Is there a reason why white text on black keys can’t be made using PBT double shot (like on the beam-spring keyboards) for the 104 Model M? Why do black keys on Model M have to use pad printing? Also, if pad printing must be used, I’ve noticed that coating on mass-produced keyboards with black keys outline just the text and not the entire key. Is that the plan as well, or is it to coat the entire face of the key cap? Thanks.
It would cost more than $100,000 in tooling for double shot molds, as no molds exist. Also given the design of the Model F keycap I don’t think double shot could be designed, compared to the far easier MX type design used on the beam spring project’s PBT double shot keycaps.
There will either be no coating or coating just around the printing, not sure yet.
Pad printing is required for white text because of the limitations of sublimation; only darker sublimation ink can sublimate into lighter color plastic.