Keyboard modification request

[immune188]

hi guys, not sure if this is the right place to ask but i basically wanted to request for someone to modify a keyboard for me, should be simple enough for someone that knows what theyre doing. I basically want a Logitech k120, with the numberpad removed. id be happy for the membrane thingie to be folded underneath the keyboard, but i just want it so that there is no number pad. ive tried to do it myself and failed miserably as im not the best at that sort of thing. i'd be willing to pay 100 quid for one of you kind people to do it.

look forward to any replys

rob

 

[immune188]

Pretty sure you can buy a tenkeyless keyboard for well under £100.

You most definitely can, but I want a Logitech k120

 

[immune188]

So, you want to spend £100 for someone to modify a £10 keyboard, rather than buying a significantly better, ready made TKL keyboard for less? Okay

yes, that is exactly what I want to do. While they may be ‘better’ for most people, they aren’t for me.

 

[immune188]

For £100 you can buy a high end TKL keyboard so why are you wanting to spend that modifying a keyboard that's worth a tenner?

I have disabilities involving my bones joints and tendons, and I find this keyboard the most comfortable to type and game on compared to any other model (I have tried hundreds of different ones)

 

[immune188]

What is it about this keyboard that makes it essential and unlike any other keyboard? I cannot imagine there is no other keyboard that would feel the same less a numpad.

Do you want to disable/remove numpad functionality (you can do that without hacking the keyboard up) or just make the keyboard shorter?

I explained this a couple of posts above about my disability

 

[immune188]

In that case, fair point. Hope you can appreciate why it sounds like a daft request.

I'd still say you're better off trying to find an alternative but, as you say, you've tried loads of others

yep I’ve tried a lot mate. Thank god for amazon free returns

 

[immune188]

Have you got in touch with Logitech to see if they can offer you what your after?

Yes mate I’ve emailed them,
No reply unfortunately

 

[immune188]

Fair enough but what's the purpose of removing the numpad, are you simply trying to shorten it? There's some disassembly videos on the web for that keyboard, so with the right tools / approach and probably(as you suggested before) wrapping the membrane under the board it seems pretty doable. Although having the excess membrane wrapped underneath then moving the board around could damage and tug on it and potentially i guess sooner or later, render the board totally useless.

Is the feel of keys specifically what makes this board preferable, there are hundreds if not thousands of keyboards out there, i can't imagine none of them could have a similar feel to them, soft touch / quiet keys? Deep vs low profile? Identifying what specifically works just right about this keyboard might offer some insights into how to find another board that could suit.

The purpose of removing the number pad is the way I feel comfortable sitting, a full size keyboard goes onto my mousepad, which causes my mouse to hit it. It’s the deep profile that benefits me, and the fact they’re membrane. I can’t use mechanical ones as you have to push down too far, rather than putting a small amount of pressure on and it popping in, doing most of the work itself. It also helps me in gaming as I can ‘feel’ when the key will be activated if that makes sense, which I struggle with with mechanical switches, it’s a further travel distance overall. I will gladly pay anyone if they can do this for me or even find a tenkeyless version of the exact same type of keyboard

 

[immune188]

Aside from the flexible membrane, wouldn’t there be a continuous rigid circuit board to deal with? Also the LED indications at the top? This may not be feasible to simply remove with something like a Dremel. Plus it would look unsightly afterwards in either case.

what’s the “end goal” of this modification? Is it to give you more desk space, you rest your hand or other equipment to help with your disability in this area? Knowing the end goal may help with identifying other options that work for you and make the project more achievable.

have you thought about simply removing the key caps and covering over with a black plastic panel? Put a sticker on there, a small clock or something functional like that?

just trying to think of other things to help as I think your current idea will be difficult both mechanically and electrically.

Check my reply to the comment above mate as I think it answers the same question as yours

 

[immune188]

Whereabouts in the world are you, Rob?

Lincoln, England

 

[immune188]

I have a k120 and I recon I could 3d scan/print a top case and make the numpad disappear! Might need to rethink the folding of the membrane though as some of the membranes put keys into groups. Right im going to find the k120 in my garage, not for you but because im interested.

I have a k120 and I recon I could 3d scan/print a top case and make the numpad disappear! Might need to rethink the folding of the membrane though as some of the membranes put keys into groups. Right im going to find the k120 in my garage, not for you but because im interested in this frankly mental request.

Seriously a ducky mini exists.

that would be amazing if you could do that mate, I would be happy to pay the 100+ plus the shipping fee mate if it’s possible

 

[immune188]

But why would you do this? I mean I would quite happily take on a project (I wouldn't take your money mind id just do it for the lols) but why do this to a meh keyboard? Also I went out to the garage and gave up after 30 seconds. I have a lot of junk out there and if memory serves me it's only 50/50 if the k120 ended up in there or the bin. But yea I am curious as to why?

I explained more thoroughly in the previous posts but it is due to a disability and this particular keyboard causing less pain than other types and models. I would happily pay for a new k120 to be delivered to your address if you think you can do it?

 

[immune188]

I just bought one. I make no promises but over the next few weeks ill give it a go. Technically I have all the tools, a 3d printer/scanner so if anybody is in with a chance...

thanks mate massively appreciated. Even Logitech didn’t seem to care so maybe you’ll be my saviour haha