Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[apolotary]

What PS2 to USB converter should I buy?

I bought such a converter only once, but I'm pretty sure you gotta look for active converters, i.e. the one that actually translates you keyboard's signals from PS/2 to USB instead of just rewiring them. I used this small guide when I got mine: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/124184

[Bucake]

can Alps SKCM Cream Damped somehow be mixed with Alps SKCL Green, to create dampened green alps..?

because i don't like the tactility of alps switches at all, but i do dig that mild dampening that the cream damped have...

[tofgerl]

Is there still no source for 55g Topre springs? Outside of other Topre keyboards, that is.

[CPTBadAss]

Desoldered almost all switches off my v60, but it seems like there's still something that sticks top plate to the PCB. What could it be? Cherry-style stabilisers?

Could you take a picture?

What PS2 to USB converter should I buy?

I like the ones from TechKeys.us.

can Alps SKCM Cream Damped somehow be mixed with Alps SKCL Green, to create dampened green alps..?

because i don't like the tactility of alps switches at all, but i do dig that mild dampening that the cream damped have...

Yes. Or you could just remove the leaf that makes the cream Alps have the tactility. That would be much easier.

Is there still no source for 55g Topre springs? Outside of other Topre keyboards, that is.

Not that I know of, no.

[bcredbottle]

Desoldered almost all switches off my v60, but it seems like there's still something that sticks top plate to the PCB. What could it be? Cherry-style stabilisers?

Wait, almost? If you haven't desoldered every single switch, the plate and PCB cannot separate...Or am I missing something?

[HoffmanMyster]

Is there still no source for 55g Topre springs? Outside of other Topre keyboards, that is.

Do you mean 55g Topre domes?  The springs don't vary across the different weighted models, just the domes.  To answer the question, no. 

[tofgerl]

Whatever it is. As long as I can't change it there's no reason to learn how ☺

[Blaise170]

What PS2 to USB converter should I buy?

I bought several of these and they work great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I97N1M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[apolotary]

Desoldered almost all switches off my v60, but it seems like there's still something that sticks top plate to the PCB. What could it be? Cherry-style stabilisers?

Could you take a picture?

Sorry I have only one before desoldering, but I'll take another shot tomorrow

[quochung1989]

Great guys. Thanks for supporting

[asgeirtj]

I'm installing my zealios on a plate mounted board, it is a little hard to keep them on the plate while trying to push from under in order to make the nibs go into the pcb, I'm wondering if I'm doing it wrong?  Is installing pcb mounted switches to a plate generally a hassle?  I think I might be better off just clipping them...

[SpAmRaY]

I'm installing my zealios on a plate mounted board, it is a little hard to keep them on the plate while trying to push from under in order to make the nibs go into the pcb, I'm wondering if I'm doing it wrong?  Is installing pcb mounted switches to a plate generally a hassle?  I think I might be better off just clipping them...

What PCB are you using? Some PCB's have a slightly smaller hole for the legs and you have to use a little more force to get the gateron switches in.

Zeal's post about that

The plate arrived and I learned how to solder. Beautiful switches - a pleasure to work with. The new gateron mold for the tops is great (I've only had experience with the ones that had that catching issue). PCB mount pins are a bit tight on my FaceW but not a big deal. Only vexing issue I had was with the space bar switch which stuck a bit - bit of lube fixed it right up.

Great stuff, Zeal!

Show Image

Thanks for sharing! Winkeyless/Sprit PCBs have a slightly smaller PCB mount hole meant for Cherry switches, so that's why they feel tighter. On other boards with "standard" holes, they fit in perfectly snug.

[jonathanyu]

What is the first artisan keycap?

[Blaise170]

What is the first artisan keycap?

I guess that depends on your definition. You could argue that the old skull key from this is an artisan, which would completely change the answer.

[jonathanyu]

What is the first artisan keycap?

I guess that depends on your definition. You could argue that the old skull key from this is an artisan, which would completely change the answer.

Show Image

I mean artisan keycaps like cc or bb, sorry for the confusion

[rowdy]

What PS2 to USB converter should I buy?

I have used these to successfully connect all sorts of keyboards to a Mac.

[quochung1989]

Yes. I bought one too. I'm waiting it.

[CPTBadAss]

What is the first artisan keycap?

Again, depends on your definition. I'm sure there were DIY projects where people made their own caps to fit projects kinda like what kurplop does on his boards. A DIY novelty cap though? I'd guess Clacks but I don't really know for sure.

[MrhandSlap]

Does a left handed version of the MX 3.0 key exist? Or is there a way to make one ?

Key points of interest
- Mx Cherry Red switches
- No metal hinges, all switches
- Low profile keys
- Arrow keys and numpad on left side.

[SpAmRaY]

Does a left handed version of the MX 3.0 key exist? Or is there a way to make one ?

Key points of interest
- Mx Cherry Red switches
- No metal hinges, all switches
- Low profile keys
- Arrow keys and numpad on left side.

The simple answer is No.

However almost anything is possible given enough interest and determination.

[Vozella]

Is there a list of keyboards that have Gateron Purple Zealio switches? Preferably anything under 100% size.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a list of keyboards that have Gateron Purple Zealio switches? Preferably anything under 100% size.

They're only offered as an aftermarket switch. They probably won't be included in any stock boards. I bet zeal will do bundles with customs like drhubblephd's board but nothing you could get from say mk.com

[Vozella]

Is there a list of keyboards that have Gateron Purple Zealio switches? Preferably anything under 100% size.

They're only offered as an aftermarket switch. They probably won't be included in any stock boards. I bet zeal will do bundles with customs like drhubblephd's board but nothing you could get from say mk.com

Alright. Thanks.

[Vozella]

What type of LEDs are the ones that go on to the MX Cherry switches and where can I buy them? I'm looking for white one's.

[azhdar]

What type of LEDs are the ones that go on to the MX Cherry switches and where can I buy them? I'm looking for white one's.

Check FAQ in OP, there's plenty of info, reseller depends on your location.

[CPTBadAss]

What type of LEDs are the ones that go on to the MX Cherry switches and where can I buy them? I'm looking for white one's.

This question is covered in the OP.

[SamFlynn]

Does a left handed version of the MX 3.0 key exist? Or is there a way to make one ?

Key points of interest
- Mx Cherry Red switches
- No metal hinges, all switches
- Low profile keys
- Arrow keys and numpad on left side.

Full keyboard inversion. Brain remap for keyplace would be challenging, but the tricky part will be hitting the spacebar quickly while typing. 

[Bucake]

can Alps SKCM Cream Damped somehow be mixed with Alps SKCL Green, to create dampened green alps..?

because i don't like the tactility of alps switches at all, but i do dig that mild dampening that the cream damped have...

Yes. Or you could just remove the leaf that makes the cream Alps have the tactility. That would be much easier.

didn't realize that the leaf had no purpose besides offer tactility. i figured it also contributed to holding the switch together or something.. not really sure why i even thought so

thanks!

[tofgerl]

I'm currently slowly but surely getting the stuff together for 5 60% keyboards. Work, Home, Extra and possibly two I'll end up either selling or giving away to friends. No idea how I ended up with parts for five keyboards on the way, it just happened that way...

Anywho, I don't have any of the PCBs yet, but I have three plates of two different makes, and one case, and neither of the plates will stick to the case due to the heads of the M2 screws being FAR smaller than the holes in the plates. From this I assume that I'm meant to screw the PCB to the case and just let the switches take care of making the plate and PCB stick together, which makes sense.

Am I making an ass out of u and i both, or is this how it's meant to be?

[CommonCurt]

Anywho, I don't have any of the PCBs yet, but I have three plates of two different makes, and one case, and neither of the plates will stick to the case due to the heads of the M2 screws being FAR smaller than the holes in the plates. From this I assume that I'm meant to screw the PCB to the case and just let the switches take care of making the plate and PCB stick together, which makes sense.

Am I making an ass out of u and i both, or is this how it's meant to be?

Yes you are correct.  You screw the PCB to the case which will then hold everything down since the plate will be attached to the PCB.

[tofgerl]

Yes you are correct.  You screw the PCB to the case which will then hold everything down since the plate will be attached to the PCB.

Thanks. Then I don't need to look into getting M2 washers.

[CommonCurt]

Yes you are correct.  You screw the PCB to the case which will then hold everything down since the plate will be attached to the PCB.

Thanks. Then I don't need to look into getting M2 washers.

You can, but there is no need if the screws are holding the plate/pcb to the case securely.

[tofgerl]

Well, that remains to be seen. Hopefully early next week 😊

[CommonCurt]

Well, that remains to be seen. Hopefully early next week 😊

You should be fine with just the screws that come with the case.  I've never had to use washers with the screws that came with any of my 60% cases.

[Vozella]

http://zealpc.net/collections/switches/products/zealio
Are these switches for the PCB or for the plate?

[CPTBadAss]

http://zealpc.net/collections/switches/products/zealio
Are these switches for the PCB or for the plate?

They're PCB mount. You can see the legs in this picture from that page.

[asgeirtj]

http://www.bhiner.com/taobao-agent/521491671138

This is a enjoypbt set, anyone have experience with them?  I selected engraved black that's black on black right?  Are these as smooth as bsp?  Are these as good/smooth as ivan's pbt gb's which I gather are vortex?

[CPTBadAss]

http://www.bhiner.com/taobao-agent/521491671138

This is a enjoypbt set, anyone have experience with them?  I selected engraved black that's black on black right?  Are these as smooth as bsp?  Are these as good/smooth as ivan's pbt gb's which I gather are vortex?

I have no experience with these but if they're engraved and not infilled, I don't seen how they'd feel as smooth as BSP.

[asgeirtj]

http://www.bhiner.com/taobao-agent/521491671138

This is a enjoypbt set, anyone have experience with them?  I selected engraved black that's black on black right?  Are these as smooth as bsp?  Are these as good/smooth as ivan's pbt gb's which I gather are vortex?

I have no experience with these but if they're engraved and not infilled, I don't seen how they'd feel as smooth as BSP.

I was under the impression that they were dyesubbed, and this engraved thing was just an tabao translation engrish.

[CPTBadAss]

I was under the impression that they were dyesubbed, and this engraved thing was just an tabao translation engrish.

I have no idea.

http://www.bhiner.com/taobao-agent/521491671138

This is a enjoypbt set, anyone have experience with them?  I selected engraved black that's black on black right?  Are these as smooth as bsp?  Are these as good/smooth as ivan's pbt gb's which I gather are vortex?

A quick search pops these threads up:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67302.msg1770914#msg1770914
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35864.msg1807434#msg1807434
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg1822643#msg1822643

If these posts are correct and they're caps made by Gateron, here's a review from infiniti:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71690.0

And here's some Gateron dyesub cap links that I found really fast:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74180.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74163.0

Again, I have no personal experience with the caps nor do I know what you bought.

[Eugene45]

Has someone an archive of https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=4992.0 by any chance ?

[CPTBadAss]

Has someone an archive of https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=4992.0 by any chance ?

I tried using Archive.org but it's not saved there .

[E3E]

Is retrobrite harmful to PBT or Dye-sublimed ink? I'm wondering if it'd be a bad idea to retrobrite my Dell AT101 (US FCC ID) caps. Don't want to ruin anything.

[Melvang]

Is retrobrite harmful to PBT or Dye-sublimed ink? I'm wondering if it'd be a bad idea to retrobrite my Dell AT101 (US FCC ID) caps. Don't want to ruin anything.

I don't thing so, but then I don't know of any case where you would need to.  PBT doesn't yellow like ABS does.  Though II have been wrong before.

[alienman82]

removed.

[E3E]

Is retrobrite harmful to PBT or Dye-sublimed ink? I'm wondering if it'd be a bad idea to retrobrite my Dell AT101 (US FCC ID) caps. Don't want to ruin anything.

I don't thing so, but then I don't know of any case where you would need to.  PBT doesn't yellow like ABS does.  Though II have been wrong before.

I agree. My desko pbt is white vs. yellow abs in there.

Thank you, good sirs. Well, having retrobrited another set of (ABS) caps from a vintage board, they're a very bright, pretty white. My AEK and these AT101 caps aren't as white as they are.  It's not necessary though, but if it wouldn't hurt, then I'd give it a go. If these can brighten up the way ABS can, that'd be amazing, but this might just be the natural color.

[fohat.digs]

PBT doesn't yellow like ABS does.  Though I have been wrong before.

Are you sure that these are PBT? The vast majority of AT101s that I have owned (quite a few) had ABS.

The acetone test is the easy way to tell in 2 seconds.

[E3E]

PBT doesn't yellow like ABS does.  Though I have been wrong before.

Are you sure that these are PBT? The vast majority of AT101s that I have owned (quite a few) had ABS.

The acetone test is the easy way to tell in 2 seconds.

Yes, they aren't nasty smoker yellowed, just not glaring white dwarf white. It's said that PBT can yellow, just not anywhere near as fast as ABS.

This is the original US-made AT101 with Salmon Alps, not the sort made by Silitek.  I just finished with an acetone test and the paint brush's laquer melted before anything on the cap did. No degradation at all.

[fohat.digs]

Yes, they aren't nasty smoker yellowed, just not glaring white dwarf white.

My Dells have pearl/pebble-like coloring that is darker and duller than its IBM counterparts.

Let us know how it works. Retro-brite has always been unpredictable and hit-or-miss for me.
 

[swill]

This may be a stupid question, but here goes.  I see that other people have run polls, but I don't see how to do that.  Is it only Mods who can create polls or am I able to as well?

For my pm_search tool, I am curious how many people use labels for their PMs.  Ideally I would be able to create a poll in that thread to collect that info to better guide if that is actually a feature I should try to address in the tool.