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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: klaxhu on Mon, 28 September 2009, 07:34:00

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: klaxhu on Mon, 28 September 2009, 07:34:00

Hi all,

As you can see I'm very new around here; even so I'm a keyboard enthusiast for a while now. I also love mice =)

I'm presenting here something I always wanted to do and now found some time for it. - > pictures attached!

Now ... I'm up to something new, and require certain advice.
I want to make a keyboard like this : http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/8396/zoom/ for a lower budget (as they are charging 120$ + for it)

I am thinking in getting a old/new keyboard that I like (white, grey,black whatever ...) and paint it with black spray, then finish it with a coating.

Any advice on this, ..what paint to take, what finishing, and maybe what to do to prevent the color so it doesnt wears off. (black fingers on typeing and so on ?)

Later edit : I've managed to get through some posts, and I realize now how noob I am in this area. Is there maybe a "HOW TO" posted on coloring keys orI just need to go through most of the threads ? :)

=)

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: Rajagra on Mon, 28 September 2009, 08:27:37

Hi. There are some threads about this. Searching for "Rit dye" got these:
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:4962
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6909

I don't know if anyone has tried to copy the shiny case of the DAS, but I suppose it's possible.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 28 September 2009, 10:49:40

Ripster, what kind of air compressor do you have?  I just got one from my grandfather awhile back, and I wonder if it has enough huevos to do a little sandblasting.  I think I might try it on my blank Filco caps since they're already going shiny after about 2 weeks of use.
 
I really like my Filco, but their key caps have to be the crappiest ever.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 28 September 2009, 11:18:29

That one looks about the same size/pressure as mine, so I should be OK.  You got your gun from Harbor Freight, right?

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: klaxhu on Tue, 29 September 2009, 01:59:35

So ..I think I will go with a black/cheap but good keyboard .... then just sand off the characters right ?

I have the necessary tools =)

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 29 September 2009, 07:44:58

Quote from: ripster;121305

Yep, check the mod post for all the details. Since you like Cherry Keys so much you should try the "Anti-Otaku" mod first - I think the last guy who did this paid $12 or something to get the donor board for the keys. Just toss the keyboard.

I might try that first.  How does the black color of the Cherry keys compare to the Filco (I don't have my Cherry at work anymore to check for myself)?  If they're dead on, I might just start hunting around eBay at lunch (for some reason, I'm kinda picky about these things).  Otherwise, I might just replace my keycaps every month (right).
 
I wish that guy who was talking about a direct POM replacement for Filcos would come through.  That would be the best.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 29 September 2009, 09:26:54

Sounds good.  I might just go a-hunting at lunch.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: klaxhu on Sun, 29 November 2009, 08:28:55

I prepare to biy a normal usb black keyboard and sand off the characters.
Some tips on sanding ? What kind of paper or tools to use to be quicker?

from all the "wipe" tehnics I found the sanding the most durable in time and most good looking.

thanks!

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 29 November 2009, 09:16:07

quick and dirty looks pretty bad to me. the keys look ruined.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: Rajagra on Sun, 29 November 2009, 15:26:01

Quote from: bigpook;137091

quick and dirty looks pretty bad to me. the keys look ruined.

Hey, Microsoft started it. Look at those function keys!

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 29 November 2009, 17:36:21

I have used blank keyboards before and I bitterly hate them.

Title: My MS Keybs
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 30 November 2009, 16:39:27

Quote from: microsoft windows;137290

I have used blank keyboards before and I bitterly hate them.

Yo. QFT. Right on. Word up.

On the original topic project:
My wife saw me working with my key puller for the first time, and threatened me last weekend to do that checkerboard thing with my new baby: a black Scorpius M10. I think we better watch out for the OP. He's got a mind like my wife's.