Keyboard characters wearing out

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Nabeel

Thank you all for your responses.

I am working on a laptop, so a new keyboard isn't really the answer.

I will have a look at geekhack, and I'll try the nail varnish trick.

You might your <laptop brand> keyboard
Example: my Toshiba L675D replacement is $40
Then How to replace <laptop brand> keyboard to see you want to tackle the job (and what tools are needed)
In my case, a jewelers screwdriver set (straight and a 00 needed) was all that was needed and about 5mins of time Easy-Peasy

[4691mls]

The keyboard I use at work still has all the letters and I've been using it for many years (it's a Dell). Also I had a Dell keyboard at home for 7 years with no letters coming off. I've had my current Compaq keyboard at home for 3.5 years and it still has all the letters. I wonder if this has to do with individual body chemistry.

[HarryT]

I think it must be an individual thing. My current Dell laptop has been used for an average of probably 40h a week for the last 5 years and the key labels show no sign of wear. Or perhaps it's simply that Dell make good keyboards.

[Sweetpea]

I generally don't care about the letters (the d is starting to fade on this one), but I did replace my previous keyboard because the thingie on the f and j was worn down...

[Nabeel]

I think it is something to do with sweat (from fingers). It seems to happen to the keyboards I use far more than anyone else I know.

[Mivo]

Originally Posted by murg

Get an illuminated keyboard. The letters will be embedded clearish plastic, so they won't wear out.

This was my solution, too. In the daytime, I switch off the backlight, and the letters appear as black on silver keys. At night, if I type in the dark, I switch it back on.

[Apache]

Originally Posted by murg

Get an illuminated keyboard. The letters will be embedded clearish plastic, so they won't wear out.

And you can see what you're typing in the dark...

Do not buy a Logitech G class keyboard. The keyboards are black with cear plastic for the letters. the black will wear off and you are left with the complete top of the key being clear.
Apache

[Ripplinger]

Originally Posted by Apache

Do not buy a Logitech G class keyboard. The keyboards are black with cear plastic for the letters. the black will wear off and you are left with the complete top of the key being clear.
Apache

That happened to the very first G15 Logitech keyboard that I purchased, it was probably one of the very first ones produced (my kb just happened to die at that time). A lot of my keys had just transparent globs on them. I called Logitech and it was something they knew about and sent me a new keyboard. They didn't ask for the old one back so I used it for years on the 2nd PC I had set up next to that one, worked perfectly except for the ugly keys. In fact, I only stopped using it last year when I switched the 2 PCs to a KVM switch so I could clear up the desk and get rid of the double monitor, mouse and kb. But it still functions perfectly, I have it stored away as a backup.

That replacement keyboard never had the paint wear off at all, it's been in daily heavy use since 2005 and it's still in use. I've also since purchased a G11 (since they changed the G15 to a red backlight) and it also has zero issues with the paint wearing off. The G11 has had daily heavy use since 2009 and also still in daily use.

So if you have that problem, call Logitech and get them to replace it. If it's a defect in the manufacturing process, it will show up within months so it'll still be under warranty. But I suspect all the problems with the paint wearing off have been fixed long ago.

Edit: I checked my old records and the 1st G15 was purchased Nov 3, 2005. Dec 20, 2005 I had emailed Logitech support about the space bar paint already off after 1.5 months. So it happens pretty fast if you happen to get a bad one. But I'm pretty sure all those problems have all been fixed... unless of course newer keyboards are having new issues, since mine are so old.

[Apache]

I have had two G15 Keyboards. I also bought one when they first came out and it did not last. The second one is only two years old and the A and D keys have worn off. And yes I like to play FPS games with it.
Apache

[Matth79]

A fellow key wearouter!
I used a set of stickers - put them all on as the style of the sticker letters didn't entirely match the original.

[Apache]

My mother has macular degeneration and I got her this keyboard.

I could use one of those, but I like to play in the dark and a lighted keyboard is best.
Apache

[crich70]

Part of which keys wear soonest probably has much to do with the language of the typist as well. E is the most common letter in the English language so it makes sense that it would show a lot of wear. (In the last sentence it was used 18 times).

[meeera]

I have used silicone keyboard condoms on my laptops' keyboards for years now. It protects the letters, and also protects the keyboard from dust, cat hair, crumbs, and small splashes. I use iSkin, but there are plenty of brands. It also reduces the keystroke noise a little.

[eschwartz]

11-year-old laptop here, and the keys haven't been worn out at all. It was originally my mother's and she types a lot.

It's a Dell, possibly lending credence to HarryT's claim. OTOH, it has some pretty weird power problems, and I know which problem I'd rather have.

[murg]

Originally Posted by crich70

Part of which keys wear soonest probably has much to do with the language of the typist as well. E is the most common letter in the English language so it makes sense that it would show a lot of wear. (In the last sentence it was used 18 times).

Not necessarily. My C, V and X keys wear out the quickest.