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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] re-lettering keyboards (was: Re: C84 Conversion)

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2007-05-14

On Mon, 14 May 2007 21:06:04 +0200, Mike Bauers <mwbauers55@...>
wrote:

> This reminds me........ my keyboard has a few keys with worn-off
> letters.... sure messes up the spelling now and than.......
> Best to ya'
> Mike Bauers
> Milwaukee Wi, USA


i have finally found a way to fix that semi-permanently.
Write the correct letter on each key with permanent marker pen. This alone
will not last, but here comes the trick:
Cut squares of clear tape a little smaller than the key surface and stick
them over the keys. This seems easier if you remove the keys (better
remember how to put them back ;-) )

I admit it is a bit tedious, so choose a good time to do it. I watched a
documentary about the building of the london sewer system while
re-lettering mine.

May seem silly at first, but it works really well. Only on two or three
keys the edge of the tape is peeling, i coud re-do them but it's still
perfectly good to read. This has held up better than any new keyboard so
far and better than anything else i tried (a coat of clear laquer is
totally useless). It's a bit of work, but sure beats buying a new keyboard
every few months. This particular keyboard is badly abused, often hitting
keys with a fingernail or even a tool, that's why it wears so fast. It's
also laptop size and often used one-handed and for intermittent inputs,
that's why i really need the letters for reference even if i do not need
them for continous typing.

ST