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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: TrueOP on Mon, 18 March 2013, 15:47:23

Title: Remove keycap print?
Post by: TrueOP on Mon, 18 March 2013, 15:47:23

I have black noppoo choc mini, newer one with white (not gold) lettering on keycaps.

The side printing of my 1st row keys ctrl [caps switch], win[win-lock], and the spacerbar [giant ugly logo] are wearing off... Any way to speed up the process?

Acetone? rubbing alcohol? turpentine?

Title: Re: Remove keycap print?
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 18 March 2013, 17:46:59

Most of those agents you mentioned will likely attack the plastic that the caps are made out of, so I wouldn't recommend any of them.  The only thing I know of that works reliably is sandblasting, but that changes the look of the key.

Title: Re: Remove keycap print?
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 19 March 2013, 07:29:24

None of what he listed will attack POM, nor will they remove the legend since they're lasered.

Title: Re: Remove keycap print?
Post by: Tarzan on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:38:06

I'm curious about options as well, for a different keyboard.  I got a rubber dome keyboard apparently sold for video editing, as it has a number of custom printed keycaps.  I got it because it looked like it used Alps style caps, but it turns out that they have an offset stem.  Still works on an old Magitronic board, but the caps interfere with the row below... 

Anyway, I am going to use these as a test platform to remove the original pad-printed/dye-sub (?) legends, see if I can make them plain colored caps.  I'll let you know how it goes!

Donor board
[attach=1]

Keycaps with off-center stems
[attach=2]

Keycaps compared with DS Alps keycaps
[attach=3]

Title: Re: Remove keycap print?
Post by: TrueOP on Tue, 19 March 2013, 18:43:49

Nice Greystoke!  Look forward to seeing how it goes.

The only extra key i have here is the Esc i replaced with a cherry doubleshot, but can't bring myself to test on it cause i like Esc keys x_x

My noppoo keyboard is printed not Dye Sub.  I'm hopeful there's an agent or process that removes printing the same way that the combination of my finger oils and typing are currently removing the print... only faster xD

@nubbinator
I had done some research here on forums already and tested sanding  the back of a key with 600grit and 1200grit paper and there is a distinctive change of texture/appearance from the other keys.

Title: Re: Remove keycap print?
Post by: BunnyLake on Wed, 20 March 2013, 11:39:12

as i, like many other im sure dont have access to sandblasting, im looking forward to seeing the results