Search found 3923 matches

by Findecanor
13 Nov 2022, 20:27
Forum: Workshop
Topic: IO expanders with RP2040
Replies: 15
Views: 4929

Re: IO expanders with RP2040

Yet another option that is not a fully featured IO expander would be to just use a 74 series parallel-to-serial shift register (74HC165) ... ... I have found even less documentation than with io expanders. I have found OpenMusicLabs' matrix scanning guide a great resource. Even though the site is a...
by Findecanor
11 Nov 2022, 23:49
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there a way to add lock lights to a Terminal Model M?
Replies: 19
Views: 3568

Re: Is there a way to add lock lights to a Terminal Model M?

I think someone talked about Soarer's converter supporting LEDs connected to the converter itself. Never used it myself though.
TMK's terminal-to-USB converter firmware does not seem to have it, but it shouldn't be to difficult to add, I think.
by Findecanor
11 Nov 2022, 16:55
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?
Replies: 66
Views: 30241

Re: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?

apastuszak wrote:
11 Nov 2022, 15:57
their own switches
In 95% of cases a switch design that already exist, just with the client's brand embossed on top.
by Findecanor
11 Nov 2022, 10:16
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?
Replies: 66
Views: 30241

Re: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?

Are any of the Chinese MX manufacturers going after Ergo Clears? The official "Cherry MX Ergo Clears" is Cherry playing catch-up to the clone-manufacturers, many years late. Of course they don't mention the competition in their marketing. I can't follow these things because their choice of product ...
by Findecanor
11 Nov 2022, 04:35
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?
Replies: 66
Views: 30241

Re: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?

Talking about Cherry clones: has anybody been crazy enough to clone MX Clears? I suppose you intended to be snarky, but I also don't know how ignorant you are: There are several options for "Ergo Clears" with lighter springs that lack the scratchiness and tight keycap mount of real Clear — but I've...
by Findecanor
10 Nov 2022, 15:10
Forum: For sale
Topic: [FS] A bunch of stuff
Replies: 36
Views: 15109

Re: [FS] A bunch of stuff

Is the case for the Amiga keyboard without keycaps from a kit for converting an Amiga 500 into a desktop or tower case? I've only come across a low-res image of that kind and it did not have a Commodore logo: it looked like "CompTec".
And BTW. what happened to the keycaps?
by Findecanor
07 Nov 2022, 17:13
Forum: For sale
Topic: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!
Replies: 7
Views: 2772

Re: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!

I found someone in NL that will use it with a Sparcstation machine, so it seems the keyboard will not go wasted and won't have to travel much to its new home. That's "sounds" great! BTW, in these situations when you find a retro-platform enthusiast off-the-board, remember to first ask if they have ...
by Findecanor
06 Nov 2022, 20:38
Forum: For sale
Topic: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!
Replies: 7
Views: 2772

Re: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!

I think the switches should be mushy Fujitsu rubber domes. Are there really any other types in the Type 5 series? I know there have been at least one clone/replacement keyboard, and then there's the TKL version made by Key Tronic, but neither is a real Type 5. If you want comfortable Fujitsu domes, ...
by Findecanor
06 Nov 2022, 20:28
Forum: Mice & other input devices
Topic: Mechanical Mice equivalent?
Replies: 17
Views: 41165

Re: Mechanical Mice equivalent?

The very first device branded "Mousetrapper" was indeed only mechanical in its position-sensor. It worked like a Rollermouse but had no sensor of its own: you had to "trap" a Microsoft mouse into it, and mount it so that the ball touched the roller. By moving the roller, you rolled the mouse's ball....
by Findecanor
06 Nov 2022, 17:56
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?
Replies: 66
Views: 30241

Re: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?

While there are lots of linear MX clones, I'm actually amazed by the number of Cherry MX clones that are tactile — with the tactile event early in the key travel. These include the Holy/Glorious/Fekker Pandas and Zealio V2, but also a few more. All of these are from clone manufacturers: Cherry never...
by Findecanor
06 Nov 2022, 17:49
Forum: For sale
Topic: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!
Replies: 7
Views: 2772

Re: [EU-NL][H] Sun Microsystems Type 5c [W] Free!

The top case needs retr0brighting, but if you do it it will become one of the most beautiful keyboards ever made, IMHO. (I already have one)
by Findecanor
05 Nov 2022, 20:44
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: what is the best keyboard
Replies: 101
Views: 32572

Re: what is the best keyboard

In bpiphany's original firmware for the Phantom keyboard (one of the first DIY kits, remember the GB here ten years ago, veterans?), Shift+Shift was used to enter the bootloader. I noticed that randomly when typing, my keyboard stopped working, and I had pull out the USB lead and put it back in ... ...
by Findecanor
03 Nov 2022, 21:00
Forum: News
Topic: Cherry MX Black Clear Top (Nixie Blacks)
Replies: 12
Views: 8369

Re: Cherry MX Black Clear Top (Nixie Blacks)

To me, the top of the MX Black Clear-Top looks more milky than the housing on the original Nixie.
Good if there a simple way for collectors to tell them apart, at least... :P
by Findecanor
01 Nov 2022, 18:48
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: what is the best keyboard
Replies: 101
Views: 32572

Re: what is the best keyboard

I had an idea of posting a picture of Conan the Barbarian with a keyboard instead of his sword and the text "What is best Keyboard in Life?" but I'm not enough motivated.
by Findecanor
31 Oct 2022, 21:27
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?
Replies: 66
Views: 30241

Re: Is there something about Cherry MX switches that make them more "clonable" than other designs?

I think that when the mech-keyboard revival happened in around 2010, Cherry was the only switch brand that continuously manufactured mechanical switches in large numbers. There was Forward/Fuhua/Fukka who made simplified Alps clones, but those had a reputation of being worse than Alps, and they stop...
by Findecanor
24 Oct 2022, 13:04
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ABB DSIH80* cleaning
Replies: 7
Views: 1917

Re: ABB DSIH80* cleaning

Looks like one large switch grid. Would make one hell of an ortho-linear keyboard. :P ABB made/makes industrial equipment, such as robots. The PCB is marked ASEA ("A"): which merged with "BB" in Aug 1987 to form ABB. So the design must be pre-merger but it was sold after. Both ASEA and Ericsson Data...
by Findecanor
21 Oct 2022, 00:43
Forum: News
Topic: Cherry MX Ergo Clear
Replies: 21
Views: 15773

Re: Cherry MX Ergo Clear

Has it even been confirmed that production of MX Clears have got new tooling?
It was never a switch that Cherry seems to have sold that many of.
by Findecanor
20 Oct 2022, 11:15
Forum: News
Topic: Filco hinting at 65% keyboard
Replies: 3
Views: 9219

Re: Filco hinting at 65% keyboard

Oh, ANSI layout options. Cherry MX Silent Red and Supi-do but no MX Clear.

JP options have Up-arrow shifted ¼u left because of 1¼ Shift to the right of it ...
by Findecanor
19 Oct 2022, 15:45
Forum: Vendors
Topic: Lofree 1%
Replies: 2
Views: 4497

Re: Lofree 1%

A mechanical keyboard that costs only 19€ ? :shock:
by Findecanor
18 Oct 2022, 14:28
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Teardown - new Ellipse beamspring switches!
Replies: 19
Views: 4270

Re: Teardown - new Ellipse beamspring switches!

Input Club and Kailh tried to squeeze the beam spring mechanism into the same size as a Cherry MX switch, and without giving up the LED window or requiring high-profile keycaps.
I would think that the beam springs would have needed to be much smaller, and bend more than in these switches.
by Findecanor
16 Oct 2022, 00:33
Forum: For sale
Topic: [FS] Mystery Board
Replies: 5
Views: 1560

Re: [FS] Mystery Board

Don't really need it, and can't justify buying it. But I think it is cool. I've seen at least one project use it for prototyping a device. If I was looking to buy, I would ask for myself, but I would have to ask for others: • How many key modules are included? • Can I use it directly under Linux, or...
by Findecanor
12 Oct 2022, 16:27
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Clicky keyboard, setting in iOS 16
Replies: 7
Views: 6568

Re: Clicky keyboard, setting in iOS 16

Wait, are you saying this didn't exist in iOS before version 16? I'm also a bit perplexed. I know I have tried a haptic touch-screen keyboard before, and Apple used to be pioneering haptics in phones... but I don't remember what device it was I have used. I only remember that it felt a bit ineffect...
by Findecanor
12 Oct 2022, 02:58
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: 24 Clicky Switches Sound Test Compilation
Replies: 6
Views: 2093

Re: 24 Clicky Switches Sound Test Compilation

Sound can be so subjective. I once built a plastic toy gun in which I used a Box Navy as clicker when pulling the trigger, but it didn't sound loud enough so I changed it to a blue Gateron.
by Findecanor
09 Oct 2022, 17:22
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Are Alps keycaps harder to take off than Cherry keycaps?
Replies: 39
Views: 4241

Re: Are Alps keycaps harder to take off than Cherry keycaps?

Better to disassemble the AEKII and take a look from the front to see how the space bar is attached.
by Findecanor
07 Oct 2022, 17:58
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Microwriter MW 4
Replies: 5
Views: 1329

Re: Microwriter MW 4

Awesome find! I'm a little bit jealous. Thanks for posting!
by Findecanor
07 Oct 2022, 12:19
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: This evening's pickup. Found an Apple AEK II on Craigslist!
Replies: 21
Views: 2851

Re: This evening's pickup. Found an Apple AEK II on Craigslist!

Don't knock them 'til you've tried them. The Mitsumi ones are a little bit more unusual also, I'd think.
by Findecanor
04 Oct 2022, 17:52
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Want to convert a keyboard to QMK with N-key-rollover: ? diodes essential, ? which switches frontplate-mountable
Replies: 4
Views: 1700

Re: Want to convert a keyboard to QMK with N-key-rollover: ? diodes essential, ? which switches frontplate-mountable

It looks like your keyboard has a regular membrane contact mechanism . Each "switch" works by having two metallised circles: one on the top and and one on the bottom membrane that get pressed together to connect and conduct electricity. People sometimes ask if they could modify their 2-KRO mechanica...
by Findecanor
04 Oct 2022, 13:38
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: How did I do for $130?
Replies: 14
Views: 3851

Re: How did I do for $130?

The circuit board in the front looks like the motherboard from an early-revision ("bread bin") Commodore 64, but it is missing a couple of chips. I suppose it had been a donor for a restoration. You could resell it on eBay, or perhaps pry the socketed chips out of their sockets and sell those separa...
by Findecanor
27 Sep 2022, 12:49
Forum: Vendors
Topic: Gateron Baby Kangaroo 5pin Tactile Switch
Replies: 1
Views: 4406

Re: Gateron Baby Kangaroo 5pin Tactile Switch

Looks like yet another clone of the Holy Panda with reduced key travel.
But is the bump sharp or more rounded?
by Findecanor
23 Sep 2022, 16:55
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: The Tactile Pro has a hidden switch that lets you swap the Caps Lock and Control keys
Replies: 10
Views: 2225

Re: The Tactile Pro has a hidden switch that lets you swap the Caps Lock and Control keys

You would have to think of efficiency of pressing the keys. The most natural would be to use the thumb, then the pinky, then pinky and thumb to hold a modifier/s while pressing another key. (i.e. I think Macintosh does it right) To press Ctrl-Shift-Alt ... using pinky, ring and long finger - forget ...

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