experiments with dyeing switches

[cy384]

I've been thinking about doing a translucent blue themed keyboard, and I have a pile of matias and gateron switches laying around (also some lab surplus glassware and a stirring hotplate), so I thought I'd try dyeing them.  I used RIT liquid dye (navy), mixed with an equal amount of water, at 45-50 celsius, stirred constantly.

The gateron switches became pretty dark after about 30 minutes, and slightly darker after 60 minutes.  The matias switches didn't take on any of the dye, even after two hours.  Ultimately, the gateron switches ended up a bit darker than I wanted, and using shorter times would probably only make the color inconsistent or not penetrate deeply enough.  Also, disassembling and reassembling many switches would be a pain.  Conclusion: maybe worth it, might be better with other/lighter dye colors.

[JorisBoers]

Looks really cool, I will try my hand on this in my next build but then only with the switch tops.

Thanks for putting this up since I thought I might not be able to get it to work :3

[rpeterclark]

I've read that RIT changed their formula back a year or two ago and that it's pretty terrible at dying plastics now. Recent guides recommend iDye Poly now: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/?k=idye+poly

I used iDye on clear Gateron stems a while back and it worked great.

[FoC_Tow]

Is there any noticeable difference in smoothness especially whit dyed stems?

Really like the idea and still have quite a few Gaterons left...
Definitely considering to try this! 

[cy384]

Is there any noticeable difference in smoothness especially whit dyed stems?

My dyed/undyed switches feel about the same, I think the biggest difference would be the lubrication; stems/sliders are very slightly lubricated from the factory, so if you want to dye those, I would advise cleaning them first and having some lube to put on after dyeing.