Modify / reuse Apple aluminum?

[Netdewt]

I have a dying Apple aluminum at home that drops new keys every day. Any ideas on how I could reuse the case? Crazy thought... but what if I added thickness to it and soldered in Cherry switches? I suppose all the key sizes are wacky.

[sth]

Could be a cool project but the PCB won't be at all compatible with cherry switches.

You could probably find a schematic for it online and create a cherry version relatively easily though.

[urbanus]

but what if I added thickness to it and soldered in Cherry switches? I suppose all the key sizes are wacky.

It might help if you posted your exact model.  However if it's anything like the Apple aluminium keyboards I've used I think it would be challenging, especially on the top and bottom rows.  Apple function keys are small and down close to the number row.  On the bottom, their ctrl, alt, meta and space bar sizes and positions might not match the keys you're cannibalising... unless, that is, you're planning to mount the Apple scissor-switch keycaps on top of the new cherry switches.  It would be tricky to get that working smoothly.  And what about stabilisers on the larger keys -- where would they mount?

I think this would be quite a tricky mod.  If you could get it all working that would be insane... maybe in a good way, but not necessarily. :smile:

[Netdewt]

Are there different models?

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Not likely I can do this, I just have a trash keyboard... maybe worth a try.