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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Uwontprevail on Sun, 09 December 2012, 16:57:21

Title: Just bought my first mechanical keyboard.
Post by: Uwontprevail on Sun, 09 December 2012, 16:57:21

I just recently ordered a CoolerMaster QuickFire Pro keyboard ( it was on sale for 59.99 ).

I am wondering what kind of key caps i can put on there, are there different sizes or standards?

Thanks in advance, i am just trying to see if i can find some blank keys that i can customize. 

Title: Re: Just bought my first mechanical keyboard.
Post by: Lu_e on Sun, 09 December 2012, 19:26:44

Welcome.

There are basically 2 standards around here; OEM height profile, and Cherry profile. which is closely replicated by Signature Plastics as their DCS profile.

Your (or any) new keyboard uses OEM profile. If you dont want to change that, then I might suggest WASDkeyboards.com

If your going to be changing EVERY keycap, then you can convert to cherry/sp profile.... and/or an alternate plastic material like PBT or POM. Also I would grab some new non-crushed/non-installed stabilizer inserts for a tighter fit.

Try to research a lot before buying.

Title: Re: Just bought my first mechanical keyboard.
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 12 December 2012, 23:26:49

More specifically, most new non-cherry/GMK keyboards have OEM profile keycaps. It is very easy to buy a new cherry keyboard with lasered pom or pbt in cherry profile.
Also, SP's DCS is somewhat different to cherry, especially with the bottom row. I don't mind, though. (as long as I'm not using an SP spacebar)

I have mixed OEM and cherry profile. It's not too bad, provided all similar keycaps are the same. I've done OEM mods and cherry Alphanumeric keys, which has worked well.
--
The keycaps on your Cmstorm QFR are lasered ABS. I recommend you replace them with dyesublimated PBT (despite the expense) 'cause it's long lasting and awesome.