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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:15:53

Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:15:53
Look what the postman got for me...

(http://www.soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_Boxes.jpg)
Title: Some images...
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:16:42
(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_RedCaps.jpg)

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_BlackCaps.jpg)

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_GreenCaps.jpg)

Filco left, KBC right
(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_CapTop.jpg)

Filco left, KBC right
(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_CapBottom.jpg)

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_Texture.jpg)

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_Mod2.jpg)

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_Mod3.jpg)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:18:27
Oh my... Are these a regular stock item, and do they ship to the US?
 
OT. I really like the headphone jack in the desk. That's pretty sweet.
 
 
EDIT: Nevermind.  I found the thread.  I missed it while I was out.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: bbranigin on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:30:54
no US distributors yet?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 13:58:17
Quote from: ripster;137491
So these are engraved or deeply lasered?

Sorta hard to tell without a microscope... :/

Quote from: ripster;137491
Cool - do they feel scratchy?

Nah, but I didn't have much time to test em yet (got them just some hours ago)

Maybe ask again in 1-2 weeks or so after some serious usage... ;)

Quote from: ripster;137491

They appear to have a bigger surface area on top and less curved.

Visually, at least to me, no... >.>

But they seem to have a little bit rounder edges!

Quote from: ripster;137491

And do you have any idea of what plastic they are made of?

To my knowledge they are made of PBT...

They feel definately different compared to the Filco/Costar ones!
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: nanu on Mon, 30 November 2009, 14:00:00
Hot stuff.  Really dig the white keycaps (perchance someone will Rit dye them before I consider getting some ;)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Mon, 30 November 2009, 14:24:09
Quote from: itlnstln;137486

 
OT. I really like the headphone jack in the desk. That's pretty sweet.
 
 

Yes, how did you get the headphone jack in the desk? I'm a complete idiot when it comes to working with wood. I'm learning little by little.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 30 November 2009, 15:02:49
I'm a bit confused. The red caps look great, but they don't appear in any of the other photos. Did you order the red and black key caps and a keyboard?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 15:37:04
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;137503
Yes, how did you get the headphone jack in the desk? I'm a complete idiot when it comes to working with wood. I'm learning little by little.
I'm too lazy to fire up some CAD prog, but here is how it would look cut in half  (http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6001&stc=1&d=1259615613)(1 min in paint)

Quote from: webwit;137512
Perhaps you could post a "How to order" with links to the product pages, prices, and buying service instructions?
It's actually rather easy...

1. Get links to the items from here (http://store.taobao.com/shop/view_shop-82caf2267e1597bb476841910c504f56.htm) (copy)

2. Go to Yoybuy (http://www.yoybuy.com/), register, and make your order (paste)

3. For payment/shipping/etc. they will contact you (in English)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 30 November 2009, 15:39:33
Quote from: ricercar;137514
I'm a bit confused. The red caps look great, but they don't appear in any of the other photos. Did you order the red and black key caps and a keyboard?

Nah, I only ordered keycaps, blue, red, green, yellow, black, white...

If you want some more pics of the red ones, I could take some tomorrow!?

Quote from: ripster;137517

Looking again at the keys maybe the shape just looked a bit different because of an optical illusion the different colors cause.  This is a pretty good way to check.
...


Heh, I'll look into this next days...

Btw, just noticed one of the white caps in my last two pics is from the wrong row, lol!


Quote from: ripster;137517

Oh, and I forgot to ask, are your Cheery now?

Yes, over 9000 times!
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: joneslee85 on Mon, 30 November 2009, 17:59:37
Quote from: webwit;137531
Thanks! They are very cheap!


Not cheap after shipping and service charge from yoybuy.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Mon, 30 November 2009, 18:28:52
Quote from: TheSoulhunter;137527
I'm too lazy to fire up some CAD prog, but here is how it would look cut in half  (http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6001&stc=1&d=1259615613)(1 min in paint)



Thanks. I will need to locate that metal piece before. I will give this a try when the term is over since I will have to install my keyboard tray too.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Tue, 01 December 2009, 09:52:38
@Ripster

I tried your trick...
Still can't see much difference:

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/KBC_CapCompare.jpg)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Tue, 01 December 2009, 09:59:14
@patrickgeekhack

Dunno if this helps, but...
Here is a image of the "metal piece" I mentioned earlier:

(http://soulhunters-crappy-website.com/misc/MetalPiece.jpg)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 01 December 2009, 10:59:55
They may have just used the Filco key as a template.  I hope these are available (easily) in the US soon.  The black keys with the etched/engraved/pressed/molded/whatever letters look awesome.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 01 December 2009, 12:41:24
Quote from: ripster;137619
A quick and dirty method is to get a Switchcraft jack (http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/DiMarzio-Switchcraft-14-Stereo-Output-Jack?sku=364737&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26024596), bolt it to a big washer,  and just drill the appropriate size hole into the wood and epoxy in.  Then wire up with  some stereo cable (probably have a broken headphone or two lying about).

Thanks. I will need to find a different vendor. Shipping will be too much from this one.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 01 December 2009, 12:42:18
Quote from: TheSoulhunter;137754
@patrickgeekhack

Dunno if this helps, but...
Here is a image of the "metal piece" I mentioned earlier:

Show Image
(http://soulhunter.razorbb.net/misc/MetalPiece.jpg)


Thanks. I'm considering this option and the one from Ripster. It will all depend on how easy it will be to find the switchjack or the "metal piece."
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 01 December 2009, 12:45:17
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;137795
Thanks. I will need to find a different vendor. Shipping will be too much from this one.

You should be able to find something very similar in an electronics store (Radio Shack, Altex, whatever-you-have-in-Canada).  I have bought similar jacks at The Shack numerous times.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 01 December 2009, 18:20:00
Quote from: itlnstln;137797
You should be able to find something very similar in an electronics store (Radio Shack, Altex, whatever-you-have-in-Canada).  I have bought similar jacks at The Shack numerous times.


Thanks. I did not think about these stores. May I should visit them more often :-)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: arfink on Tue, 01 December 2009, 19:07:14
Aww, they don't have the plum model. :(
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: mtl on Wed, 02 December 2009, 19:15:59
Did those color keycaps come with the larger keys such as enter, space, shift, etc.?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 03 December 2009, 08:30:09
Quote from: mtl;138193
Did those color keycaps come with the larger keys such as enter, space, shift, etc.?

IIRC, the "rep" from KBC said they only have the letter keys right now, and they would be coming out with a full 104-key set in the near future.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Fri, 04 December 2009, 12:24:26
Someone in Germany wants to get some KBC sets?
Because I wanna do a second order there this or next month!
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Fri, 04 December 2009, 12:37:07
Quote from: ripster;138791
Wow, I counted 14 boxes in the OP. You must REALLY like these.
Yes, I really like them...
But a lot of this keyset were for sale/friends, same with the next ones!

Quote from: ripster;138791
Doesn't that engraved texture start to bug you after a while?
Not really...
But keep in mind I'm a mechanic, so my fingers are kinda "thick-skinned" ;P
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 04 December 2009, 12:57:31
Quote from: TheSoulhunter;138793
Yes, I really like them...
But a lot of this keyset were for sale/friends, same with the next ones!

I wonder if one of our favorite distributors might hook us up here in the US...
 
HINT, HINT!!!
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 04 December 2009, 13:18:54
I guess we need to send Weebay up there to regulate. He keeps wanting that NY package, but we know Prop Joe's got the good stuff coming in from the Greek from overseas.  We just need to figure out what canisters the goods are coming in on.
 
Wait...
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: sixty on Fri, 04 December 2009, 14:28:40
Quote from: TheSoulhunter;138793
Yes, I really like them...
But a lot of this keyset were for sale/friends, same with the next ones!


Not really...
But keep in mind I'm a mechanic, so my fingers are kinda "thick-skinned" ;P

I actually barely notice the engraving at all. It is nowhere near as deep as it looks on the pictures. I can actually barely feel a difference when sliding my finger over the engraved keys compared to the blank ones.

Only thing that slightly annoys me is that the red keys are slightly transparent due to being such thin plastic. You can actually see the MX plunger through the keycap, even if only very very lightly and under some light circumstances.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 04 December 2009, 14:33:54
Quote from: sixty;138828
Only thing that slightly annoys me is that the red keys are slightly transparent due to being such thin plastic. You can actually see the MX plunger through the keycap, even if only very very lightly and under some light circumstances.

I think I see what you are talking about in the blue key in this pic (the back edge):
 
(http://soulhunter.razorbb.net/misc/KBC_CapBottom.jpg)
 
That's kind of a shame. Are the black ones translucent? They don't appear to be in the pics.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Fri, 04 December 2009, 14:43:23
Quote from: sixty;138828

Only thing that slightly annoys me is that the red keys are slightly transparent due to being such thin plastic. You can actually see the MX plunger through the keycap, even if only very very lightly and under some light circumstances.

Yeah, noticed the same, also only under certain lighting conditions n viewing angles, not so on the blacks tho. They should add more color to the caps and/or make the X profile less deep... Well, maybe we can fix this relatively easy. As what you see is the "hollow space" of the X profile, filling it up with something could fix this!?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: sixty on Fri, 04 December 2009, 14:43:49
Quote from: itlnstln;138832
I think I see what you are talking about in the blue key in this pic (the back edge):
 
Show Image
(http://soulhunter.razorbb.net/misc/KBC_CapBottom.jpg)

 
That's kind of a shame. Are the black ones translucent? They don't appear to be in the pics.


Nope, black is perfectly black. I tried to take a picture of what I mean but its really hard to catch, especially since its barely visible in real-life.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: 1839cc on Sat, 05 December 2009, 12:48:11
Quote from: ripster;139084
Someday I'll..... go completely nerdy.
You haven't yet??
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: gun_sl1nger on Sat, 05 December 2009, 19:50:26
Where did you get the keypad?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: gun_sl1nger on Sat, 05 December 2009, 20:18:12
thanks shall do
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: cfishy on Tue, 08 December 2009, 20:14:05
I read traditional Chinese. It says they are laser cut ABS key caps.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: sixty on Tue, 08 December 2009, 22:45:10
Quote from: cfishy;140319
I read traditional Chinese. It says they are laser cut ABS key caps.


However.. all of them have ">PBT<" stamped into the actual keycap on the bottom. Slightly visible on the orange.. i mean red key here. (http://t.oomuch.info/src/1259945748251.jpg)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: sixty on Mon, 14 December 2009, 05:06:24
Quote from: ripster;141563
It's been a while.  Do they feel much different on the keyboards than the original keys?  How about the big engraved look - notice that at all?  In the Ducky post the OP says they are lasered.  

 Just checking in.


They do feel very different to the original Filco keys, thats for sure. They feel however similar to Cherry old-generation PBT keys. Their sound is entirely different, the blue MX feel a bit more dampened.. hard to explain. I like it!

The engraving is barely noticeable at all when typing, I could not even tell. Its much more subtle than the newer G80 lasered keys.

Other than that.. they collect dust just as well as any other black keycaps!

Honestly, these keycaps are a nice way to enhance your Filco. They fit perfectly and match the original caps. If you have a chance, grab em.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 21 December 2009, 08:55:26
Humm, someone able to translate this? (http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-db2-04c06ab730458d4e093c611a4249d855.htm)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 21 December 2009, 09:18:22
Quote from: sixty;140352
However.. all of them have ">PBT<" stamped into the actual keycap on the bottom. Slightly visible on the orange.. i mean red key here. (http://t.oomuch.info/src/1259945748251.jpg)

Perhaps they were simply too stingy to make a 2nd set of forms with >ABS< inside? ;)
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: keyb_gr on Tue, 22 December 2009, 09:56:18
Quote from: ripster;144184
Wish I knew what plastic IBM keys were made of.

Somebody ask UNICOMP next time you give them a call.

x2
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: cfishy on Sun, 27 December 2009, 03:17:40
Quote from: TheSoulhunter;144143
Humm, someone able to translate this? (http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-db2-04c06ab730458d4e093c611a4249d855.htm)


it says cherry replacement keycaps, PBT. four different profiles for four different rows, according to that graph you see there.

it says those are dyed with a seep through type of method, so do not use sharp things to scratch it, like sharp metals.

5 bucks each. not exactly sure what currency but this is simplified chinese, so i assume it's yuan.  it's in Beijing and they aren't selling or stocking much.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 27 December 2009, 12:18:41
Quote from: cfishy;145504
it says cherry replacement keycaps, PBT. four different profiles for four different rows, according to that graph you see there.

it says those are dyed with a seep through type of method, so do not use sharp things to scratch it, like sharp metals.

5 bucks each. not exactly sure what currency but this is simplified chinese, so i assume it's yuan.  it's in Beijing and they aren't selling or stocking much.

Thank you!

Currency is probably RMB, so ~50 Euro Cent per cap... Too bad they are just dyed, heh? :/
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Fri, 14 January 2011, 14:10:18
Anyone: Do they fit on the Choco Mini ?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Fri, 14 January 2011, 15:36:35
ripster, isnt that (above) a pic of the home row key (F)?
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: Azuremen on Fri, 14 January 2011, 22:39:35
Quote from: ripster;278713
Yep - the KBC keys is included in the Key Reference Wiki but nobody has taken Noppoo key pics.  The KBC's look closer to Cherrys than Filcos to me.
This is what I am wondering about. Do we have a clear answer on the profile for these?

EDIT: I've gone and mixed up threads. whoops.
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: Muhi on Fri, 14 January 2011, 22:56:21
Yes you can use them, but they wouldn't line up with the stock keys.

http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/902905-review-noppoo-choc-mini-mechanical-keyboad-7.html#post11921287

Although I wouldn't think that a 27-key set would feel that odd, just elevated a millimeter or three from it's surrounding keys
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: Azuremen on Sat, 15 January 2011, 02:41:37
Quote from: Muhi;278855
Yes you can use them, but they wouldn't line up with the stock keys.

http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/902905-review-noppoo-choc-mini-mechanical-keyboad-7.html#post11921287

Although I wouldn't think that a 27-key set would feel that odd, just elevated a millimeter or three from it's surrounding keys


I meant KBC keys on a Filco. I haven't found a clear answer, but looks like they are from what I am seeing Just wondering before I put money down for that group buy of KBC keys...
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sat, 15 January 2011, 12:56:06
Uhm, but my KBC caps are kinda identical to the Filco ones.
my Cherry caps are less tall and have a different profile...
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sat, 15 January 2011, 17:36:59
Quick measuring with a digital caliper...

Filco: 8.55-8.60 mm height in profile center
KBC: 8.60-8.65 mm height in profile center

Filco: 9.35-9.40 mm height at profiles outer edge
KBC: 9.30-9.35 mm height at profiles outer edge


Thing is, I use KBC and Filco caps mixed,
and while the height difference with Cherry profile ones is noticeable,
it isn't so with the KBCs! Perhaps KBC changed their profile since I ordered mine?

Also, this fssbzz shot shows the KBC cap tilted in the sideview as it lies on the angeled side,
but in your shot the caps stand on their bottom so they are not tilted -> different perspective!
Title: KBC Keycaps
Post by: fssbzz on Mon, 17 January 2011, 21:52:01
i will take pic of noppoo key cap profile once i got my noppoo here in Singapore.
noppoo profile are very identical to cherry key cap profile.
for me.
KBC PBT = Filco =Das = Rosewill = Ducky Profile.