Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2020 January 27

= January 27 =

Trying to find these clear-top switches SOLVED
Looking at the DIY calculator at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081C38FR5/, I believe that I could pretty much make one like it from scratch by milling acrylic and aluminum sheets.

The reason to do this is to a bigger display and especially get more keys; a typical scientific calculator has 50 or more keys.

TM one question is where I can find the square keys with a clear plastic top that I can put labels under. Images are here:
 * https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61klARqYJEL._SL1000_.jpg
 * https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61NmUoCAmBL._SL1000_.jpg

I have searched digikey and a bunch of key manufacturers but could not find anything similar. Does anyone know the manufacturer? --Guy Macon (talk) 06:59, 27 January 2020 (UTC)


 * https://www.amazon.com/X-keys-Keycap-Cherry-Compatible-Transparent/dp/B00FYO8EDC ? Searched for "clear keycap".  Many hits that I didn't look at.  If you want a hackable scientific calculator, maybe this?  I don't understand the point of wanting a standalone  calculator in this era though.  It's usually easier to use a computer.  173.228.123.190 (talk) 08:26, 27 January 2020 (UTC)


 * The problem with the ones you found is that there is no place to put a label under the clear plastic. Compare with the images above.


 * That NumWorks calc is a good product (It and that Casio fx-CG50 PRIZM are the only calculators that run Python) but I want to choose what keys do what, which is why I want to make my own labels. --Guy Macon (talk) 09:35, 27 January 2020 (UTC)


 * Here is another product that allows you to put your own label under a clear keycap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0092SGI0C/


 * Ha! Found them!
 * https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FYO8EDC/
 * https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FYO8GI0/
 * --Guy Macon (talk) 09:47, 27 January 2020 (UTC)


 * Nice. I think these days most people would use a touch screen though, if they wanted a calculator-like interface at all.  Alternatives are things like Jupyter Notebook.  173.228.123.190 (talk) 09:49, 27 January 2020 (UTC)


 * It occurs to me, cash registers / POS terminals often have keypads that take labels under the keys, so that would be another place to look if the above don't satisfy you. 173.228.123.190 (talk) 22:18, 28 January 2020 (UTC)


 * Good thinking! I hadn't thought of looking at those before. --Guy Macon (talk) 22:56, 28 January 2020 (UTC)