keycaps: tampoprinted vs lasered?

[ozar]

Hoping one of you might know the answer to this.  I think that I understand the difference in the two processes, but is one process better or more desirable than the other?

I only discovered the tampoprint process earlier today, so don't really know that much about it, or how to compare the two processes just yet.

Thanks to anyone that knows about these procedures.

[lam47]

Dual injection

[itlnstln]

Dual injection

Dual Injection Molded FTW.  Laser printed aren't bad either, but DIM as a better quality look and feel, IMO.

[ozar]

Sandy posted a bit about keycaps and dual injection here, but I'm still a bit confused about all this and the different processes.  I know that many of Cherry's keyboards had the tampoprinted keycaps, while others used lasered.

What was the process used for the old IBM Model M keycaps?  That lettering seems to never rub off regardless of the amount of typing done on them.

[itlnstln]

What was the process used for the old IBM Model M keycaps? That lettering seems to never rub off regardless of the amount of typing done on them.

If I am not mistaken, they are dual injection molded.  DIM works by creating a keycap with a "hole" where the legend is, then pressing a different color plastic into the "hole."  This, IMO, gives the keys a very professional, clean finish that laser can't match (silk screening can, but it has a tendency to rub off).

IMO: DIM > Laser > Silk Screen

[Chloe]

You can read a bit more about keycap technology:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=cn&u=http://blog.dengzhe.com/article.asp?id=253
http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_mold.htm
http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_laser.htm
http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_sublimation_print.htm

Cherry tampoprinted wear quite quickly, but I think they look better for black keycaps than recent lasered. I generally prefer lasered or dye sublimated PBT.

[ozar]

Thanks, Chloe... that looks like it should explain it well.

I really like the looks of that keycap in the 2nd link.

Edit:  That 1st link is full of good info, too, although it takes a bit of concentration even after translation.  

[Etinin]

Anyone knows what process does Unicomp use for their keycaps?