Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[madhias]

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Where to I get a PCB for a G81-1138  HAU case, ANSI & winkeyless? Do I have to find a G80 and use this PCB? Am I right that there where new replacement PCBs out there with some new and fancy features?

leeku makes boards for these cases

Yup, you can either find a G80 PCB that fits or a Leeku PCB. But the Leeku 3000 PCBs are a bit hard to find.

Thanks! What is harder to find then? A G80 ANSI PCB or Leeku PCB?

I've never hunted for a G80 ANSI PCB but I know I bought the last Leeku 3000 PCB I've seen on the classifieds. And that was sometime last year. Dorkvader wasn't able to find one.

Edit: I didn't realize that Kin25 was selling Leeku PCBs and plates right now. Apologies.

I very recently ordered a 3000 PCB from kin25 as part of the TX1800 buy. As of 2 weeks ago it was not too late. Might be worth checking with him.

Edit: I didn't realize you were correcting yourself as I was correcting you!

Thanks Captain and njbair! I am part of the TX1800 group buy and dropped kin25 a mail right now. I also asked if it is possible to buy 3, if someone needs another PCB!

[CPTBadAss]

What kind of caps does a G81-1800HAG use, and how much would be a decent price?

HAG is usually UK ISO.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers

Not sure of the price, probably better to try the price check thread...I'm not sure how the OP feels about price checks in here.

Should be double shots because of the H too. And please check prices in the price check thread.

[sethk_]

What kind of caps does a G81-1800HAG use, and how much would be a decent price?

HAG is usually UK ISO.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_article_numbers

Not sure of the price, probably better to try the price check thread...I'm not sure how the OP feels about price checks in here.

Should be double shots because of the H too. And please check prices in the price check thread.

Okay thanks!

[Bomble]

My HHKB works fine when plugged in to my macbook, but both PCs in the house don't seem to respond to it at all, though they used to. Any ideas? (The dip switches definitely aren't in mac mode, if that would make any difference)

Also, does anyone know how to stop numlock on my RF87U activating when I log out?

[Melvang]

My HHKB works fine when plugged in to my macbook, but both PCs in the house don't seem to respond to it at all, though they used to. Any ideas? (The dip switches definitely aren't in mac mode, if that would make any difference)

Also, does anyone know how to stop numlock on my RF87U activating when I log out?

Num Lock state on log out/shut down is usually a BIOS setting from my experience.

[Bomble]

Also, does anyone know how to stop numlock on my RF87U activating when I log out?

Num Lock state on log out/shut down is usually a BIOS setting from my experience.

Cheers, I'll look in to that.

[Eszett]

Hello (CaptainBadAss)!
I'm sitting in front of a bunch of disassembled MX switches and I need to know:
question #1 "slider" and "stem" mean the same thing, right?
question #2 in MX blues there is a little piece of white plastic attached to the slider, how is this lpiece called?

[Joey Quinn]

Hello (CaptainBadAss)!
I'm sitting in front of a bunch of disassembled MX switches and I need to know:
question #1 "slider" and "stem" mean the same thing, right?
question #2 in MX blues there is a little piece of white plastic attached to the slider, how is this lpiece called?

Slider normally refers to the stem of a topre switch but yes stems and sliders are the same.

[Eszett]

Thanks Joey! And the other thing, this little plastic piece, how is that called?

[njbair]

What are the little nubbins on MX blue and green stems? They are not there on the other colors (see brown in pic):

[hwood34]

Thanks Joey! And the other thing, this little plastic piece, how is that called?

From the DT wiki : "Unlike most other Cherry MX switches, the plunger consists of not one, but two parts: a blue plunger (that is connected to the key) and a white inner slider (which opens/closes the circuit)."

[Eszett]

@hwood34 I'm not sure if all people understand at once what I mean when I say "white inner slider". However, if there's no better name for it, so be it.

[hwood34]

@hwood34 I'm not sure if all people understand at once what I mean when I say "white inner slider". However, if there's no better name for it, so be it.

Yeah, sometimes there really isn't a great word for it, though I'm sure if you mention "white slider" in the context of clicky switches, people will know what you're talking about. Also, the quote feature is helpful for people you're talking to, especially if they have tapatalk and get notified when it happens. Also helps for everyone to be able to quickly read the conversation at hand in one place

[CPTBadAss]

@hwood34 I'm not sure if all people understand at once what I mean when I say "white inner slider". However, if there's no better name for it, so be it.

Yeah, sometimes there really isn't a great word for it, though I'm sure if you mention "white slider" in the context of clicky switches, people will know what you're talking about. Also, the quote feature is helpful for people you're talking to, especially if they have tapatalk and get notified when it happens. Also helps for everyone to be able to quickly read the conversation at hand in one place

In the context you have there, white slide works just fine. Same thing with stem.

[infiniti]

What are the little nubbins on MX blue and green stems? They are not there on the other colors (see brown in pic):

(Attachment Link)

It's an indicator that it is a clicky switch.  It also appears on Cherry MX White switches.

I don't have a clicky gray for reference so I'm not sure if it has it too.

[demik]

how's everybody?

[hwood34]

What are the little nubbins on MX blue and green stems? They are not there on the other colors (see brown in pic):

(Attachment Link)

It's an indicator that it is a clicky switch.  It also appears on Cherry MX White switches.

I don't have a clicky gray for reference so I'm not sure if it has it too.

yup, same nubs

[njbair]

What are the little nubbins on MX blue and green stems? They are not there on the other colors (see brown in pic):

(Attachment Link)

It's an indicator that it is a clicky switch.  It also appears on Cherry MX White switches.

I don't have a clicky gray for reference so I'm not sure if it has it too.

Is it really just an indicator? Like it doesn't perform some function in tandem with the white slider or something?

[naasfu]

I just got an ultrasonic cleaner that I want to use to clean some vintage blacks.  Can I just open up the switches and throw everything in, including the springs and metal contacts?  What about drying them?  Just lay them out, or is it ok to put them in the dryer (inside a pillow case, no heat)?

btw, I love this ultrasonic cleaner.  I've been throwing everything I can think of into it.  Watches, electric toothbrush heads, keycaps, etc etc.

[SpAmRaY]

how's everybody?

Nice to see you around again.

[absyrd]

how's everybody?

Not a simple question. Nor does it have a simple answer. Jerkface.

[CPTBadAss]

What are the little nubbins on MX blue and green stems? They are not there on the other colors (see brown in pic):

(Attachment Link)

It's an indicator that it is a clicky switch.  It also appears on Cherry MX White switches.

I don't have a clicky gray for reference so I'm not sure if it has it too.

Is it really just an indicator? Like it doesn't perform some function in tandem with the white slider or something?

I think it's just an indicator and not functional.

I just got an ultrasonic cleaner that I want to use to clean some vintage blacks.  Can I just open up the switches and throw everything in, including the springs and metal contacts?  What about drying them?  Just lay them out, or is it ok to put them in the dryer (inside a pillow case, no heat)?

btw, I love this ultrasonic cleaner.  I've been throwing everything I can think of into it.  Watches, electric toothbrush heads, keycaps, etc etc.

Yup I think you can just lay the switches out and air dry. I've got an ultrasonic cleaner too but I bought it with fountain pen cleaning in mind.

[demik]

how's everybody?

Not a simple question. Nor does it have a simple answer. Jerkface.

[nubbinator]

how's everybody?

Not a simple question. Nor does it have a simple answer. Jerkface.

[Ludovician]

So I've heard of these things before on here and I'm under the impression they're rubber domes, but can anyone confirm?

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Thanks.

[CPTBadAss]

So I've heard of these things before on here and I'm under the impression they're rubber domes, but can anyone confirm?

More

Show Image

Thanks.

I'm pretty sure that's rubber dome too.

[Rose]

If I install an LED in an Cherry MX switch will there be any way to open/lubricate the switch without desoldering the LED?

[CPTBadAss]

If I install an LED in an Cherry MX switch will there be any way to open/lubricate the switch without desoldering the LED?

No you'll have to desolder it to properly lube it. Some people say you can flood the chamber with lube but that will affect how the switch feels.

[Hzza]

You can clip the front of the top switch housing so that you can open the switch without desoldering the LED but when I did it there was quite a lot of work involved to get the fit right and it was really hard to get the switch top back in place without damaging the LED.

I'm pretty sure there's a thread somewhere, I'll dig it up once the kids are asleep.

edit - That was easier than I thought it would be...

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65287.0#quickreply

That's the thread, the video shows the details.

[KnivesM]

If I install an LED in an Cherry MX switch will there be any way to open/lubricate the switch without desoldering the LED?

No you'll have to desolder it to properly lube it. Some people say you can flood the chamber with lube but that will affect how the switch feels.

If you use SIP sockets you could right?

[CPTBadAss]

If I install an LED in an Cherry MX switch will there be any way to open/lubricate the switch without desoldering the LED?

No you'll have to desolder it to properly lube it. Some people say you can flood the chamber with lube but that will affect how the switch feels.

If you use SIP sockets you could right?

Well you'd have to yank the LED out first but yeah if you had SIP sockets and a PCB mount or plate with the switch opening cutouts in it, you could do it.

You can clip the front of the top switch housing so that you can open the switch without desoldering the LED but when I did it there was quite a lot of work involved to get the fit right and it was really hard to get the switch top back in place without damaging the LED.

I'm pretty sure there's a thread somewhere, I'll dig it up once the kids are asleep.

edit - That was easier than I thought it would be...

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65287.0#quickreply

That's the thread, the video shows the details.

I forgot about that! But it's more of a PITA than the return imo.

[Hzza]

I forgot about that! But it's more of a PITA than the return imo.

Oh, no doubt, its a total PITA but it's an option if you're opening the switches anyway and don't have SIP switches kicking around...

[Joey Quinn]

Anyone know where I can buy the cases that HolyOOPS caps come in? They look sick but I don't want to buy a cap just for the metal shell.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/holyoops-aluminum-keycaps

[FoC_Tow]

Anyone know where I can buy the cases that HolyOOPS caps come in? They look sick but I don't want to buy a cap just for the metal shell.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/holyoops-aluminum-keycaps

There is loads of round metal containers available, but finding the exact one might be difficult.
Do you know for sure if the box is metal Joey? It kinda looks like metal but doesn't have a folded-over edge on the lid like loads of them do for example...

Edit: Realized it has small dents in the side of the lid, (looks like friction fit) so it should be metal I guess.

[greath]

[Xpost from the living soldering thread. But seeing as how I believe more people read here I wanted perspective from this thread as well.]

Is this the solder most people are recommending to pick up?

I am planning on doing a switch swap out for right now. I have an Edsyn 951sxe and Soldapullt coming in. I have a multimeter. Looking at the list on the front page of the living soldering thread, I'm missing:

* Solder spool holder
* Magnifying lamp/Jewler's visor
* Smoke Absorber
* Separate Flux
* Helping Hands
* Heat gun

Do I NEED any of these things? I feel like most of these are quality of life enhancements. Not sure about the smoke absorber...

Is there something else you all would highly recommend I get (besides practice) before I start the project? I spent an entire summer soldering at an internship in high school, but that was almost 15 years ago I don't remember all the ins and outs.

[CPTBadAss]

1) Is this the solder most people are recommending to pick up?

2) I am planning on doing a switch swap out for right now. I have an Edsyn 951sxe and Soldapullt coming in. I have a multimeter. Looking at the list on the front page of the living soldering thread, I'm missing:

* Solder spool holder
* Magnifying lamp/Jewler's visor
* Smoke Absorber
* Separate Flux
* Helping Hands
* Heat gun

Do I NEED any of these things? I feel like most of these are quality of life enhancements. Not sure about the smoke absorber...

3) Is there something else you all would highly recommend I get (besides practice) before I start the project? I spent an entire summer soldering at an internship in high school, but that was almost 15 years ago I don't remember all the ins and outs.

1) Yes
2) No you don't *need* any of those. An iron, solder, and desoldering tool is the bare minimum.
3) Practice . It's not too hard honestly.

[sethk_]

What tips should I get to properly solder with my FX888D

[phoenix1234]

What tips should I get to properly solder with my FX888D

You should get:

+ 1.2mm chissel for soldering led and keyboard switch, it could also be used for soldering small wire (22-30awg)
+ 2.4-3.2 mm chissel tip for soldering very thick wire (less than 10awg) or big component like large capacitor
+ 5.2mm chissel tip for soldering really big things

[sethk_]

What tips should I get to properly solder with my FX888D

You should get:

+ 1.2mm chissel for soldering led and keyboard switch, it could also be used for soldering small wire (22-30awg)
+ 2.4-3.2 mm chissel tip for soldering very thick wire (less than 10awg) or big component like large capacitor
+ 5.2mm chissel tip for soldering really big things

Thanks

[Giorgio]

What keycap is this? Is still available somewhere? A similar little devil would be good enough.



It's a keycap from 2012, can't find any place that still sells it though

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30453.0

[CPTBadAss]

What keycap is this? Is still available somewhere? A similar little devil would be good enough.

Show Image

It's a keycap from 2012, can't find any place that still sells it though

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30453.0

From the thread you linked, it looks like it's the KeyboardHell logo and they did a limited 100 key run for their store. I bet they'd have some for sale there since it's their logo. Other than that? I don't know. Never seen them before. Maybe talk to the KeyboardHell guys on Facebook or another forum. Or maybe try getting in touch with Hazeluff.

[absyrd]

What keycap is this? Is still available somewhere? A similar little devil would be good enough.

Show Image

It's a keycap from 2012, can't find any place that still sells it though

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30453.0

From the thread you linked, it looks like it's the KeyboardHell logo and they did a limited 100 key run for their store. I bet they'd have some for sale there since it's their logo. Other than that? I don't know. Never seen them before. Maybe talk to the KeyboardHell guys on Facebook or another forum. Or maybe try getting in touch with Hazeluff.

Were these made by Holyoops w/ feng maybe? Look like his work.

[CPTBadAss]

What keycap is this? Is still available somewhere? A similar little devil would be good enough.

Show Image

It's a keycap from 2012, can't find any place that still sells it though

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30453.0

From the thread you linked, it looks like it's the KeyboardHell logo and they did a limited 100 key run for their store. I bet they'd have some for sale there since it's their logo. Other than that? I don't know. Never seen them before. Maybe talk to the KeyboardHell guys on Facebook or another forum. Or maybe try getting in touch with Hazeluff.

Were these made by Holyoops w/ feng maybe? Look like his work.

I had the same gut reaction but I honestly don't know.

[Giorgio]

 it is available for  $100 (keyboard hell facebook). We'll see if the meant hkd or USD... :-)

Maybe I'll try do design something in autocad, for example using the BSD Unix logo, and then print it in 3d or have it cnc'd.

What keycap is this? Is still available somewhere? A similar little devil would be good enough.

Show Image

It's a keycap from 2012, can't find any place that still sells it though

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30453.0

From the thread you linked, it looks like it's the KeyboardHell logo and they did a limited 100 key run for their store. I bet they'd have some for sale there since it's their logo. Other than that? I don't know. Never seen them before. Maybe talk to the KeyboardHell guys on Facebook or another forum. Or maybe try getting in touch with Hazeluff.

[Karura]

What are the bottoming out spring weights for:

1) Cherry MX Clear
2) Cherry MX Vintage Black
3) Cherry MX Modern Black

Tried to find a detailed table for to compare to custom springs, but most places only list the Cherry actuation weight rather than the bottoming out weight.

?

[Melvang]

What are the bottoming out spring weights for:

1) Cherry MX Clear
2) Cherry MX Vintage Black
3) Cherry MX Modern Black

Tried to find a detailed table for to compare to custom springs, but most places only list the Cherry actuation weight rather than the bottoming out weight.

?

Not sure on exact numbers but reds blues and browns will have the same bottom out force, vintage and modern blacks used the same springs but vintage blacks might be a touch lighter due to use over the years, and clears are a touch heavier than blacks at bottom out.

[CPTBadAss]

What are the bottoming out spring weights for:

1) Cherry MX Clear
2) Cherry MX Vintage Black
3) Cherry MX Modern Black

Tried to find a detailed table for to compare to custom springs, but most places only list the Cherry actuation weight rather than the bottoming out weight.

?

This is the closest thing I know of with what you're looking for. I'm personally still not convinced about Vintage Blacks being different because I've never had the chance to try mint/NIB vintage blacks.

[Joey Quinn]

Has anyone lubed an ML and do they suck less if you do?

[CPTBadAss]

Has anyone lubed an ML and do they suck less if you do?

Yes and yes. Still has issues with off-strike hits though. There's a few people who've tried it so you can do a search and find some info.

[keyboardMaster]

Is the cherry mx clear switch the same as cherry grey switch (the non clicky one...)?

It seems so...

Am I good if I replace the very hard spring with something equivalent to the cherry reds 45grams spring?