Author Topic: 3D printed Keycaps  (Read 1643 times)

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Offline NilKeebs

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 6
3D printed Keycaps
« 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!
  :D

Offline nevin

  • Posts: 1646
  • Location: US
Re: 3D printed Keycaps
« Reply #1 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.
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Offline Keyboard_Warrior364

  • Posts: 41
  • Location: Serbia
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Re: 3D printed Keycaps
« Reply #2 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.

Offline Leslieann

  • * Elevated Elder
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Re: 3D printed Keycaps
« Reply #3 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.
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Offline NilKeebs

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 6
Re: 3D printed Keycaps
« Reply #4 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
  :D