Keycap Kevin: a spicy patina for the knob on my keyboard

Kevin Hofer

14.5.2023

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Brass is an important component in many custom keyboards. Be it for acoustics, to make the device heavier or simply as an eye-catcher. Most often, the material is polished and sealed. I want to artificially age it with heat.

One of my favourite keyboards has a huge knob. The Mammoth 75 from Wuque Studios is adorned with a 33-millimetre diameter knob in the upper right corner. It’s made of brass and gives off a brilliant sheen. Too intense for my taste. Time for a patina! More precisely, I age the surface by applying heat.

How to make the patina

Before I can get to work, I first have to remove the existing sealant. Since I recently practised sandblasting for the first time, I remove the protective coating using this technique. I apply a blasting agent to the button with air pressure. This makes quick work of the top layer.

After a few minutes, the seal is removed and the knob is almost ready. I also make sure to blow away any dust with compressed air and clean the knob with a silicone remover to get rid of any grease.

Now we’re ready. What I need is a fireproof pad, blowtorch, safety glasses and gloves. Can’t forget the knob either, of course. I place it down, ignite the solder and start flaming the knob directly. I heat it for a little over a minute. During this time, the brass oxidises and changes colour.

Good, but not good enough

I don’t know what colour the patinated brass will take on beforehand. It may turn greenish, reddish or brownish. In certain cases, a purple is possible too. I was hoping for that, actually, as it would fit well with my keyboard. In my case, the surface takes on a matte, brown-greenish hue. Too bad, but I still like the knob better than before.

I could now seal the patina with a varnish to keep it from changing. But I decide against it. Although the current result is okay, I’m not done with my knob yet. A patina can be achieved by other means than heat. Next, I want to try a natural remedy: eggs. I’ll tell you what comes of it soon.

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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