Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Eszett]

Thanks Captain. Its from swill's plate builder. The off-position of the 6u stem just doesn't make any sense for me? Especially as i design a plate with compatibility for both 6u and 7u spacebars. I have to change my PCB design as well for it, just for the idiocy of the off-center stem!?

[user 18]

Thanks Captain. Its from swill's plate builder. The off-position of the 6u stem just doesn't make any sense for me? Especially as i design a plate with compatibility for both 6u and 7u spacebars. I have to change my PCB design as well for it, just for the idiocy of the off-center stem!?

Yes, you will need a footprint for each separate spacebar. The good news is that you'll only need one diode, as only one of the two positions will be used at a time (unless you're playing with many bottom row layouts, in which case it may not work out quite as nicely.

E: Actually, here's something you may want to check. If you place the switch for the 6u and 7u spacebar in the same place, does it align the left edge of each spacebar? It looks to me like it might.

[Eszett]

Hi user18. Thanks for info. I changed my plans and decided to design now for 7u + 6.25u instead of 7u + 6u, since most/usual 6.25u spacebars have the centered mount stem, so that it's possible to have the switch in the same place! 

If you place the switch for the 6u and 7u spacebar in the same place, does it align the left edge of each spacebar? It looks to me like it might.

May be... its just that I'm designing for a symmetrical bottom row layout, so I really need it to be symmetrical ...

[Eszett]

I have another question.

[CommonCurt]

I know that the type you need depends on the LEDs you are using, but can someone give a link to some through hole resistors I can order from here in the US.
Never bought any before, and not really sure what to get.

I'll probably be using either these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121730673838

or these LEDs

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=WP710A10LZGCKvirtualkey60400000virtualkey604-WP710A10LZGCK

[SpAmRaY]

I have another question.

That's to get the wire for a cherry spacebar stabilizer underneath the plate.

[Eszett]

That's to get the wire for a cherry spacebar stabilizer underneath the plate.

Ah, so with Cherry stabs the wire its below the plate, and with Costar its above the plate? Didn't know that, Thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

I know that the type you need depends on the LEDs you are using, but can someone give a link to some through hole resistors I can order from here in the US.
Never bought any before, and not really sure what to get.

I'll probably be using either these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121730673838

or these LEDs

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=WP710A10LZGCKvirtualkey60400000virtualkey604-WP710A10LZGCK

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1765511#msg1765511

[CommonCurt]

I know that the type you need depends on the LEDs you are using, but can someone give a link to some through hole resistors I can order from here in the US.
Never bought any before, and not really sure what to get.

I'll probably be using either these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121730673838

or these LEDs

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=WP710A10LZGCKvirtualkey60400000virtualkey604-WP710A10LZGCK

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1765511#msg1765511

Thanks, but that link is for smd resistors.
I'm about to put together a GH rev. C and I need some through hole resistors for the CapsLock.

[CPTBadAss]

I know that the type you need depends on the LEDs you are using, but can someone give a link to some through hole resistors I can order from here in the US.
Never bought any before, and not really sure what to get.

I'll probably be using either these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121730673838

or these LEDs

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=WP710A10LZGCKvirtualkey60400000virtualkey604-WP710A10LZGCK

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1765511#msg1765511

Thanks, but that link is for smd resistors.
I'm about to put together a GH rev. C and I need some through hole resistors for the CapsLock.

If you dig around in that link, you'll find this post from photoelectric with resistor values. Use those to hunt down some through hole resistors on Mouser or your preferred retailer. I've never bought any myself so I don't have any first hand experience and links to give you.

[CommonCurt]

I know that the type you need depends on the LEDs you are using, but can someone give a link to some through hole resistors I can order from here in the US.
Never bought any before, and not really sure what to get.

I'll probably be using either these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121730673838

or these LEDs

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=WP710A10LZGCKvirtualkey60400000virtualkey604-WP710A10LZGCK

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1765511#msg1765511

Thanks, but that link is for smd resistors.
I'm about to put together a GH rev. C and I need some through hole resistors for the CapsLock.

If you dig around in that link, you'll find this post from photoelectric with resistor values. Use those to hunt down some through hole resistors on Mouser or your preferred retailer. I've never bought any myself so I don't have any first hand experience and links to give you.

OK. Thanks

[What]

1. Is there a reason why none of membrane keyboards are re-programmable? It there some hardware limitations?
2. Is it possible to build membrane keyboard with some micro controller and use tmk firmware for example and have all benefits of this firmware ?

[CPTBadAss]

1. Is there a reason why none of membrane keyboards are re-programmable? It there some hardware limitations?
2. Is it possible to build membrane keyboard with some micro controller and use tmk firmware for example and have all benefits of this firmware ?

1) Price I'm sure. And it's not a feature most people care about.
2) I'm pretty sure that Sifo said he converted his membrane DT-35 with Hasu's USB to USB converter.

[Sifo]

1. Is there a reason why none of membrane keyboards are re-programmable? It there some hardware limitations?
2. Is it possible to build membrane keyboard with some micro controller and use tmk firmware for example and have all benefits of this firmware ?

1) Price I'm sure. And it's not a feature most people care about.
2) I'm pretty sure that Sifo said he converted his membrane DT-35 with Hasu's USB to USB converter.

ya but it's an external dongle kinda thing, maybe you could shorten the USB or hack it together and solder it directly to the PCB. amazing device from hasu

[tofgerl]

What's the cheapest/easiest way to get some normal Cherry stabs (60% kits) in Northern europe? And not 7bit, his ordering system is horrible and his shipping times are out of this world.

[tintoret]

Anyone have any familiarity with these taobao cases that could give me the lowdown? Haven't seen them around.

https://world.taobao.com/item/37128843006.htm

[tofgerl]

Weird design. Looks like a really thin case with a huge weight on it...

[rondg]

Are there TKL PCBs that have in-switch leds besides GON's and winkeyless? I am planning to build a keyboard using the TEX TKL cases...

[CPTBadAss]

Are there TKL PCBs that have in-switch leds besides GON's and winkeyless? I am planning to build a keyboard using the TEX TKL cases...

I haven't really kept up but the Phantom PCBs from MK might have them. Worth a look at the very least.

[Imomo]

god I'm embarrassed.

I'm cleaning up an old NEC APC-H25 and I threw all the keys in a warm soapy bath, they were really gunky, I threw in some goo gone. Except it wasn't goo gone, it was Goof Off, I grabbed the wrong bottle and even though there wasn't a ton (thank god) it still did its damage.

I was able to unstick the melting keys before they adhered to each other but the finish has been completely stripped from these vintage keys and not only that, the black and grey keys have been discolored. After they dried they've turned a faded grey.

I think they can be restored but what should I use to get that black luster back to the dark keys? And what should I finish them with?

[fohat.digs]

but the finish has been completely stripped from these vintage keys and not only that, the black and grey keys have been discolored. After they dried they've turned a faded grey.

I think they can be restored but what should I use to get that black luster back to the dark keys? And what should I finish them with?

If you can figure out how to restore them you should post it. I think that someone on DT attempted sand blasting to restore texture, but I don't recall whether it worked.

Personally, I never use anything but powdered laundry detergent and perhaps a little Oxi-clean in a hot water soak for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly several times using a kitchen colander. With literally thousands of keys I can count on my fingers the ones that did not come out squeaky clean after a very few minutes.

[Imomo]

but the finish has been completely stripped from these vintage keys and not only that, the black and grey keys have been discolored. After they dried they've turned a faded grey.

I think they can be restored but what should I use to get that black luster back to the dark keys? And what should I finish them with?

If you can figure out how to restore them you should post it. I think that someone on DT attempted sand blasting to restore texture, but I don't recall whether it worked.

I'm reading through some car forums that suggest steel wool and a heat gun. I scraped a little off the side of one of the keys and sure enough it looks like that could definitely do the trick... not so sure about the heat gun, I'd be happy enough to get it back to black and then finish it with some polymer.

[rondg]

I think Phantom PCBs does not have in-switch leds? Is there a new version?

Are there TKL PCBs that have in-switch leds besides GON's and winkeyless? I am planning to build a keyboard using the TEX TKL cases...

I haven't really kept up but the Phantom PCBs from MK might have them. Worth a look at the very least.

[CPTBadAss]

I think Phantom PCBs does not have in-switch leds? Is there a new version?

Are there TKL PCBs that have in-switch leds besides GON's and winkeyless? I am planning to build a keyboard using the TEX TKL cases...

I haven't really kept up but the Phantom PCBs from MK might have them. Worth a look at the very least.

I thought maybe MK added the LEDs but I guess not.

[Waateva]

I had a client come in during tax season and he remarked that he really liked my keyboard at work, a V2 with greens.  He contacted me a week or so ago and asked for some more information, so I sent him a few websites like EK.com, WASD.com, and MK.com to browse but I think it might have been too much information, because he sent me this back in an email:

"I have viewed a ton of gaming keyboards, but what I am really looking for is comfort, data entry, and quicker navigation through Excel."

Anyone know of any keyboards that fit the above criteria, while not being too expensive (under $150 preferred but definitely under $200) and that would be mech-noob friendly?  I did mention things like TKL and 60% but I didn't get a good or bad response from him in that regard.

Thanks for any help

[CPTBadAss]

I had a client come in during tax season and he remarked that he really liked my keyboard at work, a V2 with greens.  He contacted me a week or so ago and asked for some more information, so I sent him a few websites like EK.com, WASD.com, and MK.com to browse but I think it might have been too much information, because he sent me this back in an email:

"I have viewed a ton of gaming keyboards, but what I am really looking for is comfort, data entry, and quicker navigation through Excel."

Anyone know of any keyboards that fit the above criteria, while not being too expensive (under $150 preferred but definitely under $200) and that would be mech-noob friendly?  I did mention things like TKL and 60% but I didn't get a good or bad response from him in that regard.

Thanks for any help

Filco, Ducky, Leopold, the WASD V2 should all fit the bill. I'd suggest a simpler Ducky. I don't think there's a special keyboard that will make your Excel work easier just like I don't think there's a keyboard that makes you shoot better in CounterStrike.

[Waateva]

I had a client come in during tax season and he remarked that he really liked my keyboard at work, a V2 with greens.  He contacted me a week or so ago and asked for some more information, so I sent him a few websites like EK.com, WASD.com, and MK.com to browse but I think it might have been too much information, because he sent me this back in an email:

"I have viewed a ton of gaming keyboards, but what I am really looking for is comfort, data entry, and quicker navigation through Excel."

Anyone know of any keyboards that fit the above criteria, while not being too expensive (under $150 preferred but definitely under $200) and that would be mech-noob friendly?  I did mention things like TKL and 60% but I didn't get a good or bad response from him in that regard.

Thanks for any help

Filco, Ducky, Leopold, the WASD V2 should all fit the bill. I'd suggest a simpler Ducky. I don't think there's a special keyboard that will make your Excel work easier just like I don't think there's a keyboard that makes you shoot better in CounterStrike.

Thanks for the response CPT, I found a couple Duckys that he will probably like so I'll shoot those over to him.

[tintoret]

I had a client come in during tax season and he remarked that he really liked my keyboard at work, a V2 with greens.  He contacted me a week or so ago and asked for some more information, so I sent him a few websites like EK.com, WASD.com, and MK.com to browse but I think it might have been too much information, because he sent me this back in an email:

"I have viewed a ton of gaming keyboards, but what I am really looking for is comfort, data entry, and quicker navigation through Excel."

Anyone know of any keyboards that fit the above criteria, while not being too expensive (under $150 preferred but definitely under $200) and that would be mech-noob friendly?  I did mention things like TKL and 60% but I didn't get a good or bad response from him in that regard.

Thanks for any help

Beyond what has already been mentioned: for data entry or excel, I'd imagine a tenkey would be a must.

[fublamchu]

Are there any aluminum cases compatible with the Leopold 750r?

[HoffmanMyster]

I had a client come in during tax season and he remarked that he really liked my keyboard at work, a V2 with greens.  He contacted me a week or so ago and asked for some more information, so I sent him a few websites like EK.com, WASD.com, and MK.com to browse but I think it might have been too much information, because he sent me this back in an email:

"I have viewed a ton of gaming keyboards, but what I am really looking for is comfort, data entry, and quicker navigation through Excel."

Anyone know of any keyboards that fit the above criteria, while not being too expensive (under $150 preferred but definitely under $200) and that would be mech-noob friendly?  I did mention things like TKL and 60% but I didn't get a good or bad response from him in that regard.

Thanks for any help

Beyond what has already been mentioned: for data entry or excel, I'd imagine a tenkey would be a must.

+1  I always pull out a board with tenkey when I use Excel at home.  My go-to is anything 1800 layout, since it's still relatively compact but fully featured.

[jonathanyu]

what is the name and the maker of the cat paw keycaps?

[CPTBadAss]

what is the name and the maker of the cat paw keycaps?

Keykollectiv?

[HoffmanMyster]

what is the name and the maker of the cat paw keycaps?

Keykollectiv?

Yep. Meowcaps, if I'm not mistaken. Ask ccarlitos, resident "cat paw" hoarder.  )

[jonathanyu]

what is the name and the maker of the cat paw keycaps?

Keykollectiv?

Yep. Meowcaps, if I'm not mistaken. Ask ccarlitos, resident "cat paw" hoarder.  )

thanks! thats the one I am looking for 

[Brammm87]

Is there a PCB around for a layout like this?
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f2e7835a5309d34586bc085c4e3fb72b

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a PCB around for a layout like this?
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f2e7835a5309d34586bc085c4e3fb72b

There was a GB for that layout recently but I can't remember the name....Ugh.

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a PCB around for a layout like this?
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f2e7835a5309d34586bc085c4e3fb72b

There was a GB for that layout recently but I can't remember the name....Ugh.

it was the alps monarch where the numpad was on the left.

Nah...could've sworn I saw one in MX in this exact layout.

Edit: Found it. Sentraq 78: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=81693.0

[Waateva]

Is there a PCB around for a layout like this?
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f2e7835a5309d34586bc085c4e3fb72b

There was a GB for that layout recently but I can't remember the name....Ugh.

it was the alps monarch where the numpad was on the left.

Nah...could've sworn I saw one in MX in this exact layout.

Edit: Found it. Sentraq 78: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=81693.0

Yep, and it's still open too.

[Brammm87]

Holy ****, that's cool. Thanks guys!

[Stabilized]

Does anyone know what on-board SMD LEDs I should use for a Gon NerD PCB? I am talking specifically about the ones that go on the top, not the side LEDs for the bottom.

Thanks!

[zombimuncha]

Which 75% should I go for?
Things I care about: 67g Zealios, standardish layout for caps, feels, price
Things I don't care about: looks (ok maybe a little), backlighting
Things I don't know enough about: how case/plate materials affect dem feels.

so like is a octagon, or b.mini, or that xondat skeleton thing really any better than a keycool?

[CPTBadAss]

Which 75% should I go for?
Things I care about: 67g Zealios, standardish layout for caps, feels, price
Things I don't care about: looks (ok maybe a little), backlighting
Things I don't know enough about: how case/plate materials affect dem feels.

so like is a octagon, or b.mini, or that xondat skeleton thing really any better than a keycool?

Personal preference? I really like the 75% metalliqaz made which is what I think xondat was inspired by. I also really liked the octagon but I didn't really like the angle.

If you're worried about price and want zealios, I'd probably just get a keycool.

[zombimuncha]

Which 75% should I go for?
Things I care about: 67g Zealios, standardish layout for caps, feels, price
Things I don't care about: looks (ok maybe a little), backlighting
Things I don't know enough about: how case/plate materials affect dem feels.

so like is a octagon, or b.mini, or that xondat skeleton thing really any better than a keycool?

Personal preference? I really like the 75% metalliqaz made which is what I think xondat was inspired by. I also really liked the octagon but I didn't really like the angle.

If you're worried about price and want zealios, I'd probably just get a keycool.

Oh, cool. I had never really paid too much attention to the Zeta (a little too shiny and look-at-me-y), so hadn't even noticed it was a 75.

What I really want is something more like a cross between a FC660 and a 75% I'd probably have to do that in acrylic and hand-wire it, right?

[Saiph]

Is there anything I should be aware of when ordering through a taobao agent?

[joey]

Anyone got a link to the exact female connector used by the Filco boards?

aka the female connector here http://i.imgur.com/XnGfd74.jpg

[rowdy]

Anyone got a link to the exact female connector used by the Filco boards?

aka the female connector here http://i.imgur.com/XnGfd74.jpg

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45169.msg942535#msg942535

[joey]

Anyone got a link to the exact female connector used by the Filco boards?

aka the female connector here http://i.imgur.com/XnGfd74.jpg

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45169.msg942535#msg942535

Thanks, exactly what I needed!

[vegs]

What IBM board is this?

[CPTBadAss]

What IBM board is this?

Looks like a Nordic or Scandinavian layout Model M