Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[MJ45]

I really like the thocking sound of the HHKB but really don't like the placement of the ctrl key since I game more than I type, any solutions?

Use another keyboard for gaming not a HHKB. I think a TKL with MX linear switches are better suited for the task.

[davkol]

Or use a remapped JIS HHKB.

[Bradley727]

Hi guys I purchased a Realforce Variable weighted keyboard from a business in Australia. I had a look at the back of the keyboard and it is listed as a 'Realforce UW8755' and the model number is 'SE08T0'. The shop I purchased this from was a small business with limited stock. Did they just send me the uniform weighted 55g version? I'm not discerning enough to be able to tell if the keys are variably weighted.

[MJ45]

Hi guys I purchased a Realforce Variable weighted keyboard from a business in Australia. I had a look at the back of the keyboard and it is listed as a 'Realforce UW8755' and the model number is 'SE08T0'. The shop I purchased this from was a small business with limited stock. Did they just send me the uniform weighted 55g version? I'm not discerning enough to be able to tell if the keys are variably weighted.

Yes that seems to be a 55g version, if you like the feel keep it. Most seem to favor the RF 55g uniform myself included.
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless

[Bradley727]

Yes that seems to be a 55g version, if you like the feel keep it. Most seem to favor the RF 55g uniform myself included.
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless

Ahh okay that's good. To be honest I was feeling buyer's remorse over getting a variable weighted keyboard. I have another question, I wanted to purchase blank keycaps and I can't seem to find anything out there. Is there a source for blank white realforce 87U keycaps?

[alienman82]

removed.

[yjt33]

Can someone with poker 3 with LED check something for me.

if the dip switch #3 is on (the one that makes Capslock into FN), will the capslock light be permanently on.

[nephiel]

Is the "charcoal" Gateron blank keyset from UKkeycaps (http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/gateron-thick-pbt-blank-keycaps-iso-ansi) the same color as the "dark" from Shadovved's blanks GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0)?

[CPTBadAss]

 

Is the "charcoal" Gateron blank keyset from UKkeycaps (http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/gateron-thick-pbt-blank-keycaps-iso-ansi) the same color as the "dark" from Shadovved's blanks GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0)?

Wish there was a bigger picture but it looks like they're different.

[user 18]

Is the "charcoal" Gateron blank keyset from UKkeycaps (http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/gateron-thick-pbt-blank-keycaps-iso-ansi) the same color as the "dark" from Shadovved's blanks GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0)?

Wish there was a bigger picture but it looks like they're different.

My guess from those images is that the charcoal is closer in colour to the caps from this GB:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50935.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50935.msg1755037#msg1755037

[nephiel]

Is the "charcoal" Gateron blank keyset from UKkeycaps (http://www.ukkeycaps.co.uk/product/gateron-thick-pbt-blank-keycaps-iso-ansi) the same color as the "dark" from Shadovved's blanks GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0)?

Wish there was a bigger picture but it looks like they're different.

My guess from those images is that the charcoal is closer in colour to the caps from this GB:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50935.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50935.msg1755037#msg1755037

That's what I thought at first, but wasn't 100% sure.
Thanks.

[joey]

Can someone just sanity check the 1800 layout here: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2e885a5c0661e60169a637bd218ddd54 (not the legends, but physical key placement)

[suicidal_orange]

Can someone just sanity check the 1800 layout here: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2e885a5c0661e60169a637bd218ddd54 (not the legends, but physical key placement)

Probably intentional but you've got a 2u + key and your bottom row is not authentic 1800, it should be 1.5, 1.5, 7, 1.5, 1.5 or 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 1, 1, 1.

Your layout will fit in a standard 1800 case and has better keycap options though, if that's what you were going for

[joey]

Can someone just sanity check the 1800 layout here: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2e885a5c0661e60169a637bd218ddd54 (not the legends, but physical key placement)

Probably intentional but you've got a 2u + key and your bottom row is not authentic 1800, it should be 1.5, 1.5, 7, 1.5, 1.5 or 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 1, 1, 1.

Your layout will fit in a standard 1800 case and has better keycap options though, if that's what you were going for

I just meant the spacing of the arrow keys and function row etc! But thanks, I guess you answered yes to that.

[SpAmRaY]

Can anyone who is familiar with the leeku 3000 pcb let me know if you have to cut out the piece(s) pictured below to fit into the g81-3000 case?? I'm fairly certain that is what is supposed to be done but I haven't found any information that says for certain.

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

Can anyone who is familiar with the leeku 3000 pcb let me know if you have to cut out the piece(s) pictured below to fit into the g81-3000 case?? I'm fairly certain that is what is supposed to be done but I haven't found any information that says for certain.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I'm not sure, but are you planning to replace that 1.5u control key on the right?  Are those gateron blacks?  Looks nice Spamray! 

Yeah it was super late last night when I was putting the bottom row on haha. :facepalm:

And it's a mix of gateron switches, I just wanted to get it built so I used what I had lying around.

[fi0x]

Are Cherry and Costar Stabilizers interchangeable? Or is it dependent on the PCB and plate? If so, how would I know?

[SpAmRaY]

Are Cherry and Costar Stabilizers interchangeable? Or is it dependent on the PCB and plate? If so, how would I know?

No they are not interchangeable and costar are plate mount only. There have been a few aftermarket plates with cutouts that could use both but typically you only have the choice of one or the other.

[Photekq]

Can anyone who is familiar with the leeku 3000 pcb let me know if you have to cut out the piece(s) pictured below to fit into the g81-3000 case?? I'm fairly certain that is what is supposed to be done but I haven't found any information that says for certain.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I definitely didn't need to, but that was for an older winkeyless case. I've never used a leeku with a newer one like yours. It looks like you will either need to mod the case or cut away those parts on the PCB.

[leeku]

ok this is a latest type of cherry case.
( ) shape is exactly for this.
REMOVE THE PART OF ( ) TO FIT THIS KIND OF CASE

[SpAmRaY]

ok this is a latest type of cherry case.
( ) shape is exactly for this.
REMOVE THE PART OF ( ) TO FIT THIS KIND OF CASE

Awesome! Thank you so much leeku and thanks for the wonderful PCB's

[jonathanyu]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

[CommonCurt]

Has anyone had any problems with the Lock LEDs (CapsLock/ScrollLock) not working on your just assembled KMAC2?

I used new LEDs that I got from Sprits GB a while ago.  They are probably a little over a year old.

I haven't tried to re-flash the firmware yet as I don't need to change the layout.

[rowdy]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

http://www.amazon.com/Realforce-87U-Tenkeyless-55g-Black/dp/B00MV84Y2Y

Amazon suggests 2.6 pounds (with shipping weight 3.3 pounds).

[jonathanyu]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

http://www.amazon.com/Realforce-87U-Tenkeyless-55g-Black/dp/B00MV84Y2Y

Amazon suggests 2.6 pounds (with shipping weight 3.3 pounds).

Thanks!
thinking about getting a realforce to carry around.. but it seems to heavy, i guess i will stick with my dell rubber dome than 

[rowdy]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

http://www.amazon.com/Realforce-87U-Tenkeyless-55g-Black/dp/B00MV84Y2Y

Amazon suggests 2.6 pounds (with shipping weight 3.3 pounds).

Thanks!
thinking about getting a realforce to carry around.. but it seems to heavy, i guess i will stick with my dell rubber dome than 

HHKB?

[jonathanyu]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

http://www.amazon.com/Realforce-87U-Tenkeyless-55g-Black/dp/B00MV84Y2Y

Amazon suggests 2.6 pounds (with shipping weight 3.3 pounds).

Thanks!
thinking about getting a realforce to carry around.. but it seems to heavy, i guess i will stick with my dell rubber dome than 

HHKB?

nah, I can't use 60% at all

[tintoret]

Are the stock keycap profiles the same on the Apple Standard Keyboard and Apple Extended Keyboards?

[CPTBadAss]

Are the stock keycap profiles the same on the Apple Standard Keyboard and Apple Extended Keyboards?

I believe they are.

[mason]

My spacebar stabilizer wire popped out under the plate. Is desoldering the switches the only option to fix it?

[CPTBadAss]

My spacebar stabilizer wire popped out under the plate. Is desoldering the switches the only option to fix it?

I've been able to fix my Cherry stabilizer wire without desoldering in the past. It's a lot of fishing and messing with it but I didn't have to desolder anything. It would certainly make things easier though.

[mason]

My spacebar stabilizer wire popped out under the plate. Is desoldering the switches the only option to fix it?

I've been able to fix my Cherry stabilizer wire without desoldering in the past. It's a lot of fishing and messing with it but I didn't have to desolder anything. It would certainly make things easier though.

Thanks, I guess I'll keep trying

[alienman82]

removed.

[mason]

My spacebar stabilizer wire popped out under the plate. Is desoldering the switches the only option to fix it?

I've been able to fix my Cherry stabilizer wire without desoldering in the past. It's a lot of fishing and messing with it but I didn't have to desolder anything. It would certainly make things easier though.

Thanks, I guess I'll keep trying

hopefully the zeal stab project is completed soon. Screw in stabs never catch on the spacebar like what probably happened to you.  I hate it when that happens.  Ideally, I'd have a cap set for every board, but I only have 2 OG dye sub sets, so I can't do that T_T

I guess I'm gonna order a soldering iron. This is gonna be my first time desoldering, should I get the YiHUA-936B?

[CPTBadAss]

I guess I'm gonna order a soldering iron. This is gonna be my first time desoldering, should I get the YiHUA-936B?

Sure. It should be all right if you don't plan on doing much soldering. And remember a solder sucker or solder braid.

[alienman82]

removed.

[Crossfire]

what is the weight of a tkl realforce?

The board itself is 2.4lbs.

[mason]

Sure. It should be all right if you don't plan on doing much soldering. And remember a solder sucker or solder braid.

chip quik is amazing stuff too for really stubborn joints

Thanks guys 

[CommonCurt]

What's the best place to order sip sockets from in the US?

Does someone have a link?

[SpAmRaY]

What's the best place to order sip sockets from in the US?

Does someone have a link?

Do you just need regular ones? They are dirt cheap on eBay.

[CommonCurt]

What's the best place to order sip sockets from in the US?

Does someone have a link?

Do you just need regular ones? They are dirt cheap on eBay.

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

[SpAmRaY]

What's the best place to order sip sockets from in the US?

Does someone have a link?

Do you just need regular ones? They are dirt cheap on eBay.

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

There are short and long ones in relation to how far do they protrude out the bottom of the PCB.

[CommonCurt]

Ah,  then I guess the longer ones would be best.  Sounds like they are easier to work with.

[CPTBadAss]

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

From the SIP socket thread:

eBay SIP Sockets

These might work for you but you can check that thread for the other options

[CommonCurt]

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

From the SIP socket thread:

eBay SIP Sockets

These might work for you but you can check that thread for the other options

Thanks. Do you know if these are the longer stemmed ones they talk about in that thread?

[SpAmRaY]

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

From the SIP socket thread:

eBay SIP Sockets

These might work for you but you can check that thread for the other options

Thanks. Do you know if these are the longer stemmed ones they talk about in that thread?

The ones on ebay are short.

Zeal sells some long tail ones on his website https://zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/sipsockets

Just make sure you calculate the amount correctly as you'll need 2 per switch.

[CommonCurt]

I need some for switch LEDS. 
I'm not familiar with the different kinds.

From the SIP socket thread:

eBay SIP Sockets

These might work for you but you can check that thread for the other options

Thanks. Do you know if these are the longer stemmed ones they talk about in that thread?

The ones on ebay are short.

Zeal sells some long tail ones on his website https://zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/sipsockets

Just make sure you calculate the amount correctly as you'll need 2 per switch.

Okay, cool.   Thanks Ray

[Eszett]

Hi! I have a stupid question:

[CPTBadAss]

Hi! I have a stupid question:

6U Spacebars

7U Spacebars

I think that's just what Cherry did. So wherever you got that screenshot from has the same setup.