Installing Mech Switches in a Logitech G13

21173 Views 35 Replies 17 Participants Last post by ulnevrgtit, Sep 19, 2012

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · Apr 8, 2011

2

Hello Overclock.net community,
in the below spoiler, you can see my initial questions:

I hate to be the new-comer that creates a thread to ask my own question; after researching for a while, I'm not sure where to turn. Hopefully I won't be flamed too much.

I've owned a Logitech G13 Gameboard for a while, but found the keys to be difficult to press after heavy usage.
So I had the idea to replace the existing switches with mechanical ones.
[I'm considering this because I feel that, when playing games, there are benefits to using a ergonomic device like this over a typical keyboard design.]

My questions are:
1. Is this possible?
2. Would it require me to replace more than just the switches? (internal components)
3. Where can I find Guidelines on how to go about this?

I would really appreciate any input.

I just wanted to further clarify why I'm fond of this piece of hardware; why I'm willing to invest time and money into this project.
My only (major) complaint being the difficulty in pressing these buttons. If they were mechanical, it would be perfect.

-Ergonomic Design
+Curved Buttons and the shape in general sits nicely under the shape of your hand
+Wrist Padding
-Good amount of Customizable Buttons
+3 Pages of Buttons
-On-board memory of button layout
-Two additional Thumb Buttons
---To a lesser extent - Macros and additional Joystick (needs to be modded)

So, if you have any suggestions or criticisms, please feel free to add to the discussion.

-OptimalHardware

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1 - 20 of 36 Posts

TheLastPriest

· #2 · Apr 8, 2011

I highly doubt its possible, but look forward to someone proving me wrong

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 8, 2011

Thanks for the reply.
I hope someone proves you wrong as well. Ha

I have absolutely no idea how mechanical keyboards are put together.
I feel like a fool asking this but..
If replacing the switches doesn't work, what about this:
Take a existing 'barebones' mechanical keyboard.
Cut out the switches and attached 'board' and components.
Then rearrange them inside the G13?

The Solutor

· #4 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptimalHardware;13047801
Hello Overclock.net community,
I hate to be the new-comer that creates a thread to ask my own question; after researching for a while, I'm not sure where to turn. Hopefully I won't be flamed too much.

I've owned a Logitech G13 Gameboard for a while, but found the keys to be difficult to press after heavy usage.
So I had the idea to replace the existing switches with mechanical ones.
[I'm considering this because I feel that, when playing games, there are benefits to using a ergonomic device like this over a typical keyboard design.]

My questions are:
1. Is this possible?
2. Would it require me to replace more than just the switches? (internal components)
3. Where can I find Guidelines on how to go about this?

I would really appreciate any input.

-OptimalHardware

Nothing is impossible, but this mod would require an huge amount of work and money.

You have to build a custom pcb, buy a lot of switches and leds, and finally find a way to plug the original keycaps on the switches or buy new keycaps.

Really look for an Xarmor or for a Deck keyboard, it's a way less expensive solution.

ripster

· #5 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLastPriest;13047822
I highly doubt its possible, but look forward to someone proving me wrong

The general rule of thumb in life is anything is possible but some things are not recommended.

This is one of them.

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thisispatrick

· #6 · Apr 8, 2011

I'm pretty sure its possible. Saw something like that on Geekhack a while ago.

TheLastPriest

· #7 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Solutor;13047933
Nothing is impossible, but this mod would require an huge amount of work and money.

You have to build a custom pcb, buy a lot of switches and leds, and finally find a way to plug the original keycaps on the switches or buy new keycaps.

Really look for an Xarmor or for a Deck keyboard, it's a way less expensive solution.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripster;13048582
The general rule of thumb in life is anything is possible but some things are not recommended.

This is one of them.

Perhaps I should clarify, I am in agreement that nothing is impossible, I meant not possible in any feasible/affordable realm

DuckieHo

· #8 · Apr 8, 2011

You basically would have to build the keyboard from scratch.... if you were going to do that, you might as well design a new keyboard.

However, be prepared to spend months design/assembling and hundreds of dollars....

ripster

· #9 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisispatrick;13048608
I'm pretty sure its possible. Saw something like that on Geekhack a while ago.

Don't think so. Geekhackers are pretty smart.

thisispatrick

· #10 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripster;13048951
Don't think so. Geekhackers are pretty smart.

Hm, my memory fails me D:

black!ce

· #11 · Apr 8, 2011

not possible

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 8, 2011

Thanks for your input everyone.
I greatly appreciate it. I can definitely see it being far more complex that I imagined.

Ripster, it seems like you think this is a dumb idea. Am I reading into your playful banter too much?
I'm just really curious. Its not just you.

I'm trying to word this correctly...
It seems to me that a big portion of PC gamers favor keyboards more than gameboards.
Why is this?
[For the following, lets assume that the gameboard and keyboard BOTH have the same mechanical switches.]
I feel that a input device, designed around gaming, would be more beneficial than using a traditional keyboard design.
This G13 for example.
A couple Pros:
Its more ergonomic and has two additional buttons by the thumb.

Sorry for going off topic.
If anyone with the power to close this, feels that it is inappropriate, please do.
I got the answer to my initial question.
Thanks again.

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DuckieHo

· #13 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptimalHardware;13049188
Thanks for your input everyone.
I greatly appreciate it. I can definitely see it being far more complex that I imagined.

Ripster, it seems like you think this is a dumb idea. Am I reading into your playful banter too much?
I'm just really curious. Its not just you.

I'm trying to word this correctly...
It seems to me that a big portion of PC gamers favor keyboards more than gameboards.
Why is this?
[For the following, lets assume that the gameboard and keyboard BOTH have the same mechanical switches.]
I feel that a input device, designed around gaming, would be more beneficial than using a traditional keyboard design.
This G13 for example.
A couple Pros:
Its more ergonomic and has two additional buttons by the thumb.

Sorry for going off topic.
If anyone with the power to close this, feels that it is inappropriate, please do.
I got the answer to my initial question.
Thanks again.

Most people don't own gameboards and are very familar with keyboard layouts.

Also, some games also require more than 22 buttons.

mattlafleur

· #14 · Apr 8, 2011

I own a G13 but prefer my keyboards.

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · #15 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlafleur;13049270
I own a G13 but prefer my keyboards.

May I ask why you prefer your keyboard?

Familiarity?
G13 buttons are too hard to press?(my reason)
Not enough buttons for your game?

ch_123

· #16 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptimalHardware;13049188
Thanks for your input everyone.
I greatly appreciate it. I can definitely see it being far more complex that I imagined.

Ripster, it seems like you think this is a dumb idea. Am I reading into your playful banter too much?
I'm just really curious. Its not just you.

I'm trying to word this correctly...
It seems to me that a big portion of PC gamers favor keyboards more than gameboards.
Why is this?
[For the following, lets assume that the gameboard and keyboard BOTH have the same mechanical switches.]
I feel that a input device, designed around gaming, would be more beneficial than using a traditional keyboard design.
This G13 for example.
A couple Pros:
Its more ergonomic and has two additional buttons by the thumb.

Sorry for going off topic.
If anyone with the power to close this, feels that it is inappropriate, please do.
I got the answer to my initial question.
Thanks again.

Ripster has a Cherry switch conversion of a gameboard. The problem is that most switches out there are PCB mounted unlike the membrane based rubber domes used in modern keyboards. You'd need to make your own PCB (or do a wire wrap of all the switches) and replace all the keycaps (because the old ones wont be compatible) etc etc.

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · #17 · Apr 8, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch_123;13049688
Ripster has a Cherry switch conversion of a gameboard. The problem is that most switches out there are PCB mounted unlike the membrane based rubber domes used in modern keyboards. You'd need to make your own PCB (or do a wire wrap of all the switches) and replace all the keycaps (because the old ones wont be compatible) etc etc.

To clarify. Ripster has a gameboard with Cherry Switches?
How did he get a hold of that?
Did he make it?

Phaedrus2129

· #18 · Apr 8, 2011

He converted a Nostromo N52 gamepad thing. It took him a long time, and basically all he kept was the housing (which he had to dremel in a few places) and the controller (modified). He had to make a plate to mount the switches, use keycaps from other keyboards, do a bunch of spaghetti wiring, modify the case... Hours and hours of work, and only cost effective because he had lots of scrap mechanical keyboards laying around (Cherry G80s mostly, I think).

clownfart

· #19 · Apr 8, 2011

1. Is this possible?
I've never seen the inside of a G13, but I assume it has a plastic plate that thee keys are mounted on to hover over the domes. Rip all that **** out, glue some cherry switches on it, and wire them as they were, and connect them to the controller.

2. Would it require me to replace more than just the switches? (internal components)
You would have to replace the contact sheet(or w/e it's called) with wire.

3. Where can I find Guidelines on how to go about this?
Just read through this thread, lots of pictures and info.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=7425

OptimalHardware

Discussion Starter · #20 · Apr 8, 2011

@clownfart
Awesome! That is exactly the type of post what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.

@Phaedrus2129
Vielen dank.

I realize it would be quite a bit of work and investment. But I'm determined.

I guess this is more towards Ripster.
Was it worth the time and effort?

And if anyone has any relevant links AT HAND, it would be appreciated.
Obviously I will be doing my own research, but there is always the possibility of missing something.

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