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LevelSteam
Dec 22, 2017
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theonug
273
Dec 22, 2017
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LevelSteamMy idea is to cast some clear key caps and put in some tritium tubes in them and have the UV LED's to make them light up nicely. I had a pair of CIEM's made with trituim tubes shaped in a triangle which looked cool in the dark. But if there was a UV light under the cap they would light up like crazy. And I have many trituim tubes to use. Any ideas? And ty for the reply.
LevelSteam
Dec 22, 2017
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theonugI wouldn't bother with the tubes. It seems like you could achieve a similar effect with a different UV reactive substance for a lot less money and keeping everything more simple (unless Im misunderstanding your design). Keep in mind that even with UV LEDs you should be able to dim them to some degree, which will help keep the glow down a bit.
theonug
273
Jan 5, 2018
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LevelSteamCan you tell me more about " A better bet would be to build a board traditional through-switch LEDs and just using some UV LEDs from amazon" ? Thank you.
LevelSteam
Jan 5, 2018
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theonugSure.
The easy/traditional way would be to use through-switch LEDs like these:
Using 2x3x4 square UV LEDs like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HWPTND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_p63tAb0PE8EAT
You can read more about using LEDs with Cherry type switchs here (also where I got the pics from):
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54702.0
Past that I'd probably just use some glow in the dark/UV reactive paint to get the effect you want. Removing PCB mounted RGB LEDs, replacing them with UV LEDs, and working tritium tubes into the actual keycaps really complicates things and likely won't work out well.
The easy/traditional way would be to use through-switch LEDs like these:
Using 2x3x4 square UV LEDs like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HWPTND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_p63tAb0PE8EAT
You can read more about using LEDs with Cherry type switchs here (also where I got the pics from):
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54702.0
Past that I'd probably just use some glow in the dark/UV reactive paint to get the effect you want. Removing PCB mounted RGB LEDs, replacing them with UV LEDs, and working tritium tubes into the actual keycaps really complicates things and likely won't work out well.
yanfali
1544
Jan 10, 2018
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theonugAlso note, if you get clear housings, like Gateron KS8 series with clear tops, you can actually install the 2x3x4 LED inside the switch for a really nice clean installation that is guaranteed not to interfere with keycaps. 2x3x4 LEDs block some profiles of keycaps depending on the switch orientation. If it's inside the switch that can't happen. That's why 1.8mm LEDs are very popular, as they are low profile.
theonug
273
Jan 10, 2018
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yanfaliLet me know if you see a keyboard on here or elsewhere that would be good for experiment on. And by experiment I mean destroy so make it a fairly cheap but usable for what I need, thank you. PS I'm actually very mechanically creative and I'm a sucker for blinky things and crap that glows.
yanfali
1544
Jan 10, 2018
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theonugIf you can get the PCB and components, I can recommend the MF68 TMK/QMK. It's a great open source PCB and powered by a pro micro, so fairly cheap. It can take LEDs. keeb.io used to stock it, but haven't in a while. You can get 5 PCBs from china for about 30usd. It's a completely open source replacement for a Magicforce 68. Great for experimentation.
LevelSteam
Jan 10, 2018
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yanfaliHave you had the 2x3x4 square LEDs block anything? I like to use them myself because they don't block my GMK caps when theyre orientated on top of the switch. The flat top and flangeless ones seem to bump into row 3 profile caps depending on orientation though.
yanfali
1544
Jan 11, 2018
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LevelSteamI personally only use 1.8mm LEDs and side step the issue. The 2x3x4 ones I have used I've embedded in the switch housing so side step the problem again. According to this post on reddit, it can happen with Cherry caps, and only certain rows, but it's not specified. I'm not sure if it's a north or south facing issue though, probably North.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/64d7uu/leds_and_cherry_profile_keycaps/
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/64d7uu/leds_and_cherry_profile_keycaps/
LevelSteam
Jan 11, 2018
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yanfaliIntersting. I'll have to spin the GMK caps on my board with 2x3x4 rectangulars to check both orientations but I can confirm that north facing rectangulars don't cause any issues with my Cherry profile caps.
yanfali
1544
Jan 11, 2018
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LevelSteamWas that with all rows? Because this would be great to know.
theonug
273
Jan 11, 2018
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LevelSteamI am reading all these replies and taking in all your info. You guys really are very helpful. I just have to decipher some of the terms I'm not familiar with but it's easy so don't worry, I appreciate all the input, thank you!
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A better bet would be to build a board traditional through-switch LEDs and just using some UV LEDs from amazon etc in my opinion.