Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[rainb1ood]

Hi! Posting for a friend who asked me this question and I didn't know the answer despite googling.

What are these two keys beside the spacebar? The keys with the looping icon. He bought this Century Black Pawn while visiting in Japan.

http://www.century.co.jp/products/pc/img/ck-67cmb_08_big.gif

The functions of those keys are depend on the keyboard, different keyboard have different function even though they are all jis layout.  In the jis layout keyboard that I have used in the past, the left one is used to input Hiragana, and the right one is used to transfer Hiragana into Kanji.  And they have no function while inputting English.  But the function really depends on the keyboard.

Thank you for explaining

[Melvang]

Thanks CBA, worked like a champ, though a couple of the keys that are stabilized via inserts still feel a touch tight.  Is it safe to lube those?

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks CBA, worked like a champ, though a couple of the keys that are stabilized via inserts still feel a touch tight.  Is it safe to lube those?

I'm not sure. On one hand, if people are grease modding their boards with no issue, I don't see what could hurt. On the other? I'd worry if you used Krytox, it would get into the PCB. Why don't you try it and find out?

[flaming_june]

Will Ducky release a TKL version of the Ducky 4?

[CPTBadAss]

Will Ducky release a TKL version of the Ducky 4?

That's a good question actually. I've heard nothing about a TKL version but I will ask them.

[flaming_june]

Gracias

If they release one this year that's available in NA

[jdcarpe]

Ducky peaked with the Shine 3.


Not a question.

[Nai_Calus]

Why does everyone seem to hate the Shine 4 so much?

[jdcarpe]

Why does everyone seem to hate the Shine 4 so much?

That weird case.

[Lain1911]

Removed by user.

[Dihedral]

Anyone know of a place (or person) that fixes broken subwoofers. Such as 10-15" for a stereo system. Probably 15+ years old?

i think this thread is on topic discussion only - try posting in off topic or other geeky stuff.

[MGH]

Is HHKB lighter than a 60% with acrylic plate and case?

[CPTBadAss]

Is HHKB lighter than a 60% with acrylic plate and case?

My GH60 Rev B PCB with switches installed and the acrylic case I have weighs 455g. An HHKB weighs 520g.. Of course, YMMV depending on the case.

[MGH]

Is HHKB lighter than a 60% with acrylic plate and case?

My GH60 Rev B PCB with switches installed and the acrylic case I have weighs 455g. An HHKB weighs 520g.. Of course, YMMV depending on the case.

Thanks

[Joey Quinn]

A friend asked me about a Memorex mx 1998, anyone know anything about it? A quick google brings up nothing. The board is white, has a metal plate on the back and looks like a membrane board.

[jdcarpe]

A friend asked me about a Memorex mx 1998, anyone know anything about it? A quick google brings up nothing. The board is white, has a metal plate on the back and looks like a membrane board.

Could be a Memorex Telex keyboard with NMB Hi-Tek Space Invaders?

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Memorex_Telex_NMB_Hi-Tek

[Joey Quinn]

A friend asked me about a Memorex mx 1998, anyone know anything about it? A quick google brings up nothing. The board is white, has a metal plate on the back and looks like a membrane board.

Could be a Memorex Telex keyboard with NMB Hi-Tek Space Invaders?

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Memorex_Telex_NMB_Hi-Tek

Thanks. I'll have the board in my hands in a few weeks so I'll know for sure then.

[katushkin]

I'm going to buy a Topre board. I like Greens and Clears a lot. Should I go 55g or 45g?

I'm thinking Realforce rather than HHKB because the layout of the HHKB doesn't do anything for me/isn't useful enough to be worth moving to it.

What are the big differences between 45 and 55?

[SpAmRaY]

I'm going to buy a Topre board. I like Greens and Clears a lot. Should I go 55g or 45g?

I'm thinking Realforce rather than HHKB because the layout of the HHKB doesn't do anything for me/isn't useful enough to be worth moving to it.

What are the big differences between 45 and 55?

To me 55g is obviously heavier (but you can't compare heavy cherry to topre they are just different) and slightly more tactile.

[katushkin]

I'm going to buy a Topre board. I like Greens and Clears a lot. Should I go 55g or 45g?

I'm thinking Realforce rather than HHKB because the layout of the HHKB doesn't do anything for me/isn't useful enough to be worth moving to it.

What are the big differences between 45 and 55?

To me 55g is obviously heavier (but you can't compare heavy cherry to topre they are just different) and slightly more tactile.

OK, well I do love my tactile switches. Only thing is that the only 55g I can find are variable full size or ANSI TKL

[SpAmRaY]

I'm going to buy a Topre board. I like Greens and Clears a lot. Should I go 55g or 45g?

I'm thinking Realforce rather than HHKB because the layout of the HHKB doesn't do anything for me/isn't useful enough to be worth moving to it.

What are the big differences between 45 and 55?

To me 55g is obviously heavier (but you can't compare heavy cherry to topre they are just different) and slightly more tactile.

OK, well I do love my tactile switches. Only thing is that the only 55g I can find are variable full size or ANSI TKL

That's all that's currently available without buying multiple boards and swapping domes.

[katushkin]

That's all that's currently available without buying multiple boards and swapping domes.

I see. What is up with the variable domes then? What's the weights? Is it just 45g on the mods and 55 on alphas?

[SpAmRaY]

That's all that's currently available without buying multiple boards and swapping domes.

I see. What is up with the variable domes then? What's the weights? Is it just 45g on the mods and 55 on alphas?

I think the only 55g key in variable boards is escape. If you look on elitekeyboards website they have a key map I believe.

[katushkin]

That's all that's currently available without buying multiple boards and swapping domes.

I see. What is up with the variable domes then? What's the weights? Is it just 45g on the mods and 55 on alphas?

I think the only 55g key in variable boards is escape. If you look on elitekeyboards website they have a key map I believe.

Ah. OK. Looks like I'm getting a 55g TKL than. Thanks.

[hking0036]

Where can I get a geekhack sticker for my keyboard/when are the [Ctrl]Alt stickers back
pls I want to be e-thug

[CPTBadAss]

1) Where can I get a geekhack sticker for my keyboard
2) when are the [Ctrl]Alt stickers back

1) I haven't seen them in a long time. PM Shadovved. He might have some left. He made them.
2) PM BunnyLake and ask?

[rowdy]

I'm going to buy a Topre board. I like Greens and Clears a lot. Should I go 55g or 45g?

I'm thinking Realforce rather than HHKB because the layout of the HHKB doesn't do anything for me/isn't useful enough to be worth moving to it.

What are the big differences between 45 and 55?

Looks like SpAmRaY has provided some information, so I'll just briefly note that MX reds and browns are 45g, so is 45g Topre, but the 45g Topre feels a little stiffer due to the different force curve (more resistance at the start of the downward stroke).

Having said that, they are nothing like blacks or greens, so I would say 55g Topre would be the one for you.

Also HHKB is only available in 45g - if you did get one of those you would have to modify it to 55g, which would require a donor RealForce or similar.

[katushkin]

Looks like SpAmRaY has provided some information, so I'll just briefly note that MX reds and browns are 45g, so is 45g Topre, but the 45g Topre feels a little stiffer due to the different force curve (more resistance at the start of the downward stroke).

Having said that, they are nothing like blacks or greens, so I would say 55g Topre would be the one for you.

Also HHKB is only available in 45g - if you did get one of those you would have to modify it to 55g, which would require a donor RealForce or similar.

Ahhhhh, that's cool. I don't think I would go through that trouble to do that. I don't mind getting an ANSI layout, but I would have loved to get a full size 55g.

[hking0036]

1) Where can I get a geekhack sticker for my keyboard
2) when are the [Ctrl]Alt stickers back

1) I haven't seen them in a long time. PM Shadovved. He might have some left. He made them.
2) PM BunnyLake and ask?

ok done
Hopefully I can ethug soon

[jonathanyu]

1) Where can I get a geekhack sticker for my keyboard
2) when are the [Ctrl]Alt stickers back

1) I haven't seen them in a long time. PM Shadovved. He might have some left. He made them.
2) PM BunnyLake and ask?

ok done
Hopefully I can ethug soon

I think you can also check Feng's eBay store.  He has some sticker, but I don't remember they are the Cherry one or the geekhack one.

[hking0036]

1) Where can I get a geekhack sticker for my keyboard
2) when are the [Ctrl]Alt stickers back

1) I haven't seen them in a long time. PM Shadovved. He might have some left. He made them.
2) PM BunnyLake and ask?

ok done
Hopefully I can ethug soon

I think you can also check Feng's eBay store.  He has some sticker, but I don't remember they are the Cherry one or the geekhack one.

He does Cherry but no GH.

[CPTBadAss]

Will Ducky release a TKL version of the Ducky 4?

Ducky replied to me (I contacted them on their Facebook page). It's not in their current plans to do a TKL version. They said it might be available in the future.

[hwood34]

Will Ducky release a TKL version of the Ducky 4?

Ducky replied to me (I contacted them on their Facebook page). It's not in their current plans to do a TKL version. They said it might be available in the future.

seems odd, It'd be a great seller, you'd think that would be up there in priority

[flaming_june]

Thanks for asking.  That's a very disappointing answer.

[jonathanyu]

Just curious, why most people use 62g black instead of 62g red when they want 62g linear switch? 

[CPTBadAss]

Just curious, why most people use 62g black instead of 62g red when they want 62g linear switch?

Blacks seem to be very easy to get a hold of. I've bought at least 3 Cherry boards with Blacks in them for very cheap. Reds came about more recently so it's a bit harder to get them in a used or loose form.

[Melvang]

Just curious, why most people use 62g black instead of 62g red when they want 62g linear switch?

Blacks seem to be very easy to get a hold of. I've bought at least 3 Cherry boards with Blacks in them for very cheap. Reds came about more recently so it's a bit harder to get them in a used or loose form.

Especially when you are looking at vintage boards that don't work with plug adapters and can buy a board with 101 switches for $3.  And almost all of those older boards are equipped with blacks.

[Tetriswizard]

Where can I get a dwg for a replacement plate for my Poker II that has switch top removal compatibility?
Would dyeing white stems purple be viable?

[Kaibz]

Hi,

If i want to put 2 teensy in my keyboard (one to deal only with the firmware, the other to deal with a LCD, serial read to display time...) Do each teensy needs a separate cable connected to a different USB port or is there a magic voodoo way to have only one cable that goes inside the case and have the 2 teensy connected to the computer?

[Melvang]

1.  Where can I get a dwg for a replacement plate for my Poker II that has switch top removal compatibility?

2.Would dyeing white stems purple be viable?

1.  You could try asking in Making Stuff Together section.  There are a couple people that help with that quite frequently.

2.  There has been debate on that.  The general consensus is that due to the type of plastic used for stems, they won't take dye very well.

Hi,

If i want to put 2 teensy in my keyboard (one to deal only with the firmware, the other to deal with a LCD, serial read to display time...) Do each teensy needs a separate cable connected to a different USB port or is there a magic voodoo way to have only one cable that goes inside the case and have the 2 teensy connected to the computer?

The only way I can think of would be to also hide a tiny 2 port usb hub inside the keyboard, one port for each teensy.

[Kaibz]

Thank you Melvang.

[Photekq]

Just curious, why most people use 62g black instead of 62g red when they want 62g linear switch?

Because you can get old blacks and you can only get new reds, which are horrible and scratchy. Also black's a more neutral colour and usually looks nicer on customs, etc.

[hjc1710]

I'm thinking about getting a Kitten Paw for my MJ2, any opinions on which of the frameworks listed on the DT Wiki is the best? Looks like TMK or Easy AVR, to me.

However, I do have a question or two about BathroomEpiphanies controller (located here: https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard). Basically, what does PWM control for LEDs mean? What advantage does timer interrupt matrix scans give me? Do most custom firmwares provide this?

Finally, is this controller swap a relatively easy project (say, first solder job level easy)?

[SpAmRaY]

I'm thinking about getting a Kitten Paw for my MJ2, any opinions on which of the frameworks listed on the DT Wiki is the best? Looks like TMK or Easy AVR, to me.

However, I do have a question or two about BathroomEpiphanies controller (located here: https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard). Basically, what does PWM control for LEDs mean? What advantage does timer interrupt matrix scans give me? Do most custom firmwares provide this?

Finally, is this controller swap a relatively easy project (say, first solder job level easy)?

I can only speak to the last question, there is no soldering involved the controller is socket mounted so you just remove the old one and install the new one, assuming the new controller board itself is already soldered which I believe they typically are.

[CPTBadAss]

1) I'm thinking about getting a Kitten Paw for my MJ2, any opinions on which of the frameworks listed on the DT Wiki is the best? Looks like TMK or Easy AVR, to me.

2) However, I do have a question or two about BathroomEpiphanies controller (located here: https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard). Basically, what does PWM control for LEDs mean? What advantage does timer interrupt matrix scans give me? Do most custom firmwares provide this?

3) Finally, is this controller swap a relatively easy project (say, first solder job level easy)?

1) I like EasyAVR. I'm terrible with programming and coding. EasyAVR is....easy, just as advertised .

2) I don't know. I would guess it's to control brightness but I honestly have no idea.

3) Like ray said, it's easy. No soldering. You just pop the old daughterboard off and pop this one in.

[hjc1710]

I'm thinking about getting a Kitten Paw for my MJ2, any opinions on which of the frameworks listed on the DT Wiki is the best? Looks like TMK or Easy AVR, to me.

However, I do have a question or two about BathroomEpiphanies controller (located here: https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard). Basically, what does PWM control for LEDs mean? What advantage does timer interrupt matrix scans give me? Do most custom firmwares provide this?

Finally, is this controller swap a relatively easy project (say, first solder job level easy)?

I can only speak to the last question, there is no soldering involved the controller is socket mounted so you just remove the old one and install the new one, assuming the new controller board itself is already soldered which I believe they typically are.

Awesome! If this is the case, I'll probably order one tonight instead of waiting for an iron to get here. Thanks Spam!

[hjc1710]

1) I'm thinking about getting a Kitten Paw for my MJ2, any opinions on which of the frameworks listed on the DT Wiki is the best? Looks like TMK or Easy AVR, to me.

2) However, I do have a question or two about BathroomEpiphanies controller (located here: https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard). Basically, what does PWM control for LEDs mean? What advantage does timer interrupt matrix scans give me? Do most custom firmwares provide this?

3) Finally, is this controller swap a relatively easy project (say, first solder job level easy)?

1) I like EasyAVR. I'm terrible with programming and coding. EasyAVR is....easy, just as advertised .

2) I don't know. I would guess it's to control brightness but I honestly have no idea.

3) Like ray said, it's easy. No soldering. You just pop the old daughterboard off and pop this one in.

Beautiful! Thanks CPT! I'll try EasyAVR first, but I code about 10 hours a day, so getting my hands messy with programming doesn't scare me (though it's been about 5 years since I've cranked out a line of C).

It looks like flashing the controller should be easy enough, but I'll pop my head back in if I have problems. Thanks Spam + CPT .

[swill]

Stupid question, but I just want a quick clarification on this.

Are these Matias switches are 100% consistent with Alps in terms of plate cutout and such?

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=480

If my plate building tool supports these switches, it will support all Alps switches?  Thx...

[swill]

Stupid question, but I just want a quick clarification on this.

Are these Matias switches are 100% consistent with Alps in terms of plate cutout and such?

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=480

If my plate building tool supports these switches, it will support all Alps switches?  Thx...

I see they also have these: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=269

Should I be getting them instead for testing Alps compatibility?

[CPTBadAss]

Stupid question, but I just want a quick clarification on this.

Are these Matias switches are 100% consistent with Alps in terms of plate cutout and such?

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=480

If my plate building tool supports these switches, it will support all Alps switches?  Thx...

I see they also have these: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=269

Should I be getting them instead for testing Alps compatibility?

They'll be fine. You don't need to pick up the Matias or those Green XM switches to test them.