black double shot keys for Model M?

[bigpook]

Maybe I didn't search this site well enough, but was wondering if such a thing is available.

[itlnstln]

You might want to talk to Ms. Keyboard from Fentek.  She might be able to help.  While I know they don't do full Cherry and ALPS sets due to all the different configurations out there, they will do Model M caps since they are unique and there is primarily one configuration for those.  I'm sure you wouldn't be the only one interested in something like that.

[itlnstln]

Good point.  I certainly don't think the single-piece caps could be made as a double-shot.  The two-piece might, though.  It certainly does shed some light into why IBM chose to do dye sub.

[ch_123]

As if dye-sub wasn't good enough... I suppose the advantage is that someone may be able to make black and white ones.

[itlnstln]

You can't dye sub a black key with great results, unfortunately. The IBMs are black where the Topres are dark grey, so at least there's a little contrast.  What would be 1337 would be to dye sub black caps with a UV-reactive dye so you could use a black light for some psychedelic typing action.

[bigpook]

thanks for the response, doesn't sound likely unless I spend $$$.

I suppose the next step is to harvest keys off a black M13.

[itlnstln]

I would still check with Fentek.  They might have a solution for you.

[skcheng]

thanks for the response, doesn't sound likely unless I spend $$$.

I suppose the next step is to harvest keys off a black M13.

I had the black M13 keys on my Space Saving Mini and I took them off after only a few minutes.  The keys are pretty crappy and the cut outs for the trackpoint bothered me.  And the print sucks.  And they don't feel especially nice to type on.   Imho of course and I'm sure others might disagree.

[MsKeyboard]

Bigpook,
Everyone is correct, we don't do double shot for Model M keys, one or two piece.   Also, you can't do white sublimation on black keys, so that leaves pad printing or etching.
We recently had this same request from a buyer, and I searched high and low for new stock, old stock, just about anything and there just isn't much out there....sorry.
We are constantly working on new jobs, so let me know your specifics and I will do what I can to try and help..........Later

[itlnstln]

Oooh.  Laser-etched keys like Cherry (etch and fill).  It's not always the prettiest looking, but at least it's durable.  Maybe if there are enough people that want something like this, a group-buy could be in order.  Thanks, Ms. Keyboard.

[skcheng]

Bigpook,
Everyone is correct, we don't do double shot for Model M keys, one or two piece.   Also, you can't do white sublimation on black keys, so that leaves pad printing or etching.
We recently had this same request from a buyer, and I searched high and low for new stock, old stock, just about anything and there just isn't much out there....sorry.
We are constantly working on new jobs, so let me know your specifics and I will do what I can to try and help..........Later

So can you provide laser etching on black Model M keys??  I would order at least 4 sets myself.  And I'm sure others here would also want some.

[MsKeyboard]

Let me figure out just how few sets we could do to be feasible and get back with the group.  Could be a few days, heading down south to Cozumel, might hop over to Cuba if I can find an adventurous soul to guide me

[itlnstln]

Cuba.  That ought to be pretty cool.  I guess they don't have too much of a problem with people from the US, then.  They just need the tourist dollars, though.

[MsKeyboard]

We were told Chichen Itza too crowded, so planning a trip in to Tulum for exploring and snorkeling.  Can't wait to swim off those white beaches and look at the ruins
As far as Cuba goes, their Immigration laws aren't as tough as Arizona's anymore, so I will just need to develop a Canadian accent and talk about how great it would be for Fidel and his brother to take up hockey.

[MsKeyboard]

Also, since this has totally gone off track, can't get that close to Cuba without trying a good cigar, any recommendations?

[itlnstln]

As far as Cuba goes, their Immigration laws aren't as tough as Arizona's anymore, so I will just need to develop a Canadian accent and talk about how great it would be for Fidel and his brother to take up hockey.

Brilliant.  Don't get too tan down there.  You might just get a surprise visit from the police when you get back.

Sorry about the Coyotes this year.

[MsKeyboard]

Ya, tough loss for the Coyotes, but maybe the Suns will pull it out tonight, and the Diamondbacks are starting off pretty good.

[itlnstln]

I'm not sure if that's a troll or just a social disorder at its finest, but whatever it is, it's hilarious.

[clickclack]

Because of the way double shots are made I'm not even sure if that is possible.

It would indeed be difficult to do but every process is a bit different. I was finally able to design a process for it, but I am having problems getting consistent legends (because they are so small). However I can indeed do other larger designs and styles now in the dual shot manner with the M keys.

Good point.  I certainly don't think the single-piece caps could be made as a double-shot.  The two-piece might, though.  It certainly does shed some light into why IBM chose to do dye sub.

Depending on the tooling process I think It would be easier to do the single piece ones as opposed to the two piece. Although I am kinda speaking out of both sides of my mouth. Since I can do more with the single pieces keys interms of dual molded config the one piece dual molded is faster and easier with some things. I hope I can solve this consistency problem with the legends, but at the same time there is just too many of them!  (insert star wars pilot picture)

[ch_123]

There's something that occurred to me that I'm not really sure has been discussed here -

Whilst making double-shot single piece caps would be difficult, what about just making double shot uppers for two piece caps? Surely it would be far cheaper and easier to make than even something like a Cherry or Alps cap, as there's nothing on the underside save two tabs at either side.

[ch_123]

Even the wonderful Beam Spring keycaps suffer from problem... Just a thought anyway.

[quadibloc]

I would be very interested in black keys for a Model M with white printing. Although as I really only seek a partial set, harvesting from an M13 would do, were I to run across such a thing.

[Oqsy]

is late better than never?

[MsKeyboard]

Whatever happened in Mayaville?  

I hear Arizona is now requiring that you UnLearn any foreign type experiences you may have had while traveling.  

Cozumel was OK :|   Never made it to Cuba, but had a great time scuba diving and snorkeling, drinking rum and chasing iguanas.  Also, the group opted for Tulum, which was "interesting", and probably should have done Chichen Itza instead, but most likely would have said the same thing if we had gone there.

There was a little friction with the locals, but they had no problem taking my money.  Seemed to upset the Canadians the most, which was interesting.  It was also interesting that of all the borders we crossed, Mexico was by far the most prohibitive, entering AND leaving.  Also, something about kids standing around with automatic weapons while digging through your possessions is also a little hypocritical when taken into consideration.  Heck, even Houston was friendly in comparison

[itlnstln]

Houston is not part of Texas.  They are a different country altogether.

[MsKeyboard]

Don't know how you guys live with that humidity.  Even Phoenix at 91 degrees felt good.

[MsKeyboard]

Ripster..........you sure get around alot  If it wasn't for the legos, I'd have to wonder what kind of double life you are leading

[itlnstln]

Don't know how you guys live with that humidity.  Even Phoenix at 91 degrees felt good.

We sweat like a McDonald's fountain drink.  It was horrible this weekend.  I was out playing disc golf, and I my shirt was soaked after about 30 minutes.  It was only about 83 that day after a cool front blew in some rain a couple of days before.  If I wasn't such an active person, I would be in a bar crushing Margaritas all day.  That's probably why we're the fattest city in the US.  Nobody wants to go outside.

[MsKeyboard]

And here I was, blaming the increase in beer and tequila consumption on exotic locals and vacationing

Even though the humidity is supposed to be great for your skin, I'll take our "dry heat" any day!

[kriminal]

Don't know how you guys live with that humidity.  Even Phoenix at 91 degrees felt good.

he you guys gotta come spend time in the caribbean. we dont have 4 seasons only a wet and dry season.

just lotsa hot sun and humidity. 22 degrees C from the A\C unit is considered freezing...

[clickclack]

Show Image

is late better than never?

Haahaa, you rock!

...Even though the humidity is supposed to be great for your skin, I'll take our "dry heat" any day!

Amen to that!!!!

[ch_123]

In Ireland, we have rain. It suits our melancholic temperament.

[kishy]

In Ireland, we have rain. It suits our melancholic temperament.

It's raining here right now.

I'll take rain over oppressive summer heat any day.

[ch_123]

It's raining here right now.

I'll take rain over oppressive summer heat any day.

It's much easier to warm up than cool down.

[nowsharing]

I feel SO sorry for the Brazilians.

I just got back from a chilly wet weekend at the beach, although I'm a lot farther south than Rio.

I have a new dig lined up that will be taking me to northeaster Brazil near Natal, probably by the end of the month. I'm looking forward to the tropical heat actually.

My plan to jolt home in August is probably off now, so I can't pick up any of the keyboard gems waiting for me there. On the plus side, I'll be able to afford more

[ch_123]

Here's another one - how about silver on black? Their numpad keys on their metallic grey key'd model have silver/grey markings on them to indicate alternate function. If you tweaked that colour a bit, you'd get something that gives good contrast and yet isn't light enough that it becomes problematic to dye-sub.