Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Saiph]

I just finished swapping my keyboard back to gateron yellows from zealios through switch top removal. For some reason my keys seem to catch onto something if I hit them from the bottom of the keycap. This happens at the beginning of pressing down. Anyone know what might cause this?

[CPTBadAss]

I just finished swapping my keyboard back to gateron yellows from zealios through switch top removal. For some reason my keys seem to catch onto something if I hit them from the bottom of the keycap. This happens at the beginning of pressing down. Anyone know what might cause this?

Did you switch caps? That might have something to do with it.

The stems are different I believe as well which could be an issue as well.

[Saiph]

Did you switch caps? That might have something to do with it.

The stems are different I believe as well which could be an issue as well.

I haven't switched keycaps this time around, though I did use different keycaps when I had this keyboard originally(when it was gateron yellows). The caps are GMK Sky Dolch.

It does seem like I can't get the switch to catch when I press it without the keycaps. I guess it could be the stem of the cap catching?

[CPTBadAss]

I haven't switched keycaps this time around, though I did use different keycaps when I had this keyboard originally(when it was gateron yellows). The caps are GMK Sky Dolch.

It does seem like I can't get the switch to catch when I press it without the keycaps. I guess it could be the stem of the cap catching?

There's been some issues reported with GMK caps and some MX stems. I think people have shaved down the caps to fix it if I recall correctly.

[Saiph]

There's been some issues reported with GMK caps and some MX stems. I think people have shaved down the caps to fix it if I recall correctly.

Ah yeah, I just found that thread. I guess its a tedious step that I have to go through haha. Do you think sandpaper would work well for that?

[CPTBadAss]

 

There's been some issues reported with GMK caps and some MX stems. I think people have shaved down the caps to fix it if I recall correctly.

Ah yeah, I just found that thread. I guess its a tedious step that I have to go through haha. Do you think sandpaper would work well for that?

I guess so? I've never done it. I have both files and sandpaper in my tool box at home. I'd try the sandpaper first and if I'm not getting good results, switch to the files. Both can be had for very cheap.

[Saiph]

I guess so? I've never done it. I have both files and sandpaper in my tool box at home. I'd try the sandpaper first and if I'm not getting good results, switch to the files. Both can be had for very cheap.

Yeah, sounds like a plan. Thanks for the help.

[pr0ximity]

My Gateron caps from one of Ivan's buys do the same on my Gateron Blacks. I haven't been able to fix it because I can't figure out a good way of telling where the cap is rubbing on the housing.

[ghostjuggernaut]

Back when gateron switches first came from hwood, there were a lot of people talking about the switch stems catching at odd angles. The GMK set may be perpetuating this.

[pr0ximity]

Sorry I misspoke, my Gateron keycaps were catching on vintage MX Blacks.

[klennkellon]

Why does the Model M's case never yellow despite being made of ABS?

[fohat.digs]

Why does the Model M's case never yellow despite being made of ABS?

I thought that Model M used PVC.

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Are Majestouch 1 keycaps PBT?

[Sifo]

Are Majestouch 1 keycaps PBT?

nope ABS

[CPTBadAss]

Why does the Model M's case never yellow despite being made of ABS?

It's not the material itself that yellows, I believe it's fire retardant chemicals that get added that causes yellowing. Apparently whatever material the Model M is made from, it doesn't have those chemicals to become yellow.

[kohi]

do gateron clear switch covers fit well on cherry switches housings? or does it somehow change the feel of the switch

[CPTBadAss]

do gateron clear switch covers fit well on cherry switches housings? or does it somehow change the feel of the switch

They fit and I think it changes the feeling.

[Melvang]

Why does the Model M's case never yellow despite being made of ABS?

I thought that Model M used PVC.

To my knowledge PVC was used in the outer insulation of the cable.  During long term storage the cable can react with the case and essentially melt the case at the point of contact.  This is why some people recommend stuffing the cable into something like a toilet paper tube to minimize the contact.

Why does the Model M's case never yellow despite being made of ABS?

It's not the material itself that yellows, I believe it's fire retardant chemicals that get added that causes yellowing. Apparently whatever material the Model M is made from, it doesn't have those chemicals to become yellow.

From what I have read, bromine is the flame retardant that is suspected to cause the yellowing when exposed to long term UV light. 

Couple questions of my own regarding my newest keyboard acquisition.



1. What is the correct location for those clips.  When I received this keyboard those along with some other parts were in a plastic bag.

2.  Is that plug physically compatible with a VGA socket?

3.  Are the plastic tabs from a PC-AT compatible with the slots on this keyboard?  My keyboard didn't arrive with any and would like to use the plastic ones from my AT as I use insert stabilized keys and have already knocked out the plastic clips.  Would just be a matter of gluing them back in with a bit of epoxy.

[CPTBadAss]

1. What is the correct location for those clips.  When I received this keyboard those along with some other parts were in a plastic bag.

2.  Is that plug physically compatible with a VGA socket?

3.  Are the plastic tabs from a PC-AT compatible with the slots on this keyboard?  My keyboard didn't arrive with any and would like to use the plastic ones from my AT as I use insert stabilized keys and have already knocked out the plastic clips.  Would just be a matter of gluing them back in with a bit of epoxy.

1) https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50475.msg1131368#msg1131368

2) Don't know

3) Not sure what plastic tabs you're referring to. Or what their purpose is.

[Melvang]

1. What is the correct location for those clips.  When I received this keyboard those along with some other parts were in a plastic bag.

2.  Is that plug physically compatible with a VGA socket?

3.  Are the plastic tabs from a PC-AT compatible with the slots on this keyboard?  My keyboard didn't arrive with any and would like to use the plastic ones from my AT as I use insert stabilized keys and have already knocked out the plastic clips.  Would just be a matter of gluing them back in with a bit of epoxy.

1) https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50475.msg1131368#msg1131368

2) Don't know

3) Not sure what plastic tabs you're referring to. Or what their purpose is.

The tabs for the wire stabilizers.

[CPTBadAss]

1. What is the correct location for those clips.  When I received this keyboard those along with some other parts were in a plastic bag.

2.  Is that plug physically compatible with a VGA socket?

3.  Are the plastic tabs from a PC-AT compatible with the slots on this keyboard?  My keyboard didn't arrive with any and would like to use the plastic ones from my AT as I use insert stabilized keys and have already knocked out the plastic clips.  Would just be a matter of gluing them back in with a bit of epoxy.

1) https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50475.msg1131368#msg1131368

2) Don't know

3) Not sure what plastic tabs you're referring to. Or what their purpose is.

The tabs for the wire stabilizers.

I believe they're the same yes.

[Melvang]

1. What is the correct location for those clips.  When I received this keyboard those along with some other parts were in a plastic bag.

2.  Is that plug physically compatible with a VGA socket?

3.  Are the plastic tabs from a PC-AT compatible with the slots on this keyboard?  My keyboard didn't arrive with any and would like to use the plastic ones from my AT as I use insert stabilized keys and have already knocked out the plastic clips.  Would just be a matter of gluing them back in with a bit of epoxy.

1) https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50475.msg1131368#msg1131368

2) Don't know

3) Not sure what plastic tabs you're referring to. Or what their purpose is.

The tabs for the wire stabilizers.

Thanks CBA, looking forward to typing in this soon. I would assume the card in the top left of the linked post is a buzzer and not a solenoid.

[Eszett]

simple question: may I use Costar stabs with Alps?

[CPTBadAss]

simple question: may I use Costar stabs with Alps?

I don't think so. Stabilizers on Alps are tricky. I'd stick with the Matias stabilizers.

[Eszett]

simple question: may I use Costar stabs with Alps?

I don't think so. Stabilizers on Alps are tricky. I'd stick with the Matias stabilizers.

Alrighty, thx Captain!

[klennkellon]

I'm looking for a good tactile switch, but apparently the tactility on MX Browns is pretty weak and Topre is too pricey for me at the moment, are there any alternatives?

[rowdy]

I'm looking for a good tactile switch, but apparently the tactility on MX Browns is pretty weak and Topre is too pricey for me at the moment, are there any alternatives?

MX clears are good, if a little heavy.

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Are Majestouch 1 keycaps PBT?

nope ABS

Thanks. Found my old G8-11800 with PBT caps while cleaning today. Tempted to play dentist now.

[Sifo]

Are Majestouch 1 keycaps PBT?

nope ABS

Thanks. Found my old G8-11800 with PBT caps while cleaning today. Tempted to play dentist now.

try throwing them in with some warm water and denture tabs

[kenmai9]

Anyone got a guide for cleaning coffee spill on Realforce 87? D:

It also happened months ago.. am I screwed? Should I just get an HHKB?

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone got a guide for cleaning coffee spill on Realforce 87? D:

It also happened months ago.. am I screwed? Should I just get an HHKB?

Take it apart and clean everything with isopropyl alcohol. I like using 91%. Let it dry. Put it back together. Since it's been a while, it might have some issues. You would ideally have cleaned it ASAP.

I had a friend spill soda on a Razer Blackwidow. He didn't do anything about it and it ended up corroding the PCB. I only found out about it like 3 months later. If you see corrosion, you won't be able to recover the board.

[kenmai9]

Anyone got a guide for cleaning coffee spill on Realforce 87? D:

It also happened months ago.. am I screwed? Should I just get an HHKB?

Take it apart and clean everything with isopropyl alcohol. I like using 91%. Let it dry. Put it back together. Since it's been a while, it might have some issues. You would ideally have cleaned it ASAP.

I had a friend spill soda on a Razer Blackwidow. He didn't do anything about it and it ended up corroding the PCB. I only found out about it like 3 months later. If you see corrosion, you won't be able to recover the board.

Okay thank you CPTBA, I will try this when I have time !

[HPE1000]

How would I go about figuring out the size of a screw I have? I have one of the original vortex aluminum tkl cases and I need new screws for it, since the original ones were too short to actually hold it together.

[kenmai9]

k another dumb question:

is the bro set https://ctrlalt.io/buys/the-bro-set

cherry profile or sp dcs? i looked around but didn't see what it was. its been so long since i bought it i can't remember, and i don't remember which sellers sold what profiles anymore :/

please help

thanks

[Sifo]

k another dumb question:

is the bro set https://ctrlalt.io/buys/the-bro-set

cherry profile or sp dcs? i looked around but didn't see what it was. its been so long since i bought it i can't remember, and i don't remember which sellers sold what profiles anymore :/

please help

thanks

DCS

[kenmai9]

Thanks partna

Sent from my OnePlus One

[stoic-lemon]

Which of the two lubes, thick or thin, offered by Zeal are suitable for use on stabilisers?

[Sifo]

Which of the two lubes, thick or thin, offered by Zeal are suitable for use on stabilisers?

both, thick probably better for stabs.

[stoic-lemon]

Thanks Sifo.

[kenmai9]

is there such a thing as blank white realforce set? pretty much im looking for some colorway as the white realforce (with the grey mods) but blank. is this available?

[rowdy]

is there such a thing as blank white realforce set? pretty much im looking for some colorway as the white realforce (with the grey mods) but blank. is this available?

Not with grey mods, but an all white blank set was available in the mists of ancient time.  Good luck finding one now though

[Waateva]

is there such a thing as blank white realforce set? pretty much im looking for some colorway as the white realforce (with the grey mods) but blank. is this available?

I think that there was a guy dyeing sets over on /r/MechMarket but I don't know how well a black white set would turn out via dyeing.

[Suruga Devil]

Are there any 104-key boards with a milled aluminum enclosure that are currently on the market? Besides that Ducky one, the brass doesn't count.

Bonus points if it's plate mounted!

[alienman82]

removed.

[Sifo]

^ It's not really on the market though.

[asgeirtj]

I'm building a board right now and I'm testing caps on differently lubed stabs.  However sometimes when I take the caps off the switch the stab comes off the pcb because I have to pull so hard.  Does anyone know how to prevent this?  I'm using zealios and og cherry dyesubs.

[HeeCh2ei]

I'm building a board right now and I'm testing caps on differently lubed stabs.  However sometimes when I take the caps off the switch the stab comes off the pcb because I have to pull so hard.  Does anyone know how to prevent this?  I'm using zealios and og cherry dyesubs.

Spread some lube over the keycap mount on stabs ( "+" shaped thing).

[asgeirtj]

I'm assembling my lz rv, i've soldered all the switches, however the 1,2,3,4 don't work as well as numlock, add, multiply, subtract. insert is delete, delete is home, end is page up and vice vera, windows keys don't work, keys number 2 and 3 above the numpad give 2 and 3. anyone know what could be going on?

[Suruga Devil]

I'd like to have a custom PCB made for me, where can I post on Geekhack to request such a service?

Can one-off keysets be ordered from GMK, and if so, how much would it cost? Doubleshot of course, but no custom legends.

[ideus]

I'd like to have a custom PCB made for me, where can I post on Geekhack to request such a service?

Can one-off keysets be ordered from GMK, and if so, how much would it cost? Doubleshot of course, but no custom legends.

I have never heard off GMK keeping off the shelve stock; but, you may ask them, they may have left overs that you can buy. If what you want is your own colors selection; then, based on recent GBs it seems that the lowest MoQ is 150, so you may buy 150 sets, keep the amount you want, one?, and sell the rest. Why you just not joint one of the multiple current GMK group buys, instead? There are at least 3 of them active, or soon to come.