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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: wcass on Sun, 01 January 2012, 18:50:16

Title: new idea - black key, colored text dye sub
Post by: wcass on Sun, 01 January 2012, 18:50:16

we all know, you can't use dye sub to put text on a black key, but you should be able to put a black background on a white (or colored) key. but how would you mask the area you want to keep white?
 
i've been reading up on a method of DIY printed circuit boards. they use a laser printer with glossy paper then heat transfer from paper to copper clad blank. the laser toner masks the copper for the etching process then is removed with acetone.

PBT has a high melting point and should take a cloths iron set at steam temp. it is also resistant to acetone. my only question is "will the toner stick and how will it be effected by a RIT dye bath?"

i plan on trying to do this in my spare time in the next couple of weeks. other suggestions for mask material and methods would be welcomed.

Title: new idea - black key, colored text dye sub
Post by: DaemonRaccoon on Sun, 01 January 2012, 18:52:01

The Chinese use keys that are already the colour they want, dye them and then laser etch the legends.

Title: new idea - black key, colored text dye sub
Post by: Pylon on Mon, 02 January 2012, 09:22:36

You could also silkscreen some sort of resistant layer. Sounds like it's worth a shot, perhaps with some blank Unicomp keys you want to turn black.