clickclack's custom keycaps =)

[zefrer]

those key-caps.......... jizzzzzzzz
jizzzzzzz
jizzzzzzz

I will never be able to look at those ice caps the same way again

[kriminal]

don't see why ppl were so worked up over skulls, i mean jeez "it drove you crazy" looking at them?

Edit: thnx for the towel, though wet wipes would've been a better bet..

[Fwiffo]

And titanium isn't there some health hazard to using that? or any of the other metals as well in some way shape or form? I guess the same can be said to plastic but still.

I think TI is popular for replacement joints because of its biocompatibility. Niobium might be an interesting choice; it's used for body jewelry for the same reason, and can be given all kinds of interesting colors with anodisation.

Bismuth is a cool choice too. Its low melting point means you can cast things over your kitchen stove, and it's pretty non-toxic, in spite of its notorious neighbors in the periodic table. Its high density, low toxicity and low melting point make it a good replacement for lead in many applications.

Tungsten would be an even heavier choice (70% heavier than lead), but it's really difficult to work with. It's used in jewelry though, so I assume it would be non-toxic enough for a keyboard.

Silver would be very pretty and anti-bacterial, but I suppose pretty high-maintenance.

[~Blood~]

Gold, people, gold! I can already see the nickel (Ni) coatings for metal keys that are highly toxic though. They are everywhere.

However Ti is a very good material, steel too. Unless it comes from Sovjet Russia and is radioactive.

I thought those keys would weigh a bit more than 1g though.



I'd like to see some wooden keys too! There are many, heavy timbers (whatever, no english pro here), some black, some have a nice dark color and a good looking structure.

[Fwiffo]

Ebony or purpleheart keys would kick ass.

[~Blood~]

exactly, ebony would be nice. its black so it fits most keyboards perfectly.

I think metal keys will get too cold eventually to type on. at least in some regions.

[kip69]

Wood has been done and looks nice

but this thread is all about Ti now.  Or other metals as long as you acknowledge they are lesser to Ti.  Gold would need to be Ruthenium (or something like that) coated, but a silver leaf would be nice.  Sell it to hospitals as antiseptic

And I meant stealing the idea earlier.  Print up some with odd fonts or made up fonts.  Who would not like a keyboard with Windings font!?

[~Blood~]

Why would gold need to be coated with something? Its just not as hard as other metals, but its basically resistant to everything.

[clickclack]

That's something I was always wondering myself, but never bothered to post. If by adding enough grams does it reduce the resistance of the switch. In other words does enough weight correlate to reduced switch resistance.
Like say a 6g triple-shot PoM key cap would it literally reduce switch resistance by 6g.
And titanium isn't there some health hazard to using that? or any of the other metals as well in some way shape or form? I guess the same can be said to plastic but still.

Yes it probably would reduce resistance but at the expense of inertia I would think when you smack it (aaaoooh, sounded dirty!)
There would be no 6g POM keycap btw, that plastic does not weigh enough for the size thickness on a standard sized alpha key.
To be 6 grams the dimensions need to be different or the addition of metal is needed. A 2-shotkeycap would have a different meaning altogether! haahaa. I love me some lead!

Ti (especially elementally and commercially pure) is usually 100% biocompatible as is many of it's alloys, so no worries there =)

Pretty easy to do an experiment.  Glue a nickel to a key and type away!

Perfect test solution! I prefer tape though =)

Just think how unsatisfying a face palm would be without a skull.

Show Image

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent keyboards

Show Image

That's so true! And since I face palm daily I would definately notice a difference!
I think I might post up that second pic next to my equipment, haahaa!

I will never be able to look at those ice caps the same way again

You should be ok, it's not like I posted the milky ones. eeww...

don't see why ppl were so worked up over skulls, i mean jeez "it drove you crazy" looking at them?
Edit: thnx for the towel, though wet wipes would've been a better bet..

The towel was soaked in copious amounts of alcohol and antibacterial gel.
I am more thoughtful than you think =)
You can keep it btw, I also sent a pack of matches.

[WhiteRice]

@Fwiffo Where did you learn so much about metallurgy?

[Fwiffo]

I read the internets compulsively. I also worked in the IT department of a drill and cutting tool manufacturer, and picked up a little knowledge of alloys.

[clickclack]

I think TI is popular for replacement joints because of its biocompatibility. Niobium might be an interesting choice; it's used for body jewelry for the same reason, and can be given all kinds of interesting colors with anodisation...

Same with Ti but with thermal patinas and/or current.
We have some of this mentioned earlier in this thread somewhere.

...Bismuth is a cool choice too. Its low melting point means you can cast things over your kitchen stove, and it's pretty non-toxic, in spite of its notorious neighbors in the periodic table. Its high density, low toxicity and low melting point make it a good replacement for lead in many applications....

On the first page I have a bizmuth alloy key.
It is ineed great for lead replacement in some applications but as far as it goes for a surface item it has a less favorable color than other metals. It has a pink tint to it as opposed the the more cool and warm natural tints to some other metals, or other bright white metals.

...Tungsten would be an even heavier choice (70% heavier than lead), but it's really difficult to work with. It's used in jewelry though, so I assume it would be non-toxic enough for a keyboard....

Just don't use the radioactive variants
Actually, when you get into denser and more heavy metals making them into keys become really difficult as they have to be essentially paper sheetmetal in thickness. Or like my Ti key on the first page where it is a two part key, to keep compatibility up and weight down.

...Silver would be very pretty and anti-bacterial, but I suppose pretty high-maintenance.

I actually love how silver patinas, it has a very romantic look when it tarnishes especially over detail. But indeed if you wanted a particular look to stick around a clearcoat would be mostlikely in order. Unless you like waxing your keys... aaaoooh, that sounds kinky too! haahaaa XD

[clickclack]

Gold, people, gold! I can already see the nickel (Ni) coatings for metal keys that are highly toxic though. They are everywhere.
However Ti is a very good material, steel too. Unless it comes from Sovjet Russia and is radioactive.
I thought those keys would weigh a bit more than 1g though.
I'd like to see some wooden keys too! There are many, heavy timbers (whatever, no english pro here), some black, some have a nice dark color and a good looking structure.

Gold looks nice for sure, I have some look alike gold keys. But for right now they would be expensive to make. Although I would be willing when I have more time. It would mostlikely be silver with gold plating. A clearcoat may be requested too, if need be.

I love nickel plating for looks, I think it's dead sexy!

I have a couple steel keycaps, but I have not measured them yet but they feel silly heavy. I am waiting for them to age a bit, I think it would look
awesome with a light industrial oxidation.

Wood keys look pretty cool, I have a nice carved one now but I don't know if I want to produce them. As I would have to send it out or redifine my set up and process.
Check out Ebay for "wood keyboard" or "wood cherry mx board"
Someone makes them and they go for a bit over $1,000.

Ebony or purpleheart keys would kick ass.

Indeed, have you checked out the ebay listing to see what they look like?
This thread is not the place for it but it's neat to check out.

Something shipping would be nice.

Yeah no kidding!
hey... wait a minute!

[Arc'xer]

Wood has been done and looks nice

They've also made some cherry keyboards with some exotic woods.

[Fwiffo]

Tungsten is not radioactive (at least, compared to background and everyday objects), but probably it is too heavy if you even need to do titanium in two parts.

If only cast bismuth could be made to look like this...

[clickclack]

Tungsten is not radioactive (at least, compared to background and everyday objects), but probably it is too heavy if you even need to do titanium in two parts.
If only cast bismuth could be made to look like this...

Indeed Tungsten is not inherently radioactive that is why I said it's "variants" meaning alloys like thoriated. It was apparently a failed joke.

You can make cast bismuth look like that, but it's a ***** to do. Just like many other metals the oil slick color comes from it's oxide layer interacting with different wavelengths. The crystals can be either exposed by laser etching, acid etching or disturbing the pot metal during parial solidification.
I could grow those colorful crystals on a keycap, but my gawd that would be painful to do consistenly and in any quantity.
It would also wear somewhat quickly as bismuth is a bit soft and brittle compared to other metals.
The one I made is a bismuth alloy, which is slightly stronger but wont alloy crystal growth because it's not "pure".

I hope that was clear enough to understand =)
Oooo, I just noticed other posts I should respond to. Will do, after I work on some more keys here in a bit.

[7bit]

Hi clickclack!

It seems those ice-key-caps are made of 2 components. Is it possible take the key cap apart to put some label inside?

Show Image

Anyway, will there be modifier keys, spacebar etc. available as well?

[clickclack]

exactly, ebony would be nice. its black so it fits most keyboards perfectly.
I think metal keys will get too cold eventually to type on. at least in some regions.

It's not that bad, but when it's cold it can be briefly unpleasant.

Wood has been done and looks nice[/URL]
but this thread is all about Ti now.  Or other metals as long as you acknowledge they are lesser to Ti.  Gold would need to be Ruthenium (or something like that) coated, but a silver leaf would be nice.  Sell it to hospitals as antiseptic
And I meant stealing the idea earlier.  Print up some with odd fonts or made up fonts.  Who would not like a keyboard with Windings font!?

Wow, hahaa that was a riot. Ti thanks you for aknowledging its superiority, rofl!

Why would gold need to be coated with something? Its just not as hard as other metals, but its basically resistant to everything.

If done with a thick plating and used infrequently you wouldn't have to worry. The reason for coatings of any kind in this application is to protect it from wear and abrasion since it's a bit soft for a metal. I think you were refering to how gold is somewhat resistant to some types of corrosion.

[clickclack]

Hi clickclack!

It seems those ice-key-caps are made of 2 components. Is it possible take the key cap apart to put some label inside?

Not on these ones, it just looks that way from that angle.

Anyway, will there be modifier keys, spacebar etc. available as well?

Yes, they are just running a bit behind.

Thanks for the interest, and welcome to geekhack by the way =)

[squarebox]

The above sounds like a new idea for Clickclack,
DOUBLE-SHOT ICE CAPS!!!!

[clickclack]

shhhh...
You have imav to thank for that, months ago

[7bit]

Not on these ones, it just looks that way from that angle.
Yes, they are just running a bit behind.

Thanks for the interest, and welcome to geekhack by the way =)

Thaks for the welcome! If the price is not insane, I would take a full set of these.

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Thanks =)
I must admit I don't quite understand what you mean in that first paragraph.
Do you mean making the keys on the buckling spring keyboards more angled (per row) or do you mean the "stepping" of certain keys, namely the moddifiers?

I mean more dimple on a key, basically, instead of the typical near-flat surface of a model M button.

Indeed the gun metal ones look like they belong to men who would use steel wool for a tissue!

Yeah, imagine bringing such a keyboard to the litigation department... I seriously would like a full set of them but maybe not for a Model, rather something like the Solidtek 6600 that I spotted for $45 at DSI (voila).

[calavera]

I joined the forums just for this!

[muchadoaboutnothing]

Haha!

April Fools!  We're all sitting in a Nigerian Internet Cafe.

MW is in the basement somewhere.

And I'm working on our latest email.

Dear Sir,

REQUEST FOR URGENT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP PETROLEUM (SPECIAL) TRUST FUND CONTRACT AWARD REVIEW COMMITTEE Appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to review contract Awards/Payments Approvals in the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). Our duties include evaluation, vetting approvals for payment for contract executed for the PTF.

Am I off to a good start?

[washuai]

I joined the forums just for this!

Yea, somewhere back on this thread, I commented on delurking for this thread.

[clickclack]

Thaks for the welcome! If the price is not insane, I would take a full set of these.

It would be a bit steep for right now, I will probably be offering smaller sized sets to get things going and to start covering my costs. eeeek!
I guess I know what I will be doing in my free time for the foreseeable future.

I mean more dimple on a key, basically, instead of the typical near-flat surface of a model M button.
Yeah, imagine bringing such a keyboard to the litigation department... I seriously would like a full set of them but maybe not for a Model, rather something like the Solidtek 6600 that I spotted for $45 at DSI (voila).

ah, I gettcha now =)

I joined the forums just for this!

Winner of the prestegious "compliment of the day" award.
Thanks! =D
What a wondeful thing to hear.

[clickclack]

Haha!
April Fools!  We're all sitting in a Nigerian Internet Cafe...

LoL

Do you have a sister?

i'll take 2.

And I'm working on our latest email.
Am I off to a good start?

YOU'RE HIRED!

[clickclack]

Haha - just checked the OP.
This thread did start on April 8th, a week AFTER April 1.

Muuahaahaaa...
...nah, nothing would be as funny as those gold ESC skulls. I peaked too early with my humor here. LoL

Yea, somewhere back on this thread, I commented on delurking for this thread.

=)
You guys are making me blush. Hahaa
Except you rippy,  NO SOUP FOR YOU!

[keyboardlover]

MW is in the basement somewhere.

...playing with his dongle.

[7bit]

LoL

i'll take 2.

You can have my sister + mother-in-law alright.

Just send me the keys first.

[ethanb]

I read the internets compulsively. I also worked in the IT department of a drill and cutting tool manufacturer, and picked up a little knowledge of alloys.

And here I thought you'd picked up my recommendation of Dwarf Fortress. Bismuth Bronze FTW!

[Voixdelion]

Wow - come quite a long way now.  Very impressive, ClickClack!  You ever do anything with a lion or leo type of design, put me on the list...

(And here I am just wishing I'd jumped on that red/orange Geekhack Key that was for sale right when I joined having just acquired my Model M... Heh, heh - As a noob and not having the key switch it would fit upon, I decided against claiming one of limited number because I didn't anticipate buying any more keyboards. . . BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! . . .:doh:.)

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Umm... Clicklack, I heard you mention gold-plated silver. I actually like silver more than gold (it's a function of the market only really, there were times and places where silver was more precious than gold). I think I would love such a keyboard. Especially if you could make it look like fatigued, dirty silver. Imagine the touch of an old coin. Cleanable with cigarette ash mixed with lemon squeezed juice (I used to collect coins). Copper could be fun too, especially when it takes the patina. Finger sweat would do the rest (the keys would soon look like a 1 cent coin circulating since 1950).

[kriminal]

copper sounds interesting...

[vicz]

I have no idea if it's even remotely feasible, but thinking of blinged-out keyboard, how about keys made of square cubic zirconia? You can find decently-sized ones at a pretty reasonable price.

[clickclack]

You can have my sister + mother-in-law alright.
Just send me the keys first.

I think we should trade at a mutual location, that way we can make sure we are both getting a deal. No bibs, cuffs, or sedation I want this to be legit!

Wow - come quite a long way now.  Very impressive, ClickClack!  You ever do anything with a lion or leo type of design, put me on the list...

(And here I am just wishing I'd jumped on that red/orange Geekhack Key that was for sale right when I joined having just acquired my Model M... Heh, heh - As a noob and not having the key switch it would fit upon, I decided against claiming one of limited number because I didn't anticipate buying any more keyboards. . . BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! . . .:doh:.)

Thanks =)
I have actually had one other lion request! How odd is that? We shall see, you never know
"didn't anticipate bying any more keyboards"... haahaa, it's ok. It really has happened to the best of us. Hopefully I can fix those gh keys I was making, seventh time is the charm =S

Umm... Clicklack, I heard you mention gold-plated silver. I actually like silver more than gold (it's a function of the market only really, there were times and places where silver was more precious than gold). I think I would love such a keyboard. Especially if you could make it look like fatigued, dirty silver. Imagine the touch of an old coin. Cleanable with cigarette ash mixed with lemon squeezed juice (I used to collect coins). Copper could be fun too, especially when it takes the patina. Finger sweat would do the rest (the keys would soon look like a 1 cent coin circulating since 1950).

If things go well and people are still interested in such works then custom runs/commissions will be considered. I love a faux finish and/or a real patina/aged look, and are doable for sure! Just need to get some more out there right now. =)

Gotta be gold in my neighborhood.

Werd! Same for the folks around me.
Though I personally dig a more silvered finish to things.

copper sounds interesting...

I have no idea if it's even remotely feasible, but thinking of blinged-out keyboard, how about keys made of square cubic zirconia? You can find decently-sized ones at a pretty reasonable price.

It's doable, and I have had a couple of requests for something along those lines (one currently) but I don't have enough time to pursue those commissions right now and the prices have not matched up yet.


=)

[iamwolverine]

wow ... that took a while to read thru all the posts, 6 months and counting it's time you start to get these out to us (pretty please) ...  you've got some awesome designs!  can't wait to get my hands on some, will start off modestly, but i actually want to collect them all  

what're we thinking now?  black friday deal on click clack keys?  or closer to xmas?

doesn't seem like you're busy enough so i'll throw out some more design ideas ... zodiac signs (in line with the leo lion suggestions) ... holiday keys (halloween jack-o's, x-mas trees, tgiving turkey legs, more bunnies for easter, you get the idea) ... smiley faces with fat red tongues ... i'd especially be down for keys with retractable claws to match my own

maybe (i'll be patient) those should come after your first production run  ;P

[Flikstrr]

omg.. I just registered to figure out how to get my hands on some geekhack keys, an i spotted these...

wow..

 i want... cant wait till these are up for sale!

[Oqsy]

Somehow I missed the filco "ice" key caps.  Great work!

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Just looked at Escape and thought about an Espresso key. THAT would be nice.

[clickclack]

wow ... that took a while to read thru all the posts, 6 months and counting it's time you start to get these out to us (pretty please) ...  you've got some awesome designs!  can't wait to get my hands on some, will start off modestly, but i actually want to collect them all  
what're we thinking now?  black friday deal on click clack keys?  or closer to xmas?
doesn't seem like you're busy enough so i'll throw out some more design ideas ... zodiac signs (in line with the leo lion suggestions) ... holiday keys (halloween jack-o's, x-mas trees, tgiving turkey legs, more bunnies for easter, you get the idea) ... smiley faces with fat red tongues ... i'd especially be down for keys with retractable claws to match my own
maybe (i'll be patient) those should come after your first production run  ;P

WOW!!! hahaa, epic early post! Welcome to geekhack =)
How about candy corn?





I was doing a new semi-opacity multi-shot test and I thought you guys would get a kick out of it!
I WANNA EAT EM!

Note: these will be updated here shortly in the 2nd post for easier reference.

omg.. I just registered to figure out how to get my hands on some geekhack keys, an i spotted these...
wow..
i want... cant wait till these are up for sale!

Thanks!
I can't wait either! haahaa
Welcome to geekhack =)

Somehow I missed the filco "ice" key caps.  Great work!

Thank ya =)
Stay tunned... Muahahaahaaa...

Just looked at Escape and thought about an Espresso key. THAT would be nice.

or delicious or just messy XD

[washuai]

Candy corn keys are great.  Unfortunately, reminds me of someone who said something unpardonable to someone mourning their mother.

Given I want to stick ice keys on LED keyboard, I prefer them more opaque.  

Custom order being served ticket # 130777469.  Now Serving Customer 0 (Well that's not true, there are a few lucky folks out there).
Reminds me of the waiting room from Beatle Juice and his very long ticket number:


Returns to patience (better known as distractions).  At least I think I have hope of production run, before custom, right?  Yes - to the collect them all comment.

[WhiteRice]

I'm not a big fan of candy corn, but those keycaps are delicious!

[clickclack]

washuai-
Hahaaa thanks =)
One of my all time favorite movies too!
I am still working on what will be the limited run standard and what will be custom/non-standard (apart from commissions).

WhiteRice-
Thanks =)
I actually just ate a bunch of candy corn and ran out and have been eye balling those keys for the last couple of hours, LoL!

[keyboardlover]

LOVE the Realforce pic. I want to eat those keys

[ironman31]

Candy corn...

[zefrer]

I actually just ate a bunch of candy corn and ran out and have been eye balling those keys for the last couple of hours, LoL!

Haha the first thing I thought when I saw those keys was how long it would take before I mistook them for candy and picked them off my keyboard to eat.

[clickclack]

LOVE the Realforce pic. I want to eat those keys

Thanks =)
and ditto!

Candy corn...

Show Image

I wan't that on a shirt! haahaa

Haha the first thing I thought when I saw those keys was how long it would take before I mistook them for candy and picked them off my keyboard to eat.

I can tell you, it took exactly 28 hours with no sleep before I seriously considered it and convinced myself they would be tasty, hahaa =P

[iamwolverine]

mmmm, i want candy