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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: iMav on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:01:14

Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: iMav on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:01:14: I've been in contact with Signature Plastics and they can do blank keycaps for Cherry-equipped Filco 'boards. But it is price prohibitive for a single order.

Just like the t-shirt thread, let's get some preliminary commitments to see if we can't swing a group buy and make these reasonable.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: ozar on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:05:24: I'd probably be interested in a set, depending on the final price.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: bigpook on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:11:45: Same as ozar.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: zwmalone on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:14:41: I'd be interested if they were ALPS interface but... since there isn't a decent layout ergo 'board with browns or blues (other than the ErgoPlus, way out of my price range) I'm going to have to pass...
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: o2dazone on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:24:07: Quote from: ozar;28701
I'd probably be interested in a set, depending on the final price.
.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Mon, 13 April 2009, 18:38:02: I'd be interested. I also want a set of light gray (or white) keys, if possible...
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Mon, 13 April 2009, 21:06:00: iMav, can you also see if you can get red Esc keys included in that order? :)
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: bigpook on Mon, 13 April 2009, 21:53:20: ditto, red escape keys would be nice.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Tue, 14 April 2009, 06:40:31: Quote from: zwmalone;85300
I'd be interested if they were ALPS interface but... since there isn't a decent layout ergo 'board with browns or blues (other than the ErgoPlus, way out of my price range) I'm going to have to pass...

Just out of curiosity, do you know if they can make ALPS compatible keycaps, iMav? If I get a Filco with white-alps, I will want to try and get blank keys if I can.

Thanks!
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 14 April 2009, 06:42:37: I'm in for blank black keys and a red Esc key.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: Mercen_505 on Tue, 14 April 2009, 10:36:10: I'm convinced someone could make a modest profit if they could find an outfit to produce a large quantity of black M compatible key caps (with white lettering, of course). Buy a few hundred sets of keys, then sell them to individual users until the supply dries up.

I wish.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: cmr on Tue, 14 April 2009, 13:59:21: i'd be interested in 104-key US sets in black or dark gray. red ESC would be a bonus. dependent of course on the price.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Tue, 14 April 2009, 14:04:28: I think we definitely have enough people on the board to buy blank black keys and red Esc keys. If anything, I'd buy a couple sets to stow away, for later.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: cmr on Tue, 14 April 2009, 14:33:46: i don't have any filco boards, by the way, only an M10 and a das iii. any idea whether the keycap sets under consideration would fit on either?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 14 April 2009, 14:34:37: Quote from: cmr;85484
i don't have any filco boards, by the way, only an M10 and a das iii. any idea whether the keycap sets under consideration would fit on either?

Yes.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: dougy on Tue, 14 April 2009, 18:57:48: I'd be interested in both a beige and a black set.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: cmr on Fri, 17 April 2009, 13:08:00: so, any news?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: ozar on Fri, 17 April 2009, 19:18:26: If it should turn out that we can't get an affordable deal with Signature Plastics, we could also check with Fentek Industries (http://www.fentek-ind.com/keys.htm) about a quote for blank keys. They do all kinds of custom keys so they might also be a viable option for red escape keys, purple WASD keys, and any others. I'd like to know if they could make blank key sets for the Realforce and HHKB Pro 2 keyboards.

Of course, someone here might have already checked with them about such key sets.

Edit: never mind, it appears that Fentek Industries might get their custom keys from Signature Plastics, as they are shown to be a customer on the Signature Plastics website. :)
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Fri, 17 April 2009, 20:53:34: I would be surprised if they had molds to make keys as specialized as Topre, but I could be wrong. I can't imagine we don't have enough people to make an order through Signature Plastics.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: iMav on Sat, 18 April 2009, 07:04:30: If we ordered 20 sets, the cost would be around $45 per set. They would all have to be the same (blank, black). If someone wanted an ivory/white set, they'd have to get at least 20 folks that wanted that color.

Majestouch is making some progress in possibly getting these from Diatec, so it might be better to see how that pans out.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: ozar on Sat, 18 April 2009, 07:27:58: iMav... have you seen their work with keycaps before? I'm just wondering if they are of good quality?

I agree that if Majestouch can get them, it might be better to wait just a bit to see how that deal would work out.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: cmr on Sun, 19 April 2009, 14:32:22: US$45 would definitely be out of my price range
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 20 April 2009, 12:51:09: What kind of mechanics do the Costar 'boards use for the level wires under backspace, shift, etc?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: neva on Wed, 22 April 2009, 03:31:12: Hi there,

I own a das keyboard v1 and I wanted to change so I started searching and found this great forum.
After hours of reading, I've finally found my future keyboard: The Filco FKBN104M/EB
But I really like my das keyboard's blank keys and hate that filco windows key so lucky me, I've found this thread.
Brown switches + blank black keys = perfect for me.

If Europe can be shipped to, count me in !
(Sorry for my rough english)
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: joneslee85 on Wed, 22 April 2009, 10:05:05: I am in, I want red ESC, blue or purple ASD, yellow F1-F12. Let me know if order can be made for Topre Realforce 87U, I really really want all blank keycap for that model.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: FKSSR on Wed, 22 April 2009, 10:17:53: We are waiting to see if EliteKeyboards.com can get blank black keys from Filco (and possibly black and white replacement keys w/ legends).

As far as the special red Esc, blue/purple WASD, and yellow function keys, I think the best bet is from a place like Signature Plastics, but I imagine the cost will be high, even if we get 20+ people.

As far as Topre, your best bet is ordering those from a distributor overseas. The HHKB blank keys should work, as far as I know.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: sixty on Wed, 06 May 2009, 23:00:33: First post here, sorry for bumping an old topic instantly, but I would be interested in a set of blank keys as well, if the price is around $45 and you can ship it over to Europe.

PS: I noticed my Majestouch from EliteKeyboards.com also came with a red ESC key - what a pleasant surprise. So did EliteKeyboards work something out with Filco or where did my red key come from? :p
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: ozar on Thu, 07 May 2009, 17:08:26: Quote from: sixty;89646
First post here, sorry for bumping an old topic instantly, but I would be interested in a set of blank keys as well, if the price is around $45 and you can ship it over to Europe.

Welcome aboard! :cool:

This topic died off a bit, I think while we wait to hear from Majestouch about any blank keys sets that he might be able to get, but I'm not sure.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: majestouch on Fri, 08 May 2009, 21:11:54: Quote from: ripster;89662
Welcome to Geekhack!

I think Majestouch is just being kind and must have gotten a supply.

- Ripster

Kindness is all that matters.

Not to worry, I have not forgotten this thread. I hope to have news soon.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: majestouch on Wed, 20 May 2009, 15:24:09: Filco brand blank keycaps for cherry switches will be available in the beginning of July 2009 (tentatively). One thing to note, however, the unique rough coating that Diatec uses on their stock keyboards will not be available on the loose blank keycaps since this coating is normally applied once the keycaps are mounted on the switches.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 20 May 2009, 15:33:16: Quote from: majestouch;91808
Filco brand blank keycaps for cherry switches will be available in the beginning of July 2009 (tentatively).

Sweet. I will be picking up set.

Quote from: majestouch;91808
One thing to note, however, the unique rough coating that Diatec uses on their stock keyboards will not be available on the loose blank keycaps since this coating is normally applied once the keycaps are mounted on the switches.

It's not like the coating lasts any longer than a couple of weeks, anyway. The coating on my Filco has already worn off. It is a little weird, though, that they apply the coating after the caps are on the switches.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: jjinjjin on Thu, 21 May 2009, 00:09:44: RED esc keycap is quite cool...I had a couple of red keycap which was released by Diatec Co., Ltd..
And as ripster told, Sanding is another good way to make own blank keycap. And then you can make wrapping with some paint. ;-)

You can find some pictures from here(http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/?mid=review&search_target=title&search_keyword=%EB%8F%84%EC%83%89&document_srl=587687)
He wrote in korean, but you can find some picture under the article.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: chimera15 on Sun, 24 May 2009, 18:48:42: Quote from: FKSSR;85358
Just out of curiosity, do you know if they can make ALPS compatible keycaps, iMav? If I get a Filco with white-alps, I will want to try and get blank keys if I can.

Thanks!

Yup. I'd be in on a set of alps compatible keys too. I have a sun yellowed siig minitouch I tried to lacquer the keys, but it didn't work as well as I had hoped. I'd definitely love a set of blanks for it.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: jelly on Fri, 29 May 2009, 10:20:16: interested to get a set if the price is right.

but im staying at singapore ):
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 31 May 2009, 10:30:49: Heh. I`d be also interested in some (5) blank black keysets for Filcos!
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 31 May 2009, 11:33:26: Quote from: ripster;93515
Soulhunter, 5! Can't wait to see your next mod.

Can you post any tips sometime on how to open a Filco up? I know the screw part but want to know if you used a special tool to pop the case.

When the Blue Cherry board comes out I'll be ready to void the warranty on the Brown Cherry board. I'll take some pics while I'm poking around.

Yep, I`ll post a guide with pictures in ~2 weeks, after my vacation, because I forgot 2 of my tools at work, duh!
I`ll include the "case popping" part as well as macros etc. of the "mechanics" under the non 1x1 keys... :)

Btw, I still try to find some good coating (damn keys get shiny so fast, meh!)
One idea I got is to add super fine silicon particles to clear shiny vanish (like metal particles are added to car paint to give it metallic look).
Should turn it from shiny -> silk matte and make it much more durable as silicon is kinda hard. Someone with a spray-pistol around who can test this? :D
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: majestouch on Sun, 07 June 2009, 18:31:31: Quote from: ripster;94639
OK, I'm reviving this one to ask a question to Majestouch.

If you get the keyboards WITH blank keys will they have the matte finish sprayed on. That's what the pic looks like.

If you get the blank keys SEPARATELY in July (like in a bag or box), they will not have any coating and are presumably fairly shiny.

Am I getting all this right??

Will help me decide which version of the Blue Cherry board to get.

Yes, this is correct, the matte coating is applied only after the keycaps are mounted on the keyswitches. The "loose" blank keycaps will not have this coating; at this time I have not been offered coated loose caps. However, there is a benefit in that this keeps the price on the loose caps low, so I'm sure we'll see more mods and experimentation.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: jelly on Sat, 20 June 2009, 00:53:31: is blank keys caps for filco here yet?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: neva on Fri, 10 July 2009, 01:01:56: Blank keycaps are available !
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps#keycaps (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps#keycaps)
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: jelly on Fri, 10 July 2009, 10:58:41: so any grp buy for it?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 10 July 2009, 12:42:59: blank black cherry keycaps are on Elitekeyboards
for alps though, you'd still need to GB from signature plastics
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 10 July 2009, 13:16:13: just like blank unicomps right :)
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: sixty on Sat, 11 July 2009, 00:49:31: Quote from: ripster;101984
??? By the time you do transhipment group buy doesn't uh, buy you anything in terms of cost savings for a bunch of boxes.

Now if someone can sneak into the Topre factory and get a bucket of Red ESC keys - we're talking big bucks!

Red Topre ESC keys are always available through Leopold. I'm going to order some stuff from Leopold soon (prolly around next month), so if you want some Red ESCs let me know. Even though Leopold is pretty expensive.. shipping from Korea->Germany->USA would probably make it even worse. Maybe its not worth it afterall.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 11 July 2009, 12:38:32: Quote from: ripster;102084
Well, I'd go into a group buy for that one. If you're willing to buy a bunch and send me let's say 10 in a box I'd take care of distributing in US. Even if it does make mine less elite.

PM sent.

so do I just contact you or Sixty lol
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: jelly on Sun, 12 July 2009, 00:20:31: will be interested if the shipping to singapore is reasonable and the price of the red esc keys.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: timw4mail on Sun, 19 July 2009, 16:12:22: Hmm...I'd really like a blank set of letters for my Scorpius M10... do you think these would work?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: timw4mail on Sun, 19 July 2009, 17:06:44: Quote from: ripster;103310
Looks like the Scorpius has slightly larger CTRL and ALT keys.

I just care about the letters, I actually want to keep the rest of the labels, except for the Windows keys, but that's the same size as the main letter keys. So that would be 36 blank, letter-sized keys.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: timw4mail on Sun, 19 July 2009, 17:26:49: Quote from: ripster;103319
Letters shouldn't be a problem as long as Scorpius didn't mess with key sizes/spacing (trust me, it happens). To double check measure TILDE to BACKSPACE and LCTRL to TILDE using the TOP of the keycaps. If you get 11" and 3.5" you're ready to roll.

Filco keytops are a little scooped ya know - some people don't like em.

Well, since the keycaps are the right size for the Vtech keyboard with the similar SMK switches, I'd say the letter spacing isn't too unusual...

But here's what it measures: 11" by 3.5" in those said dimensions. Aren't the Model M keycaps slightly scooped, too? Just to a lesser degree?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: timw4mail on Sun, 19 July 2009, 19:05:32: Quote from: ripster;103338
Yep, that looks to be true.

I don't think I'll have that much trouble with them, then. Now are we actually going to still mass-order these, or have we decided its easier to get them from Majestouch (or whatever that brand is)?
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: Manyak on Sun, 19 July 2009, 22:26:37: Quote from: timw4mail;103340
I don't think I'll have that much trouble with them, then. Now are we actually going to still mass-order these, or have we decided its easier to get them from Majestouch (or whatever that brand is)?

I already ordered a set from majestouch, and I think most others who wanted it for filcos did the same.

BUT.....I'd like to get a set of caps for backlighting and install LEDs in. Black with clear lettering. Two-shot molded if clear letters are possible with it.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: timw4mail on Mon, 20 July 2009, 05:54:53: Quote from: ripster;103378
Sounds like you guys want TG3-BL82 keycaps. Too bad they use Black Cherries. At least the font isn't funky like the Deck Gaming series.

Show Image
(http://www.tg3electronics.com/products/images/bl82_1.jpg)

Those look like the same kind of keycaps as on the Deck.
Title: Possible blank keycap group buy (Signature Plastics)
Post by: Manyak on Mon, 20 July 2009, 11:43:58: Yeah except I want it for a Filco, and that board is missing a bunch of keys.

Also, for some reason the top-centered text on the Enter, Shift, etc keys bothers me.

You can also clearly see the edges of the texture on each key.

I dunno, they just look really cheap.