Prolonging the life of a Das Keyboard

[DrakeMegrim]

Hello all, new poster but I've been lurking here for a week or so.  

So I bought my first, and only, mechanical keyboard.  I purchased a Das Keyboard Model S Professional with media keys in May of 2010.  I'm a pretty heavy gamer and probably an average typist.  I love the MX-blues but most of my keys are completely shiny and over no textured resistance.
 
DK doesn't sell a full set of their keys.  Will keys from wasdkeyboards.com fit properly and give the same feel that the DK keys once did?

Does anyone have any suggestions at prolonging the life of the keyboard?  I already remove the keys and clean the keys and board yearly and clean that glossy finish about ever day.  (Damn you glossy finish!)

One last question, Is there a way to tell, other then feel, if the keys are starting to let go?  I now they say 50 million keystrokes but I'm a really heavy gamer so the left side of my keyboard has some really hard use.  I probably won't go with DK again but that sleep function and the fact that it doesn't have a left windows key is what's made me keep it for so long.

[zirb]

[...]
DK doesn't sell a full set of their keys.  Will keys from wasdkeyboards.com fit properly and give the same feel that the DK keys once did?
[...]

First, Welcome to Geekhack

The keys from wasdkeyboards.com will fit your Das 100%
I can't tell if they feel exactly the same, but most likely they will.

I can only imagine how the glossy finish is annoying after longer use of time

EDIT: You could also jump in on one of the currently open GroupBuys for Doubleshots!

[DrakeMegrim]

Most likely when the switches start to go you'll get key chatterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Is there an easy way to check for chatter?

[DrakeMegrim]

The keys from wasdkeyboards.com will fit your Das 100%

I can only imagine how the glossy finish is annoying after longer use of time

EDIT: You could also jump in on one of the currently open GroupBuys for Doubleshots!

Thanks!  It really is.  I love the board but was hesitant on buying another keyboard just for keys.

Those doubleshots look good but the forum said they use ABS plastic which gets shiny fast.  

[Autolyze]

Those doubleshots look good but the forum said they use ABS plastic which gets shiny fast.  

ABS does get shiny, but both the Das and WASD keycaps are ABS too. It's not as noticeable visually if you're using light colored keys though.

[Jamesbeat]

I wonder if key shine could be eliminated with acetone?
Obviously, this would only work on ABS double shot keys, but maye some judicious stippling with an acetone-soaked rag, stiff-bristled brush or sponge might restore an acceptable texture?
Perhaps a quick swipe with acetone followed by stippling with a dry toothbrush?

I need a method to retexturize ABS on a keyboard case that I'm modifying.
I'll do some experiments...

[DrakeMegrim]

Acetone would be too rough.  I guess someone could try and maybe make a acetone:water mixture so the plastic doesn't dissolve as fast.  You're probably right ripster.  I may just look into buying a new set of keys ever year or two instead.  

[Kazen]

well, i own a Das. and what i usually prevent to do is not type on my keyboard when my fingers are "oily" from fat food ect.
also, i started regretting eating behind my computer, now that i have a 110€ keyboard in front of me.

also.. totally off-topic, but this was my first post.

[notnay]

I hear lube is good for this kind of thing.

Lots, and lots of lube...

Lots of lube....

Lube...