Modifications:KBC Poker X:Simple Center Support Modification - Revision history

Rknize at 23:13, 5 January 2013

2013-01-05T23:13:18Z

Rknize: Rknize moved page Modifications:KBC Poker X:Center Support Modification to Modifications:KBC Poker X:Simple Center Support Modification without leaving a redirect

2013-01-05T23:10:10Z

Rknize moved page Modifications:KBC Poker X:Center Support Modification to Modifications:KBC Poker X:Simple Center Support Modification without leaving a redirect

Rknize: Rknize moved page Modifications:KBC Poker X to Modifications:KBC Poker X:Center Support Modification

2013-01-05T23:02:47Z

Rknize moved page Modifications:KBC Poker X to Modifications:KBC Poker X:Center Support Modification

Rknize: Rknize moved page KBC Poker X to Modifications:KBC Poker X: Namespace

2012-08-29T21:21:32Z

Rknize moved page KBC Poker X to Modifications:KBC Poker X: Namespace

Rknize at 21:19, 29 August 2012

2012-08-29T21:19:01Z

Rknize at 06:24, 20 August 2012

2012-08-20T06:24:15Z

Rknize at 06:09, 20 August 2012

2012-08-20T06:09:03Z

Rknize: Created page with "The KBC Poker X is a compact (60%) mechanical keyboard made by Vortex. Although it seems to be getting phased out, it has a few advantages over the KBC Pure that replaces it:..."

2012-08-20T05:32:16Z

Created page with "The KBC Poker X is a compact (60%) mechanical keyboard made by Vortex. Although it seems to be getting phased out, it has a few advantages over the KBC Pure that replaces it:..."

New page

The KBC Poker X is a compact (60%) mechanical keyboard made by Vortex. Although it seems to be getting phased out, it has a few advantages over the KBC Pure that replaces it:

* Uses completely standard key cap sizes so that any tenkeyless key set will work.
* The arrow keys are intuitively located both on the WASD cluster and on the lower-right modifiers.

It does have a few design problems, though. One is that the function lock on the Esc key (tilde) and on the lower-right nav keys is not reversible while holding Fn. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about this. This is a particular problem with using vi or other cases where tilde is often used.

The other issue is a mechanical one. The PCB is mounted to the case at either end with screws, but there are no screws in the center. This causes the PCB to bow up slightly in the center, giving the keyboard a bouncy feel on the middle keys. Some folks have used a layer of thin foam between the PCB and the case to absorb this flex.

== Poker Center Support Modification ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 5 January 2013
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	The KBC Poker X is a compact (60%) mechanical keyboard made by Vortex. Although it seems to be getting phased out, it has a few advantages over the KBC Pure that replaces it:
		+	One solution to the PCB flex problem is to add a center support and screw, like the Pure. This requires drilling a hole in the PCB and then supporting it by the case somehow. Some care is required in selecting the location of the hole so that you don't drill through a trace. It is not possible to use the exact location of the Pure's center support without [[Modifications:KBC Poker X:Pure Center Support Modification\|additional modifications]].

−	* Uses completely standard key cap sizes so that any tenkeyless key set will work.
		+	The area right above D51, between the G and H keys is a good location. There is ample space on both sides of the PCB. I used a 3/32" bit.
−	* The arrow keys are intuitively located both on the WASD cluster and on the lower-right modifiers.
−
−	It does have a few design problems, though. One is that the function lock on the Esc key (tilde) and on the lower-right nav keys is not reversible while holding Fn. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about this. This is a particular problem when using vi or other cases where tilde is often used.
−
−	The other issue is a mechanical one. The PCB is mounted to the case at either end with screws, but there are no screws in the center. This causes the PCB to bow up slightly in the center, giving the keyboard a bouncy feel on the middle keys. Some folks have used a layer of thin foam between the PCB and the case to absorb this flex.
−
−	== Poker Center Support Modification ==
−
−	A better solution to the PCB flex problem is to add a center support and screw, like the Pure. This requires drilling a hole in the PCB and then supporting it by the case somehow. Some care is required in selecting the location of the hole so that you don't drill through a trace. The area right above D51, between the G and H keys is a good location. There is ample space on both sides of the PCB. I used a 3/32" bit.

	[[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]		[[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:19, 29 August 2012
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	The Poker now feels much more solid. No more extra spring around the center of the board. I'm even questioning if it was worth ordering an Aluminum case for it.		The Poker now feels much more solid. No more extra spring around the center of the board. I'm even questioning if it was worth ordering an Aluminum case for it.
		+
		+	[[Category:Modifications]]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 * The arrow keys are intuitively located both on the WASD cluster and on the lower-right modifiers.
-It does have a few design problems, though.  One is that the function lock on the Esc key (tilde) and on the lower-right nav keys is not reversible while holding Fn.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about this.  This is a particular problem with using vi or other cases where tilde is often used.
+It does have a few design problems, though.  One is that the function lock on the Esc key (tilde) and on the lower-right nav keys is not reversible while holding Fn.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about this.  This is a particular problem when using vi or other cases where tilde is often used.
 The other issue is a mechanical one.  The PCB is mounted to the case at either end with screws, but there are no screws in the center.  This causes the PCB to bow up slightly in the center, giving the keyboard a bouncy feel on the middle keys.  Some folks have used a layer of thin foam between the PCB and the case to absorb this flex.
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 == Poker Center Support Modification ==
-A better solution to the PCB flex problem is to add a center support and screw, like the Pure.  This requires drilling a hole in the PCB and then supporting it by the case somehow.  Some care is required in selecting the location of the hole so that you don't drill through the case.  The area right above D51, between the G and H keys is a good location.  There is ample space on both sides of the PCB.  I used a 3/32" bit.
+A better solution to the PCB flex problem is to add a center support and screw, like the Pure.  This requires drilling a hole in the PCB and then supporting it by the case somehow.  Some care is required in selecting the location of the hole so that you don't drill through a trace.  The area right above D51, between the G and H keys is a good location.  There is ample space on both sides of the PCB.  I used a 3/32" bit.
 [[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom.jpg|400px|thumb|center]]
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 This location will put the hole close to a rib in the case.  Temporarily mount the PCB in the case with a couple of screws.  Be sure to use the hole next to the Tab key, since it provides the best side-to-side alignment.  Then, using the bit you used to make the hole in the PCB, gently drill straight-down into the case below.  You are just making a mark, not actually drilling through the case.
-How you support the screw is up to you.  You could mount a stud/offset similar to the ones already there.  You could also drill completely through the case the use a long screw and nut.  I opted to support the area with some scraps of ABS (cut from a Radio Shack project enclosure) welded to the rib in Poker case using Acetone.  I then drilled a small 1/16" pilot hole.
+How you support the screw is up to you.  You could mount a stud/offset similar to the ones already there.  You could also drill completely through the case and use a long screw and nut.  I opted to support the area with some scraps of ABS (cut from a Radio Shack project enclosure) welded to the rib in Poker case using Acetone.  I then drilled a small 1/16" pilot hole.
 [[File:Keyboard-poker-case-hole.jpg|400px|thumb|center]]
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 [[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-screw.jpg|400px|thumb|center]]
-The Poker now feels much more solid than it ever did before.  I'm even questioning if it was worth getting an Aluminum case for it.
+The Poker now feels much more solid.  No more extra spring around the center of the board.  I'm even questioning if it was worth ordering an Aluminum case for it.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 20 August 2012
Line 9:		Line 9:

	== Poker Center Support Modification ==		== Poker Center Support Modification ==
		+
		+	A better solution to the PCB flex problem is to add a center support and screw, like the Pure. This requires drilling a hole in the PCB and then supporting it by the case somehow. Some care is required in selecting the location of the hole so that you don't drill through the case. The area right above D51, between the G and H keys is a good location. There is ample space on both sides of the PCB. I used a 3/32" bit.
		+
		+	[[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]
		+
		+	Try to drill relatively close to the the diode so that you don't hit the trace on the top of the PCB that is right under the Y key.
		+
		+	[[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-top.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]
		+
		+	This location will put the hole close to a rib in the case. Temporarily mount the PCB in the case with a couple of screws. Be sure to use the hole next to the Tab key, since it provides the best side-to-side alignment. Then, using the bit you used to make the hole in the PCB, gently drill straight-down into the case below. You are just making a mark, not actually drilling through the case.
		+
		+	How you support the screw is up to you. You could mount a stud/offset similar to the ones already there. You could also drill completely through the case the use a long screw and nut. I opted to support the area with some scraps of ABS (cut from a Radio Shack project enclosure) welded to the rib in Poker case using Acetone. I then drilled a small 1/16" pilot hole.
		+
		+	[[File:Keyboard-poker-case-hole.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]
		+
		+	The PCB was then mounted to the case with a small brass wood screw.
		+
		+	[[File:Keyboard-poker-pcb-screw.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center]]
		+
		+	The Poker now feels much more solid than it ever did before. I'm even questioning if it was worth getting an Aluminum case for it.

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:10, 5 January 2013
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← Older revision	Revision as of 23:02, 5 January 2013
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← Older revision	Revision as of 21:21, 29 August 2012
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