Author Topic: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?  (Read 2836 times)

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Offline qqqq350479703

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DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:09:10 »
Why do they cost more then normal keycaps from like wasd and is it very good?
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Offline badcop

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:13:03 »
EXTREMELY

they cost more to produce and wasd caps are similar to OEM quaility. 

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Double-shot_molding

PBT

PBT (short for "polybutylene terephthalate") is one of the hardest, most durable materials for keycaps. It is more resilient against heat and chemicals than ABS, but its properties also makes it more difficult to mould, which makes it more uncommon.
Legends on PBT keys are often laser-etched or dye-sublimated but only very rarely double shot moulded. Because of shrinkage during demoulding, PBT is also rarely used for the largest key, the space bar, with a notable exception being Cherry.
PBT does not turn yellow from exposure to ultraviolet light, like ABS does. The resilience against heat makes it a good candidate for dyeing in a hot dye bath.
PBT keys can be found on the IBM Model M, Topre Realforce keyboards, some vintage Apple keyboards and all contemporary grey and some older beige/grey keyboards from Cherry in the G80 and G81 series.
« Last Edit: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:15:05 by badcop »
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Offline Photekq

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:15:01 »
The keycaps are generally thicker which is a good thing.

The print is also far more durable. Dyesub and doubleshot will never wear away unlike lasered, pad print etc.
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Offline nubbinator

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:15:34 »
Holy cow that's an obnoxious font size and color.

The legends will last a lot longer with dyesub and double shots than they will with WASD's laser engraving and etching.

As for ABS vs PBT, it's a preference thing.  Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the caps from WASD.  They feel cheap, too flexible, and flimsy to me.  On the other hand, my PBT caps are more rigid feeling and are more pleasant for me to type on.

Offline qqqq350479703

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:26:10 »
Does people on groupbuys sell DyeSub PBT or oem keycaps. The price of a set of dyesub pbt is around 90 dollars, and wasd keycaps are around 40 right?
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:33:00 »
There's a GB right now being run by IvanIvanovitch who is selling PBT dyesub sets for $75. Check the GB sub-forum.

Offline qqqq350479703

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:41:58 »
There's a GB right now being run by IvanIvanovitch who is selling PBT dyesub sets for $75. Check the GB sub-forum.

oh thanks im new to the forum, people are very nice here.
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: DyeSub PBT and DoubleShot ABS?
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:53:50 »
No problem! Welcome to GH ^__^

Edit: Also there is a thread that's entirely dedicated to simple questions. It's in the Keyboard sub-forum and it's called Simple Questions Simple Answers. If you post there, myself or some of the other lurkers there (like jdcarpe) will probably get you an answer super fast. Check it out :D