Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[3K]

Did you try a different USB port? Are you sure your solder joints are all good?

Yep, 3 USB ports, resoldered all the joints, still nothing.
Thanks, though.

[CPTBadAss]

Did you try a different USB port? Are you sure your solder joints are all good?

Yep, 3 USB ports, resoldered all the joints, still nothing.
Thanks, though.

Hm....I guess it's time to try a PS/2 cable then.

[njbair]

Did you try a different USB port? Are you sure your solder joints are all good?

Yep, 3 USB ports, resoldered all the joints, still nothing.
Thanks, though.

Hm....I guess it's time to try a PS/2 cable then.

Obligatory warning about PS/2 hotswapping. If you don't have a USB-PS/2 adapter, power down before plugging in or risk frying something!

[KHAANNN]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

I have self made tools but I generally end up only removing one side and then ripping/pulling off the other side, doesn't damage the switch, yet it's obviously not optimal

[Eszett]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

If you mean switch top removal of mounted switches, then this is a good question. For now I don't have any better method than to take a tiny and thin flathead, lever with it through 2 holes of one side of the switch, until the switch gets a gap. Then stick a wire through the gap (for that the gap cannot close anymore). Then lever the 2 holes on the other side of the switch. And again this is a suboptimal solution.

BTW: I've tried the binder clip method but it is abit crude. The metal can easily bruise the plastic of the housing. I mean it works, but you have to use them with care.

BTW: I bought one of those cheap 1-$-pincers from eBay (China). I regret this, because those pincers bent like chewing gum, it is complete garbage and useless!

[njbair]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

I have self made tools but I generally end up only removing one side and then ripping/pulling off the other side, doesn't damage the switch, yet it's obviously not optimal

kin25 makes and sells switch top removers for $2/ea. and supposedly work very well. Of course shipping from S. Korea will cost you more than $2 but maybe you can find someone closer who has a set for sale.

EDIT: and then there's this that I just found out about: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64115.0

[KHAANNN]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

I have self made tools but I generally end up only removing one side and then ripping/pulling off the other side, doesn't damage the switch, yet it's obviously not optimal

kin25 makes and sells switch top removers for $2/ea. and supposedly work very well. Of course shipping from S. Korea will cost you more than $2 but maybe you can find someone closer who has a set for sale.

EDIT: and then there's this that I just found out about: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64115.0

Removing them from bottom is actually pretty easy, I just dislodge 2 sides, hold the opening, dislodge another then another

However, I don't have a similar working method for mounted switch top removal, minimally I end up bruising the holes a bit

If I was to make a blind decision, I would buy 2x of this one: http://www.amazon.com/Beadalon-213A-010-Tweezers-Curved/dp/B004DGISUG/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1431229659&sr=8-27&keywords=tweezer
to remove the switch top with 2-hands / 2 tweezers, however the dimensions are unclear

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

I have self made tools but I generally end up only removing one side and then ripping/pulling off the other side, doesn't damage the switch, yet it's obviously not optimal

Halverson told me he uses a pair of reverse tweezers.

[Rafi66]

I have two questions for you guys.
I was thinking about getting a new keyboard ~100$ and I narrowed it down to these three. Which should I go with?
http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/quickfireultimate/
http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/quickfirext/
http://ozonegaming.com/product/strike-battle/

And if we compare those three to Ducky Shine 3? It's worth to pay almost 2x more (in my country) to get Ducky? Is the quality between those two models really significant? The functionality is almost the same? Will Ducky last for few more years?

[CPTBadAss]

I have two questions for you guys.
I was thinking about getting a new keyboard ~100$ and I narrowed it down to these three. Which should I go with?
http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/quickfireultimate/
http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/quickfirext/
http://ozonegaming.com/product/strike-battle/

And if we compare those three to Ducky Shine 3? It's worth to pay almost 2x more (in my country) to get Ducky? Is the quality between those two models really significant? The functionality is almost the same? Will Ducky last for few more years?

Out of the three of those, I'd pick the XT. CoolerMaster quality without their weird gamer aesthetic. Dunno anything about Ozone boards. Read next to nothing on them. Might be a fine Costar produced board but I really don't know.

I'm partial to ducky because I like backlighting and I like modding my keyboards. Ducky boards have really nice thick PCBs that are great to work on. And I think ducky stock caps are better than CM. But I'm sure that a CM board will last just as long as a Ducky. Not sure how you define quality so I can't say. For me it's in the details like PCB, how the board is assembled, and the construction of the case.

If it's almost twice the amount to get a Ducky, I'd grab the XT if I were you.

[Air tree]

This is probably simple enough, since I'm inept.

So I opened my HHKB to install 55g domes and I screw the pcb back in, and when I screw in the back screws in the case, the front bit is cracked open when I close the back up. I make sure to the front clips are done, and it still won't close properly.

[byker]

This is probably simple enough, since I'm inept.

So I opened my HHKB to install 55g domes and I screw the pcb back in, and when I screw in the back screws in the case, the front bit is cracked open when I close the back up. I make sure to the front clips are done, and it still won't close properly.

I had that happen to me too. I found that i just had to unscrew the 3 case screws and keep playing around with closing it to ensure the front clips are properly closed. Someone once posted a trick in the "post your topre" thread, but I cannot remember what it was. 

[Bsclly]

I have a poker 2 blue switches with a weird ctrl key. Weird as in broken. It's broken and I dont know how to fix it. Is there anything I can do without taking the entire keyboard apart?

[CPTBadAss]

I have a poker 2 blue switches with a weird ctrl key. Weird as in broken. It's broken and I dont know how to fix it. Is there anything I can do without taking the entire keyboard apart?

Best check to do is to aquakeytest or use a multimeter to see if when you press CTRL, if it registers a signal. If it doesn't, you may need to fix the solder joints or swap out the switch.

[Rafi66]

What do you think about swiches? Which are best for gaming? Isn't brown "perceptible jump" too frustrating?

[user 18]

What do you think about swiches? Which are best for gaming? Isn't brown "perceptible jump" too frustrating?

It's entirely personal preference. I didn't have any frustration with browns -- I also didn't register a perceptible jump at all. I game on clears without any issue, and I'm happy with it. Personally I don't like linear switches at all, but other people love them. My recommendation would be to try out as many switches as you can, and see which one you like best.

My recommendation would be to avoid blues or greens, because they reset significantly above the activation point.

[CPTBadAss]

What do you think about swiches? Which are best for gaming? Isn't brown "perceptible jump" too frustrating?

Lol...Best for gaming is whatever you're comfortable with. There's a billion threads on this and honestly, what I'll tell you isn't what the next two people will tell you. I like playing video games on MX Blacks, Green Alps, Blue Alps, and Model Fs.

I hate "Best for ______ " topics because if there was a best switch for anything, we'd all be typing on it. Find something that works for you and just go with it. There's no wrong answer other than trying to use 2KRO boards.

[whentheclouds]

i just came across a ripster ( ) guide in which he suggested reapplying stabilizer lube every 6 months. is this even necessary?

[CPTBadAss]

i just came across a ripster ( ) guide in which he suggested reapplying stabilizer lube every 6 months. is this even necessary?

Hm...so it wouldn't hurt right? But I've bought vintage Alps boards where the stabilizer grease has been on there for like 20 years. Or however long the board has been around. It can't hurt to do it but that's up to you if you want to redo it that often.

If it were me? I'd just do it once and move on. Only time I'd reapply is if I opened the board up and it was super dusty or dirty in the area with the lube or if I accidently wiped off some of hte lube.

[whentheclouds]

nah, i think i've asked that question before and have since came to the conclusion that lubing is a one and done deal. he wrote 6 MONTHS in caps though so that got me questioning my understanding of this lubing affair a little

[fohat.digs]

Some people like lube in general. All aspects of life. You can be certain that it reduces friction and that reduces wear.

[hwood34]

i just came across a ripster ( ) guide in which he suggested reapplying stabilizer lube every 6 months. is this even necessary?

Yea definitely not. It's manufactured to last

[jamster]

Can someone suggest the optimal tweezer to use for switch top removals? (Amazon)

I have self made tools but I generally end up only removing one side and then ripping/pulling off the other side, doesn't damage the switch, yet it's obviously not optimal

I have these and they worked perfectly well for opening MX switches.

http://www.amazon.com/Goot-TS-15-Precision-tweezers/dp/B0036RN5CE

[Cottonsox]

I have 2x3x4 LEDs that rub against Ivan's RD3 pbt's.

I am wondering if these any of these would be a better solution, more looking to find the style that works without the need to sand them down! I have some future projects and my board currently has SIP sockets so switching a new style in would be easy

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-3MM-LED-light-emitting-diode-100PCS-component-package-red-green-yellow-blue-and-white-free/832451905.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-Shipping-100pcs-Super-Bright-3mm-Round-cold-White-Water-Clear-LED-Light-Diode-kit-6000/629743_1038307978.html

[Giorgio]

Are these all the standard gmk colors? I thought there where more of them 


In an hypothetical gmk small set, made of 10 keys, what could be the cost of 1u and 1.25u keys? Blank and with legends?

thanks :-)

[CPTBadAss]

1) Are these all the standard gmk colors?

Show Image

2) In an hypothetical gmk small set, made of 10 keys, what could be the cost of 1u and 1.25u keys? Blank and with legends?

1) Yes I believe those are all the standard colors

2) Feng ran this windowed cap buy with pricing close to what you're looking for. Here's pricing for Ivan's CMYK and Purple mod set. Here is Ivan's GMK mini pack GB with pricing for escapes and space bars. Remember that the pricing is cheapest with blanks, then pad printed, and then doubleshot.

I have 2x3x4 LEDs that rub against Ivan's RD3 pbt's.

I am wondering if these any of these would be a better solution, more looking to find the style that works without the need to sand them down! I have some future projects and my board currently has SIP sockets so switching a new style in would be easy

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-3MM-LED-light-emitting-diode-100PCS-component-package-red-green-yellow-blue-and-white-free/832451905.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-Shipping-100pcs-Super-Bright-3mm-Round-cold-White-Water-Clear-LED-Light-Diode-kit-6000/629743_1038307978.html

You can always sand the LEDs down a little. That's an option. I have 2x3x4mm LEDs in my KMAC and I haven't had that issue thankfully.

[Giorgio]

So the cost of the gmk 1u should be, more or less:
€1 blank
€1.7 double shot

The 1.25u:
€2 blank

1) Are these all the standard gmk colors?

Show Image

2) In an hypothetical gmk small set, made of 10 keys, what could be the cost of 1u and 1.25u keys? Blank and with legends?

1) Yes I believe those are all the standard colors

2) Feng ran this windowed cap buy with pricing close to what you're looking for. Here's pricing for Ivan's CMYK and Purple mod set. Here is Ivan's GMK mini pack GB with pricing for escapes and space bars. Remember that the pricing is cheapest with blanks, then pad printed, and then doubleshot.

I have 2x3x4 LEDs that rub against Ivan's RD3 pbt's.

I am wondering if these any of these would be a better solution, more looking to find the style that works without the need to sand them down! I have some future projects and my board currently has SIP sockets so switching a new style in would be easy

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-3MM-LED-light-emitting-diode-100PCS-component-package-red-green-yellow-blue-and-white-free/832451905.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-Shipping-100pcs-Super-Bright-3mm-Round-cold-White-Water-Clear-LED-Light-Diode-kit-6000/629743_1038307978.html

You can always sand the LEDs down a little. That's an option. I have 2x3x4mm LEDs in my KMAC and I haven't had that issue thankfully.

[FreeChemicals]

I've received a bunch of MX Clear switches today, and one has a bended 'leg':



What would be the best way to straighten it?

After being clamped with an adjustable wrench in a cup of hot water for about 1.5h, it just just bent back into the previous position..

[CPTBadAss]

I've received a bunch of MX Clear switches today, and one has a bended 'leg':

Show Image

What would be the best way to straighten it?

After being clamped with an adjustable wrench in a cup of hot water for about 1.5h, it just just bent back into the previous position..

Just get a new stem? I would've suggested what you've already said you did.

[esoomenona]

.

[Vitaly]

Maybe someone know how to remap [Control]+[c] and other shortcuts to [Meta/Win]+[c] in Linux (Ubuntu)? Is it possible?

[wlhlm]

Maybe someone know how to remap [Control]+[c] and other shortcuts to [Meta/Win]+[c] in Linux (Ubuntu)? Is it possible?

Do you want to swap Ctrl and Meta?

[CPTBadAss]

Maybe someone know how to remap [Control]+[c] and other shortcuts to [Meta/Win]+[c] in Linux (Ubuntu)? Is it possible?

I know literally nothing about Linux but this topic seems helpful. Maybe it'll work for you?

[Zukoi]

Where can I get MX clear/grey stems?

[CPTBadAss]

Where can I get MX clear/grey stems?

MechanicalKeyboards.com

[Zukoi]

Where can I get MX clear/grey stems?

MechanicalKeyboards.com

What about only the stems?

[esoomenona]

.

[Zukoi]

Where can I get MX clear/grey stems?

MechanicalKeyboards.com

What about only the stems?

You might try a classifieds post to see if someone has any to spare. It's unlikely though, as people tend to use them. What's more likely is that someone might consider a trade one to one for stems you might have currently and wish to replace.

To post in the classifieds, you need a total of 25 posts and to have been a member for two months, IIRC.

Thanks for the pointers. But I don't think anyone wants brown stems. I'll see if springs and lube will improve them.

On that note, is lithium grease suitable for sliders/inside the switch?

[CPTBadAss]

On that note, is lithium grease suitable for sliders/inside the switch?

I would say no. You're more than welcome to experiment for yourself though.

What about only the stems?

You might try a classifieds post to see if someone has any to spare. It's unlikely though, as people tend to use them. What's more likely is that someone might consider a trade one to one for stems you might have currently and wish to replace.

To post in the classifieds, you need a total of 25 posts and to have been a member for two months, IIRC.

Only stems? Classified like Moose said. Clear and Grey stems are usually what people are looking for anyways.

To post a new topic you need 25 posts + 2 months time but to just post a reply, I don't think there's a time limit.

[Vitaly]

Do you want to swap Ctrl and Meta?

No, it's simple  Meta is pretty useless button on linux, I want use it for regular actions and use Control for terminal (for which purpose this button was created, for example control c in terminal is interrupt process and for copy you should use any other shortcut)

I know literally nothing about Linux but this topic seems helpful. Maybe it'll work for you?

Thanks! Will go read.

[Giorgio]

[erased - sorry]

[Blaise170]

Is there anywhere to buy Alps/Matias keycaps other than salvaging old boards?

[esoomenona]

.

[fohat.digs]

Is there anywhere to buy Alps/Matias keycaps other than salvaging old boards?

MMhhuuhhaa hhaa hhaa hhaa

Frankly, I think the old Apple PBTs are the best-feeling of all, but they have weird incomplete legend sets and the F keys are wrong.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there anywhere to buy Alps/Matias keycaps other than salvaging old boards?

Right now? No

[sethk_]

Is there anywhere to buy Alps/Matias keycaps other than salvaging old boards?

Right now? No

I think you can PM Matias on here and he will sell some, but I am not sure

[njbair]

Is there anywhere to buy Alps/Matias keycaps other than salvaging old boards?

Right now? No

I think you can PM Matias on here and he will sell some, but I am not sure

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68887.msg1681642#msg1681642

[Blaise170]

Okay thanks guys. I appreciate the help. 

[Zukoi]

Why are Koreans so into keyboards as opposed to other countries in Asia? I noticed there are a lot of talk about Korean keyboard around here.

[Blaise170]

Why are Koreans so into keyboards as opposed to other countries in Asia? I noticed there are a lot of talk about Korean keyboard around here.

Korea is one of the biggest (quality) electronics producers in the world. I'd say it has a lot to do with that.