What is the point of Artisan keycaps?

[snarfarlarkus]

So I've seen quite a lot of people being excited about their artisan caps, especially 'brocaps' and they just look like a fist and some even a transformer decepticon icon. It looks very odd on keyboards and I just don't know why you'd pay that money for a single cap that just ruins the look of a board. I personally like a simple keycap and nothing 3D or of that nature of artisan caps.

Please shed some light on why you guys love artisan caps when normal caps look a lot cleaner and just overall better?

[nubbinator]

Also, this:

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[Sent]

You sort of answered your own question in your post.  Like plenty of other things in life, a large part of this hobby is up to the individual.  A lot of it is subjective.  What one person thinks is crass and over the top, someone else may love because they want something loud and in your face.  While some strive for simple boards and caps, others may look at that and think it boring or dull.  It's obvious that for you, a normal cap is 'better' but I find that a poor choice of words around here - nothing against you.  I can't speak for the others but I do appreciate the creativity and artistry exhibited in many artisan caps.  The attention to detail and unique colorways also appeal to me.  They are also another way to differentiate your board a bit more and make it even more unique.  At the end of the day, though, if they're not your thing, they're not.  If they are, they are.  /shrug

[SpAmRaY]

Who makes a cap that looks like a fist? I want one.

[hwood34]

[Hyde]

I think someone mentioned this in the unpopular opinion thread.  So you're not alone lol.

Though I find I also like a more clean look for my keyboard so artisan caps are also not for me.

But I can see why some others might like it.

[demik]

what's the point of anything?

[Ramage]

I see where you're coming from but you should try looking into the process and work behind making the artisan caps.  Each one is a miniature work of art and it's literally at your finger tips.  Some people just like cool stuff and those custom caps are pretty dang cool. 

[nubbinator]

what's the point of anything?

TIL that demik is a nihilist.

[demik]

what's the point of anything?

TIL that demik is a nihilist.

[nubbinator]

what's the point of anything?

TIL that demik is a nihilist.

Show Image

And it all comes full circle

[hwood34]

I think someone mentioned this in the unpopular opinion thread.  So you're not alone lol.

Though I find I also like a more clean look for my keyboard so artisan caps are also not for me.

But I can see why some others might like it.

you mean like a third of the thread? this and a dislike of backlighting are the most popular "unpopular" opinions ever

[sethk_]

there is no point. we are all sheeple who just do what everyone else does. I have a couple of artisans, but I don't know why

[Belfong]

Heh...

One less person to content with during raffles..

[E TwentyNine]

what's the point of anything?

TIL that demik is a nihilist.

At least it's an ethos.

[azhdar]

The correct artisan for a Esc caps really sublime a board imo.

[Bromono]

What's the point for paying hundreds on a mechanical keyboard. A $10 rubberdome gets the job done just the same.

This is a "enthusiasts" forum for a reason.

[clacktalk]

what's the point of getting a paintbrush for your neopet

[byker]

what's the point of getting a paintbrush for your neopet

You tell me, mr clacktalk

[clacktalk]

what's the point of getting a paintbrush for your neopet

You tell me, mr clacktalk

U TRYING TO GET A RISE OUT OFM E?

[byker]

what's the point of getting a paintbrush for your neopet

You tell me, mr clacktalk

U TRYING TO GET A RISE OUT OFM E?

wotcher m8

[E TwentyNine]

What's the point for paying hundreds on a mechanical keyboard. A $10 rubberdome gets the job done just the same.

This is a "enthusiasts" forum for a reason.

The hell it does.  A mechanical keyboard functions differently than a rubberdome and you can tell.  It's more than cosmetic.

That's not to disparage the purchasers of cosmetic items like keycaps or boards with LEDs.  If it makes them happy, go for it.

[davkol]

What's the point for paying hundreds on a mechanical keyboard. A $10 rubberdome gets the job done just the same.

It does not. The $10 RD keyboard lacks 15cm hand separation, 4+ modifier keys right under my thumbs, NKRO and keycaps that don't stick to my fingertips on hot summer days.

On topic: Makers enjoy making caps and perhaps make profit. The end. The result is pathetic in multiple ways.

[Bromono]

What's the point for paying hundreds on a mechanical keyboard. A $10 rubberdome gets the job done just the same.

This is a "enthusiasts" forum for a reason.

The hell it does.  A mechanical keyboard functions differently than a rubberdome and you can tell.  It's more than cosmetic.

That's not to disparage the purchasers of cosmetic items like keycaps or boards with LEDs.  If it makes them happy, go for it.

It is an input device for a computer. Sure, some are better for certain things ,such as gaming. But in the end it's a keyboard that types digits and letters into the computer.

[Ramage]

True, but they feel significantly better. You can listen to an audio book on $5 dollar Walmart headphones and get the same information as a pair of $400 dollar headphones but the more expensive ones would likely be more enjoyable.

[Bromono]

True, but they feel significantly better. You can listen to an audio book on $5 dollar Walmart headphones and get the same information as a pair of $400 dollar headphones but the more expensive ones would likely be more enjoyable.

Very true, though, artisan keys also have the same effect. Bros gaming keys for Topre boards give more grip for gamers. I love keyboards and I love the esthetics of keyboards but I type just as fast on my crappy keyboard at work then my $300 realforce at home. I much prefer the feel and looks of my realforce, although, I can get the job done either way. Same goes with artisan caps. I like how art has be incorporated to the boards and people can show personality.

Not starting a debate here. "It's just like my opinion man."

[Ramage]

For sure man, no worries over here. Peace, love, and clacks.

[HoffmanMyster]

Cuz they looks good.

[davkol]

True, but they feel significantly better. You can listen to an audio book on $5 dollar Walmart headphones and get the same information as a pair of $400 dollar headphones but the more expensive ones would likely be more enjoyable.

That's a terrible analogy TBH.

Headphones reproduce analog signal.
The difference between $10 OEM hps and expensive monitoring/audiophile hps is in reproduction quality and hopefully reliability. Price says nothing about comfort.
Speech recorded in a studio is quite easy to reproduce. It's monitoring or music that gets hard.
In fact, I prefer my sub-$10 Sony IEMs (MH1[c]) for listening to ambient noise, audiobooks or ASMR in bed, although I have a collection of great monitoring hps.

Computer keyboards are input devices that are NOT analog. Pressing a key on a $10 and a $500 keyboard is the same to the computer.
The difference is (hopefully) lies in reliability or comfort.
Split keyboards with non-legacy layouts don't exist at $10.

[Ramage]

Well ya I gave that analogy like 10 seconds of thought.  Sorry it bothered you so much.

[tigersharkdude]

OP sounds like the guy that would hate my setup

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[rowdy]

So I've seen quite a lot of people being excited about their artisan caps, especially 'brocaps' and they just look like a fist and some even a transformer decepticon icon. It looks very odd on keyboards and I just don't know why you'd pay that money for a single cap that just ruins the look of a board. I personally like a simple keycap and nothing 3D or of that nature of artisan caps.

Please shed some light on why you guys love artisan caps when normal caps look a lot cleaner and just overall better?

You have much to learn, young one.

what's the point of anything?

Exactly!

I mean, what's the point in me replying to your post?

Oh, wait ...........

[jacobolus]

It looks very odd on keyboards and I just don't know why you'd pay that money for a single cap that just ruins the look of a board.

snarfarlarkus: why do you pay money to wear a grill and a powdered wig that just look odd and ruin your face?

Answer: some people have weird fetishes.

[KeypressGraphics]

I'll take a stab at the OP's question. 

1. They give us geeks an easy way to personalize our keyboards.
2. They give us the pleasure of owning a hand-crafted piece of art.
3. They're extremely collectible and a hobby-within-a-hobby has sprung up around them.
4. They prevent our wallets being drained by less important things like food & bills.
5. Rumors of women experiencing irresistible sexual attraction to men with large artisan collections abound.

[jerr]

They look cool 

[davkol]

They're about as artistic as this… http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/cheap-plastic-mini-figures.html

[Coreda]

Who makes a cap that looks like a fist? I want one.

Could be the HolyOOPs



Which looks awesome with the Hulk, frankly.

[vivalarevolución]

Just thinking of keyboard nerds and keycaps like women and shoes.  Yea, you don't need 50 pairs of shoes, but you like the look and variety.  Money is less of a concern, because you can buy these things on credit.