Mechanical Keyboards

Is this a thing?

I always have spare keyboards out of use either from old machines or pulled out of the trash. Many of them have a dead key which ruins their purpose as a primary keyboard. It’s probably not worth the effort to bypass a bad trace. So why not have a 2nd keyboard just for symbols and emoji? ATM to enter a €uro symbol I have to type 3 keys ($specialkey+c+=). Or more importantly, the properly angled single and double quotes (’ ‘ “ ” ) each require typing 3 keys. That shit is annoyingly tedious. And consider all the superscripts¹.

I attached a qwerty keyboard and azerty keyboard at the same time (Debian, wayland + sway). The AZERTY board was treated as QWERTY. So that’s bizarre. Sure it’s useful that the layout is controllable by software, but strange that the keyboard’s native layout is not the default. It seems as if the layout choice (man xkeyboard-config) is universally imposed on all attached devices. Is it possible to configure a QWERTY or Dvorak layout for keyboard 1 and a totally custom or symbolic layout for keyboard 2?

¹ all the digits on a secondary keyboard could be superscripted like this footnote. E.g. ¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹.. typing each of those requires 3 key presses.

update

Possible answer: I hear this project enables different layouts to be assigned to different physical devices:

https://github.com/rvaiya/keyd

Bit annoying that that project has not made it into Debian official repos, but at least there are deb files.

• Group-buy closes on May 12, 2024. Each design is a one-time Group-buy and won’t be sold again. Buy 6+ keycaps for free shipping, or get the full set of 8 for free shipping plus a 10% discount.
• Each keycap design has unique glow-in-the-dark elements, and supports LED shine-through and UV lighting.
• x77 and X32 art toys come with big wooden boxes.
• Our product photos are genuine, not 3D renders. Keycaps are handmade using resin casting and multilayer colouring, not 3D printed and paint only.

Had this aluminum plate laser cut a few months back and hand-wired it with Box Navies and a RPi Pico, and oiled oak for the sides. I missed my numpad, though, so I used my own laser cutter and made an external one from Masonite and textured spraypaint.

#DIY #MechanicalKeyboard

#mechanicalkeyboards

Group buy open now: https://www.jellykey.com/artisan-keycaps/retro-tv-classics-reimagined

• Keycap sizes: 1u, 1u naked, x32 & x77 Art toy
• 11 designs
• 9 TV screens
• Price: $55-$399
• Payment: PP / CC

This group buy will close on 2/4/2024, and please remember that we only run group buys once, with no reopening. Orders of over 6 keycaps will enjoy free shipping.

• With every three keycaps ordered, you’ll receive a random colour of Hi-fi retro stand as a gift (not sold separately).
• Ring on TV screen variant is intended solely for display because its dimensions exceed the standard size can’t be typed.
• Every **x77 **and X32 art toy has a wooden x77 and X32 box.
• All product photos are authentic, not 3D renders, and our keycaps are crafted by hand using resin casting and multilayer colouring, not 3D printed.

Due to the wide variety of options available in this group buy, we won’t provide photo reviews, as capturing all variant images isn’t feasible.

Thank you for joining us.

Hello,

I have a standalone numpad

https://drop.com/buy/gk-gk21s-abs-wireless-mechanical-numpad-kit

with these keys.

https://drop.com/buy/drop-holy-panda-x-mechanical-switches?defaultSelectionIds=967407

Any suggestions for where I can get a keycap set for these? I want JUST the numpad keycaps, I dont want to replace my keycaps for my main keyboard.

Just finished up this one. No-stabilizers, handwired custom 98% layout. 3D printed case and feet, plate laser cut from 3.2mm Masonite, blank XDA laser dye-subbed in a Josefin Sans Medium font. Not exactly professional fit and finish, but it types nice with Box Jades, and ZERO STAB RATTLE! ZERO!!!

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

#mechanicalkeyboard #mechanicalkeyboards

This group buy will close on 2/9/2024. Please remember that we only run group buys once, and they will not be reopened. Orders of over 6 keycaps will enjoy free shipping. All product photos are authentic, not 3D renders, and our keycaps are crafted by hand using resin casting and…

Trying out this Mastodon/Microblog thing. Had a customized TKL keyboard plate laser cut, 3D printed and painted a case, hand wired the switches, and added keycaps. Geekhack link. #mechanicalkeyboards #DIY #3dprinting

[Jelly Key][In-stock sale] Pillow Craft Artisan Keycaps

https://www.jellykey.com/artisan-keycaps/pillow-craft

The keycaps have already been produced and are ready to be shipped within 7 business days. This represents Jelly Key’s new In-stock sales approach, which differs from a Groupbuy.
Purchasing 6 or more keycaps qualifies for free shipping. Options will be exhausted and restocked without prior notice.

“Every night, as I rest my head on the comforting softness of my pillow, a thought recurs: what if this comfort level could be part of my everyday life, not just at night? This question sparked the inspiration for my latest design. It’s an attempt to capture the essence of that soothing experience. The pillow’s surface, smooth and pleasing texture, was my primary inspiration. Amazingly, something so simple can bring such a profound sense of relaxation.

I use a different layout to type, but I'd like to be able to have my physical layout reflect what I'm actually typing. The problem is that moving the F and J keys to where they should be means the home row would be missing the tactile bumps, and I use those to recenter my hands when I'm not looking. I'd like to add keycaps for different letters that have tactile bumps.

Do those type of keys have a name? I really don't know what to search for; "tactile keys" just returns rubber or textured keycaps (which, maybe the latter is a last resort). I'm open to alternatives.

Edit: Thanks, everyone! I have now learned they're called "homing keys," and they can have raised portions like bars, or a more recessed scoop.

🌟🎄 Celebrate Christmas with Jelly Key's a Magical Christmas Journey artisan keycaps collection! 🎄🌟

https://www.jellykey.com/raffle

Welcome to the most magical season of the year! Jelly Key proudly introduces our latest keycap collection - A Magical Christmas Journey. 🌈✨

Combining the magic of Enchanted Expedition and Mysterious Enchantimals, this collection brings a colourful and magical Christmas journey. ❄️🎁

👉 Each keycap is meticulously crafted using 100% resin casting techniques, reflecting Christmas's warm and magical atmosphere.

🎅 Join us on this magical journey. Together, we'll discover the Mysterious Christmas Treasure and spread Christmas joy to the world! 🌍❤️

💻🎉 The raffle form is now available for submission! Don't miss your chance to own these unique keycaps, perfect for sprucing up your keyboard and bringing joy with every keystroke.

Youtube video link.
14min 37sec length.

Goes into different keyboard layouts, ergonomics and more!

Group buy open now: https://www.jellykey.com/artisan-keycaps/artifact-series-savanna

• Keycap sizes: 1u, 2.25u (enter/left-shift), 6.25u (spacebar)

• Designs: 4 designs

• Keycap profiles: SA / Droplet

• Price: $55 - $106

• Payment: Paypal

After a four-year absence, the esteemed Artifact series triumphantly returns. This exclusive group buy opportunity will only be available until November 23, 2023, and we emphasise that there will be no reruns. Enjoy the perk of free shipping on orders consisting of 6 keycaps. Additionally, we have a special offer for this series: each keycap comes with a unique sticker. For those placing orders with 12 or more keycaps, a special limited-edition keycap will be included as a premium gift, enhancing the allure of your collection.

Thank you for joining us.

I bought this Keychron V3 barebones kit with some nice keycaps and Kailh Speed Pro Heavy Plum switches (70g tactile). I did the bandaid mod and the tape mod.

I tried it with linear 40g Keychron switches first but it felt and sounded weird. The full black keyboard is almost ominous and requires heavier actuation for the full experience of it to be consistent. So these tactile 70g Kailhs are perfect. The sound is more dampened because the keystrokes don't bottom out as hard, but it's also more crisp because of the barely-noticeable tactile bump. It feels like I'm writing on stone somehow. It's really a unique typing experience.

I guess the "keyboard enthusiast" trajectory is one of escalation because I've graduated to the barebones kits and I'm dreaming of fully customized boards now.

EDIT: This was supposed to be a photo post but the photo didn't work.

Well it's officially Q4 and if WW3 doesn't break out I should receive the TKD Cycle 7 this year.

I need linear switches and some stabs, what are the best recommendations?

Aside from a screwdriver and pullers, I don't have other specialised tools..what else do I need?

Group buy open now: https://www.jellykey.com/artisan-keycaps/8-bit-pipeline-battle

• Keycap sizes: 1u, 1.25u (ctrl, alt), 1.5u (tab), 1.75u (capslock), 2u (backspace), 2.25u (enter),2.25u (left-shift), 2.75u (right-shift), 6.25u (spacebar), 6.5u (spacebar), 7u (spacebar)
• Designs: 4 colorways
• Keycap profiles: Cherry / OEM / SA / Droplet / Naked
• Price: $55 - $109
• Payment: Paypal
  *** Gif for bundle : Stickers & Time Gate – Keycap Display Stand art toy

This group buy will be closed on 10/9/2023, and please remember that we don’t rerun any group buy. Six keycaps per order & all collections will be free shipping. Check out our fabulous art toy gifts for this 8-bit series and sticker for every keycap.

All pictures of colourways this collection view here.

Thank you for joining us.

Hi everyone!

Imgur link: https://imgur.com/gallery/9OpcBtC

Form link: https://forms.gle/MQc7nxCpKVqwH5Am6

Keycaps and bodies:

• Statua Leonis (Gray Gradient colorway)
• Statua Leonis (Beige Gradient colorway)

Price: USD $55-90.

Shipping: USD $5 - 10.

Raffle details:

• The form is open until 15:00 UTC, September 07, 2023.
• Only 12 keycaps per colorway.
• More pictures and details in the form.

Our Instagram.

Good luck to everyone and have a good day :-)

Hi guys I have a steel series 6gv2 its over 10 years old. Finally one key stopped working, I tried two new switches even used a switch from another key but no go.. Not sure what I'm doing wrong the circuit path looks ok, I didn't use any flux but there's some in the solder core etc.. Any suggestions please!

https://postimg.cc/6T9P9fBJ

The deadline for participating in this group-buy is 31st August 2023. Kindly note that there will be no re-runs of this group buy. Free shipping for orders of 6 keycaps or more.

You’ll receive a sticker with every keycap, and if your order total exceeds $200, you’ll also receive a special “Universe Box” as a gift.

Would you buy a computer made of wood for the price of a used car? Maybe not. But you should be glad they exist.

I have a Leopold FC660C which is my primary keyboard at home.

I bought it lightly used several years back. It is bone stock, and I'm every bit as big a Topre fanboy as anyone you have ever met since owning it. (It prompted me to get a 980C and 104 key Realforce also)

I consider the FC660C and 980C my endgame boards, as new purchases stopped in their tracks after that, BUT:

The mini-usb port on the FC660C is a little bit wonky. I don't think the port itself is loose, I think there's a pin within it that's slightly out of whack. I often have to plug and unplug it several times before I can get it to receive power and work, independently of what system I'm plugging it into or what cable I use.

Are there reasonable mods out there (either to do myself or pay a reasonable fee for someone to do) which could accomplish one or the other of these:

• Replace with USB-C
• Add wireless capability

I learned awhile ago that folks often replace the controller boards, but I don't know the full spectrum of likely options, nor whether that is overkill to just get a properly functioning port.

I'm also open to just having the mini-usb port replaced, but I figure if I'm going that route I may as well modernize it a bit.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Not my first mech keyboard, but definately my first custom keyboard and my first ortholinear. Picked it up during the DefCon conference this weekend.

#mechanicalkeyboards