Mechanical Keyboard Club!

[Jawesomator]

Can anyone help me solve a problem with my Keychron K2 V1 (RGB)? 

I bought a used one online and the owner told me that the number keys won't work after a few minutes and he just wanted to sell it. 

I bought it cheap and thought maybe I can figure out how to fix it. 

However, I couldn't and I am still relatively new to mech keyboards. 

Does anyone have an idea about how to fix it? 

I tried it with and without cable connected. 

It has nothing to do with sleep mode because every other key works fine. 

I flashed the latest firmware and did nothing. 

Any advice? 

[kelvinhall05]

11 minutes ago, Jawesomator said:

Can anyone help me solve a problem with my Keychron K2 V1 (RGB)? 

I bought a used one online and the owner told me that the number keys won't work after a few minutes and he just wanted to sell it. 

I bought it cheap and thought maybe I can figure out how to fix it. 

However, I couldn't and I am still relatively new to mech keyboards. 

Does anyone have an idea about how to fix it? 

I tried it with and without cable connected. 

It has nothing to do with sleep mode because every other key works fine. 

I flashed the latest firmware and did nothing. 

Any advice? 

He probably spilled something on it in which case it's too much work to fix unless you're comfortable with soldering.

[kelvinhall05]

mmm, so (key) pro

[DailyProcrastinator]

Well another keeb for the collection... This time I went for a budget option that required full assembly and soldering, the Southpaw75, a 60% layout with a left hand (southpaw) numpad. 

 

I took over my girlfriends "office" (plant room) to build this as it offered better natural lighting than my lair.

 

For $50CAD this is cheap for a custom keeb (cheap but good, making this a rare find), and while you will require more parts, this remains good value for what it is. Here is a list of the parts I bought (in USD):

Spoiler

Case+PCB	Southpaw75 60% + Numpad (80pc)	$38.00	https://southpaw75.com/
Stabilizer	GOLD SCREW-IN STABILIZERS	$8.00	https://kbdfans.com/collections/keyboard-stabilizer/products/gold-plated-screw-stabilizer?variant=3379000999949
Switches	Cherry MX Blacks 5-pin - 80pc	$36.00	https://kbdfans.com/collections/cherry-switches/products/cherry-mx-swtich?variant=36019543885
Key Caps	DYE-SUBBED KEYCAP SET 104KEYS	$35.00	https://kbdfans.com/products/one-dye-subbed-keycap-set-104keys?variant=37010698765
USB Plug	5V 16MHz Micro USB	$5.32	https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07FXCTVQP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cable	UGREEN Micro USB Cable Nylon Braided	$6.84	https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01NCJE1RE/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AKXVBT49GGF3B
Total:		$129.16 USD - $169.71 CAD

You could opt to spend less depending on your region and the parts you choose, but you would likely remain in the $90-100USD range on the low end.

 

Why I bought this:

Spoiler

My initial reason for wanting this was to try the left-hand Numpad, I had seen some comments about it on Reddit, and after finding the site I was bummed to see that it was sold out. However, after mentioning so on this very thread I was elated to learn that our very own @kelvinhall05 is the seller! I messaged him and was lucky enough to be able to purchase two. Purchase and shipping was easy and straight forward, I was provided with email updates and the process was uneventful.

 

My second reason for wanting a budget option like this was due to the fact that I have not soldered in many years. So on the off chance that I was going to f#ck up, this was the board to do it on. If I made an irreversible mistake it would not feel as significant of a loss as it would be if I messed up and ruined the PCB for my upcoming Tofu96 build. But to be clear, I was not intending on throwing this away, but you get the idea, I wanted a board to ‘practice’ on. 

 

In my opinion, the Southpaw75 is not for a first-time mechanical keyboard purchaser, it requires full assembly and soldering, so unless you have that equipment this is likely not the first option for you. I see this more for a custom keyboard enthusiast looking for a unique layout without breaking the bank. And for that I highly recommend it.

 

My thoughts on the Southpaw75:

Spoiler

While I do like this layout in the ideal world I would have this as a 65% layout. The lack of arrows and 'delete' in particular are very hard for me to adjust to not having. The benefit is you can add layers via QMK so I have done so, but again, these are keys I use very often so it has been an adjustment process.

 

As for the southpaw numpad, again this is also an adjustment process, I often reach for the right-hand side, however, a left side numpad seems almost more logical in my opinion. I feel as though a right side numpad is there for your mouse hand to use, but when I am working I rarely touch my mouse and the left numpad feels.... well, natural in a sense, despite me being right-handed. Hard to explain this is, one of those things where you just have to experience it for yourself. 

 

Now the material quality, the FR4 composite construction and PCB actually seem really solid. I will not pretend like I know a lot about custom keeb PCB's, but compared to what I have had hands-on experience with this seems like no lesser of quality, while a fraction of the price. Once assembled there is minimal / almost no deck flex, well within an acceptable tolerance level.

 

There are clear cost-saving measures like the requirement to solder in the diodes (included) and the pro micro or elite C (not included), but this is all clearly stated when purchasing so there were no surprises. Another "nice to have" for this build would be a fully enclosed case, but again, for the price, this is not so much a complaint of mine, more of an "ideal". I am more than aware that doing so would significantly raise the cost of the keyboard, so while I am okay with this because it was only $50, it is something to keep in mind. 

 

I personally would not use this as my one weapon keyboard just because of the eventual dust build-up to the back of the PCB. But as low-cost option in this special form factor, it is a great option for any keeb collection.

 

That said the casing could be an interesting 3D print project for me....
 

 

 

Assembly process with pics:

Spoiler

Luckily all went well with the assembly! As it was my first time soldering in a very long time I double watched some tutorials and because of this, I was slow, especially with my first few. Ultimately it's like riding a bike, if you have done it in the past, it is easy to pick up the skill again. Definitely not as daunting of a task as some make it out to be.

 

I ended up soldering 3 diodes incorrectly but this was my fault as I did not fully read through the VERY clear instructions for the diode soldering step. Luckily this was an easy fix as I had the correct equipment and otherwise, everything went perfectly. As long as you follow the instructions there should be no issues.

 

Mounting the diodes in, once done you solder, then snip them. 

 

Diodes soldered in.

 

Stabs lubed and mounted to the PCB.

 

Placing my first few switches and aligning the faceplate. 

 

MX Blacks in.

 

Soldering done! Feel free to critique me, I think I went a little light on the solder for some sockets but all switches are firmly held in as of now.

 

Some cheap caps from KBD fans.

 

 

How she sits.

 

As you can see the casing is open, and the back of the PCB is fully exposed to open air.

 

Switch of choice?:

Spoiler

In an interesting turn I went with Cherry MX Blacks, testing out the Gat Blacks I got with my GMMK has completely revised my opinion on linear switches. I feel as though MX Reds really soured my taste for linear switches many years ago. I get why they make sense for gaming (quick actuation with little force required), but for someone who primarily uses keyboards for typing they are a terrible switch for my use case.  

 

While I still prefer tactile switches, in my opinion, a heavy linear compensates for the lack of the tactile bump. So the switch (pun intended) to a heavy linear was not a difficult or unsatisfactory adjustment to make. For this build I decided on MX Blacks because the 5-pin version was very well priced and I do not own a set of MX Blacks, so I wanted to give them a go! 

 

 

 

So here I am typing on my new Southpaw75, I am extremely happy with the end product. For those looking to add to your existing keyboard collection I feel like this is a unique, and relatively inexpensive piece to spruce up the collection. I would definitely recommend this to someone who is looking for a different layout! At the moment they are sold out but if you reach out to @kelvinhall05 he can provide more info.

 

Not to mention the building process was very rewarding and I really enjoyed it, I am excited to move ahead with my Tofu96 build as I now have the soldering confidence to tackle Mount Everest! (Or whatever skill equivalent soldering allows me to do)

 

[Dat Guy]

Hmm...

 

I need a Focus FK-5001 or FK-9000. Anyone....?

[kelvinhall05]

12 minutes ago, Dat Guy said:

Hmm...

 

I need a Focus FK-5001 or FK-9000. Anyone....?

9000 all the fucking way.

[Dat Guy]

I don't need macros, honestly. I only need good switches and a decent set of F keys.

[kelvinhall05]

Just now, Dat Guy said:

I don't need macros, honestly. I only need good switches and a decent set of F keys.

The F keys on the side of the 5001 are a fairly useless gimmick, and I personally think the 9000 looks nicer (even though both are sexy boards).

 

Get the 9000.

[Dat Guy]

Well, I would, if I could...

It took two people and too much money to find my AT101W.

 

Germany is a fine place to find refurbished Model Fs. (No, I won't tell.) But it really sucks when it comes to Alps...

[jiyeon]

On 10/21/2020 at 2:16 AM, TerabyteLTT said:

So let's assume that you just got $1000 and you have to spend it on a keyboard/keyboards or keyboard parts. What do you get with the money?

A Keycult No.2 for $885 and call it a day.

[geo3]

3 hours ago, sowon said:

A Keycult No.2 for $885 and call it a day.

Yup. Assuming you can get it from the group buy. If you're picking it up 2nd hand you'll be out $2k

[Dr0y]

 

On 10/20/2020 at 8:31 PM, HelpfulTechWizard said:

might finnaly be joining the club soon. still second guessing my plan for purchacing the redragon k552 w/ outemu reds. Do i need a new keyboard? not really. Do I want one? Yeah. Is there smething better I can spend 35$ on? probably. 

 

I would really save more money and get something a bit more premium with kailh or gateron switches, you won't regret spending more in the end ... I know I got the redragon k552 with blue switches and I couldn't stand those outemu switches. 

[adamaquarius]

I just got a new mechanical keyboard - A Magicforce Smart 2 With Gateron Red Switches.

 

I was previously using a Razer Blackwidow Elite with Orange Switches, which I hated, it was extremely loud and typing felt very scratchy and rough on it. This keyboard on the other hand is a joy to use, really smooth and easy to type on and extremely quiet.

 

 

[Dr0y]

3 hours ago, adamaquarius said:

I just got a new mechanical keyboard - A Magicforce Smart 2 With Gateron Red Switches.

It looks really good. 

 

I got a basic magicforce once ... for about 1 month and it stayed in it's box the whole time.  I ordered it with brown switches but they sent blue ones ... outemu blue which were the switches I was trying to avoid at all cost so I had to return it.  I would have kept it if it came with any other switches than the outemu blue.  The layout was quite interesting and I was wondering if I would like it.  Never got to know about that and got two 60% instead.

[adamaquarius]

13 minutes ago, Dr0y said:

It looks really good. 

 

I got a basic magicforce once ... for about 1 month and it stayed in it's box the whole time.  I ordered it with brown switches but they sent blue ones ... outemu blue which were the switches I was trying to avoid at all cost so I had to return it.  I would have kept it if it came with any other switches than the outemu blue.  The layout was quite interesting and I was wondering if I would like it.  Never got to know about that and got two 60% instead.

I found I adjusted to the layout very quickly. I think the function keys in particular are well thought out and easy to use. I really like having the volume +/- keys right above the space bar for instance. Some compact keyboards can have really obtuse layouts which are frustating to use.

[DailyProcrastinator]

I'm looking for diode LEDs (I think) for my DZ96 PCB. I'm having a hard time getting some clear info. If someone is able to help I would be very grateful!

 

[Guest]

[kelvinhall05]

17 minutes ago, Den-Fi said:

-snip-

 

I knew something was off lol.

 

 

Jokes aside, I always enjoy this pic when you post it.

[Letgomyleghoe.]

Anybody know of some black and gold keycaps? The only ones I found where the https://kono.store/products/gmk-spirit-keycap-set

but they seem to never come into stock and have a pretty steep price tag.

[b emoji]

9 minutes ago, Gundar said:

Anybody know of some black and gold keycaps? The only ones I found where the https://kono.store/products/gmk-spirit-keycap-set

but they seem to never come into stock and have a pretty steep price tag.

GMK Lux, GMK sets are usually only available through group buys (~6 months lead time) and are quite pricey (90-160 USD base kits). Best price/way to buy these are getting them at group buy, alternatively you can try and grab one of the extras after the GB has shipped but those sell out in a matter of hours. Or you can pay way too much on mechmarket (300+ sometimes)

[Eschew]

50 minutes ago, Gundar said:

Anybody know of some black and gold keycaps? The only ones I found where the https://kono.store/products/gmk-spirit-keycap-set

but they seem to never come into stock and have a pretty steep price tag.

Hm... Suggestions below. Some of them aren't quite "black and gold," though?

• Tai-Hao Midnight Color of Black Yellow Keycaps (Available for $29.90 from KPrepublic): ABS, Double-shot, OEM Profile. 104 Keys.
• Black Yellow Gentleman Keycaps (Available for $32.90 - $61.90 from KPrepublic): PBT, Dye Sublimated, Cherry Profile. 62 - 152 Keys. 
• The Flying Mammal Keycap Set (Available for $60.00 from WASD Keyboards): ABS, UV Printed. OEM Profile. 104 Keys.

If the above keycap sets don't fit your bill, WASD Keyboards offers custom-designed keycaps (examples here, if you need some inspiration?). Custom WASD keycaps are only available in ABS plastic, with UV printed legends, and in OEM profile.

• 104-Key Custom Cherry MX Keycap Set (Available for $60.00 from WASD Keyboards)
• 87-Key Custom Cherry MX Keycap Set (Available for $57.00 from WASD Keyboards)
• 61-Key Custom Cherry MX Keycap Set (Available for $55.00 from WASD Keyboards)

[DailyProcrastinator]

On 10/8/2020 at 1:17 PM, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

Short review and PSA on the Keycool KC84.

UPDATE:

Took the KC84 apart last night, just on the off chance that there was an obvious soldering issue etc. All the hot-swap sockets were firmly soldered in place. Seems like this thing is just a dud, to bad.  

Spoiler

On to find a replacement 75% layout! Already gearing towards the XD84 haha

[kelvinhall05]

So I'm a bit sad today. I got a free 60% on Reddit a few days ago (DZ60, bamboo case, gat ink reds, PC plate, some decent looking stabs) from someone in Malaysia. He was listing it for just shipping, so I offered shipping and a bit of cash on top to hopefully get priority (this was 7 mins after posting and there were several other comments) but for some reason he just decided to not charge me shipping or anything. Sure, I'll take it.

 

With that being said, I got the board today, and the USB port was completely fucked. All four supports were broken, as were most of the other pins. I've ordered a new one on Digikey (rather, I found one and will order it sometime in the next few days). Hopefully this will be enough to get it up and running.

 

I can't really complain, but this is fairly annoying as the issue was not disclosed at all in any of my messages with him or his original post.

[DailyProcrastinator]

59 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

I can't really complain, but this is fairly annoying as the issue was not disclosed at all in any of my messages with him or his original post.

Leaves a sour taste in my mouth when people do that. Chances are you would still have take it, since it was basically been given away. But just be upfront and honest. 

 

Hopefully it is repairable! 

[kelvinhall05]

Just now, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

Leaves a sour taste in my mouth when people do that. Chances are you would still have take it, since it was basically been given away. But just be upfront and honest. 

 

Hopefully it is repairable! 

I'm not going to mention it to him as I feel like a prick complaining about something I didn't even pay shipping for. I'm planning on giving it to a friend when I am done messing with it (and fixing the USB port, as I didn't expect having to do that) regardless of whether or not it was broken in the first place. I don't really have a use for it and he's starting out in this bottomless pit of a hobby.

 

 

It seems very repairable. So far I've just had trouble finding a replacement. Closest I can find is this but it isn't an exact match, hopefully close enough.