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.

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.

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.

While plastic lighters are commonly found in most stores and used generally by people, the effects it has on our planet has become prominent in the past decade. To combat such issues while also fulfilling the need for a tool to light fire, reusable match lighters were introduced. Let us see why opting for a reusable lighter is better.

Effects of plastic gas lighters
The disposable plastic lighters can only be used until the fuel in them lasts after, which they are thrown away. The wastage created can last in the ecosystem for decades. You will usually find these disposable lighters thrown away on the streets, the ocean, or in some garbage landfill. The ones that end up in the ocean get accidentally eaten by seabirds, as the birds mistake the plastic for food. Since birds cannot digest this plastic, it stays in their stomach and prevents them from eating, leading to death from starvation. The pieces can also cause internal bleeding, damaging the bird’s internal organs. Almost 90% of seabirds have consumed plastic.

Effects of disposable wooden matches
Wooden matches are the traditional form of match lighters that have been used for a long time. These are biodegradable and do not generate any more waste once used. However, producing these wooden matches causes other environmental problems.

The Aspen tree is one of the most common trees used to produce matches. Around a million matches can be made by cutting down a single aspen tree. Although this number sounds high, it is less compared to the average number of matches used. In the country, approximately 500 billion matches are lighted every year. This means around 500,000 aspen trees get cut every year to make matches. Naturally, the number of trees cut down is going to be much higher if we consider matches used in the entire world.

Significance of reusable match lighters
Reusable match lighters feature a rechargeable battery, so they just need electricity to work. Due to this design, these lighters can be used 200-300 times before needing to be recharged. You just need a USB cable to recharge a reusable match lighter. Hence, they are much more beneficial and long-lasting compared to wooden or plastic lighters. You can also opt for refillable gas lighters, as they can be durable and not cause much harm to the environment. Refillable lighters are usually made of brass. Thus, they can last for decades.

Reusable match lighters are an important part of most survival kits. As the name suggests, this device is a newer counterpart of the traditional matches. Unlike wooden matches, these reusable or permanent match lighters can be used for a long time. Let us understand how they function and why it is a good idea to invest in them.

How reusable match lighters work?

The reusable match lighters work by creating a spark when the rod is scratched against the flint. This flint is present on the side of the match case. The tool works well, and the flame created can easily be extinguished by putting the strike back into its shell.

These matches consist of a magnesium core or flint to light up a spark along with a small amount of kerosene so that the fire lasts longer. You can even find rechargeable matches, which consist of a small battery and plasm that help create the spark. If you do not have oil or fuel handy, recharge lighters can be ideal for you.

Why use reusable match lighters?

Several factors have caused people to invest in permanent or reusable match lighters. Some of these include the following.

• Convenient to carry
  The matches are usually small in size and can be easily carried in the pocket. Some of these also come with a keychain that you can hang on your backpack. Although matches that require cotton wick and kerosene can light in most weather conditions, they might drip. Hence, make sure the lighters you carry are leak-proof and avoid stains, drips, or fire hazards.
• Useful in various situations
  Match lighters are usually designed in a manner that they can be used in most weather conditions. This is because they usually contain some kind of fuel, and the tool itself is encased in a water-resistant holder, only igniting when unsheathed.
• Offer options for fuel
  Several reusable match lighters are filled with some kind of fuel, which can be refilled; so, they last longer. However, you can also choose electric lighters that work on batteries if you do not want to work with a fuel-based permanent match. The electric ones are simple and safe in design. They can last longer, as they only need to be recharged.
• Magnesium strike core
  Most of these reusable match lighters consist of a magnesium strike core. This means that you can strike the lighter thousands of times before it gives out. Once it does, all you need to do is refill the fuel, and the match will work like normal.

Matches have been used by humans for decades now, and we have come up with different kinds of lighters and matches during this time. Although matches were traditionally made of wood, reusable match lighters have recently gained popularity, as they are reusable and can last for a longer time. Here is a list of some of the best reusable match lighters you can buy.

• OPG3 Emergency Camping Fire Starter Permanent Match, Waterproof Firestarter Set
  This is a high-quality, durable match that is ideal for any daily or emergency use. It is small, lightweight, and can be used conveniently. The tool is water-resistant and can work when wet or cold. You can just hang it through a keyring or on your backpack and take it during a hiking or camping trip. The match lighter can be refilled and reused more than a thousand times. This beautifully designed match lighter can be a good choice for a gift to a friend or loved one.
• Survival Life Everstryke Match
  Made using stainless steel, the match can be used over 15,000 times, which means the chances of you needing to replace it is slim. Each strike of the Ferro rod, which acts as the match, lights at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the flame it creates stays around 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The match is lightweight and durable, and it can be ideal for any survival kit.
• HUOWA Keychain Flint Metal Matchstick Fire Starter
  This metal reusable match lighter comes in the form of a keychain and can be used for a long period. It sports a unique design, is small in size, and can be easily carried for any trip or daily use. It consists of a good-quality magnesium core striker. The reusable match can be used even after it gets wet or cold. The tool is affordable and can be refilled.
• Utiliter Permanent Metal Match Keychain Lighter Forever Waterproof Match EDC Emergency Survival Fire Starter, Reusable Matches
  This simple and elegant reusable match lighter is water-resistant and consists of a magnesium core striker. So, the lighter can offer up to 15,000 strikes before the fuel gets over. The tool can be conveniently carried in your pocket or backpack. Hence, it is ideal for any camping, hiking, or scouting trip. The sleek lighter can also be given to a loved one as a gift.

You can analyze the offerings of all these products carefully and make an informed purchase decision.

Following a study conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls account for approximately 39.2 percent of the construction industry’s occupational deaths. With the use of a suitable harness safety kit, these deaths can be prevented. Usually, falls occur into holes on floors, from the overhead platform, or at elevated workstations. Given the importance of a harness safety kit, it is essential to read the buying guide below before you shop for it.  

Application
When shopping for a harness safety kit, the first thing you need to consider is the purpose for which you need the harness. It is indeed one of the most straightforward aspects of the purchasing process because the job is usually specific. Typically, the harness safety kit is required for jobs such as tree care, tower climbing, construction site, or cleaning at a height. After your application is narrowed down, decide what kind of job you are doing that requires specialized equipment, such as rope access, rescue, and welding. These two factors will determine the type of harness you need. 

Size
When it comes to buying safety harness kits, there is no one-size-fits-all concept. The harness can indeed be adjusted to an extent, but not to the point that a size small or big enough can encompass every body type. Although this may seem like common sense to you, we have seen companies that order harness kits in one size for all their employees. If the harness is not a snug fit, the person wearing it is completely unprotected. However, bear in mind that the harness should be a snug fit but must not be too tight. The chest straps should sit at the chest and not the stomach, D-rings must sit between the shoulder blades, and you should comfortably be able to slide a flat hand (and not a fist) between the leg and the leg strap.  

Check the padding
Safety harness kits comprise a few straps that will come in contact with sensitive body parts. Thus, padding is a vital factor of consideration. Having cushioned legs, hips, and shoulder straps will ensure minimum pressure. A well-padded strap will enable the worker to work more comfortably and for a longer duration. In the event of a fall, the padded strap will conveniently adapt the shock and distribute the weight. Padding can be either removable or built-in, as per your need. 

Stitching quality
The kit’s stitching quality directly determines its durability. You must opt for a harness that has double box stitching. This is the kind that will assure maximum strength to accommodate your weight. It also accentuates durability as the sewn-in quality will last longer. 

When you hand over a few things, such as safety glasses or a pair of boots, they can use them properly. However, your fall protection harness safety kit is certainly not one of those things. To an amateur or an untrained eye, the harness safety kit may seem like a jumble of buckles and straps without any semblance of reason. This makes the harness ineffective and may injure or hurt the wearer. 

Here are some instances wherein a harness safety kit can cause hurt or injury:

Improper fit
When the safety harness kit is not adjusted for a snug fit, its efficiency is null. It is almost equivalent to wearing no harness at all. A snug fit is vital on both the upper and the lower sections. If you slip loose from the harness while working at an elevation, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation, which may demand an immediate rescue. Organ damage, traumatic injury, or a neurological injury might occur in only a few minutes of prolonged suspension in some cases. Weight limits vary from one model to another, but the typical range is between 130-310 pounds. The weight includes the worker’s clothing, the harness itself, and any tools the worker will use while working with the harness. For obvious reasons, you must not exceed the weight limits, and the body harnesses must never be used for lifting equipment or materials. 

Wrong D-ring position
The harnesses were not thrown together haphazardly using some straps lying loose on a manufacturing floor. These have been carefully engineered by certified professionals who ensure that the body’s force in the event of the fall is distributed across the body to ensure that the fall is safely arrested. If you do not wear the harness right, it will not provide equal force distribution. As a result, you will even up hurting yourself. So, if the D-ring is wrongly positioned, it is a clear sign that you are not wearing your harness correctly. Hence, anytime you wear the harness safety kit, make your partner examine it to ensure that the D-ring is situated precisely halfway between the shoulder blades. It does not mean that it can land up just anywhere on the back; rather, it should be on the back’s center at the shoulder blade height.

Overuse
Although the harness safety kit does not come with an expiration date, you can tell when it needs to be replaced. If the harness has been used for more than five years and starts showing wear-and-tear signs, you need to replace it. When a harness has exceeded its life, it may lead to equipment failure.