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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: smithyithy on Fri, 03 February 2017, 08:43:13

Title: Shaving keycap stems
Post by: smithyithy on Fri, 03 February 2017, 08:43:13

Just curious really, I suppose it depends on a few factors but how difficult would it be to shave down a cap stem?

For some context, I'm wondering if a Topre-stem could be shaved down to fit into an Alps/style switch. It wouldn't need to be 100% perfect as it would be like an artisan and sit in the ESC space, but I wonder if the male stem of a Topre cut be modified with a decent craft knife to fit snug/straight enough..

Am I crazy? I'm apprehensive about taking a knife to a £40 keycap but at the same time it could result in the perfect finishing touch for my board..

Title: Re: Shaving keycap stems
Post by: keytohopiness on Fri, 03 February 2017, 09:41:57

No, sorry.

Title: Re: Shaving keycap stems
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 04 February 2017, 22:50:35

I tried carving an MX keycap stem to fit Topre, long before MX-compatible Topre sliders were available.

Although I ended up with a keycap that would fit on, it wouldn't stay on.

Some talented artisans have since created a TMX stem which fits on Topre and MX without modification.

A better bet would be to remove the old stem and superglue a new stem in.

Title: Re: Shaving keycap stems
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Sat, 04 February 2017, 22:54:47

Quote from: smithyithy on Fri, 03 February 2017, 08:43:13

Just curious really, I suppose it depends on a few factors but how difficult would it be to shave down a cap stem?

For some context, I'm wondering if a Topre-stem could be shaved down to fit into an Alps/style switch. It wouldn't need to be 100% perfect as it would be like an artisan and sit in the ESC space, but I wonder if the male stem of a Topre cut be modified with a decent craft knife to fit snug/straight enough..

Am I crazy? I'm apprehensive about taking a knife to a £40 keycap but at the same time it could result in the perfect finishing touch for my board..

You probably could do it. It would just require careful work and patience.

What does the stem look like by the way?

Title: Re: Shaving keycap stems
Post by: smithyithy on Mon, 06 February 2017, 02:48:25

Well I was thinking it would be easier to cut down an MX stem as there's less material to remove. I think if you cut the vertical 'slots' off, with a bit of filing it would probably fit in an Alps switch.

Don't know if I'm willing to butcher a cap to make it fit though :/

I'm looking at casting some caps myself anyway, and Alps fitment will definitely be an aim.