Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Alpsie]

i want to modify the usb cable so that instead of a usb male, it has a short miniusb female end so I can hotswap keyboards more easily. i want to know if it's possible and would appreciate as much information as you're willing to part with.

the keyboard in question is the Cheat, if that even matters. if this isn't possible, I'm selling this baby because this is a dealbreaker.

You've got two options. Buy the female end and swap it on or purchase a male to female cable from your favorite cable supplier. If you do it yourself, you can find pinouts for USB cables online and then splice the female cable to the male one. Then cover with heat shrink or the cover of your choosing. Then swap the cable on your Cheat. I don't know how the cable is attached to the PCB but I'll assume that it's either soldered on or fits in like a Filco with a connector. Either way, I don't think it's very hard to make what you want happen.

Hi all,

I´m currently waiting for the keypop coffee 2.0 set to be produced and mailed, but as I´m currenlt using a CM Storm QuickFire Ultimate I need to replace it with a keyboard thats compatible with the set.
I need it to be brown switches, backlight is not needed. These are the ones that are available to me since I need one that is ISO http://www.prisjakt.nu/kategori.php?m=s227629919\. but I can also get a filco Majestouch 2 which one would you choose?

Is the Coffee set going to be iso compatible? I honestly don't know. Something to check out.

 I'd take the Ducky honestly. I think the keycaps are decent quality, the PCB is amazing to work on, the construction is quality, and a great board all around. Either that or the Filco.

Thanks for the reply,  i bought the ISO addon so it is compatible,  is there a certain version of the ducky that tou would advice more than other versions?

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a certain version of the ducky that tou would advice more than other versions?

I like the Shine 2-4.

[esoomenona]

.

[sethk_]

.

[KHAANNN]

Is there a programmable TKL that can be acquired?
By acquired I mean 1-2 months lead time and not something like 7 months

I guess winkeyless.kr is the sanest option

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a programmable TKL that can be acquired?
By acquired I mean 1-2 months lead time and not something like 7 months

I guess winkeyless.kr is the sanest option

GON, Phantom (if the PCB is still being sold at MK.com), any board that will work with bpiphany's controllers (I think there's a Filco Majestouch and QFR controller)

[KHAANNN]

Is there a programmable TKL that can be acquired?
By acquired I mean 1-2 months lead time and not something like 7 months

I guess winkeyless.kr is the sanest option

GON, Phantom (if the PCB is still being sold at MK.com), any board that will work with bpiphany's controllers (I think there's a Filco Majestouch and QFR controller)

I have WASD's that I enjoy using, but never seen a controller for them, they are theoretically compatible, is there one?

[nickheller]

Is there like a preferred type or brand of rubber feet to apply to the bottom of a HHKB, or will anything do? It slides quite a bit on my desk.

I use a sheet of drawer liner.  As well as stopping the HHKB from sliding across the desk, it also dampens the echo of my typing reverberating from the desk, so I can enjoy the thock a bit more.

I will see how the stick on feet work (assuming the size I ordered is even usable) and then maybe move towards a solution like yours.

[davkol]

Is there a programmable TKL that can be acquired?
By acquired I mean 1-2 months lead time and not something like 7 months

I guess winkeyless.kr is the sanest option

GON, Phantom (if the PCB is still being sold at MK.com), any board that will work with bpiphany's controllers (I think there's a Filco Majestouch and QFR controller)

I have WASD's that I enjoy using, but never seen a controller for them, they are theoretically compatible, is there one?

All Costar-compatible controllers by bpiphany should be listed here.

[KHAANNN]

Is there a programmable TKL that can be acquired?
By acquired I mean 1-2 months lead time and not something like 7 months

I guess winkeyless.kr is the sanest option

GON, Phantom (if the PCB is still being sold at MK.com), any board that will work with bpiphany's controllers (I think there's a Filco Majestouch and QFR controller)

I have WASD's that I enjoy using, but never seen a controller for them, they are theoretically compatible, is there one?

All Costar-compatible controllers by bpiphany should be listed here.

They all seem to be incompatible, bummer: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46700.msg1399765#msg1399765

[bcredbottle]

Who is the best taobao agent?

[hwood34]

Who is the best taobao agent?

Taobaofocus has always worked well for me

[shaymdev]

Is there problem with cutting away a piece of the bottom switch casing? I need a little bit of extra space in my custom build. See the little black line on the switch in the picture.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there problem with cutting away a piece of the bottom switch casing? I need a little bit of extra space in my custom build. See the little black line on the switch in the picture.

Show Image

Probably not. You'll wanna make sure you don't mess with how that leaf switch is being held but other than that, I'm not sure there's any issues.

[rowdy]

Is there a certain version of the ducky that tou would advice more than other versions?

I like the Shine 2-4.

On this, the Shine 1 did not remember backlighting settings after the computer was powered off or rebooted.  I think the Shine 2, definitely the Shine 3, fixed this and remembers backlight settings across reboots.  We well as introducing a lot of new backlight modes.

Who is the best taobao agent?

qtan offers this service.

[hwood34]

Who is the best taobao agent?

qtan offers this service.

He's really hit or miss responding in a timely manner though

[sethk_]

Does anyone know of a good anodizing service? I thought it might be better to see if anyone hear has had good luck, which would cut out some time for me searching. Thanks!

[hwood34]

Gonna try again, anyone know how to go about programming a 456?

[Alpsie]

Is there a certain version of the ducky that tou would advice more than other versions?

I like the Shine 2-4.

On this, the Shine 1 did not remember backlighting settings after the computer was powered off or rebooted.  I think the Shine 2, definitely the Shine 3, fixed this and remembers backlight settings across reboots.  We well as introducing a lot of new backlight modes.

Who is the best taobao agent?

qtan offers this service.

Thanks Rowdy, just got the shine 4 today and I like it. it feels nicer to type on compared to my older board, so Ill send the old one back to Denmark for my brother to use He is currently using a membrane so I´ll spread the joy of mechanical.

[CPTBadAss]

Gonna try again, anyone know how to go about programming a 456?

Did you try asking meiosis? I think he's still got one.

[bcredbottle]

If I'm hand-wiring a keyboard, what type/gauge wire do I need? I can't seem to find comprehensive parts list in the BrownFox guide or in the sticky at the top of the making stuff together! board

[user 18]

If I'm hand-wiring a keyboard, what type/gauge wire do I need? I can't seem to find comprehensive parts list in the BrownFox guide or in the sticky at the top of the making stuff together! board

You can use whatever's convenient, really. If you want to use wire in addition to the diodes (I think the BrownFox just used diode leads in lieu of extra wire), 24 AWG should be okay, but it still might be thicker than what you need. If you just need a little bit of wire, cutting up an old IDE/PATA or floppy ribbon cable should get you more than enough, as should sacrificing a short cat5 ethernet cable.

[faxe]

What makes a switch vintage? The fact that it has been pulled from an old board? If yes, how old does the board have to be?

[davkol]

What makes a switch vintage? The fact that it has been pulled from an old board? If yes, how old does the board have to be?

Generally, 20+ years old.

If you mean Cherry MX switches specifically, those made in the 80's or early 90's are slightly different.

[E3E]

Can anyone with a GON keyboard tell me how tall the middle polycarbonate layer is? I'm trying to work on a piece for a case, but I need a general idea before I go on.

[Blaise170]

Personally I consider 1999 the cutoff for vintage keyboards.

[CPTBadAss]

Can anyone with a GON keyboard tell me how tall the middle polycarbonate layer is? I'm trying to work on a piece for a case, but I need a general idea before I go on.

If you don't get the answer here, Try asking in GON's question thread.

[Ludovician]

I'm in the middle of domeswapping my Novatouch to 55g. I put the domes in, then the springs, and screwed the PCB back on. I've gone through that whole process twice, and both times all the keys feel fine except the shift keys, which both feel sluggish. Is there something different about stabilised keys, or do I just need to reposition the domes and try again?

The other stabilised keys are fine.

Edit: I also put my Realforce back together. I overestimated how compatible the Novatouch domes would be. The entire nav cluster, and the right-hand win/menu/ctrl are non-functional. Do you need to cut the dome sheet from the Novatouch to fit the slightly non-standard layout of the Realforce?

[Dreamre]

Alright, I'm looking to buy a b.mini for my gf and I was wondering which 6.25x spacebar is switch position more versatile? Majestouch (centered) or Cherry (off center)?

[esoomenona]

.

[CPTBadAss]

Alright, I'm looking to buy a b.mini for my gf and I was wondering which 6.25x spacebar is switch position more versatile? Majestouch (centered) or Cherry (off center)?

What is a b.mini? Also, if by more versatile, you mean most common and more readily available, I'd say centered.

Agreed. The b. Mini is a pcb right?

More

I'm in the middle of domeswapping my Novatouch to 55g. I put the domes in, then the springs, and screwed the PCB back on. I've gone through that whole process twice, and both times all the keys feel fine except the shift keys, which both feel sluggish. Is there something different about stabilised keys, or do I just need to reposition the domes and try again?

The other stabilised keys are fine.

Edit: I also put my Realforce back together. I overestimated how compatible the Novatouch domes would be. The entire nav cluster, and the right-hand win/menu/ctrl are non-functional. Do you need to cut the dome sheet from the Novatouch to fit the slightly non-standard layout of the Realforce?

Realizing more and more what a gaping home my lack of Topre knowledge is. I really should sit down and grill 002.

[hwood34]

Alright, I'm looking to buy a b.mini for my gf and I was wondering which 6.25x spacebar is switch position more versatile? Majestouch (centered) or Cherry (off center)?

What is a b.mini? Also, if by more versatile, you mean most common and more readily available, I'd say centered.

Agreed. The b. Mini is a pcb right?

Yep, it's winkeyless' 75% PCB

[Dreamre]

Alright, I'm looking to buy a b.mini for my gf and I was wondering which 6.25x spacebar is switch position more versatile? Majestouch (centered) or Cherry (off center)?

What is a b.mini? Also, if by more versatile, you mean most common and more readily available, I'd say centered.

Agreed. The b. Mini is a pcb right?

More

I'm in the middle of domeswapping my Novatouch to 55g. I put the domes in, then the springs, and screwed the PCB back on. I've gone through that whole process twice, and both times all the keys feel fine except the shift keys, which both feel sluggish. Is there something different about stabilised keys, or do I just need to reposition the domes and try again?

The other stabilised keys are fine.

Edit: I also put my Realforce back together. I overestimated how compatible the Novatouch domes would be. The entire nav cluster, and the right-hand win/menu/ctrl are non-functional. Do you need to cut the dome sheet from the Novatouch to fit the slightly non-standard layout of the Realforce?

Realizing more and more what a gaping home my lack of Topre knowledge is. I really should sit down and grill 002.

Alright, I'll go with the center one. Thanks guys!

[shaymdev]

Are there any good cherry clear clones? Specifically any with the transparent casing?
I know Gateron clears are just linear 35g... I'm looking for the bigger tactile bump that the cherry clear offers.

[azhdar]

Are there any good cherry clear clones? Specifically any with the transparent casing?
I know Gateron clears are just linear 35g... I'm looking for the bigger tactile bump that the cherry clear offers.

Gateron sadly doesn't offer a mx clear alternative.

Their browns are quite similar to the mx browns.

[shaymdev]

Are there any good cherry clear clones? Specifically any with the transparent casing?
I know Gateron clears are just linear 35g... I'm looking for the bigger tactile bump that the cherry clear offers.

Gateron sadly doesn't offer a mx clear alternative.

Their browns are quite similar to the mx browns.

What about the other switch makers?

[iamtootallforthis]

Are there any good cherry clear clones? Specifically any with the transparent casing?
I know Gateron clears are just linear 35g... I'm looking for the bigger tactile bump that the cherry clear offers.

Gateron sadly doesn't offer a mx clear alternative.

Their browns are quite similar to the mx browns.

What about the other switch makers?

Nothing I have heard of.

[CPTBadAss]

Are there any good cherry clear clones? Specifically any with the transparent casing?
I know Gateron clears are just linear 35g... I'm looking for the bigger tactile bump that the cherry clear offers.

Gateron sadly doesn't offer a mx clear alternative.

Their browns are quite similar to the mx browns.

What about the other switch makers?

I thought the Gateron Browns felt like MX Clears personally. Kailh Browns kind of reminded me of ergo-clears. I tried a random Taobao pink stem that was supposed to be like MX clears. But it was garbage.

[Blaise170]

I thought the Gateron Browns felt like MX Clears personally. Kailh Browns kind of reminded me of ergo-clears. I tried a random Taobao pink stem that was supposed to be like MX clears. But it was garbage.

Got a link for those pink switches?

[CPTBadAss]

I thought the Gateron Browns felt like MX Clears personally. Kailh Browns kind of reminded me of ergo-clears. I tried a random Taobao pink stem that was supposed to be like MX clears. But it was garbage.

Got a link for those pink switches?

I don't. Nubbinator would know.

[shaymdev]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the 5x5 matrix. Is there any functional difference with where I connect the column? Below are two examples, rows in red, columns in blue. The left inner most three keys are a 'row' and need to be connected to the columns.

I've got one example where they all connect to the top of the other columns.

And one example where they connect in random (easy to reach) parts of the column.

So is there any difference in function? Will they both be programmed the exact same way?

[CPTBadAss]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the 5x5 matrix. Is there any functional difference with where I connect the column? Below are two examples, rows in red, columns in blue. The left inner most three keys are a 'row' and need to be connected to the columns.

I've got one example where they all connect to the top of the other columns. (Attachment Link)

And one example where they connect in random (easy to reach) parts of the column. (Attachment Link)

So is there any difference in function? Will they both be programmed the exact same way?

Your pictures didn't work

[shaymdev]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the 5x5 matrix. Is there any functional difference with where I connect the column? Below are two examples, rows in red, columns in blue. The left inner most three keys are a 'row' and need to be connected to the columns.

I've got one example where they all connect to the top of the other columns. (Attachment Link)

And one example where they connect in random (easy to reach) parts of the column. (Attachment Link)

So is there any difference in function? Will they both be programmed the exact same way?

Your pictures didn't work

Edited post. Now did they?

[user 18]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the 5x5 matrix. Is there any functional difference with where I connect the column? Below are two examples, rows in red, columns in blue. The left inner most three keys are a 'row' and need to be connected to the columns.

I've got one example where they all connect to the top of the other columns. (Attachment Link)

And one example where they connect in random (easy to reach) parts of the column. (Attachment Link)

So is there any difference in function? Will they both be programmed the exact same way?

Your pictures didn't work

Edited post. Now did they?

Works for me.

Those appear to be the same electrically. It may actually be easier in terms of cable runs to do the first option, that way you don't need to solder a T-joint. The software only cares about the intersection of a row and a column, it doesn't care about the relationship between different switches in the same column. However, it will make a functional difference how you connect your diodes, if you use them.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the 5x5 matrix. Is there any functional difference with where I connect the column? Below are two examples, rows in red, columns in blue. The left inner most three keys are a 'row' and need to be connected to the columns.

I've got one example where they all connect to the top of the other columns. (Attachment Link)

And one example where they connect in random (easy to reach) parts of the column. (Attachment Link)

So is there any difference in function? Will they both be programmed the exact same way?

Your pictures didn't work

Edited post. Now did they?

Looks like you're just routing the cables in two different ways? Seems like it doesn't matter how you route the wires, only how which legs are hooked up.

[shaymdev]

Awesome that's what I was thinking but I wanted to make sure. Now I can hopefully make the wiring somewhat tidy.

[BlueNalgene]

I'm messing with a Model M, and I can't tell if my problems are hardware or software.

When you plug in your Model M, what happens?

When this one gets power, all three lock LEDs come on, then shut off after ~1s.  When I try to type, nothing.  When I press one of the lock buttons, none of the lights change.


edit: It was a firmware problem.  No longer a Simple Question(tm), moving this to a different thread.

[fohat.digs]

PS/2 keyboards need to be discovered at boot-up.

Hot-plugging won't work.

[njbair]

PS/2 keyboards need to be discovered at boot-up.

Hot-plugging won't work.

And it's always worth mentioning that it's also dangerous to your PC and keyboard.

Unless you have a USB-to-PS2 adapter. Those are hotplug safe and seem to work fine after boot.

[Snarfangel]

I recently purchased a Maltron 2-handed keyboard, and Soarer's converter from Orihalcon. Everything is working well (I'm using it right now to type on), but I would like to reprogram the layout extensively. Reassigning letters is easy enough, but  would like to split some of the punctuation (like moving the ' and " to two completely separate unshifted keys), and move the number keys up one row to the current function keys. Finally, I would like to make F1-F10 available by shift+number (F10 would be shift-0). Here is a picture to illustrate what it looks like currently on the left side of the keyboard:


I think my problem is that I'm not sure whether shift is treated like a function that accesses a different layer (which would make lower case letters, functions, some punctuation, and numbers on one layer, and upper case letters and most punctuation as a different layer), or if it acts as a macro trigger, or maybe something else entirely. I would like to use the most elegant solution, so if anyone can point me to code (even a single example!) that shows how to accomplish A) Moving shifted punctuation to another unshifted key, and B) Making a function key (say, F1) a shift+number setting, I would be very thankful!

Hope that's simple enough. Thanks!