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Author Topic: Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help  (Read 3678 times)

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Offline zild1221

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 16:02:37 »
Hi there. Again, I am new so please do not bash me.

Anyway, I have decided on getting a MX-11800. A few people pointed me in the right direction on where to find them. Anyway, now that I have found a few it comes down to making it look better. Most of the ones I have found are scuffed up and not too pleasant looking.

I was wondering what key caps would fit on that keyboard. I am not a huge fan of the white keys. The only way I think the whites would look good is if I did a nice matte black finish on the keyboard casing.

What are your guys thoughts? Any links you have would be appreciated. Also, I forgot to mention that I dislike blank caps.

I hope you guys can help. I will be purchasing within the next day or so.
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Offline elbowglue

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 16:07:18 »
Its very tricky to find a 1:1 keycap swap for the MX11800.  The reason is this, all the A-Z keys will fit fine, but you will find difficulty finding keys that will match the modifier keys such as left and right shift, spacebar, numpad keys.

If you look at the keyboard as my avatar, I used keys from a MY 1800 to put onto my Mx11800, but some of the keys didn't work exactly right.
Here's a similar donor keyboard on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cherry-Computer-Keyboard-MY-1800-G81-1800-HAU-03-/390180646523?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5ad8942e7b#ht_1275wt_928
All these keys fit except the right shift was the wrong size, the 0 on the numpad is wrong sized, the plus on the numpad is the wrong size.

You may consider trying to make your keys all black - again there will be no easy 1:1 keycap substitution for the MX11800.  When you get your board give it a good look over, you might like it, I sort of like the look of it.
« Last Edit: Thu, 22 April 2010, 16:11:22 by elbowglue »
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My keyboards: Filco Cherry Blue Tenkeyless(daily home), Compaq MX11800 (modded to blacks), Compaq "MX 84u",  Wellington\'s Dampened Endurapro, Pinkalicious Filco Blue Cherry, Chicony KB-5191, Chicony KB-5181, Desko MOS 5023 UP "elbowglue" spos (modded to blues), Siig Minitouch (monterey blue), SMK-88 (blue cherries), Ricercar SPOS
Smallest to biggest keyboards in inches (Length X Height) - Length is most important for a midline mouse position
KBC Poker: 11.6 x 3.9 - HHKB: 11.6 x 4.3 - Siig Minitouch (Geekhack Space Saver): 11.6 x 6 - Deck/Tg3 82: 12 x 6 - Noppoo Choc Mini 12.4 x 5.3 - Compaq "MX 84u": 13.1 x 7.5 - Filco Tenkeyless: 14 x 5.3 - Cherry "ricercar spos" G86-62410EUAGSA: 14 x 7.75 - Topre Realforce 86u: 14.4 x 6.65 - Desko "elbowglue spos" MOS 5023 UP: 14.5 x 8.4 - IBM Model M Spacesaver: 15.3 x 7 - G80-1800: 15.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-125B: 16 x 7.3 - Compaq Mx11800, Cherry G80-11900: 16.25 x 7.5 - Filco Standard: 17.3 x 5.4 - Unicomp Endurapro: 17.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-135B: 18.3 x 6.0 - Cherry G80-3000: 18.5 x 7.6 - IBM Model M, Unicomp Customizer: 19.3 x 8.27

Offline zild1221

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 18:38:53 »
Hmm. Well. I may just have to stick with refinishing the case and clean the keys really really well to get them as white as possible. This may look better.

If I could somehow make the keys black though and redo the lettering, that would be awesome. Is there any way of redoing the lettering without having it wear off?
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Offline zild1221

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 21:58:58 »
Hope this forum automerges. Anyway, I have found a solution.

Apperently, the keys on this keyboard take RIT dye very well.
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Offline Rajagra

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 22:25:15 »
Quote from: elbowglue;174653
Its very tricky to find a 1:1 keycap swap for the MX11800.


Cherry MX11900. Both boards have PCB mounted switches so it is also easy to convert the Cherry to brown sliders/springs.
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Offline Phaedrus2129

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 22:34:42 »
Hm, that's a funky Enter key on that MX11800. Mine has the horizontal, standard return key with \ above it. Or is that just the ISO version?
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline Oqsy

  • Posts: 861
Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 22 April 2010, 22:47:56 »
My MX11800 and MX11900 both have horizontal enter with \ above as well...  Don't order an MX11900 blindly though, they're not all black :D
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[sigpic]Currently in use: Rosewill RK9000 and CH DT225[/sigpic]
"Private misfortunes make for public welfare."

Offline Otterclock

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 23 April 2010, 01:57:55 »
Quote
Hi there. Again, I am new so please do not bash me.


Folks here are pretty mature and friendly. I don't think keyboard hobbyism really attracts mean, raucous types.

I have a Compaq 11800 and I was thinking of doing the same. I got mine in really clean condition though (from another geekhacker). I'm super glad I got to try the board but i discovered it doesnt really thrill me.
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ABS M1|IBM Model M|Lite-On 1788|Cherry G83 6744LUAUS| Logitech S510| Scorpius M10| Cherry 11900.

Offline itlnstln

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 23 April 2010, 07:31:33 »
Quote from: Otterclock;174778
Folks here are pretty mature and friendly. I don't think keyboard hobbyism really attracts mean, raucous types.

Speak for yourself, *******.







(Just kidding, of course)








(Maybe)
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Offline Rajagra

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 23 April 2010, 07:35:26 »
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;174738
Hm, that's a funky Enter key on that MX11800. Mine has the horizontal, standard return key with \ above it. Or is that just the ISO version?


Yes they are the ISO (UK) versions.

I assume the 11800 is available with Windows keys, but none of mine have them. Not sure if the 11900 ever came without Windows keys.
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Offline zild1221

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 23 April 2010, 14:20:06 »
Yeah. I have a feeling I will like the Cherry Browns (atleast for now). I have never used a mechanical keyboard before. I am hoping it is easy to transition from my cheapo keyboards and laptop keyboards to this.

I just won mine on ebay for $15.50 and shipping. It looked in decent condition. Either way I am going to take the thing apart and go crazy cleaning it. If I like it in a few days I am going to dye the keys and paint the enclosure.
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Offline J888www

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 24 April 2010, 08:26:16 »
The problem with painting the casing is, sooner or later, the paint will wear away and it will look very ...........depends on your opinion.

Maybe better to also dye the case.
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Often outspoken, please forgive any cause for offense.
Thank you all in GH for reading.

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Offline zild1221

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Compaq MX-11800 Modification Help
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 24 April 2010, 13:34:18 »
Apparently there are big problems with dying the case. Since it is such a long peice of plastic, it bows and becomes unusable.

As for paint wearing, my hands almost never touch the case of my current keyboard. Also, my parents own a hardware store so I am sure I can figure something out paint wise for it.

Now for the color scheme. I am currently redoing my room and building a new desk and bedframe. My walls are a mid grey tone and the trim is black. The bed frame and desk I am making are black grey and white with bright orange accents. I was things for my keyboard to match well I could do a black case with the letters dyed orange. The numbers & f keys and all other keys will be a mid tone grey. Then maybe a few choice white keys in the mix.

What do you guys think? I am pretty new to this.
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