Ok, so I started this project a few days ago and had to stop when I couldn't figure out what to do with the keys. I'm basically painting a Micro Inovations Media Keyboard red, even the keys. But since I don't have the keyboard layout memorized perfectly yet, and I don't feel like having to use a reference guide when I'm up late and my typing starts to suffer, I'm trying to figure out what to do about the letters/symbols on the keys. Any suggestions that don't include engraving (gave that a try on an old keyboard...don't have a small enough bit or the right tool for engraving stuff that small) painting (my handwriting is lousy, and I doubt my painting skills are up to it) or printing out labels to put on the keys after painting (I think that kind of defeats the purpose...).

I would post pics, but I don't have an operational cam.

I'm using acrylic paints with a protective coat...works good, actually...as long as you don't abuse the paint job

Quote: Originally Posted by Duane2184 Ok, so I started this project a few days ago and had to stop when I couldn't figure out what to do with the keys. I'm basically painting a Micro Inovations Media Keyboard red, even the keys. But since I don't have the keyboard layout memorized perfectly yet, and I don't feel like having to use a reference guide when I'm up late and my typing starts to suffer, I'm trying to figure out what to do about the letters/symbols on the keys. Any suggestions that don't include engraving (gave that a try on an old keyboard...don't have a small enough bit or the right tool for engraving stuff that small) painting (my handwriting is lousy, and I doubt my painting skills are up to it) or printing out labels to put on the keys after painting (I think that kind of defeats the purpose...). I would post pics, but I don't have an operational cam. I'm using acrylic paints with a protective coat...works good, actually...as long as you don't abuse the paint job

i would get clear stickers....

Get any kind of sticker to use as a mask to cover your letters.
Paint the keys red.
Remove the masking.
Clear coat.

Sounds good. Dunno which method I'll go with, as I abandoned the idea with this keyboard...nearly forgot how to reassemble the thing after a week of it sitting in pieces

I'll end up doing the full paint job on the keyboard I get to go with my full mod system...still putting together what I'm going to do to it, but I know I'll be modding everything that seems worthwhile.

Again, thanks for the tips.

~ Duane

Replace the keys with red ones

Computer Keyboards By Hooleon: Large Print Keyboard, Braille Keyboard, Keyboard Cover Skins, Stickers for keys, Dvorak Keyboards, Keyboard Learning

-MF

Quote: Originally Posted by Monsignor Funkibut Replace the keys with red ones Computer Keyboards By Hooleon: Large Print Keyboard, Braille Keyboard, Keyboard Cover Skins, Stickers for keys, Dvorak Keyboards, Keyboard Learning -MF

Cool deal. I'll definitely bookmark that

Quote: Originally Posted by BeetleMan rub-on letters can be bought at office supplies and craft stores, rub on and clear coat

I'll probably look into that too. Looked into the website previously mentioned and they don't have exactly what I would like to have. *shrugs slightly* I'll be redoing the paint on the keyboard anyway...might just break down and buy a new keyboard...one of those ergonomic ones...

Rub-on letters may lack many of the weird characters you need, or may require you to buy eight sets for enough of certain symbols.

I'd suggest getting some custom-decal paper and making a letter set.

One big problem you will have is wear-away. I painted mine black, and now there are two worn-away patches where my hands rest.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hak Foo Rub-on letters may lack many of the weird characters you need, or may require you to buy eight sets for enough of certain symbols. I'd suggest getting some custom-decal paper and making a letter set. One big problem you will have is wear-away. I painted mine black, and now there are two worn-away patches where my hands rest.

I'll probably end up using vinyl dye to paint the keyboard, assuming I can find it in the color I want. I just recently came up with a new Case Theme idea that's probably going to end up with me painting most everything silver/black/red....see my sig I'll make sure I start up a worklog once I start that mod.