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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: xyeLz on Mon, 07 October 2013, 21:47:22

Title: Best keypuller?
Post by: xyeLz on Mon, 07 October 2013, 21:47:22
The Topre one sucks...and I want a reliable one please!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 07 October 2013, 21:56:05
I have one of these (http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keycap-puller), works a treat!

Or, some members here actually design and make custom keycap pullers - have a browse around the vendor forums.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Linkbane on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:01:02
Pretty much anything will work. I've heard, though not verified, people saying that wire keycap pullers damage the keycaps, which could be attributed to there being a rougher material (metal vs plastic) and less contact on a wire compared to a ring puller.
Anything really will work if you're gentle, though. Neither will be damaged if they are used with care as they should be, so use whatever.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: HendyZone on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:01:30
simple wire keycap puller is the best :cool:
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Reomero on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:45:36
Pretty much anything will work. I've heard, though not verified, people saying that wire keycap pullers damage the keycaps, which could be attributed to there being a rougher material (metal vs plastic) and less contact on a wire compared to a ring puller.
Anything really will work if you're gentle, though. Neither will be damaged if they are used with care as they should be, so use whatever.
I think you got it the wrong way round. The wire ones are fine (and the best :p). I have this (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38029.0) in particular.

It's those plastic (sometimes metal) ones that clip on the sides of the keycap that are likely to cause damage.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Linkbane on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:49:32
More expensive + cooler looking + larger =/= gentler on keycaps.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: jonathanyu on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:51:43
Pretty much anything will work. I've heard, though not verified, people saying that wire keycap pullers damage the keycaps, which could be attributed to there being a rougher material (metal vs plastic) and less contact on a wire compared to a ring puller.
Anything really will work if you're gentle, though. Neither will be damaged if they are used with care as they should be, so use whatever.

My filco wire keypuller work pretty well.  But yes, some times it damage the keycap, especially SP abs keycaps. :(
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 07 October 2013, 22:56:23
I love the stainless steel MKC one I have. But a simple filco/wasd cap puller works just as well
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: xyeLz on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:20:51
Oh cool I like the look of the MKC one better than the techkeys.us one. Where can I get one of those or similar?
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: MKULTRA on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:22:29
Oh cool I like the look of the MKC one better than the techkeys.us one. Where can I get one of those or similar?
There was a GB awhile back.  Doubt you'll be able to snatch one now.  Can always try classifieds
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:23:19
This is the best one.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: xyeLz on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:25:43
Oh cool I like the look of the MKC one better than the techkeys.us one. Where can I get one of those or similar?
There was a GB awhile back.  Doubt you'll be able to snatch one now.  Can always try classifieds

Thanks! Can't yet, only 16 posts. ;)
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: bueller on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:26:27
This thread is a good reminder, I need to get onto Nubbs to make me a keypuller.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:28:29
I'm a fan of the MKC one. The TechKeys one is the best one I've bought. I got the MKC as a present :D.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:28:59
My favorite of the cheaper plastic ones is this Leopold one: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keytools&pid=leokp

It has a nice shape and grip, and the wires are spread nicely. I don't really like the Techkeys/Filco, etc. style ones, as the wires are weirdly shaped and have to be spread apart forcibly to work properly.

I also like the wooden one of originativeco.com, but that one is a bit more expensive. The MKC one is also nice.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: MKULTRA on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:30:21
I have a Filco one, it works fine for me.  However moose is right, you have to like spread them out its weird.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:31:26
The TechKeys one I got I liked because the wires were set into the plastic so they were already spread. The Filco and Ducky ones? I had to spread the wires myself. :(.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:38:28
The TechKeys one I got I liked because the wires were set into the plastic so they were already spread. The Filco and Ducky ones? I had to spread the wires myself. :(.

Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my god! Are you ok? Must have been really hard to spread some wires!


Lets start a non-profit charity so no one else has to experience what you had to go through. Be brave CPT, be brave!
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:47:01
The TechKeys one I got I liked because the wires were set into the plastic so they were already spread. The Filco and Ducky ones? I had to spread the wires myself. :(.

Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my god! Are you ok? Must have been really hard to spread some wires!


Lets start a non-profit charity so no one else has to experience what you had to go through. Be brave CPT, be brave!

HOLD ME
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: MKULTRA on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:48:15
The TechKeys one I got I liked because the wires were set into the plastic so they were already spread. The Filco and Ducky ones? I had to spread the wires myself. :(.
Go at the key from an angle, it will spread for you.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:49:01
Lol I know how to work a keypuller guys. Just saying I prefer the pullers with the wires bent already.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: MKULTRA on Tue, 08 October 2013, 11:50:03
Lol I know how to work a keypuller guys. Just saying I prefer the pullers with the wires bent already.
#lazyamericans

 :p
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 October 2013, 12:18:49
Dat Techkeys puller... got mine for free.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 08 October 2013, 12:57:03
The TechKeys one I got I liked because the wires were set into the plastic so they were already spread. The Filco and Ducky ones? I had to spread the wires myself. :(.

Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my god! Are you ok? Must have been really hard to spread some wires!


Lets start a non-profit charity so no one else has to experience what you had to go through. Be brave CPT, be brave!

HOLD ME

Only once I set up this charity


I'm thinking, the CPT is so new and finds it hard to spread wires and other menial task assistance charity. Or the CPTSNFHSWOMTAC
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 08 October 2013, 13:07:00
Someday I'll be old enough to know how to keyboard
And all you'll ever be is mean, The_Beast.

:|
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 08 October 2013, 13:08:38
Someday I'll be old enough to know how to keyboard
And all you'll ever be is mean, The_Beast.

:|

Don't count on it!
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SNF on Tue, 08 October 2013, 13:10:55
Anything besides the one that comes in the Realforces
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:28:30
this H-shaped puller (http://deskthority.net/wiki/File:Genovationkeys.jpg) is my favourite. It works like a ring-type puller but the prongs are about 1/2" wide.
Well.. what you do you know. It does scratch ABS.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:29:58
this H-shaped puller (http://deskthority.net/wiki/File:Genovationkeys.jpg) is my favourite. It works like a ring-type puller but the prongs are about 1/2" wide.
Well.. what you do you know. It does scratch ABS.

I need one of those in white.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SNF on Wed, 09 October 2013, 00:17:56
Where can I get a key cap puller for cheap?
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 October 2013, 00:52:35
Where can I get a key cap puller for cheap?

Is $6 (plus postage) cheap?

http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keycap-puller
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SNF on Wed, 09 October 2013, 04:04:41
Where can I get a key cap puller for cheap?

Is $6 (plus postage) cheap?

http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keycap-puller

Would it be better to make a home made one or pay for one?

I really just need this to remove some old caps and put on the new ones.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 October 2013, 04:52:57
Where can I get a key cap puller for cheap?

Is $6 (plus postage) cheap?

http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keycap-puller

Would it be better to make a home made one or pay for one?

I really just need this to remove some old caps and put on the new ones.

Better?

How well do you want to care for your precious keyboard?

With a little care, you can make your own wire keycap puller out of a couple of paperclips - people have done this before.

Or for something that would last you a bit longer and look much better, just buy one (and maybe get a couple of custom key caps at the same time).

:)
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: zoolzoo on Wed, 09 October 2013, 05:27:59
nubbinator's wooden pullers for sure
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 09 October 2013, 07:54:26
My Leopold key puller is by far the best.

If you don't want to spend any money, these work fine:

Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 09 October 2013, 07:56:37
I recommend this also for the intrepid DIYer

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45795.msg967098#msg967098 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45795.msg967098#msg967098)

more here

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46003.0
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: hasu on Wed, 09 October 2013, 10:11:19
I prefer simple and cheap one. This does the job quickly.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31O4zrbijXL._SX300_.jpg)

But you can save your time and money with this.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 October 2013, 10:19:04
I prefer simple and cheap one. This does the job quickly.
Show Image
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31O4zrbijXL._SX300_.jpg)


But you can save your time and money with this.

^This is great  :))
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 October 2013, 16:02:25
I prefer simple and cheap one. This does the job quickly.
Show Image
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31O4zrbijXL._SX300_.jpg)


But you can save your time and money with this.

^This is great  :))


That is Thorpe though, wouldn't work quite as well with MX.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 10 October 2013, 01:53:28
I have one of these (http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/keycap-puller), works a treat!

Or, some members here actually design and make custom keycap pullers - have a browse around the vendor forums.

Recently I've been using my black palm one I made:

(http://i.imgur.com/SRhaXqP.jpg)

I love my Techkeys one, but there's just something about using one you've made yourself, especially when it works well.  And the heft and weight of it is nice too compared to the plastic ones which weigh nothing.

nubbinator's wooden pullers for sure

 ;D   :-*

Glad to see you're still using and loving that Walnut one. 
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: zoolzoo on Thu, 10 October 2013, 11:07:42
hahah i love it nubb
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 13 November 2013, 18:41:35
So earlier in this thread, I said the Leopold keypuller was better than the Filco keypuller. Today, I looked at them to try to determine why. And I figured it out.

The Filco one goes straight down, whereas the Leopold one is wider at a certain point. I can't really explain why, but this helps. I guess its to get around the caps easier.

Anyway, I took some pliers to my Filco one, and voila! It works a lot better now.

(http://www.imgur.com/aAOy9Y1.jpg)
(http://www.imgur.com/6aobhmR.jpg)
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 November 2013, 18:46:25
Best keycap puller is the plastic ring type.. It's soft enough to not dent the keycap.. whereas the metal wire and metal ones in general may scratch or dig into the plastic keycaps.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: stancato9 on Wed, 13 November 2013, 18:47:14
I use 2 pipe cleaners :))
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 13 November 2013, 18:53:08
I'm confused, so do wire or ring pullers scratch keycaps, or do both do that?
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: stancato9 on Wed, 13 November 2013, 18:54:43
I'm confused, so do wire or ring pullers scratch keycaps, or do both do that?

I only have a normal plastic one and it has scratched the side of keys. That's why I put 2 pipe cleaners under the key to pull them off. I feel like it does less damage.
Title: Re: Best keypuller?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 November 2013, 20:09:14
I'm confused, so do wire or ring pullers scratch keycaps, or do both do that?

as far as scratch the "side-faces" of the keycap, the plastic ones are quite safe..

The wire type has a high chance of digging into the keycap skirt if you're not absolutely perfectly lined up to raise the cap with all 4 contact points in place... THIS is very hard and no one does it..

So... the wire type digs into keycaps..  they can be modded to not do so.. but the mod makes it slightly cumbersome.