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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: SenorCit on Tue, 30 August 2016, 07:57:05
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Does anyone have experience with the durability of Topre's laser etched light gold on black PBT keycaps? I've scoured the internets, but my google-fu has failed me. The Deskthority Topre page mentions that they're not as durable as the dye sub version, but it doesn't actually say by how much.
I use a Topre 105UB variable at work, and it has the black on black PBT keycaps. I'm considering getting another Topre (45g uniform) for use at home, and currently KeyboardCo is the only source for Topres with a Finnish/Swedish layout. Unfortunately, they only have the 105 with the laser etched keycaps. I've had a bad experience before with laser etched ABS that started to wear off within months on my old Matias Quiet Pro. Is lasered PBT any better? My understanding is that Topre doesn't use any filling colour with the caps, the gold being a byproduct of the engraving process.
...input, anyone? Thanks!
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KeyboardCo's customer service said that they've sold the Gold Print version for 5-6 years, and have yet to get any complaints about the legends wearing off. That's kind of reassuring, but if anyone has first hand experience, I would still appreciate the input. :)
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It seems very similar if not the same as black Dell AT101 and recent Cherry G80s labeling. Those two I know for sure pretty much never wear out as they were used and abused for years in my previous company. Dell was used by a video editor, for at least 4 years, G80s were used by many people, developers, project managers and operators. We've had switches (MX blues) failing but keycaps although shiny as hell, never fade out.
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It is PBT. You should be fine.
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That's pretty great to hear. I think I might bite the bullet, the gold print would be nice for gaming with the lights down, as an added bonus. Thanks for the replies! :)
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