Design programs

[NilKeebs]

Hi Guys,

What programs could I use in designing my very own keycaps or maybe even a keyboard in the future?

Blender and Photoshop might be on the list but I'd like to know if there are any other programs out there I could use.

[Rayndalf]

Fusion360 is commonly used for modelling custom cases, hobbyist/ student licenses are free IIRC.

Inkscape might be what people use for vector work for novelties and custom legends, but I'm honestly not sure.

I assume there are libraries that people use for their renders, especially since the same boards show up again and again (my favorite are boards shown in colors which were never produced).

[Kaidesk_Lee]

Fusion360 is commonly used for modelling custom cases, hobbyist/ student licenses are free IIRC.

I can highly recommend Fusion360. It has some quirks but it's free, powerful and there are plenty of tutorials online.

[FoC_Tow]

+1 for Fusion 360, highy recommended for modeling hardsurface/technical pieces ment for manufacturing (even if you just 3d print them yourself).

Blender in terms of keyboards is most often used as rendering engine. In regards to modeling Blender is not recommended for technical pieces as you will be doing polygonal modeling here,
which is more suitable for anything redering rather than manufaturing.

However if you want to digitally sculpt organic shapes, for artisan cap masters for example, Blender would be an appropriate choice.

If you want to go into pcb design I would recommend easyEDA as I've made good experiences with this, but kiCad is also a popular choice here, and Autodesk Eagle while only offering a limited hobbyist license integrates vey well in Fusion 360.