Trying to Find The Words...Or, the Letters...

I type a lot. No, A LOT. Like millions of keystrokes a year. As an author, I spend hours writing and revising on my laptop. After a year, this is what it looks like:

As you can see, some keys I've completely worn off the letters, and some the textured surface. It's cool because no one can use my laptop because the missing keys frustrates them (especially the hubs because he was never taught the proper way to type; he uses the hunt and peck system and well, good luck hunting on this keyboard. Normally, not a problem, unless I have a problem with my laptop and he's trying to fix it.).

I usually replace the keyboard because I get a 3 year warranty. But this laptop passed the three year mark and no more warranty. If I pay Geek Squad, not only will it cost a bundle, but my laptop will be out of commission for probably 3-4 WEEKS. I can't live like that. So, the youngest son had an idea....

Why not simply paint on new letters? So he bought me these. They are permanent silver markers. Brilliant! So that is what I did.

Hey, it looks pretty good! I'm not anal-retentive enough to be bothered that some keys looks different. It works and in 2, 3 years, I'll get another laptop because this one will be totally exhausted and begging for the sweet release of death.

Only.....

After using it for less than half an hour, this is what happened....

The keys got all smudgy-smeary and started to wear off even though I let the marker dry for over an hour (they are supposed to dry instantly).

Sigh.

And my fingertips are silver. A friend suggested stickers, but they wouldn't last and I'd have sticky keys. Back to square one where the eldest son is checking for a new keyboard and will put it in (he's good at stuff like this, when he has free time to do it.).

Such is a writer's life.

Char