On June 6, 2024, Awekeys Japan updated its official X to announce that Full Metal Keycaps, a set of metal keycaps to be crowdfunded in July 2024, will include a tool for stem adjustment.
Presumably, this is to adjust individual keycaps that have a loose fit with the keyswitch.
This is a view of using the cross section to narrow or widen the gap.
Let’s take a look at an actual photo of a metal keycap.
As can be seen, the stem-receiving portion of the metal keycap has a cross-shaped cutout, and there are four pillars supporting it.
Compare with the shape of a normal keycap.
As you can see, the normal keycap has a cross-shaped depression in the center of the plastic part, whereas as far as the metal keycap is concerned, it has a cross-shaped cutout.
If it is a plastic stem holder, it has a certain degree of “elasticity,” so even if the gap is slightly narrower than the stem, it is presumed that the mechanism will “fit” by being pushed in, making it difficult to pull out.
On the other hand, a metal stem receiver, no matter how precisely made, does not have the elasticity of resin.
In addition, there is some variation in the molding accuracy of the cross-stems of the keyswitches, so it is assumed that certain keyswitch/keycap combinations will be “loose” or “tight”.
KawamuraWe tested the following three types of key switches in the hope that a box-type key switch would eliminate the “looseness,” but the effect was minimal.
The inclusion of this adjustment tool, which is a direct approach to the problems inherent in metal keycaps, is good news for those who are considering purchasing Awekeys Full Metal Keycaps.
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