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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: aicrono on Sat, 16 November 2013, 15:53:12

Title: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: aicrono on Sat, 16 November 2013, 15:53:12
Is it normal for some of the key caps to have the stem imprint on the top of the cap? This is a stock Rosewill key cap that I've been using for a few years. It is kind of hard to capture it so I hope these pictures came out well enough to see what I mean.

(http://i.imgur.com/AJr3Nmo.gif)

(http://i.imgur.com/QkcA9PV.jpg)
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 16 November 2013, 16:13:45
It's not unusual, yes.  I've seen this on various keycaps.  Some keycaps are better made than others.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 16 November 2013, 17:15:51
Looks like it has had a fair bit of use.  ABS?  Might have been slightly thinner than the others, but still passed QA, and now has worn down just enough to make the stem show.

There was another question like this about Topre keycaps recently.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: aicrono on Sat, 16 November 2013, 22:04:52
Looks like it has had a fair bit of use.  ABS?  Might have been slightly thinner than the others, but still passed QA, and now has worn down just enough to make the stem show.

There was another question like this about Topre keycaps recently.

They are unfortunately ABS. Several of the other keys on the same row have the same issue. It's not awful, and I can't really even feel the dip/bump but that keyboard has definitely seen some use.


Any recommendations on a new set of key caps that are affordableish. I love the PBTs I have on my Das but I can't justify spending that much again on my work keyboard.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: Binge on Sun, 17 November 2013, 01:13:54
Looks like it has had a fair bit of use.  ABS?  Might have been slightly thinner than the others, but still passed QA, and now has worn down just enough to make the stem show.

There was another question like this about Topre keycaps recently.

They are unfortunately ABS. Several of the other keys on the same row have the same issue. It's not awful, and I can't really even feel the dip/bump but that keyboard has definitely seen some use.


Any recommendations on a new set of key caps that are affordableish. I love the PBTs I have on my Das but I can't justify spending that much again on my work keyboard.

banggood.com has a number of cap sets in pbt for very low prices.  they aren't the greatest of quality but still better than most oem ABS sets
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: Mikey Mo on Sun, 17 November 2013, 21:40:21
...hard to use...
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: stancato9 on Sun, 17 November 2013, 21:48:26
This seems pretty common. My Poker 2 stock caps had this issue with many of the caps. I wouldn't worry about it too much as you will be replacing them soon :p
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: Danule on Sun, 17 November 2013, 22:00:10
my thick PBT that i got from feng are like that, you can only see it in very bright light.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: tinlong117 on Sun, 17 November 2013, 22:42:30
...hard to use...
Stop spamming.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 18 November 2013, 03:07:19
If I get the light just right on my HHKB, I can just about see a very faint mark that could be interpreted as resembling something that might just possibly look a little but like what just might be the stem.

So saying, I don't think it will bother me much at all.
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: aicrono on Mon, 18 November 2013, 09:47:06
my thick PBT that i got from feng are like that, you can only see it in very bright light.

I also have a set of thick PBT from feng at home on my Das keyboard and a few of them has it as well. I never noticed until I saw it on the keys on my work keyboard. It doesn't bother me because as you said, it is only visible in bright light or a glare(which shouldn't be an issue on my PBT caps any time soon).



It is good to know that it seems to be very common and a non issue in the longevity of some keycaps. Double shots wouldn't have this issue would they?
Title: Re: Stem imprint on top of keycap
Post by: Danule on Mon, 18 November 2013, 18:03:33
My GMK doubleshots dont have that issue at all.