You know it, I know it, everyone who owns a
computer knows it. Keyboards are the most abused, overlooked and
dis-liked computer peripheral. They are so basic. They come in colors,
ergonomic, extra keys -yet still most are hidden in trays under the
desktop. Just recently I completed some mods to a computer case.
Magically transforming it from a basic beige box into a butt kickin'
classic, the infamous "Hell-O Kitty Case". It looked so good compared
to the old one. Then I placed it on the computer table, in it's new
home, where all could see it and admire it. Suddenly I was at a loss
for words. This cool case became lost in a jungle of beige... beige
monitor, beige speakers, beige cables, and last but not least a beige
keyboard. I discovered that there was not a whole lot of info, or
how-to's available on keyboard mods online. Finally, I came across a
forum post where I found a site that modded mice and painted keyboards.
I read all I could, and plotted my next course of action.
Hell-O Kitty case = Evil modded goodness
Figuring that I had one chance to do
this right (because I didn't have a spare keyboard at the time) I
borrowed one from a lesser used system. I began disassembling it,
making sure to get good pictures for when I put the keys back on the
board since not all boards are the same. (A nightmare of not knowing
where the keys went). I looked over the plain plastic case and cleaned
it first. I noticed the design, and imagined how it would look: dimly
backlit with LEDs. Next I looked at the keys and decided to move the
status lights to their respective keys. I painted it to match the
system it was hooked to and the keys too as well as adding new
lettering. This is a group of mods that I am breaking down to a couple
of mods per page.
The keyboard in question before
The finished product
The usual old run of the system
Keyboard. It is starting to look a little worn. You can see the letters
are beginning to wear off, as well as those green lights we all love so
much. This is the standard PS2 model that comes with most computers. I
could just buy one, or even spring for a cool one. But where is the fun
in that? Besides I wanted a one-of-a-kind keyboard clearly showing the
blood, sweat and love poured into it. Anyone can buy a piece of mod
life but only the bona fide modder creates it for fun!
Next I photographed as well as wrote
down and memorized the keys. Carefully inspecting it, searching for a
way to get it apart without destroying it. Notes were needed so I could
remember the key order and location. I have had many boards and have
discovered that no two are alike. Also find a clear space, that will
not be disturbed, to work in. It is also helpful as well to get a
container to put all the parts (especially the small ones) in, and the
tools needed.
| List of Tools / Parts | | | Screwdrivers - Phillips#1,#2
Soldiering iron & such
Wire cutter/ strippers
Heatgun or lighter
Glue gun
Hacksaw Razor knife
Drill and bits
Plastic wrap
| | Thermal laminate
Bright white paper
Rub-on Letters Glue for plastic
1/4" plexi-glass
Shrink tube, wire & LEDs
Masking tape
Paint & clearcoat to your liking
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Here was a little thing that needed special
attention, three small screws hold the plastic tap mat in the keyboard
to the PCboard. The Pentagons are marks thou out the photos that
highlight things I noticed just in time or got stuck on. For all the
screws in this thing you would have thought that it was holding the
CPU!
Red pentagons show screw location
Important to remember the key layout
After all the screws are removed get a
container! See in the photo, the plastic contact sheet. Under the sheet
are a bunch of rubber cups, one for every key, and all free now that
you have removed the bottom. The photo below it has a shot of the
rubber cups, I am holding a floppy drive power cable for size
comparison.
LED PCB and the plastic contact sheet
Rubber cups in the parts container
One last screw in the PCboard,
and then everything is removable. Careful with the keyboard PCB as with
the rest of a PC: a static charge from you will kill the rest of its
usefulness. I then popped out all the keys and put them in storage
until I was ready to work with them again. Brush out the top and
bottom, then to the sink for cleaning. A little time in the sun to dry
and it was ready to mask as needed. I needed to paint an under color; I
chose silver. Then I masked off the key area, so it will stay silver
and I can get the next color on. The bottom, don't forget the
bottom, mine only shows on the side, but with the right paint will look
like it isn't even there. To paint this it is prepped as with any
project.
The inside of the base painted a shiny silver
Top masked off and painted red, yummy waffles
The bottom is prepped and the edges painted black
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