geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: R54 on Thu, 18 October 2012, 00:23:33
-
Today I got some new keycaps for my das keyboard. Upon removing the keycaps from the Das and comparing the force needed to remove the replacements from WASD, it seems like the WASD ones have a tighter fit on the switches. Which brings me to my question.
Does the additional force needed to both remove as well as properly seat the WASD keycaps on the swtiches pose a potential issue for long term switch reliability, or does the construction of the das keyboard (namely the plate) help prevent this.
Thanks much for your help!
-
Also, here are some pictures of the new keycaps :D Not sure about them since I haven't had any non-stock stuff on here, but I think I'm liking it
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/MACPWN/P1020252_resize.jpg)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/MACPWN/P1020254_resize.jpg)
-
On - no. Once the switch bottoms out it bottoms out. Pressing it harder won't make much difference (unless you use a hammer.
Off - could do. It is possible to rip the stem out of the switch if you pull too hard, if the key cap is too tight as fit on the stem. Just be careful when removing them.
-
On - no. Once the switch bottoms out it bottoms out. Pressing it harder won't make much difference (unless you use a hammer.
Off - could do. It is possible to rip the stem out of the switch if you pull too hard, if the key cap is too tight as fit on the stem. Just be careful when removing them.
I see. So is there any "half-way" failure where you partially rip the stem out? Either way, I'll be more careful removing them.
-
I suppose you could partially dislodge the top of the switch, but that would weaken the switch structure and lead to failure sooner rather than later.
You should always take care when removing key caps - try to wriggle the key cap off rather than just jerking it upwards. And I try to steady the cap so it comes straight up (in case the key cap puller slips off one side, for example).
-
ahhh.. dat das. such a beautiful keyboard.
-
Dude that das is hot. Wow. lol.
ENVY!
-
Dude that das is hot. Wow. lol.
ENVY!
ahhh.. dat das. such a beautiful keyboard.
Do you think it looks better post keycaps? Still undecided personally but it's growing on me.
Cheers!!
-
... it seems like the WASD ones have a tighter fit on the switches...
Does the additional force needed to both remove as well as properly seat the WASD keycaps on the swtiches pose a potential issue for long term switch reliability, or does the construction of the das keyboard (namely the plate) help prevent this.
Thanks much for your help!
Hi R54,
WASD keys are made by the same tooling Filco uses and they are usually very tight fitting. Does this pose a potential problem to the switch when removal is difficult? YES, it does, however, if you are cautious you should generally be fine. In fairness though I should mention that you can pull the switch stem out of the housing by accident if it's to tight. If the switch cannot easily be reasembled afterwards or pressed back in or if the contacts are bent terribly then it will likely not work. The bigger problem is the potential for the pcb contacts to weaken or trace damage to occur with excessive and forcefully handling. This can happen with or without the addition of a plate.
If it's tight, then use a firm but gentle rocking/wiggle when pulling up.
...geee that sounded dirty! =D
-cc OUT!
-
^^ :)
-
... it seems like the WASD ones have a tighter fit on the switches...
Does the additional force needed to both remove as well as properly seat the WASD keycaps on the swtiches pose a potential issue for long term switch reliability, or does the construction of the das keyboard (namely the plate) help prevent this.
Thanks much for your help!
Hi R54,
WASD keys are made by the same tooling Filco uses and they are usually very tight fitting. Does this pose a potential problem to the switch when removal is difficult? YES, it does, however, if you are cautious you should generally be fine. In fairness though I should mention that you can pull the switch stem out of the housing by accident if it's to tight. If the switch cannot easily be reasembled afterwards or pressed back in or if the contacts are bent terribly then it will likely not work. The bigger problem is the potential for the pcb contacts to weaken or trace damage to occur with excessive and forcefully handling. This can happen with or without the addition of a plate.
If it's tight, then use a firm but gentle rocking/wiggle when pulling up.
...geee that sounded dirty! =D
-cc OUT!
Thanks!! I honestly didn't think I'd you reply to a beginning keyboard enthusiast's queries, but I appreciate the help!
I ended up taking off the RGB modifiers that I had on there, and I think it gives it a more clean look.
Cheers!
R54
-
I think key cap fit is a subject close to CC's heart ;)
-
I got a space bar from WASD Keyboards and it does fit a little tighter than any of my other keys. It has not caused me any issues. You should be all good! ;D