Ultimate Keycap Replacement Guide

yimello · October 31, 2014

willing to part with your wrist rest at all?

Nope Without it I just can not reach the number or F keys. Also it is a damn good wrist rest except it takes a lot of space on my desk Bought the 7G because of it, otherwise I could just buy the 6G Are you looking for wrist rest in general or you need exactly that one ?

TheProfosist · October 31, 2014

Nope Without it I just can not reach the number or F keys. Also it is a damn good wrist rest except it takes a lot of space on my desk Bought the 7G because of it, otherwise I could just buy the 6G Are you looking for wrist rest in general or you need exactly that one ?

I'd I've exactly the 7G's as a friend lost mine when I borrowed the keyboard to him.

yimello · October 31, 2014

I'd I've exactly the 7G's as a friend lost mine when I borrowed the keyboard to him.

Oh that is very sad. I googled a lil but could not find any place where you can buy that. Have you tried any other wrist rests ? Check for one from Ducky or just make it yourself from wood, plastic or metal..

TheProfosist · November 1, 2014

Oh that is very sad. I googled a lil but could not find any place where you can buy that. Have you tried any other wrist rests ? Check for one from Ducky or just make it yourself from wood, plastic or metal..

I would like Ann exact one. Actually maybe @Charger could make one out of wood or metal. Would you be willing to provide exact measurements?

yimello · November 1, 2014

I would like Ann exact one. Actually maybe @Charger could make one out of wood or metal. Would you be willing to provide exact measurements?

Sure, should i put them here (if someone would need them too) or do you want them in PM ?

Magmarock · December 13, 2014

Hi there I want to get PBT keys. Should I get a second hand IBM model M or a Vortex with PBT double shot keycaps.

NumLock21 · December 14, 2014

9:35, got that exact same sample kit. Woot!

Probably a dumb question, but how can someone actually pull out the entire switch and not just the keycap? Aren't the switch like soldered to the PCB?

Magmarock · December 14, 2014

Where is the best Australian retailer? I tried to Google it but it's pretty weird with the keywords.

I haven't any experience with them but try mechkb they are Australian and they specialize in keyboards.

TheProfosist · December 14, 2014

9:35, got that exact same sample kit. Woot!

Probably a dumb question, but how can someone actually pull out the entire switch and not just the keycap? Aren't the switch like soldered to the PCB?

Yea but some boards are pcb mounted not switch so it you some how hook the switch and an not the cap and pull hard enough... Also you should be careful when taking caps off. Don't just pull straight up as there is always that chance you'll pull the stem out.

Kekker · December 19, 2014

Where would I find black transparent KBC dvorak keycaps

TheProfosist · December 19, 2014

Where would I find black transparent KBC dvorak keycaps

no where without a custom order.

Kekker · December 19, 2014

no where without a custom order.

How much would that be, usually? Preferably in USD?

TheProfosist · December 20, 2014

How much would that be, usually? Preferably in USD?

Contact places that make them like signature plastics. With a group buy of 100 sets it's usually $100-150

TheProfosist · March 6, 2015

Hey Guys

What type of key printing can you use to get the back lighting color to come through of the key??

Thanks

What do you mean? you basically have to get backlighting compatible keycaps. Usually these are clear ones that are painted then the letter etched out. The newer aftermarket ones are doubleshot ABS or PBT with soemthing translucent for the letter.

Rin Tezuka · January 9, 2016

I need to get keycaps for my new k70 soon, potato especially.

Be careful when buying keycaps, because IIRC the spacebar on the K70 is of a slightly non-standard size, but don't quote me on that.

TheProfosist · January 9, 2016

Be careful when buying keycaps, because IIRC the spacebar on the K70 is of a slightly non-standard size, but don't quote me on that.

Whole bottom row is non standard.

spwath · January 9, 2016

Contact places that make them like signature plastics. With a group buy of 100 sets it's usually $100-150

So there is no way I could resonably get a custom set for my custom layout?

I want a set like the 1976 set, but with my layout its not very possible. Ill hve to settle for regular looking keycaps

Skullbunny · July 18, 2016

On 1/10/2016 at 0:39 AM, spwath said:

So there is no way I could resonably get a custom set for my custom layout?

I want a set like the 1976 set, but with my layout its not very possible. Ill hve to settle for regular looking keycaps

I'm a bit late , but but https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gmk-carbon-custom-keycap-set

THat looks kinda retro'ish!

spwath · July 18, 2016

22 minutes ago, Skullbunny said:

I'm a bit late , but but https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gmk-carbon-custom-keycap-set

THat looks kinda retro'ish!

I got a good one and did a lot on my custom keyboard Already

TheProfosist · August 4, 2016

On 7/18/2016 at 9:25 AM, Skullbunny said:

I'm a bit late , but but https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gmk-carbon-custom-keycap-set

THat looks kinda retro'ish!

I picked me up a set of those for my KMAC Happy and KPad

Steev43230 · July 4, 2019

Is it possible to replace just one switch on a keyboard? Purpose would be to make the F1 key REALLY hard to press, except intentionally. I need to use F2 all the time, and pressing F1 creates much profanity. To the extent that for several years I've simply removed the keycap so as to avoid hitting it by accident. I need that key on average only about once every couple of months.

minibois · July 4, 2019

22 minutes ago, Steev43230 said:

Is it possible to replace just one switch on a keyboard? Purpose would be to make the F1 key REALLY hard to press, except intentionally. I need to use F2 all the time, and pressing F1 creates much profanity. To the extent that for several years I've simply removed the keycap so as to avoid hitting it by accident. I need that key on average only about once every couple of months.

Assuming we're talking about a mechanical (Cherry MX-style) keyboard: yeah.

You can just go to whatever online store you like (like Aliexpress, eBay, Banggood, etc.) and purchase a small quantity (or one) of a heavier keyswitch (usually that would be a Black or Purple style, but just double check its activation weight. I believe going from Red to Brown to Blue, the actuation force is 45g, 45g and 50g respectively, while MX Black is 60g for example).

Then you have to take apart the keyboard (which likely voids your warranty) - desolder the switch and possibly LED (take your precatuations, like soldering in a well-ventilated room with a fume extractor, etc. Some materials like desoldering braid and a solder sucker will help) - resolder the new switch (and possibly new LED/old LED) into the board and that's basically it.

Of course we're talking about taking apart your entire boards here, which can be quite an operation and with many boards nowadays being held together with small clips.. Could even damage it, so do this at your own risk.

Unfortunately on most keyboards the switches are not hot-swapable and also the switches typically cannot be opened up (to replace the spring only) when the switch is installed.https://www.keychatter.com/2015/06/19/guide-how-to-swap-springs-in-cherry-style-switches/

P.S.: it would have probably been easier to just make a new thread yourself. Would get you more replies and would avoid bumping a three year old thread.