Universal 6u spacebar?

[matt3o]

We are designing the new spacebars for the MT3 layout. I was trying to figure out a "universal" 6u spacebar. Basically something with a center stem in the middle + one 0.5u to the right to support cherry 1800 keyboards.

I have this feeling someone already tried and for some reason it didn't work (possibly the two center stems are too close). Did anyone try something like that?

[Wodan]

I can try and put a center stem space bar on an 1800

Pretty sure there was a collision issue with the stems

[matt3o]

that would be great! thanks

[kbdfr]

My "genius idea of the day" about one year ago:
keyboards-f2/genius-idea-of-the-day-t14 ... ml#p351831

Spoiler:

A spacebar where the stems (for the switch and the stabilizers) could be lower parts sliding along an upper part to remain in any desired position:



for example this way:

That would solve the problem, but is it feasible at all?

[matt3o]

it is feasible, probably a bit expensive and the resulting spacebar would be a little rattling. Unless you also find a way to hold the stems tight.

[kbdfr]

I think it would be no problem to design a tight fit which still allows the stem elements to slide along the upper part.

Like the tight fit between keycaps and switches, where the cap sits firmly on the switch without any rattling but can be removed with only little effort.

[Myoth]

My "genius idea of the day" about one year ago:
keyboards-f2/genius-idea-of-the-day-t14 ... ml#p351831

Spoiler:

A spacebar where the stems (for the switch and the stabilizers) could be lower parts sliding along an upper part to remain in any desired position:



for example this way:

That would solve the problem, but is it feasible at all?

basically you made a huge IBM two part keycap

[Wodan]

Okay so finally took the pics. Using standard GMK stems and even looking at EnjoyPBT caps this seems _NOT_ to work.

Original 6u Cherry space bar next to modern GMK 6u center stem space bar:


The center stem is caught on the side of the off-center MX switch:


More pictueres:

Spoiler:

No good:

Compared to EnjoyPBT 6.25u and 6u space bars. You can tell they have tried their best to support many stab and stem placements on the 6.25u cap.

[matt3o]

yeah I was pretty sure of that, just needed confirmation. Thanks for trying @Wodan! I guess we'll have center stem and one could always cut&glue

[Findecanor]

I think there could also be differences in the stabiliser-stem spacing between some keyboards' 6u space bars that would make a "universal spacebar" work only with Costar-style stabilisers.
However some of those keyboards may have Costar-style stabilisers to begin with and with those the exact spacing would not matter too much.