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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: xybre on Wed, 13 August 2014, 17:15:22

Title: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: xybre on Wed, 13 August 2014, 17:15:22
The "notched" caps lock key is really annoying, especially I use it as a control key.

I own a Unicomp Ultra Classic with unlabeled black keycaps and a black case.
Unicomp has ctrl-labeled keycaps, but they're still notched: http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/CTCL

All I need is a single black unlabeled key for this purpose.
Where would I be able to pick up a replacement?
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 16 August 2014, 09:28:09
I'm not aware of of any non stepped 1.75 width buckling spring keys.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 16 August 2014, 09:59:06
But I just remember this thread on the same topic, where a right Shift was cut down for use as a unstepped Caps Lock.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13466.0;nowap.

Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: xybre on Sat, 16 August 2014, 10:40:25
But I just remember this thread on the same topic, where a right Shift was cut down for use as a unstepped Caps Lock.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13466.0;nowap.

Wow, I didn't realize I was looking for the holy grail. It seems it'd be easy enough to do a few hand-poured or injection molded keys.
Hmm. I guess if I can rent, borrow, steal, or buy an injection molder I know what I'll do with it.

Thanks for the info, I guess I'll mod a key with Sugru or invade Japan for their keyboards.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: xybre on Sat, 16 August 2014, 10:40:46
[EDIT] Double post.

Getting some weird error from the forum about incorrect types, expect array of integers for quoteids.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 16 August 2014, 21:05:40
I loved stepped keys and wish that they were more plentiful.

However, the easy answer is to get a spare and infill it with epoxy and/or chopped donor caps.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: pr0ximity on Sun, 17 August 2014, 18:49:17
I loved stepped keys and wish that they were more plentiful.

However, the easy answer is to get a spare and infill it with epoxy and/or chopped donor caps.

Ditto, specifically center-stemmed MX stepped keys. I've no idea why they're not more popular, its a pretty neat look and functionally nice as well.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: xybre on Sun, 17 August 2014, 19:24:29
I loved stepped keys and wish that they were more plentiful.

However, the easy answer is to get a spare and infill it with epoxy and/or chopped donor caps.

Ditto, specifically center-stemmed MX stepped keys. I've no idea why they're not more popular, its a pretty neat look and functionally nice as well.

I've seen some neat stepped modifier keys where they're stepped on both left and right side. However, I use the left control (caps) key constantly and with the stepping strongly on the right I often have to take an additional second to ensure I'm hitting the key head on. It essentially moves the key to the left. Hmm. I wonder if I can just flip it upside down?
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: terrpn on Sun, 17 August 2014, 19:51:08
other than the obvious "enter" key on a 122........are the ctrl, alt, cap, etc. keycaps interchangeable with a regular M?
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: xybre on Sun, 17 August 2014, 21:24:06
other than the obvious "enter" key on a 122........are the ctrl, alt, cap, etc. keycaps interchangeable with a regular M?

The caps lock is 1.75, the others are 1.5. So, no, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Replacement Buckling Spring Keycaps
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sun, 17 August 2014, 21:28:49
other than the obvious "enter" key on a 122........are the ctrl, alt, cap, etc. keycaps interchangeable with a regular M?
If you're asking about exchanging like-for-like caps (e.g. M-122 ctrl to M-101 ctrl), then yes, they are interchangeable. The only exceptions are the modern Unicomp 104 boards, which have odd size modifiers.