Top row pcb slot in replacement

[epichub]

Hi - I have two modded advantages now (KB500 and KB600) - and I owe you a great thanks - as you were the protagonist in this kinesis modding community :)

Anyway - my latest project is to get my favourite switches in the function key row.
I see the kin80 project has a solution, but its not slot in replacement that works with kint (different pinout on the new pcb).
I have tried asking - but I guess the developer has moved on ( DmNosachev/kin80#1 )

I am however sure that it could not be that hard to look at DmNosachev top pcb design - and the actual kb600 pcb and figure out how to make a MX compatible top-pcb that is also slot in compatible with kint and kint-derivates?
Do you have any ideas on how one should start mapping out the feasibility of such a project?

[stapelberg]

Hey @epichub, I’m glad the project was helpful for you.

I was surprised to see this mod is possible until I realized that kin80 only has 6 function keys, whereas the Kinesis Advantage 2 has 9 function keys. I assume you’re okay with the missing keys, but figured I’d point out this difference just in case…

I recommend consulting the following blog post regarding the keyboard matrix:
https://web.archive.org/web/20110830010827/http://humblehacker.com/blog/20100720/hacking-the-kinesis-contoured-keyboard/#more-10

Aside from arranging the electrical connections in the right order, you also need to interface with the ribbon cable (or modify the kinT board).

With enough patience and motivation this seems doable, but it will certainly be helpful if you have any friends who are more versed in electronics to guide you in the process. Maybe there’s a local makerspace / hackerspace where you live?