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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: digichaos on Thu, 23 June 2011, 12:07:05

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: digichaos on Thu, 23 June 2011, 12:07:05

So I recently bit the bullet and picked up a Realforce 103UB but like most people the black lettering on these dark gray keys are bugging the crap out of me. Since it seems like I can't just go out and buy a different set of keycaps, my options are very limited. One possible option that I came up with (albeit crazy) was to use a fine tipped Metallic colored Sharpie to precisely trace the black lettering. Of course, this would be a long tedious process that would require some fine motor control not to completely mess up. But, what do you guys think? Dumb? Pointless?

Here is the Sharpie in question: http://www.sharpie.com/enUS/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=SharpieMetallicFinePointPermanentMarker

Let me know what you think... From reading some reviews on this Sharpie it seems like this is a perfect application on black plastics.

Cheers!

PS: I originally posted this in the modifications section, which was probably a mistake since this is really just a question. I supposed I will leave it there so I can post pictures if I ever do this.

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: redpill on Thu, 23 June 2011, 12:14:05

The sharpie will wear off very quickly and tracing the letters perfectly is going to be near impossible.  You would probably be better off with some sort of stickers or something.

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: theferenc on Thu, 23 June 2011, 12:16:52

Having better lighting will help. I use full spectrum bulbs, and have no difficulty seeing the letters on my black HHKB, which are of the same variety.

Or just don't look at them.

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 23 June 2011, 15:13:22

I think your only option are the stickers from 4keyboards (http://www.4keyboard.com/), the non fluorescent ones are durable, tiny and with a good matte finish

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: digichaos on Thu, 23 June 2011, 15:18:22

Quote from: The Solutor;366403

I think your only option are the stickers from 4keyboards (http://www.4keyboard.com/), the non fluorescent ones are durable, tiny and with a good matte finish

Thanks for that Solutor! I will definitely take a look at those. I really don't want to mess up the keyboard. Originally I though that using a metallic sharpie would be pretty killer on the black keys. But really, in hindsight I would just be screwing up the keyboard. I hardly ever look down at the keyboard, but when I do glance it really slows me down because my mind is questioning what I am looking at.

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: redpill on Thu, 23 June 2011, 15:22:26

At ~$7 for a set of the stickers I think they are a no brainer for you to try.  You may not even need to put them all on if there are only a few keys that give you trouble.

Title: Possible modification idea for Topre black on dark gray keycaps?
Post by: digichaos on Thu, 23 June 2011, 15:29:14

Awesome, I am getting some of these right now. http://www.4keyboard.com/englishustransparentkeyboardsticker-p-233.html

I knew posting about doing something idiotic to a $200 keyboard would help find some solutions. :)