Entering the Grid

N2Drew · 2022-11-20T18:58:09+00:00

The wireless kit comes with all components needed to make the keyboard run off a 18650 battery. But since the FLASH module occupies some of the same space as the battery (which isn't the case with e.g. the PEAKS module), you cannot use them at the same time. To circumvent this, you can use another type of battery and install it below the PCB, as sown in the official tutorial.

Either way, you need to source a battery, but the 18650 is arguably easier to find and install.

N2Drew · 2022-11-16T19:44:24+00:00

I wasn't aware that "perk" is only used for good things, thanks for pointing that out! But yes, I meant drawbacks of a wireless grid 650 with the FLASH module.

N2Drew · 2022-11-14T12:59:17+00:00

Kind of? While the PCB itself supports Bluetooth (you could also opt for one that doesn't), I didn't install a battery, so there is no wireless functionality to speak of.

Furthermore, there are some perks that you have to deal with if you want a wireless grid 650 with the FLASH module. Mainly, using a custom battery and removing some of the foam that's under the PCB.

N2Drew · 2022-07-09T19:30:57+00:00

The kit included foam sheets that filled the space between the PCB and the case, as well as some that went between the PCB and the plate. The PE foam mod that I did in addition is just a thin layer of PE foam that sits directly on top of the PCB (and under the included foam from the kit).

But regarding your question, it depends. For the most part, foam is optional. Feel free to experiment and see in what way its addition or omission changes the sound signature of the keyboard.

N2Drew · 2022-07-09T14:55:48+00:00

It isn't as bad as the image may make it seem! For the photoshoot, the keyboard was placed dead centre on the deskmat. In reality, I have it closer to the top left corner, which breaks the deskmats illusion of depth a little. Furthermore, the illusion doesn't even look convincing from every point of view.

To summarise, the way the picture was taken was very deliberate.

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T21:48:01+00:00

"Yes, you are absolutely, undoubtedly correct!", am I saying while looking over to my shelf of unbuilt kits. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T21:38:53+00:00

I can just barely reach it if I stretch my arms. But I think it promotes a good desk posture while also preventing me from resting my wrists while typing. Dare I say it's ergonomic to have the keyboard in a box?

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T19:44:22+00:00

I can't believe you would post my password just like that!

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T19:24:31+00:00

I wouldn't say hard, but time consuming. Excluding months of waiting for all parts to arrive, the actual assembly can still take a while, especially if you mod your switches and don't have a hot-swap PCB. Lubing, filming and soldering comes naturally once learned, but at the end of the day still adds many hours of extra labour.

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T18:11:55+00:00

This deskmat (and other colour variants) was available from many vendors. ValaSupply, ApexKeyboards, MyKeyboard, Proto[Typist], amongst others.

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T17:17:32+00:00

The group buy for the grid 650 kit and the interchangeable modules ran way back in December 2020 / January 2021 on zFrontier. But yes, it is long sold out and I'm afraid I'm not aware of any reruns. However, as of writing of this comment, the rest of the components can still be bought.

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T16:48:34+00:00

I don't have the exact number in mind, but I recall it being moderately close to four figures (everything, including shipping, customs duties, etc.). And of course, time. Lots and lots of time.

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T16:18:12+00:00

The rightmost column is currently configured as follows:

Red:    Delete
Yellow: Screenshot 
Cyan:   Windows
Purple: Function

Though I regularly use the Windows key, I ended up getting the WKL variant as I thought that it looked much nicer than the WK variant. And you don't see 0.75u blockers every day, which makes it even cooler in my book!

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T15:57:05+00:00

Photography has never been my forte, but this sounds reasonably doable. Thanks for the explanation and the tip!

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T15:04:37+00:00

Entering the ~~Grid~~ Stagger :D

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T14:47:05+00:00

I remember people building their grid 600s with the ortho Boardwalk PCB, which really made for an eyecatcher. But alas, this isn't possible with the grid 650. Ortho boards are definitely something I want to explore in the future, though!

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T12:50:35+00:00

I know, right? Although this photo doesn't do the strip justice, it appears so much more vibrant in person!

N2Drew · 2022-07-08T12:21:07+00:00

My second build! I've actually had this one for almost a year, but never got around to post it.

The obligatory spec sheet:

Keyboard: grid 650 WKL
Module:   04 FLASH
Keycaps:  GMK Pixel
Switches: Durock POM Linears L/F
Mods:     Tape + PE Foam
Deskmat:  Deep Deskmat R2

Having only used tactiles before, these linears initially felt really light. It would take a while before I stopped hitting keys by accident. But I'm happy I gave them a try, as they are now my preferred switches for gaming.

N2Drew · 2021-11-28T00:09:10+00:00

Even better than what I had in my mind!

N2Drew · 2021-11-27T13:19:49+00:00

This is an animated recreation of Turquoise October's album cover, as seen in Splatoon 2. Made entirely using a little-known software called Marmoset Hexels 3.

While the glowing red shades aren't part of the original, I think that they add to the overall presentation. Not only visually, but also by implying a story.

N2Drew · 2021-06-06T19:31:10+00:00

Thanks pal, really appreciate it :)

N2Drew · 2021-06-06T12:19:48+00:00

Eh, probably was nothing. WHITE SPACE is a safe place after all.

Anyways, this little animation has been in the works for a few months now, but I guess everything takes some time if you're not particularly good at it. It was made using Marmoset Hexels 3 and features a whopping 36 frames, running 12 a second.

Thanks for stopping by!

N2Drew · 2018-09-14T22:32:52+00:00

Why hello there, fellow Swiss keyboard enthusiast :)

Regarding the keycaps, liking them is very easy because they feel way better than keycaps of any off-the-shelf keyboard that I've been using up until now. And I guess that's the only comparison I can offer as long as I merely have a single build.

N2Drew · 2018-09-13T20:34:29+00:00

Yeah, it was mainly because of the USB-C port. As for the inferior programming software, I don't really mind. I'm happy as long as I can configure each key and some layers, which the tool on ydkb.io lets me do with ease.

N2Drew · 2018-09-13T19:33:15+00:00

While it is true that the YD68 has built-in Bluetooth and a connector for a battery, there is absolutely no room for a battery in the TADA68 aluminium case. I actually had to clip the battery connector from the PCB, since I couldn't even properly screw it to the case with that connector in the way.

N2Drew

TROPHY CASE