Compatible Keyboard Models for Group Buys

[Tarzan]

Seeing all the group buys that offer 87-key or 104-key sets, with Cherry stems, which keyboard(s) can I buy off the shelf that will be fully compatible with these group buys? 

I see rendered pictures and mockups that show full keyboards with all matching keycaps, but every keyboard I seem to have has extra macro keys or the none-key cluster that aren't included in the sets.  Or an odd-size space bar.  This isn't even getting into the ISO/1800/3800 variants, I'm just looking for suggestions for 87-key or 104-key ANSI US layout keyboards with Cherry switches, ideally ones that also offer LED backlighting.

Not sure if this has been addressed already, or if there is a Wiki entry for it.

[IvanIvanovich]

Pretty much any 87 or 104 besides Leopold and Keycool (spacebars) will be 100% compatible. If you want nice 87 with backlight, I would say just grab a Ducky Shine model.

[SpAmRaY]

If you get a ducky make sure it doesn't have the 4 extra keys above the numberpad I didn't think about that.

I want to get a set of imsto thick pbt black on gray but don't know what to put for the 4 extra keys that wouldn't look completely weird.

[Tarzan]

Thanks for the input!

[Oxblood]

Get some Clacks and re-map those keys to useful programs.

I have them mapped to Calc, Notepad, WinAmp and Chrome.

The real problem that I am having with my 9008 is that I use the media keys on the f1-f7 keys and don't have them memorized yet.

[Photoelectric]

I would just get special individualized keys for those 4 buttons.  I'm sure something could fit.  Like the red dice from techkeys, or some zinc keycaps, or other cool accents to match the overall theme.  It's like having a red Esc key on an otherwise neutral keyboard--can look good.

[badcop]

any row 4 key will fit those function keys.  get some cool poly carb doubleshots.  techkeys has some now and keypop just announced a few too.

[SpAmRaY]

Get some Clacks and re-map those keys to useful programs.

I have them mapped to Calc, Notepad, WinAmp and Chrome.

The real problem that I am having with my 9008 is that I use the media keys on the f1-f7 keys and don't have them memorized yet.

What are you remapping with?

[Photoelectric]

If you use Windows, there's a Microsoft tool to remap keyboard keys (needs to be downloaded separately).  Maybe AutoHotKey too.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/goglobal/bb964665.aspx

[Oxblood]

What are you remapping with?

I just use regedit.

Before making any registry changes please BACKUP your registry!!!

In Windows (since Windows ME) these enhanced keyboard keys can be handled directly by Windows using the APPCOMMAND system.

The associations for these keys are stored in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AppKey.

AppKey 7 is the internet key.
AppKey 15 is the mail key.
AppKey 16 is the media key.
AppKey 17 is the My Computer Key.
Appkey 18 is the calculator key.
- I have a bigger list at home but for now these are the only ones defined on my work computer


You can change the application these keys open by editing the string and changing it to a different file type.

The strings are saved in one of two ways:

Associations - This should be a file type (.txt, .mp3 etc) or a command (mailto, http etc) this will open the program that is the default for that file type.

ShellExecute - This should be a program executable. (notepad.exe, calc.exe) please note that if you want an program that is not in the system default you will have to specify the path (C:\Programs Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe) so it is often easier to create a string association for the file type you want.

[Tranquilite]

Keytweak does a fantastic job of doing the necessary registry changes to remap keyboard keys. Also keyboard registry changes require you to log off then log back in to go into effect.

[Halvar]

On topic:

WASD have a nice keycap set compatibility chart for common models:

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/keycap-compatibility

You can also look for your keyboard in the Deskthority wiki, in many cases they have excellent info on compatibility, too.