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Keycap Kevin: stars for my 'Star Wars' style keyboard

24.12.2023

Translation: machine translated

I want to install Boba-Fett keycaps on one of my keyboards. To create an authentic 'Star Wars' look, I patinated the weight on the brass underside with patterns.

I have already tried two methods of patinating - i.e. artificially ageing - the knob surface of one of my keyboards: using heat and egg. Both of these methods are out of the question for my current project: I want to create patterns through patina. To do this, I need to avoid oxidation of certain parts of the brass weight. That is why I am using vinegar and salt this time.

The piano

For my latest keyboard, the Neo65, I bought keycaps with a Boba Fett look. What I particularly like about 'Star Wars' is the 'used future' concept. In other words, not everything is mirror polished, but the world is also dirty. Old technologies meet new ones.

Here is the front of the keyboard. In keeping with Boba Fett's style, I installed Boba U4T switches.
Source: Kevin Hofer

I want to reproduce this style on my keyboard not only with the keycaps, but also with the brass weight on the underside. I choose stars as my motif.

To create the star motifs I use stickers.
Source: Kevin Hofer

The weight of the Neo65 is not painted. The brass would oxidise over time anyway. It is not necessary to sandblast first to remove the protective layer. I buy the star-shaped stickers so that I can create the motifs. The shape is not particularly complex, so I assume it will be easily visible. I attach six pieces to the weight.

Aceto and salt

I apply a thick layer of vinegar and salt paste.
Source: Kevin Hofer

This time I use white wine vinegar and salt for patination. Both agents accelerate the natural oxidation of brass. I therefore mix a decilitre of both to create a paste. I then paint the visible side of the weight with a brush. I leave the paste to set for half an hour. Then I turn up the heat: I put the piece of brass with the vinegar and salt gasket in the oven at 230 degrees for ten minutes. This way the brass oxidises even more quickly.

The pasta dries out during cooking.
Source: Kevin Hofer

After firing, I let the weight cool and then rinse the dried paste. The brass has turned brown. For me, it is not oxidised enough. I fear that the stars are not clearly visible. So I re-coat the brass with the paste and leave it overnight.

The discolouration is already clearly visible, but still too little.
Source: Kevin Hofer

The result is impressive

The next day, I remove the paste and stickers. Underneath, the stars glow a golden brass colour. I like it. Now I could paint the weight, so that the star patterns do not oxidise. But I decide not to. I want the appearance of the weight to change over time. The stars will probably always be visible in some way. Just not as shiny, but in a perfect 'used future' style.

I like the result. The stars are clearly visible.
Source: Kevin Hofer

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Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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