Mechanical Keyboards

This is my Topre collection. I’ve been a collector for years now and mainly collector Topre and Alps boards.

• KBDFans Pluto in Navy
• Aluminum Plate
• 1.2mm hot swap PCB
• Gummy o-ring mount
• All included foams installed
• Gateron Quinn tactile switches
• TX AP clip in stabilizers with a light coat of Glorious G Lube
• Nuphy two tone wrist rest (Field 75 version)
• EPBT Flaming Ice keycaps
• random novelty space bar I found in my desk drawer

Hi. First, you need to know that my main language it's Spanish but I like to use the English layout keyboard so I need the ALT codes.

I wanted a mechanical keyboard since forever, for me it's a little expensive. Also, I like the idea of a TKL and so in my mind a K8 Pro was the chosen but being a while since my desired configuration isn't available.

Some weeks ago I'd read about the C3 Pro and for the price was a non-brainer and the opportunity to know if everything will be OK with a TKL keyboard. Just minutes after installed it I realized (after a search) that you don't have an option for ALT codes which I really need.

I've read several information, but it looks like I need to modify (or create) a new layer with the software Via. So I went to the Via site, load which I supposed it's the correct json file [c3_pro_ansi_red_v1.1_20230823.json] but I simple don't know how to do this.

Also the symbols that I use the most (and want) are: ALT 168: Open interrogation symbol ALT 160/130/161/162/163: á, é, í, ó, ú ALT 164/165 for ñ and Ñ

I don't know if it's possible but maybe would be find if I can create something that allow me to hit the CTRL + a = for á and CTRL + SHIFT A = for Á

If possible, I want to avoid the use on an app like hotkey

Note: As I'm on Windows I'd read in the Keychron site that I need to choose the layer 2 as layer zero (and one) are for the Mac mode.

TIA

Hi all!

I'm just getting into Mechanical Keyboards! I got the CTRL and ALT keyboards from DROP and I'm loving them! I just noticed this keycap set from DROP and was wondering what do you think about it ?

I think $120 is a bit steep for my taste, and I'm not even sure if this keycap set will be compatible with my keyboards. I'd be happy just to get the 2x command/option/control keys themselves!

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!

IBM 5281/5282/5285/5286 Data Station Typewriter Keyboard (P/N 2658984)

Quick summary:

• 528X-83 type Model B keyboard
• 83-key Italian layout
• IBM beam spring clicky key-switches
• Double-shot SAN keycaps
• Made by IBM Italia
• Some call this the "beamfoot" as it resembles the later IBM 5291/5292 Model F keyboard but in Model B form
• The speaker present was likely used to simulate what a solenoid did for other Model B keyboards or provide audible cues from the system

That's a lot of numbers in the name... I hear you. This is what I call a 528X-83 type Model B keyboard! 528x family, 83 keys. I call it so because the habit of calling most IBM Model B(eamspring) keyboards by simply "5281", "5251", "3276", etc. isn't really accurate, in my opinion and experience. As per the cable tab from the speaker, this keyboard must've been made in the first half of 1981.

The IBM 5280 Distributed Data System was announced in January 1980 and was a 'diskette-based system' for distributed processing and data entry. There were several data stations within the family:

• IBM 5281 Data Station
• IBM 5282 Dual Data Station
• IBM 5285 Programmable Data Stationn
• IBM 5286 Dual Programmable Data Station

The stations themselves resembled the more common 5250 series terminals such as the 5251 and 5252. 5281 and 5285 were single-operator stations, 5282 and 5286 were dual-operator stations. 5285 and 5286 were additionally "programmable" stations. My understanding is that thee dual-operator ones had a single CRT inside that's optically split to either user. A 66-key data entry version of this keyboard also exists.

I have a keyboard with gateron blue clear top (black base, clear top) switches. It has a few switches that no longer work consistently so I'm looking for some replacements. The keyboard is backlit so I'd like to keep the clear top. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a source for this type of switch I feel comfortable with that ships to the US. There's ebay but it's so hard to tell what you're going to get. Does anyone know of a good site that ships to the US that stocks gateron clear top switches?

1upkeyboards is the only place I've seen them even listed, but they are out of stock. https://1upkeyboards.com/shop/switches/set-packs/switches-16-pack/

I have compared cherry blues, which also come in clear top, to the gaterons but I like the gateron feel better even though they seem not to last as long apparently.

I have an old Logitech UltraX Premium low-profile scissor switch keyboard. Unfortunately this one's dieing, as one of the keys is now broken.

I'm not well versed in mechanical switches and I'm not native English, so some of the explained terminology is a bit harder to understand when I'm looking for the subtle differences in the switches.

I'm looking for the right switch that is somewhat similar to my current keyboard. On any given key I can apply some pressure, but the key will not press down. When I push a little harder, the key goes down to the bottom. What kind of switch am I looking for in this case? Linear, clicky, "tactile bump", ...?

I'm currently interested in the Keychron K5. It has similar dimensions with regards to height of the keys (around 2cm) and is a full layout.

Thanks in advance.

Manufacturer wanted $25 (+shipping) for a replacement garage door opener wall switch. 13 minutes of printing + 5 minutes of soldering + two leftover Cherry MX Blue switches (that I'll be use) and the problem is solved 👍

Note: The wiring was slightly more involved than I thought... needed a resistor for the light (there's only two wires but it's got two functions: Light on/off and garage open/close.

If folks are interested I could make a much fancier PCB-based version with screw terminals and whatnot. It's a very trivial schematic.

I've been speaking to our VP about keyboards - he was curious about the boards I had lying around and mentioned he's looking for something lower impact, as he suspects he's starting to get arthritis. He types a ton, it's basically his entire job to write proposals and emails.

I don't know if he's quite ready to jump off the deep end for something like a ZSA Voyager, and most likely he'll end up trying a mass produced scissor switch board with a numpad first... but are there any other recommendations in between a $100 mass produced logitech ergo board and a $350+ ZSA that are ortho & low profile?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96232.msg3172021#msg3172021

I have a couple of these from a while ago and enjoy them a lot. Very excited to see them come back!

Specifications:

• Full size (80ish+ size with a reduced numpad will also work)
• ISO key layout (as in, a proper Return key. ANSI can burn)
• Numpad
• Wireless (if possible)
• Don't need any RGB
• I don't care about keycaps, so any leftovers will do. They don't even have to be representative of the actual key, random letters and symbols will be fine, even duplicates

When I wasbinto RC Helicopters i liked flying, but didn't get much entertainment feom building. This other guy liked building but didn't care that much about flying. I was hoping to run into someone similar here.

EDIT: The helicopter sory as I posted it elsewhere, in case anyone cares. https://lemmy.ml/comment/2517850

I'm doing a black/red TKL build for the Milkyway Half-Blade keycap GB that should be delivering by the end of the year. I've never done a full aesthetic match on a build before - I've got a custom red ano aluminum plate on order and I'd like the switches to match too, at least for initial build+photos. I'm mill-maxing the board so I'll probably put these switches in something else since my wife is the main TKL user and prefers clickies.

Here is the pantone swatch of the keycaps. I'm already going to have a lot of black in the case and red in the PCB+plate so if the switches adopted some of the grey-blue I think that'd be neat, but any other mix of red and black could work too. Worst case I will probably just find the closest weight, highest rated all-black linear I can find.

So any good recommendations? Ones I'm aware of that seem well reviewed and close in weight but don't match color-wise are:

• Gateron Oil Kings (~55g) I have these in a DM Austin on alu and know I love them
• Gateron Ink Box Pink (~50g) I don't know much about these except the ink blacks are very highly recommended
• Durock Linear L1/Yellow (~55g)
• Cherry MX Black (~55g) the OG
• NK_ Cream, Cream Pro & Dream (all ~55g) I hear good things, especially the pre-broken-in Dreams sound nice
• Everglide Aqua King Linear (~55g) Don't know much about it but saw at the top of a few recommendation lists for linears
• Alpacas (~62g) popular mostly for BCPs I think?
• Divinikey Oni (~43g) I've heard these in one build and they sounded incredible but they seem to be perpetually out of stock, and wrong color

Hi there, I am using Keychron K1 SE and wanted to switch out the orange escape-key and the lights-key with wooden keycaps. After making some small wood clips, I tried to use some sawed Lego-Parts to put them on the Cherry switches. They fit surprisingly well, but are not held in firmly enough.

Can I purchase some baseplates for custom keycaps somewhere or should I try to get them 3d-printed (I have no experience with that)?

Thanks for any help

Finally, got to unbox this little one. It's been sitting in my storage due to moving places recently. Really happy, it's very smooth. Pingy switches, but I plan to fix this with some lubing.

Just arrived yesterday. Super happy with it.

The other keyboard is an Anne Pro 2 on Box Kaihl White switches.

Anyone else have one? I've been loving it so far! Feels great!

https://www.printables.com/model/543259-cbt-corne-battery-tented-case

Hey everyone,

Was just wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a high quality 75% with a volume knob.

I saw the Satisfaction 75, which is basically exactly what I'm looking for. Just wondering if there's any other good options out there.

I heard there may be a V3 coming out, but I'm not sure where these typically go on group buys. Is there a "go-to" site for keyboard GBs?

Switched from a cheap redragon keyboard to a more ergonomic one and after 3 months I can finally type in normal speed without wrist pain.

Firstly, thanks for all the feedback on my post from a few weeks ago. After taking it all into consideration, I decided against the Logitech and went with a keychron Q pro.

Now I'm just excited to get it since classes are starting and I'd love a distraction.

How long did yours take to arrive?

@mechanicalkeyboards thanks to everyone for their help! I went with the Keychron Q5 Pro and am beyond excited to try it out!

What are the quietest DSA keycaps? YMDK DSA PBT Blank Keycaps blank design eliminates the sound of legends being printed on the keycaps, contributing to a quieter typing experience.

Not to mention:

Which DSA keycap is the most aesthetically pleasing? It depends on the user’s preferences. In fact, females would opt for Drop Astrolokeys because of its charming look while males would prefer star wars galactic empire for its striking appearance.