Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 01 March 2015, 22:51:30
Since I'm CAD incompetent, this probably took far longer than it should have (coupled with the fact that it was all done in TinkerCAD), but here's the rough idea:
(http://i.imgur.com/cFABVdI.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/uV7uCwg.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/oOGdw2U.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/umA3D5E.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/02nHeWf.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/WNRuIZv.png)
I'm most likely going to change the mount to an Alps style mount since it will be easier to cast consistently and give a nice secure mount. The circle will still be present and the mount will be recessed in the cap. While it will raise cost a fair amount, it also makes things interesting since it allows for more flexibility in novelty caps.
And, for the record, the BS stem was a ***** to model.
Post by: FrostyToast on Sun, 01 March 2015, 22:55:58
Finally someone is reviving this idea!
This was something that I saw when I first joined GH a couple of years ago and I want this to come to fruition so badly.
Post by: byker on Sun, 01 March 2015, 23:37:42
Post by: naasfu on Sun, 01 March 2015, 23:38:16
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 01 March 2015, 23:43:04
Great work nubbs! :thumb: I am excited to see where this goes, it would be great to have uniform caps that work on all boards! :D
It will probably be slow going since it will be a fair amount of trial and error and won't be cheap, but it should be interesting to see if it works, especially the BS stem.
That's really cool. What's the green MX rectangular stem for? Looks kind of like a Bro Cap stem.
It's one of two different permutations of MX stems. Rectangular stems are stronger, circular stems are more traditional and work with the Novatouch and the 3D printed Topre stems.
Purple - Stabilized Topre
Blue - Alps
Red - Buckling Spring
Green - Reinforced MX
Magenta - Traditional MX
Post by: byker on Sun, 01 March 2015, 23:44:34
Post by: NexVestrum on Mon, 02 March 2015, 00:17:40
Post by: Wilba on Mon, 02 March 2015, 00:48:45
I also think the Alps mount is a better plan... that locking mechanism is too complex for DIY keycaps (I mean, people like me turning some random object into a keycap, not artisan produced). Since they're most likely to be plastic, they could wedge into a rectangular hole in the keycap and be a tight fit.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 02 March 2015, 00:54:24
(http://i.imgur.com/VNk6wig.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/fK8HMy8.png)
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 02 March 2015, 02:21:37
Post by: MOZ on Mon, 02 March 2015, 05:42:44
Post by: p3lim on Mon, 02 March 2015, 06:02:43
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 02 March 2015, 06:07:27
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Fair enough. I wonder how much it would cost. But why are there keycaps? Wouldn't the point be that you could use whatever keycaps matching the stem you put?
Post by: p3lim on Mon, 02 March 2015, 07:27:37
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Fair enough. I wonder how much it would cost. But why are there keycaps? Wouldn't the point be that you could use whatever keycaps matching the stem you put?
By the look of the renders, the keycaps have to be designed around this "universal" mounting system. The stems themselves can't be mounted to the keycap otherwise.
Post by: nova779 on Mon, 02 March 2015, 17:44:00
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 02 March 2015, 17:48:33
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 02 March 2015, 17:53:03
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Fair enough. I wonder how much it would cost. But why are there keycaps? Wouldn't the point be that you could use whatever keycaps matching the stem you put?
By the look of the renders, the keycaps have to be designed around this "universal" mounting system. The stems themselves can't be mounted to the keycap otherwise.
If you are right it would mean we would lost some many great keycaps set because they aren't compatible with this "universal" stem. You would need to produce keycaps set in order to use this universal stem. I'm not sure I get the interest if you have to change all the stems of your board and buy other keycaps because the one you have atm won't fit on it. Wouldn't it be more interesting to have an "universal MX stem"? I'm just guessing here because I don't even know if that's possible.
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 02 March 2015, 18:00:39
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Fair enough. I wonder how much it would cost. But why are there keycaps? Wouldn't the point be that you could use whatever keycaps matching the stem you put?
By the look of the renders, the keycaps have to be designed around this "universal" mounting system. The stems themselves can't be mounted to the keycap otherwise.
If you are right it would mean we would lost some many great keycaps set because they aren't compatible with this "universal" stem. You would need to produce keycaps set in order to use this universal stem. I'm not sure I get the interest if you have to change all the stems of your board and buy other keycaps because the one you have atm won't fit on it. Wouldn't it be more interesting to have an "universal MX stem"? I'm just guessing here because I don't even know if that's possible.
I think this is more geared towards artisan caps, but I'll let nubbinator comment on the intent himself. In my opinion, the big benefit is that you could now have a Dolly cap that is compatible with every (major) switch type by simply having a small collection of these adapters to use with whichever keyboard you want.
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 02 March 2015, 18:05:39
I don't really get how it is supposed to be used. You can remove the stem and put another instead? Or are they all-in-one system?
The idea is that the stems are replaceable, and the keycap has a mounting system to support this. So, for the customer you'd get a full set of keycaps and a set of stems that match your switch.
Fair enough. I wonder how much it would cost. But why are there keycaps? Wouldn't the point be that you could use whatever keycaps matching the stem you put?
By the look of the renders, the keycaps have to be designed around this "universal" mounting system. The stems themselves can't be mounted to the keycap otherwise.
If you are right it would mean we would lost some many great keycaps set because they aren't compatible with this "universal" stem. You would need to produce keycaps set in order to use this universal stem. I'm not sure I get the interest if you have to change all the stems of your board and buy other keycaps because the one you have atm won't fit on it. Wouldn't it be more interesting to have an "universal MX stem"? I'm just guessing here because I don't even know if that's possible.
I think this is more geared towards artisan caps, but I'll let nubbinator comment on the intent himself. In my opinion, the big benefit is that you could now have a Dolly cap that is compatible with every (major) switch type by simply having a small collection of these adapters to use with whichever keyboard you want.
Oh ok, that would make sense.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 02 March 2015, 18:05:45
How would this work with changing the caps, would you have to remove the caps and then the adapters, or would the adapters come off with the caps?
Likely you'd pull the cap then the stem with the Alps style. A pain? Yes, but a difficult one to get around.
The twist in idea would circumvent that, but would be difficult to cast consistently and without breaking your mold. It would require a metal mold.
Very cool, nubs! I look forward to seeing where this goes, and will support it in any way I can. :thumb:
Thanks man, I like projects and this could be fun.
If you are right it would mean we would lost some many great keycaps set because they aren't compatible with this "universal" stem. You would need to produce keycaps set in order to use this universal stem. I'm not sure I get the interest if you have to change all the stems of your board and buy other keycaps because the one you have atm won't fit on it. Wouldn't it be more interesting to have an "universal MX stem"? I'm just guessing here because I don't even know if that's possible.
This is not intended for full cap sets. It's a platform to build novelty caps on. If someone wanted to make full sets with it, I'd love it, but I don't see it happening. I just like modularity and being able to use caps the way I want.
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 02 March 2015, 18:07:16
How would this work with changing the caps, would you have to remove the caps and then the adapters, or would the adapters come off with the caps?
Likely you'd pull the cap then the stem with the Alps style. A pain? Yes, but a difficult one to get around.
The twist in idea would circumvent that, but would be difficult to cast consistently and without breaking your mold. It would require a metal mold.Very cool, nubs! I look forward to seeing where this goes, and will support it in any way I can. :thumb:
Thanks man, I like projects and this could be fun.If you are right it would mean we would lost some many great keycaps set because they aren't compatible with this "universal" stem. You would need to produce keycaps set in order to use this universal stem. I'm not sure I get the interest if you have to change all the stems of your board and buy other keycaps because the one you have atm won't fit on it. Wouldn't it be more interesting to have an "universal MX stem"? I'm just guessing here because I don't even know if that's possible.
This is not intended for full cap sets. It's a platform to build novelty caps on. If someone wanted to make full sets with it, I'd love it, but I don't see it happening. I just like modularity and being able to use caps the way I want.
Yeah I understand the purpose know. It is all clear now! :D
Post by: Korth on Mon, 02 March 2015, 19:10:36
For LED-in-stem purposes, of course.
Post by: NexVestrum on Tue, 03 March 2015, 16:32:17
Speaking of clear, can 3D printers use transparent or translucent plastics?
For LED-in-stem purposes, of course.
Depends on the printer, but easy answer: yes they absolutely can ;D
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 04 March 2015, 01:20:55
The Alps style peg was made marginally smaller than the hole of the stem and the circular cutout was made marginally larger than the stem to give a little room. One of the pegs (or nubs) is tapered, the other straight just to see what works best.
(http://i.imgur.com/Kf5vY8W.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/GABaJrb.png)
I also looked at my BS stem again and noticed that the stem appears like it might be offset a little, so I fudged with the stem some more to try and make something that will work.
(http://i.imgur.com/SdLlNcg.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/d3fLaYw.png)
While working on this, I also messed around with the idea of a MXT (MX/Topre) stem. It would require tougher tolerances, but it is theoretically possible. So I'll be getting one made with the stems just to see.
(http://i.imgur.com/FntO29D.png)
Post by: dustinhxc on Wed, 04 March 2015, 03:11:14
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 04 March 2015, 11:13:08
This is the best idea ever. Instead of having to swap boards or stems inside the board. Swap the Insert.
Alternatively, if you want to make a fixed stem, you can also just drop in the stem you want for the mold, mold it, then start casting with that stem. I've got my fingers crossed that it works like I think it should, but I'm holding off on prototypes until I get my MX to Alps convertors back. Once I have those, I can get an idea of what material will be best and get it made up. Otherwise I'd be spending $100-200 on prototypes instead of $50-100.
Post by: dustinhxc on Wed, 04 March 2015, 17:02:23
This is the best idea ever. Instead of having to swap boards or stems inside the board. Swap the Insert.
Alternatively, if you want to make a fixed stem, you can also just drop in the stem you want for the mold, mold it, then start casting with that stem. I've got my fingers crossed that it works like I think it should, but I'm holding off on prototypes until I get my MX to Alps convertors back. Once I have those, I can get an idea of what material will be best and get it made up. Otherwise I'd be spending $100-200 on prototypes instead of $50-100.
Oh yeah, that does sound great for cap crafters!
Post by: infiniti on Sun, 08 March 2015, 03:50:14
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 14 March 2015, 20:20:47
(http://i.imgur.com/XlOihPn.png)
Just waiting on the caps:
(http://i.imgur.com/LySwY6k.png)
I can't wait for these to arrive. I messed up the models of the stems a little since I couldn't see spots where the two surfaces weren't actually touching in TinkerCAD, but those are resolved and they printed successfully. I'm hoping they work out just fine.
I may have to get them SLA printed by somebody if I'm not 100% happy with the results. If they all work and don't need any tweaking, they'll be available soon.
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 15 March 2015, 11:48:07
Stems are ready to ship:Thanks for letting us now. That's some good news.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/XlOihPn.png)
Just waiting on the caps:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/LySwY6k.png)
I can't wait for these to arrive. I messed up the models of the stems a little since I couldn't see spots where the two surfaces weren't actually touching in TinkerCAD, but those are resolved and they printed successfully. I'm hoping they work out just fine.
I may have to get them SLA printed by somebody if I'm not 100% happy with the results. If they all work and don't need any tweaking, they'll be available soon.
Post by: Vizir on Sun, 15 March 2015, 16:27:22
Post by: ddot on Mon, 16 March 2015, 12:44:40
I wonder if something like the two-piece IBM buckling spring keycap design might allow for looser tolerances and be a little less error prone?
(http://deskthority.net/w/images/a/a8/IBM_Model_M_--_two-piece_keycap.jpg)
Reference: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_mount
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 16 March 2015, 13:42:01
I could be way off base here, but my first thought is you’ll have very little room for error with the tolerances for your proposed Alps style peg/hole system. If the hole’s too big, it’s going to rattle around on the peg, if the hole’s too small, the peg’s not going to fit. The last thing an artesian cap maker needs is another potential element that can go wrong and render that cap defective.
I wonder if something like the two-piece IBM buckling spring keycap design might allow for looser tolerances and be a little less error prone?Show Image(http://deskthority.net/w/images/a/a8/IBM_Model_M_--_two-piece_keycap.jpg)
Reference: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_mount
That's a very good question. To answer your question, there's a few reasons I didn't.
First, Clack has done that and I wanted to make something that was different.
Second, you run into the potential that you won't have walls thick enough to print or to comfortably cast without issue or you may have walls too thick to fit.
Third, long term durability may not be there depending on the properties of the resin and thickness of the cast. Playing with the stem may be less of a problem than popping the cap off. Or it might not be a problem at all.
Fourth, casting difficulty. The bases, especially the buckling spring, become much more difficult to cast.
Fifth, cost effectiveness. If you cannot easily cast the bases, you'll have to print them. Making them easily and cheaper to print helps control costs.
Sixth, it makes it very easy to make a single piece mold if you don't want swappable stems.
Seventh, and last, I'm not sure my CAD skills are good enough to get that close of a tolerance.
I know I'll probably have to figure out a better modular stem system in the long run, but it's a stepping stone.
Post by: Binge on Tue, 17 March 2015, 01:02:34
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 19 March 2015, 19:51:43
Bad news first:
- The Topre stem came in two parts even though I know I fixed the model. I'll have to check it again.
- The BS stem needs some redesign. It appears that it needs to be made wider by just a hair and that the depth for the spring wasn't enough. I may also thicken the walls a little to make it a little stronger.
Good news:
- MX fitment is perfect on the Black and Red stems I tried it out on. Both the round and rectangular ones fit perfectly.
- Topre stem fitment appears to be perfect as well.
- The Alps stem is perfect.
- BS fits and may even work, so the rework shouldn't be an insane amount of work.
- The cap is perfect whether it's the slightly tapered version or the squared off version. They're snug and I didn't notice any issue with it in use at all. It may be due to the material used, but it seems tight enough, so hopefully resins shouldn't be an issue unless they have huge amounts of shrinkage. If that's a worry, it makes it easy to have a one piece cap mold so you can be modular in your casting.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 19 March 2015, 19:59:18
Post by: Ngt on Fri, 20 March 2015, 10:11:52
Just received the caps and stem today and it's mixed success.Wow great thanks for your dedication to this. I hope we'll be able to see some artisans' caps using your stem design soon! :D
Bad news first:
- The Topre stem came in two parts even though I know I fixed the model. I'll have to check it again.
- The BS stem needs some redesign. It appears that it needs to be made wider by just a hair and that the depth for the spring wasn't enough. I may also thicken the walls a little to make it a little stronger.
Good news:
- MX fitment is perfect on the Black and Red stems I tried it out on. Both the round and rectangular ones fit perfectly.
- Topre stem fitment appears to be perfect as well.
- The Alps stem is perfect.
- BS fits and may even work, so the rework shouldn't be an insane amount of work.
- The cap is perfect whether it's the slightly tapered version or the squared off version. They're snug and I didn't notice any issue with it in use at all. It may be due to the material used, but it seems tight enough, so hopefully resins shouldn't be an issue unless they have huge amounts of shrinkage. If that's a worry, it makes it easy to have a one piece cap mold so you can be modular in your casting.
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 29 March 2015, 02:40:31
(http://i.imgur.com/4yhqGTG.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/VsGYjtJ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/zwFVlO5.png)
I may be a CADtard, but I think I'm getting the hang of TinkerCAD. I know it still takes me much longer to do stuff than someone who knows what they're doing or who has access to AutoCAD, but it's fun.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 01 April 2015, 07:24:33
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 02 April 2015, 20:50:50
Good news:
- MX and Alps stems are good to go.
- The square caps you can build upon are good to go in detail plastic.
- BS stem appears to consistently work with my F AT when it's seated properly
Bad News:
- The Topre stem doesn't work. I believe it's just too short, so that's an easy fix.
- The BS stem doesn't consistently work with my AT&T BS board. I need someone to try the stem out on a Model M and see if it works with one.
- The hole for the MCS is too big on Frosted Detail plastic by ~0.1mm.
The good outweigh the bad and, for the most part, they appear to be pretty easy fixes aside from figuring out why BS doesn't work.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 April 2015, 21:14:16
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Thu, 02 April 2015, 21:21:50
Post by: Ngt on Fri, 03 April 2015, 02:32:26
As with every iteration, I solved some problems and others popped up.
Good news:Bad News:
- MX and Alps stems are good to go.
- The square caps you can build upon are good to go in detail plastic.
- BS stem appears to consistently work with my F AT when it's seated properly
The good outweigh the bad and, for the most part, they appear to be pretty easy fixes aside from figuring out why BS doesn't work.
- The Topre stem doesn't work. I believe it's just too short, so that's an easy fix.
- The BS stem doesn't consistently work with my AT&T BS board. I need someone to try the stem out on a Model M and see if it works with one.
- The hole for the MCS is too big on Frosted Detail plastic by ~0.1mm.
Good job, keep up the great work. Looking forward to see some artisans using it!
Post by: MAR82 on Fri, 03 April 2015, 04:49:39
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: Ngt on Fri, 03 April 2015, 05:31:33
This is really cool!I think it would require you to change all the stem of your board. I don't think all SP's customer would be ready for that. I think it is mostly directed towards novelty caps.
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: MAR82 on Fri, 03 April 2015, 06:05:10
The idea for the modular cap system is to be able to use the same caps on different switches. So the cap would have a fitting for Nubbs adapter, and the bottom part of the adapter would be for whatever type of switch you have (MX, Topre, ALPS, BS)This is really cool!I think it would require you to change all the stem of your board. I don't think all SP's customer would be ready for that. I think it is mostly directed towards novelty caps.
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: Ngt on Fri, 03 April 2015, 10:14:59
Hum I see. I guess I got it wrong. But how the adapter would be attached to the key cap? Some kind of screw mechanism?The idea for the modular cap system is to be able to use the same caps on different switches. So the cap would have a fitting for Nubbs adapter, and the bottom part of the adapter would be for whatever type of switch you have (MX, Topre, ALPS, BS)This is really cool!I think it would require you to change all the stem of your board. I don't think all SP's customer would be ready for that. I think it is mostly directed towards novelty caps.
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: bcredbottle on Fri, 03 April 2015, 10:33:28
Post by: MAR82 on Fri, 03 April 2015, 10:43:09
If you look at the pictures Nubbs posted on the 29th (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69433.msg1697892#msg1697892) you'll see that under each cap there will be a little square hole that the new (cap) stems would fit into (they might need to be glued in or use double sided tape, unless it's a nice tight fit)Hum I see. I guess I got it wrong. But how the adapter would be attached to the key cap? Some kind of screw mechanism?The idea for the modular cap system is to be able to use the same caps on different switches. So the cap would have a fitting for Nubbs adapter, and the bottom part of the adapter would be for whatever type of switch you have (MX, Topre, ALPS, BS)This is really cool!I think it would require you to change all the stem of your board. I don't think all SP's customer would be ready for that. I think it is mostly directed towards novelty caps.
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: Ngt on Fri, 03 April 2015, 14:08:34
Indeed. Thanks for the clarification. ;)If you look at the pictures Nubbs posted on the 29th (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69433.msg1697892#msg1697892) you'll see that under each cap there will be a little square hole that the new (cap) stems would fit into (they might need to be glued in or use double sided tape, unless it's a nice tight fit)Hum I see. I guess I got it wrong. But how the adapter would be attached to the key cap? Some kind of screw mechanism?The idea for the modular cap system is to be able to use the same caps on different switches. So the cap would have a fitting for Nubbs adapter, and the bottom part of the adapter would be for whatever type of switch you have (MX, Topre, ALPS, BS)This is really cool!I think it would require you to change all the stem of your board. I don't think all SP's customer would be ready for that. I think it is mostly directed towards novelty caps.
I wonder if some company like SP (I don't think GMK would care) would like to buy/license the concept from Nubb, like that they could sell GB caps to more people than just those who have Cherry MX boards
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 04 April 2015, 23:41:05
(http://i.imgur.com/LJPkEAz.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Pt2Z2nD.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Yko7S5N.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/aKgL1zK.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/KvGn35M.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/r6Xp6tF.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/SMMwWt0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OS1OnoY.jpg)
Since FN caps tend to break symmetry and act as accent pieces, I wanted something that's not ostentatious, but also has a little character. I went for a design that's simple, but also plays with a lack of symmetry while also giving someone good tactility.
The logo on the back may or may not stay. I plan on doing them as fixed stems and as MCS caps. MCS will be much more expensive (~$10-12), but useable on more caps. In the future I may do a pick your poison pack with the stems you want and charging a fixed price for the stems. People who use the system are free to do it however they want. When I get more feedback, I may have more modifications. I've been thinking about a cross or t-shaped indent in addition to the center stem to better center the stem, but I'm always open to feedback to make it better.
Post by: sethk_ on Sat, 04 April 2015, 23:43:31
I know everyone and their fricken mothers are doing FN caps, but I've been wanting to do some proper ones for a while and also wanted to release some when the MCS goes live, so here are some models I've worked out.will these be 3d printed?Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/LJPkEAz.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/Pt2Z2nD.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/Yko7S5N.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/aKgL1zK.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/KvGn35M.jpg)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/r6Xp6tF.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/SMMwWt0.jpg)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/OS1OnoY.jpg)
Since FN caps tend to break symmetry and act as accent pieces, I wanted something that's not ostentatious, but also has a little character. I went for a design that's simple, but also plays with a lack of symmetry while also giving someone good tactility.
The logo on the back may or may not stay. I plan on doing them as fixed stems and as MCS caps. MCS will be much more expensive (~$10-12), but useable on more caps. In the future I may do a pick your poison pack with the stems you want and charging a fixed price for the stems. People who use the system are free to do it however they want. When I get more feedback, I may have more modifications. I've been thinking about a cross or t-shaped indent in addition to the center stem to better center the stem, but I'm always open to feedback to make it better.
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 04 April 2015, 23:46:28
I actually cast a prototype to the prototype today. The stem was ****ed because I didn't lube the master well enough and didn't take into effect how grippy a 3D print can be, but other than that, it turned out fantastic. Once I get the update model, I'll cast it and see how it works out.
Post by: byker on Sat, 04 April 2015, 23:56:29
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 05 April 2015, 04:18:43
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/VsGYjtJ.png)
I just checked again the CAD you showed previously and I noticed 2 types of MX housing stem: a circular one and a rectangular one. Do you consider making the circular one so it could suit Topre-MX hybrid stem as on the Novatouch? That'd be sweet if you do so.
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Sun, 05 April 2015, 13:14:15
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 August 2015, 15:55:47
Finally got around to addressing the issues. I widened the BS stem a little, increased the size of the nubs on the side a little, and fixed the spring well. I should also have fixed the Topre stem. I submitted them to Shapeways, so I should know in about a week or two.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4yhqGTG.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/VsGYjtJ.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/zwFVlO5.png)
I may be a CADtard, but I think I'm getting the hang of TinkerCAD. I know it still takes me much longer to do stuff than someone who knows what they're doing or who has access to AutoCAD, but it's fun.
This is pretty damn groundbreaking dude! Excited to see your new stems.
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sun, 23 August 2015, 17:13:08
If anything I see custom keysets made with a modular system selling better and therefore hit lower prices
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 23 August 2015, 17:31:03
Really cool idea. I would think if the keycap molds were made the production of keysets wouldn't be more expensive, just the added expense to the end consumer of purchasing the stems they need.Indeed it seems that people with less common stem aka ALPS etc. Have a hard time finding keycaps.
If anything I see custom keysets made with a modular system selling better and therefore hit lower prices
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 23 August 2015, 17:46:20
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 August 2015, 17:48:31
This isn't really meant for mass designed caps. I'd love if someone was willing to work with me and make it so that we could have an effective and easy to mold stem attachment point, but in its current iteration it's still not really ideal for swappable stems. It is perfect for someone wanting to make a master and then produce that master in any stem of their choosing.
Oh yeah I remember you saying it was meant for the master. Well that's awesome man!
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 05 October 2015, 19:39:41
Pardon the crappy cell phone video.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 05 October 2015, 19:47:41
Finally got the BS stem working. It's tricky to get seated properly and I think I need to make some parts thicker, but it looks like I finally got it nailed down. Now I have fully functional MX, Topre, BS, and Alps stems. I still need to find a printer with high enough resolution to try out my hybrid MX/Topre stems.
Pardon the crappy cell phone video.
Very cool buddy.
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Mon, 05 October 2015, 19:57:25
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 05 October 2015, 20:11:37
Amazing job nubbinator!
Post by: absyrd on Tue, 06 October 2015, 04:21:29
Oooo, soon I can have a Clack on my Kingsaver :P
Amazing job nubbinator!
Shaddup. You don't like caps. :p
And, yeah, nice work, nubbies. Somehow I missed this til now. It is great thinking despite the cap security/wobbliness that the MCS might have. However, I think your idea is going to benefit other cap creators greatly, and thus crush your own biz!
There is always room for more FNs.
Post by: nubbinator on Tue, 06 October 2015, 10:56:49
As for the other part, I invested a pretty good amount of money into the design (getting prototypes made again and again to iron out kinks is not cheap), so I really don't have any plans of making it open source. I may do some licensing or sell sets on Shapeways at a good mark-up to let people use it, but I invested too much time and money into it to do it for free.
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 05 November 2015, 18:49:55
(http://i.imgur.com/aj0m2Ms.png)
Also made some BS modifications, not sure yet if they'll be better. They're a little tight on my Model F, but they may shrink a little and be smoother when cast.
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Thu, 05 November 2015, 18:59:42
Got my TMX stem made up. It looks like it's a success, but I haven't tried casting it yet. I'll probably refine the stem a little, making it more octagon shaped.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/aj0m2Ms.png)
Also made some BS modifications, not sure yet if they'll be better. They're a little tight on my Model F, but they may shrink a little and be smoother when cast.
Ooooh, this would be very exciting to see happen! Again, great job putting in all this effort to develop something novel. :thumb:
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 12 December 2015, 16:53:10
Post by: Joey Quinn on Sat, 12 December 2015, 17:05:55
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Damn that's sick, it'd be awesome to have a TMX artisan or fn.
Also that color matched Dolly looks great.
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 12 December 2015, 20:13:12
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 12 December 2015, 22:54:35
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, exited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 12 December 2015, 22:55:44
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, exited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Oh ****! I'm not racist, I swear! Umm, up next, Honky White Dolly.
Post by: trizkut on Sat, 12 December 2015, 23:04:49
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, exited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Oh ****! I'm not racist, I swear!
Said every racist ever. :)) Good to see progress being made on the TMX stems :thumb:
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 12 December 2015, 23:10:05
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, exited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Oh ****! I'm not racist, I swear!
Said every racist ever. :)) Good to see progress being made on the TMX stems :thumb:
What's funny is I just thought, hey, this is a cool color scheme that would go with a set I have, let's do it. Then Badwrench makes me racist. ****.
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 12 December 2015, 23:11:02
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, excited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Oh ****! I'm not racist, I swear! Umm, up next, Honky White Dolly.
Or just the opposite
(http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/ivy/2013-09-11/3f5798d4-a0ea-4af2-9734-a7bb3dcf49ec_murphy-white-like-me.jpg)
http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/165662/WHITE-LIKE-ME/ (http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/165662/WHITE-LIKE-ME/)
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 12 December 2015, 23:13:37
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
Ha! Black-face dolly! That is hilarious.
The new design for the stem looks sick, exited to see how it casts. :thumb:
Oh ****! I'm not racist, I swear!
Said every racist ever. :)) Good to see progress being made on the TMX stems :thumb:
What's funny is I just thought, hey, this is a cool color scheme that would go with a set I have, let's do it. Then Badwrench makes me racist. ****.
It's hard to just be neutral and find things non offensive but funny from behind a computer screen.
Sorry Nubs to bring up race in your thread, I also agree that the color combo goes well with your board.
Post by: MAR82 on Sun, 13 December 2015, 07:52:30
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
It's like magic! :eek:
Awesome work :thumb:
Please keep at it and licence it out to every cap maker out there (artisan and factory). I don't have Topre yet, but just thinking that the caps could be used on either would be ****ing great
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 14 December 2015, 12:15:09
I realize I never posted a proof of concept. It works pretty damn well. It's nice and snug on both, but the shrinkage may change that a little. I may make some of the internals thicker just to confirm.
That's so freaking cool.
If you need people to test the fitment... :rolleyes: ;)
srsly tho, this is really exciting to see.
Post by: romevi on Mon, 14 December 2015, 12:17:50
Post by: m1kehonch0 on Tue, 12 January 2016, 08:25:49
Post by: menuhin on Sun, 18 December 2016, 21:21:05
It's a nice project indeed!
Post by: tobsn on Tue, 07 February 2017, 20:20:32
Got my TMX stem made up. It looks like it's a success, but I haven't tried casting it yet. I'll probably refine the stem a little, making it more octagon shaped.
Are those 3D files available somewhere? :D