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fabronaut
0
Jul 31, 2016
Perhaps this is answered elsewhere, but does the firmware support locking out the Windows key?
I really like being able to suppress it via the toggle on my current keyboard. (Corsair tenkeyless "Storm" with cherry mx red switches)
I was thinking I would probably like something with a stiffer travel, but quiet... so I think I'd be looking at Cherry Mx Grey switches?
Not sure how tactile would feel, as I've never owned a keyboard with tactile.
krisst
331
Jul 31, 2016
fabronautThe usual windows key location is the default function key, which means by default there are no windows key. You would have to use the configuration to customise it.
Cherry MX Grey are clicky switches, heavier than MX Blues. If you want stiffer travel, might want to go for MX Blacks for linear or MX Clears for tactile. Cherry MX Reds are linear.
fabronaut
0
Jul 31, 2016
krisstthank you, that's very helpful.
I assume I would be looking for linear type switches, as that's what I have (and am happy with, I guess?), but I think I want something stiffer for sure. I find that I accidentally double tap these ones pretty easily when playing games, and I tend to have a rather heavy typing stroke, so the stiffness might feel better, I assume.
I guess I'll be dropping a fair bit of money on a guess, but Blacks / Clears are not very common, it seems, so it's not too far off the price.
Is the configuration tool firmware flash based? I'm a bit fuzzy on how all this works, but it seems like a very sensibly designed product. I have a strong preference for things being built into the keyboard itself and not some crappy software / driver suite, which is why I like this keyboard in particular. I don't NEED a new keyboard, but I'll be building another system at some point, so... perhaps I can pretend it's justifiable. :3
krisst
331
Jul 31, 2016
fabronautYup. Keyboard profile is "saved" onto the keyboard. https://input.club/configurator-setup this is the guide for it.
As for switches, you can look into Gateron Blacks or Yellow too. They are more affordable linear switches with heavier springs than MX Reds.
fabronaut
0
Aug 1, 2016
krisstThanks for your help! I have a bunch more follow up questions... I'll try to format my ramblings into a semi-coherent order.
I'm not sure if I would prefer switching to a tactile style switch, but I definitely need a heavier actuation force, as I find these too easy to double tap (which some people like?) and I have a rather heavy keystroke. Pretty sure I read somewhere that I should try to use LESS force instead, so perhaps switching to both a stiffer spring AND a tactile key style key is for me.
Just to check that I understand (will be going to local computer shop to try out a few keyboards to see which keytype I roughly prefer), do "clicky" models send the key input as soon as the audible "click" occurs before it bottoms out? I suspect I'm so used to pounding away at keys that it might not be worth switching, also since I switch between a decent quality keyboard at home and all manner of mostly crappy ones at work.
I've tried "clicky" style keyboards in stores and found them rather loud. Are they all that loud? I find Cherry MX Reds to be on the edge of what I can put up with, and they're considered quiet switches... From what I saw on the Deskthority wiki, my preference should be for Blacks, possibly the Zealio Clears listed in the WhiteFox FAQ, or Browns, as excessive typing noise can distract me if I'm not listening to music or something.
The Blacks and Zealio Clears aren't listed as available options, so a related few questions -- if I purchase the Zealios, can I swap out in Cherry Black switches if I purchase a set? Or do I have to stick with Cherry switches to have the appropriate housing to match? No idea how much an additional set of switches would cost, but I figured I might as well ask, since I get the feeling this keyboard may be my gateway into the world of keyboard tinkering.
On a completely different note, I don't really understand the "Layer" concept on the configurator page and the Help page is just making me scratch my head. I get that the firmware is customizable / programmable (and the keycaps are easily swappable), but how the heck does this Layer thing work? Is it like those multimedia / function keys where you hold do a function (f1 / Fn) key much like a keyboard chord toggle, as one would do with the Shift key or similar? Would I be configuring the "final" layer toggle with a latch key to flip back to a standard layout? Not sure if I'm completely off the mark, but this would be huge if I can wrap my head around it.
The programmable function key (and probably Layer thing, if it does what I think it can?) will really make or break whether I'm willing to drop this much money on a keyboard without being absolutely certain it's exactly what I'm looking for. At least I know I'd be ordering it pre-assembled with a Vanilla layout to start, looking to maybe swap the switches out later (hopefully with no soldering? I have limited experience but I'm not too confident in that regard). It looks like an awesome product, just want to make sure it's the right one for me. :)
At this point, based on what's available, I'm steering towards Cherry MX Clears. Perhaps I'll order a set of Cherry Black switches to try out with the CoolerMaster Storm Quickfire TK (tenkeyless) keyboard I'm typing on. Hoping to just fall in love with the Clears and just leave them on the WhiteFox if all goes well!
Once again, thanks for your help! This looks like a sweet piece of kit, and hopefully I'll be ordering one soon.
SteveW
33
Aug 1, 2016
fabronautTo answer some of your questions:
Yes, you can open the switches and swap out the springs and stems. (Note, you'll need to have either SIP sockets installed or no LEDs installed)
If you order it installed, you will need to desolder the LED to open the switch (I think). Get a desoldering iron. It helps.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by the layer chord toggle part so I'll see if anyone else can answer that for you. Usually the layers are in effect as long as you hold down the key. You can program most keyboards so that it activates and remains on that layer until you press the key again. (I don't know if you can do that with the White Fox online configuration.
Edit: I looked at the online configuration took,it seems like the "LOCK" function is similar to what you are looking for.
phoible
124
Aug 1, 2016
fabronautYou can use any Cherry, Gateron, Zealio, or Kailh switch with this board. They are all "Cherry Compatible" - they have the same specs and will mount into the same PCB/Plate. So you can purchase Cherry Blacks and then put those in.
You pretty much have the concept behind layers. Just like a function key, except that you can map pretty much any keystroke pretty much anywhere. Based on what I've seen with my Ergodox Infinity (same firmware), you have a lot of flexibility in the way that you switch layers. You can make it so that you have to hold the fn key to activate the layer, or you can make it so that a key locks in a layer like a caps lock, or you can set a key as a latch so that it is activated until you press the next key. You can also set next/previous layer keys so that you can cycle between layers.
You can even get a keystroke to execute a Macro, although I haven't bothered to get my Ergodox to do that.
Here's a bit more info. https://input.club/forums/topic/is-there-a-page-with-documentation-on-how-the-configurator-works
krisst
331
Aug 2, 2016
fabronautSure. I will try my best to explain what I know and to give you some suggestions.
To find out what you prefer, might have to try them out yourself to see if you like it. What I did in the past was I just read a bunch of reviews on how each switches feel and went with my gut, that was like 4 years back. I bought a filco with cherry mx browns, still love it to this day. However I know I need to try out other switches to understand more. I have tested linear and clicky switches. Clicky switches are loud. Linear switches are ok. I just prefer tactiles. That small bump makes me feel like I activated something.
Clicky switches activate nearly the same time when the click happen, pretty much if it clicks, it should register the keystroke. Yes, all clicky are louder because they "click".
Zealios Clear are no longer available. Did not sell well. Or maybe people just like purple stems.
If you choose fully assembled option, some switches will not be available for your order. Also, you will have to desolder LEDs to make any changes to the switches. If you plan to explore more into mechanical kb, I would suggest you get a set of solder equipment. Watch some soldering video on youtube helps. Personally ordered some blank pcb boards and copper wire to practice.
Currently MD is having a drop for Gateron switches, black and yellow are both linear with high spring weights, check those out.
About "Layers", it works like function layer on a laptop kb, or shiftkey when you want to use capital letter. Of course it can do more and for most people, just treat it like a modifier function. You have the option to use "Lock" and "Latch" for the function key. To explain it simply, lock works like the usual capslock key, once pressed will stay in that layer until you press the lock function key again. Latch works for one key press only, example you want to press the * key and too lazy to hold the shiftkey, you can press the latch function key and press 8 key. It will deactivate after. Still, you would have to configure what key does what in each layers. You get the idea.
I would say mx clear is good option, they are too heavy for me. The bump is more prominent than mx brown. Which is why some users have modded mx clears to ergo clears. Essentially lighter spring with the bigger bump. That is one of the reason why we have Zealios purple tactile now.
Hope what I said clear up some questions you have. I am sure you have a good idea what you would enjoy by now. Just get it and get others in the future XD
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