Possible to Save this GMK Spacebar?

Learning and discussion
1

I did a stupid thing. I was trying to fix a warped GMK spacebar, and I made it much, much worse.

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Before my mistake, it was just slightly warped, just enough that it kept popping off the stabs of a Realforce RGB. I tried putting in 120F, then 140F, then 160F water for a few minutes, then bending by pressing with my fingers or rubber banding it to a straight object. I had no luck, it remained warped.

So I recklessly, rashly, foolishly, put it into 190F water for 10 minutes and it looked like this when it came out.

Is there any hope for saving it?

It’s a Vaporwave R1 6u. I had assumed it was impossible to replace, but I see there is a re-release of Vaporwave with some leftovers… So I at least I can maybe replace it

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2

Nah, that’s done for IMO. I mean theoretically with enough pissing around you could maybe make it useable again. Although it will always have some visible warp on it even if you managed to get it back to useable.

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3

My eyes and somehow ears are bleeding after seeing this. Ya almost need a censor bar over your image.

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4

its over

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5

GENTLEMEN, WE CAN REBUILD HIM! WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY!

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6

Why is it seemingly so prevalent to see discussions about manually fixing warped GMK spacebars with these at-home hacks? A while back, I even saw someone start an interest check on a tool to help straighten spacebars

I mean, why isn’t the solution just to contact GMK with a warranty claim and get a replacement?

Is a spacebar that is so warped “that it kept popping off the stabs” not outside of their quality tolerances?

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7

In a perfect world, GMK would send out straight space bars and there would be several other manufacturers making keycaps I enjoy as much as GMK’s. Alas, I’ve never found anything I enjoy as much as GMK.

This one was purchased in 2019. I hadn’t noticed the warp until I moved it to a different keyboard.

But yeah, it’s a bummer all around.

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8

This is dumb but idc: Again like put it in hot water and wait until it becomes soft, place something really heavy on it??? I know it’s dumb y’all

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10

Show this to the spacebars of all future GMK sets you order as a warning of what you’re capable of if they don’t behave.

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11

Yeah, might as well make a spacebar pancake, as it has become a piece of modern art.

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12

Real

13

New set idea: GMK Cubist

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14

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Oh my man, you had me dying after I read this!

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15

nahhhhhh :joy: :joy: :joy: :joy:

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16

crucify the spacebar and place it above your door.

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17

ended up buying Vaporwave R2, selling the R1 with the cooked spacebar on r/mm, discounting $50 for the missing spacebar

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18

aint no way you are selling the warped space bar.

19

I thought $50 was a good discount for a set missing a 6u but including a 7u, but I might be wrong.

Appreciate the helpful feedback!

20

In the timestamp pic you posted, the spacebar almost looks like an inch worm crawling to the backspace.