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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: karljs on Sat, 25 August 2012, 02:53:27

Title: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: karljs on Sat, 25 August 2012, 02:53:27

I own a couple of Cherry switch-based keyboards from Filco and WASD, and while I like the switches, I am consistently disappointed in the quality of the keycaps. They feel light and absorb oils really quickly. I also own both a Topre Realforce and an HHKB, and I absolutely love the soft, textured feel of the keycaps.

Is there a keyboard that is based on Cherry switches with keycaps similar to to the Topre boards? Or is there a set of keycaps I could buy for my Cherry switch boards that would have the same, or similar feel? I'm not very knowledgeable about different types of plastics and such, so any advice is much appreciated.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: Saviant on Sat, 25 August 2012, 03:11:09

The difference is PBT Keycaps on the topre boards, you can buy them from IMSTO and Elite E-Sports from Qtan for Cherry MX keyboards.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: N8N on Sat, 25 August 2012, 06:43:34

Imsto's dye subs look really nice on pics, i don't know how long i can hold off on ordering a set.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 25 August 2012, 08:21:31

POM is also higher quality than the normal ABS, but I prefer the texture of PBT. It's all about PBT.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: karljs on Sat, 25 August 2012, 12:34:41

Thanks! I didn't realize it was just down the the type of plastic used. I'll order myself a set as soon as possible.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: N8N on Sat, 25 August 2012, 13:09:52

I'm going to pull the trigger on a set of these today... just can't decide on blue/grey with black printing or grey with blue or some other color print?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33416.0

I'm pretty sure that will fix you right up.  If you have an ANSI Filco or WASD those look like those will fit right on.  (Filco and WASD use pretty much the same keycaps, standard Cherry with the exception that both use a centered switch on the space bar, which most aftermarket keycap sets accomodate.)

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: ladiesman2927 on Sun, 26 August 2012, 02:11:33

Topre PBT's and all the Cherry MX PBT's that I know of still feel pretty different even though it's the same plastic. If you're looking for the softness and similar texture to the Topre PBT's, it's not what you are going to get.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: N8N on Sun, 26 August 2012, 09:09:24

Well, I don't even know anyone with a realforce so I can't directly compare...  but hands down of all the caps I have or have used I would say that in order the best feeling are Model M, SGI Granite, and Cherry lasered PBT.  we know that 2 of those 3 are PBT for sure and I suspect the SGI are as well but can't confirm it.  If there's something really special about the Realforce caps it's got to be the specific texture used and/or thickness/weight.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: thegunner100 on Sun, 26 August 2012, 09:19:25

Make sure it's PBT AND dyesubbed. But they won't feel exactly the same as the realforce keys.

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: Deekin on Sun, 26 August 2012, 09:38:30

Or get engraved PBTs (my favourite) or just blank PBT

Title: Re: Realforce-like keycaps for Cherry switches?
Post by: karljs on Mon, 27 August 2012, 22:07:14

Thanks all. I ordered a set of dyesub PBT keys from Imsto. Anxious for them to arrive!