Author Topic: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering  (Read 2898 times)

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Offline Phenix

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Hi

I want to build a B.Mini x2 (from winkeyless) or an Ergodox. Where can I get these plates were I can modify the springs without desoldering?

ALso looking for a Numpad Plate.

If possible I would like to get pcb also.

SIP sockets for backlight should be also fitting
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Offline Leslieann

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 16:59:24 »
Gon might, but generally, most people get them from group buys or have them custom made.

Hope you're not in any hurry as some of these options can take months or even years to happen.
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Offline Phenix

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 17:03:34 »
I would like to finish it quite soon - around a few weeks->months after the Zealios arrived.

Can someone link me to the cad files for a plate which following
- these cutouts for spring/switches replacement
-multi-layout (so have to choose if ISO or ANSI. If that's too difficult I prefer ISO)

Where can I let someone make this plate for me?
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Offline iaeen

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 17:21:37 »
I know the ErgoDox Infinity plate allows you to remove the tops. It also looks like the FalbaTech cases for the original 'Dox will work too. FalbaTech sells most of the specialty stuff you need to build the original ErgoDox, but that version does not support backlighting. Your best bet to get a Dox would be to get in to one of the Infinity drops on Massdrop.
ErgoDox Infinity

Offline Phenix

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 18:08:40 »
I don't want to spent ~90€ for backlighting+the lcd screen. So the ergodox is better.

Where can I get a 75% plate+pcb? I need these cutouts..!!
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Offline iaeen

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 18:42:04 »
Can I ask why you are so set on opening up your switches? You mention buying Zealio switches. In my mind, the primary advantage to Zealios is you can order the switch with the spring you want and not have to open them up.

IMO, opening switches is a huge pain. I did my first Infinity ErgoDox build with MX clears and I lubed, swapped the springs, and did an SIP mod. It was totally not worth it. I ended up removing the SIP sockets because they did not work as well as I would have liked, and I'm pretty much sure I did more harm than good to the feel of the switches by fussing around with them.

I ordered my second Dox with Zealios, and I also stocked up in the GB that is currently live. I promised myself that I will never open a working switch again.
ErgoDox Infinity

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 18:47:36 »
I would recommend LeandreN's Round 4 Plate/PCB group buy. I designed the plates, and they have the type of switch holes you are looking for.

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Offline Leslieann

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 20 February 2016, 18:57:35 »
I don't want to spent ~90€ for backlighting+the lcd screen. So the ergodox is better.

Where can I get a 75% plate+pcb? I need these cutouts..!!
Check the for sale forum, that's probably your best bet to get it fast.

Something you also should be aware of, it may not fit the case you have. Unless it's made for that exact case, just getting a 75% plate may or may not work or at the very least, you may have to build mounts.


This isn't an off the shelf hobby you are participating in, lots of these parts are fabricated by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and are made on as "as can" basis, when there is enough interest to get them cheap, they place a large order.

Swill's Switch plate builder thread can generate plates and help you find a cutter. However, most shops really despise one off's (very little money in it), as such you could be waiting weeks or months before they get around to it. As for price, it could be $15 for a plate (VERY unlikely) or you could be spending $100 for a plate. Depends on the shop and how they cut it (laser, water, mill) and the material.
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| Filco MJ2 L.E. Vortex Case, Jailhouse Blues, heavily customized
More
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| GMMK TKL
More
w/ Kailh Purple Pros/lubed/Novelkeys 39g springs, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, Netdot Gen10 Magnetic cable
| PF65 3d printed 65% w/LCD and hot swap
More
Box Jades, Interchangeable trim, mini lcd, QMK, underglow, HK Gaming Thick PBT caps, O-rings, Netdot Gen10 magnetic cable, in progress link
| Magicforce 68
More
MF68 pcb, Outemu Blues, in progress
| YMDK75 Jail Housed Gateron Blues
More
J-spacers, YMDK Thick PBT, O-rings, SIP sockets
| KBT Race S L.E.
More
Ergo Clears, custom WASD caps
| Das Pro
More
Costar model with browns
| GH60
More
Cherry Blacks, custom 3d printed case
| Logitech Illumininated | IBM Model M (x2)
Definitive Omron Guide. | 3d printed Keyboard FAQ/Discussion

Offline Phenix

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 21 February 2016, 07:30:43 »
ok. For the case Im pretty happy - I havent got one. So I can build a nice out of wood which fits theplate :))

I will look into this builder, and check someone near to me if he can do it..
--

how many mount holes are recommended? Whats about wide/height padding?
And whats plate corners/kerf? I really never heard about them.
And whats a line color?

Im still confused. This is going to be my first custom.

And how can I make the keycool 84 Key layout to ISO? Still having trouble with the application to set up)
« Last Edit: Sun, 21 February 2016, 07:49:21 by Phenix »
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Offline Phenix

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 21 February 2016, 09:07:32 »
Ok, here is the design.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/5fe1fc0085c624a2a920
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/e0f7200844b716e4ccbe

Is there a shop

How can I get a model/print out for only the plate? Or how can I make this as a schematic WITH the cutouts?

Please also tell me what to choose with the plate...
« Last Edit: Sun, 21 February 2016, 10:16:31 by Phenix »
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Offline TalkingTree

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 22 February 2016, 06:03:42 »
How can I get a model/print out for only the plate? Or how can I make this as a schematic WITH the cutouts?
There might be plates for your numpad but, as far as I can tell, your 75% layout is unique. You have to get a plate cut out for yourself.
In the KLE, go to the Raw data tab, copy and paste in swill's Plate builder, it will give you a CAD for your plate.

Please also tell me what to choose with the plate...
Anodized aluminum 1,6 mm thick or steel, depends on your liking.
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Offline Phenix

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 22 February 2016, 09:38:16 »
and what can I do with this CAD?

Which are well-known/good shops for printing this?

by the way my design is like the b.mini x2 only that I want these cutouts
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Offline TalkingTree

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Re: Where to get a plate where I can modify switches without soldering
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 22 February 2016, 13:58:17 »
and what can I do with this CAD?

Which are well-known/good shops for printing this?
See if there is any company that will cut a plate for you. You can use the CAD for that but you should google yourself for that, for I know no one in Germany for that purpose.
My opensource projects: GH80-3000, TOAD, XMMX. Classified: stuff