Mechanical keyboards have gained much popularity over the past few years due to their tactile feedback and durability. One of the best things about mechanical keyboards is that they are customizable, and you can change their colour to suit your style. Mechanical keyboards are incredibly popular among computer enthusiasts, gamers, and typists alike due to their tactile feedback and durability. However, sometimes people want to personalize their mechanical keyboards by changing the color of the keycaps. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward process that can be done with a few simple steps.
Before we take the steps, it’s important to note that keyboards have different keycap sizes and shapes. As such, ensuring that the keycaps you purchase are compatible with your keyboard is essential. Some standard keycap sizes include Cherry MX, OEM, and DSA, so check your keyboard’s specifications before purchasing any replacement keycaps. Changing the color of your mechanical keyboard can be a fun and rewarding project, and in this article, we will go over the steps to help you do just that.
Step 1: Choose the Right Keyboard
Before you start, choosing the right mechanical keyboard for the job is essential. Some keyboards are more accessible to customize than others, and you should consider a keyboard that has a detachable keycap design. This makes it easier to remove and replace the keys without damaging the keyboard or the keys themselves.
There are many different mechanical keyboards available in the market, and you can choose one that fits your requirements and preferences. Knowing more tricks and shortcuts with the help of excel tutorials will be more useful to save you time.
Step 2: Choose Your Color Scheme
The next step is to choose the colour scheme for your keyboard. You can choose a single colour, a combination of colours, or a colour gradient. It’s essential to remember that some colours may not be compatible with the keycap material, and you should test the colours beforehand to ensure they look good.
If you’re having trouble deciding on a colour scheme, you can look for inspiration on websites like Reddit or Instagram, where people post their customized mechanical keyboards.
Step 3: Get Your Materials
Once you have chosen the colour scheme, it’s time to get the needed materials. Here are the materials you’ll need to change the colour of your mechanical keyboard:
- Keycap Puller: This tool removes the keycaps from the keyboard. You can buy a keycap puller online or make one by bending a paperclip into a U-shape.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: This is used to clean the keycaps before painting them. You can find it at most drugstores or online.
- Primer: This is used to prepare the keycaps for painting. You can buy primer spray paint online or at a local hardware store.
- Paint: You can use acrylic or spray paint to colour your keycaps. Make sure that the paint is compatible with the keycap material. For example, ABS keycaps are more durable and can withstand more types of paint, while PBT keycaps require specific types of paint.
- Clear Coat: This protects the paint and gives the keycaps a glossy finish. You can buy clear coat spray paint online or at a local hardware store.
Step 4: Remove the Keycaps
Before painting the keycaps, you need to remove them from the keyboard. To do this, use the keycap puller and gently remove the keycaps. Be careful not to damage the switches or the keyboard while removing the keycaps.
The first step is to remove the keycaps from your keyboard. This can be done using a keycap puller, a small tool that easily removes keycaps without damaging the switch underneath. You can purchase a keycap puller online or at a local computer store.
Start by gently pulling up on the keycap with the keycap puller. It’s important to be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the switch underneath. Once the keycap has been removed, repeat the process for all the keycaps you want to replace.
Step 5: Clean the Keycaps
Once you have removed the keycaps, it’s time to clean them. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth and dip it in isopropyl alcohol. Then, wipe down the keycaps to remove dirt, grease, or oils. Let the keycaps dry completely before proceeding.
Once the keycaps have been removed, it’s a good idea to clean them before replacing them with new ones. This can be done using mild soap and water or a cleaning solution designed explicitly for keycaps. It was drying the keycaps thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Prime the Keycaps
The next step is to prime the keycaps. This will help the paint adhere to the keycaps better and make the colour more vibrant. To prime the keycaps, spray them on a clean, flat surface with primer. Ensure you spray the primer in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
Step 7: Replace the keycaps
Now it’s time to replace the old keycaps with the new ones. Start by aligning the keycap over the switch and pressing down firmly until you hear a satisfying “click” sound. Repeat the process for all the keycaps that you want to replace.
Step 8: Test the keyboard
Once all the new keycaps have been installed, it’s a good idea to test the keyboard to ensure everything is working correctly. Try typing a few words and ensure each key is registering correctly. You may need to remove and reinstall the problematic keycap if you notice any issues.
Step 9: Enjoy your new keyboard
Congratulations, you’ve successfully changed the colour of your mechanical keyboard! Now it’s time to enjoy your personalized keyboard and show it off to your friends and colleagues.
In conclusion, changing the colour of your mechanical keyboard can be a fun and easy way to personalize your setup. Following the steps outlined above, you can easily swap your old keycaps for new ones that better suit your style. Just do your research and ensure that the keycaps you purchase are compatible with your keyboard before you start the process.
