JomeyQ

JomeyQ t1_j3hyqkc wrote

Reply to comment by oVersaci in NK87 Entry Edition by oVersaci

If you're using the stock NovelKeys stabilizers, there's a limit to how good they're going to get. If you end up replacing them, be sure to use washers, as these PCBs can have issues with shorting out due to stabilizers being screwed on.

2

JomeyQ OP t1_j1xz3k9 wrote

Just standard lego plates, 2 16x16 stud plates (part 91405) and 1 8x16 stud plate (part 92438). The difference between "plate" and "baseplate" pieces (like the ones in the adam kit) are that "baseplates" are thinner and you can't attach anything to the bottom of them.

1

JomeyQ OP t1_j1xm6ly wrote

Oh yeah, being flat is a problem, especially with the flat profile XDA keycaps on there. I would never have built it that way for myself, but it's for a 3 year old who's a long way from touch typing.

That's one reason I built mine with actual Legos and used a thicker plate piece on the bottom, so that I could add little feet in the back to prop it up if I want. I'd recommend doing the same. Unfortunately if you buy the bricks from KBDCraft, they use the thin plates for the bottom that you can't add more Legos to.

As for the 1u shift, it hasn't been a problem at all for me. It feels really natural, and I'm looking into doing something similar going forward on my own keyboards. I can't say whether that's the case for everyone, but for me it's where I naturally seem to reach for the shift key. I've had other keyboards with bad changes (the worst being my skyloong gk68x which moved the whole backspace key 1u to the right. What a nightmare), but this one I actually like.

Overall it's a great PCB, especially for the $40 price. Every time I get on that computer to type on it, I'm pleasantly surprised.

2

JomeyQ OP t1_j1gq58q wrote

They're great, especially for the $10-15 they cost. I've had them around for over a year now waiting for the right project. When I realized the kit included the 2u and 1u shift keys this PCB needs, it was a no-brainer.

Just too bad I didn't get to use some of the fun included novelties like the rainbow apple key. Maybe I'll find a spot for it.

2

JomeyQ OP t1_j1fnvb7 wrote

Lol, yeah. It's the oldest mac in existence that can still use these USB keyboards without an adapter etc (and one of the first USB native computers period). Fortunately these PCBs come with Vial compatible QMK firmware, so it took all of 20 seconds to swap the icon and alt keys to make it mac friendly.

3

JomeyQ OP t1_j1fm6v0 wrote

I just sort of lucked into it for this build. I was following the kbdcraft instructions for the Adam keyboard, and realized a rounded piece they use on the front corners is only officially available in yellow or red. Then I saw the Octan truck and gas station my kid was playing with and it was too perfect.
He nearly lost his mind when he saw this lego keyboard on his imac. Especially when the RGB came on!

2