Using Model M Replacement Keycaps Linux: Your Ultimate Guide to Customization.

Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with my old Model M keyboard lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I wanted to share my experience with swapping out the keycaps, ’cause it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought it would be, especially on Linux.

First off, I got this Model M off of some dude online. It was in decent shape, but the keycaps were kinda grimy and yellowed, you know, that vintage look but not in a good way. So, step one was obviously to clean this thing up. I pulled off all the keycaps, which was a bit of a pain. I didn’t have a proper keycap puller, so I ended up using a bent paperclip. It worked, but it took forever, and I was scared I was gonna break something. I soaked the keycaps in some warm soapy water, gave ’em a good scrub, and let them dry.

Now, here’s where it got interesting. I wanted to replace some of the keycaps with ones that had a different feel, like a little bit rougher surface, and that have the little marks on them like the F and the J, since I type without looking at the keyboard. But I quickly realized that finding keycaps specifically designed for the Model M on Linux is a bit of a challenge. I mean, most keycaps are made for those modern mechanical keyboards, and they just don’t fit right on the Model M.

I searched all over the place, forums, online stores, you name it. I finally stumbled upon this little niche store that had a few sets that were compatible. They weren’t cheap, let me tell you. But I was determined to get this done. When they arrived, I was pretty excited to get them on there.

• Popped the old keycaps back on after they were dry.
• Carefully lined up the new keycaps.
• Pressed them down until they clicked into place.

It was a bit of a hassle, I’m not gonna lie. Some of the keycaps were a little tight, and I had to use a bit more force than I was comfortable with. But eventually, I got them all on there.

And let me tell you, it was worth it. The keyboard looks so much better now, and it feels great to type on. The new keycaps made a huge difference. It’s like a whole new keyboard! Also the F and J keys are textured and noticable.

The Takeaway

If you’re thinking about replacing the keycaps on your Model M, especially on Linux, just be prepared for a bit of a hunt. It’s not as easy as just buying a set off the shelf. But don’t give up! It’s definitely doable, and the results are totally worth the effort. It’s not difficult just hard to find. Just take your time, be careful, and you’ll end up with a keyboard you love even more than before. And hey, if you find any good sources for Model M keycaps, let me know! Also, it turns out that just replacing the whole inner assembly is probably easier and more effective, but I did not do that. I wanted to keep the old girl as original as possible.