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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: timw4mail on Fri, 10 July 2009, 13:07:48

Title: Different Methods Of Key Lettering
Post by: timw4mail on Fri, 10 July 2009, 13:07:48

I know about two types of key letter from the conversations lately: double-shot molded, and dye-sublimation.

Double shot is two separate molds, with different resins, where the letter is an integral part of the key. The technique causes the underside of the key to have the color of the lettering.

Dye-sublimation is the fusing of dye and plastic by heat and pressure.

What other methods of lettering are there, and what do they look like?

Title: Different Methods Of Key Lettering
Post by: MsKeyboard on Fri, 10 July 2009, 13:23:33

There is also just your typical stamp (pad) printing, as well as laser etching.

Sublimation does not have anything to do with pressure, it is basically a chemical process. Takes more skill and patience than regular stamp printing.

You can see and feel the difference fairly easily once you know what you are looking for, except for sublimation and double-shot if done well.

In the end, everything comes down to cost.

Hope that helps....Later

Title: Different Methods Of Key Lettering
Post by: timw4mail on Fri, 10 July 2009, 13:46:10

I've noticed on newer cheap keyboards, there seems to be some sort of shrunk-on label on the keys...what are they?