Azio Mech 5 spacebar

[MattBuzzy]

Being new to modding keyboards I have no idea about things like key lengths, and was wondering if someone could please tell the the length of the spacebar on the Azio Mech 5?

I know it is non standard, and the control keys are .25 longer each, so I assume the spacebar is .5 shorter than standard but what is standard?

Also where could I get a custom replacement? The bar type is a 3 post with stabiliser bar, would anywhere even do a custom bar or am I stuck with the standard one unless I paint it myself?

What I want is quite simple, all I want is a white bar, with a duck wearing and astronaut helmet in the middle of the bar. (Dragonball Z Abridged fans will understand )

If I could get some information on this bar it would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: On doing some more research, WASD spacebars seem to be 6.75, making mine 6.25 if I am not mistaken..

[IvanIvanovich]

It appears to be 5.75 space. It's non standard and basically you are stuck with it. You won't find that size for aftermarket cap anywhere.
Most current boards use the 6.25 size. Other common standards are 6 and 7, though even these can be tricky to find for aftermarket depending.

[MattBuzzy]

Ouch... I guess I will have to paint it myself or just leave it. If I do paint it, could anyone recommend what paint I use that will not wear off quickly or damage my key?

Or even of a service I could send my spacebar too and have it done? ... hmm that would be expensive.

Maybe I will just live with a black Spacebar (which I don't mind really as they are fairly high quality stock keys) and get my next keyboard which will hopefully be a Quickfire Rapid with MX Greens with the custom bar I want.

[Rapid]

Ouch... I guess I will have to paint it myself or just leave it. If I do paint it, could anyone recommend what paint I use that will not wear off quickly or damage my key?

Or even of a service I could send my spacebar too and have it done? ... hmm that would be expensive.

Maybe I will just live with a black Spacebar (which I don't mind really as they are fairly high quality stock keys) and get my next keyboard which will hopefully be a Quickfire Rapid with MX Greens with the custom bar I want.

Hmmm I don't think you'll have that easy of a time finding a Quickfire with MX greens (not that common from what I've seen available in retail)...

It seems like you would most likely having a spacing issue on the bottom row where your spacebar is. So your only option is to spray paint. What works is basically to sand down the spacebar (use a low to high grit (60-250 or so)). You can pick up variety packs of this sort of thing in most stores that have this kind of stuff. Then get yourself a primer, and a spray paint that binds to plastic (or any really that says it's made for plastic, or supports it at least). Then be patient with the spray painting and take it one coat at a time. And make sure you do a wet sand on the space bar (and do it properly, invest a bit of time into this process to be sure you've got the whole thing).

[Leslieann]

Why not consider a different key.
Get one on one or more mod keys. WASD can do this, and it wouldn't wear off, but it would only be two toned. You could even make it cover several keys. A perfect spot is the Windows or the ESC key.

If you do paint one, you want paint designed to flex and/or for plastics. Get a model paint kit from a hobby store, and be sure to use lots of clear and redo the clear at the first signs of wear. Fingernail polish could also work, but will be a lot more expensive.

QFR with greens are available at the CM-Storm store and appear to be in stock.

[Rapid]

Why not consider a different key.
Get one on one or more mod keys. WASD can do this, and it wouldn't wear off, but it would only be two toned. You could even make it cover several keys. A perfect spot is the Windows or the ESC key.

If you do paint one, you want paint designed to flex and/or for plastics. Get a model paint kit from a hobby store, and be sure to use lots of clear and redo the clear at the first signs of wear. Fingernail polish could also work, but will be a lot more expensive.

QFR with greens are available at the CM-Storm store and appear to be in stock.

I stand corrected!

Also that sounds like a fantastic way to do it as well. Might work better that way

[MattBuzzy]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I will take it all into consideration and make a decision based on what feels the best route to go down.

Unfortunately for the reference to be perfect it would need to be the space bar http://tfsrox.wikia.com/wiki/Space_Duck that being said though I could make a space duck key, it just wouldn't be my spacebar. 

Currently looking at getting a yellow Ducky keychain from Cactux and using it as my escape key but the ridiculous cost of postage in Australia is proving to make things difficult.

[okooko]

Time for a new keyboard Matt.

[MattBuzzy]

XD I was planning on getting one with blues or greens for Uni anyway so that is fine with me