Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[katushkin]

Does the model number of Model Ms/SSKs change depending on year?

AFAIK the model numbers denote the legend configuration and type of interface (PS/2 or terminal), not the date the board was made.

EDIT: http://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Enhanced_Keyboard#Noteworthy_part_numbers

OK, cool, thanks.

[heedpantsnow]

Anyone know if puple LEDs with no (or very minimal) light outside of the visible spectrum (UV) exist somewhere? All that I've found are Purple+UV.

I have looked high and low and cannot find any.  And at least for cheap LED's, purple and uv seem to be used interchangeably since they are close on the spectrum. Chinese say "差不多".  I don't agree

I also do not think there are purple LEDs which aren't UV LEDs.

So I was just doing a bit more research about it and found a forum where some rave DJ's were saying that they are starting to move back toward fluorescent bulb black lights because the LED black lights can only make some things fluoresce (sp?) where the old school ones can make it all glow. But they're hotter and not as bright as the LED ones. The things that do glow under UV LED's glow brighter though. :shrug:

[lucas]

I've searched the forum and can't figure this out...

Where can I get three replacement switches for my Filco Zero (Fukka White) keyboard?

Know anyone who might even do the soldering/repair for me as well?

Thanks so much! <3 lr

[CPTBadAss]

I've searched the forum and can't figure this out...

Where can I get three replacement switches for my Filco Zero (Fukka White) keyboard?

Know anyone who might even do the soldering/repair for me as well?

Thanks so much! <3 lr

MK.com might have some simplified White Alps aka Fukka Whites. It might be easier to find Matias Clicks though. LastPilot and sethk are builders in the USA that you can contact to see if they'll do the work for you.

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

Does the stock KMAC 2 pcb/plate support an offset spacebar?  Or would I have to buy another pcb for that?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59056.0

From, those pictures, I'd say no

[heedpantsnow]

Does CPTBadAss ever sleep?

[Halverson]

Does CPTBadAss ever sleep?

I dunno BUT.....he sees YOU while you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake...

[heedpantsnow]

Does CPTBadAss ever sleep?

I dunno BUT.....he sees YOU while you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake...

You do know that sharks are perpetually on the naughty list, right?

[Halverson]

Does CPTBadAss ever sleep?

I dunno BUT.....he sees YOU while you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake...

You do know that sharks are perpetually on the naughty list, right?

And that's how I like it

[alienman82]

removed.

[Dark_wizzie]

Steel or aluminum backplate for Kmac 2?

I think steel will be more rigid while aluminum will look better.

HALP ME DECIDEEEE 

[Eugene45]

Steel

Any good keycap puller who can be bought in EU ? Or from another country but not with like 20 dollars shipping ?

What is a fair price for a Model M ?

[CPTBadAss]

Steel or aluminum backplate for Kmac 2?

I think steel will be more rigid while aluminum will look better.

HALP ME DECIDEEEE 

Steel

Agreed. I like steel plates over aluminum. They're more rigid.

1) Any good keycap puller who can be bought in EU ? Or from another country but not with like 20 dollars shipping ?

2) What is a fair price for a Model M ?

1) I'm not sure about EU keycap pullers. You could always ask someone on the forum to help proxy one to you from the USA though.

2) I'd be comfortable paying $20-30 tops. But you can find them for cheaper. I've picked some up for $2 from e-waste recyclers.

[Eugene45]

Ok design is pretty simple, will take the time to craft one, not worth the price + shipping here.

Thx captain.

[Hzza]

UKKeycaps sells keypullers (as well as other bits) from the UK.

http://ukkeycaps.bigcartel.com/product/ring-key-puller

The Keyboard Co also sell the Filco keypullers if you wanted a wire one (and a large shipping bill...).

As for the plates, I prefer aluminium as I find steel a bit too hard/harsh. My personal preference is no plate though.

[apolotary]

Where can I buy a 60% acrylic case?

[BobBobFSGG]

What's the latest status on the situation with Alps aftermarket keycaps? I didn't quite keep up with it, are there any progress?

Was there any Korean or other customs with Alps support? I remember Duck having a couple of boards with optional Alps support, other than that...

[wlhlm]

What's the latest status on the situation with Alps aftermarket keycaps? I didn't quite keep up with it, are there any progress?

Was there any Korean or other customs with Alps support? I remember Duck having a couple of boards with optional Alps support, other than that...

There was a drop recently for Alps doubleshot caps.

[CPTBadAss]

Where can I buy a 60% acrylic case?

I'm not sure stateside but UKKeycaps seems to have some. I think they're sourced from TaoBao. MK.com should have the TEX acrylic case too.

1) What's the latest status on the situation with Alps aftermarket keycaps? I didn't quite keep up with it, are there any progress?

2) Was there any Korean or other customs with Alps support? I remember Duck having a couple of boards with optional Alps support, other than that...

There was a drop recently for Alps doubleshot caps.

1) Besides the Massdrop caps, Badwrench ran a modifier set and Matias now has lasered ABS Alps caps and stabilizers for sale on their site.

2) Kingsaver
    Duck Mini V1
    Duck Mini V2
    Duck Orion and Viper
    Leeku 1800 and 3000 PCBs
    KBParadise V60 and V80. Pretty sure the V60 PCB/Plate will drop into Poker style cases.

[wlhlm]

Where can I buy a 60% acrylic case?

I'm not sure stateside but UKKeycaps seems to have some. I think they're sourced from TaoBao.

1) What's the latest status on the situation with Alps aftermarket keycaps? I didn't quite keep up with it, are there any progress?

2) Was there any Korean or other customs with Alps support? I remember Duck having a couple of boards with optional Alps support, other than that...

There was a drop recently for Alps doubleshot caps.

1) Besides the Massdrop caps, Badwrench ran a modifier set and Matias now has lasered ABS Alps caps and stabilizers for sale on their site.

2) Kingsaver
    Duck Mini V1
    Duck Mini V2
    Duck Orion and Viper
    Leeku 1800 and 3000 PCBs
    KBParadise V60 and V80. Pretty sure the V60 PCB/Plate will drop into Poker style cases.

Nice list! I want add Duck Orion V2

Also, didn't Filco and Ducky make some Alps boards?

[CPTBadAss]

Nice list! I want add Duck Orion V2

Also, didn't Filco and Ducky make some Alps boards?

Ooo good call on the Orion V2.

And yes there's the Filco Zero and the Ducky 1087XM. The Zero is hard to come by and I think the V80 is a great substitute for it. The Ducky 1087XM is possibly the worst keyboard I've ever purchased. It's laughably low quality in my opinion. I generally don't recommend hunting for one when there's other options.

Think Newegg had a bunch of Clicker keyboards which had Alps-mount clones as well but I don't recall the models off the top of my head.

[nickheller]

Is there a current place to buy a JD40 keyboard from, or should I look on the classifieds?

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a current place to buy a JD40 keyboard from, or should I look on the classifieds?

I thought CTRL ALT had them in stock. Could check there but I may be mistaken. Otherwise I'm not sure anyone else has them. Or maybe jdcarpe has a few on hand he could sell you?

[nickheller]

Is there a current place to buy a JD40 keyboard from, or should I look on the classifieds?

I thought CTRL ALT had them in stock. Could check there but I may be mistaken. Otherwise I'm not sure anyone else has them. Or maybe jdcarpe has a few on hand he could sell you?

The CTRL ALT store is currently closed, but maybe they will have some when it re opens.

[Eugene45]

UKKeycaps sells keypullers (as well as other bits) from the UK.

http://ukkeycaps.bigcartel.com/product/ring-key-puller

The Keyboard Co also sell the Filco keypullers if you wanted a wire one (and a large shipping bill...).

As for the plates, I prefer aluminium as I find steel a bit too hard/harsh. My personal preference is no plate though.

Oh EU shipping is £8

[Cicada88]

I was playing a computer game on my HHKB that requires FN + Up Arrow.  How do I function + Up Arrow on a HHKB?

[CPTBadAss]

I was playing a computer game on my HHKB that requires FN + Up Arrow.  How do I function + Up Arrow on a HHKB?

Function and open bracket [ would make an up arrow. I don't think you can do function and up arrow though unless you've got Hasu's controller. I'm not 100% sure though.

[kennardsmith]

I was playing a computer game on my HHKB that requires FN + Up Arrow.  How do I function + Up Arrow on a HHKB?

If that somehow is "Page Up", Fn + L should do it.

[Eugene45]

So, have a pretty good list on what to follow / watch out on local market, but my list dont include numeric keypad.

Any oldschool model that you must follow / have a look on ?

Thanks

[CPTBadAss]

So, have a pretty good list on what to follow / watch out on local market, but my list dont include numeric keypad.

Any oldschool model that you must follow / have a look on ?

Thanks

Most people who are into numpads seem to like the cherry g80-3700 or Topre 23UB. There's an IBM numpad that looks cool. But to me, there's no numpad that stands out.

[Eugene45]

Okay, my list is now longer.

7 days from following local craiglist, nothing who shine, that is going to be long.

[CPTBadAss]

Okay, my list is now longer.

7 days from following local craiglist, nothing who shine, that is going to be long.

LOL. If you think 7 days is a long wait you're in for a rude awakening. It took me years to track down some of the keyboards I own. This place will teach you patience.

[HoffmanMyster]

So, have a pretty good list on what to follow / watch out on local market, but my list dont include numeric keypad.

Any oldschool model that you must follow / have a look on ?

Thanks

Most people who are into numpads seem to like the cherry g80-3700 or Topre 23UB. There's an IBM numpad that looks cool. But to me, there's no numpad that stands out.

FYI, you'll also want to look for Realforce 23U (white version).  The B denotes the black version, and for whatever reason people tend to use 23UB when referring to a generic (undefined) version of that numpad.

Cherry G80-3700 is great.  I'm pretty sure they've all got MX Black switches by default, so if that bothers you be prepared to swap them.

And as CPTBadAss said, 7 days is nothing. 

[azhdar]

So, have a pretty good list on what to follow / watch out on local market, but my list dont include numeric keypad.

Any oldschool model that you must follow / have a look on ?

Thanks

Most people who are into numpads seem to like the cherry g80-3700 or Topre 23UB. There's an IBM numpad that looks cool. But to me, there's no numpad that stands out.

FYI, you'll also want to look for Realforce 23U (white version).  The B denotes the black version, and for whatever reason people tend to use 23UB when referring to a generic (undefined) version of that numpad.

Cherry G80-3700 is great.  I'm pretty sure they've all got MX Black switches by default, so if that bothers you be prepared to swap them.

And as CPTBadAss said, 7 days is nothing. 

TIL about the Topre B letter.

[Hzza]

Qtronix do a pretty cool extended numpad with Aristotle (clone Cherry) switches.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Qtronix_QX-032

There's also the G80-5700 which was the companion board to the G80-5000 but they're like hens-teeth rare and practically are less useful than the 3700 to boot. It's more of a collectors item than something you're likely to get any real use out of.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-5700

edit - Oh, and if you're a masochist there's the numpad for the Apple Adjustable keyboard as well.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Adjustable_Keyboard

[apolotary]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

[Eugene45]

Okay, yeah 7 days is nothing, pretty sure atleast most find could be on garage sale, but season is already over here.
I got something, but yeah was pretty dumb, got a hit on a NMB tech, exchange with seller did go great all that, well its in the mail now, only problem, in all our mail exchange not one time i ask the seller about model number, seller says it's mechanical in all our mail so hope i wasnt fooled.

But yeah prety dumb, hope it turn great out

Thanks all, the list goes up and the love / motivation for the find grow haha .

[CPTBadAss]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

[apolotary]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

It's a bit weird, I bought a Realforce 86U in used condition for roughly $60 today. It's almost fine, except it seems like the previous owner broke the Esc keycap, tried to unscrew the case and take the slider out, but eventually decided to quit and put it up on an auction. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/Z6VgK

To me it seems like a simple cleanup and maintenance job, so I'm getting it next week in the mail and looking for replacement parts.

I wonder if it's a good idea to ask matt3o for a spare slider. The shapeways store charge me $20 for shipping, an unacceptable price in my opinion.

[user 18]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

It's a bit weird, I bought a Realforce 86U in used condition for roughly $60 today. It's almost fine, except it seems like the previous owner broke the Esc keycap, tried to unscrew the case and take the slider out, but eventually decided to quit and put it up on an auction. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/Z6VgK

To me it seems like a simple cleanup and maintenance job, so I'm getting it next week in the mail and looking for replacement parts.

I wonder if it's a good idea to ask matt3o for a spare slider. The shapeways store charge me $20 for shipping, an unacceptable price in my opinion.

Throw something up on classifieds, it's possible that someone will have extra topre sliders from doing a swap to MX-compatible sliders.

[apolotary]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

It's a bit weird, I bought a Realforce 86U in used condition for roughly $60 today. It's almost fine, except it seems like the previous owner broke the Esc keycap, tried to unscrew the case and take the slider out, but eventually decided to quit and put it up on an auction. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/Z6VgK

To me it seems like a simple cleanup and maintenance job, so I'm getting it next week in the mail and looking for replacement parts.

I wonder if it's a good idea to ask matt3o for a spare slider. The shapeways store charge me $20 for shipping, an unacceptable price in my opinion.

Throw something up on classifieds, it's possible that someone will have extra topre sliders from doing a swap to MX-compatible sliders.

I'm a relatively new user, so I can't post threads on classifieds at least for a week. That's why I'm asking here 

[SpAmRaY]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

It's a bit weird, I bought a Realforce 86U in used condition for roughly $60 today. It's almost fine, except it seems like the previous owner broke the Esc keycap, tried to unscrew the case and take the slider out, but eventually decided to quit and put it up on an auction. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/Z6VgK

To me it seems like a simple cleanup and maintenance job, so I'm getting it next week in the mail and looking for replacement parts.

I wonder if it's a good idea to ask matt3o for a spare slider. The shapeways store charge me $20 for shipping, an unacceptable price in my opinion.

From your photo it looks like the stem of the escape key was just broken off inside the slider barrel it may be possible to just remove that piece of stem and then everything work like it should. You should be able to find a replacement red escape key to fill that spot.

[apolotary]

Where can I buy a couple of Topre sliders? Need to replace a jammed slider on the Realforce.

Um...they're not a regular thing you can grab AFAIK. You can get them printed on Shapeways, see if someone is selling Novatouch sliders, or wait for JTK sliders to come out.

But have you tried taking the keyboard apart to see if it's just an alignment issue?

It's a bit weird, I bought a Realforce 86U in used condition for roughly $60 today. It's almost fine, except it seems like the previous owner broke the Esc keycap, tried to unscrew the case and take the slider out, but eventually decided to quit and put it up on an auction. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/Z6VgK

To me it seems like a simple cleanup and maintenance job, so I'm getting it next week in the mail and looking for replacement parts.

I wonder if it's a good idea to ask matt3o for a spare slider. The shapeways store charge me $20 for shipping, an unacceptable price in my opinion.

From your photo it looks like the stem of the escape key was just broken off inside the slider barrel it may be possible to just remove that piece of stem and then everything work like it should. You should be able to find a replacement red escape key also to fill that spot.

Yeah I hope so too! But if the previous owner couldn't get it out, it's probably stuck for good

[Blaise170]

Yeah I hope so too! But if the previous owner couldn't get it out, it's probably stuck for good

You'd be surprised how easy some fixes are.

[Ludovician]

OK, this is something that's probably really obvious but I haven't done this before.

I've desoldered the switches in my new KBP V80MTS. 2 pins per switch. I'm not sure how to get the plate off, this is the first keyboard I've tried to desolder all the switches from.

Do I need to try to line them up and pull the plate off straight? Does this require that every single pin has been perfectly desoldered? Is there an easy way to tell if I've missed a bit of solder which is causing a problem? (Note that I have quite bad eyesight.)

Does anyone have any general tips for this kind of thing?

This really would have been easier if it had been delivered as parts  )

Edit: Never mind, it doesn't look like I need to take off the plate as I can pull the switches out through it. So close to finishing this keyboard and having it usable!

[Blaise170]

You can just pull the switches. I've found Alps to be harder to remove than MX, so you may need to use a spudging tool to get some of them out.

[Ludovician]

Yeah, I'm using a flathead screwdriver. So far I've accidentally broken a pin off 3 of them and I have 16 switches left in the board. Good thing I don't really care about the Matias QL switches.

The 16 remaining switches are still partially soldered on, apparently. Going to need to fix that.

[fohat.digs]

Suck all the solder off, as best you can, and grab them with pliers from the front and pull.

If it is too hard, try to remove more solder. It shouldn't be like pulling teeth, but sometimes seems like it is.

[Zustiur]

What's the best way to remove pad printed labels?