How to Paint a Mechanical Keyboard : V1

Apologies for the music being on just the left channel. My bad for not checking, and I found that I had the audio track turned all the way to the left =/
Today I'll do a tutorial on how to paint your mechanical keyboard. Yes, this is V1, and is my first revision of this, and is pretty basic. This is my method as of now, but as I learn more and get more skilled in doing this, I will update this video. Times and techniques may very depending on what finish you desire, and on the materials you use.
This is an awesome way to personalise your mechanical keyboard, and it's not that hard!
Keyboard : Reachace / Dare-U DK87 - • Reachace Dare-U DK87 G...
Sub for more keyboards to come!
Official website : www.taekeyboards.com
Google+ : plus.google.com/+TaeKeyboards/
Facebook : / taekeyboards
Music :Instrumental produced by Chuki
/ chukimusic

[@blameTheDane]

you should start your sprays off the object, so you don't get "spits" from the cap. This also goes for when stopping. Don't stop on the object, move your hand past it, and then release the spray cap. This is most noteable with the painting layer, but should also be practiced when using primer. Just a tip from a pro auto painter :)

[@blameTheDane]

and clear coat lol. You just spraying it random, like throwing flour on a table when baking. Use a straight arm and wrist, for clean lines, with the same distance, no curving in and out, because then there will be more coat on the middle than on the edges. And always overlap 50%. This is very basic, kinda surprised a smart kid like you, havn't done the proper research before making a "how to" spreading bad ways to paint. Just youtube "spray paint technique" and you'll find a lot of videos that will help you.

[@flawedvirgin114]

stay cool its only a totorial its not his job :)

[@blameTheDane]

Luka Huth i was cool, until you wrote like a smartass.. if i made a "tutorial" on how to fix your bike, and it would be more messed up you went and did what i showed you, i haven't really "tutored" you correctly

[@blameTheDane]

Luka Huth i even complimented him as smart, and gave him direction on how to read up on the subject.. So i don't really see the point of your comment.

[@Bert0ld0]

I am fine with his finishing, he done a great job and I've loved watching this! Keep calm bro, no one was hurt

[@LHawkesDrums]

My left ear has never felt so pleased xD

[@Soulggx]

I just noticed this lol

[@mohamedatef1724]

it wasn't good for me

[@lukeoneill3413]

Thought my headphones broke...

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

im always so scared that its my headset

[@andrewcarlson2466]

ya I thout my headset was broken

[@PoradnikiYakuza]

Im astonished of the proffesionality of this video. The sound, the video, and the guide itself. Damn

[@TheJupiteL]

I'm currently restoring my old Blackwidow. Changed all the switch and LED and this video gave a lot of insight. Can't wait to start painting!

[@BrunoVidalLordOfAwesomeness]

great video, I watched the whole 20 minutes of it which I normally wouldn't do so good job on that!

[@ocotuchodzi]

My keyboard is a beauty as it is but this video is awesome painting tutorial in general. It covers stuff that I learned hard way during spray painting bikes.

[@GamingExpert1998]

Hey man, you deserve a lot more subscribers. One of the best and professional video I've ever seen. Good Luck and stay Blessed 😄

[@RikiYamashita]

Your videos gave me the knowledge and assurances to attempt building, modding, and painting my own mechanical keyboards. Currently, painting over a Ducky One 2.

[@kratu6625]

Really good in-depth video, nice work and keep up the great content!

[@atlas-mx8nx]

my left ear hurts from the music

[@warfare3gin]

The best youtube tutorials are those who encounter problems in the process but fixed them as well. Thanks for this! Sub!

[@yasuh4550]

that blue is insanely good looking

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Pro Gamer JJ My go to colour, goes with everything :)

[@yasuh4550]

TaeKeyboards i always jump off my chair when the uploader responds

[@ElijahLeung]

Thanks so much for the high quality video! Been waiting so long for this vid! Looking forward to painting my keyboard

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Elijah Leung No problem! Good luck, and be patient :)

[@lukeoneill3413]

Who else is watching this with no intention of painting their keyboard?

[@plebicite3704]

Donald Trump

[@beboppinhaley]

I will paint it. I will paint my keyboard. Is the mantra I have been saying to myself for the last 8 months.

[@theralhaljordan7337]

I'm painting a few Model-M copycats I found at goodwill. Was gonna go with black, but I may try brown or green just for kicks

[@acedia5241]

prob 90% of poeple

[@imaginewagons3777]

wanna learn but wont do it anyway.... or not.

[@amizan8653]

I love that the processes in your videos don't require the bleeding out of several hundred dollars. Much appreciated

[@MidoriLetsPlay]

You're videos have such a high quality, you're on of my fav youtuber atm :3

[@TaeKeyboards]

+KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK Thanks, it means a lot!

[@bamzoof]

Damn, you put a lot of effort, good job man! You deserve more views haha

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Diaz Dhanindra P Thanks! I try my best :)

[@shripalsinghtube]

@@TaeKeyboards that's the thing I like about you

[@smashtime1904]

Have you ever done a keycap version of this? I saw your one tutorial on the Ajazz AK33 I think it was where you sanded the key tops and was wanting to try and do a custom font on that thinned white keytop. Also is there a good way of doing the corners of the keys(outlined)?

[@Brunnen_Gee]

You should check out the Krylon Fusion paints. You apply it just like any other spray paint, but think of it more as a dye for plastics. It's worth looking at if you're dealing with a lot of plastic, much less prep work.

[@bhgemini]

That looks great. Awesome job and terrific instruction 👍

[@YR7A]

also where can I get replacement keycaps for my apex 100 membrane keyboard

[@mglove8128]

Do you think i can use water stickers on a new paint job and then seal it in with a clearcoat ?

[@kuan495]

Hello, can you give me more details about removing the too case ? I have the exact same board i just cant open the 3 tap you mentioned:((

[@ohyeahvinnieyeah]

Any good site for cherry caps? I've been looking for sky blue backlit friendly caps. Thanks man. Keep the sick vids coming

[@ilaserbia]

Could you do a video about doing a two/multi color scheme with masking tape in the future?

[@ShinreiiTheCat]

how do i repaint a glossy plastic? what do i need to make it glossy again with different color?

[@Moose91]

I highly recommend Tamiya Model Spray paints that you'll find in a hobby shop. They're expensive but are basically scaled down automotive paint, the best you can get for small jobs like this. They also have really nice nozzles that you can take off and put onto cheaper spray paint cans.

[@nimrod485]

awesome guide! very informative.

[@planker3004]

how much time should i wait after applying the primer? and can i do the same steps but with a cheaper keyboard? cause my dad needs a keyboard and i was going to mod a hp classic keyboard

[@KaganTech]

Your videos are the best on KZbin for Keyboard Mods... I am picking up 2 AK 33's from Ajazz next week so I can mix the black and white key caps and pain the glossy back shell like you did in this video! Thank you for creating such great content. Regards from Nigeria.

[@mkcung4977]

Bro. You deserve a million more subs. Glad I found out your channel. Please continue on making top notch videos !

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Kevin Cung Thanks mate, I will :)

[@angelavelasquez9377]

Is it fine if i just use primer as a paint and leav it like that

[@bradd5961]

Any ideas on doing this for keycaps? Same process? For those that have custom layouts but still want a row profile, it would be good to make various sets blank.

[@ElDesparasitante]

very informative. i wonder: this is okay with a acrylic case? lets say, a 60% tofu acrylic? i dont like RGB but i love the deep sound of acrylic.

[@CubeRooted]

Hey Tae, can you make a guide for painting keyboard plates?

[@ethanalba7696]

can you spray paint it white when the case is originally green without primer?

[@chethanmark8797]

can u do one on painting keycaps

[@YayaTia_II]

Can these steps be followed for aluminium keyboard cases? ofc after the warranty expires ofc.

[@pressjumptodie]

Awesome guide! Thanks!

[@ulyssessait]

how long should i leave it for dry after apply the clear coat? u mentioned overnight..its that means 12hour?

[@Mushnp]

Thank you for this, wish this video was out when I did mine, but at least I can do a better job the second time. I painted mine about a year and a half ago and the paint started peeling after about 6 months, I think I either used the wrong type of paint or just did the clear coat poorly.

[@DerpyLumpy]

Painted my own now it wont work please help me what happens if it hits to usb part

[@neglect4189]

i have a problem, my keyboard has individual sqaures to fit the key switches. I dont know how to get the motherboard/inner green workings to come out please help i really need help someone please respond

[@YamaK]

Have you considered modding a hyper x fps alloy?

[@Justhavocman]

This painting guide inspired me to paint my old rapid-i :D

[@davxverythings1698]

After months of Daily use can you tell me did the paint is same or got that black finishes on the sweaty areas?

[@garretts.2003]

Very professional looking paint job man. I want to find a way to paint that matches fractal define.

[@diegojonfekoo8676]

im using tomoko 1-500 Do you think you can?

[@davidbarriga1029]

If my keyboard is aluminum can I still spray paint it ? Or hydrodip

[@crookeddesk]

You should try this with the swirl painting technique often used on guitars, might get some cool results

[@harvardford8752]

Hey there! what about longevity? does the paint las quite a bit?

[@crumbs182]

Insurgency is such a good game! great video.

[@sap6243]

nice diction, perfect explanation

[@hermannsiu9992]

can u film a video, showing how to paint keyboard keys correctly please . Thanks

[@kmlopxyz]

I will be painting my fuhlen sm60r this week, and I hope it will turn out well :D

[@hatem0]

amazing. professional review.

[@dhwlswk5376]

Hello, do you still have this board? How is this holding up? The paint I mean

[@rich1051414]

Consistent sanding, even on the tiny places hard to sand, is important. On my last keyboard, I got lazy on the top part, and the paint orange peeled. I ended up covering it up with a textured rubber coating which actually looked pretty good, but yeah, take the time to sand everything thoroughly :P

[@meibae]

Could you just use acetone to remove the logo?

[@jordanbaker17]

Can I do this on plastic keyboards?

[@YR7A]

damm that's an large mouse pad where did you get it?

[@JackyCookie-ge5ei]

Can I use water paint instead?

[@mayki261]

How much did you spend on painting and time?

[@skelly7987]

Hey, you made an audio mixing mistake at 3:07. :) Just thought I'd let you know for next time. :P Thanks for the guide! I might try it out when I get my new keyboard.

[@vayronjuega8578]

very nice video man

[@rogerclarke9984]

I think scotchbrite would do a good job with the inner bits if not all, i use it doing doors at home, works great, do it the same with soapy water!

[@treesii]

is the sanding imperative?

[@woodscrews6586]

Great vid!

[@OhItsLynx]

Finally! Great video once again buddy. I really want to buy this keyboard and do a black & metallic combo for it but my only gripe is the orange keys. I think it will completely throw off the minimal look im going for.

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Kyriakos Kokkinos Thanks man. Yeh... that may be an issue. Hope you figure something out!

[@TrueZtyleZ7]

When exactly do I apply the clear coat? After the paint cures or a few hours after applying the colored paint (in the process of curing)?

[@TaeKeyboards]

I've done it like within an hour after the coloured paint. I've read different things on the net, many say 30-45 mins after colour paint. So i'd probably follow that. Just go very light though, otherwise it will make it look bad.

[@Earo]

I want to paint my mouse... any tips?

[@isra4708]

Who's that guy that keeps walking in and out of the frame while you were putting the primer on you keyboard? Just curious.

[@thasydan]

I notice that Gundam box in the corner there at 18:19 hehehehe

[@finnlavelle637]

Hi tae i have 2 question 1 how old are you and 2 what is your opinion on keycaps with textured surfaces i need to know

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Finn Lavelle (Kroko) 20s, and I like a bit of texture on my keycaps. Better than smooth imo.

[@shogunpk]

+TaeKeyboards awesome video. I'm guessing that means you prefer PBT over ABS then?

[@estefanyamaya]

How would I paint an aluminum ally board?

[@apple-de8tx]

woudn't water painting work?

[@MrFreeze79]

you know what you can do next? cerakote ! that's a super durable finish that I used to add some colour to my firearms. it's super tough

[@reeamoo2918]

Do I still have to sand off the top and use primer if the top is matte?

[@TaeKeyboards]

+reeamoo A matte surface is easier to paint in comparison to a gloss finish. But it will depend on what you want. If you're not carrying the keyboard around, and just leave it at home - it may suffice. I would recommend top clear coat to make it more durable, and it should be good. However, if you want the strongest finish - you would still need to sand and prime.

[@Bekon241]

Gj i wont know how i can paint buttons with great letter match without use old one. Coz my KB is not mehanical and i wont renew all.

[@44p4ul]

if i paint my keyboard ill send you some photos, thanks for the video!!

[@anmols.3679]

Hey buddy, Are Primer and Clear Coat important ? I don't have 'em and it'll take long for me to get them.

[@TaeKeyboards]

They definitely make it easier and more durable. I guess if you just take it slowly with paint, and don't move the keyboard anywhere, you might be okay. My very first keyboard I painted was like that. And it still looks okay, with a few scratches here and there.

[@epicx1038]

Do you keep all of these keyboards or you sell some bdw great tutorial

[@TaeKeyboards]

+Epic X Gaming Sell most. Keep a few for reference (different keyswitches / form factors like 60%, tenkeyless etc) And thanks :)

[@loolerz3477]

can i remove the top shell without unscrewing the back screw because i dont want to void my warranty (im using quickfire xt)

[@TaeKeyboards]

Nope. It's secured by screws, so unfortunately you wont be able to open it.

[@amshermansen]

You'd be voiding your warranty the moment you paint it anyway...

[@MrCarpet00]

Whats the game being played at the end?

[@accelgaming1555]

Insurgency

[@sugarsugar181]

Would a paint and primer combo work?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yeh it should work well enough.

[@sugarsugar181]

+TaeKeyboards So could I skip the priming and sanding step then? I'm painting a blackwidow so can I just sand off the matte finish then paint it with the combo?

[@barndenn]

I recently bought a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid and after watching this video I'm so compelled to paint my keyboard when it comes in.

[@mateosshek4352]

lol did you do it

[@barndenn]

I got my keyboard and I'm satisfied with how it is for now. Maybe later when I want to spice things up. :)

[@tiesdevos6897]

you are using the collor wheel of itten there are way more collor wheels out there

[@ongchangheng]

what if the frame is metal. Like a ducky shine 3?

[@lukegranger8132]

then you would use something like "self-etching primer" or at times, but rarely, called "aluminum primer." and use something like acetone, paint thinner, or I guess rubbing alcohol could do after sanding to remove metal particles, but acetone works the best if you don't mind paralyzing your nose. after that just follow his way.

[@user-wp7yr6lw6t]

I'm doing an aluminum coat for the color, should I use a clear coat on it? Why do you use a clear coat?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Clear coat is just a layer of protection for the paint. It can help keep colour for longer and provide protection from peeling and such.

[@user-wp7yr6lw6t]

TaeKeyboards Thank you!

[@flawedvirgin114]

where did you get your keys from ? I cant find any whitw kwys for my razer keyboard :/

[@lorenzomariani7386]

Razer keyboards have a non standard bottom row (the ctrl, win and alt keys are not all of the same size) so it's gonna be harder to find a keyset that fits. There are for sure, but they tend to be design keysets that cost quite a bit and you'd have to add the cost of the additional "pack" with the compatibility caps. All in all you're still on the lucky side of the gaming brands layout craziness, both Razer and Corsair have this problem, having non standard bottom rows, but it's still possible to get keycaps for them, it's just more expensive; then there is Steelseries which has an oversized spacebar that is not made by anyone else, so no way to replace that, and Logitech with their proprietary switches that no one else makes keycaps for, so no way to change any of them. At least we have Coolermaster that decided to keep a standard layout for which it's easy to find new keycaps.

[@flawedvirgin114]

thanks for the comment,you really helped me

[@lorenzomariani7386]

Luka Huth Sorry I couldn't point you towards something more specific but I don't really know about any commonly available set that would fit that bottom row. That said I'm European, availability here is pretty poor in general, if you're in the US you'll have way more chances. Check this for more info in general www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/keycapsellers

[@flawedvirgin114]

You´ve helped eneough :D Thanks for your help :)

[@nortexoid]

Dude, this is nice! I also now see why you bought both a black and white one of these boards--for that keycap mixing! Do you sell these things to friends or what?

[@TaeKeyboards]

+nortexoid Yep, they make some nice combinations. And yeh, I keep some, and sell some to whoever.

[@somedayiwillfcbigblack6498]

Im gonna paint my keycaps only,do i need to do the same process?

[@bobbymcjunior]

Someday I will fc big black why would you paint your keycaps? just buy them in the colour you want

[@henryvorhees6069]

What if the plate on your keyboard is metal

[@edward-7479]

wow its 2021 time goes by quick

[@wrmie]

Will this work with the Razer Deathstalker Chroma?

[@kratu6625]

WormieGamez get a mechanical keyboard dude

[@wrmie]

YTRKS I might.

[@kivayi9083]

what will happen if i didnt put on the primer?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Primer helps adhesion, and therefore helps it be a bit more durable. You can still paint straight on, it just won't be as easy and as strong. Primer also fills in gaps.

[@maxmsdm4653]

ive never seen such a clear tutorial

[@dankhisweedisboihegus6401]

Just watching the video bracing myself for that left music, just when i was about to say "I guess he re-uploaded or something" but then it was when he stopped talking and the only thing you could hear was the music on the left

[@franzb69]

just use vinyl stickers. if you need to rma it, just peel the sticker off and send it out.

[@xperipheral7186]

This video was fantastic mate! You've made me really want to customise my keyboard now, going to start on a cheaper one in order to practice, then hopefully do my razer black widow. Sub earned!

[@TaeKeyboards]

+xPeripheral Thanks mate! Yeh the Razer boards look quite nice when customised, and are super easy to do :)

[@xperipheral7186]

+TaeKeyboards yeah man definitely! Your black and white one looks so good :D just bought an ajazz mech keyboard to practice on, was only £12 on eBay!