geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jrockroll on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:48:36

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: jrockroll on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:48:36

kbc/pbt/abs?

for filco ninja

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: N8N on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:59:51

In what way?  Durability, just for typing on, or looking cool?

Personally I like the IBM Model M keys for typing on but that doesn't do you any good :/  I also like the plain old Cherry Corp. keys because they have big fat home row nubs, and they're shorter than Filco style keys so any stem wobble is less noticeable.  But they do feel smooth after a while - the PBT ones anyway - I have ABS doubleshots but haven't put them on a good board yet.  And the doubleshots don't have the home row nubs at all, so they are really more for looking good :)

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 06 August 2011, 15:16:13

KBC is not a type of plastic. ;)

Personally, I prefer Cherry Corp PBT keys (modern beige/grey Cherry keyboards) for feel, durability and it possible to dye them. They don't look like much, though.
POM (modern black Cherry keyboards) are too slick for my taste.

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 06 August 2011, 18:40:41

I type, therefore iPing.

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 06 August 2011, 20:00:28

Doubleshot PBTs. Sadly nonexistent.

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: jrockroll on Sat, 06 August 2011, 20:16:10

yea i like ninjas but im talkin just in case i want to change in the future.
i notice the windows key(non-bubbly one) that comes with ninja is actually different than the default keycaps. it feels different and it sort of shines under the light.
i want to buy keycaps in the future that actually is the same type as the ninjas

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: N8N on Sun, 07 August 2011, 10:37:26

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Key+Reference+-+Pics+and+specifications+for+various+manufacturers+keys

says they're "probably" ABS - check out WASD for new aftermarket keys, or Cherry doubleshots if you like that look better. That's assuming that you like the feel of your current keys and aren't looking to try something different.

Title: which type of keycap is the best?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 07 August 2011, 12:15:46

Quote from: Pylon;394382

Doubleshot PBTs. Sadly nonexistent.

Dye-sublimated Cherry Corp PBT keys would be the closest to double-shot molded PBT keys.
Unlike modern PBT keys, they are just as thick-walled as the vintage double-shot ABS keys, and dye-sublimation is a more durable method than laser engraving. There are also some laser-engraved Cherry Corp PBT keys that are just as thick.
Dye-sublimated Cherry Corp PBT keys are some of the most high-priced key caps there are among collectors.