Re: hardened keyboard stickers?

On 10/16/21 1:24 PM, VanguardLH wrote:
> 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)


Thank you for the lengthy and inclusive response. This is what 
makes usenet great, if google don't ruin what's left of it...   I looked 
at the replacement caps and while I could maybe do that without 
breaking them they're the same (zero) quality painted material
as the originals.

Not liking black I replaced my keyboard with a white one, 1mm
thick white plastic caps with barely a tenth of a mm dark bottom
layer revealed through the engraved letter would be my idea of a 
wear-resistant solution. The cover can get thicker bumpers to protect 
the monitor.
 
Never having learned to touch-type I'm at best a two finger 
keyboard pounder, it's mostly the corners of my nails that
chisel the paint off. Clear covers might be a good idea too. I
could rewrite the letters with marker and fix these with drops 
of caulking for easy removal.