geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: deadpool on Fri, 13 September 2013, 01:20:50
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I've been looking around at various keycap sets (mx cherry) but have no idea what pricing is/should be like. I figured that a set should cost somewhere between $20-40. They range widely..
My question is basically what is a fair price to pay for a new or used average keycap set?
-Basic blank set
-Basic printed set
-A higher quality set
-33/87/108/etc. keys
etc.
I thought it would be easy to find a basic, no frills set but no luck so far. Did I miss the budget key cap website somewhere?
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Prices will vary from $0 for a free set of heavily used usually crappy old keycaps, all the way up to $100+ for a set of new or novelty (or Topre) keycaps.
For a cheap set, you could try the ones from EK: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys
Although these are pad-printed, and the legends are likely to wear off.
SP also has some reasonably priced sets: http://keycapsdirect.com/marketplace.php
Generally a new set of doubleshots will be in the range $70 to $120, depending on whether it is a full set or not, and what extras are included.
You can also try qtan's online shop: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=3982960
Or browse through Classifieds here where you can occasionally pick up a bargain.
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It does worry me that a full set of keycaps can exceed the price of a keyboard !?!!?!???
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It does worry me that a full set of keycaps can exceed the price of a keyboard !?!!?!???
A single keycap can exceed the cost of a keyboard.
Back in the day original Cherry red Esc keys sold for $250 each.
Rare Clack Factory key caps can sell for $300 or even $400.
These are prices for one (1) key cap.
Welcome to Wallethack!
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It does worry me that a full set of keycaps can exceed the price of a keyboard !?!!?!???
You'll get used to it
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Prices will vary from $0 for a free set of heavily used usually crappy old keycaps, all the way up to $100+ for a set of new or novelty (or Topre) keycaps.
For a cheap set, you could try the ones from EK: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys
Although these are pad-printed, and the legends are likely to wear off.
SP also has some reasonably priced sets: http://keycapsdirect.com/marketplace.php
Generally a new set of doubleshots will be in the range $70 to $120, depending on whether it is a full set or not, and what extras are included.
You can also try qtan's online shop: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=3982960
Or browse through Classifieds here where you can occasionally pick up a bargain.
Will pad printed ones really wear out that quickly? Every non-mechanical board I have has pad-printed legends, and they barely show any wear after years of use. Not as good as dye-sub maybe, but better than laser etched for sure.
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It does worry me that a full set of keycaps can exceed the price of a keyboard !?!!?!???
Just start buying more expensive keyboards, problem solved! :)
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Some of the expensive sets are realllly nice looking but it's hard to justify spending that much for design right now:( Most keycaps are backlight compatible though right? Even if they aren't specifically designed for backlighting, they'll still allow some light to shine through, or are there some materials to stay away from??
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Some of the expensive sets are realllly nice looking but it's hard to justify spending that much for design right now:( Most keycaps are backlight compatible though right? Even if they aren't specifically designed for backlighting, they'll still allow some light to shine through, or are there some materials to stay away from??
Thick caps (the REALLY nice stuff) won't (I think).
Personally, I don't like backlighting for practical use. I think it's a waste, and I'm not a strong typist by any stretch. Looks good though.
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Prices will vary from $0 for a free set of heavily used usually crappy old keycaps, all the way up to $100+ for a set of new or novelty (or Topre) keycaps.
For a cheap set, you could try the ones from EK: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,cherrymxkeys
Although these are pad-printed, and the legends are likely to wear off.
SP also has some reasonably priced sets: http://keycapsdirect.com/marketplace.php
Generally a new set of doubleshots will be in the range $70 to $120, depending on whether it is a full set or not, and what extras are included.
You can also try qtan's online shop: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=3982960
Or browse through Classifieds here where you can occasionally pick up a bargain.
Will pad printed ones really wear out that quickly? Every non-mechanical board I have has pad-printed legends, and they barely show any wear after years of use. Not as good as dye-sub maybe, but better than laser etched for sure.
Some can. Depending on use. My solicitor's secretary's keyboard is almost completely otaku now.