Re: hardened keyboard stickers?

bad sector <forgetski@postit_INVALID_.gov> wrote:

> Up to ^$*%!#  here with the dismal quality of painted characters 
> on my Asus g73 laptop keyboard. That's 3 times I change this 
> freakin keyboard, and with the equally flimsy ribbon connections 
> I don't dare to try it again! 
> 
> Anybody know of some two-layer stickers that will not wear out 
> for 20 years? I'm thinking of the signage technology using layered 
> plastics, perchance a cut stainless steel layer revealing black
> chrome lettering underneath?
> 
> https://www.amazon.ca/Engraving-Double-Pieces-Interior-Badges/dp/B07QT93LN9/ref=asc_df_B07QT93LN9/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335601887744&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13244580989418725093&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9047856&hvtargid=pla-783751206606&psc=1

The problem with 2-layer stickers, if any exist, is they could be too
thick, and damage the screen when it presses against the now thicker
keys when you close the cover.  Your suggestion would be to add really
thick 2-layer stickers atop the keys, and those would likely scratch the
screen when the laptop is closed.

Sorry, I've never used key cap stickers, especially since I touch-type,
and only look down at the keyboard for complicated sequences or long
stretches of the fingers.  If a key cap wears away its logo, I'm usually
not looking at it, anyway.  If I do look down, I'm engrained with the
QWERTY layout.  When I have to use the Fn key to get at an alternate use
of a key do I look down at the keyboard.  Usually I attach a real
keyboard (better response, larger keys) when at home or work.  Laptop
keys slow down my typing speed, and are sized for little fingertips.  I
also don't use the screen in the laptop, and instead plug the laptop
into a docking station to have a real keyboard, mouse, and monitor.  So,
one solution is to use a USB keyboard instead of the laptop's keyboard.
No flimsy ribbon cable to deal with when you want to swap out the
external keyboard.

https://keyshorts.com/blogs/blog/15-questions-about-keyboard-stickers-you-always-wanted-to-ask

That gives some hints about what to look for in key cap stickers.  Of
course, they want to sell you their products.  I've seen keyboards with
up to 3 to 5 icons on their key caps, so I don't know if this company
has stickers with all the icons instead of just the letter.  

Of course, you could just use clear stickers to have them take the wear
instead of the key caps, and replace the clear stickers when they get
too ragged.  How long the stickers last depends on how rough you are on
the keyboard, how often you use the keyboard, if used inside only or
also outside, cleanliness of your fingers, and so on.  Gamers can wear
out stickers on the WASD keys in about 6 months.  When you've damaged
the sticker, peel it off, and put on a new one.  I don't see stickers
lasting for 20 years.  Singage gets rained on, in the sun, and other
weathering effects, but do not suffer friction wear as with key caps.
Even notice someone that used a signage plaque glued to the front
counter, and how it wears away if placed where customers are going to
lean or use that space to view and sign docs?  It's still plastic, and
it will wear away with friction.  Signage is not for heavy touch use.

Instead of replacing the entire keyboard, the key caps can be replaced
on some laptops, like shown at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCYOiK9QP08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y5gGtubmm0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn6YZwnJKGM

The last one shows key cap removal for an Asus laptop, but doesn't say
for which model of Asus.

However, to replace them means finding replacements.  You might find a
damaged laptop the same or similar to yours being sold for parts-only at
eBay, Craigslist, and elsewhere.  An online search on "asus g73 key
caps" will find sellers of key caps, like:

https://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/asus-g73-laptop-key-replacement/?sku=ASKEY-US-6599
(never bought from them, didn't know about them, found in a search)