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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: aznsilvrboy on Fri, 15 March 2013, 08:42:18

Title: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: aznsilvrboy on Fri, 15 March 2013, 08:42:18

Need full 104 keys for my Filco MJ2 (US ANSI layout). Can someone recommend me which ones are good?

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: zoolzoo on Fri, 15 March 2013, 08:48:17

Two good and trusted sources:

http://stores.ebay.com/Somefeng-Geeky

http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-spo

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 15 March 2013, 08:49:33

You could get one of Ducky or Vortex sets from mechanicalkeyboards (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=40).

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: aznsilvrboy on Fri, 15 March 2013, 09:10:34

Are KBC ones good quality? What are the advantages and disadvantages of dye sub vs laser etched?

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 15 March 2013, 09:19:56

KBC, Vortex, Ducky... they all come from same factory so it doesn't matter at all really, just some style differences with font and minor detail. Dyesub is more durable and you won't have any rough raised legend with it like can be with laser.

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: aznsilvrboy on Fri, 15 March 2013, 10:59:43

Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 15 March 2013, 09:19:56

KBC, Vortex, Ducky... they all come from same factory so it doesn't matter at all really, just some style differences with font and minor detail. Dyesub is more durable and you won't have any rough raised legend with it like can be with laser.

How are dyesubs more durable? I read that laser etched font doesn't wear off either, just gets dirty and need to clean. So far the only black dyesub PBTs I can find are from Vortex, but I don't like the font too much. Are there other alternatives?

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 15 March 2013, 11:01:01

I have a set of Gold printed PBT OEM height caps. I just never used them.

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: Jocelyn on Fri, 15 March 2013, 11:02:40

Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 15 March 2013, 09:19:56

KBC, Vortex, Ducky... they all come from same factory so it doesn't matter at all really, just some style differences with font and minor detail.

I have a very dark gray set of OEM profile PBT blanks that I don't think is from the same factory. I might be selling them soon

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: Lunartuna on Fri, 15 March 2013, 11:05:24

It's Laser engraving that doesn't wear off because it is cut into the keycap plastic.

Laser etching can still wear off eventually.

Title: Re: Where can I buy OEM height PBT keycaps?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 15 March 2013, 11:10:24

When say laser, I don't assume you mean engraved. Typically when talking laser people are talking about this type
(http://i.imgur.com/E4X2a.jpg)
which as you can see are not so durable in use over a period.