Next to my 3700 mod, I first did a whole mod to a Ducky Shine II TKL. I pretty much only kept the PCB and the case
Originally it was one with black MX switches, green LEDs and Swedish ISO key caps that come standard on the Ducky Shine II.
So again, it's a picture based log here. I'll type some stuff where I have to put I think we have about 60 pictures in total
Be sure to click on the "spoiler" button for more pictures!
1. Stock Ducky Shine II TKL
2. Carefully and gently remove the warranty sticker and remove the screw
3. Pop open the case with a credit card or anything that can do the trick. It is quite rigid so take your time and think before you act.
4. Case is open, key caps are removed. Now unscrew the black screws on the left and right under the F-row.
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
So time to pop the red MX switches into the SS plate!
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRvtLEZJFKM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EaKBfLB28U
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
18. Adding R4 Retro key set with blanks.
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
So this was quite a build. Each part took some time and it took me over a month to complete this build in between my day job, making cables and having a life
Some things I could've done different:
- Drill holes before stickering. The metal sticks onto the stickers so I had to replace a few.
- Drill holes before the switches are in. I bent a few switch plates while pressing down making the switch not register any more. You could bend them back but I just replaced them so that they don't feel different. This can't always be done before putting everything together but still, this should be considered.
- Be ultra careful when de-soldering and soldering this much. You risk damaging the solder pads otherwise. I had to trace one to make a LED work again.
- First do the LED headers, then sticker. It's easier and the sticker doesn't get pushed down as much.
Overall I like the look of the keyboard but I'm not convinced yet with the key cap set. Maybe because the function row is still numbered and I have blank alphas and then symbols on the modifiers. I don't know. Maybe I just need to get used to it first. Still typing on my Filco at the moment This one is going to be used at work. I can for sure say I don't see why the enter has "return" written on it. And also the spacebar is quite sharp, hence why some people probably flip it.
Also first time I'm using a TKL so the first times I used it I was overreaching my hand position. Kind of annoying when you're typing with blanks
I do like the Ducky Shine II as far as I still have parts of it. The custom LED features are nice and also the shortcuts that are preconfigured. Only a shame that you can't record your macro's like on the Ducky Mini.
If I think of anything else I'll write it down
Thanks for checking this out!