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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: drodaded on Thu, 14 December 2017, 11:50:50

Title: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: drodaded on Thu, 14 December 2017, 11:50:50
Hi Guys,

I am struggling right now a bit - I would like to make my Gamdias Hermes Ultimate happy with a set of new key caps. I am basically looking for:
- blank black caps,
- I need them too have the Costar stabilizer compatibility (I have exactly this kind (http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb40/Zetc/P1010875.jpg)),
- ideally including more 1U keys (not just for Win/Fn, but I have 13 extra keys by a design - so with these at least an option or some just 1U keys set by the same manufacturer)).

What do you reckon, is there something for me? I have briefly checked Ali and eBay, but no success, almost no offer had that mentioned (or mentioned in a way I did not get that information).
Preferebly no US-only offers (I am EU-based), but if there is nothing else, then even that is great to have at least an idea.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Tactile on Thu, 14 December 2017, 13:11:13
Any set will work with your stabs, you just need to use inserts (https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-parts/cherry-mx-keycap-stabilizer-insert-2pcs.html).

Most cap sets are sculpted, meaning different heights for different rows. The A-S-D row caps are usually lower than the 1-2-3 row, for example. You may get extra 1U caps but if they don't match the row profile where you want to place them the heights will be different.

There are usually extra caps in the sets from EnjoyPBT and they are very nice caps, available in blank black, but I don't know anything about sources in Europe.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: drodaded on Thu, 14 December 2017, 14:08:38
Oh, I have just realized that...you are absolutely right about inserts...

By EnjoyPBT, do you mean KBDfans seller
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keycaps
https://kbdfans.aliexpress.com/store/2230037 .

If so, then basically I should buy:
- https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/products/enjoypbt-blank-keycaps-117keys?variant=36740706893
- https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keycaps/products/kbdfans-blank-pbt-keycaps (amount I want)?
Now, the size question, I see that R* sizes - do these describe a row they are meant for (R1 is numbers, R2 QWERT..., R3 ASDF..., R4 ZXCV...)?

They are indeed very nice looking. And not even mentioning price, I have absolutely no complains!
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Tactile on Thu, 14 December 2017, 15:14:41
Oh, I have just realized that...you are absolutely right about inserts...

By EnjoyPBT, do you mean KBDfans seller
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keycaps
https://kbdfans.aliexpress.com/store/2230037 .

If so, then basically I should buy:
- https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/products/enjoypbt-blank-keycaps-117keys?variant=36740706893
- https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keycaps/products/kbdfans-blank-pbt-keycaps (amount I want)?
Now, the size question, I see that R* sizes - do these describe a row they are meant for (R1 is numbers, R2 QWERT..., R3 ASDF..., R4 ZXCV...)?


Yes, you've got it right. The R* numbers designate the row. But those 1U caps are OEM profile and the EnjoyPBT sets are Cherry profile so, once again, they won't match (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84612.0). The easiest way to do what you want would be to just buy two sets of EnjoyPBT blank, black caps. That's what I did (two sets - dark & light grey) when I wanted a two-tone set of blank caps on one of my boards.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: drodaded on Thu, 14 December 2017, 15:42:49
Oh, I see, but that is not really an issue, I need those extra ones just for extra macro-keys - they are separated from others and maybe even a bit different finish will make it more distinguishable by touch.
I am not ready yet to buy two sets at once (and risk higher customs fee).

Thank you, I have them all already ordered. One o-ring set too (even tho I need just one or two o-rings for my "C" key as it is...bit jammed and would get stuck if pressed fully (my mistake and damage)). Can't wait.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: allenwisky123 on Tue, 19 December 2017, 01:51:30
I would like to see your Keycaps set.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Tactile on Tue, 19 December 2017, 01:56:37
I would like to see your Keycaps set.

If you mean mine, it looks like this (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45475.msg2345407#msg2345407).
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 20 December 2017, 17:54:40
To be honest, for your intended purpose, you probably can only do it this way:

Basic set (pick blank in the option);
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keycap-set/104-key-cherry-mx-keycap-set.html

Buy the extra 1x1 keys (top area):
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles/row-4-size-1x1-cherry-mx-keycap.html

Buy the short right shift:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles/row-1-size-1x1-75-cherry-mx-keycap.html

Buy the Alt and Ctrl keys (not sure what size you have but browse from this page, unless it's standard size then it will be included in your base set, my guess is that it's probably 1.5 mod):
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles.html

It's doable but it will be quite expensive and you have to count the keycaps carefully.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Tactile on Wed, 20 December 2017, 21:20:56
To be honest, for your intended purpose, you probably can only do it this way:

Basic set (pick blank in the option);
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keycap-set/104-key-cherry-mx-keycap-set.html

Buy the extra 1x1 keys (top area):
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles/row-4-size-1x1-cherry-mx-keycap.html

Buy the short right shift:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles/row-1-size-1x1-75-cherry-mx-keycap.html

Buy the Alt and Ctrl keys (not sure what size you have but browse from this page, unless it's standard size then it will be included in your base set, my guess is that it's probably 1.5 mod):
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/blank-keycap-singles.html

It's doable but it will be quite expensive and you have to count the keycaps carefully.

I think you are replying to the wrong person. Thanks but I'm not shopping for keycaps.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Hyde on Thu, 21 December 2017, 18:13:34
Ops LOL yes I'm replying to wrong person, but anyway in OP's case I'd still not recommend going for it.

It's going to be quite expensive and you might not even find the right size spacebar and Alt/Ctrl keys.
Title: Re: [Purchase Recommendation] Keycaps set - blank, black, Costar, 1u win/fn
Post by: Tactile on Thu, 21 December 2017, 18:43:12
Ops LOL yes I'm replying to wrong person, but anyway in OP's case I'd still not recommend going for it.

It's going to be quite expensive and you might not even find the right size spacebar and Alt/Ctrl keys.

I think you're looking at my keyboard, not his. The OP hasn't posted any photos.