Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[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?

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

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing people making more stuff with your tool.

[swill]

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing people making more stuff with your tool.

Thanks.  Ya it is pretty cool to see people using it.  I love that people are 3D printing plates for prototyping.  Thats is just awesome. 

[jonathanyu]

Anyone know the name of the 60% alu keyboard that have few circle brass weight under the pcb?

[RavenII]

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.

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

[missalaire]

Does anyone know if any aluminum feet would be compatible with the Trik aluminum skin keyboard?

[CPTBadAss]

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

BigBlueSaw seems to have some experience working on keyboards in the past. Maybe that's why people keep going back? A few people have tried it and it worked out?

Does anyone know if any aluminum feet would be compatible with the Trik aluminum skin keyboard?

Does the case have two holes on the bottom that would accept the feet?

Anyone know the name of the 60% alu keyboard that have few circle brass weight under the pcb?

Duck Mini V1?

[jonathanyu]

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

BigBlueSaw seems to have some experience working on keyboards in the past. Maybe that's why people keep going back? A few people have tried it and it worked out?

Does anyone know if any aluminum feet would be compatible with the Trik aluminum skin keyboard?

Does the case have two holes on the bottom that would accept the feet?

Anyone know the name of the 60% alu keyboard that have few circle brass weight under the pcb?

Duck Mini V1?

Yes, Thanks!

[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?

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

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

BigBlueSaw is the first company who has contacted me interested in my tool and making things easier for members of our community. They are often recommended by GH members when people are looking to get plates cut, so they are already a known name around here. Honestly it has just been an organic relationship because we are both trying to solve the same problems for our users/customers.

If other companies are interested in catering to our community and want to work with me to ensure that users of my tool will have consistent repeatable results, I am down with working with them. More quality choices for the community is never a bad thing.

[missalaire]

Does anyone know if any aluminum feet would be compatible with the Trik aluminum skin keyboard?

Does the case have two holes on the bottom that would accept the feet?

This is what the back of the case looks like:

[Melvang]

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.

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

BigBlueSaw is the first company who has contacted me interested in my tool and making things easier for members of our community. They are often recommended by GH members when people are looking to get plates cut, so they are already a known name around here. Honestly it has just been an organic relationship because we are both trying to solve the same problems for our users/customers.

If other companies are interested in catering to our community and want to work with me to ensure that users of my tool will have consistent repeatable results, I am down with working with them. More quality choices for the community is never a bad thing.

Not only this but it helps them dial in and tighten up manufacturing tolerances with an entire community that can potentially provide them with steady business.

[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?

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

Thanks...    I am sending them to BigBlueSaw so they can be sure that all the plate cutting work they do for us works for both MX and Alps switch types. 

Any reason for Bigbluesaw vs something like emachineshop?

BigBlueSaw is the first company who has contacted me interested in my tool and making things easier for members of our community. They are often recommended by GH members when people are looking to get plates cut, so they are already a known name around here. Honestly it has just been an organic relationship because we are both trying to solve the same problems for our users/customers.

If other companies are interested in catering to our community and want to work with me to ensure that users of my tool will have consistent repeatable results, I am down with working with them. More quality choices for the community is never a bad thing.

Not only this but it helps them dial in and tighten up manufacturing tolerances with an entire community that can potentially provide them with steady business.

Ya exactly.  Its good for everyone.  I think there are already 3 different people getting quotes from them for plate jobs using my tool.  My tool has only been live for like two weeks and is not even finished.

[CPTBadAss]

Does anyone know if any aluminum feet would be compatible with the Trik aluminum skin keyboard?

Does the case have two holes on the bottom that would accept the feet?

This is what the back of the case looks like:

Show Image

Cool. So if you take that bar off, you can put little aluminum feet on. I think exitfire401 just told me that he bought some feet for his Kingsaver from GON so maybe he's got feet for your LZ? You could also try checking IMSTO's site and perhaps PM LZ or kin25. Kin25 just put up a IC for an LZ board so perhaps he/she knows how to get a hold of LZ stuff.

[Lastpilot]

I was lurking on kbdlab and found someone who puts their springs in a rice cooker and steams them lol. Anyone know what this does to the springs?

http://kbdlab.co.kr/?mid=board_Lsno50&page=6&document_srl=926870

[sethk_]

I was lurking on kbdlab and found someone who puts their springs in a rice cooker and steams them lol. Anyone know what this does to the springs?

http://kbdlab.co.kr/?mid=board_Lsno50&page=6&document_srl=926870

If google translate is somewhat accurate, then I think it's to lube them?

[CPTBadAss]

I was lurking on kbdlab and found someone who puts their springs in a rice cooker and steams them lol. Anyone know what this does to the springs?

http://kbdlab.co.kr/?mid=board_Lsno50&page=6&document_srl=926870

I bet it's to clean the springs off.

[StinkyTheDonut]

Can I get measurements of costar cutouts without the cherry parts?
Maybe a drawing of a combined cutout that shows cherry parts masked off is even better.
That would save me some math and fiddling with spacing from the switches. 
I'm planning on using costar stabs and want to save on plate cuts

[CPTBadAss]

Can I get measurements of costar cutouts without the cherry parts?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47744.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.0

[StinkyTheDonut]

Can I get measurements of costar cutouts without the cherry parts?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47744.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.0

I've been to those threads. Everything there seems to only have combined stab cutouts.
Or are you suggesting I go ask there?

[CPTBadAss]

Can I get measurements of costar cutouts without the cherry parts?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47744.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.0

I've been to those threads. Everything there seems to only have combined stab cutouts.
Or are you suggesting I go ask there?

Suggesting you check there. If you can't find what you're looking for there, I suggest asking in the CAD thread or PM swill, jdcarpe, or MOZ.

[Ludovician]

Since joining here, I've seen talk about plenty of stuff I hadn't heard of before, and not much about the brands I had already known of. My question is specifically about Das Keyboards. They don't seem to be talked about much here; are they below the standards of most people on GH? If so, what's wrong with them?

I ask because I bought one before I discovered the many other options and I'll probably want to resell it and buy something better.

[bueller]

Quick question. I've found a place to buy Cherry plate mounted stabilisers however they only have the 2x ones. Can I take a 2x one and replace the wire with a 6.25x one for the space bar? I have plenty of 6.25x and 7x wires, they're just all attached to PCB mounted stabs.

[azhdar]

Quick question. I've found a place to buy Cherry plate mounted stabilisers however they only have the 2x ones. Can I take a 2x one and replace the wire with a 6.25x one for the space bar? I have plenty of 6.25x and 7x wires, they're just all attached to PCB mounted stabs.

Yeah you can

[bueller]

Quick question. I've found a place to buy Cherry plate mounted stabilisers however they only have the 2x ones. Can I take a 2x one and replace the wire with a 6.25x one for the space bar? I have plenty of 6.25x and 7x wires, they're just all attached to PCB mounted stabs.

Yeah you can

Sweet! Going to find a Filco plate and get rid of those nasty Costar stabs!

[Hzza]

It's worth pointing out that any stab wires that have kinks in them (so 6/6.25u wires salvaged from PCB mount Cherry boards for example) won't fit when used with a plate as the wire sits under the plate and the kink won't fit between the plate and the PCB. Most 7u wires I've seen don't have the kink so should be ok.

You will probably be better off bending your own wires if you're going less than 7u (I'm pretty sure the correct gauges and whatnot are in the OP).

[CPTBadAss]

My question is specifically about Das Keyboards. They don't seem to be talked about much here; are they below the standards of most people on GH? If so, what's wrong with them?

Das Keyboards are currently made with Greetech switches which are MX clones. AFAIK, there's not a lot of experience with them in the community. I think the price points of the boards were always off. For the same price, I'd rather get a Ducky. The Das 3 had that awful shiny fingerprint trap. And a lot of people don't like the aesthetics.

Quick question. I've found a place to buy Cherry plate mounted stabilisers however they only have the 2x ones. Can I take a 2x one and replace the wire with a 6.25x one for the space bar? I have plenty of 6.25x and 7x wires, they're just all attached to PCB mounted stabs.

Yes you can; the other replies nailed it

[bueller]

It's worth pointing out that any stab wires that have kinks in them (so 6/6.25u wires salvaged from PCB mount Cherry boards for example) won't fit when used with a plate as the wire sits under the plate and the kink won't fit between the plate and the PCB. Most 7u wires I've seen don't have the kink so should be ok.

You will probably be better off bending your own wires if you're going less than 7u (I'm pretty sure the correct gauges and whatnot are in the OP).

All good, the 6.25 and 7x space bar wires are new Cherrys off Taobao so they should drop in properly

[hwood34]

Since joining here, I've seen talk about plenty of stuff I hadn't heard of before, and not much about the brands I had already known of. My question is specifically about Das Keyboards. They don't seem to be talked about much here; are they below the standards of most people on GH? If so, what's wrong with them?

I ask because I bought one before I discovered the many other options and I'll probably want to resell it and buy something better.

Most people are either turned off by the design, the glossy exterior, the little known Greetech MX clones, or their high starting price. Even before when they used Cherry switches, the other three reasons were usually enough

[Ouro]

How can I solder LEDs onto a JD40?

[azhdar]

How can I solder LEDs onto a JD40?

iirc JD40 pcb doesn't support leds.

[jdcarpe]

How can I solder LEDs onto a JD40?

iirc JD40 pcb doesn't support leds.

There are holes for them, just no traces from there to anything. You'd have to solder a matrix of some sort and connect to power.

[greath]

I'm considering changing the color of my Filco case. I can't decide between painting or vinyl wrapping. It seems to me there is more that could go wrong with painting and it is less reversible.

My question is about durability. If I follow Photoelectric's painting guide (including adding a clear coat), will the paint be significantly more durable than vinyl? Anything else I should know that could make me pick one over another?

[katushkin]

I think the big issue with vinyl over paint, is that if you knock vinyl and pierce it, it's a lot more susceptible thereafter to peeling and the whole finish being ruined. If you just paint it and chip it, there is a lot less of a chance of all the paint coming off than with vinyl.

If you then follow Photoelectric's guide to toughen the paint, and you get the correct paint, it should last a long time. Of course then you need to decide if the design you want comes in paint/you could paint it yourself depending on how complicated it is.

[jdcarpe]

I think the big issue with vinyl over paint, is that if you knock vinyl and pierce it, it's a lot more susceptible thereafter to peeling and the whole finish being ruined. If you just paint it and chip it, there is a lot less of a chance of all the paint coming off than with vinyl.

If you then follow Photoelectric's guide to toughen the paint, and you get the correct paint, it should last a long time. Of course then you need to decide if the design you want comes in paint/you could paint it yourself depending on how complicated it is.

Yes, this exactly.

Think a vinyl auto wrap, versus a new coat of paint on your car.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm considering changing the color of my Filco case. I can't decide between painting or vinyl wrapping. It seems to me there is more that could go wrong with painting and it is less reversible.

My question is about durability. If I follow Photoelectric's painting guide (including adding a clear coat), will the paint be significantly more durable than vinyl? Anything else I should know that could make me pick one over another?

I think the big issue with vinyl over paint, is that if you knock vinyl and pierce it, it's a lot more susceptible thereafter to peeling and the whole finish being ruined. If you just paint it and chip it, there is a lot less of a chance of all the paint coming off than with vinyl.

If you then follow Photoelectric's guide to toughen the paint, and you get the correct paint, it should last a long time. Of course then you need to decide if the design you want comes in paint/you could paint it yourself depending on how complicated it is.

The link for that thread is here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44191.0

[greath]

Never vinyl wrapped a car so I have near 0 experience with vinyl wrapping.

I think the big issue with vinyl over paint, is that if you knock vinyl and pierce it, it's a lot more susceptible thereafter to peeling and the whole finish being ruined. If you just paint it and chip it, there is a lot less of a chance of all the paint coming off than with vinyl.

If you then follow Photoelectric's guide to toughen the paint, and you get the correct paint, it should last a long time. Of course then you need to decide if the design you want comes in paint/you could paint it yourself depending on how complicated it is.

I feel like if the paint does chip, it will bother me enough that I will need to fix the paint (which would be a more difficult proces than fixing the vinyl).

I guess more specifically my question is: Is the initial scratch/chip more likely to happen on vinyl or paint? It sounds like you guys are saying paint will be more resistant to all wear.

[CPTBadAss]

I guess more specifically my question is: Is the initial scratch/chip more likely to happen on vinyl or paint? It sounds like you guys are saying paint will be more resistant to all wear.

How I see it is this: If I scratch or wear a vinyl wrap, I'd be OCD and have to replace the *whole* wrap. Can you patch vinyl wrap? I don't even know but I'd imagine it'd look like a little sticker. If I chip paint, I can just paint that spot over again.

Is the vinyl wrap more durable than paint? I don't know.

[HoffmanMyster]

It sounds like you guys are saying paint will be more resistant to all wear.

This has been my experience, but I am not an expert. 

Personally, I would almost always rather properly paint a keyboard rather than wrap it.  If I'm already making a modification, it might as well be as durable as can be.  You can always sand and paint a new colour if you change your mind.

[Puddsy]

Is there a guide for ordering from hanaacryl?

I need a KMAC case from there but I have no idea what I'm doing

[hwood34]

Anyone know the weight of 100ish MX switches?

[Evo_Spec]

Anyone know the weight of 100ish MX switches?

Assuming my $1 scale is generally accurate, it's around 200g. (110 MX reds in a ziplock bag)

[hwood34]

Anyone know the weight of 100ish MX switches?

Assuming my $1 scale is generally accurate, it's around 200g. (110 MX reds in a ziplock bag)

Thanks

[Ludovician]

Is there any way one can buy Topre 55g switches without a whole keyboard?

[Melvang]

Is there any way one can buy Topre 55g switches without a whole keyboard?

no, topre switches are not discrete, they are capsense similar to IBM F buckling springs.  The actuation method is different. 

[azhdar]

I opened up my poker2 ISO and it seems that the PCB would support an ANSI layout, anyone ever done the mod here?

[jorgenslee]

Does lubed switch accumulate more dust compared to non lubed switch? I think I'll assemble my viper unlube due to some circumstances. How much difference is between lubed ergo clear vs non lube?

[Moralless]

Does lubed switch accumulate more dust compared to non lubed switch? I think I'll assemble my viper unlube due to some circumstances. How much difference is between lubed ergo clear vs non lube?

If you've never had any problems with dust accumulating inside the switch housing then lubing them won't as well. The housings for cherry MX switches is very tight and I doubt any dust would be able to enter it when everything is put together. From personal experience, I find lubed ergo clears much more enjoyable to type and this seems to be common opinion when comparing lubed and non lubed ergo clears, but with pretty much everything in this hobby, it all comes down to personal preferences so I suggest lubing up a few clear switches place them on a plate and compare it to un lubed to see which you prefer more. 

[CPTBadAss]

1) Does lubed switch accumulate more dust compared to non lubed switch?
2) How much difference is between lubed ergo clear vs non lube?

1) No, I don't think it matters.
2) There is a noticeable difference. Not sure how you'd like me to quantify that difference. It's enough that you wouldn't mistake one for another.

Is there any way one can buy Topre 55g switches without a whole keyboard?

No

I opened up my poker2 ISO and it seems that the PCB would support an ANSI layout, anyone ever done the mod here?

Not that I know of. I've seen a mod on DT where someone did a huge mod from ISO to ANSI on a Cherry board but it sounds like the PCB is already setup for ANSI or ISO. Take some pictures and share them if you're unsure if it will work.

Is there a guide for ordering from hanaacryl?

I need a KMAC case from there but I have no idea what I'm doing

I've never heard of this site and I couldn't figure it out myself. I don't think there's a guide on Geekhack at least.

[jdcarpe]

I opened up my poker2 ISO and it seems that the PCB would support an ANSI layout, anyone ever done the mod here?

You can do this, but you would need an ANSI plate. The Poker II uses plate mounted stabilizers, so if you tried to mod to ANSI without a plate, you wouldn't be able to install any stabilizers. I don't think there are holes for stabilizers in the PCB.

[azhdar]

I opened up my poker2 ISO and it seems that the PCB would support an ANSI layout, anyone ever done the mod here?

You can do this, but you would need an ANSI plate. The Poker II uses plate mounted stabilizers, so if you tried to mod to ANSI without a plate, you wouldn't be able to install any stabilizers. I don't think there are holes for stabilizers in the PCB.

Yeah the plan is to get an ANSI plate to do it.