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Putting classic Apple keycaps on the CTRL

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Back in 2003, Apple released the Apple Wireless Keyboard:
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(Not to be confused with later keyboards of the same name that look like laptop keyboards.) The keyboard still works with an ancient MacBook Pro, but it won't pair with anything from the 2010s. That's too bad, because I think it looks pretty nice. So I decided to see if I could bring its essence into the 2020s by transplanting the keycaps to my Drop CTRL keyboard. Here on the left is a regular MX style keycap, and to the right one from the AWK2003. Not so different.
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Until we turn them over:
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However, the AWK2003 keycap will fit on a Cherry MX style switch, especially a Kailh box switch:
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But the fit is too loose. However, we can fix that with some teflon tape.
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Three layers seems to work well:
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And there it is: the Drop CTRL keyboard with 2003 Apple Wireless Keyboard keycaps:
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The keycap profile is a bit different, especially on the bottom row, as you can see with the alt key:
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It's not possible to replace the entire bottom row with keys from the AWK2003, as only the alt key has a standard size.
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So I used the regular keycaps for the bottom row and the cursor keys:
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With three layers of teflon tape, the keys mostly stay put, but this is what can happen after a good long typing session...
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iljitsch
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Not sure if this is a site issue or a link issue, but none of your pics are working :(
iljitsch
24
Apr 1, 2021
static.overdubStrange! Maybe you'll have better luck reading this on my blog.
iljitschHAHA. Preposterous. Thank you :)
baam125
7
Mar 26, 2021
Perhaps you'd like a permanent solution such as using acrylic adhesive?
iljitsch
24
Mar 27, 2021
baam125Then I wouldn't be able to use those switches with other keycaps... But worse, how would I get the switches out with the keycaps attached? This was fun for a bit but I'm now back to regular keycaps with no regrets. 😎
greatadrian
28
Mar 10, 2021
I am not sure if this is serious or not 🤣
iljitsch
24
Mar 10, 2021
greatadrianHow can anything that involves teflon tape be non-serious?? I typed on this for a month.
greatadrian
28
Mar 10, 2021
greatadrianOh my Lord... I feel for you 😁
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