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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: NilKeebs on Thu, 18 February 2021, 12:28:37

Title: 3D printed Keycaps
Post by: NilKeebs on Thu, 18 February 2021, 12:28:37

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if 3D printing a keycap is a viable process compared to creating it using other methods?

I have a friend who has a 3D printer and I wanted to know if it's cost effective and if it will work at all?

Thanks!

Title: Re: 3D printed Keycaps
Post by: nevin on Thu, 18 February 2021, 13:16:23

yes, caps have been made in various profiles with varying success. check thingiverse or similar, sure you'll find a handful.

Title: Re: 3D printed Keycaps
Post by: Keyboard_Warrior364 on Thu, 18 February 2021, 15:34:44

Its possible, I've done it, but the finish wasnt that great. It's usefull for prototyping, but casting it is obviously better. If your friend has a UV printer then the finish will be a bit better, but youll need to paint it for UV protection.

Title: Re: 3D printed Keycaps
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 18 February 2021, 20:41:56

Yes, it can be done, but it;s not so easy on an common FDM to get the fit right and the finish isn't great as mentioned.
A resin printer will do a better job but may not be what you're expecting.

In all cases it's quite a lot of work for something you can buy in better quality in more colors, with or without legends for the price of a roll of plastic. You can more than likely order and recieve them from Amazon faster and cheaper than you can print them.

Title: Re: 3D printed Keycaps
Post by: NilKeebs on Fri, 19 February 2021, 02:36:25

Thanks everyone! I'll skip 3d printing for now then cause it seems that the cons outweigh the pros for now. ;D