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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: GLaDOS on Thu, 26 May 2011, 13:49:04

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: GLaDOS on Thu, 26 May 2011, 13:49:04

Hey guys

I have recently bought an AT102W for £1 from some clueless computer shop owner.
Even after bleaching, however, the keys (including the grey ones!) are a bit yellowed. I tried to bleach the keys but to no avail. I wonder if it would be possible to buy an entire set of blank UK ALPS keys for it, in beige and in possible having the grey keys still grey. Does anyone know of a supplier of such keys?

Thanks

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: kaiserreich on Thu, 26 May 2011, 13:53:01

Read the WIKI for Retrobrite/Retrobright/Retr0bright

What I did to return my keys to white from yellow, was to buy a bottle of developer from my local hairdresser with 12% hydrogen peroxide (h2o2), apply generously, and left them in the shade in my backyard. Did a mistake by leaving them under the sun, they don't work when they are dry.

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: GLaDOS on Thu, 26 May 2011, 14:28:51

Okay thanks, I'll check that out - but I'd still like some blank key caps if anyone knows where. I intend to switch to COLEMAK and it will stop me from looking at the keys as I type. I can type fast but I often look so having nothing to look at would be helpful :P

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Thu, 26 May 2011, 18:27:50

Will there be cake?

@kaiserreich

So it went well with the dell you got?

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: kaiserreich on Thu, 26 May 2011, 21:35:52

The switches on my Dell was gritty, the backplate was rusty. Had to open everything up to repaint the backplate, which was the learning experience itself, but as to greasing the switches, I need some proper tools. Opening the switches has be a total pain in the behind without any precision screwdrivers.

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 26 May 2011, 23:52:22

You should be able to rearrange the keycaps on that 'board.  I haven't seen any blank alps compatible caps anywhere (but then I don't get out much).

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: GLaDOS on Fri, 27 May 2011, 05:14:14

Quote from: False_Dmitry_II;351833

Will there be cake?

 Umm... yes... lots of cake.... when you finish testing..... yeah, there'll be a party too.... just go and test...

Quote from: hoggy

 You should be able to rearrange the keycaps on that 'board. I haven't seen any blank alps compatible caps anywhere (but then I don't get out much).

I can't rearrange the keys, they are slightly angled :/ Plus then the home keys would go too.
I'm gonna see if I can get some peroxide though.

Title: Blank ALPS keys, UK
Post by: domin8r on Fri, 27 May 2011, 07:59:20

@GLaDOS let me know how that peroxide works out!

I'm in a similar situation.. bought an AT102W for a few bucks too.. But mine has a funky swedish layout (can't complain for that price though) so would prefer to have blank keys too :)