Search found 52 matches

by timw4mail
28 Mar 2022, 14:56
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What choices are there for printed black keycaps for the model M are there?
Replies: 40
Views: 12488

Re: What choices are there for printed black keycaps for the model M are there?

I guess double-shot keys would be the only good solution...if there were double-shot Model M keys.
by timw4mail
25 Feb 2022, 18:32
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Cherry ML, does it deserve the hate?
Replies: 52
Views: 7433

Re: Cherry ML, does it deserve the hate?

Is there a full size keyboard with ML switches? The closest I've seen is the G84-5200, which might have all the keys, but the layout is a bit compressed. https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=165 ;) I have this keyboard, new in box, if anybody wants to buy it off me :mrgreen: Is there an ANSI ver...
by timw4mail
25 Feb 2022, 17:41
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: The New Beamspring Repros?
Replies: 15
Views: 3225

Re: The New Beamspring Repros?

I have received my new Model F keyboard, and it was worth it to me. But yes, years of waiting was definitely a worry.
by timw4mail
25 Feb 2022, 17:17
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Cherry ML, does it deserve the hate?
Replies: 52
Views: 7433

Re: Cherry ML, does it deserve the hate?

Is there a full size keyboard with ML switches? The closest I've seen is the G84-5200, which might have all the keys, but the layout is a bit compressed.
by timw4mail
25 Feb 2022, 17:11
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: New Keyboards on old systems: USB4VC
Replies: 0
Views: 833

New Keyboards on old systems: USB4VC

So, a while back I was searching for a good setup to be able to use USB keyboards on PS/2 systems. Well, now there's a more comprehensive solution, called USB4VC. Currently in kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dekunukem/usb4vc-usb-inputs-on-retro-computers LGR has a sort of review: h...
by timw4mail
15 Feb 2022, 15:07
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: AEII Keycaps on Matias Tactile Pro: Should I try it?
Replies: 38
Views: 4786

Re: AEII Keycaps on Matias Tactile Pro: Should I try it?

I have AEK II caps on my Matias Tactile Pro 4. The downside is that the top row, numpad 0 and enter don't fit, and the left control is smaller on the AEK II. (The AEK II has rotated switches on the top row for some reason, and the stabilizers are mounted on opposite sides of the keys for the two big...
by timw4mail
31 Jan 2022, 15:23
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Best Clicky Switches You've Tried
Replies: 87
Views: 40343

Re: Best Clicky Switches You've Tried

By switch type (that I've tried):

Buckling spring: IBM capacative (Model F/ New Model F)
ALPS: Matias Clicky
MX-like: Outemu Blue
by timw4mail
14 Jan 2022, 15:32
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Conversion from PS2 to USB-C possible?
Replies: 4
Views: 6740

Re: Conversion from PS2 to USB-C possible?

Hello I recently got myself a Cherry G80-1800, it has a PS2 connector and well who still has a PS2 connector? Is it possible to convert it to USB-C and I am willing to solder around on it and take it apart. Not to be curmudgeony, but you can still get modern (AM4) computer motherboards with a PS/2 ...
by timw4mail
17 Dec 2021, 16:05
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses
Replies: 31
Views: 33991

Re: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses

I have a Matias Pro, the clicky one and I can tell you that they are pretty pretty horrible compared to the real SKCM (older gen) ALPS. They are also bad compared to the newer SKBM ALPS too. They are substantially heavier, their click is very loud, sharp (in a bad way) and pretty pronounced, they s...
by timw4mail
14 Dec 2021, 16:07
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses
Replies: 31
Views: 33991

Re: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses

I have had three Alps boards (black, orange, and white) - I don't remember the black binding, but don't own it anymore. I still have the white and orange boards. Neither of them have ever had binding issues. In fact, my Model M's "bind" slightly more on corners. It's worth noting that I have never ...
by timw4mail
10 Dec 2021, 15:44
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Opinions on Mechanical Keyboards
Replies: 8
Views: 5416

Re: Opinions on Mechanical Keyboards

This again?
by timw4mail
10 Dec 2021, 15:04
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses
Replies: 31
Views: 33991

Re: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses

Being the 2nd most common switches (not counting rubberdome / scissor switches), Alps switches are more interesting than their MX design counterparts. Alps' structural freedom (or inconsistency in how they evolved) allows the possibility to create quite different key feels, blue, green, brown, oran...
by timw4mail
09 Dec 2021, 17:09
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses
Replies: 31
Views: 33991

ALPS/ALPS-like switch weaknesses

I have used keyboards with a lot of different switch types, from rubber dome/membrane, Cherry MX, clones and compatibles, buckling spring, and ALPS/ALPS-style switches. With that said, I think that ALPS switches have a few areas where they are weaker compared to other switch types. (This is based on...
by timw4mail
02 Dec 2021, 18:51
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

Maybe the issue timw4mail is experiencing with the Tripp Lite 0DT60002 is it isn't getting enough power. I use a custom Soarer's converter with extra 1K Ohm resistors between Clock and +5V and between Data and +5V. You could try to plug the USB keyboard into a powered USB hub and then plug the male...
by timw4mail
16 Nov 2021, 15:34
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Bought a KBParadise V80 with Matias Click Switches
Replies: 24
Views: 6152

Re: Bought a KBParadise V80 with Matias Click Switches

apastuszak wrote:
16 Nov 2021, 15:25
Why all the hate for Matias switches?
They apparently have a reputation for chattering.
by timw4mail
09 Nov 2021, 19:40
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

ATEN has such a product CV10KM: https://www.aten.com/global/en/products/kvm/kvm-modules-&-accessories/cv10km/ It requires additional 5V power (free USB port or dedicated USB power supply), which seams reasonable since PS/2 can deliver only 275mA while (normal) USB can draw up to 500mA. Doesn't look...
by timw4mail
08 Nov 2021, 15:02
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

Polecat wrote:
06 Nov 2021, 03:48
I just found this version looking for something unrelated:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334177901072

Tripp Lite 0DT60002

Probably part of a KVM switch setup?
Pretty sure that's exactly what I got from Amazon.
by timw4mail
29 Oct 2021, 15:55
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

Well, the adapter arrived (The Tripp Lite Minicom thing). So, unfortunately, for keyboards, it only really works with USB keyboards that speak PS/2. With other USB keyboards, it would maybe register a key about once a second, and the mouse would also get really laggy. On the plus side, it handled ev...
by timw4mail
19 Oct 2021, 19:34
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Mods complete, would like to introduce my Mini M. I named it "mPossible" (aka the Death Star), can you tell me why?
Replies: 26
Views: 6625

Re: Mods complete, would like to introduce you to my Mini M. I named it "mPossible", can you tell me why?

SunshineRag_DT wrote:
19 Oct 2021, 18:05
Bitteneite wrote:
19 Oct 2021, 12:28
I see you...
Not quite that one (ISO Layout) but you and Rayndalf have started to sniff it out.
So it is a buckling spring keyboard, but you've adapted caps from another very similar -looking board to reorganize the bottom row?
by timw4mail
19 Oct 2021, 15:36
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Fixing IBM Model F AT "WEIRD" SPACEBAR
Replies: 10
Views: 3741

Re: Fixing IBM Model F AT "WEIRD" SPACEBAR

I have always wondered why IBM set up those locations, from what I have heard they never actually made any keyboards that utilized them. But apparently those engineers put in a lot of potential Easter eggs "just because" .... A realistic reason: they had planned to add extra keys, but they were nix...
by timw4mail
18 Oct 2021, 15:14
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

Assuming that it gets delivered, I did manage to find what seems to be what I'm looking for on Amazon:

"TRIPP LITE Minicom PS2 to USB Converter for KVM Switch"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040 ... le_o01_s00
by timw4mail
14 Oct 2021, 22:24
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Keyboard case terminology
Replies: 4
Views: 1097

Re: Keyboard case terminology

Thanks for the education. I've always wondered if the "floating keys" is just a "fashion" or does it have some relevant benefits like easier cleaning? I don't know about ease of cleaning, but it does mean there's less tendency to echo and amplify the sound of the switches. On the flipside, I'm sure...
by timw4mail
14 Oct 2021, 17:14
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Keyboard case terminology
Replies: 4
Views: 1097

Keyboard case terminology

Most rubber dome, and older mechanical keyboards have a top cover with cutouts for blocks of keys.

The style of newer mechanical keyboards tends to be that the switch backplate is the top cover of the keyboard.

Are there terms for these different case styles?
by timw4mail
14 Oct 2021, 16:37
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Keyboard Cleaning Survey
Replies: 11
Views: 2184

Re: Keyboard Cleaning Survey

I would settle for a better way to clean the sides of keys without having to remove them. Alcohol wipes and cotton swabs work, but there's still a good amount of work for each board.
by timw4mail
13 Oct 2021, 16:22
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IDENTIFY THE KEYSWITCH thread
Replies: 666
Views: 555563

Re: IDENTIFY THE KEYSWITCH thread

Looks like it's some sort of foam and foil switch with a buckling rubber sleve for tactility.
by timw4mail
07 Oct 2021, 15:46
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread
Replies: 5354
Views: 1768201

Re: IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread

If you like lazered keycaps, the caps are fine, they just aren't sought-after like the double-shot caps.
by timw4mail
06 Oct 2021, 02:11
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Favorite cheap/budget keyboard(s)?
Replies: 30
Views: 5292

Re: Favorite cheap/budget keyboard(s)?

Redragon K556. Metal housing, MX style switches, decent caps, full RGB, $60 to your door. Probably not going to be a popular answer, but it's the only correct one because it's mine. Or the aforementioned BTC DWS boards. If it's clean and under $40, it's worth it. Gunked up or more expensive? Don't ...
by timw4mail
04 Oct 2021, 15:26
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Recreating the Lisp keyboard (10 years later)
Replies: 274
Views: 446350

Re: Recreating the Lisp keyboard (10 years later)

What's with the tape on the spacebars?
by timw4mail
03 Oct 2021, 03:31
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: How do you store your keyboards?
Replies: 77
Views: 30787

Re: How do you store your keyboards?

I just stash multiple boards in larger cardboard boxes...
by timw4mail
02 Oct 2021, 01:39
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?
Replies: 51
Views: 30686

Re: Active USB to PS/2 adapter?

It won't work with a Model F, but I found a modern PS/2 keyboard controller IC that is programmable and has N-key rollover. https://www.sprintek.com/en/products/keyboard_ic/SK5126.aspx So you could do this with a contact-switch based board. Perhaps someone could find a way to convert the capacitive...

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