Computer keyboards are available in a limited range of colors. Colored keyboards are significantly more expensive than common black and white. Artistically designed input devices are completely piecemeal products. Why not try making an exclusive keyboard yourself?
Instructions
Step 1
Before modifying the keyboard, be sure to disconnect it from the computer. Then carefully disassemble. If inside instead of a large "canvas" you find many separate pushers, carefully fold them into a jar without losing a single one. Then remove the board and the multilayer contact tape. Putting them aside, if the keyboard is dirty, place its plastic parts (top panel with keys and bottom cover) in a bowl of water with a little dishwashing liquid added. Leave them there for a few hours (if the keyboard is very dirty, for a day). Then remove them from there, remove the dirt that has not fallen off by itself with a sponge, and then rinse thoroughly with running water. Place them on a radiator to dry. Do not use a hair dryer or electric heater to dry - parts may warp. Do not wash the keyboard with hydrogen peroxide - although it will turn white, residues of this substance can then dissolve the printed conductors.
Step 2
A very effective color scheme will be obtained if the color of the keys is in contrast to the color of the case, as in the keyboards of some old computers (released before the widespread distribution of the IBM PC). To get this effect, buy two absolutely identical keyboards, differing from each other only in color. Having disassembled them, rearrange the black keys to the white keyboard, and the white keys to the black one. Then collect both keyboards.
Step 3
To paint the keyboard case, first separate all the keys from the top panel, having previously photographed their location. Degrease both parts of the case without keys with alcohol, let it dry completely, and then cover with a layer of paint from a can. Before doing this, cover the fields for the keys with pieces of paper, which then remove. Do not hold the can close to the part to be painted - place it about 30 centimeters from it. Then the paint particles will reach it, and the solvent will have time to evaporate along the way. Allow a layer of paint to dry completely, then apply a second layer, and when it is dry, a layer of special varnish, which also let dry. If desired, make a drawing, for example, with gouache, before applying the varnish. Do not smoke or use open flames while working. Do not dry the varnish with electric heaters. Take flash photography with no paint and varnish vapors in the air. Work in a ventilated area.
Step 4
To assemble the keyboard, first place all the keys in place. Place a canvas with pushers or individual pushers on top of them. Carefully so that they do not move, put the film with contacts. Replace the board by pressing it evenly against the film with all screws through the supplied clamping bar. Close the keyboard by screwing in all the screws. Check it in operation, make sure that all keys are functional.
