• Everything you need to know about keycaps

    The plastic layer that covers a key on a keyboard is called a keycap. It is the cover that you touch when you type on a keyboard. It essentially identifies the symbol or letter input into the device or computer. In recent times keycaps have become much more than the regular plastic keys, keyboard enthusiasts are often fond of switching keycaps by using customized options. These different kinds of keycaps can come in different shapes, sizes, and every color or texture imaginable. Having a colored keycap or a keycap with a unique texture or form has become a trend.

    What makes a keycap?

    A keycap is generally made through the process of thermoplastic injection molding thermoplastic. This process involves melting plastic and putting it under pressure so that it forms a steel mold. There are different plastics that are used to make these colored keycaps.

    ABS
    Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS is found in many applications and formulations. This is the form of plastic that is most commonly used to create keycaps as the material that it is made with is easily available and less expensive.

    PBT
    Short for polybutylene terephthalate, this type of plastic is another upcoming favorite material for making keycaps. It is extremely durable but comes with a higher manufacturing cost. PBT does not shine even after long usage. The plastic is hard and it gives the keycap a texture. Most of the keycaps that are found in the aftermarket are made using PBT plastic.

    3-D printed keycaps 
    With the help of 3-D printers, it has become relatively easy to customize keycap designs. You can choose the shape and color as per your requirement. All you need to have is easy access to a 3-D printer. You can create colored keycaps, or normal keycaps in unique shapes and textures.

    Hand-molded keycaps
    These keycaps are relatively unique, a tad bit expensive, and highly sought-after because of their unique form and design. The process of making these keycaps is tedious. Artisans make a clay mold in their preferred shape. This is then made into a silicone mold of the design. The last step is to cast it in resin to produce a keycap. This method is extremely time-consuming and fetches a lot of money from the artists who create these keycaps.

    POM
    This is the least common plastic that is used to make keycaps. These keycaps though durable, are slippery; hence are avoided by manufacturers.

    Rubber keycaps
    Rubber keycaps are the plastic keycaps coated in an additional rubber layer. The rubber coating allows for a better finger grip and can benefit gamers who are making the jump to PC gaming for the first time.

  • Interesting features and facts of keycaps

    A brand-new set of keycaps is probably the best way to spiff up the monotonous mechanical keyboard. Just replacing the set of old, poorly made, and thin ABS keycaps with the new awesomely designed colored keycaps is way better. You’ll need to understand the size of the keycaps needed, what row they sit on, and not to forget the specific layout is a must while purchasing a new set of keycaps. Here are some features of the keycaps.                                                                                                                                          

    Features of keycaps

    The keycap profiles
    The shape of the keycap is known as the keycap profile. You can feel the difference in shape and height of the keycap, although it may seem similar in its top-down view. 

     

    • Sculpted and uniform keycap profiles
       
      Sculpted keycap profiles are profiles that have a distinct shape each at a different angle. Uniform keycaps are keys that have the same/uniform shape and size.                                                                                                                                                   

    Various production methods
    Various production methods affect the colored keycaps choices, their quality, texture, customizing possibilities, and their durability.                                                              

    • 3-D Printed Keycaps
      With the introduction of 3-D printers it has become relatively easy to make a keycap in the shape and color of your choice. You just need to have some practice and easy access to a 3-D printer. You can create colored keycaps, or normal keycaps in unique shapes and textures.
    • Hand-molded Keycaps
      These are keycaps that are relatively unique, expensive, and highly sought-after because of their distinctive construction form and design. The process of making these keycaps begins with a clay mold moving onto a silicone mold, this mold is further cast with resin. This method is extremely time-consuming and fetches a lot of money from the artists who create these keycaps.                                                                                                            
    • Double-shot keycaps
      Double-shot keycaps are manufactured from a more complex process by injection molding two separate plastics. They are produced this way for the lighting to shine through. These kinds of keycaps are available in both ABS and PBT plastics.                                                                  

    Choosing the right keycap profile for gaming
    Have you ever thought of how to choose the right keycap profile? You always tend to look for the kind of keyboard with comfortable and easily usable keycaps. Well, the Cherry style of keycaps is the best for gaming purposes. These are sculpted profiles specially made comfortable to press for games. 

    These are some features and facts about keycaps. Keycaps are the face of the keyboard and are responsible for the touch, sound, feel, and overall experience.

  • 5 popular colored keycaps

    Tired of looking at your traditional mechanical keycaps? The new well-designed colored keycaps can be the best option to replace them. However, you need to understand the size of the keycaps, their placement, and the specific layout, before purchasing a new set of keycaps. The plastic layer that covers a key on a keyboard is called a keycap. It essentially identifies the symbol or letter input into the device or computer. Here are some different types of colored keycaps that are available in the market at an affordable price.

    Different types of colored keycaps

    • HK gaming dye-sublimation-colored keycaps
      This is a sculpted keycap profile in Cherry. This Cherry profile keycap set is one of the keycaps sets that you can find at a lower price. Other similar profile keycap sets can cost more than $100. The HK gaming keycaps have nice, basic, and bold colors that suit the cream-colored keycaps.                                                                 
    • New arrival XDA lotus keycaps
      These keycaps are a cool white and blue design with a red accent. The XDA profile is enjoyable and fun to type on. It takes a small periodic adjustment to get used to. The arrow keys contain a simple minimalistic design that brings and makes the entire set together and fun. The New arrival XDA-colored keycaps come in different sizes depending on the layout.
    • Kraken backlit keycaps
      Kraken backlit keycaps are a good way to take the mechanical setup a notch higher! You can get backlit colored keycap sets to match your set up, favorite colors,or favorite teams. Backlit keycap sets come with keys that fit a full-size keyboard. They fit in the standard mechanical keyboard layout, that uses Cherry, or cherry equivalent switches.                                                                                                              
    • YMDK double-shot rainbow keycaps
      These are another great option with amazing design. These keycaps feature a multitude of colors. This keycap set is OEM profile. The RGB lighting shines through due to its doubleshot design, and the PBT material that it is made of.                                                                                                                  
    • YMDK YMD96 keycaps -Gray & beige
      This design by YMDK is a set of keycaps priced at a lower range. It features an OEM profile that comes in a PBT keycap design. These keycaps are sleek and convenient, and have a good contrast, which makes reading easy. The keycaps are not too flashy and can be used in a professional set up. It is perfect for those who like to purchase a keycap that is subtle yet classy.

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  • Tips to choose the best Specsavers hearing aids

    The British optical and hearing aid giant, Specsavers is one of the most reliable names among the high street hearing aid providers globally. Their best features include free hearing tests with no obligation to buy a hearing aid. Specsavers hearing aids come with a complete aftercare package, including free batteries for up to four years, a 90-day money back satisfaction period and free aftercare appointments for as long as you need them.

    Here are a few tips that you can follow to ensure that you choose the perfect hearing aid solution taking into account your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

    Take a hearing test:

    The best part of Specsavers free hearing test is that you can easily find out the level of hearing loss you are experiencing. Let the audiologist conduct the required tests and tell you what type of hearing loss you have.

    Consider your lifestyle:

    If the audiologist confirms the requirement of hearing aids, it is advisable to explain your lifestyle to him so that he can understand what you need to hear, where you need to hear it, and what level of wear and tear your hearing aid will need to withstand and guide you better in selecting the right kind of Specsavers hearing aids. You can opt amongst the different available varieties of hearing aids Specsavers, which include:

    Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids, which are molded to fit inside your ear canal

    In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids, which are customized to partly fit in the ear canal

    In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids, which can be customized to be either full-shell or half-shell

    Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids, which are the most common and hook over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear

    Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) styles, which are similar to a BTE with an additional speaker

    Invisible hearing aids with the latest technology which are very small and can be discreetly placed inside your ear canal

    Consider your budget and agility:

    Specsavers hearing aids can range anywhere between $1500 to more than $4000 depending on technological advancements and quality. Hearing aids which are placed inside the ear canal and require frequent battery changes should not be preferred, if you cannot operate them by yourself.

    Understand what you need:

    If you usually do not go out a lot or lead a simple home life, you may not need as many advanced features in your hearing aid. As such, you can choose to have more economical options. In case your work is demanding, you may opt for hearing aids with the latest features.

    Get a complete demonstration:

    Choosing the right hearing aid is an important decision as it is expensive and will directly affect your day to day working. Thus, it is important to try and test the types of Specsavers hearing aids on offer to understand which one you will be most comfortable with.

    Use the training period to get accustomed:

    If you are a first time user of hearing aids, your brain will need time to get accustomed to them. It is always advisable to complete the training session at Specsavers and follow the instructions of your audiologist. Though auditory training can also be done at home with the help of your computer, certain group sessions and aural rehabilitation programs provided at the clinic can be highly beneficial. For older users as well, it is always advisable to undergo proper training while changing over to a new style of hearing aids to understand the machine better.

    Make sure you can hear properly, and the Specsavers hearing aids are working as per your expectations after you get them fitted and step out into a clearer sounding world.

  • Top immune-boosting foods to manage cold and flu

    Common illnesses, such as the flu and cold, can be caused by several elements, like dust, pollution, and changing weather patterns. Although common, they can weaken a person and interfere with daily tasks. Building an immune system that can quickly combat infections is the best way to avoid many ailments. Regular inclusion of vitamin and mineral-rich foods, such as citrus fruits and spinach, in one’s daily meal plan, can improve the immune system. 

    Here are the best foods for cold and flu prevention.

    Lemons
    Lemons are high in bioflavonoids and vitamin C, antioxidants that protect cell health. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. White blood cells are critical components for fighting infections. Since our bodies can’t make vitamin C on their own, eating foods high in citrus fruits is increasingly important to support immune system development. Citrus fruits are almost universally high in vitamin C, making it simple to include them in any meal. You can drink lemon water throughout the day, squeeze lemon juice over vegetables, or incorporate it into salad dressings. Other fruits high in vitamin C include grapefruit, oranges, clementines, and tangerines.

    Garlic
    Garlic contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that help the immune system. It also contains allicin, a chemical effective against various germs and viruses. Garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure and slow artery-hardening progression. It is widely available and can be incorporated into any cuisine to enhance flavor while providing health benefits for every meal. In addition, you can use fresh garlic in marinades, dips, and salad dressings.

    Blueberries
    Blueberries contain flavonoids and antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and boost the immune system. Blueberries also contain a lot of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and manganese. They are known as immune-boosting superfoods. It can be eaten as a topping for healthy smoothies, waffles, pancakes, drinks, and other foods. Blueberries contain antioxidants that can help treat and prevent colds and coughs.

    Mushrooms
    Mushrooms are high in vitamins B and D and selenium, a mineral that helps the body fight infections. They are also high in minerals and enzymes, which help them fight viruses and strengthen their immune systems. It contains vitamin D, which helps to maintain an active immune system. Varieties such as shiitake, maitake, and reishi are especially beneficial for staying healthy during the cold and flu season. It can be eaten by adding diced mushrooms to stir fry, casseroles, or roasting it as a simple side dish.

    Almonds
    Nuts like almonds contain a variety of minerals, including protein and vitamin E. Almonds are a high-nutritional-value nut high in vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. It also includes niacin, copper, selenium, and zinc. They contain more nutrients and useful components than any other nut. A half-cup of almonds provides the daily recommended amount of vitamin E. Consuming a variety of nuts keeps one healthy and active while performing daily tasks.

    Green tea
    Green tea is one of the most effective anti-cold remedies. It has flavonoids, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting qualities. Green tea contains the antioxidant catechin, which is abundant in green tea and has antibacterial and antiviral activities. It can eliminate cold-starting germs as well as the influenza virus. The amino acid L-theanine, which is present in green tea, promotes the production of chemicals that can fight off microorganisms.

    Turmeric
    Turmeric is a key ingredient in most curries. This yellow spice is widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains a high curcumin concentration, giving it its distinct color, and can help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. This substance acts as an antiviral and helps to strengthen the immune system. It can be consumed by sipping warm turmeric milk or incorporating it into curries.

    Broccoli
    Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants like sulforaphane. It’s an excellent vegetable to consume regularly to boost immune system health. Eating broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have been shown to boost the immune system. A chemical found in these vegetables, sulforaphane, activates antioxidant genes and enzymes in immune cells, assisting the body in combating free radicals and maintaining health.

     Tips for preventing the flu and cold

    • Green vegetables are high in vitamins, which help people maintain healthy nutrition and immune system. Eating nutritious meals causes a chemical reaction in the body that increases the production of several proteins that the immune system requires to function properly.
    • Regular exercises, such as walking or cycling, keeps one fit and trim. It not only aids in body mass management but also helps prevent chronic illness and inflammation, reduces stress and the release of stress-related hormones, and increases the circulation of white blood cells (WBCs), which aids the body in fighting the common cold.
    • Avoid direct contact with sick people. When one is ill, keep a safe distance from others to prevent them from becoming ill. Always keep hand sanitizer, avoid contaminated surfaces, and never touch your face or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Always wash your hands before eating, and do so frequently in public. Many raw foods contain surface bacteria that can cause illness and the flu. Fresh produce should always be washed before eating. Drink warm water with lemon drops or fruit-infused water regularly to avoid illness, boost immunity, and maintain good health.
  • Advantages of home theater audio systems

    Most of us love watching movies. It can be a good way to spend time with friends and sometimes this is a part of enjoying dates with special friends too. It is universally accepted to watch recently released blockbuster movies going to theaters and multiplexes. People enjoy the big screen and big sound experience. Some of the movies that are popular because of their special effects can be truly enjoyed at theaters.

    Fortunately, the similar experience of ‘big sound’ doesn’t need a trip to the theater as we can have it at the most exciting theater in the whole world! That is none other than our own home by using home theater audio systems.

    Families, friends, and couples can enjoy favorite films at homes using best quality home theater with excellent home wireless speakers. We can enjoy all the perks of theaters being comfortable at home. Additionally, we can stay away from the crowd of theaters, sticky floors, and uncomfortable seats.

    We neither need to book our tickets standing in a queue or online to get the theater experience when we have a home theater at home. We can watch movies, music, sports events, our favorite serials and anything that we like on TV with a similar experience in theaters.

    After a weeklong of work and school, family members can get together for a movie night. They can select their favorite movie and watch it on the home theater system. Apart from movies, we can also view our old family videos, recordings of weddings, engagements, anniversary, and birthday parties in a theater-like environment and that would be a fantastic experience.

    The most crucial part of a theater experience is the booming sound that surrounds all the audiences. The sound system involves the audience in the film being run on the screen. The same can be expected through a good quality home theater system installed in the living room or a specific media room at our homes. A number of home wireless speakers can be fitted in various corners of the room so that we can have the real surround sound experience and enjoy our TV program or any recording or movies played through DVD players.