Any way to cover aluminum gaps on Framework keyboards? (Nickel/aluminium allergy workaround needed)

[CJ_Andersen]

Hey everyone,

I’m Chris — and if you’re short on time, feel free to skip to the -Last line-

-New to Framework-
I’m pretty new to Framework and planning to get my first one soon. The more I dig into it, the more I’m impressed by how flexible and upgradeable these laptops are.

-Personal challenge-
That said, I’ve got a bit of a personal challenge: I have a nickel/aluminum allergy, which unfortunately rules out things like Apple devices for me.

-Checked options-
I’ve already checked out a bunch of skin/foil options (some really great ones out there ), but there’s one issue I haven’t been able to solve yet:
after about 15 seconds of typing on keyboards with exposed aluminum between the keys, my fingers start to itch… not ideal

-Framework factory finish-
In a perfect world, there’d be something like a factory finish with a uniform surface — similar to the ThinkPad X1 carbon-black feel. But I really want to go with Framework because of the modularity (even though those super quiet with megafast Thunderbolt support ARM ThinkPads with crazy battery life are tempting, not gonna lie).

-Here’s what I’ve tried so far-

1. A super thin silicone keyboard cover on my old MacBook — worked perfectly, but I haven’t found anything similar for Framework yet

2. On my current HP Pavilion, I literally taped over the aluminum frame parts (works surprisingly well )

3. I also use a great Logitech Bluetooth keyboard at my desk — but that’s just not practical when traveling (train/plane life…)

4. Also the similar topics about keyboard skin and covers were not like fitting perfectly to my individual Framework DIY configuration.

-Last line-
So… has anyone here found a good solution to cover or isolate the metal gaps between the keys on a Framework keyboard?

Would really appreciate any ideas, hacks, or products you’ve come across!

My future configuration:
Windows 11 Pro (ARM)
Hoping on soon ARM version on Framework 12, 13, and 16
Framework Laptop 12, 13 or 16 intel because of the fast thunderbolt
CPU not decided yet
German keyboard

[Jo_Hannes]

Best bet with no mods would be the FW12.

It does (for now) not offer as powerful of a mainboard though, so depending on what all you want from it, it might not be the right machine for you.

Edit: In case you are not aware, the FW12 is made of plastic.

[James3]

@CJ_Andersen

nickel/aluminum allergy

For the FW16, this might help:

[EU] Custom 3D Printed FW16 single piece input cover 15€ each

Im offering to 3D print custom single piece input covers for the FW16, im using the official models from the Framework github and you can choose between various different materials, colors and surface finishes. And of course you can choose if you want the touchpad on the left, right or center as well as being able to have text or logos printed into the surface but that could cost a little more depending on how complex your idea is. Region/Country: EU wide Price (and accepted payment methods) …

Where on the FW16 do you get a reaction from?
If it is just where you rest your hands on the FW16 tackpad area, then the above should help.

[CJ_Andersen]

Sorry, I wrote much.

Between the letters on the keyboard.

[CJ_Andersen]

Thx… didn’t know it was plastic.

I think about …it… is just a bit limited in comparison with FW14&16

[MJ1]

@CJ_Andersen

2. On my current HP Pavilion, I literally taped over the aluminum frame parts (works surprisingly well )

What kind of tape did you use?
Happen to have a picture?

I don’t know what your willingness & freedom to DIY, or budget for paying a company to do something is. But spray paint, or much better powder coating, feels like it could be a workable solution. If you have the budget for it, I’d suggest paying to have the input cover frame powder coated. It’s harder & more durable than regular spray paint. I would think any decent service could mask off the underside & screw holes.

[CJ_Andersen]

I used what I had… tesa tape.

Thx for the hint
Would you send a link or name of this coating company?

[CJ_Andersen]

I just looked into this, and the risk seems too high for me to do it afterwards.

Powder coating can ruin your laptop if:

• Threads get clogged
• Tolerances no longer fit properly
• Heat dissipation is altered
• Antennas / electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are affected

What are your experiences? Have you tried?

[MJ1]

I haven’t tried powder coating myself. I know at least a couple people have colored their Frameworks. I recall one in blue and another in black. I think at least one was spray paint or powder coating. Perhaps their threads could turn up in a search.

@CJ_Andersen

Powder coating can ruin your laptop if:

• Threads get clogged
• Tolerances no longer fit properly
• Heat dissipation is altered
• Antennas / electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are affected

For threads, it would have to be masked. That means covering a section or sections to keep that area from being coated. Since you only need the part you’d normally touch coated they could mask the whole underside.
For tolerances, I don’'t know for certain, but I would think the keys have enough gap that they’d be ok. You could talk to a powder coating company about how thin they can do their coatings. And if they forsee an issue.
Heat dissipation is always altered to some extent with coatings, sure. But this isn’t a heatsink, it’s just a structural shell. So it’s just not a concern. The Framework laptops are cooled with fans pushing air through internal fins attached to heatpipes.
Antennas / electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), also I don’t believe is a concern. On some mobile phones, their frame edge can be an active part of their antennas, but that’s not the case here. The wifi / BT antennas are located inside the screen bezel on the Frameworks. EMC, the aluminum will still shield whatever amount it’s meant to contribute. An outer coating doesn’t kill that.

Tolerances is the one that could be a problem. But if it is, you’re only out the one part, the input cover frame. It’s available separately from Framework. Most every part is available separately. You could actually purchase just an input cover with keyboard and touchpad, and try having it coated before commiting to buy a whole laptop.

[CJ_Andersen]

Thx for the hint… I’ll 2check

[pkunk]

I had thought about suggesting the spray paint route which should be pretty sufficient. Masking off the back so it would not get paint on it would be important.

The other idea that came to mind was using professionally cut vinyl. If a drawing of the keyboard area (CAD) could be obtained or made; a sign shop could make a piece of sign vinyl that is exactly cutout for the areas between the keys and it could be carefully laid in place. Maybe have two of them made in case it is difficult to install.

They have automotive grade vinyl that they put on vehicle wraps that is extremely high quality and should last the lifetime of the laptop. It could even be printed with a custom graphic and then installed.