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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] re-lettering keyboards

From: Russell Shaw <rjshaw@...>
Date: 2007-05-15

Stefan Trethan wrote:
> 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.

If you have a Brother P-Touch labeller, you can use tape that has black
lettering on a clear background. The tape gets laminated with an over-layer
of clear, so the letters won't rub off. My keyboard has lettering made of
molded-in black plastic on white keys, so they'll never wear off anyway.