Sleeving
550 Paracord
Our paracord is all USA-made Type III nylon or nylon-polyester paracord.
Paracord has a very dense weave with minimal expansion capability and a smooth glossy fabric feel (like you’d expect Nylon to have). Offered in a wide array of colors and patterns, paracord also allows the greatest level of customization for the base sleeve of any keyboard cable. When combined with an MDPC-X or Techflex outer sleeve, the options for personalization are almost endless (ok well not endless, it’s actually 21,210 based on our current option set ... we counted)
The Nylon Paracord we use as our inner sleeving for single and double sleeved cables is technically known as 550 Nylon Paracord (or 550 Paracord). Our paracord is mostly sourced from a company called R&W Rope through our distributor. R&W Rope's 100 feet of Aloha 550 paracord is a commercial version of Type III military spec parachute cord. Made in the USA, it contains 7 strands in the core. This cord has a tensile strength of 550 lbs.
Originally developed in World War II by the United States military, paracord was designed to be a strong and lightweight cord used as suspension lines in parachutes (hence the name “para” cord). Since that time, paracord has been used for many uses ranging from simply securing additional gear to soldiers’ backpacks to repairing damaged insulation on the Hubble Space Telescope (seriously!).
MDPC-X
MDPC has a long history of product excellence in the custom sleeving space and has made a name for themselves being “the best” when it comes to molex connectors and PC power supply custom sleeving and cabling. We believe that making the best custom mechanical keyboard cables only comes from using the best materials so naturally, MDPC-X was our other go-to for durable, highly expandable sleeving.
As described on the MDPC website:
MDPC-X is the legendary cable sleeving since 2007, globally renowned as a class of its own. MDPC-X cable sleeving is globally unique in every aspect, living up to our no-compromise philosophy, bringing you the world’s leading color quality, manufacturing quality and base material quality. Manufactured on the most modern German machines by highly educated and well paid experts here in Germany at our MDPC-X manufaktur, MDPC-X cable sleeving can be bought directly from us or our global network of MDPC-X Stores and custom sleeving services in all 5 continents.
Techflex
Flexo-PET, more commonly known as Techflex, this sleeving material is most commonly used by cable makers as a secondary or double sleeve. It’s expansion capability and looser weave allows the inner (or primary) sleeve to show through.
Techflex has a similarly rugged and plasticy feel to MDPC-X will provide your cables with a stronger exterior less likely to fray or wear due to abrasion.
Techflex sleeving is used for all kinds of applications ranging from electronics, marine, automotive, and all kinds of other scenarios. The reason for its wide range of uses can, at least partially, be attributed to its wide expansibility (up to 4x the original outer diameter) and is very easy to install. In addition to the ease of use, TechFlex’s Flexo PET sleeving comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns.
As described on the TechFlex website:
PT is braided from 10 mil polyethylene terephthalate (PET) monofilament yarns. The material has a wide operating temperature range, is resistant to chemical degradation, UV radiation, and abrasion. The sleeving cuts easily and cleanly with a hot knife and once installed, will beautify and protect any wire, hose or cable application.