DanGWanG, I currently own that keyboard.

[intelli78]

That's dope. It's a nice case.

[Photekq]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

[Puddsy]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

1. base set $85 + numpad $17 + tsangan $25 = $127

2. I forget

[CPTBadAss]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

Can't find the exact breakdown you want but I did find these posts.

Whatever the full and extension sets are, it looks like they went for around $200 shipped.

The TKL set looks like it went for $95.

[azhdar]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

http://web.archive.org/web/20140626163723/http://www.originativeco.com/collections/keysets/products/dolch

[Puddsy]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

http://web.archive.org/web/20140626163723/http://www.originativeco.com/collections/keysets/products/dolch

Damn, I was close.

Only $27 off.

I didn't remember the 87 being so expensive.

[SpAmRaY]

How much did Dolch cost from Originative [not the lower GB price]? I would check on their site, but it's pw protected.

1. Full set of 104 caps + tsangan keys
2. The 'extra' kit

http://web.archive.org/web/20140626163723/http://www.originativeco.com/collections/keysets/products/dolch

Nice find.

For the lazy

Base 87-key $105, Numberpad $25, Winkeyless Mods $25, Extension Kit $48, 1.75 Shift $4.50

A classic style with dark and medium grey looking colors.  These keycaps were available on an old Cherry G80-1813 keyboard, and they are one of the many reasons why these boards have became so sought after.

    Dark and Light Grey with White Legends
    Original Cherry Corp double-shot molding, thick and durable
    Keycaps fit on most modern mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches
    Made in Germany

Base kit

    Contains 87 keys to fit a US ANSI tenkeyless board.  (Ex: Filco tenkeyless, CM Storm QFR)
    BBCDEE Profile

Numberpad

    The numberpad set will fit on most numberpads.
    This set DOES NOT HAVE 1x width '0' and '00' key, only a 2x width '0' key.

Winkeyless

    The kit is made for traditional keyboards.  It will fit on 1.5-1-1.5-7-1.5-1-1.5 keyboards.
    Includes a stepped caps lock

Extension

    The kit includes many textless modifiers.
    Includes 3 ISO keys, 3 Window keys, and 1x bottom row (B Profile) keys for older keyboards such as the G80-1800.

Note:  The winkeyless does not include 1x Win Winkey

And in case anyone is interested the original Dolch originative group buy was $95 (this varied from ~$85-$95 depending on how early you joined up) for 104 plus winkeyless plus $37 for the extension plus shipping.

[Photekq]

Thanks guys!

[rockhawksam]

Any way to remap my Model M without using programs that run in the background?

[SpAmRaY]

Any way to remap my Model M without using programs that run in the background?

Use a soarer converter?

[rockhawksam]

Any way to remap my Model M without using programs that run in the background?

Use a soarer converter?

Thanks!

[RoflCopter4]

This is probably a dumb question but what product in particular do people use when they put "dental bands" on their Topre keyboards? There are a fair few products under that broad name.

[whentheclouds]

my friend's had a Steelseries board with blacks for three years (two if going by extensive usage). if i harvest the switches from this board and lube them, approximately how close will they get to replicating the feel of vintage blacks?

[CPTBadAss]

This is probably a dumb question but what product in particular do people use when they put "dental bands" on their Topre keyboards? There are a fair few products under that broad name.

Don't think the brand matters. Think you just need orthodontic rubber bands in a certain diameter. The thread below has some nice info :

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34972.0

my friend's had a Steelseries board with blacks for three years (two if going by extensive usage). if i harvest the switches from this board and lube them, approximately how close will they get to replicating the feel of vintage blacks?

It's really hard for me to guess unless I physically tried then myself. Honestly I've never had a batch of vintage blacks that felt differnt from normal blacks. From my experience, lubing the keys would help more than anything else. You're welcome to try the swap and let us know what you think.

[digi]

Are rectangular 2x3x4mm led's still the go-to led size for switches?

Which size SIP sockets do I get for rectangular 2x3x4mm led's and where to buy? Are they a pain in the ass to install? Am I better off just soldering the LEDs?

[HoffmanMyster]

1. Are rectangular 2x3x4mm led's still the go-to led size for switches?
2. Which size SIP sockets do I get for rectangular 2x3x4mm led's and where to buy?
3. Are they a pain in the ass to install?
4. Am I better off just soldering the LEDs?

1. Rectangular 2x3x4mm LEDs are still the go-to size, since they fit into the switch cover better and are less likely to hit thicker keycaps.
2. You'll want "standard" diameter holes in the SIP sockets (the part the LED leads will fit into).  I would use nuclearsandwich's recent GB as a reference and get the SIP sockets he bought (or at least the same dimensions).  And FYI, the LED size won't impact what SIP sockets you need unless you have such a large LED that the leads are bigger.
3. You will need to remove the switch top, insert them in, and solder them to the pads on the PCB.  The extra work over regular LED installation is opening the switch and inserting the sockets (they can be finicky).  This means that if you have a plate that doesn't allow switch opening, it will be a lot more work, because you will end up desoldering all the switches.  If you don't need to do that, the added difficulty is just opening the switches which is tedious but not too bad.
4. Only you can answer that.    If you know you'll be swapping LEDs every couple months, SIP sockets can be worth it.  If you have no intentions to swap LEDs, it might not be.  It will also depend on whether you have an easy way to desolder the LEDs or not.  You'll have to decide this for yourself.

Also, check out this thread on SIP sockets for more info.

[digi]

1. Are rectangular 2x3x4mm led's still the go-to led size for switches?
2. Which size SIP sockets do I get for rectangular 2x3x4mm led's and where to buy?
3. Are they a pain in the ass to install?
4. Am I better off just soldering the LEDs?

1. Rectangular 2x3x4mm LEDs are still the go-to size, since they fit into the switch cover better and are less likely to hit thicker keycaps.
2. You'll want "standard" diameter holes in the SIP sockets (the part the LED leads will fit into).  I would use nuclearsandwich's recent GB as a reference and get the SIP sockets he bought (or at least the same dimensions).  And FYI, the LED size won't impact what SIP sockets you need unless you have such a large LED that the leads are bigger.
3. You will need to remove the switch top, insert them in, and solder them to the pads on the PCB.  The extra work over regular LED installation is opening the switch and inserting the sockets (they can be finicky).  This means that if you have a plate that doesn't allow switch opening, it will be a lot more work, because you will end up desoldering all the switches.  If you don't need to do that, the added difficulty is just opening the switches which is tedious but not too bad.
4. Only you can answer that.    If you know you'll be swapping LEDs every couple months, SIP sockets can be worth it.  If you have no intentions to swap LEDs, it might not be.  It will also depend on whether you have an easy way to desolder the LEDs or not.  You'll have to decide this for yourself.

Also, check out this thread on SIP sockets for more info.

rock on Hoff! thanks brehbreh =)

EDIT - Just to confirm, do these Mil-Max sip sockets have issues with not allowing the switch top to close all the way?http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/311-43-164-41-001000/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%2fSh%2fkjph1tjJZclYmfaNPJ3I9Z5RDf1I%3d

[HoffmanMyster]

Just to confirm, do these Mil-Max sip sockets have issues with not allowing the switch top to close all the way?http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/311-43-164-41-001000/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%2fSh%2fkjph1tjJZclYmfaNPJ3I9Z5RDf1I%3d

I haven't used those exact SIP sockets, but in my experience you only have issues closing the switch top if you don't cut the black surrounding off of the socket.  You can see the black plastic holding them together in the thread I linked before.  If you snip that off with some cutters so you have loose metal sockets (no plastic), you shouldn't have any issues.      AFAIK, the differences between SIP sockets have to do with the length of the leads on the sockets.

[jdcarpe]

3. Are they a pain in the ass to install?
4. Am I better off just soldering the LEDs?

3. Yes
4. Yes

I won't even mess with SIP sockets.

[HoffmanMyster]

3. Are they a pain in the ass to install?
4. Am I better off just soldering the LEDs?

3. Yes
4. Yes

I won't even mess with SIP sockets.

 )   

For the record, I share JD's sentiments. 

If you're already taking a switch apart to lube it, adding SIP sockets isn't that much more work, so I might do it.
If you're already taking a switch apart to swap springs, adding SIP sockets isn't that much more work, so I might do it.
If you're already taking a switch apart to sticker it, STOP.

 

[heedpantsnow]

Do I need thick or extra thick lube for sliders on used MX clears?

[CommonCurt]

Do I need thick or extra thick lube for sliders on used MX clears?

+1    I have also been wondering which one to use for sliders.  I was thinking it would be the "thin" formula.

[katushkin]

What weight is best for ergo clears?