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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Lorem-Ipsum on Wed, 13 February 2013, 07:12:14

Title: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: Lorem-Ipsum on Wed, 13 February 2013, 07:12:14

I've just purchased an ML switched board for use with my laptop.

I've had a look around for custom ML keycaps and have come up with nothing.

Is it possible to get custom ML keycaps at a reasonable price? Do group buys for these pop up occasionally?

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 13 February 2013, 07:37:35

Is ML really better than your laptop's scissor switches?

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 13 February 2013, 07:43:01

I believe that Signature Plastics may have stock of a few ML keycaps, but don't hold your breath considering how seldom people use them. ML keycaps, by default, are typically PBT-thus people seldom replace them. Sth can correct me if I am wrong.

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:41:57

You might look for some old Tandberg boards, they have some wicked spherical style
(http://irc.oldmanclub.org/files/gimgs/63_13516572419e0d9d216.jpg)

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:43:42

Huh. Nifty!

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:45:15

Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:41:57

You might look for some old Tandberg boards, they have some wicked spherical style

Oooo, those caps look sick.

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: sth on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:48:25

There really isn't much out there.. lysol will probably always know more about them than me but here's the basics:
you can get lasered, pad printed and dyesubbed keys. if you want the PBT dyesubs you need to look for model # 410xSPAUS where x is some number. Mine is a 4101SPAUS, not sure if they did other dyesubs with a different number.
You can find the switch+PCB assembly alone on ebay here and there -- it has no controller but you can either drop the whole board in and solder the connector in or just swap the keycaps -- probably easier. also keep in mind that newer ML boards have different bottom rows (win/menu keys and a smaller spacebar).

i've been trying to get people to make custom ML caps (mostly transformers but i did once PM mr. clack... no response :)) ). been thinking about doing some molding this summer with JesusWasAZombie so we'll see :)

Lys- er, Ivan :P Do you have any ML boards with that foam dampener? How does it feel?

Title: Re: Cherry ML keycaps
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 13 February 2013, 16:55:29

I don't own ML anything actually. I'm not even sure if I have ever touched one.