Interest CheckKeycaps

Series KP | esc lab — Keycap Puller

by Cubic | esc lab

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byCubic | esc lab

Description

SERIES KP

Artisan Protector. Ergonomic Handle. Stainless Steel.

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Hello everyone!

After a long period of sketching, experimentations, sourcing and prototyping, we’re ready to show everyone the next tool for your keycaps.

This interest check is for Series KP, a CNC machined stainless steel keycap puller that protects your artisans/novelties/keycaps. The triangular profile is designed for better ergonomics, with a rubber layer over the wire for cushioning and protection.

Today, we’re pulling the curtains to show you Series KP.

We hope you like what you see, and as always, feel free to leave any feedback.

0. CONTENTS

⠀1. DESIGN CONCEPT
⠀2. SPECIFICATION
⠀3. DESIGN DETAILS
⠀4. GALLERY
⠀5. VENDORS
⠀6. TIMELINE
⠀7. OUR COMMUNITY
⠀8. THANK YOU

1. DESIGN CONCEPT

This is the story of how and why we came up with the design of Series KP. When we first received prototypes of Series 00 (our first metal novelty keycaps), we were all excited about the prototypes and couldn’t stop playing with them. We tested them on some switches for fitting and the sound they produced. It was a great satisfaction to finally turn an idea from paper to digital to physical prototype. Right when we were about to test them on other switches, we all stumbled upon the same dreadful question — How do we remove them from the switches without scratching or damaging them?

This is a big problem with the current state of keycap pullers within the market. They are affordable tools for removing plastic keycaps, but are terrible at protecting your artisans. Metal wires on resin artisans and metal novelties are not a good idea. We eventually used a plastic spudger to pry the prototypes at the bottom away from the switches’ top housing to avoid scratching them and succeeded in separating them. This experience was both unpleasant and terrifying; however, this process revealed to us the potential experience our customers will face and led us to the discovery of a design opportunity — a protective keycap puller for artisan keycaps.

Hence, Series KP is born.

2. SPECIFICATION

Color-Material-Finish

Design A

Material Color Finish Coating Dimensions Dimensions (Without Wires) Weight Stainless SteelSilver/RawSandblastNone23.7 X 23.3 X 172.8 MM23.7 X 21.2 X 90.5 MM137.7 gStainless SteelBlackSandblastPVD23.7 X 23.3 X 172.8 MM23.7 X 21.2 X 90.5 MM137.7 g

3. DESIGN DETAILS

We designed Series KP with a triangular profile for better ergonomics. The traditional 3 fingers grip will form a natural triangular shape, like a vice chuck on power drills or metal lathes.

Better ergonomics means better comfort. Pulling one keycap is easy, but imagine longer sessions like removing 87 keycaps from a TKL keyboard. What about streamers who have to remove the full keycap set multiple times for testing different build configurations? The improved wire design also allows Series KP to hold significantly more keycaps in one setting, reducing interruptions whereas traditional keycap pullers can only hold a maximum of two keycaps.

The wires are made from stainless steel with a rubber layer at the tip. The rubber layer on the wires protects your artisans and novelties. They extend at a height where it cushions and protects the bottom, bottom edges and sides of your keycap. This is full protection.

Finally, there is one more thing.

Yes, Series KP has a hidden mechanism where it is also a stem adjustor. Due to manufacturing tolerances, both switches and keycaps will have slight differences where they may not fit perfectly and requires minor stem adjustments.

4. GALLERY

Additional assets can be viewed here.

5. VENDORS

Series KP is intended to be an unlimited GB with major regional vendors which will be confirmed at a later date.

6. TIMELINE

This is an estimated timeline for Series KP. We will update the timeline when it’s time for GB, and we will keep everyone informed with updates in our Discord and Research Facility.