Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Joey Quinn]

Anyone know where I can get a blank white set of pbt caps in cherry profile?

[Osurne]

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

[CPTBadAss]

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

Poker 2 is a favorite around here .

Anyone know where I can get a blank white set of pbt caps in cherry profile?

I think lin3 is offering caps in the TX1800 GB thread.

[ideus]

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

The craft of keyboards cannot be understood any other way, but by building your very own one.

[Osurne]

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

Poker 2 is a favorite around here .

Anyone know where I can get a blank white set of pbt caps in cherry profile?

I think lin3 is offering caps in the TX1800 GB thread.

I have been seeing that mentioned a lot, but I googled it and couldn't find any.

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

The craft of keyboards cannot be understood any other way, but by building your very own one.

Roughly how much would it cost though?

[Joey Quinn]

I am a college kid that has been interested in getting a mechanical keyboard for a long time. I was wondering should I dive into the deep end and build my own 60% keyboard, or just buy a noppoo choc mini or ducky shine mini, etc.? If you suggest buying what is a good 60% board? I really want blue switches.

Poker 2 is a favorite around here .

I second the poker 2, I loved mine when I had it.

Anyone know where I can get a blank white set of pbt caps in cherry profile?

I think lin3 is offering caps in the TX1800 GB thread.

Those are beige, I don't think I'll be able to dye them and have the colors come out how I want them to.

[fohat.digs]

The craft of keyboards cannot be understood any other way, but by building your very own one.

This blows my mind.

I have worked on (that is, completely dis-assembled and re-assembled) literally hundreds of keyboards.

There is no way that I would waste my time "re-inventing the wheel" when literally thousands of keyboard engineers have spent literally millions of man-hours designing keyboards.

Find something that interests you and circle around it until you zero in on your ideal.

That said, I really want to build a Kingsaver with blue Alps.

[CPTBadAss]

1) I have been seeing that mentioned a lot, but I googled it and couldn't find any

2) Roughly how much would it cost though?

1) Looks like Newegg has them for sale right now. But I'd wait until MechanicalKeyboards.com gets them back in stock or if Massdrop does another sale.

2) Custom keyboards can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000+. Depends on how your build goes. Handwired builds might be cheaper than a kit but I think the Infinity was relatively affordable.

[IronIcecream]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

[CPTBadAss]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

Does NKRO change per the OS? I'm asking generally. I don't think it does. I thought it was more of a function of the circuit and having diodes. I would say it works but I'm not 100% sure.

[MJ45]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

Most likely not, it has been said that Mac's are limited to 6KRO. But with programmable controlers (Teensy, Hasu's Alt HHKB), using Easy AVR and TMK  firmware I have been able to have get NKRO on Mac's.

[Melvang]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

Does NKRO change per the OS? I'm asking generally. I don't think it does. I thought it was more of a function of the circuit and having diodes. I would say it works but I'm not 100% sure.

Hardware level yes that is all it takes.  The software side is a different story.  From what I recall the multiple board emultion version or NKRO over USB gets very flaky on Mac.

[jdcarpe]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

Does NKRO change per the OS? I'm asking generally. I don't think it does. I thought it was more of a function of the circuit and having diodes. I would say it works but I'm not 100% sure.

Hardware level yes that is all it takes.  The software side is a different story.  From what I recall the multiple board emultion version or NKRO over USB gets very flaky on Mac.

ITT: Don't use a Mac, if you care about NKRO.

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone link more information about NKRO and Macs?

[Dark_wizzie]

-sigh-
Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case? 
Killin' me here.
I'm dying.

[CPTBadAss]

Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case?

I can't find a picture of the PCB but I think so? Cannot 100% confirm though.

Is there a reason you don't want to pick up the Ducky Mini Year of the Horse? That has an aluminum case.

And why are you so bummed?

[jdcarpe]

-sigh-
Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case? 
Killin' me here.
I'm dying.

I can't say for sure, as I don't own a Ducky Mini, but I suspect it would if my theory about Vortex being the OEM is correct.

Can you post a pic of the PCB?

[Dark_wizzie]

Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case?

I can't find a picture of the PCB but I think so? Cannot 100% confirm though.

Is there a reason you don't want to pick up the Ducky Mini Year of the Horse? That has an aluminum case.

And why are you so bummed?

I'm bummed because I've spent 10+ hours looking at keyboards and I still can't figure out exactly what I'm getting. Long story short, I have word that the Shine 3 TKL will work with Tex case but the case won't be in stock until "hopefully by the end of Spring". I was getting all excited for the Mini because the 60% case is in stock right now and I can get it all set up very soon and in my hands. However, the Mini and YOTH have a miniusb port on the left side of the keyboard as shown here:
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/ducky-mini/images/mini_photo_02.jpg

As bummed as I am to see this possibility fade before my eyes, if I ended up buying all the stuff and finding out I can't get it to fit with my non-existent modding skills, that will suck big time.

Both the YOTH and the Mini have an aluminum case, the YOTH one just has a more solid, CNC machined one. However, I find the aesthetic to be blegh and I think adopting the Tex 60% look would be perfect for this. I'd say it would look as good if not better than my original TKL idea.

-sigh-
Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case? 
Killin' me here.
I'm dying.

I can't say for sure, as I don't own a Ducky Mini, but I suspect it would if my theory about Vortex being the OEM is correct.

Can you post a pic of the PCB?

That is the best I can do for now. Can't find any pictures. 

[CPTBadAss]

Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case?

I can't find a picture of the PCB but I think so? Cannot 100% confirm though.

Is there a reason you don't want to pick up the Ducky Mini Year of the Horse? That has an aluminum case.

And why are you so bummed?

However, the Mini and YOTH have a miniusb port on the left side of the keyboard as shown here:
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/ducky-mini/images/mini_photo_02.jpg

Both the YOTH and the Mini have an aluminum case, the YOTH one just has a more solid, CNC machined one. However, I find the aesthetic to be blegh and I think adopting the Tex 60% look would be perfect for this. I'd say it would look as good if not better than my original TKL idea

Oh...yeah. I didn't remember that. I don't think the Mini will work with the Tex case. The port location messes things up.

The Mini only has an aluminum top cover. The bottom of the case is plastic. The YOTH is a full aluminum case. I checked that when I saw a Mini in person at MK.com.

Can you confirm that the Shine 3 TKL fits in the Tex TKL case? I wasn't aware of this. Perhaps a link or something?

Since MK.com has all of these boards, maybe you can just contact 00ZerO or JoshMK and ask them? Perhaps they can check for you?

[jdcarpe]

-sigh-
Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case? 
Killin' me here.
I'm dying.

I can't say for sure, as I don't own a Ducky Mini, but I suspect it would if my theory about Vortex being the OEM is correct.

Can you post a pic of the PCB?

That is the best I can do for now. Can't find any pictures. 

Nope, that's not gonna work at all. Different mount points.

[Dark_wizzie]

Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case?

I can't find a picture of the PCB but I think so? Cannot 100% confirm though.

Is there a reason you don't want to pick up the Ducky Mini Year of the Horse? That has an aluminum case.

And why are you so bummed?

However, the Mini and YOTH have a miniusb port on the left side of the keyboard as shown here:
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/ducky-mini/images/mini_photo_02.jpg

Both the YOTH and the Mini have an aluminum case, the YOTH one just has a more solid, CNC machined one. However, I find the aesthetic to be blegh and I think adopting the Tex 60% look would be perfect for this. I'd say it would look as good if not better than my original TKL idea

Oh...yeah. I didn't remember that. I don't think the Mini will work with the Tex case. The port location messes things up.

The Mini only has an aluminum top cover. The bottom of the case is plastic. The YOTH is a full aluminum case. I checked that when I saw a Mini in person at MK.com.

Can you confirm that the Shine 3 TKL fits in the Tex TKL case? I wasn't aware of this. Perhaps a link or something?

Since MK.com has all of these boards, maybe you can just contact 00ZerO or JoshMK and ask them? Perhaps they can check for you?

The mini has an aluminum top and bottom, sandwiching plastic. Paying $70 or so more for a stock case I will replace is a bit much for me. I don't want to use the mini with the stock case of either the Mini or the YOTH. It's definately a stretch, but I wonder if it's possible to connect the side usb port and loop the cable around inside the case to the normal usb cutout of the case. I've been looking into Poker IIs but it's out of stock (and I don't know much about them), and I've always wanted a Ducky, and to support a company from my home country,

-sigh-
Does Ducky Mini fit inside Tex 60% case? 
Killin' me here.
I'm dying.

I can't say for sure, as I don't own a Ducky Mini, but I suspect it would if my theory about Vortex being the OEM is correct.

Can you post a pic of the PCB?

That is the best I can do for now. Can't find any pictures. 

Nope, that's not gonna work at all. Different mount points.

ok, i cri nao

[CPTBadAss]

The mini has an aluminum top and bottom, sandwiching plastic.

I don't think so. I distinctly remember aluminum top and plastic bottom from when I held it in person. I'd would like to see pictures or a link showing that it isn't.

Nope, you're right. My memory obviously sucks. I found a link.

[IronIcecream]

Will the NKRO on the Ducky Mini work correctly on a Mac?

Does NKRO change per the OS? I'm asking generally. I don't think it does. I thought it was more of a function of the circuit and having diodes. I would say it works but I'm not 100% sure.

The general consesus from videos and things i've seen on the internet says that OS X can't handle NKRO; however, in this post https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63028.0 the Mini is listed as a compatible.  So based on this I'm guessing whatever version on NKRO Ducky has doesn't interfere and there's a way to make the layout compatible with a mac.

[SpAmRaY]

What is the quietest most tactile cherry mx switch?

[CPTBadAss]

What is the quietest most tactile cherry mx switch?

In my opinion?

Stock = Stock MX Clear
Modded = Jailhouse Blues

I didn't enjoy the super high actuation point on the Jailhouse Blues but they were very tactile and the quietest MX switch that I can remember trying.

[SpAmRaY]

What is the quietest most tactile cherry mx switch?

In my opinion?

Stock = Stock MX Clear
Modded = Jailhouse Blues

I didn't enjoy the super high actuation point on the Jailhouse Blues but they were very tactile and the quietest MX switch that I can remember trying.

That's what I was thinking as well but wanted to verify, thanks cptn.

[HoffmanMyster]

I didn't enjoy the super high actuation point on the Jailhouse Blues

Is it much higher than blue alps?  I remember those being too high for my liking.

[CPTBadAss]

I didn't enjoy the super high actuation point on the Jailhouse Blues

Is it much higher than blue alps?  I remember those being too high for my liking.

Hm...From what I recall? Yes. But I don't think I had tried Blue Alps before I tried Jailhouse Blues. From what I can tell though, all the Alps actuation points are in the same spot.

[RavenII]

Is it possible to un...follow? subscribe? from a thread so that it doesn't show up when you click "Show new replies to your posts."

Anndddd....

Is Gon's TKL board a direct swap/fit in a QFR case?

[HoffmanMyster]

Is it possible to un...follow? subscribe? from a thread so that it doesn't show up when you click "Show new replies to your posts."

Nope.  Only way would be to un-post in the thread, so no.  If it's a big bother, I would change your browsing habits so that you "Watch" all of the threads you're interested in, since you have control over what falls into that category (moreso than posting or not posting).

[CommonCurt]

Is it possible to un...follow? subscribe? from a thread so that it doesn't show up when you click "Show new replies to your posts."

Nope.  Only way would be to un-post in the thread, so no.  If it's a big bother, I would change your browsing habits so that you "Watch" all of the threads you're interested in, since you have control over what falls into that category (moreso than posting or not posting).

I really wish you could.  I always use "show new replies to your posts".

[CPTBadAss]

Is Gon's TKL board a direct swap/fit in a QFR case?

That's a good question. Gut instinct says no but I honestly have no idea.

[jackalope]

Any one have a rough idea what it would cost to ship a HHKB to Singapore from the U.S.

[hwood34]

Any one have a rough idea what it would cost to ship a HHKB to Singapore from the U.S.

depending on the service used somewhere in the area of $30-40

[Evo_Spec]

Any one have a rough idea what it would cost to ship a HHKB to Singapore from the U.S.

Why not just get it from Japan? shipping within Asia is always pretty damn reasonable.

[Ludovician]

It should cost around ￥2000, around $23 (Singapore dollars) from Japan. At least, that's the Tenso cost.

[hwood34]

(Attachment Link)

For reference this is a 1cm bezel, not sure what the JD40 is but I think it's a bit larger.

That should work. I'm looking for it to be a pretty small, lighter case

The only thing that restricts the bezel size is the size of the bezel on the pcb, if you make the plate too small the standoffs will hit the pcb.

So then what would be the smallest bezel that would work with a standard 60% PCB i.e. Poker II

No clue, I actually just sold mine, this could be answered very easily if someone is willing to make a measurement for me. I need the distance from the center of the mx switch to the edge of the pcb. I need x, someone my know it. If no one knows or measures it I'll just use the dimensions of the GH60 because I already have those files.

(Attachment Link)

Anyone got this? Or would the GH60 specs work as a universal measurement?

[Moralless]

(Attachment Link)

For reference this is a 1cm bezel, not sure what the JD40 is but I think it's a bit larger.

That should work. I'm looking for it to be a pretty small, lighter case

The only thing that restricts the bezel size is the size of the bezel on the pcb, if you make the plate too small the standoffs will hit the pcb.

So then what would be the smallest bezel that would work with a standard 60% PCB i.e. Poker II

No clue, I actually just sold mine, this could be answered very easily if someone is willing to make a measurement for me. I need the distance from the center of the mx switch to the edge of the pcb. I need x, someone my know it. If no one knows or measures it I'll just use the dimensions of the GH60 because I already have those files.

(Attachment Link)

Anyone got this?

I've never designed a PCB before but wouldn't the distance from the centre of the mx switch to the edge of the pcb be 0.5u since if you're going from the centre of the switch and you want the PCB to be as flush as possible then you'd want it to extend as far as the keycap would. But I might be missing something/misunderstanding the question.

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone got this? Or would the GH60 specs work as a universal measurement?

I would think the GH60 specs would be fine. But like Morealless, I haven't designed a PCB. But I don't see why it would vary.

[jdcarpe]

(Attachment Link)

For reference this is a 1cm bezel, not sure what the JD40 is but I think it's a bit larger.

That should work. I'm looking for it to be a pretty small, lighter case

The only thing that restricts the bezel size is the size of the bezel on the pcb, if you make the plate too small the standoffs will hit the pcb.

So then what would be the smallest bezel that would work with a standard 60% PCB i.e. Poker II

No clue, I actually just sold mine, this could be answered very easily if someone is willing to make a measurement for me. I need the distance from the center of the mx switch to the edge of the pcb. I need x, someone my know it. If no one knows or measures it I'll just use the dimensions of the GH60 because I already have those files.

(Attachment Link)

Anyone got this? Or would the GH60 specs work as a universal measurement?

I don't think the PCB would be outside the area where a normal switch "unit" would end.

Maybe this post can help?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.msg1651248#msg1651248

[hwood34]

Alright then, I guess the GH60 specs would work. Thanks

[jackalope]

Any one have a rough idea what it would cost to ship a HHKB to Singapore from the U.S.

depending on the service used somewhere in the area of $30-40

thank you

Any one have a rough idea what it would cost to ship a HHKB to Singapore from the U.S.

Why not just get it from Japan? shipping within Asia is always pretty damn reasonable.

I was looking to sell one to someone in Singapore and I am in the U.S.

[azhdar]

Anyone got experience with that : http://www.leboncoin.fr/informatique/768822391.htm?ca=12_s  ?
Could the keyboard work as a simple unit ?

[Firebolt1914]

What sort of connector/protocol does the IBM Displaywriter have?

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone got experience with that : http://www.leboncoin.fr/informatique/768822391.htm?ca=12_s  ?
Could the keyboard work as a simple unit ?

Looks like the computer is a Compaq Portable. The keyboard is just an IBM XT. If that is the case, I would say it would work fine. But it seems a shame to buy the system just for the board.

What sort of connector/protocol does the IBM Displaywriter have?

Dorkvader has one, he would know. He took pictures of his Displaywriter on his flickr but there's no picture of the connector.

I did find webwit's pictures of his Displaywriter. Here's a shot of the connector.

[rpeterclark]

What are current options for purchasing PCB mount Cherry stabilizers? Mouser does not seem to have them in stock and I guess they never have the 6.25 spacebar stab anyway. GON of course has them but shipping is too much. IMSTO has them and the shipping still high but is more reasonable. Are there other options that I am not aware of? 

[Melvang]

What are current options for purchasing PCB mount Cherry stabilizers? Mouser does not seem to have them in stock and I guess they never have the 6.25 spacebar stab anyway. GON of course has them but shipping is too much. IMSTO has them and the shipping still high but is more reasonable. Are there other options that I am not aware of? 

The last time I looked I found some at arrow but that was months ago.  I would check Cherry's site and Google search the part number. 

I will warn it took a few hours of digging to locate 2u stabs.

[heedpantsnow]

What are current options for purchasing PCB mount Cherry stabilizers? Mouser does not seem to have them in stock and I guess they never have the 6.25 spacebar stab anyway. GON of course has them but shipping is too much. IMSTO has them and the shipping still high but is more reasonable. Are there other options that I am not aware of?

Post a WTB for the wires in classifieds, and buy the 2u from Mouser when they come back in stock. . If you find any 6.25's in retail, buy a lot as there are always people looking for them.

[CPTBadAss]

What are current options for purchasing PCB mount Cherry stabilizers? Mouser does not seem to have them in stock and I guess they never have the 6.25 spacebar stab anyway. GON of course has them but shipping is too much. IMSTO has them and the shipping still high but is more reasonable. Are there other options that I am not aware of?

Ivan just ran a GB for them. You could wait for them to pop up in the classifieds or for extras to show up.

[rockhawksam]

How would one go about getting an OTD keyboard? Are there any people who proxy them? I am extremely interested in finding one of these keyboards and I'm willing to pay the price.