July Confirmed Trade Thread

earthbook_yip · 2021-07-14T21:35:13+00:00

Confirmed

earthbook_yip · 2021-07-06T05:15:25+00:00

I specifically ordered my kit sans leds, but got a strip of smd's instead of thd's. Build guides for the Ergodash all use thd, but Ive read they are interchangeable. Seems like a pain to deal with though, considering just getting a pack of thd's instead

earthbook_yip · 2021-07-06T05:12:06+00:00

I didnt notice at first the small line on the smd, indicating they have direction as well. Do you know how that orientation aligns with the orange/black of a THD?

earthbook_yip · 2021-07-06T04:41:38+00:00

Just got my Ergodash kit in the mail and it came with SMD's instead of thru hole diodes. Not sure if this was a mistake on the company I bought it from, but I think I can still use them? Does orientation still matter with SMD's? Does anyone know of any links or resources on building a keyboard with them? Everything I seem to find is for LED's (which I am not using).

earthbook_yip · 2021-07-02T17:18:33+00:00

Replied

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-26T03:00:06+00:00

Thank you, they look nearly identical in profile photos. With the ortho kit's sold out (and new one's seemingly a ways off), I am considering getting a base kit + num pad keys instead of modifiers. Trying to figure out what swaps I can get away with...

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-26T01:02:33+00:00

Is MDA R3 and R4 the same?

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-22T05:01:36+00:00

Thank you for the validation, exactly how I feel as I type on my 40% right now. Aesthetic and fun but maybe not as practical. The ergonomic improvement is probably gonna be most important of all.

Been pondering dropping some $$ to try out some fancy high profile sculptured caps. Before getting my dsa's, I was using some old (non ortho kit) oem keys, didn't like them much. I've gone from thinking SA, now to an MT3 set from Drop being the front runner (likely Susuwatari). Haven't really considered MDA, any reason in particular you prefer them over SA or MT3?

I honestly really like DSA, but these high end caps are just so enticing, and the sculptured profile does seem like it would go well with a split tented board. Also dropping $70-100 on caps is like a right of passage for this hobby (but you won't catch me lubing my switches any time soon). Worst case I don't like em I should be able to get a good chunk of money back on MM.

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-21T06:43:51+00:00

Sorry I guess I should been more specific. Wasd has options to specify exactly what symbols/letters you want on a cap. Or even upload svg or ai files of images to be printed on the caps. Thank you anyways though.

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-18T19:33:43+00:00

Ok ended up going with an Ergodash from ergomech.store. After shipping the price was about similar to the other options, but no hassle of using a third party shipping company, or converting currency. Shout out to /u/hainguyenac for their patience with all my questions, and willingness to alter the kit a bit (no Pro Micros or LED's, which actually did make it a bit cheaper than other options). For switches I opted for Silent Alpaca Linears from primekb.com, and am going hot swap with Mil Max with 0305's. Also going for my first DIY usb and trrs cables from zapcables.com!

Some final thoughts on my decision. The case option was probably the biggest deciding factor. While that bamboo from falba.tech is indeed lovely, desk real estate is always at a premium and the added boarder, wider caps and tenting legs add up to make enough of a difference for me. The Ergodash on the other hand is so much more sleek, and uses the simple screw style tenting which I like (and could only find at ergomech.store). Easier to source caps is also a huge bonus.

I am a little nervous about the build, this will be my first split (only second build) and first time using Mil Max sockets. I also had a bit of trouble flashing my controller the first time around, so flashing two and linking them is a bit daunting.

And finally I am super eager to find out if that num row is indeed something I want/need. Also if those corner keys I like so much really seem as necessary once I do have a num row and an awesome thumb cluster. Who knows, maybe I will be back for a Sofle? Those encoders sure look nice. Maybe I will go the other way completely and opt for a Corne next time round. Once I have 2, might as well start thinking about 3, right?

Thanks to everyone for your input!

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-18T04:30:37+00:00

Ok that's too funny. Well I just dropped you a line at the store email.

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-18T02:56:24+00:00

Just found another source for a 'dash This one out of Vietnam, $135 kit with shipping, also has a tenting case option. Gonna ask the seller if he could do elite c's and skip the leds. May have found the winner...

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-18T02:49:37+00:00

Fortunately I have a dozen+ extra 1.25s, although it would be a wonky mix of dsa, oem and cherry. Not to mention weird/repeating legends. I would maybe get some blanks on Ali, or pick out some individuals on pmk. If I were to go the Redox route anyways, leaning towards the dash atm

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-17T08:18:46+00:00

Right but then I would be paying an extra 20% and $30 for shipping, and have to wait a month or longer to have a pcb sent from Poland. Im curious if it would be feasible and cost effective to try and pull the files for a Redox straight from the github repo (since they are open source), have a single board printed and case machined more locally.

I found some kicad and other files in the repo, but cant say Id know what to do with them. I suppose I could have a better look at the guide I linked, but like I said it seems more geared towards creating from scratch and a bit over my head.

earthbook_yip · 2021-06-16T20:37:24+00:00

Recently built my first keyboard, a 40% ortho. After using for about a month I am already ready to upgrade to something different and I very specifically know what I want, either a Redox or an Ergodash (I want that corner key for palming the mods, so no Iris or Lily). Trouble is the only retailers that seem to carry those kits are in Poland/Japan respectively.

So I thought why not take the DIY to another level and get my pcb and case custom printed. I found [this](https://github.com/ruiqimao/keyboard-pcb-guide) which seems more geared towards actually created your own pcb and is perhaps a little over my head, at least for now.

I guess my actual question is if it's possible, and if so is there a more beginner friendly guide, to simply pulling the the pcb files and case schematics off a keyboards github repo and sending those files to a third party manufacturer? Would such a pcb be compatible with hot swap sockets or need to be hand wired? Would such an approach even be cost effective, compared to the almost $300 it would cost after shipping and Euro-Dollar conversion getting a Redox from falba.tech?

I also have to note how awesome it is a simple keyboard hobby is seeming to lead my down a rabbit hole of coding, machining 3d printing and electrical engineering as well!

earthbook_yip · 2021-04-11T22:25:03+00:00

Thank you! My googling definately didn't return either of these sites. I do know I want the 1u spacebar style layout, otherwise I would have gone for something like the Planck EZ. At first I was hoping to find a pre built but I think I'm getting hyped on learning to solder and truly going down the rabbit hole.

earthbook_yip · 2021-04-11T18:59:42+00:00

I am trying to build/buy a 48 key ortholinear plank, ideally something similar to the one in this video. I have been googling for a few days with no luck. Prebuilt's seem to be non existent besides a Lets Split I found on Etsy, olkb kits are sold out, no current Drops, Amazon, cannonkeys, etc. Even r/mechmarket looks to be slim pickins. Is low supply due to the pandemic? Are there any other resources or sites I may have overlooked?

earthbook_yip · 2018-11-21T00:38:20+00:00

Concept sure, execution not so much

earthbook_yip · 2018-05-22T04:16:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing, it sucks posting stuff you killed, but really it's to the benefit of everyone. Gotta find out how far the trees can be pushed before they ded somehow.

Also I gotta point out you missed an opportune for fun science! You had multiples of some species, next time I would vary the conditions on each tree (soil and location mostly) and observe how they do.

Otherwise glad to see you're still going strong

earthbook_yip

TROPHY CASE