I bought this keyboard, and since the solenoid is advertised as a recommended option in the description, I bought it as well.
Problem is that the solenoid isn’t fitting in the case at all, not even close. Is that a mistake in the listing?
Is there a way to mod the case or to use another solenoid that fits, or is the solenoid useless for this keyboard model case?
If the case isn’t made for solenoid, maybe it would be nice to mention it somewhere.
Glad your keyboard arrived safely Jay. The details of each product are provided on the specific product pages to avoid duplication and each product page being tens of pages long. On each product page a note is provided: “While ordering any of the recommended add-ons, please review the individual product pages to see the details of what you are getting.”
The solenoids are 100% compatible with all keyboards but mount externally for the compact case keyboards. It is cool to see the solenoid in action! The compact case folks do have to be creative to mount it externally so please do let me know what you come up with. Some folks have created 3d printed solenoid holders for their new Model F keyboards, for example. One example below is for installation inside a classic case style F62 but I think it would work outside any ultra compact case, regardless of model, where it will be visible while actuating.
https://github.com/samcdc6600/modelsFor3DPrinter/tree/main/modelF62SolenoidHolder
Here, I made a small external case for the solenoid, combined with keyboard feet. Not perfect but works quite well already:
https://youtu.be/DKbeAUqjVPI
That is nice! Do you have more photos / schematics?
It’s nothing fancy, just 2 feets snapping to the back screws, and oriented so they follow the keyboad angle with some extra height.
https://imgur.com/a/EYtC6p0
They both have space to put 30mm gel tape to stay attached (which is optional, the weight of the keyboard and the holes for the screws is preventing it from sliding off when not raising the KB).
The solenoid itself is fitting snug between the 3d print wall and the KB metal case, and it’s very easy to access the solenoid throw distance tweaking screws by opening the top cap.
The solenoid pcb is still inside the KB shell, I just pass the solenoid wire through the usb hole under the usb cable.
Great! Would you mind publicly sharing the files on github or elsewhere? Other folks might find it useful as well.
Ok I will work a bit more on it and see how I can share it.
A little side question, is there a way to change the solenoid behavior in any way (beside the hold timing)?
I would like to do a switchable special gaming mode where only wasd and shit/ctrl/space keys are actuating the solenoid. Not sure it’s possible tho.
Sounds good. I can always upload it if you email me, if you do not have another way to share it.
I recall that there are haptic settings in QMK where you can select which keys actuate the solenoid but I don’t know if you can switch between two sets of haptic settings in one firmware. Might want to ask the QMK folks on the forums.
Thanks for the quick answer.
Yeah ok that makes sense, I will try making an outter solenoid holder combined with feet to have the KB a bit more titled.
I will share it back when I’m done.