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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: cdamonsmith on Sat, 30 November 2013, 00:50:52

Title: Laser Etched Key Caps
Post by: cdamonsmith on Sat, 30 November 2013, 00:50:52

I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere, but I have a question regarding the laser etched key caps on a used black Dell AT101W I recently bought. The keyboard has been cleaned inside and out and everything is perfect (I actually like the black alps quite a bit), but the most often used key caps themselves are worn out.

My question is: is this a matter of cleaning? Is there a way I can get them bright white again? Or, because they are etched, is this just the black plastic underneath showing through?

If the latter is the case, what are my best options? Has anyone tried to Rit Dye laser etched key caps before? I might just try to erase the etchings completely rather than clean them up.

Thanks for any help. Also, this is the first time I've visited this forum in a couple years and DAMN has this place grown. 

Title: Re: Laser Etched Key Caps
Post by: davkol on Sun, 01 December 2013, 09:42:13

Can you post a picture?

Anyway, I'd try plastidip. It creates coating that can last for a while and feel good IMHO.

Title: Re: Laser Etched Key Caps
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 04 December 2013, 20:18:20

Quote from: cdamonsmith on Sat, 30 November 2013, 00:50:52

Has anyone tried to Rit Dye laser etched key caps before?

ABS can be Retro-Brited but not dyed with RIT, because the activation temperature of the dye and the melt temperature of the plastic (190F-200F / 90C-95C) is about the same.