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Clack Factory keys have arrived!!!
As of December 2, 2010
Available through EliteKeyboards.com!!!! =)
This first limited quantity will help determine how I/we will proceed.

The collaboration with Elitekeyboards has not only brought about higher quality keys, it has also been an integral part
in expanding possibilites and making them realized. I am excited to see how this goes, and if well,
the word "awesome" will be given new meaning

THE ARMY HAS ARRIVED!!!



From left to right
-Topre/HHKB compatible tri-colored skulls (equivalent to 3-shot)
-Cherry switch compatible Red, EK Yellow, and EK Blue
-Cherry switch compatible tri-colored skulls (equivalent to 3-shot)


I also plan on offering keys on ClackFactory.com through FXESC.com (both under construction atm) in order to cater to
a yet wider range of keyboards and styles.
For the moment though I am "testing the waters" and calculating different processes.

I want to thank everyone for the support, interest, and guidance!
I appreciate it more than I could possibly aknowledge in written form =)
I would also like to give a special thanks to iMav (our fearless leader) for the above reasons and for the
confidence that was very much needed.

-clickclack =)

FAQ being updated at the bottom of this first post!




Hi everyone =)
I am posting some new prototypes as well as some ideas. A brief description will follow the pictures and I will continually
be uploading new prototypes and limited production runs.
Please feel free to ask questions as well as reference the FAQ at the bottom of this page.

 [strike]I am currently reconfiguring my equipment to enable a more consistent process.[/strike]
Enjoy =)

First up...

1) This keycap is dual molded or double molded (dual shot refers to a different process for the same result).
The thickness of the white plastic is the depth of the skull itself. When I have the GeekHack prototype out and ready
I will be trying to do an orange and charcoal version first =)




2) These three are gunmetal metallic bonded plastic. This is different than plating, it can be as thick
or as thin as plating but it is not "on top" of the keycap, it's in the actual plastic. I have not finished the plated ones
yet but I intend to soon (well... soon-ish). I have a bit more creative possibilities with bonding at the moment (many, many more colors, textures and designs). Taken under diffused lighting.


3) This is another example of the bonded metallic keycaps. The top three keycaps are metallic silver bonded
in different ways and places. The bottom keycap is metallic gunmetal but with a bolder application. These are the ultra lowprofile (flat-ish) skulls btw.


4) This is a low profile skull for model M styled key switches. This one is only the cap, I have not finished the prototype
for the full stem one. I also have prototypes of M keys with the original skull, as well as other larger keys.




5) Model M compatible key caps in the gunmetal metallic bonded style mentioned earlier. These are also in the low profile skull design. These are taken under more direct lighting giving them a more metallic POP!


6) Another M keycap but this one was detailed with silver teeth, gunmetal skull and gold metalic tooth. A kind of ghetto pirate look =D  aaarrrrrr!


7) This model M keycap was dual molded in black and red for that cute menacing look, haahaa =)


Here are some prototype blank keys (some are in the wrong place), I figured I needed to throw up some color in this post! These are just some random colors that I had been testing, it has little relation to what I will be doing as standard or what I can do. Btw the white one in this picture is not bright white, it's a warm eggshell.



9) And for those who want that extra stealthy menacing look, here is a black original skull.


10) This is an aluminum keycap that I cast a long time ago, it's sandblasted with a heavy ruby aggregate. I am debating if I should/could sell these, in very, very limited numbers. I will give specs when I find notes for it.


11) I figured I would throw this pic up after ripsters post =)

12) This is another original skull keycap in a wicked chartreuse


13) This is an early prototype (when they were still very thin) and you can see how easily the TG3's LED's light them up. It's a red keycap and the brightness of the LED's was on the lower side in this pic (though not on the lowest setting).


14) This is another pic with the LED's on a brighter setting, same red keycap. (not on the highest setting). The new prototypes (for illuminated boards) will be either thinner in eyes or will be dual molded in a translucent red in the eyes.



15) This is also one of the original "thin" prototypes in white. This just illustrates how easily light penetrates the keycap in a lighter color. The keycap is backlit indirectly from a desklamp.


16) Same white original "thin" keycap backlit (lower setting) on a TG3.


17) This is a dual molded "SPLAT" design (other colors and combinations possible) for those "take no prisioner" gamers =P. I actually really, really like these keys and have been typing on them for quite a while now. I think a black keyboard and keys with multiple colors would be like a Jackson Pollock experience! Haahaa, seriously though they look really great =D





18) By popular demand here are some more examples of the Dual molded "SPLAT" keys. If you notice on the left hand side of both pictures I tried to emulate the charcoal base color keys on the HHKB and came pretty close. I am just a bit on the light and cool side though. I should be able to get reasonably spot on with more tests.





19) The two photos above are dual molded skulls (original style) but with red eyes.


20) This is another dual molded skull but this one is the flat profile skull design.


21) This photo is to illustrate the contrast of a few previously shown keys.


22) This is a dual molded black and white MX compatible keycap.


23) This is a dual molded white and red MX compatible skull keycap and will also be the prototype for the illuminated board keys. So the eyes will still be illuminated red even if the backlight happenes to be white.


24) This was the first picture I posted of my custom skull esc key, and was the prize for the "Guess how many keys" contest.


25) These are how the first individual prototype keys were sent off. Yes, I sold the first baches of prototypes to help fund this endevour... and what a wacky journey it has become! =P   (previously posted picture)




26) The above two pictures are of a setup I was using for a while when I was in one of my more Zen, feng shui, red dot notan moods apparently. (previously posted pictures)


27) These are some purple-ish test keys I had made long ago and I gathered them up and posted a pic in response to an inquiry. (previoulsy posted picture)




28) The above two pictures are of a key that was one of the first keys I had made. It is bonded metalic plastic, and was one of the first prototypes that I had made. I posted these pictures as a April FOOLS stating they were real gold plated silver. I "CAN" actually make them in gold plated silver, and perhaps if there is enough interest it might be feasable to make a short run. It doesn't have to be this design either. (previously posted pictures)




29) The above two pictures are some prototypes that I am calling ICE or Glass skulls (I can also make them in plain blank versions). The one on the left is a dead ringer for actual ice, and I am trying to replicate frosted glass. These look really, really refreshing on a keyboard. Just Imagine all the keys like this!!! I am also working on very smooth and clear keys that I might call Crystal. These all started when I made an actual glass key, It came out kinda wonky though so I decided to go this route with the plastic. The glass keys I think would be just too cost prohibitive, at least at the moment. BTW these keys are sick when they are illuminated via a backlit keyboard! YEEOWZA!


30) This is a comparison sample for a recent inquiry. I will update this explanation soon. =)





31) The above two photos are the aged metallic silver and gold  bonded technique. These ones happen to be for MX compatible switches.




32) The above two photos are aged purple and white skulls. This was a commission many months back and is done with a slightly different bonded technique. The dual tone purple goes about as deep as a dye sublimated key.

Pictures and descriptions continued in 2nd post! Enjoy =)


I will be continually updating the pictures.
Thanks again everyone for the interest =)

FAQ section:
updated Dec/2/2010
Q: When will these be available?
A: December 2, 2010 !!!
Available through EliteKeyboards.com

updated Dec/2/2010Q: How much do these or will these cost?
A: Please check EliteKeyboards.com for current pricing.
Please keep in mind that these are not only limited and made by hundreds of
gnomes in the Clack Factory but the prices will fluctuate.

 
updated Dec/2/2010
Q: Which keyboards/switches are they available for?
A: This FIRST run includes Cherry and Topre compatible keys

updated Dec/2/2010
Q: Which keys will you be making, and will you be making blank keys?
A: I intend to make many different types (first up are the original top row skulls) as well as blank "standard-ish" keys.

updated Dec/2/2010
Q: Do your keys weigh more or less than the old 2-shot keys.
A: My standard as well as designed keys weigh considerably more than 2-shot keys and way, way more than "standard" keys. They are also substantially thicker and feel more robust =)
Measurements will be updated soon as well as comparisons

updated Dec/2/2010
Q: Will you be making legends on the keys?
A: I would like to do some, but complete sets regardless of what process I choose would be daunting, so I am focusing on more unique designs and aspects of the keys.

updated JAN/2/2011
Q: Will you make custom stuff?
A: I thought that's what I was doing!?!?! =P Yes, I will take custom commissions and I have for both keys and boards. Currently I am backed up with production but feel free to drop a line if you have something "specific" in mind. =)
CURRENTLY NOT TAKING CUSTOM OR COMMISSIONED ORDERS
updated Dec/2/2010
Q: What colors and/or styles can you make them in?
A: Waaaaay to many to list outright, however I am working on a "key" (no pun intended) for reference.

updated Dec/2/2010Q: Are you going to make a GeekHack key?
A: Yes, I already have but I was not satisfied with the results. I am currently redoing some prototypes.

Q: Are these keys your "Project Board Chow"?
A: Nope (well... not entirely) that project just inspired me to pursue these keys and to find this forum.


Q: Are you taking suggestions on what stuff to make?
A: No, I am too cool! Of course I am, and I love to hear the interest, it keeps me motivated! =)

The FAQ will be updated continually =)

room for pics holder 2

Show Image

Wow I really like these :) I want some and if I'm not mistaken those are Topre caps as well :) When you have them ready I will order a set ASAP...

Wow I really like these I want some and if I'm not mistaken those are Topre caps as well When you have them ready I will order a set ASAP...

Thanks, thats great to hear =)
And yes indeed they are Topre/HHKB pro keys (on a HHKB).
I am actually using them right now in a dark room (no lights other than monitors) and they show up really, really well!

Edit: more pics uploaded =)

sigh.... i cant wait for my piece of this keycap porn
did like the gold one you posted on the other thread, if actually created real gold limited editions i would buy surely!!!

sigh.... i cant wait for my piece of this keycap porn
did like the gold one you posted on the other thread, if actually created real gold limited editions i would buy surely!!!

I wish I could go faster buddy, trust me, but these are time consumers for sure, and I can't seem to convince my employers that this is a good excuse to come in late or miss deadlines =P haahaa.

If/when I make those actual gold keycaps (not just the bonded plastic ones), you would be among the first I will contact! =)

Wow, those look incredible.  Very nice work!

Thanks, that means alot =)

Edit: more pics and descriptions just uploaded! =)

Want! How many virgins must I sacrifice?

The new pics, they no workee...

yup yup!! not working!!

no skeletor love for me. I did control-f5 and everything.

I think they need to be attached, not just uploaded...

hmm... I was wondering why I couldn't find "manage attachments" when I went back after first posting.

let me try some more stuff... (it's weird that the forum still lets me see them though).

Wow... Ready to order. I''m waiting...
Give your paypal address. ;-)

How much? And whats your paypal address?

haahaa =)
Prices have not been set and I will post info in the FAQ section at the bottom of the first post soon.

Want! How many virgins must I sacrifice?

ALL OF THEM!!!!
 Muuuuhaaaahaahaaaa! =P

First up...

Show Image

I like how the cranial part of the skull is somewhat translucent against the black. Is that going to be the most expensive cap out of the bunch?

I like how the cranial part of the skull is somewhat translucent against the black. Is that going to be the most expensive cap out of the bunch?

I don't know, but I doubt it. There are more labor and time consuming ones.
Thanks for noticing the slighty translucent forehead! I tried it without that but its just too stark white, and there is not enough rounded volume up there to give a good shadow. So I made it thinner in that spot to show more depth.

You need a rubber dome to get that translucent effect.

watch it buddy, don't hurt the skulls feelings =P

Edit: new pic and description posted... =)

If the World of Warcraft people ever bring out a keyboard (they already have a mouse and headset) they should use ClickClack's keys, or maybe get him on the design team.

Thanks for compliment, that would be fun =)
Months ago I mentioned this to some friends that play online games WOW included and they liked the idea but I think I found WOW keyboards already.

Great stuff man, these will be legendary. I think you should make a choice: Either 1) sell these limited edition to the geekhack members here, and then ceremonially destroy the molds, or 2) think big ("panic key") and sell a couple of million and retire to your own island in the Caribbean. I think I prefer 1. Makes it more exclusive.

Haahaa, thanks, I appreciate it =)
My own island huh? That would be ideal I suppose, but if I went that route I would secretly have to make uber special limited editions for you guys!

Edit: more pics and descriptions added as well as FAQ section =)

..

That group of coloured keycaps in your updated first post...I do not think the camera/lighting you are using is doing justice to the items.

A metallic look is aswsome, but that photo just doesn't seem to catch it.

Those colours look pretty intense.

And can you put legends onto these keys? Or is it going to be blank all the way?

All-in-all....terrific work.

The things one can do with imagination...haha  and the proper manufacturing equipment...I am so envious!!!         :-)


...............
Spec_57

I *need* a full set to fit a US M13, no Win keys..

Guess my bonus is about to go out of the window...

I am loving the black, with a slightly silvered/gunmetal logo on it.
Let me move some cash around, and I'll PM you if I can free some up.

These are looking awesome, great work clickclack.

..
That group of coloured keycaps in your updated first post...I do not think the camera/lighting you are using is doing justice to the items.
A metallic look is aswsome, but that photo just doesn't seem to catch it.
Those colours look pretty intense.
And can you put legends onto these keys? Or is it going to be blank all the way?
All-in-all....terrific work.
The things one can do with imagination...haha  and the proper manufacturing equipment...I am so envious!!!         :-)

Hmm... I think I just finally found out which  metalic ones you were refering to. In the photo with a bunch of colored keys none of them are metalic. There are two keys in the center that have that flat profile skull on them and the lighting is to show they are dished and smooth (almost polished like). I think that is what you are refering to. If not, hmmm...

I can make the colors either more intense/vibrant and more pastel, those were just a sample.

Thanks for the compliments btw

Want..

=)

I have some free time today, so I will be making some new prototypes and molds. I will also make a few skull MX keycaps for sale to the first prototype buyers for feedback. Off I go....
Edit: new pic and description added =)

I'd LOVE to get a full set of cherry OR IBM like the blank metallic plastic Alt pictured on the Topre, double shot / molded with black legends... Is there any chance this combination will crop up in the future?

I plan on being able to make Cherry and M keys blank and in metallic. At this time because of the huge number of combinations most "legends" are not a current focus. I have a few prototypes of recessed legends but they are not in a contrasting color (yet?). Doing a metallic and dual molded cap with legends is a bit of a reach at the moment :S

These are looking awesome, great work clickclack.

Thanks! =)

How about trades?
DoubleShot Cherry Switch compatible.  I think it means ESCAPE in Korean.  You'd have to ask the KBDMania guys. :biggrin1:

Hmmm... I have an idea... (I will keep you posted)
I think I will throw in a pic of an orange cap in honour of your post

Edit: Model M keycaps pictures added and an orange original skull for MX

what about a clear or "foggy"? caps? so that if an led is placed under i can get a nice glow?
got a mod project in mind...

Those all look VERY nice.
Sign me up for some blank egg-shell white Model M keycaps please.
Oh and how about some glow in the dark(room) keys

Thanks =)
I have a few glow in the dark and UV reactive ones, but I am just testing them at the moment. I will update the FAQ to include some of that info.
Thanks for the interest!

what about a clear or "foggy"? caps? so that if an led is placed under i can get a nice glow?
got a mod project in mind...

I have some pics I need to upload that are similar to what you are inquiring about. I have done some clear, translucent, and milky/foggy caps for purposes of either being illuminated (cherry switch) or just too look cool. I will throw up a some pics soon that have the old (original prototypes) keys illuminated with a TG3. It wont work so well on the new styled keys (because they are thicker) so I have made a special illuminated prototype that has either a thinner section in the cap where light can pass or has a dual molded  with translucent plastic in those sections.

I will be updating the FAQ section soon with info that will relate to what I just mentioned =)

This... I want. I assume the raised profile is minimal? Much better than Blanks

How much for 40 M caps? Feel free to PM me with a price on both in that Quantity.

..

CC:

In my previous post, the group of coloured keys, etc...(this pic)
.


OK...my mistake...I thought the whole group of keys were all metallized, not just those two skulls I see upon closer inspection...so my comments about the pics were off-base.  Sorry.

As you said, I now realize they are plastic caps except for the skulls.

:-)

I can see sooo much potential here for creative and interesting keyboard caps...and for that matter...outside of the keyboard caps area too...

...............
Spec_57

OOOOOOOOOO diamons 8(   eeeeek! I will get right on it!!!! Haaahaaa =D
I must admit I really, really like the emerald idea! When I make a few more translucent ones I will try an emerald test, I'm kinda excited about that one now =)

Glad my silly suggestion served as inspiration  Now that I think about it, clear keys with emerald green legends would be pretty neat.  If I could convert my wife to mechanicals (she's stuck on domes and scissors), I would give her a set and refer to it as "jewelry".