geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: colomb on Mon, 29 December 2014, 20:15:27
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I'm slowly customizing my Realforce 87u. I bought a full new orange keycap set but didn't realize it didn't include a 1.5u control key. Is the Limited Edition Control Escape Kit that EK has for sale compatible with the RF 87u? I also remap my backspace to the pipe/backslash key so I need blanks (or printed) caps for those. Where can I find blank 1.5u, 1.75u and 2u caps? Thanks for the help.
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The good news is that EK's HHKB set will work on the RealForce -- I'm using the red Control key (to replace Caps Lock) and the blue Esc key on mine (see photo).
The bad news is that it's pretty slim pickings in the Topre keycaps market. You can get the full sets that widebasket sells on eBay, and the limited options that EK has, but it gets tough after that. What I'd love to find, but haven't yet, is a Caps Lock key to replace the left Alt key (even though I know they exist because some RF boards have been sold with switchable Ctrl/Caps keycaps). I don't know where to find the blanks you're looking for, although if you spring for one of the full HHKB blank sets that EK sells, you might get most of what you want. They might not be perfect and might not give you the look you want --- I know EK says they're only for HHKB -- but I'd guess they'll work OK.
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As far as I can tell, the profiles of the HHKB and Realforce keycaps are the same. I mix and match Realforce and HHKB keycap sets all the time.
And to answer your question: yes. I have the HHKB Red Control key on my Realforce right now. It's quite nice, I might add. Though pricey. That goes with the territory.
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Thanks for the info. I did come across this: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/gizmobazaar?section=Topre+Keycaps&s=0, although they aren't milling the size I need. Anyone have any experience with them?
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Thanks for the info. I did come across this: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/gizmobazaar?section=Topre+Keycaps&s=0, although they aren't milling the size I need. Anyone have any experience with them?
I've looked at the Shapeways site, but all their Topre keycaps are labeled as beta and in development except for one novelty cap. I can't tell if they're serious about doing custom Topre caps or not, but it might be worth asking.