[Holy Zoo]

I read a review that mentioned that the keys are painted silver to match the powerbook's aluminum case.

Question: are the key caps painted on top? Or (please, please, please) underneath?

I'm one of those guys who's oil & sweat seem to wear down the painted letters on keys over time. In fact, my "shift" key currently says "snif". Ahem...

I'm worried that if the whole key top is painted, that in a year my whole keyboard is going to be a mess.

[jamez bond]

I have not taken an Albook apart, but I would think that this i colour in the plastic. They mix colour with the plastic prior to the injection moulding so that the keys are solid grey...all the way through.
If you have a look at the letters....well, I have a pb667DVI, and the letters are printed on. no sign of wear so far, and I have not seen any other books with this problem...

The keys on the new books, would have to be just a cutout in the key, to let light shine through.

bottom line: no problem. letters and colour will not wear off...

[nagromme]

I'm virtually certain the keys are clear plastic, painted silver on top with the letters left blank.

How durable is the paint? Time will tell! I read one report of wear on the space bar, but haven't seen that commented on elsewhere.