Understanding PVD Keyboard Technology
PVD keyboard refers to a keyboard that utilizes physical vapor deposition technology in its keycaps. This innovative manufacturing process allows for more durable and long-lasting keyboard keycaps compared to traditional methods.
What Does PVD Stand For?
PVD is an acronym that stands for physical vapor deposition." It is an advanced vacuum coating technique used to apply thin films of various materials onto components like mechanical parts, medical devices, and microelectronics.
In the keyboard industry, PVD is used to apply coatings of metals like titanium or chromium onto keycap surfaces through vaporized physical forms.
Advantages of PVD Keyboards
There are several notable benefits that PVD coated keyboard keycaps provide over traditional plastic keycaps:
Enhanced durability - More resistant to wearing down from frequent typing/use
Improved corrosion resistance - Protects against rust and oxidation
Excellent adhesive properties - Coatings bond tightly to keycap materials
Higher precision application - Thin films maintain keycap contour accuracy
These factors allow PVD coated keycaps to last through over 100 million keystroke presses. They better maintain their factory finish for improved longevity.
How Does PVD Coating Work?
PVD is considered an environmentally friendly vacuum coating process. It contains no solvents and operates fully devoid of liquid. There are three main steps in the PVD coating procedure used on keyboard keycaps:
1. Metallic source evaporation - Materials like titanium or chromium get heated to a vaporized plasma gas state.
2. Substrate adhesion - The metallic plasma particles adhere evenly onto the keyboard keycaps plastic polymer surfaces.
3. Cooling condensation - The atoms bond tightly together as the coating film cools, forming a thin PVD metallic coating.
Types of PVD Keyboard Finishes
Manufacturers can use PVD technology to apply several different finish coatings onto keyboard keycaps, including:
Titanium PVD Coating - Silver-colored with a metallic shine.
Rose Gold PVD Finish - Pinkish gold hue finish.
Chromium PVD Coating - Bright silver/grey finish, more shine than titanium.
The titanium and chromium PVD coatings are most common, providing sleek and visually striking metallic keyboard designs.
PVD Keyboards vs Other Options
It helps to understand how PVD coated keyboards compare against some of the other available types of keyboard finishes.
PVD vs ABS Keycaps
ABS plastic keycaps are very common, especially among budget keyboards. However, they wear down more easily. Their surfaces also become shiny/polished from oil off your fingertips.
PVD coated ABS keycaps offer drastically increased durability, abrasion resistance, and consistent appearance over time.
PVD vs PBT Keycaps
PBT plastic keycaps are naturally more durable than ABS keycaps. But they are still prone to becoming shiny, and their longevity is still limited.
PVD finishes increase lifespan exponentially while adding striking visual aesthetics not possible with plain plastic.
PVD vs Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimated keycaps offer custom colorful print designs which PVD cannot match. However, the thin dye layer wears out eventually. PVD coatings outlast dye sub by great magnitudes.
Combining both technologies creates keycaps with vibrant prints that last thanks to protective PVD metallic coatings.
Caring for Your PVD Keyboard
While PVD keyboard keycaps are extremely durable, youll want to take proper care to help them last as long as possible:
Regular Cleaning
Use compressed air to routinely remove dust and debris around the keys to prevent buildup. Gently wipe surfaces using a microfiber cloth dampened with small amounts of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide cleaner.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not spray down keys using acetone, paint thinner or harsh solvents. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or scrubbing that could damage the PVD coating.
Handle With Care
Be careful not to drop your keyboard or scrape surfaces against hard objects. While PVD finish offers improved scratch resistance, it can still become damaged when subjected to extreme abrasions or impacts.
Storing inside a protective case or cover when traveling can help prevent wear and tear issues.
With proper care and maintenance, a quality PVD keyboard will continue looking and functioning like new throughout years of frequent typing. The enhanced durability PVD coating offers keeps key surfaces from succumbing to shiny oil buildup or wearing down prematurely.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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