Different topre keycaps ?

[Yuuki]

Hi
I already asked this here : http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=10610.msg716710#msg716710
But didn't get any answer so bear with me

I'd like to know what the difference between the keycap of my rf87u and my rf 105 french from keyboardco.
I ask this because I'd like to buy some sets but i'm not sure what kind of keycaps i'll get (EK sets for example).
And I don't want to have different kind of keycaps on the same keyboards. It's not a big deal for esc or the modifiers key, but it can be a problem for a wasd set.

Best regards

[hasu]

dyesub PBT vs laser marking ABS?

[Yuuki]

is that so ?

I guess the rf87's one are pbt dyesub whereas the rf105 french are abs laser ?

In that case, I also assume the EK sets are pbt dyesub ?

[dorkvader]

is that so ?

I guess the rf87's one are pbt dyesub whereas the rf105 french are abs laser ?

In that case, I also assume the EK sets are pbt dyesub ?

I got a set from EK once and it was PBT (blank). I am pretty sure they're all PBT Dyesub.

It is entirely possible that both are PBT Dyesub, but one has used a somewhat different mold for whatever reason.

[Yuuki]

Thanks for your answer.

Yeah maybe there are both PBT dyesub.
Unfortunately, Bruce isn't answering in the kbco thread nor by email.

And I actually like a lot the feeling of those unidentified topre keycaps from keyboardco. I need to know exactly what they are if I want to purchase something similar.

[nar]

The 105 French layout is PBT Lasered (The gold colour is from lasering). Unfortunately all keycap sets are either PBT blank or sublimation so you won't find a perfect replacement text wise, you also mentioned your keycaps were smooth? Looks like the 105 layout doesn't add on the bumpy top layer that the dyesub and blank keycaps have, there are also no keycap sets with the same smooth feel so your out of luck in that department too.

[Yuuki]

Oh I see
Thanks for your answer.
When I said "smooth", I meant that the feeling on my finger on the keycap was less "rubbish". I wasn't talking about the switch or something

Well, I won't buy a set for that rf105 I guess !

On a side note, a coworker has a jis Topre based keybord (not a real force) with the same keycaps as my 105.
And that's tell me that maybe those kind of lasered PBT keycaps aren't really that uncommon.
Will take pic ASAP

Thx

[Yuuki]

My coworker keyboard is a dharmapoint (with dipswitches in the back)
Can't find his model on their home page http://www.dharmapoint.com/products/keyboard
The feeling of the keycap is exactly the same  as my rf105 from keyboardco so I assume they are pbt lasered too. The printed letters are bigger though and cover more space on the keycaps.

So maybe I can get that kind of keycaps separately somewhere...

[nar]

The lasered keycaps aren't that uncommon indeed, there are quite a few models with lasered PBT in Japan, basically any model that ends with a K. Probably because people want a black keyboard but want to actually be able to read the key legends. Unfortunately, they still don't release lasered keycap sets, only way to get them is to harvest them from existing keyboards.

The dharmapoint is a rebranded realforce.

And thats what I meant when I mentioned smooth. All the keycap sets have the same bumpy texture as normal dyesubbed realforce keycaps.

Actually while I know the realforce keycap sets aren't smooth, I'm not sure about the HHKB ones, might want to ask someone with a HHKB about that. They might be smooth. Won't be able to do a 100% replacement but you can at least get all the letters and some of the modifiers.

[Yuuki]

Another coworker has a HHKB
I'll try it and will be able to assert the type of keycaps.