MAKE Kasprzak 🐧🍁
@distraction.engineer
Engineer of Distractions; Ancient Pro/Indie Game Dev (1999+); IGF Finalist (2009); Retro, DIY, C64 nerd; AKA PoV, PoVRAZOR; ndenb; He/Then; 🍁
Caretaker/co-creator of the @ludumdare.com online game jam; Spring:Theorist 🎶
Empathy is punk! Trans rights! 🏳️⚧️💜🤘
Caretaker/co-creator of the @ludumdare.com online game jam; Spring:Theorist 🎶
Empathy is punk! Trans rights! 🏳️⚧️💜🤘
After a deeper dive, it seems that the circuit above and membrane PCB buttons sharing a toothed design is a fluke (rather it's a good design that benefits both). Membrane buttons are only close circuits, where pressure sensors emit changes in resistance by flexing the film. Piezoelectric fun times!
November 29, 2025 at 10:44 PM
After a deeper dive, it seems that the circuit above and membrane PCB buttons sharing a toothed design is a fluke (rather it's a good design that benefits both). Membrane buttons are only close circuits, where pressure sensors emit changes in resistance by flexing the film. Piezoelectric fun times!
This reminds me of aftertouch strips. These odd sensors can detect pressure, and yet there's nothing to them. Just the two leads we measure across, and a black film. You can even cut these strips and solder new leads to them, and they'll work as a standalone pressure sensor. Super cool.
November 29, 2025 at 8:57 PM
This reminds me of aftertouch strips. These odd sensors can detect pressure, and yet there's nothing to them. Just the two leads we measure across, and a black film. You can even cut these strips and solder new leads to them, and they'll work as a standalone pressure sensor. Super cool.
I watched a video teardown of a Korg nanoPad repair, and the velocity sensitive pads work in a way I didn't expect: PCB traces in a zig zag pattern, some black material taped flush to the traces, with a rubber membrane on top. It's practically a membrane keyboard, yet it emits analog velocities. 🤔
November 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I watched a video teardown of a Korg nanoPad repair, and the velocity sensitive pads work in a way I didn't expect: PCB traces in a zig zag pattern, some black material taped flush to the traces, with a rubber membrane on top. It's practically a membrane keyboard, yet it emits analog velocities. 🤔
My actual favorite MIDI controllers are the Arturia KeyStep(s). The synth key action feels so extremely nice, I just wish it had drum pads and faders (cough and actually fully supported MIDI passthrough). The pitch & mod-wheel touch strips are a perfectly acceptable way of supporting them I'd steal.
November 29, 2025 at 7:57 PM
My actual favorite MIDI controllers are the Arturia KeyStep(s). The synth key action feels so extremely nice, I just wish it had drum pads and faders (cough and actually fully supported MIDI passthrough). The pitch & mod-wheel touch strips are a perfectly acceptable way of supporting them I'd steal.
The Gamma synth has an intriguing design, also opting for low profile mechanical keys. I haven't seen any low profile magnetic keys (i.e. TMR, hall effect), but conceptually they could be useful on instruments. BMD's Speed Editor does a lot of things I love too. I'd love a jog wheel. ♥️
November 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The Gamma synth has an intriguing design, also opting for low profile mechanical keys. I haven't seen any low profile magnetic keys (i.e. TMR, hall effect), but conceptually they could be useful on instruments. BMD's Speed Editor does a lot of things I love too. I'd love a jog wheel. ♥️
That the keys are velocity sensitivity is probably the most important feature to me...otherwise I could just use the typing keyboard. Designs like the Monkey nail the size, but ignoring velocity for a moment I want the feeling of rubbery "tap percussive" buttons, not "data entry" push buttons.
November 29, 2025 at 7:05 PM
That the keys are velocity sensitivity is probably the most important feature to me...otherwise I could just use the typing keyboard. Designs like the Monkey nail the size, but ignoring velocity for a moment I want the feeling of rubbery "tap percussive" buttons, not "data entry" push buttons.
Without missing a beat (🥁), my recent fascination with keyboards has led me to consider MIDI controls as well. My dream custom laptop/Cyberdeck would include a small row of analog controls for media making. Something that feels like the Korg nano controllers, but half the height.
November 29, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Without missing a beat (🥁), my recent fascination with keyboards has led me to consider MIDI controls as well. My dream custom laptop/Cyberdeck would include a small row of analog controls for media making. Something that feels like the Korg nano controllers, but half the height.
You're probably aware, but just in case, I want to mention that low-profile mechanical switches are a thing, not to mention there are some mechanical scissor switches popping up for a "best of both worlds" (in theory). Pricing and conflicting standards are a problem, but value priced boards exist.
November 29, 2025 at 5:45 PM
You're probably aware, but just in case, I want to mention that low-profile mechanical switches are a thing, not to mention there are some mechanical scissor switches popping up for a "best of both worlds" (in theory). Pricing and conflicting standards are a problem, but value priced boards exist.
The wife and I are typing nerds, so of course they have a mechanical keyboard (Keychron with numpad). My recent interest in custom keyboards reminded me that I could do SOMETHING mischievous... 🤔🦆
After luring them to inspect their desk, laughter ensued. Mission accomplished. 😊
After luring them to inspect their desk, laughter ensued. Mission accomplished. 😊
November 29, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The wife and I are typing nerds, so of course they have a mechanical keyboard (Keychron with numpad). My recent interest in custom keyboards reminded me that I could do SOMETHING mischievous... 🤔🦆
After luring them to inspect their desk, laughter ensued. Mission accomplished. 😊
After luring them to inspect their desk, laughter ensued. Mission accomplished. 😊
There are even cheaper options on AliExpress, but a comment reminded me that just because a material looks like Killmat doesn't mean it's for acoustic dampening (it might be for insulation).
ALSO some materials might smell. You *DO NOT* want a smelly material in a mechanical keyboard. 🤢
ALSO some materials might smell. You *DO NOT* want a smelly material in a mechanical keyboard. 🤢
November 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
There are even cheaper options on AliExpress, but a comment reminded me that just because a material looks like Killmat doesn't mean it's for acoustic dampening (it might be for insulation).
ALSO some materials might smell. You *DO NOT* want a smelly material in a mechanical keyboard. 🤢
ALSO some materials might smell. You *DO NOT* want a smelly material in a mechanical keyboard. 🤢
Oh wow, Amazon Basics even has their own "Killmat-like" sound absorption material. I used to have a large box of it back when I owned the Smartcar, for a noise reduction mod I didn't get to before it died (RIP 🚗). Now I'm seeing Killmat is a popular mechanical keyboard sound deadener. 🤔
November 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Oh wow, Amazon Basics even has their own "Killmat-like" sound absorption material. I used to have a large box of it back when I owned the Smartcar, for a noise reduction mod I didn't get to before it died (RIP 🚗). Now I'm seeing Killmat is a popular mechanical keyboard sound deadener. 🤔
This keyboard switch from Geonworks looks far too cool to cover with a keycap. 🫣
November 28, 2025 at 11:11 PM
This keyboard switch from Geonworks looks far too cool to cover with a keycap. 🫣
Not a Black Friday sale (nor something I need now), but I've been strongly considering grabbing a refurbished original Framework 13" motherboard to use as the guts of my Cyberdeck build. For the price the specs AREN'T amazing, but there are few manufacturers I'd trust to support their guts.
November 28, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Not a Black Friday sale (nor something I need now), but I've been strongly considering grabbing a refurbished original Framework 13" motherboard to use as the guts of my Cyberdeck build. For the price the specs AREN'T amazing, but there are few manufacturers I'd trust to support their guts.
This doesn't warrant any sympathy, but I am "slightly bummed" that I can't afford these Black Friday deals. I'm extremely fortunate, so complaining about an inability to buy myself luxuries is empty, alas... 😅
Fingers crossed the upcoming interview FINALLY lands me a job. This year has sucked.
Fingers crossed the upcoming interview FINALLY lands me a job. This year has sucked.
November 28, 2025 at 3:05 PM
This doesn't warrant any sympathy, but I am "slightly bummed" that I can't afford these Black Friday deals. I'm extremely fortunate, so complaining about an inability to buy myself luxuries is empty, alas... 😅
Fingers crossed the upcoming interview FINALLY lands me a job. This year has sucked.
Fingers crossed the upcoming interview FINALLY lands me a job. This year has sucked.
(Local) Drama Alert! 🍿
November 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
(Local) Drama Alert! 🍿
My brother has been looking for memory deals without luck (DDR & NVMe). I'm looking for deals on "pro" 3D printing filaments. Amazon.ca doing good:
- Overture ABS white $17/kg ($12 USD)
- Elegoo ASA black C$68 4x1kg ($49 USD, or C$17/kg)
- Eryone ASA-GF white $25/kg ($18 USD)
- Polymaker ⚡ deals
- Overture ABS white $17/kg ($12 USD)
- Elegoo ASA black C$68 4x1kg ($49 USD, or C$17/kg)
- Eryone ASA-GF white $25/kg ($18 USD)
- Polymaker ⚡ deals
November 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
My brother has been looking for memory deals without luck (DDR & NVMe). I'm looking for deals on "pro" 3D printing filaments. Amazon.ca doing good:
- Overture ABS white $17/kg ($12 USD)
- Elegoo ASA black C$68 4x1kg ($49 USD, or C$17/kg)
- Eryone ASA-GF white $25/kg ($18 USD)
- Polymaker ⚡ deals
- Overture ABS white $17/kg ($12 USD)
- Elegoo ASA black C$68 4x1kg ($49 USD, or C$17/kg)
- Eryone ASA-GF white $25/kg ($18 USD)
- Polymaker ⚡ deals
Oh dear! Wow! I was misinformed. The key switches on my cheap keyboard AREN'T Gateron switches after all! 😱
I'm so glad I checked! Gateron has 2 distinct pinouts, neither match this keyboard. Also the nub on the back is different, as are the plastics used.
I'M SO GLAD I CHECKED!! 😰
I'm so glad I checked! Gateron has 2 distinct pinouts, neither match this keyboard. Also the nub on the back is different, as are the plastics used.
I'M SO GLAD I CHECKED!! 😰
November 26, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Oh dear! Wow! I was misinformed. The key switches on my cheap keyboard AREN'T Gateron switches after all! 😱
I'm so glad I checked! Gateron has 2 distinct pinouts, neither match this keyboard. Also the nub on the back is different, as are the plastics used.
I'M SO GLAD I CHECKED!! 😰
I'm so glad I checked! Gateron has 2 distinct pinouts, neither match this keyboard. Also the nub on the back is different, as are the plastics used.
I'M SO GLAD I CHECKED!! 😰
Perfect timing, the Gateron tester arrived this evening and... Welp, blues are the *ONLY* clicky switch. Huh.
November 26, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Perfect timing, the Gateron tester arrived this evening and... Welp, blues are the *ONLY* clicky switch. Huh.
lol wut... I saw something in the hallway. 😺
November 26, 2025 at 4:50 AM
lol wut... I saw something in the hallway. 😺
Anyway, my hope is that I'm totally okay with Gateron, as their switches tend to be half the price of Kailh. I don't know this for sure, but I'd guesstimate that the Gateron silvers are their equivalent of the Kailh whites, the Gateron banana the Kailh yellows, etc. 🤷
November 25, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Anyway, my hope is that I'm totally okay with Gateron, as their switches tend to be half the price of Kailh. I don't know this for sure, but I'd guesstimate that the Gateron silvers are their equivalent of the Kailh whites, the Gateron banana the Kailh yellows, etc. 🤷
The affordable low profile mechanical keyboard I picked up on 11.11 features red Gateron switches and ... it's true. The Gateron reds feel the same as the Kailh to me (i.e. hollow). I could have sworn I liked Cherry MX reds, but I also think my go to Red Dragon uses full size RD blues, which checks.
November 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
The affordable low profile mechanical keyboard I picked up on 11.11 features red Gateron switches and ... it's true. The Gateron reds feel the same as the Kailh to me (i.e. hollow). I could have sworn I liked Cherry MX reds, but I also think my go to Red Dragon uses full size RD blues, which checks.
Damn. So I ordered Kailh and Gateron low-profile key switch testers to better understand my mechanical keyboard preferences. The Kailh tester arrived today, and I was surprised to learn I do prefer their Blue and White switches, i.e. the ones that click, AKA the noisiest switches. 😓
November 25, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Damn. So I ordered Kailh and Gateron low-profile key switch testers to better understand my mechanical keyboard preferences. The Kailh tester arrived today, and I was surprised to learn I do prefer their Blue and White switches, i.e. the ones that click, AKA the noisiest switches. 😓
This is tempting, but because it's hilarious.
November 25, 2025 at 4:58 AM
This is tempting, but because it's hilarious.
Weird find: dude selling 100 Wii Nunchucks for $750. 😵💫
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Weird find: dude selling 100 Wii Nunchucks for $750. 😵💫
I kinda love this keycap aesthetic. 😍
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
I kinda love this keycap aesthetic. 😍