Author Topic: i-rocks KR-6230 with brown Cherry MX (Read 10092 times)

Chloe · « **on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:07:40 »

http://www.i-rocks.com/Product_detail.aspx?CLASS_ID=1056&PRODUCT_ID=1201

This looks like the Dharma Tactical DRTCKB102 but with slightly different layout, without kana keys. It has blue LEDs and two USB ports on the back. Some more pictures here: http://www.iqmore.idv.tw/archives/565
http://forum.coolaler.com/showthread.php?t=200664

chongyixiong · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:22:30 »

I have a reason to believe that they are all manufactured from the same company?

The design and everything looks the same.

A very clean and good layout, compact style for those who think that they can't live without the keyboard yet want something compact.

The i-Rocks owner actually marketed his keyboard outside of the Taiwan market (around Korea) before bringing it in for the Taiwan market starting this year.

The Dharmapoint looks cool with the red metal support plate, while the i-Rocks are great with the blue LEDs.

itlnstln · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:29:47 »

I just sent an e-mail through their webform to see if they will be shipping to the US and other markets. I will let you guys know what I find out. Thanks for the tip, Chloe. While I am not a huge fan of L-shaped enter keys, it wouldn't be a deal-breaker, and I like the small layout and the USB hub.

Chloe · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:30:47 »

Quote from: chongyixiong;24022

I have a reason to believe that they are all manufactured from the same company?

I agree. I don't know who the OEM is though.

itlnstln · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:33:27 »

I saw this in the product features:

Quote

Supports an n-key rollover function allowing to 16keys to be pressed simultaneously, which is great for both fast typists and gamers.

This is a little scary seeing this is a USB keyboard, especially since other manufacturers have tried to implement similar solutions for USB-keyboards and have failed spectacularly (I'm looking at you, Costar).

Chloe · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:37:17 »

OEM is probably Costar then.

itlnstln · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:39:54 »

The keys on some of the pics resemble those of Costar 'boards, I think. They appear to be the same smooth plastic with a grippy coating just like other Costar 'boards.

Chloe · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:54:24 »

The OEM might be Costar. I can't really make out what is on the back label.

itlnstln · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 10:57:44 »

The label on the back of the iRocks looks like a bigger version of the same label on my ABS which is a Costar 'board. That, and the keys with the built in LEDs look similar to the ones on a Strongman-labeled Costar 'board linked to awhile back.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 11:02:15 »

You know, there is a way to do true NKRO without any foolery in the controller.

The way is to not use USB HID. Or, have a switch between 6KRO USB HID, and an NKRO proprietary protocol, so the keyboard CAN be used without drivers.

FKSSR · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 11:11:03 »

Looks nice! I'd be interested. I still would rather have a Dharma first with the red LEDs.

itlnstln · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 11:21:44 »

Quote from: bhtooefr;24036

You know, there is a way to do true NKRO without any foolery in the controller.

The way is to not use USB HID. Or, have a switch between 6KRO USB HID, and an NKRO proprietary protocol, so the keyboard CAN be used without drivers.

I imagine this is what Costar uses in the NKRO versions of the Filco 'boards, so yes, it's definitely do-able. What I can't figure out is why they can't use this technology, or some variation, on their other 'boards. For instance, why is the Das not just a variation of the NKRO Filco? I mean, would gamers be completely heart-broken if they could get their NKRO via PS2? I know I wouldn't.

Must... stop... self... before... rant...

bhtooefr · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 11:57:58 »

Aren't the Filco NKRO boards PS/2?

itlnstln · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 12:24:50 »

They are USB/PS2 (i.e. USB w/an adapter):

http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=522

ozar · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 12:37:10 »

My first instinct was to think it resembles the Costar manufactured boards as well.

I like the way they've incorporated the blue leds right into their perspective keys.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 12:58:12 »

Quote from: itlnstln;24048

They are USB/PS2 (i.e. USB w/an adapter):

http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=522

OK, in that case, I'm gonna guess they'll be 6KRO on USB.

My idea was for the device to identify as something completely different - either a vendor-specific device, or as something like a CDC device, and emulating a serial keyboard of some sort.

chongyixiong · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 10 March 2009, 21:13:00 »

Quote from: itlnstln;24023

I just sent an e-mail through their webform to see if they will be shipping to the US and other markets. I will let you guys know what I find out. Thanks for the tip, Chloe. While I am not a huge fan of L-shaped enter keys, it wouldn't be a deal-breaker, and I like the small layout and the USB hub.

I managed to buy from Inpad Taiwan (http://www.inpad.com.tw), on a few of their Cherry boards, and so far it's still en route to my place.

You could try asking armygroup [A-G Online] Taiwan as well, since every computer peripheral shop in Taiwan should be carrying this.

Another would be B18, also from Taiwan.

Yeah, the boards OEM manufacturer seems to be from Costar. Great eyes to those who manage to point it out.

itlnstln · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 11 March 2009, 06:53:06 »

I got an e-mail back from them, and they said they are considering releasing this particular 'board to other markets, but to contact each region to ask them what the status is. I will be sending an e-mail to the US branch in a little while.

ecru · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 11 March 2009, 15:53:57 »

Haha - that is the worst layout I have seen on a conventional keyboard.

I favour the Filco FKB100M/NB. However with this monstrosity the 'z' key has gone walkabout - with a Dvorak layout it should be in the position of the left half of the right shift. That is a shame since if the n-key rollover claim is true. it would interest me.

itlnstln · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 11 March 2009, 16:05:08 »

Quote

that is the worst layout I have seen on a conventional keyboard

I fail to see the difference between the two other than the Windows keys and the L-shaped Enter. The iRocks also has discrete page nav keys which, IMO, far outweighs the negatives, if any, of the enter key or the missing Windows keys.

ecru · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 11 March 2009, 23:31:49 »

A 'z', a 'z'! My kingdom for a 'z'!

Perhaps if you reread my post you will get it.

itlnstln · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 12 March 2009, 06:47:12 »

Unless I am missing something in the Dvorak part, both keyboards have a Z key.

ecru · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 12 March 2009, 16:17:27 »

Quote from: ecru;24149

...the 'z' key has gone walkabout - with a Dvorak layout it should be in the position of the left half of the right shift....

itlnstln · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 12 March 2009, 16:22:05 »

The Z key is supposed in where the up arrow on the Filco is (in a Dvorak layout)?

ecru · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 12 March 2009, 16:46:43 »

The Filco is fine, that picture is of the i-rocks.

Compare the usual qwerty layout to the i-rocks. See how the '/' key should be in the position of the 'left half of the right shift'? Well if you use dvorak this is larger issue since the qwerty '/' is the dvorak 'z'.

itlnstln · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 13 March 2009, 06:12:08 »

Gotcha.

Idiot_Hacker · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:38:29 »

This item is on ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250437498431

itlnstln · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:44:45 »

D*mmit. If I had some extra cash, I would jump all over this. With the quantities they have, they look like they might be selling them for awhile. I like the form factor so much that I will overlook the L-shaped enter key for it.

And... it has a USB hub. Money.

itlnstln · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:46:11 »

The seller lists NKRO over support. Since it is a USB keyboard, I'll believe it when I see it.

Idiot_Hacker · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:46:53 »

Quote from: itlnstln;94212

D*mmit. If I had some extra cash, I would jump all over this. With the quantities they have, they look like they might be selling them for awhile. I like the form factor so much that I will overlook the L-shaped enter key for it.

And... it has a USB hub. Money.

What's the max price you would offer for this keyboard?

itlnstln · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:47:57 »

Triple post:

What just killed this 'board for me is the awkward position of the right Shift key. They moved it to the left and moved the ? key to the far right. Fail. Oh well, it was a nice attempt.

itlnstln · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 04 June 2009, 15:48:51 »

Quote from: Idiot_Hacker;94214

What's the max price you would offer for this keyboard?

$75 tops. I would pay the $100, but the right Shift key's position is killing me. Unfortunately, I don't even have the $75 right now. I am saving for a trip to Chicago in July.

MR.B0y · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 09 June 2009, 17:00:17 »

I just ordered one on Newegg.com for under $100 with free shipping. I'll let you know how it works out. I had to give up my IBM ps2 keyboard when I got a cheap USB KVM and bought a crap USB keyboard for cheap. I had no idea how bad things could be until I started using the keyboard I'm typing on now!!! KR-6230 should be here in a few days!

MR.B0y · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 09 June 2009, 17:19:22 »

Just found out that it didn't have a windows key and I voided the order! Argghhh! Back to the search...

jeffrey · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 09 June 2009, 19:10:47 »

Quote from: MR.B0y;95055

Just found out that it didn't have a windows key and I voided the order! Argghhh! Back to the search...

As i know, they designed KR-6230 for FPS gamers who don't like windows keys when playing games.

Ulysses31 · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 09 June 2009, 19:27:10 »

I just use a freebie utility to disable the Start button, although I use it not for games but when i'm doing 3D work. Control and ALT keys being used heavily in such programs, it's easy to accidentally hit the Start key and permanently screw up hours of work. The utility is called "Winkey Killer" if anyone is interested.

Ulysses31 · « **Reply #36 on:** Wed, 10 June 2009, 06:45:03 »

How come my avatar looks scaled down? It's 150px square. Looks like the "new" Geekhack is prejudiced against me! lol

keyb_gr · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 10 June 2009, 07:31:21 »

Quote from: Ulysses31;95139

How come my avatar looks scaled down?

Forums upgrade. You now have both an avatar and profile picture, and it seems the avatars got resized during migration. Just upload it again and you should be fine. I don't remember the precise size limits right now, but it would certainly say somewhere.

Ulysses31 · « **Reply #38 on:** Wed, 10 June 2009, 09:45:14 »

Quote from: keyb_gr;95145

Forums upgrade. You now have both an avatar and profile picture, and it seems the avatars got resized during migration. Just upload it again and you should be fine. I don't remember the precise size limits right now, but it would certainly say somewhere.

Cheers, i'll give it a go.

News:

Author Topic: i-rocks KR-6230 with brown Cherry MX (Read 10092 times)