geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:18:37

Title: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:18:37: I'm looking for keycaps like the ones on the red keyboard in this picture (from dangwang) (http://dangwang.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_0486.jpg) that have the translucent panel for leds

Is there a nice two tone set that only has the panels on the scroll and caps lock keys, and is for a modern ansi 1.25 layout? Not bothered whether it's dyesub/double-shot/abs/pbt.

I'm guessing these are only found on Cherry boards. If so are there any keyboards I could look out for that would have keycaps that fit the above criteria?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Dubsgalore on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:35:05: dangwang has the nicest boards..
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:06:13: Quote from: Dubsgalore on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:35:05
dangwang has the nicest boards..
But dat shine on the Dolch...

If he doesn't pop his head in, PM lysol (IvanIvanovich) and ask. He is the Cherry library. <3
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:09:28: Quote from: Dubsgalore on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:35:05
dangwang has the nicest boards..
He does. All the boards on his site are beautiful.
Quote from: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:06:13
Quote from: Dubsgalore on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:35:05
dangwang has the nicest boards..
But dat shine on the Dolch...

If he doesn't pop his head in, PM lysol (IvanIvanovich) and ask. He is the Cherry library. <3
Alright, will do. Thanks moose.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:12:44: Easiest to find those on used WEY and Alcatel keyboards.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:19:31: Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:12:44
Easiest to find those on used WEY and Alcatel keyboards.
I was trying to search for an answer I know you posted before. I just couldn't remember what they're typically called. The I did. Most people call them windowed keys, OP, FYI.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:21:59: Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:12:44
Easiest to find those on used WEY and Alcatel keyboards.
Quote from: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:19:31
Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:12:44
Easiest to find those on used WEY and Alcatel keyboards.
I was trying to search for an answer I know you posted before. I just couldn't remember what they're typically called. The I did. Most people call them windowed keys, OP, FYI.

Thanks a lot. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: berserkfan on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:30:13: I"m not asking about the keycaps. I'm asking about the red casing.

Where can one find good quality casings? I want something that is lasting and reasonably not vulnerable to scratches.

Quote from: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 07:18:37
I'm looking for keycaps like the ones on the red keyboard in this picture (from dangwang)
Show Image
(http://dangwang.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_0486.jpg)
that have the translucent panel for leds

Is there a nice two tone set that only has the panels on the scroll and caps lock keys, and is for a modern ansi 1.25 layout? Not bothered whether it's dyesub/double-shot/abs/pbt.

I'm guessing these are only found on Cherry boards. If so are there any keyboards I could look out for that would have keycaps that fit the above criteria?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:33:05: That is a KMAC 2 in red anodized aluminum. Aluminum cases typically are pricey. If you're looking for something cheaper, look for the Vortex aluminum Filco case. There used to be a thread to buy MKC cases, but not anymore...

Generally you buy a keyboard that comes with the case you want.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:35:10: And just FYI, the Vortex Aluminum cases can be found at Mechanicalkeyboards.com.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:36:24: Quote from: berserkfan on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:30:13
I"m not asking about the keycaps. I'm asking about the red casing.

Where can one find good quality casings? I want something that is lasting and reasonably not vulnerable to scratches.

Wait for my TKL case to be finished :P or look at the Vortex case like moose suggested.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:40:28: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:35:10
And just FYI, the Vortex Aluminum cases can be found at Mechanicalkeyboards.com.
Shoot, I intended to say that. Thanks.

Also, there are cases that are on the wire, like Photekq's. Check out the interest check or making stuff together subforums. It remains to be seen which actually make it through to the end though.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 19:36:20: I hate to bump this after you've all been so helpful, but while I was looking around I came across these :

(http://www.otd.kr/data/file/album/1994385967_d2326f0b_DSC_9010.jpg)
(http://www.likeyboard.com/data/attachment/forum/201112/05/195414111j7fm0722h0l5e.jpg)

(more pictures of the same boards here. (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/the-korean-custom-keyboards-1-356-series-t255.html))

With the exception of one being winkeyless, and the other having 'strg' instead of ctrl they look like they're exactly the same. Either one of them would be PERFECT for my needs. I've spent at least an hour searching for these exact caps but I'm still clueless as to what board/group buy/store they come from. Does anyone have any idea?
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Michael on Thu, 04 April 2013, 20:14:26: Quote from: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 19:36:20
I hate to bump this after you've all been so helpful, but while I was looking around I came across these :

Show Image
(http://www.otd.kr/data/file/album/1994385967_d2326f0b_DSC_9010.jpg)

Show Image
(http://www.likeyboard.com/data/attachment/forum/201112/05/195414111j7fm0722h0l5e.jpg)

(more pictures of the same boards here. (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/the-korean-custom-keyboards-1-356-series-t255.html))

With the exception of one being winkeyless, and the other having 'strg' instead of ctrl they look like they're exactly the same. Either one of them would be PERFECT for my needs. I've spent at least an hour searching for these exact caps but I'm still clueless as to what board/group buy/store they come from. Does anyone have any idea?

LOL@KBC-CHINA watermark on a Korean board.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 04 April 2013, 20:18:37: Quote from: Bro Caps on Thu, 04 April 2013, 20:14:26
LOL@KBC-CHINA watermark on a Korean board.

I only just noticed that.. I also just realised that for some reason I've linked the two images from two completely different sites despite the fact I saw them on that deskthority thread.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:19:57: Here you go (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.114.w23lxV&scm=1007.77.0.0&id=15363643009&pvid=9a02a1b9-3638-42c2-b4d8-a0b67457e624&ad_id=&am_id=&cm_id=&pm_id=), G80-1191 or 1207HAU are pretty easy to find for ok price if you are only interested in the lock keys to have windowed.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:23:08: I only took a one second look at the price...

NO WAY IN HELL! Casing more expensive than keyboard!

Quote from: esoomenona on Thu, 04 April 2013, 08:33:05
That is a KMAC 2 in red anodized aluminum. Aluminum cases typically are pricey. If you're looking for something cheaper, look for the Vortex aluminum Filco case. There used to be a thread to buy MKC cases, but not anymore...

Generally you buy a keyboard that comes with the case you want.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:28:11: ^They're definitely not for everyone at that price. Its a decision you make. I see the one you've made, and I am on the other end of the spectrum.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:49:07: Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:19:57
Here you go (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.114.w23lxV&scm=1007.77.0.0&id=15363643009&pvid=9a02a1b9-3638-42c2-b4d8-a0b67457e624&ad_id=&am_id=&cm_id=&pm_id=), G80-1191 or 1207HAU are pretty easy to find for ok price if you are only interested in the lock keys to have windowed.
Thank you so much.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Tarzan on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:30:53: Quote from: Photekq on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:49:07
Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 07:19:57
Here you go (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.0.114.w23lxV&scm=1007.77.0.0&id=15363643009&pvid=9a02a1b9-3638-42c2-b4d8-a0b67457e624&ad_id=&am_id=&cm_id=&pm_id=), G80-1191 or 1207HAU are pretty easy to find for ok price if you are only interested in the lock keys to have windowed.
Thank you so much.

I've seen several keycap sets from G80-9009HAU boards as well on Taobao (at least I'm assuming they're caps only...):

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.10.19.kcaSvn&id=22088800401

More windowed keys, plus some nifty colored keycaps if you like that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:33:47: How do you people browse taobao? Every time I even look at that sight, for some reason, I feel frustrated... :/
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Jocelyn on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:37:20: It's pretty easy imo, but you need to use specific words sometimes. For example, instead of thick pbt, it's usually better to use cherry pbt or thickening pbt :)
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:38:19: The site itself makes me want to stab my eyes.
Title: Re: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Jocelyn on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:40:11: Quote from: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:38:19
The site itself makes me want to stab my eyes.

My brain must be wired differently :)

PS - I'm not Asian lol
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Tarzan on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:47:12: Quote from: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:33:47
How do you people browse taobao? Every time I even look at that sight, for some reason, I feel frustrated... :/

Very, very carefully...

:p

Actually, I have a system. I use multiple search terms, just like on Ebay, and watch the suggested alternatives as the (usually) flash by in the results window - under my selected item. Then I copy the links and send them to Qtan. ;)

I've also found some interesting items by using Chinese search terms. Seems to return more results, although I'm clueless if these are current or expired deals.

For example: keyboard = 键盘

Are these the right spellings/words? No idea. I use Google Translate to translate English to Simplified Chinese, and Chinese to English for some hints about the item description. Sellers use a lot of English words too, which helps, even if they're not exactly accurate.

At the end of the day it's always a gamble, but I like the challenge. In an emergency I can ask one of my co-workers from Singapore to look at some descriptions, but I try not to abuse that option.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:51:54: You have to learn the key Chinese words to put in search to find things. Once you do this it becomes easier. I think I have increased my finding to 1 in 5 attempt instead of 1 in 50 now :))
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Tarzan on Fri, 05 April 2013, 15:08:35: Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:51:54
You have to learn the key Chinese words to put in search to find things. Once you do this it becomes easier. I think I have increased my finding to 1 in 5 attempt instead of 1 in 50 now :))

I'm learning, auction master! ^-^

I took your tips to heart on Ebay.de and Ebay.it, working on some killer deals (to me, anyway) as we speak. Of course, knowing that you're on those sites as well, if I see more than two bids on something, I spare myself the embarrassment and decline to place a bid. :))

I would say that I've found just as much cool stuff on the US Ebay site as anywhere across the world, and now I'm branching out to check specialty equipment reseller pages. Fantastic selection of weird stuff at audio-visual online stores, for example. And I found out that the ham radio association (http://www.arrl.org) holds regional swap meets where all kinds of stuff show up, a regular Chiba City flea market.

Sourcing via relatives is also a way to build the collection. My brother works near a military base in California, and all sorts of exotic junk shows up in his local recycling place. He sent me pictures of his latest acquisition, a Curta calculator, practically mint in a wooden case.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: Photekq on Fri, 05 April 2013, 15:11:05: Where can these ebay.de and ebay.it tips be found? :D
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 05 April 2013, 15:19:24: Mostly I just tell people directly when they are looking for something.

Generally I have slowed way down on collecting for now, so unless something is extremely unusual that is Cherry there is a low chance you would be bidding against me. Either way, it's auctions so unless ther is zero bids someone is going to loose anyway. No big deal. Most things get sold or traded again sooner or later anyway lol.
Title: Re: Keycaps with a translucent panel
Post by: moonprismpwr on Fri, 05 April 2013, 15:37:36: Quote from: esoomenona on Fri, 05 April 2013, 14:38:19
The site itself makes me want to stab my eyes.

I had to laugh at this. I totally agree. Whenever I've bought stuff off taobao I feel a headache coming on.