Aug 30, 2014

Aug 28, 2014

IBM Model M keycap custom printing service

I'll start IBM Model M keycap custom printing service at September 4.


Printing image:

Single keycaps:

Top: 283 x 319 px

Front: 354 x 295 px. Actual printable size is trapezoid, top side length is 283 px.

ANSI full set: Fill this template like below.




Color of single keycaps:

Beige and gray are in stock.

You can order any color which is available from Unicomp, but I'll add all the funding cost to the bill.


Limitation:

I cannot print any color lighter than printed keycap itself. Gray keycap doesn't have any color ligher than gray.

Printed color is NOT the same color in the source image. Keycap color affects. The effect is similar to Photoshop's multiply.


Price:

Print on top and front both:

Single keycaps (1 - 21 pcs): $28.50 + $1.50 for each pcs. Gray keycap requires additional charge $0.50.

ANSI full set: $260

Print on top or front only:

Single keycaps (1 - 21 pcs): $19 + $1 for each pcs. Gray keycap requires additional charge $0.50.

ANSI full set: $180


Shipping cost:

Single Keycaps:

The item price is $50 and less: $3

The item price is over $50, or if you wish tracking: $7

ANSI full set: $20 - 34 depending on shipping address

Aug 27, 2014

Two heavy blows

Today I found my printer head has been dead.



It is only $60 but I bought it last December... I've ordered it again. This is R&D.

And today I found the difference of Unicomp and original.



Left is original Model M 1991 keycap. Right is recent Unicomp's. I prepared replica legend, but it doesn't work...

Anyway, Model M keycaps will be on sale around 4 September.

Aug 21, 2014

Coming soon...

IBM vintage typeface Model M is coming soon.



The name of the game is spacing and contrast.

My type design book says "Usual typeface's capital letters' side bearings are always too narrow for successive capital letters. Because usual typeface doesn't care such usage." I've found Selectric's keycap's typography has careful and appropriate spacing for successive capital letters. I'm mimicking it, of course.

Aug 15, 2014

Vintage typeface

Have you ever seen this typeface?



This is IBM's doubleshot typeface. It isn't superior to Helvetica Round (IBM's dye-sub typeface) in most situation and aspect. But on ornamental keycaps (in other words, the user can live with otaku keyboard), it does better than Helvetica Round. My Selectric lacks some signs for PC keyboard, but I'll supplement them from the Internet.

For sure, I don't use this image as is. I'm making brushed outline font from this image.

Aug 6, 2014

I got an IBM Selectric II



I'll make a font from its keycaps. The typeface is better for keycap than Helvetica, which is used on Model M.

Aug 5, 2014

Plaster seems not enough for Model M

I've made Model M's keycap mount and tested.



And I've found a serious trouble. Keycap mount cracks. Model M's keycap is much taller than Cherry MX. Deeper hole causes crack. I'll try silicone.

The legend's size and position are not enough, too. :-)