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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 14:59:05

Title: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 14:59:05

I know Topre (RF) makes the PCB and the switches for the FC660C, and the individual parts are sent to Leopold China for assembly. What I don't know is if Leopold uses their own molds for the caps, or if Topre does the caps for Leopold.

Either way, one of my dream boards would be a white blank FC660C or a white blank RF 87U (mostly the Leo). As of now, only HHKB has the option for blank caps. Yes, one could cannibalize the alphas and some of the mods from a HHKB and transplant them onto the Leo or the RF, but that wouldn't get all the correct profiles and both boards would not be able to cover all the mods.

So, who else is interested in getting blank PBTs for their Topre?

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: HeeCh2ei on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:15:10

The case of 660c is off-white, so white caps will looks strange on it.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:23:10

Quote from: HeeCh2ei on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:15:10

The case of 660c is off-white, so white caps will looks strange on it.

Well, I'd like the off-white caps it comes with, but in blanks. Same with the gray mods.

And the proper white for RF 87U

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: HeeCh2ei on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:26:53

Quote from: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:23:10

Quote from: HeeCh2ei on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:15:10

The case of 660c is off-white, so white caps will looks strange on it.

Well, I'd like the off-white caps it comes with, but in blanks. Same with the gray mods.

And the proper white for RF 87U

I'd like that too. Vendors surely underestimate the power of blanks.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: phoible on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:36:06

I spent a while trying to find a blank FC660C. Then I just bought a barebones Novatouch and put blank PBT keycaps on it.

If you do a slider swap, you can use whatever keycaps you want. Unfortunately that requires dismantling a Novatouch, so it isn't exactly affordable for most people.

Maybe someone will manufacture a reasonably priced set of mx sliders (I'm guessing it wouldn't be expensive to mass produce them, but there might be somewhat limited demand).

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:37:36

Quote from: phoible on Sat, 11 June 2016, 15:36:06

I spent a while trying to find a blank FC660C. Then I just bought a barebones Novatouch and put blank PBT keycaps on it.

If you do a slider swap, you can use whatever keycaps you want. Unfortunately that requires dismantling a Novatouch, so it isn't exactly affordable for most people.

Maybe someone will manufacture a reasonably priced set of mx sliders (I'm guessing it wouldn't be expensive to mass produce them, but there might be somewhat limited demand).

I'd rather venders make blank sets. Less work for the consumer, and I don't want to alter the Topre experience by adding the sliders.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: _PixelNinja on Sat, 11 June 2016, 17:08:12

I would love to be able to have off-white keycaps with matching PBT spacebar for the FC660C/EW. I don't see this happening any time soon though (prove me wrong Topre).

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 17:27:31

If I get enough responses here, I may do a real IC in the IC section.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: _PixelNinja on Sat, 11 June 2016, 17:37:20

Considering how few the owners of the FC660C/EW seem to be, the very high MOQ Matt3o needed to get his PBT space bar GB rolling, not to mention how obscure collaborating with Topre comes off as, I wonder if this is a viable project... I will be keeping an eye on this, however.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Sat, 11 June 2016, 17:48:49

Don't ruin my dreams!

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: _PixelNinja on Sat, 11 June 2016, 17:59:55

Don't get me wrong — I'm a proud owner of a Leopold Mini C and would love to see this happen.

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: ntw on Sun, 12 June 2016, 13:51:03

I have tried...

(http://i.imgur.com/V7OFTDa.png)

Title: Re: Blank caps for Leopold and RF
Post by: theXavier89 on Fri, 17 June 2016, 22:40:46

Quote from: ntw on Sun, 12 June 2016, 13:51:03

I have tried...

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/V7OFTDa.png)

I'll get persuasive with them.