Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[jdcarpe]

What weight is best for ergo clears?

You should ask Bromono this question.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67328.0

[SpAmRaY]

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.

I thought tactile switches did better with thick lube?

[jdcarpe]

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.

I thought tactile switches did better with thick lube?

I wouldn't even know. I just mix my own, so I couldn't tell you.

[CPTBadAss]

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.

I think there's a thin, thick, and superthick mix? Thick should be good. I mix mine like JD and I just use it for everything.

What weight is best for ergo clears?

You should ask Bromono this question.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67328.0

TL:DR? Personal preference. If I were to swap the spring out, I'd go for MX Black springs.

[katushkin]

What weight is best for ergo clears?

You should ask Bromono this question.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67328.0

Thanks

Looks like 62g is the way to go. Duly noted.

[intelli78]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

[Puddsy]

nobody's done it so nobody knows

[intelli78]

Thanks, I am aware, and that's not helpful.

What I am hoping is that someone has a Topre 7x and a Cherry 7x and can post side-by-side stem pics to help determine if the stem spacing is possibly teh same. This will indicate whether there's a chance, or more likely, confirm there is no chance.

[Flyersfan1]

Thanks, I am aware, and that's not helpful.

What I am hoping is that someone has a Topre 7x and a Cherry 7x and can post side-by-side stem pics to help determine if the stem spacing is possibly teh same. This will indicate whether there's a chance, or more likely, confirm there is no chance.

Hey Intelli, this might be a rather expensive option, but I know this topre model uses a 7x spacebar, and comes in cheap compared to other models (around $168 w/ current exchange rate) I remember Bro Caps sold one a long time ago to someone on here. Might be a good specimen to compare spacebars with.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B000EQHU5I/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=

[HoffmanMyster]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

Since I'm not familiar at all with the 86U (actually forgot about it until you posted this), do you or anyone else happen to know if it was more prevalent in another market?  If it was more common in Asia (I would assume), you might have luck posting on one of the forums over there.  I think the hardest part of this will be finding someone on GH who even has one.

I know this doesn't answer the question, though.  :|

[intelli78]

Thanks, that's a very cool keyboard and I love the integrated winkey blockers. Unfortunately the cost of purchasing and importing it would probably equal the price of finding and purchasing an 86u, which is my preferred layout.

Even if we can't get some info on the stem spacing, I might track one down anyway. I'd mostly use it with original Cherry dyesubs, and the white/beige Topre color is not too different from Cherry -- so it wouldn't be ferociously ugly if I left the Topre spacebar on the board.

It's incredibly unlikely the spacing will be the same, and that everything will actually work right with Nova stab modules installed. But it's not impossible -- if Topre made a conscious decision to match Cherry spacing (if there is any standard, it would be that, so as unlikely as it is, it's at least possible) then it might work, which would be very cool.

[Flyersfan1]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

Since I'm not familiar at all with the 86U (actually forgot about it until you posted this), do you or anyone else happen to know if it was more prevalent in another market?  If it was more common in Asia (I would assume), you might have luck posting on one of the forums over there.  I think the hardest part of this will be finding someone on GH who even has one.

I know this doesn't answer the question, though.  :|

After a few Google searches, I'm more lead to believe that Topre actually phased out the 86u after around 2011.  I can't really seem to find much information on them now, I'm assuming at this point they are mostly discontinued.

[intelli78]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

Since I'm not familiar at all with the 86U (actually forgot about it until you posted this), do you or anyone else happen to know if it was more prevalent in another market?  If it was more common in Asia (I would assume), you might have luck posting on one of the forums over there.  I think the hardest part of this will be finding someone on GH who even has one.

I know this doesn't answer the question, though.  :|

Not sure about Asia, but EK sold them a few years ago before they were discontinued (Flyers is right about that). Someone is bound to have one, just have to get their attention.

[Flyersfan1]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

Since I'm not familiar at all with the 86U (actually forgot about it until you posted this), do you or anyone else happen to know if it was more prevalent in another market?  If it was more common in Asia (I would assume), you might have luck posting on one of the forums over there.  I think the hardest part of this will be finding someone on GH who even has one.

I know this doesn't answer the question, though.  :|

Not sure about Asia, but EK sold them a few years ago before they were discontinued (Flyers is right about that). Someone is bound to have one, just have to get their attention.

Did a little detective work for you intelli, I'm not sure he still has it, but it might be worth asking!
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46058.0

[intelli78]

Nice...! I sent him a PM, guess I should try searching further back in the classifieds too. You never know...

[jrsall92]

for mx blues what's the best o rings to avoid bottoming the keys, and also having the least possible travel distance? I'm thinking of 2mm thickness, but I don't know if there will be enough space to actually actuate the switch (4mm[whole distance] - 2mm[oring] = 2mm[actuation point].

[CPTBadAss]

for mx blues what's the best o rings to avoid bottoming the keys, and also having the least possible travel distance? I'm thinking of 2mm thickness, but I don't know if there will be enough space to actually actuate the switch (4mm[whole distance] - 2mm[oring] = 2mm[actuation point].

These o-rings from Lpwl might be what you're looking for. Take a look and see if they work for you. Swill took a look at o-rings and came up with these thoughts. And perhaps one of these links will help you as well.

[domoaligato]

is there a rgb cherryswitch  board out that uses standard ansi layout/mods?

[SpAmRaY]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

[Fr4nc3sc0NL]

I'm having an issue with my kbt race II and my hackintosh. I have to reconnect it everytime I restart it. Is there a firmwareupdate for this keyboard, and if so where can I find it? If not, will this be an issue with my macbook pro too?

*update*
I meant to say, "my macbook pro that i'm going to buy today". Will let you know what happens ofc

[CPTBadAss]

is there a rgb cherryswitch  board out that uses standard ansi layout/mods?

AFAIK, Corsair is the only company which has those RGB Cherry switches right now and I don't believe they have a standard layout.

I'm having an issue with my kbt race II and my hackintosh. I have to reconnect it everytime I restart it. Is there a firmwareupdate for this keyboard, and if so where can I find it? If not, will this be an issue with my macbook pro too?

I can't find if there is a firmware update. You could try emailing the contact information here.

You could just try plugging it into the macbook pro and letting us know. I don't know off the top of my head and I'm curious to know hte answer.

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

AFAIK, no.

[HoffmanMyster]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

[SpAmRaY]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

[jdcarpe]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

Swap it around for a 2-unit plus and 2 1-unit keys below, and tell us what happens.

[HoffmanMyster]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

Swap it around for a 2-unit plus and 2 1-unit keys below, and tell us what happens.

Are there slider positions for those key sizes?  Might be a dumb question, but I don't have my 23UB with me.   

[SpAmRaY]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

Swap it around for a 2-unit plus and 2 1-unit keys below, and tell us what happens.

Yeah if only the plate supported that.

[jdcarpe]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

Swap it around for a 2-unit plus and 2 1-unit keys below, and tell us what happens.

Yeah if only the plate supported that.

Hmmm, plate.

But you could connect it and put the springs over the pads to test the output though, right?

[SpAmRaY]

Has there ever been a realforce numberpad with all 1x keys?

Are you asking because the PCB has multiple contacts under the 2x keys that look like they could function as two 1x keys?  I saw that in the pic you posted the other day and was curious myself.  Hopefully someone can shed light on this.

Along those same lines, I'm wondering if there was ever one made with a 2x 0 key?

Yes that was why I was asking. I don't think I'd ever seen a 23U PCB before today.

Swap it around for a 2-unit plus and 2 1-unit keys below, and tell us what happens.

Yeah if only the plate supported that.

Hmmm, plate.

But you could connect it and put the springs over the pads to test the output though, right?

Hmm theoretically this *might* work.

[HoffmanMyster]

But you could connect it and put the springs over the pads to test the output though, right?

Hmm theoretically this *might* work.

I tried this just now.  The results are kind of interesting.  However, I did completely forget to see how the pad between the +- set of keys would behave.  Oops.   

Image stolen from SpAmRaY!

Realforce 23U (SpAmRaY) by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

• Switch position 12B is the one I forgot to test.  12A is '+' and 8 is '-' by default.
• Switch positions 16A and 20 are both Enter.  16B is the position that is Enter by default.  I'm not sure why they would design it to allow a split key in this position and then map them all back to Enter.  Presumably there would be alternate programming in that case, but it seems odd to have different programming since there is a physical limitation preventing you from pressing 16A and 20 (that there are no springs there ).
• Switch position 17B is '0'.  17A is '0' and 18 is '00' by default.  This makes sense.

Maybe someone will find this useful/interesting.   )

[hwood34]

From the one thing I've seen about them, I heard the Gateron blue switches are pretty much identical to MX blues, just a little heavier. Has this been everyone's experience? Thinking of ordering some off Taobao cause they're way cheaper and have a clear housing

[Puddsy]

From the one thing I've seen about them, I heard the Gateron blue switches are pretty much identical to MX blues, just a little heavier. Has this been everyone's experience? Thinking of ordering some off Taobao cause they're way cheaper and have a clear housing

might as well

i've not seen any issue with them either here or on any of the chinese forums

they seem like the best quality of the chinese clones

[jdcarpe]

But you could connect it and put the springs over the pads to test the output though, right?

Hmm theoretically this *might* work.

I tried this just now.  The results are kind of interesting.  However, I did completely forget to see how the pad between the +- set of keys would behave.  Oops.   

Image stolen from SpAmRaY!

Show Image

Realforce 23U (SpAmRaY) by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

• Switch position 12B is the one I forgot to test.  12A is '+' and 8 is '-' by default.
• Switch positions 16A and 20 are both Enter.  16B is the position that is Enter by default.  I'm not sure why they would design it to allow a split key in this position and then map them all back to Enter.  Presumably there would be alternate programming in that case, but it seems odd to have different programming since there is a physical limitation preventing you from pressing 16A and 20 (that there are no springs there :P ).
• Switch position 17B is '0'.  17A is '0' and 18 is '00' by default.  This makes sense.

Maybe someone will find this useful/interesting.   :))

I'm sure that 12B would be '+' as well, then. It makes zero sense for 16A and 20 to both be Enter, though. :(

[rainb1ood]

Just received 5pcs tactile grey from mk.com to use for future Octagon keyboard's spacebar.

Is it okay to apply lube on this MX Grey and sticker as well?

[hwood34]

Just received 5pcs tactile grey from mk.com to use for future Octagon keyboard's spacebar.

Is it okay to apply lube on this MX Grey and sticker as well?

If you want, sure. It'll have the same effect as on any other tactile switch

[rainb1ood]

Just received 5pcs tactile grey from mk.com to use for future Octagon keyboard's spacebar.

Is it okay to apply lube on this MX Grey and sticker as well?

If you want, sure. It'll have the same effect as on any other tactile switch

Thanks! Will go ahead and apply lube

[spale]

My Realforce 55g in on the way (hooray ) but I have one simple question-is it possible to assign "sleep key" somewhere on this keyboard?
Will test potential solution, immediately once I receive the keyboard.

[digi]

Has anyone ordered & used led's from this eBay seller before? I'd rather pay a little more and get a higher quality led but if these work just as good...I dunno:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-2x3x4mm-LED-Diodes-Water-Clear-White-Light-Rectangle-Rectangular-Square-/201172207582?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed6cc47de

[jdcarpe]

Has anyone ordered & used led's from this eBay seller before? I'd rather pay a little more and get a higher quality led but if these work just as good...I dunno:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-2x3x4mm-LED-Diodes-Water-Clear-White-Light-Rectangle-Rectangular-Square-/201172207582?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed6cc47de

I usually buy mine from this seller: http://stores.ebay.com/ictouchstore

[digi]

Has anyone ordered & used led's from this eBay seller before? I'd rather pay a little more and get a higher quality led but if these work just as good...I dunno:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-2x3x4mm-LED-Diodes-Water-Clear-White-Light-Rectangle-Rectangular-Square-/201172207582?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed6cc47de

I usually buy mine from this seller: http://stores.ebay.com/ictouchstore

Awesome, thanks again, JDizzle. =)

[loudaslife]

Anybody have (or know where to find) part numbers for Costar-type stabiliser parts? Ones that can be found on Mouser or Digikey?

[jdcarpe]

Anybody have (or know where to find) part numbers for Costar-type stabiliser parts? Ones that can be found on Mouser or Digikey?

The only place I've ever found Costar stabilizers for sale is at WASDkeyboards.com

[Photekq]

TL;DR version of this thread, since it's getting no replies.

If I put Novatouch sliders into an RF 86u and bend a custom stab wire (since Nova's is too short), will it take a 7x Cherry spacebar? That is, is the stem spacing the same on Topre 7x and Cherry 7x?

Bump on this one!

[intelli78]

Thanks for the bump! The question has been answered here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67625.0

The answer is no.

[Photekq]

Thanks for the bump! The question has been answered here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67625.0

The answer is no.

That's a shame. Could always stem mod it I guess, but butchering a PBT spacebar would make me cry. I would also really love to get a winkeyless, Cherry dyesub RF. I was thinking 86U + RF CS NEO winkeyless casing

[HoffmanMyster]

RF CS NEO winkeyless casing

I am not familiar with this, and googling a string of acronyms isn't productive.  )  What is this casing you're referring to?

[Photekq]

It's a RF keyboard made for CS NEO arcade games in Asia :

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Topre_Realforce_CS_NEO

[HoffmanMyster]

a string of acronyms isn't productive.

RF ... CS NEO

:| 

Thankfully, googling just CS NEO was useful.   

[Photekq]

RF = Realforce
CS NEO = CS NEO

 

[HoffmanMyster]

CS NEO = CS NEO

Not everyone knows that this is the name of a game!   


 

[rowdy]

Anybody have (or know where to find) part numbers for Costar-type stabiliser parts? Ones that can be found on Mouser or Digikey?

http://www.keyboardco.com/product/2-filco-black-stabilizers.asp
http://www.keyboardco.com/product/4-filco-white-stabilizers.asp

Part numbers FSTB02 and FSTW04 respectively.