Unsaver mod help

[Redmaus]

I acquired an Unsaver a couple years ago from dorkvader and took it apart a month later. But as I already had my Orion and was using it as a daily driver, it wasn't a priority to put it back together right away and didn't want to rush it because I was afraid I'd damage something. I also had some ideas about how to change the layout, and wasn't sure how to proceed. If it isn't too much I'd just like some advice from the community on how to go forward.

First thing is I'm wondering if I should cut the case and include new key spots on the board since Unsaver has support for them and I already have the extra barrels, flippers, and spots drilled.

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I am also planning on adding in a USB hub to this board, this is all the stuff I need for it correct?

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I was just gonna have the main connection a USB-B port that connects straight to the hub and have the xwhatsit plugged into the hub. Will this give me any latency or stuff like that?

Another thing I was thinking about doing was giving the plate a case hardened finish would this stuff work?

https://steelfxpatinas.com/shop/stainle ... el-patina/

I notice is says it only works with certain types of steel. Anyone know what kind the Model F plates are made of?

Thanks in advance

[seebart]

Cut the case redmaus? You got the skills for that? I'm just saying...that's an Unsaver, not some random Model M. Just don't do it spontaneously. I like the idea...but still.

[Redmaus]

Cut the case redmaus? You got the skills for that? I'm just saying...that's an Unsaver, not some random Model M. Just don't do it spontaneously. I like the idea...but still.

Exactly why I wanted to ask. Not sure how to do in a way that would look like nothing was done to it.

[seebart]

Cut the case redmaus? You got the skills for that? I'm just saying...that's an Unsaver, not some random Model M. Just don't do it spontaneously. I like the idea...but still.

Exactly why I wanted to ask. Not sure how to do in a way that would look like nothing was done to it.

Don't do it then trust me. The Unsaver is too $$$ for experiments like that, even in Texas the land of Unsavers. You've seen those Model M to SSK chop-jobs right? Even on the really good jobs you can still see it. I've only ever seen one that looked so clean that you couldn't see it. But what you plan is even more difficult. Don't try it.

[MrDuul]

Laser cut can be smoooooth.

[Norman_]

If you want to cut the case get one of those early M122 cases and chop it up.

It's not that difficult to get it nice, and you won't be wrecking an unsaver top shell if you mess it up. If you mess up modifying the metal plate pieces you can probably get another one made, for a price. Good luck getting a new top shell.

[Redmaus]

Don't do it then trust me. The Unsaver is too $$$ for experiments like that, even in Texas the land of Unsavers. You've seen those Model M to SSK chop-jobs right? Even on the really good jobs you can still see it. I've only ever seen one that looked so clean that you couldn't see it. But what you plan is even more difficult. Don't try it.

Yeah, it wouldn't be worth doing it to original case probably, but its still four extra keys that are right there. What about the case hardened finish and USB hub? Any opinion on those?

If you want to cut the case get one of those early M122 cases and chop it up.

It's not that difficult to get it nice, and you won't be wrecking an unsaver top shell if you mess it up. If you mess up modifying the metal plate pieces you can probably get another one made, for a price. Good luck getting a new top shell.

Yeah I see what you mean but I'd rather stick to one case, and not just have one sitting around gathering dust.

Laser cut can be smoooooth.

Wouldn't that burn the plastic though?

Also wasn't there someone else who did this exact same thing? I can't remember what his name was though. Think it started with a P.

[Norman_]

If you want to cut the case get one of those early M122 cases and chop it up.

It's not that difficult to get it nice, and you won't be wrecking an unsaver top shell if you mess it up. If you mess up modifying the metal plate pieces you can probably get another one made, for a price. Good luck getting a new top shell.

Yeah I see what you mean but I'd rather stick to one case, and not just have one sitting around gathering dust.

You don't just have a million keyboards and keyboard parts boxed up and stored anyway? Or am i just a hoarder???

I literally today just switched out a damaged F122 top cover for a M122 cover, and the F122 top cover is boxed up and stacked away.

There's nothing i can really do to convince you to just store it away (i don't know your situation) but i seriously don't recommend modding the irreplaceable top cover to such a rare, desirable, and expensive keyboard. The Unsaver is mine and many other's holy grail, it would be a shame if it went wrong.

[XMIT]

First figure out what kind of plastic it is. I thought these were PVC, like the other Model Ms.

Then go practice on some Model Ms. Try removing the spaces between Ctrl and Alt on junky Model Ms and do that until you're happy with the result.

You can also practice cutting, sanding, filing, joining, and welding on PVC pipe, to get some muscle memory and some experience with all the tools involved.

Finally, I would test that those extra key positions actually work with an xwhatsit before destroying the board.

What I would do - what I plan to do - is to modify aa spare F122 cover for this, doing a chop and uncovering the extra keys, and leaving the Unsaver cover intact for a future collector.

[Redmaus]

First figure out what kind of plastic it is. I thought these were PVC, like the other Model Ms.

Then go practice on some Model Ms. Try removing the spaces between Ctrl and Alt on junky Model Ms and do that until you're happy with the result.

You can also practice cutting, sanding, filing, joining, and welding on PVC pipe, to get some muscle memory and some experience with all the tools involved.

Finally, I would test that those extra key positions actually work with an xwhatsit before destroying the board.

What I would do - what I plan to do - is to modify a spare F122 cover for this, doing a chop and uncovering the extra keys, and leaving the Unsaver cover intact for a future collector.

This seems like quite a good idea. Unfortunately I actually sold most of my stuff so I don't have any cases on hand besides my actual F122 which is dear to me and I wouldn't want to chop up.

Come to think of it, I think the best thing to do now is put it together with original case and layout and revisit extra key spots down the line. Thank you for the advice.

But does anyone have an opinion on the case hardened stuff? Not sure if it would work but if it did I think my plate would look fantastic. I also haven't improvised a USB hub before either, wondering if I need any additional grounding.

[XMIT]

Metal treatments are at least as risky as anything else. If you don't know what you're doing you could get quite a lot of corrosion. Talk to a metals person to figure out exactly what you're dealing with! Personally I'd skip it, or opt for powder coat.

[fohat]

If you are referring to the corners of the arrow pad, you should verify that the pads, even though they exist, are actually connected to something.

[Redmaus]

Mine are all connected on the nav cluster. The ones that aren't connected for me is the one on the left winkey.