Author Topic: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | Group Buy is live  (Read 13186 times)

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Offline rutomoda

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[IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | Group Buy is live
« on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 14:46:51 »
Group Buy is live: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=119460.0



Interest Check for the TRIFL alpha keycap run. Based on a triangular top shape and sculpted to fit the Cherry MX stem. The profile is uniform for all rows like DSA or KAM.

Keycaps will be 3D printed using Multi Jet Fusion printing method with PA12 also known as Nylon 12.

IC: https://forms.gle/RCKNqJ3uU13PCTkJ8



Planned kits
Core Collection Alphas (Homing will be moved to separate kit)


Core Collection Mods


Packs


Core Collection Ortho Alpha and Ortho Mods / Numpad


Due to the profile being uniform Numpad and Ortho Mods can be the same kit, making it easier for me to keep variants to a sensible minimum.

Braille Kits TBD

Visual Comparison: TRIFL, XDA, KAM, DSA, TRIFL



« Last Edit: Fri, 03 February 2023, 18:14:06 by rutomoda »

Offline ggggggg

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 14:56:40 »
NE deskmat ic available? I kid, this is so much more interesting. Can you post some more photos from different angles?

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 15:04:36 »
There will be more pictures when I have everything GB ready, like close ups and comparing to DSA and KAM. For now I have these two:


Offline minicap

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 15:24:31 »
This is very cool! Love seeing new types of uniform layout profiles and the triangle shape is really unique.

What do the keycaps feel like compared to PBT/ABS keycaps or 3D printed keycaps in other materials (e.g. PLA)?

Offline Faehriss

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 15:37:03 »
Interesting shape! Any chance of ISO?
church of the POM keeb

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 15:39:01 »
I can feel the surface texture if I try to feel it, but not really during typing. It feels similar to SP DSA or XDA caps, but a tad softer.

ISO not for this run. That would be a custom sculpt for the enter key, which would probably just as long as getting this iteration right, i.e. days and weeks.
« Last Edit: Wed, 05 May 2021, 15:41:18 by rutomoda »

Offline treeleaf64

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 17:16:03 »
Wut da hecc
treeleaf64: https://discord.gg/rbUjtsRG6P

This is the cat and pat!!!!!!!!

Offline vheissu

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 05 May 2021, 17:23:42 »
I don't know why but I really like this, how comfortable are they?

Edit: nvm, I read your comment above.
« Last Edit: Wed, 05 May 2021, 17:30:12 by vheissu »

Offline mgsickler

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 06:35:02 »
These look really unique. Definitely interested!

Offline Sh1zaru

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #9 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 06:39:09 »
looks interesting. Filled in IC.

Offline DerBonk

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 10:37:29 »
Very cool! I love the Braille on the numpad. Would be really cool to have a full Braille board, but I guess it is not the most comfortable to type on, if the cap is full of bumps. Anyway, form submitted!

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 11:07:52 »
So it's kinda like a mullet for keycaps.  Really have us all interested in how it feel to type on.  I can imagine my fingies would like the grippy of that bottom edge sloping up a lot.

Offline Alejo1707

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 11:53:16 »
Just a thought, but maybe you can include homing keys with deeper wells rather than a dot to identify them, and keep the look clean.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

Offline econeuler

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 06 May 2021, 14:00:18 »
Awesome :thumb: Following!

Offline Ashento

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 07 May 2021, 06:29:22 »
The profile looks really great, I love the triangle look! How come you are using Nylon 12, instead of perhaps Resin Printed SLA?

I assume to keeps costs low, but I'd like to hear why from you. :)

Offline UGunaLOSE

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 07 May 2021, 07:01:24 »
Unique! I like it!

Offline lush_bunny

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 07 May 2021, 13:35:00 »
Very interesting. How does the Nylon 12 feel as a keycap material? More than that, how does it feel typing on these compared to Cherry or other sculpted PBT profiles, like say SA or MT3?

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 07 May 2021, 17:03:44 »
Core Collection Alphas


Core Collection Mods


Packs


This is the current state of kitting. I hope this covers most keyboards out there, without me having to sell too many single keycaps or forcing people to overspent on stuff they do not want. If someone sees something is missing, please tell. I am trying to be as diligent as possible, but that is not always sufficient.

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 07 May 2021, 17:29:40 »
Just a thought, but maybe you can include homing keys with deeper wells rather than a dot to identify them, and keep the look clean.

Deeper wells are sadly a can of worms I do not like to open at this point. It is on my list, but with my requirements towards perfection it would take way too long to get right.

Very interesting. How does the Nylon 12 feel as a keycap material? More than that, how does it feel typing on these compared to Cherry or other sculpted PBT profiles, like say SA or MT3?

The plastic is more flexible than ABS and PBT, so the feel is softer in my eyes. SA and Cherry surface textures feel noticably smoother and I am not the biggest fan to begin with. MT3 feels a little smoother, but has noticably sharper edges as well as a slightly smaller finger contact area. I feel that TRIFL is more forgiving regarding misplacement of the fingers compared to MT3 especially and Cherry somewhat, because of their sharper edges, while at the same time not making me feel lost like XDA does. Sculpted profile for me is mostly aesthetical and I have rearranged my MT3 and KAT rows for better feel and I still currently prefer my TRIFL. Could be novelty bias and IKEA effect, though.

The profile looks really great, I love the triangle look! How come you are using Nylon 12, instead of perhaps Resin Printed SLA?

I assume to keeps costs low, but I'd like to hear why from you. :)

Costs is the reason for Multi Jet Fusion. Traditional nylon SLS could do color, but is more expensive. I used resin printed SLA for my prototypes and there is way too many issues for high volume production:
1) Getting warping under control is an art form.
2) Even if that gets managed, resin likes to cling to the insides of the stems due to surface tension, making post processing extremely cumbersome.
3) The resins I used were way to brittle and did not survive more than a couple of couplings to a switch before breaking.
4) Even if I found a resin with the exact properties I needed, it is just way too expensive to produce more than prototypes or mold masters with resin printing.

Offline ab042896

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 08 May 2021, 20:22:44 »
so interesting, count me in

I'm assuming you've considered it, but are there reasons why you chose to go with a concave spacebar instead of convex?

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #20 on: Mon, 10 May 2021, 16:11:40 »
ISO enter as well as convex keys mean additional sculpting and prototyping work, which I may do in the future. Right now I am focused on getting the profile out into as many people's hands as possible.

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #21 on: Mon, 10 May 2021, 16:14:27 »
Core Collection Ortho Alpha and Ortho Mods / Numpad


Due to the profile being uniform Numpad and Ortho Mods can be the same kit, making it easier for me to keep variants to a sensible minimum.

I am still debating whether or not to include the homing keys in all alpha kits or just leave them as a separate kit.

Offline JakeyPancakey

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #22 on: Mon, 10 May 2021, 16:19:48 »
Ooooo I would definitely love to try out a unique profile like this. The keycaps look like they have a pretty rough texture to them though, I assume from the 3d printing process. I am curious as to how they would sound compared to other profiles and materials.

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha - triangular uniform custom keycap profile
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 15 May 2021, 06:05:43 »
Visual Comparison: TRIFL, XDA, KAM, DSA, TRIFL





Sound comparison is on my list and will probably be done, when I am ready to start the group buy.

The keycaps can be sanded, if roughness is an issue. I'd recommend 600grit for a velvety finish or 400grit for a tad more textured finish. I will post pictures at a later date.
« Last Edit: Sat, 15 May 2021, 06:12:08 by rutomoda »

Offline Klackygears

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | kitting and comparision added
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 15 May 2021, 22:06:34 »
Any chance for ergodox compatibility in the future?

Offline minicap

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | kitting and comparision added
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 15 May 2021, 23:34:14 »
Any chance for ergodox compatibility in the future?

I think you can cover an ergodox with alphas, 2 x 2u packs (4 x 4u total), 3 x 1.5u packs (12 x 1.5u total), and an extra 1u kit.

Offline Klackygears

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | kitting and comparision added
« Reply #26 on: Sun, 16 May 2021, 07:56:34 »
Any chance for ergodox compatibility in the future?

I think you can cover an ergodox with alphas, 2 x 2u packs (4 x 4u total), 3 x 1.5u packs (12 x 1.5u total), and an extra 1u kit.

Oh! Cool! I just missed that! I think this is a really interesting profile and great project!

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | kitting and comparision added
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 22 May 2021, 10:37:47 »
Some renders of special keys

Array keys - closed


Array keys - gapped


Homing dot


Homing dot with additional mound


MOAR homing dots


Ribbed for your pleasure


Disclaimer: half of these are due to Discord suggestions, so if you need certain needs met, please speak up, I am happy to provide.

Offline koe

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | first "novelty" renders
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 28 May 2022, 03:01:25 »
Interested in these. Are there any updates or an estimated price?

Offline Skok

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | first "novelty" renders
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 28 May 2022, 12:15:42 »
this looks cool af. Interested

Offline rutomoda

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Re: [IC] TRIFL alpha uniform keycaps | Group Buy is live
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 03 February 2023, 18:14:46 »
If anyone is still following, the group buy actually went live: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=119460.0