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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Queue on Mon, 14 February 2011, 18:10:23

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: Queue on Mon, 14 February 2011, 18:10:23

I'm currently waiting for my RF 103UB 55g to arrive (Wednesday!)... this will be my first 'mechanical' keyboard.  I decided to jump straight to a Topre keyboard and bypass any of the Cherry MX-based ones.  I didn't want to get the keyboard-purchasing bug and end up with a million different ones just so I could try them all.  I figured anything would be better than the crappy Microsoft Wireless 3000 I'm currently on.

Anyway.. I digress.  I of course bought the red ESC key but am nervous as hell about popping off a keycap on my brand new Realforce.  I did buy the wire keycap puller... is the action to just pull straight up with slow, steady force?  Do you do a gentle wiggle?  Is there any risk in removing an ESC key? (I saw the post about the spacebar... eek!)

Sorry for the n00b question.  And thanks in advance!

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 14 February 2011, 18:17:54

Welcome to GeekHack and great choice. You will love that keyboard.

That's the right puller to use on a Topre...I would say gently wiggle but don't pull. It will come off no problem.

When you put it back on, press it down firmly until it snaps like a metal button on a jacket.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: Tony on Mon, 14 February 2011, 19:52:03

I use two screwdrivers pulling out in opposite sides, with my thumb resting on the keycap. Otherwise it will pop out with a sudden speed :-)

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 14 February 2011, 19:57:16

I don't recommend pulling keys on a $200+ keyboard using screwdrivers. That's just screwy.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: Tony on Mon, 14 February 2011, 20:10:53

With 100+ keys and a controller, each keycap costs less than 1-2$. Come on, be brave and pull out that damn Esc keycap. And PANIC@ instead.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: Tony on Mon, 14 February 2011, 20:16:02

A scratch of course, but that is in the back of the keycap, not the side. No one can see that scratch anyway.

I will try to make my own puller someday, but recently I use an office knife or screwdrivers.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: mail2345 on Mon, 14 February 2011, 20:22:25

I use my school ID on one side, and a finger on the other.
I would assume a credit card or something would also work.
I've only tried it on my Das and a few rubber domes.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: theferenc on Wed, 16 February 2011, 14:30:46

\begin{sarcastic tone}
kalrykh, stop being silly and bringing science in to this discussion.
\end{sarcastic tone}

NB: tex style tags.

Title: Removing a Topre keycap?
Post by: bugfix on Wed, 16 February 2011, 14:35:26

Quote from: theferenc;296241

NB: tex style tags.

I'm used to them now btw. :D