geekhack

geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Bambino on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:27:24

Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:27:24
Bambino here.  Over the last few months I've been hard at work on some hand crafted polyurethane keycaps.  I've reached a point where I'm not completely humiliated with my work, so I thought I'd share!  These are still works in progress, but let me know what you think!  Potato pics incoming...

First we have my original design.  It's a bit impractical, yet eye-catching.  I crafted this helmet without realizing how difficult it would be to cast it.  This tough guy is not easy to pull out of a mold, let me tell you.  But he's starting to get more and more interesting as I begin to delve into multi-colored castings.  I also think he'd be fantastic in a metallic/shimmery finish, so there's more to explore with him.   THIS... IS... "SPARTAN" !!
(http://imgur.com/VvvTl29.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/QIWxKCR.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Z3rhq4c.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/lVSfoPP.jpg)

I decided I needed something a little more user-friendly on my next design.  Something you could put on a keyboard and still reasonably use the key.  So I went with a face with a flat nose.  And what kind of face has the flattest nose?  The flattest pup around!  Don't mind the ruff exterior; he's a loverpuppy once he warms up to you.  What kind of name does an English bulldog have?  An English one. "DUKE"
(http://i.imgur.com/7drVMzk.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/xM2AdPk.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/6lhzPOy.jpg)

Next, I wanted something a little more intricate and ornamental.  Some of the most incredible headgear in existence comes from samurai kabutos and mempos.  So, I was inspired to create a kabuto for your keyboard: "KEYBUTO"
(http://i.imgur.com/MvDHtwR.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Vqo9K9V.jpg)

All of my molds up to this point are MX-only, so I need to work on getting Topre-compatible work up and running.  Does anyone know of a place where I can find information about converting an MX keycap mold to a Topre keycap mold?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:30:10
I'm afraid I can't help with the MX to Topre stuff, but I can tell you this: Those designs look great. Extremely smooth and detailed, and once you get the casting down you'll be drowning in orders. Can't wait to see where you take this next.

Good job!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: fanpeople on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:32:25
Them bulldogs are sweet man. Bulldogs are so lovable
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: retrochick on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:32:38
excited for duke and keybuto. keep up the great work!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: azhdar on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:33:27
duke looks good !
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dgneo on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:33:35
Duke & Keybuto are awesome!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Zapheo on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:33:53
Dude, Keybuto looks awesome!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: redbanshee on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:34:18
Very nice! I like all 3 designs! :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: whmeltonjr on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:34:34
Diggin the Keybuto cap.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: MiTo on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:37:21
Always great to see new attempts and designs, congratulations for the incredible look and creativity!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DAVYtm on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:37:30
Damn, Keybuto is impressive man! Excellent work so far, wish I had some help for converting to Topre since I basically only use my HHKB. Are the Spartans doubleshot?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Kudos on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:37:54
Great details! Keep up the good work :)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Steezus on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:47:22
Wow that is some really impressive sculpting, I like the designs. Keep up the good work. :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xondat on Fri, 15 January 2016, 18:57:28
Holy ****, these are amazingly done. So clean. Duke is my favorite.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:00:57

Damn, Keybuto is impressive man! Excellent work so far, wish I had some help for converting to Topre since I basically only use my HHKB. Are the Spartans doubleshot?

Yes, the first two pictures show a double shot version. I'll probably be developing more double shot schemes for that cap because it turned out well with a separate colored hair portion.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: heedpantsnow on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:01:54
Good job dude!  Keep it up!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DAVYtm on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:02:16

Damn, Keybuto is impressive man! Excellent work so far, wish I had some help for converting to Topre since I basically only use my HHKB. Are the Spartans doubleshot?

Yes, the first two pictures show a double shot version. I'll probably be developing more double shot schemes for that cap because it turned out well with a separate colored hair portion.

How long did it take you to get to this point in casting? Seriously some impressive casts
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: tigersharkdude on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:12:03
These are so nice. Loving the designs and the detail is boss
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DaveW on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:30:41
Damn fine work. Keybuto is amazing! Just need some ninja caps for Keybuto to battle.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dohbot on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:32:11
Wow all of these designs are super nice!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sncbraxsc2 on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:33:43
 :eek: whoah, keybuto and duke are just awesome and even though spartan may be "impractical" it is a great idea and really well executed. I like the colors. I assume the bottoms are fitting nicely

The profile on Spartan is quite impressive. Doubleshots will be sickk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:45:07
Very nice!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: raymogi on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:55:58
Nice work buddy. Love what you did with the bulldog and keybuto.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 15 January 2016, 19:56:09

How long did it take you to get to this point in casting? Seriously some impressive casts

Been at it daily for about 4 weeks. You learn a whole lot really quickly from experience. Also watched/read countless materials for countless hours online. Other artisans' work logs on Geekhack have been an especially great resource.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DAVYtm on Fri, 15 January 2016, 20:08:14

How long did it take you to get to this point in casting? Seriously some impressive casts

Been at it daily for about 4 weeks. You learn a whole lot really quickly from experience. Also watched/read countless materials for countless hours online. Other artisans' work logs on Geekhack have been an especially great resource.

Clearly quite gifted in the creativity department. Hope to see some of your caps on sale soon, if you ever need a Topre donor key shoot me a PM
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: lishi on Fri, 15 January 2016, 20:46:53
Wow the Duke and Keybuto look great!  :thumb:  Let me know if you're trying to get rid of any :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: 1deeg on Sat, 16 January 2016, 04:54:05
I like to be able to press my keys easily when I need to. So even though I like the Spartan, I probably wouldn't get it. Great caps though :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Nuum on Sat, 16 January 2016, 09:06:58
Looking awesome! If you ever start selling these I'd be in for a Spartan.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Sat, 16 January 2016, 15:42:34
I love the bulldog and keybuto
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: BaconEggandCheeseBagel on Sat, 16 January 2016, 20:25:35
I need a keybuto - if you decide to do a mini-sale to help fund for more production pieces, let me know!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KnivesM on Sat, 16 January 2016, 20:59:03
Keybuto looks cool.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: shinz0 on Tue, 19 January 2016, 02:43:21
Fantastic! I'd love to see more dog designs!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:30:58
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)

I've also been working on more transparent materials.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)

I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: calvinhousecat on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:46:00
The caps look wonderful. Just filled out the survey  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:47:59
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)


I've also been working on more transparent materials.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)


I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g

WOW. Those pugs are fabulous! The perfect companion to my PurrKey.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KingRama on Wed, 20 January 2016, 00:12:27
Those multi-casted pugs are fricken sick dude, nice work!!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: tigersharkdude on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:36:51
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)


I've also been working on more transparent materials.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)


I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g

WOW. Those English Bulldogs are fabulous! The perfect companion to my PurrKey.

FTFY
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:39:28
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)


I've also been working on more transparent materials.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)


I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g

WOW. Those English Bulldogs are fabulous! The perfect companion to my PurrKey.

FTFY

I'm trying to picture what a Pug key would look like, and it just seems like a terrible idea. Of course I have a bias because I think Pugs are horribly inbred, ugly dogs created solely to see how well we could make a deficient animal, torture it with harmful artificial selection, and then sell it to the masses.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: DAVYtm on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:40:04
Interested to see what the results of the survey look like. Multicasts look amazing by the way, those **bulldogs are incredible
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: FLFisherman on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:42:50
Interested to see what the results of the survey look like. Multicasts look amazing by the way, those pugs are incredible

:(

Edit: He fixed it.  :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: romevi on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:44:27
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)


I've also been working on more transparent materials.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)


I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g

WOW. Those English Bulldogs are fabulous! The perfect companion to my PurrKey.

FTFY

Oh, yeah. You're right.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:47:14
Voted, love the multishot bulldogs, and the keybuto!

Super excited for this!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: dohbot on Wed, 20 January 2016, 09:26:35
Wow! That bulldog is incredible!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Pdub on Wed, 20 January 2016, 09:30:41
Wicked cool, Mate! Watching out for your sale.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Vimto on Wed, 20 January 2016, 10:17:33
filled in the survey. Amazing work
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: bcredbottle on Wed, 20 January 2016, 10:36:13
dem doggies is dank




Don't make Topre caps. There are MX sliders for Topre boards now.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: DAVYtm on Wed, 20 January 2016, 12:09:25
Don't make Topre caps. There are MX sliders for Topre boards now.

Thanks I agree
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: QuickDelat on Wed, 20 January 2016, 13:17:31
Wow amazing work! How long have you been sculpting? That's some amazing detail & quality casts. Keybuto is my personal favorite so far. But only because I'm not a dog person. Because those multishot dukes look like real ones!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 20 January 2016, 13:37:48
Don't make Topre caps. There are MX sliders for Topre boards now.

Thanks I agree

LOL.  It's a lot more work to convert caps between MX and Topre.  I'm still trying to figure out the best process to use for that.  But being a Topre lover myself, it's probably worth the effort.

Wow amazing work! How long have you been sculpting? That's some amazing detail & quality casts. Keybuto is my personal favorite so far. But only because I'm not a dog person. Because those multishot dukes look like real ones!

Thanks for the kind words! This is my first serious foray into sculpting -- I'm a patent attorney by day, and previously only spent much time with 2D art.

I hope to find a good doubleshot design for Keybuto.  My experiments so far have been seriously underwhelming.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: absyrd on Wed, 20 January 2016, 13:40:56
How the **** you get so good on your first try? I'm not into these super-detailed caps, but you have skills.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: bcredbottle on Wed, 20 January 2016, 13:49:08
Don't make Topre caps. There are MX sliders for Topre boards now.

Thanks I agree

LOL.  It's a lot more work to convert caps between MX and Topre.  I'm still trying to figure out the best process to use for that.  But being a Topre lover myself, it's probably worth the effort.

Wow amazing work! How long have you been sculpting? That's some amazing detail & quality casts. Keybuto is my personal favorite so far. But only because I'm not a dog person. Because those multishot dukes look like real ones!

Thanks for the kind words! This is my first serious foray into sculpting -- I'm a patent attorney by day, and previously only spent much time with 2D art.

I hope to find a good doubleshot design for Keybuto.  My experiments so far have been seriously underwhelming.


Holy crap another attorney! I thought I was the only one on this site.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Waateva on Wed, 20 January 2016, 14:06:17
I really like Keybuto :)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: DaveW on Wed, 20 January 2016, 15:21:08
Don't make Topre caps. There are MX sliders for Topre boards now.

Thanks I agree

LOL.  It's a lot more work to convert caps between MX and Topre.  I'm still trying to figure out the best process to use for that.  But being a Topre lover myself, it's probably worth the effort.

Wow amazing work! How long have you been sculpting? That's some amazing detail & quality casts. Keybuto is my personal favorite so far. But only because I'm not a dog person. Because those multishot dukes look like real ones!

Thanks for the kind words! This is my first serious foray into sculpting -- I'm a patent attorney by day, and previously only spent much time with 2D art.

I hope to find a good doubleshot design for Keybuto.  My experiments so far have been seriously underwhelming.

I actually really like that doubleshot Keybuto in your first post. That and the solid blue are my favorite colors (also my favorite keycap out of the three)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: shinz0 on Thu, 21 January 2016, 13:35:51
I've got another update for you guys. I've been working on some more multi-cast experiments.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/653541b674610f3df45a120ad48aa50d.jpg)


I've also been working on more transparent materials.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/88b9bea17046a0fb9c70e621cc197e6a.jpg)


I'm considering having a mini sale, probably less than 40 pieces, to gauge interest in a bigger sale and to get a feel for how much materials and time I would need to hold a bigger sale. What is the preferred way to hold a sale like that? I made a short survey if you'd like to let me know:

http://goo.gl/forms/l89rjo3v9g

damn that multi cast is so dope! survey filled!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Binge on Thu, 21 January 2016, 14:14:29
Posted on reddit to the effect, but I am now a fan.  Thank you for posting what you've worked on!  The sculpting is definitely from mature concepts and I'm very very pleased to see the level of rendering you have dedicated to the forms.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: harlw on Thu, 21 January 2016, 14:33:45
Wow, great work!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Bambino on Thu, 21 January 2016, 14:45:29

Posted on reddit to the effect, but I am now a fan.  Thank you for posting what you've worked on!  The sculpting is definitely from mature concepts and I'm very very pleased to see the level of rendering you have dedicated to the forms.

A blessing from the Binge himself. Thanks dude. Huge fan of your work too. Would love to bounce a few questions off you sometime if you're willing.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Moistgun on Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:35:12

Posted on reddit to the effect, but I am now a fan.  Thank you for posting what you've worked on!  The sculpting is definitely from mature concepts and I'm very very pleased to see the level of rendering you have dedicated to the forms.

A blessing from the Binge himself. Thanks dude. Huge fan of your work too. Would love to bounce a few questions off you sometime if you're willing.

Oh snap. We need a collabo
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Hexterdude on Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:59:57
Hey man! I remember talking to you on reddit when you were just started working on these! Looking good, can't wait to see more of your stuff
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Binge on Thu, 21 January 2016, 16:24:55

Posted on reddit to the effect, but I am now a fan.  Thank you for posting what you've worked on!  The sculpting is definitely from mature concepts and I'm very very pleased to see the level of rendering you have dedicated to the forms.

A blessing from the Binge himself. Thanks dude. Huge fan of your work too. Would love to bounce a few questions off you sometime if you're willing.

I'm always open to talk with other artisans.  Feel free to PM me here or IRC and we can exchange info.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: mobbo on Thu, 21 January 2016, 16:37:19
Man these caps are ****in fire.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: cryptokey on Thu, 21 January 2016, 16:50:59
Great looking artisans, Bambino!  When the Keybutos are available, I will pick one up for sure.  Also, if there's any possibility for Topre in the future, I'd be in on that too. 

In terms of input, imo the Keybuto would look nice with the four side edges of the cap being sharper corners.  Also, I think a black/red cap would look nice in this design.  Although I'll admit I am quite ignorant to Japanese history, wasn't it divided into different provinces before being Japan as a whole?  If so, a neat idea for a sale might be to have colours/names for each of the caps corresponding to a province.
Keep up the great work!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 22 January 2016, 16:27:00
In case you're interested, here's the results of the survey:

(http://i.imgur.com/HigogrQ.jpg)

At first, the survey was only linked from this thread in GH, and the results were ~60% in favor of a raffle sale with about 30 entries total.  After also linking the survey on Reddit, it jumped to 105 entries with a dead even split between raffle and scheduled sale.  It's interesting to me to see how the preferences of each forum differ. 

By the way, the "other" results were from someone who liked commissioned sales and someone who likes raffle and scheduled sales evenly.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 22 January 2016, 16:32:26
In case you're interested, here's the results of the survey:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HigogrQ.jpg)


At first, the survey was only linked from this thread in GH, and the results were ~60% in favor of a raffle sale with about 30 entries total.  After also linking the survey on Reddit, it jumped to 105 entries with a dead even split between raffle and scheduled sale.  It's interesting to me to see how the preferences of each forum differ. 

By the way, the "other" results were from someone who liked commissioned sales and someone who likes raffle and scheduled sales evenly.

I think it's because reddit (being the more general population) doesn't understand that there are a limited number of caps, therefore they think that a direct sale is better. Unless there's a significant inventory it just isn't fair because of timezones and other potential obligations at the time of the sale. For more popular artisans the raffle is the way to go.

Of course BroCaps and Click Clack just do a little bit of everything (serisously, everything) and I personally like that best.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 22 January 2016, 16:40:06

I think it's because reddit (being the more general population) doesn't understand that there are a limited number of caps, therefore they think that a direct sale is better. Unless there's a significant inventory it just isn't fair because of timezones and other potential obligations at the time of the sale. For more popular artisans the raffle is the way to go.

Of course BroCaps and Click Clack just do a little bit of everything (serisously, everything) and I personally like that best.

Unless one of the sale types was an overwhelming favorite, I was planning on trying a few different things and just going with what I liked best. But there is good feedback, like yours, and things I didn't consider in planning that have come out as a result of the survey, so it has still been helpful.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 22 January 2016, 16:41:37

I think it's because reddit (being the more general population) doesn't understand that there are a limited number of caps, therefore they think that a direct sale is better. Unless there's a significant inventory it just isn't fair because of timezones and other potential obligations at the time of the sale. For more popular artisans the raffle is the way to go.

Of course BroCaps and Click Clack just do a little bit of everything (serisously, everything) and I personally like that best.

Unless one of the sale types was an overwhelming favorite, I was planning on trying a few different things and just going with what I liked best. But there is good feedback, like yours, and things I didn't consider in planning that have come out as a result of the survey, so it has still been helpful.

Just remember you can't ever please everyone. Do what works best for you.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: Dernubenfrieken on Fri, 22 January 2016, 17:38:09
In case you're interested, here's the results of the survey:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HigogrQ.jpg)


At first, the survey was only linked from this thread in GH, and the results were ~60% in favor of a raffle sale with about 30 entries total.  After also linking the survey on Reddit, it jumped to 105 entries with a dead even split between raffle and scheduled sale.  It's interesting to me to see how the preferences of each forum differ. 

By the way, the "other" results were from someone who liked commissioned sales and someone who likes raffle and scheduled sales evenly.

I think it's because reddit (being the more general population) doesn't understand that there are a limited number of caps, therefore they think that a direct sale is better. Unless there's a significant inventory it just isn't fair because of timezones and other potential obligations at the time of the sale. For more popular artisans the raffle is the way to go.

Of course BroCaps and Click Clack just do a little bit of everything (serisously, everything) and I personally like that best.

Agreed, also I feel like someone who goes mainly on reddit would feed into some of the "illuminati" rhetoric, and think that a raffle sale is less transparent than something like a direct sale. Which is a bit ridiculous.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 22 January 2016, 20:30:27
In case you're interested, here's the results of the survey:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HigogrQ.jpg)


At first, the survey was only linked from this thread in GH, and the results were ~60% in favor of a raffle sale with about 30 entries total.  After also linking the survey on Reddit, it jumped to 105 entries with a dead even split between raffle and scheduled sale.  It's interesting to me to see how the preferences of each forum differ. 

By the way, the "other" results were from someone who liked commissioned sales and someone who likes raffle and scheduled sales evenly.

I think it's because reddit (being the more general population) doesn't understand that there are a limited number of caps, therefore they think that a direct sale is better. Unless there's a significant inventory it just isn't fair because of timezones and other potential obligations at the time of the sale. For more popular artisans the raffle is the way to go.

Of course BroCaps and Click Clack just do a little bit of everything (serisously, everything) and I personally like that best.

Agreed, also I feel like someone who goes mainly on reddit would feed into some of the "illuminati" rhetoric, and think that a raffle sale is less transparent than something like a direct sale. Which is a bit ridiculous.

Yup, a raffle works best for people of different timezones, as well as eliminates stress from entering at the right time.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: DrCr4nK on Fri, 22 January 2016, 21:09:00
I need so many of those bulldogs in my life.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: alexjd99 on Sat, 23 January 2016, 12:57:11
Really digging duke.
Does anyone know of a place where I can find information about converting an MX keycap mold to a Topre keycap mold?
I'm going to be making molds soon for mine, and I have a strategy I think might just work to make the mold compatible with MX and Topre.

Hopefully we can see these in Topre soon ;)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab (Sale Survey Active - Requesting Your Input)
Post by: UTEster750 on Sun, 24 January 2016, 07:10:47
Wow this is some pretty awesome work! Good to see plenty of new, excellent artisan makers on the scene.
Have to keep watching for what you have in the works. :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: lucaslink on Sun, 24 January 2016, 14:48:15
im stoked about your caps. any idea when your first sale might happen? interesting results on that survey.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Brammm87 on Sun, 24 January 2016, 15:51:34
This is my fiancee's English bulldog (http://i.imgur.com/FQPunNa.png?1). If there was any way I could get my hands on a keycap of his likeness, that'd be so freaking amazing.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Diokhan on Sun, 24 January 2016, 16:11:26
Wow nice work there!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Sun, 24 January 2016, 16:55:22
Why would anyone want a direct sale? all thats going to do is have hoarders buying everything immediately. and what about timezones
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Waateva on Sun, 24 January 2016, 17:32:51
Why would anyone want a direct sale? all thats going to do is have hoarders buying everything immediately. and what about timezones

Hoarders gotta vote too
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 24 January 2016, 22:00:08
I've been getting some PM requests about this, so I'll put something here. I'll make a sale announcement tomorrow!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Sun, 24 January 2016, 22:01:47
I've been getting some PM requests about this, so I'll put something here. I'll make a sale announcement tomorrow!

That's great about the announcement! I just hope peer pressure didn't push you into making one.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 24 January 2016, 22:35:12
That's great about the announcement! I just hope peer pressure didn't push you into making one.
Nah, I was planning on an announcement already.  Excited!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: fanpeople on Sun, 24 January 2016, 23:49:12
Do a bulldaug sale, pls
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Zapheo on Mon, 25 January 2016, 00:17:01
That's great about the announcement! I just hope peer pressure didn't push you into making one.
Nah, I was planning on an announcement already.  Excited!

I agree with FLFisherman. I would rather see a complete product than a rushed, unfinished one. Glad to hear these will be going on sale, though!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 26 January 2016, 12:41:19
A sale announcement thread should be up in the Artisan Services section upon approval by the mods.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 26 January 2016, 13:07:04
A sale announcement thread should be up in the Artisan Services section upon approval by the mods.

 :-*
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Waateva on Tue, 26 January 2016, 13:08:36
A sale announcement thread should be up in the Artisan Services section upon approval by the mods.

Hip hip hooray!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 26 January 2016, 13:13:32
Meanwhile, here's the related Reddit post about it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/42t47d/news_suited_up_keycaps_intro_sale_this_week/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/42t47d/news_suited_up_keycaps_intro_sale_this_week/)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 29 January 2016, 13:52:46
Just throwing this out there:  I'm interested in obtaining some keys and color chips for color matching some keycaps.  I can find the SP color codes and chips that would match SP keysets, but haven't had any success finding similar materials for GMK/Originative/other producers.  Anyone have any leads to find color materials for those providers? 

If they don't exist, maybe one of you has a Hyperfuse or Charred Orange set out there that can tell me (or even better, post a photo showing) how closely the magenta on Hyperfuse matches the pink of SP Miami Pink or how closely the orange from SP 1976 or Nuclear Data matches the orange in Charred orange.  I'd also be interested to see what SP color most resembles the grey used in Charred Orange or Carbon keysets.

Any takers?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sat, 13 February 2016, 22:54:33
Breakthrough.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Hexterdude on Sat, 13 February 2016, 22:56:52
Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)


Dank asf mate, Hope I can one day grab one your caps!!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Sun, 14 February 2016, 00:41:34
Jes...
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Sun, 14 February 2016, 00:48:17
Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)


Congratulations on getting a Topre cast prepared!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Diokhan on Sun, 14 February 2016, 01:38:40
Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)

Oh..
Now I feel a bit guilty for taking a mx one.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: tangkims on Sun, 14 February 2016, 02:09:14
Man... a gold keybuto would look so sick on the black topre keyboards
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bevo on Sun, 14 February 2016, 03:37:05
Let me know if you need a hack'd keycap for colour matching. I live in Australia though.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Vimto on Sun, 14 February 2016, 04:06:47
I need Topre Keybuto. Those colours are amazing as well.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:10:30

Let me know if you need a hack'd keycap for colour matching. I live in Australia though.
It would probably be cheaper to get a color chip from Signature Plastics! Do you know the color codes used in Hack'd?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:11:49

Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)

Oh..
Now I feel a bit guilty for taking a mx one.
There will be more to go around soon enough!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dgneo on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:13:07
Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)


Yesssssssssssssssssssss! Glad to see these coming to Topre :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bevo on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:14:52

Let me know if you need a hack'd keycap for colour matching. I live in Australia though.
It would probably be cheaper to get a color chip from Signature Plastics! Do you know the color codes used in Hack'd?

Centered ORANGE (OAS) legends on GREY (GE) and VERY DARK GREY (GX) base

Can't wait for topre Keybutos!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Diokhan on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:15:33

Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)

Oh..
Now I feel a bit guilty for taking a mx one.
There will be more to go around soon enough!
What key caps are those?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 14 February 2016, 09:23:25


Breakthrough.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/4bfd3b11e02b442d68b002602fceecf9.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/672b693e0fabb57b785f4da6a823fdf6.jpg)

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/d282792124ec1d689f73af6afd37528a.jpg)

Oh..
Now I feel a bit guilty for taking a mx one.
There will be more to go around soon enough!
What key caps are those?
In the photos it's a Leopold FC660C that has some Realforce arrow keys and two Keybutos.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: CoolGrayAJ on Sun, 14 February 2016, 15:00:23
Oh my god... those Keybutos...  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Mon, 15 February 2016, 12:28:26
Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Mon, 15 February 2016, 12:28:54
Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)


Oh I'm excited already. Good luck!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Mon, 15 February 2016, 13:17:45
Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)


Yes! Finally; someone's making a Crash Bandicoot-themed cap!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: polentA on Mon, 15 February 2016, 14:03:43
Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)


Oh, this is something I am very curious about.  Is that just a chunk of clay on top of a switch, or is there also a blank cap buried somewhere underneath? I've always wondered how each artist starts their caps, and the various methods involved. 
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Mon, 15 February 2016, 14:10:23

Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)


Oh, this is something I am very curious about.  Is that just a chunk of clay on top of a switch, or is there also a blank cap buried somewhere underneath? I've always wondered how each artist starts their caps, and the various methods involved.

This design was started on an MX row 2/QWER-row PBT cap. The exterior is covered on every side. The lower profile cap is used so that building up the shape doesn't make the key too large and tall. The key is PBT because an ABS key would melt when the sculpture is fired.

There are definitely methods you can follow to just start with a clay block too, but that tends to complicate the molding process.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: polentA on Mon, 15 February 2016, 14:16:11

Something new. Stage 1: starting from a blank canvas.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8257614751b787caa9e792b90c3d2942.jpg)


Oh, this is something I am very curious about.  Is that just a chunk of clay on top of a switch, or is there also a blank cap buried somewhere underneath? I've always wondered how each artist starts their caps, and the various methods involved.

This design was started on an MX row 2/QWER-row PBT cap. The exterior is covered on every side. The lower profile cap is used so that building up the shape doesn't make the key too large and tall. The key is PBT because an ABS key would melt when the sculpture is fired.

There are definitely methods you can follow to just start with a clay block too, but that tends to complicate the molding process.

Thanks for the clarification Bambino.  Really impressed with your work so far! Can't wait to see what's next.

Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Mon, 15 February 2016, 19:10:18
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Hexterdude on Mon, 15 February 2016, 19:11:00
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.

I like where this is going
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Mon, 15 February 2016, 19:11:22
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.

Looks like some skeletons rising from a grave. But why were there multiple in this one grave?  :))

Speculations fly! What could it be!?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: deductivemonkee on Mon, 15 February 2016, 19:23:53
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.

Graveyard like thing? Love it.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xondat on Tue, 16 February 2016, 06:31:15
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.

(http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/376/354/3dd.gif)

Trumpets next right?

Looks neat anyway.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: 27 on Tue, 16 February 2016, 08:00:16
Stage 2: The next day, I expanded the top surface and experimented with the level of detail I wanted in each individual shape.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/a4c0af1dc0bfd34b4f934ce21d641a77.jpg)

You can start to get an idea of where this is going at this point.

Show Image
(http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/376/354/3dd.gif)


Trumpets next right?

Looks neat anyway.

Doot doot


Definitely liking the look of these.
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 16 February 2016, 10:40:38
Stage 2.5: I spent day 3 "fleshing" out the top some more. Each skull represents about 30 more minutes. Also did more experimenting with shapes.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/2c9ccc5a141134f0a4a68fd1a8e60a06.jpg)

At this point I was trying to figure out how much of a skull I wanted for each individual part.  Do I include teeth? Mandible? Spine?  Do I make the skull more fantasy or realistic?

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/f7f24b16066f28cbcf830945fe6fae2a.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/1f02924883c5f91b546693de78d8d3cc.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mobbo on Tue, 16 February 2016, 10:48:15
Stage 2.5: I spent day 3 "fleshing" out the top some more. Each skull represents about 30 more minutes. Also did more experimenting with shapes.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/2c9ccc5a141134f0a4a68fd1a8e60a06.jpg)


At this point I was trying to figure out how much of a skull I wanted for each individual part.  Do I include teeth? Mandible? Spine?  Do I make the skull more fantasy or realistic?

What tools are you sculpting with? I'd love to try this part of the process before thinking about casting (see if I can actually make anything recognizable). I know a lot of people are using sculpy, but what about the tools themselves?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 16 February 2016, 10:50:57
Stage 2.5: I spent day 3 "fleshing" out the top some more. Each skull represents about 30 more minutes. Also did more experimenting with shapes.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/2c9ccc5a141134f0a4a68fd1a8e60a06.jpg)


At this point I was trying to figure out how much of a skull I wanted for each individual part.  Do I include teeth? Mandible? Spine?  Do I make the skull more fantasy or realistic?

What tools are you sculpting with? I'd love to try this part of the process before thinking about casting (see if I can actually make anything recognizable). I know a lot of people are using sculpy, but what about the tools themselves?

My favorite tools have been some small embossing tools and rubber-tipped clay shapers.  They're both widely available.  I bought some wax carving tools too, but they are generally too large and too rough for the details I want to add to my designs.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mobbo on Tue, 16 February 2016, 11:02:02
Stage 2.5: I spent day 3 "fleshing" out the top some more. Each skull represents about 30 more minutes. Also did more experimenting with shapes.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160216/2c9ccc5a141134f0a4a68fd1a8e60a06.jpg)


At this point I was trying to figure out how much of a skull I wanted for each individual part.  Do I include teeth? Mandible? Spine?  Do I make the skull more fantasy or realistic?

What tools are you sculpting with? I'd love to try this part of the process before thinking about casting (see if I can actually make anything recognizable). I know a lot of people are using sculpy, but what about the tools themselves?

My favorite tools have been some small embossing tools and rubber-tipped clay shapers.  They're both widely available.  I bought some wax carving tools too, but they are generally too large and too rough for the details I want to add to my designs.

Thanks! I also wanted to ask you about your process. Do you usually have a design sketched out before you start sculpting, or do you have a general idea in mind and create it as you go?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 16 February 2016, 11:09:53
Thanks! I also wanted to ask you about your process. Do you usually have a design sketched out before you start sculpting, or do you have a general idea in mind and create it as you go?

Both. You should have an idea of what you want to achieve, its size  and height, how it will fit on a keycap, how it will interact with (or not interact with) the neighboring keys, and so on.  It may help to sketch it if you are good at drawing.  You'd ideally sketch it from multiple angles first so you can decide how it will look in 3 dimensions.  I used about 6 images of bulldogs from different angles as references to design Duke.  But before sculpting I had an idea of where I wanted the nose and ears to lie, what I wanted to do around the perimeter of the base, etc.

Things come up as you work on your design, and those parts require you to be creative on the fly.  In an unannounced project, I completed a face sculpture but wasn't satisfied with the rest of the design.  So I cut off the face sculpture, fired it by itself, and used it in an entirely different design.

Oh, and I could go on and on about mold-making considerations.  Suffice it to say that you constantly need to remind yourself, "I have to pull this out of a mold over and over, so I better not make it hard to do."
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 16 February 2016, 22:43:21
Stage 3: Keycap top shapes completed on day 4. Major revisions to some previous work done to bring their various shapes into harmony with each other.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e70a2360c88ffc6336b0f7983befdccf.jpg)

This design was made with the intention of being repositionable and multi-oriented. You can put it on your keyboard in four different orientations. This means that if you have multiples of this cap, you can put them next to each other without them each repeating the same pattern or looking like the same Keycap. Instead, you get a continuously changing facade across multiple keys. Here are some pics from other angles:

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/f4d7d9fe370d75b5e6f0cb8308f94e54.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/970f23302130378c1f476334dd82b3df.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/05c1176d45d8db6e52513c80474b23b0.jpg)

Next stage: Finishing the sides and bottom of the keycap.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 16 February 2016, 22:46:34
Freakin' amazing.

How would the multi-angle work, though? Wouldn't you need some sort of angle so that the top surface is completely horizontal? Or obviously not if they can go on any angle?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 16 February 2016, 22:52:08

Freakin' amazing.

How would the multi-angle work, though? Wouldn't you need some sort of angle so that the top surface is completely horizontal? Or obviously not if they can go on any angle?

The top of the finished design is not angled. Aside from the texture of the skulls it is mostly level.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Tue, 16 February 2016, 22:55:54
Stage 3: Keycap top shapes completed on day 4. Major revisions to some previous work done to bring their various shapes into harmony with each other.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e70a2360c88ffc6336b0f7983befdccf.jpg)


This design was made with the intention of being repositionable and multi-oriented. You can put it on your keyboard in four different orientations. This means that if you have multiples of this cap, you can put them next to each other without them each repeating the same pattern or looking like the same Keycap. Instead, you get a continuously changing facade across multiple keys. Here are some pics from other angles:

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/f4d7d9fe370d75b5e6f0cb8308f94e54.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/970f23302130378c1f476334dd82b3df.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/05c1176d45d8db6e52513c80474b23b0.jpg)


Next stage: Finishing the sides and bottom of the keycap.

Very ominous. You're making real fast progress.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 16 February 2016, 22:57:35

Freakin' amazing.

How would the multi-angle work, though? Wouldn't you need some sort of angle so that the top surface is completely horizontal? Or obviously not if they can go on any angle?

The top of the finished design is not angled. Aside from the texture of the skulls it is mostly level.

Sorry, I meant angled when placed on a keyboard. Since most keyboards have some sort of slant to them, wouldn't the top of the cap be at an angle too?

And as I type that I realize how dumb I sound, considering most of my caps are like that. Wow, romevi; wow.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: theoriginal123123 on Wed, 17 February 2016, 07:35:33
Stage 3: Keycap top shapes completed on day 4. Major revisions to some previous work done to bring their various shapes into harmony with each other.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e70a2360c88ffc6336b0f7983befdccf.jpg)


This design was made with the intention of being repositionable and multi-oriented. You can put it on your keyboard in four different orientations. This means that if you have multiples of this cap, you can put them next to each other without them each repeating the same pattern or looking like the same Keycap. Instead, you get a continuously changing facade across multiple keys. Here are some pics from other angles:

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/f4d7d9fe370d75b5e6f0cb8308f94e54.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/970f23302130378c1f476334dd82b3df.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/05c1176d45d8db6e52513c80474b23b0.jpg)


Next stage: Finishing the sides and bottom of the keycap.

Your stuff is looking amazing, can't wait to see the finished piece!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Waateva on Wed, 17 February 2016, 09:23:30
Stage 3: Keycap top shapes completed on day 4. Major revisions to some previous work done to bring their various shapes into harmony with each other.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e70a2360c88ffc6336b0f7983befdccf.jpg)


This design was made with the intention of being repositionable and multi-oriented. You can put it on your keyboard in four different orientations. This means that if you have multiples of this cap, you can put them next to each other without them each repeating the same pattern or looking like the same Keycap. Instead, you get a continuously changing facade across multiple keys. Here are some pics from other angles:

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/f4d7d9fe370d75b5e6f0cb8308f94e54.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/970f23302130378c1f476334dd82b3df.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/05c1176d45d8db6e52513c80474b23b0.jpg)


Next stage: Finishing the sides and bottom of the keycap.

Wow, looks really nice!
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 17 February 2016, 11:11:51
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/0d6ce8fdad432c85a16716db85254cec.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/eaa3ae057ab082a08c593ee02a36f870.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/bf947933b48cc62ff5d7e2afbefff471.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/5a82e8eae44ced25436dbe1fae7cb66a.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e4c583c09a2612a48f790b42de445ced.jpg)

I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Diokhan on Wed, 17 February 2016, 11:20:08
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/0d6ce8fdad432c85a16716db85254cec.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/eaa3ae057ab082a08c593ee02a36f870.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/bf947933b48cc62ff5d7e2afbefff471.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/5a82e8eae44ced25436dbe1fae7cb66a.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e4c583c09a2612a48f790b42de445ced.jpg)


I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.
That looks so amazing O.o
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: onemegamanfan on Wed, 17 February 2016, 13:14:45
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.

Can you do something like this when you make the mold?  I have been having troubles with the few I have made.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Waateva on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:13:02
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/0d6ce8fdad432c85a16716db85254cec.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/eaa3ae057ab082a08c593ee02a36f870.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/bf947933b48cc62ff5d7e2afbefff471.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/5a82e8eae44ced25436dbe1fae7cb66a.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e4c583c09a2612a48f790b42de445ced.jpg)


I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.

I honestly can't believe that you're just starting out.  Everything you've done so far has looked great, make sure you keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:26:36
Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:28:15

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:29:54

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

Damn, beat me to it. :/

Are there any designs that you would like to do, but don't quite feel confident attempting yet?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:31:18

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

You know what I mean -___-
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:40:51

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

You know what I mean -___-


I keed I keed.  I wouldn't have done a 'skull' if it ended up looking like another CC skull, Bro Reaper v1/v2/Reaper Classic/Jolly Roger, Krytone JSv1/v2/CS/Robo/Dome skull/Brainy/Fang skull/diagonal skull, Binge Smiling Jack/DWIJ/Skulthulhu, HKP Warmaster, Nubb scully, Zorb santa, BadNews Diamondeyes, Hammer Skull, etc. etc.  Not that those aren't cool in their own ways; it's just been done ad nauseum.


Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

Damn, beat me to it. :/

Are there any designs that you would like to do, but don't quite feel confident attempting yet?

Oh yes.  One of my original ideas was an iconic architectural design.  Hopefully I'll work out some new methods to let me implement it.  Right now there's just no good way for me to get precise, tiny, straight lines that would be needed for the walls and roofing.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:45:48

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

You know what I mean -___-


I keed I keed.  I wouldn't have done a 'skull' if it ended up looking like another CC skull, Bro Reaper v1/v2/Reaper Classic/Jolly Roger, Krytone JSv1/v2/CS/Robo/Dome skull/Brainy/Fang skull/diagonal skull, Binge Smiling Jack/DWIJ/Skulthulhu, HKP Warmaster, Nubb scully, Zorb santa, BadNews Diamondeyes, Hammer Skull, etc. etc.  Not that those aren't cool in their own ways; it's just been done ad nauseum.


Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

Damn, beat me to it. :/

Are there any designs that you would like to do, but don't quite feel confident attempting yet?

Oh yes.  One of my original ideas was an iconic architectural design.  Hopefully I'll work out some new methods to let me implement it.  Right now there's just no good way for me to get precise, tiny, straight lines that would be needed for the walls and roofing.

I remember when I first saw CC's years ago I thought, "That looks silly. Who'd want a skull on their keyboard?" Then over the years it's like everyone could do only a skull, with a few exceptions.
Thank goodness I got into artisans last year; so many varying designs now.
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:57:01

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

You know what I mean -___-


I keed I keed.  I wouldn't have done a 'skull' if it ended up looking like another CC skull, Bro Reaper v1/v2/Reaper Classic/Jolly Roger, Krytone JSv1/v2/CS/Robo/Dome skull/Brainy/Fang skull/diagonal skull, Binge Smiling Jack/DWIJ/Skulthulhu, HKP Warmaster, Nubb scully, Zorb santa, BadNews Diamondeyes, Hammer Skull, etc. etc.  Not that those aren't cool in their own ways; it's just been done ad nauseum.


Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

Damn, beat me to it. :/

Are there any designs that you would like to do, but don't quite feel confident attempting yet?

Oh yes.  One of my original ideas was an iconic architectural design.  Hopefully I'll work out some new methods to let me implement it.  Right now there's just no good way for me to get precise, tiny, straight lines that would be needed for the walls and roofing.

I remember when I first saw CC's years ago I thought, "That looks silly. Who'd want a skull on their keyboard?" Then over the years it's like everyone could do only a skull, with a few exceptions.
Thank goodness I got into artisans last year; so many varying designs now.

My first purpose in creating the Handmade Artisan Keycap Directory (shameless plug: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FOpysO03dfmpjsmHMnYGQC2bcPc40D_jbDGkE6NH5KY/edit?usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FOpysO03dfmpjsmHMnYGQC2bcPc40D_jbDGkE6NH5KY/edit?usp=sharing)) was to give myself a broad perspective of what exists out there. I had it as a personal database for several weeks before opening up to public view so that I could detect some design space that wouldn't significantly overlap with what's been done. Everyone around here hates a copycat (*cough like a certain copycat). Hopefully the directory can now serve that purpose for newer artisans too.

Making the directory was, at times, frustrating. I wanted to make a feline design at first, but I found there's already a lot of that available. I liked astronaut concepts, then realized Booper's is already out there and Whizzard has one too. I could go back to those ideas in a new way at some point, but at least for now I'd rather stick to unique stuff, so seeing stuff similar to my ideas slowed me down at first.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Wed, 17 February 2016, 16:03:58

Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

You know what I mean -___-


I keed I keed.  I wouldn't have done a 'skull' if it ended up looking like another CC skull, Bro Reaper v1/v2/Reaper Classic/Jolly Roger, Krytone JSv1/v2/CS/Robo/Dome skull/Brainy/Fang skull/diagonal skull, Binge Smiling Jack/DWIJ/Skulthulhu, HKP Warmaster, Nubb scully, Zorb santa, BadNews Diamondeyes, Hammer Skull, etc. etc.  Not that those aren't cool in their own ways; it's just been done ad nauseum.


Not only has your work been spectacular for just starting, but its been original.

Well I don't know.  DID do a skull this time ;)

(Inb4 "NOW DO A ROBOT")

Damn, beat me to it. :/

Are there any designs that you would like to do, but don't quite feel confident attempting yet?

Oh yes.  One of my original ideas was an iconic architectural design.  Hopefully I'll work out some new methods to let me implement it.  Right now there's just no good way for me to get precise, tiny, straight lines that would be needed for the walls and roofing.

I remember when I first saw CC's years ago I thought, "That looks silly. Who'd want a skull on their keyboard?" Then over the years it's like everyone could do only a skull, with a few exceptions.
Thank goodness I got into artisans last year; so many varying designs now.

My first purpose in creating the Handmade Artisan Keycap Directory (shameless plug) was to give myself a broad perspective of what exists out there. I had it as a personal database for several weeks before opening up to public view so that I could detect some design space that wouldn't significantly overlap with what's been done. Everyone around here hates a copycat (*cough like a certain copycat). Hopefully the directory can now serve that purpose for newer artisans too.

Making the directory was, at times, frustrating. I wanted to make a feline design at first, but I found there's already a lot of that available. I liked astronaut concepts, then realized Booper's is already out there and Whizzard has one too. I could go back to those ideas in a new way at some point, but at least for now I'd rather stick to unique stuff, so seeing stuff similar to my ideas slowed me down at first.
Thank you for the insight! I hope a slightly generic design idea (skulls, robots, astronauts, animals, etc.) doesn't dissuade any future artisans from creating something in those categories. One can always change up a design.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 17 February 2016, 16:19:16
Thank you for the insight! I hope a slightly generic design idea (skulls, robots, astronauts, animals, etc.) doesn't dissuade any future artisans from creating something in those categories. One can always change up a design.

There are definitely new ways you can approach a concept, and I wholeheartedly approve of that.  My skulls cap (name not final) would otherwise be extremely hypocritical.  But my advice to someone new would be to try to find something unique about their idea if you want to get recognized in the sea of everything else out there.  For example, I really respect Nubbinator's Dolly and KK's Furt.  They're so whimsical and out there and different from anything anyone else has made before.  Now, everyone can immediately identify their work with those designs.  If we saw another basic skull key, it would most likely be easily forgettable.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Liocer on Thu, 18 February 2016, 00:32:08

Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.

Can you do something like this when you make the mold?  I have been having troubles with the few I have made.

That would be cool to see.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Thu, 18 February 2016, 03:33:17
I really like the transparent/opaque keybuto keys
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Oxid on Thu, 18 February 2016, 07:01:38
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/0d6ce8fdad432c85a16716db85254cec.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/eaa3ae057ab082a08c593ee02a36f870.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/bf947933b48cc62ff5d7e2afbefff471.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/5a82e8eae44ced25436dbe1fae7cb66a.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e4c583c09a2612a48f790b42de445ced.jpg)


I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.

:O The detail on that is insane! That's beyond impressive sculpting! Excited to see you cast it :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Thu, 18 February 2016, 07:12:02
Thank you for the insight! I hope a slightly generic design idea (skulls, robots, astronauts, animals, etc.) doesn't dissuade any future artisans from creating something in those categories. One can always change up a design.

There are definitely new ways you can approach a concept, and I wholeheartedly approve of that.  My skulls cap (name not final) would otherwise be extremely hypocritical.  But my advice to someone new would be to try to find something unique about their idea if you want to get recognized in the sea of everything else out there.  For example, I really respect Nubbinator's Dolly and KK's Furt.  They're so whimsical and out there and different from anything anyone else has made before.  Now, everyone can immediately identify their work with those designs.  If we saw another basic skull key, it would most likely be easily forgettable.
Well you certainly have a very fascinating and unique skull cluster cap on your hands. Can't wait to see it after casting!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xondat on Thu, 18 February 2016, 08:10:04
Stage 4: On day 5, sides were textured and final figures were added to the sides and back.

My strong preference is for artisan keycaps that make creative use of the entire key surface rather than simply being a sculpture pasted on top of a normal key shape. I think this is aesthetically much more interesting, but it is also practical since the side surfaces add thickness and can help reduce defects in production. Also, all-around-designed artisan keycaps are a nod to artisan collectors' typical use cases- (1) the common user who uses their artisan in place of an Esc key will be viewing the sides of the keycap much more often than if it was in any other position due to the Esc key spacing away from other keys, and (2) power collectors don't keep all their artisans on a keyboard, so I want them to be able to enjoy the keycap on a tabletop or switch tester without it looking totally out of place. Plus, an all-sides design is more photogenic for those who like to share pictures! Artisans aren't cheap, but a keycap that only looks good from a couple angles is, in my opinion, low value compared to one that looks cool in many directions, even if it's upside down.

The design in these pictures takes these ideas to an extreme since it is designed to have multiple "front" views, including some corners as "front" views. I don't know if I'll be doing this type of design after this cap, but it follows these guiding principles well. You'll probably notice more attention to the sides and back of keycaps in my work as time goes on.

Next, I made a moldability pass to reduce the depth of some of the eye sockets. I also redesigned some skulls that would have a tendency to destroy a mold and added details to a couple that were misshapen. One of the most crucial parts of the sculpting process is constantly moving your workpiece and viewing it from different angles. It's the only way for you to see when one eyebrow sticks out too far compared to the other or when one shoulder is twisted compared to another.

I also had to go around the shape with calipers to ensure that no bulges would be so large that they would inhibit movement of lateral keys. Several points had to be dialed back to keep the skulls in bounds. Meaning, I had to cut off some of their outer surface and make their sculptures in further relief. This is where it comes in handy to have the blank canvas of sculpting material at the start- the extra depth between the outside and the keycap surface allows you to work into the surface rather than being inhibited by the rigid keycap. If you have to remove material, you can still texture the surface rather than having to retreat to the plain keycap surface.

Some progress pics below. This wasn't the final form, but they're the last pics I got before reaching final form.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/0d6ce8fdad432c85a16716db85254cec.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/eaa3ae057ab082a08c593ee02a36f870.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/bf947933b48cc62ff5d7e2afbefff471.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/5a82e8eae44ced25436dbe1fae7cb66a.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160217/e4c583c09a2612a48f790b42de445ced.jpg)


I really need to get a better camera for these :/

Next step: Molding and casting.

Thanks for the brief thought process that goes into a cap like this, your work is really good and you should keep going :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: TheJonas on Sat, 20 February 2016, 05:07:35
I would have bought the one with one skull, I would have bought the one with three skulls, then I saw five skulls and I was sure I needed to do my best and get one. But all those ideas were lost when I saw those last photos. I did not expect to see a mountain of skulls and damn it looks incredible!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: olieatstofu on Sun, 21 February 2016, 11:36:23
Already imagining having these on my keyboard, pls release now  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: qazeqaz on Sat, 27 February 2016, 18:11:02
I like the multiple skulls idea. Reminds me of the catacombs in Paris!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sat, 27 February 2016, 19:02:17

I like the multiple skulls idea. Reminds me of the catacombs in Paris!
Funny you should mention that. Go check out part 2 of the story in the sale thread!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:08:49
A few more experiments.

Some solid colors and transparent colors.  I think this cap isn't well suited for full-cap transparency.

(http://imgur.com/5naeP9U.jpg)

A mix.  The top is a pearl dust with a dark crimson backfill.  The left is a pearl dust with pure solid orange backfill, the bottom is a pearl dust with transparent teal backfill and the right is pearl dust with white backfill followed by trans teal backfill.  Interestingly, the dust looks much more silver after it is embedded in resin than it looks out of the box.

(http://imgur.com/3vy3OGm.jpg)

These Keybutos are equivalents of the right and bottom Legion caps above.

(http://imgur.com/v6EYnH8.jpg)

What do you like best?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FrostyToast on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:10:09
Copper Kabuto mask?
Skulls encased in ice?

Please. Just stop. You're killing me.
Too much want.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:11:15


A few more experiments.

Some solid colors and transparent colors.  I think this cap isn't well suited for full-cap transparency.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/5naeP9U.jpg)


A mix.  The top is a pearl dust with a dark crimson backfill.  The left is a pearl dust with pure solid orange backfill, the bottom is a pearl dust with transparent teal backfill and the right is pearl dust with white backfill followed by trans teal backfill.  Interestingly, the dust looks much more silver after it is embedded in resin than it looks out of the box.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/3vy3OGm.jpg)


These Keybutos are equivalents of the right and bottom Legion caps above.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/v6EYnH8.jpg)


What do you like best?


The Legion caps in the second pic look the best, albeit the rightmost one in said pic.

The Keybuto on the right seems best.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:15:55


The Legion caps in the second pic look the best, albeit the rightmost one in said pic.

The Keybuto on the right seems best.

The mask is fairly subtle in person, but a darker background brings it out a bit more. Maybe darker transparent backing would be worth trying.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/dee21b48d2e608cfca7a5be9659b0c1b.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:24:29


The Legion caps in the second pic look the best, albeit the rightmost one in said pic.

The Keybuto on the right seems best.

The mask is fairly subtle in person, but a darker background brings it out a bit more. Maybe darker transparent backing would be worth trying.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/dee21b48d2e608cfca7a5be9659b0c1b.jpg)


Those really awesome! Great work. All these new artworks are really pushing me to get started on my own.

Will you plan on doing other color options?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Liocer on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:27:33
I think the skulls look best in their solid colours. The orange and blue above really show their detail well.  A lighter grey might be great too. Much like the original clay.

Great work, really looking forward to the sale!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 01 March 2016, 00:37:47



The Legion caps in the second pic look the best, albeit the rightmost one in said pic.

The Keybuto on the right seems best.

The mask is fairly subtle in person, but a darker background brings it out a bit more. Maybe darker transparent backing would be worth trying.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/dee21b48d2e608cfca7a5be9659b0c1b.jpg)


Those really awesome! Great work. All these new artworks are really pushing me to get started on my own.

Will you plan on doing other color options?

I'm always trying out new colors to see what works. But the options that will be available in the upcoming sale have been set for some time.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: QuickDelat on Tue, 01 March 2016, 01:45:49
I actually like the left keybuto more at the moment, can you give us a frontal shot of that one too?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 01 March 2016, 17:22:55

I actually like the left keybuto more at the moment, can you give us a frontal shot of that one too?

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/a68213c4890aa9162209af651f688b8f.jpg)

On an FC660C.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 01 March 2016, 17:23:49

I think the skulls look best in their solid colours. The orange and blue above really show their detail well.  A lighter grey might be great too. Much like the original clay.

Great work, really looking forward to the sale!

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/bc77be317ce1b89f7ec913a9da41de38.jpg)

Something along these lines? This is a casting I made in gray.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: eat_the_food on Tue, 01 March 2016, 17:30:35
The pigment dusting really helps pull that detail on the skulls and helps to give it sort of an aged quality. I like it a lot - especially the higher contrast (dark reddish brown?) one in the rear. Awesome work as usual!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 01 March 2016, 17:46:25
Stunning transparent blue. The skulls in blue ice is unreal!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Fyodor on Tue, 01 March 2016, 18:17:51

I think the skulls look best in their solid colours. The orange and blue above really show their detail well.  A lighter grey might be great too. Much like the original clay.

Great work, really looking forward to the sale!

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/bc77be317ce1b89f7ec913a9da41de38.jpg)


Something along these lines? This is a casting I made in gray.

A double shot with this base color and some sort of white for the skulls would be amazing.
Keep the good work ;)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: ploooopp on Wed, 02 March 2016, 23:23:54
These keycaps look amazing! The Keybuto looks absolutely fantastic!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 08 March 2016, 11:02:43
The dead are restless...
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/5f90f04f5e65fedf94d7fe4a99dce219.jpg)

A litter on my tabletop.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/c1767b5452e63897df7585c7148f390e.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: QuickDelat on Tue, 08 March 2016, 12:05:53
now where's the Japanese army?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bevo on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:34:45
Did you make a lot more of them this last sale?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:41:23
The dead are restless...
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/5f90f04f5e65fedf94d7fe4a99dce219.jpg)


A litter on my tabletop.
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/c1767b5452e63897df7585c7148f390e.jpg)

Pink bulldogs!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:43:04
Did you make a lot more of them this last sale?

Yes, the size of the current sale is much larger than the intro sale.  The intro sale enabled me to upgrade and expand my equipment and production techniques.  I.e., more winners, and more folks that won multiple caps! 

Certain models had much more limited quantities than others, though.  For example, Topre caps will be harder to come by than their MX brothers.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bevo on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:48:07
That's good to hear!

Have you tried experimenting with different materials? The plastic seems a little bit softer than other artisan caps I've come across. Not saying there's anything wrong with that though =)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:50:48

That's good to hear!

Have you tried experimenting with different materials? The plastic seems a little bit softer than other artisan caps I've come across. Not saying there's anything wrong with that though =)
Softer in what way? You can flex it? I've used a variety of materials so far but I wouldn't call the results soft.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bevo on Tue, 08 March 2016, 16:57:20
Yeah I meant more flexible. I guess it would help with getting designs like the Spartan out of its mould.

The keybuto is still my favourite though. Hoping for doubleshots soon!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:20:12
So this happened: http://keypressgraphics.com/product/keybuto/

(http://keypressgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Keybuto-4.jpg)(http://keypressgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Keybuto-8.jpg)

Unbelievable detail work by Keypress Graphics.  I was amazed by the way he transformed a Keybuto into what you'd see on display in a museum.  He gave so much character to the tiniest details of the sculpture.  It was a pleasure collaborating with him, and I hope to see more of his work in the future. 

Really, though, in case any of you haven't seen a Keybuto in person, they are very small - the circular crest on the top is less than the width of a pencil eraser.  The way he can get down to hairline-sized lines is amazing.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:20:58
So this happened: http://keypressgraphics.com/product/keybuto/

Show Image
(http://keypressgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Keybuto-8.jpg)


Unbelievable detail work by Keypress Graphics.  I was amazed by the way he transformed a Keybuto into what you'd see on display in a museum.  He gave so much character to the tiniest details of the sculpture.  It was a pleasure collaborating with him, and I hope to see more of his work in the future.

I saw that.  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:46:56
Huh, looks amazing. I guess artisans are ok with this service. I'd much rather own an unpainted variety tbh
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:52:45
Huh, looks amazing. I guess artisans are ok with this service. I'd much rather own an unpainted variety tbh

These are one-offs, and the painting is incredibly detailed.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sek1ne on Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:57:56
So this happened: http://keypressgraphics.com/product/keybuto/

Show Image
(http://keypressgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Keybuto-4.jpg)
Show Image
(http://keypressgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Keybuto-8.jpg)


Unbelievable detail work by Keypress Graphics.  I was amazed by the way he transformed a Keybuto into what you'd see on display in a museum.  He gave so much character to the tiniest details of the sculpture.  It was a pleasure collaborating with him, and I hope to see more of his work in the future. 

Really, though, in case any of you haven't seen a Keybuto in person, they are very small - the circular crest on the top is less than the width of a pencil eraser.  The way he can get down to hairline-sized lines is amazing.

That is some awesome detail. The tiny lines on the crest are probably minuscule.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 15 April 2016, 16:18:47
Huh, looks amazing. I guess artisans are ok with this service. I'd much rather own an unpainted variety tbh

Yeah, he contacted me beforehand and I provided a keycap for him to use.  Also he wasn't trying to pass off my portion of the work as his own or making unauthorized copies.  It was all above board. 

I think it's fun to see a keycap brought to the potential that he can bring to it.  I'm sure he poured countless hours into getting it to its final state.  His version of Binge's Keyng brought out detail that I never noticed, even though I have one of Binge's at my desk!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 15 April 2016, 17:10:54
I couldn't find that kind of information on the website. Thank you for elaborating :)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Fri, 15 April 2016, 17:13:09
I couldn't find that kind of information on the website. Thank you for elaborating :)

Yeah, there have been quite a few artisans giving him blanks (?) to paint. They're stunning, really. I think Binge even made the last Keyng is avatar.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 19 April 2016, 18:44:37
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)

(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)

A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sek1ne on Tue, 19 April 2016, 18:46:23
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)


A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.

that is a really nice colourway.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: nubbinator on Tue, 19 April 2016, 20:02:41
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)


A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.

that is a really nice colourway.

It's the same as my GMK Skeletor I've been running an IC for a bit for:  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79340.0

Also, Eat_The_Food's Fugu was done with the same colorway (I'm assuming that's the cap he was loaned based on the poster's history):

(http://i.imgur.com/tv83wG4.jpg)
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 19 April 2016, 22:23:04
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)


A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.

that is a really nice colourway.

It's the same as my GMK Skeletor I've been running an IC for a bit for:  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79340.0

Also, Eat_The_Food's Fugu was done with the same colorway (I'm assuming that's the cap he was loaned based on the poster's history):

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/tv83wG4.jpg)


Me gusta. The lavender of the Keybuto would go great with that set if I got the mask part to have the right shade of blue. Could even have a pale orange or yellow crest for further coordination.

And I assume you mean the yellow/orange fugu with blue eyes? It bet Skeletor would naturally fit with a lot of existing blue/yellow/violet/green caps.  Maybe even ones made to fit with Troubled Minds and Hyperfuse.

Thinking of it that way makes me more interested in that set than I was at first...
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sek1ne on Tue, 19 April 2016, 23:40:08
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)


A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.

that is a really nice colourway.

It's the same as my GMK Skeletor I've been running an IC for a bit for:  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79340.0

Also, Eat_The_Food's Fugu was done with the same colorway (I'm assuming that's the cap he was loaned based on the poster's history):


Just took a look and that is a really cool looking set. Might be interested if it goes to group buy.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: zearoh on Wed, 20 April 2016, 09:43:36
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/GWUcxnB.jpg)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/m3q4BwP.jpg)


A little something different based on some caps borrowed from Zearoh.

Woah, looking at this I see what you meant when you said the colors were difficult to reproduce but the final product looks great! I have to say I'd love to pay you for that cap :)

Also, thank you for the pictures! Looking forward to seeing more of your work :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: cozmonort on Fri, 22 April 2016, 09:55:49
Love seeing how your caps have progressed man, still chasing that doggy!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Fri, 22 April 2016, 12:48:02
Love seeing how your caps have progressed man, still chasing that doggy!

Thanks man, your latest preview pics are looking unbelievable too.  For anyone who hasn't been lucky enough to see them: http://imgur.com/a/vlEa4

Is every cap in the sale completely different?!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Thu, 28 April 2016, 23:53:25
This guy came out looking much like a linebacker.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/618f8b67a99be39180f8375271399d35.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/df3a20a1af58812bfa646a63143d2311.jpg)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Fri, 29 April 2016, 00:24:03
This guy came out looking much like a linebacker.

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/618f8b67a99be39180f8375271399d35.jpg)


Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/df3a20a1af58812bfa646a63143d2311.jpg)


Look great bro ! When will the sale come ? ^___^

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:19:28
(http://imgur.com/2bc3iOj.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Kenda on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:21:36
Wow another great design
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:42:11
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2bc3iOj.jpg)


Imagine the possibilities with this cap design...
Perhaps a translucent horse dubbed "Butt Stallion" for those into Borderlands. Though I don't know how many 12 year olds there are here.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:47:36
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2bc3iOj.jpg)


That is beautiful.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:56:57
Look cute
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Otesanek on Wed, 04 May 2016, 23:58:29
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2bc3iOj.jpg)

What 3-D printer did you use?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: eat_the_food on Thu, 05 May 2016, 00:16:41
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2bc3iOj.jpg)


Very handsome cap Bambino. I can see quite a bit of refinement in this design.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: audax989 on Thu, 05 May 2016, 00:27:18
I'd love more keybuto's. Maybe even a geisha inspired cap.  :cool:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Mon, 09 May 2016, 21:27:23
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Mon, 09 May 2016, 21:30:26
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Hue hue hue hue.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: xtrafrood on Mon, 09 May 2016, 21:45:32
Haha, love that keycap. So much personality
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: -musubi on Tue, 10 May 2016, 00:10:31
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)

This sculpt is pretty sick  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Kenda on Tue, 10 May 2016, 00:12:10
Wow look awesome


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KetchyKech on Tue, 10 May 2016, 00:13:28
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


what a dank looking lil fellow!!  :-*
whats his name!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: eat_the_food on Tue, 10 May 2016, 00:16:26
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Outrageous man - such a sweet sculpt!!!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Otesanek on Tue, 10 May 2016, 00:29:04
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)

Wow dude, that is a nice looking sculpt! :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 10 May 2016, 01:02:54
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Hue hue hue hue.

You're not going to believe me, but that didn't even cross my mind as I made this... now it's all I can see :)

(http://i.imgur.com/meftV0q.gif)

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)

Wow dude, that is a nice looking sculpt! :thumb:

Thanks dude.  :thumb:

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


what a dank looking lil fellow!!  :-*
whats his name!

Still working on that...  Same with the horse cap. 

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Outrageous man - such a sweet sculpt!!!

Your troll guy as well!  :thumb:




A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: beehatch on Tue, 10 May 2016, 01:07:44
A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


I really like this sculpt since I miss my beardie ;-;

mx only? rip
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: derpingit on Tue, 10 May 2016, 01:12:32
When are U gonna finally sale .. I'd love this to be my first artisan :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Tue, 10 May 2016, 01:13:17
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Hue hue hue hue.

You're not going to believe me, but that didn't even cross my mind as I made this... now it's all I can see :)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/meftV0q.gif)


Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)

Wow dude, that is a nice looking sculpt! :thumb:

Thanks dude.  :thumb:

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


what a dank looking lil fellow!!  :-*
whats his name!

Still working on that...  Same with the horse cap. 

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Outrageous man - such a sweet sculpt!!!

Your troll guy as well!  :thumb:




A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


Look great buddy
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Zorberema on Tue, 10 May 2016, 03:15:27
Wow bambinoo, that looks great! Really impressive sculpt! :)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: audax989 on Tue, 10 May 2016, 03:36:57
wow that purple one  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DAVYtm on Tue, 10 May 2016, 05:55:30
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


o **** waddup!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: suicidal_orange on Tue, 10 May 2016, 06:12:51
A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


What a great way to showcase a cap, loads of detail on all sides!

Needless to say I'd love an orange one :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Tue, 10 May 2016, 08:55:57
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/MxwNjwl.jpg)


Hue hue hue hue.

Name him Hugh.
for the lols
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: FLFisherman on Tue, 10 May 2016, 08:59:01
A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


What a great way to showcase a cap, loads of detail on all sides!

Needless to say I'd love an orange one :thumb:

You go for orange, I'll go for blue. Everyone else, get in line.  :))
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: zearoh on Tue, 10 May 2016, 09:49:08
Love the new sculpts man, I'm excited to see what colorways you give them!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: DAVYtm on Tue, 10 May 2016, 09:56:04
A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


What a great way to showcase a cap, loads of detail on all sides!

Needless to say I'd love an orange one :thumb:

You go for orange, I'll go for blue. Everyone else, get in line.  :))

No no, I'll take the blue. Thanks for your consideration
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Waateva on Tue, 10 May 2016, 09:56:43
A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)


Oh man, the colors really show it off.  Love the red and orange ones! :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dannrawr on Tue, 10 May 2016, 14:51:47
blue or red pls
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: qazeqaz on Tue, 10 May 2016, 15:30:24
Legit caps dude. Cannot wait to trade for one since I never win any of yours ahah.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: UTEster750 on Wed, 11 May 2016, 00:44:18
Bringing your A game with these sculpts!  :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KetchyKech on Wed, 18 May 2016, 00:18:13
i demand pics of that cap of the equestrian nature!!  :))

 c'mon bambinnooo!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Thu, 19 May 2016, 00:23:07
[attachimg=1]  [attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: biocalves on Thu, 19 May 2016, 00:23:58
i demand pics of that cap of the equestrian nature!!  :))

 c'mon bambinnooo!

Delivered!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KetchyKech on Thu, 19 May 2016, 00:30:24
(Attachment Link)   (Attachment Link)

i demand pics of that cap of the equestrian nature!!  :))

 c'mon bambinnooo!

Delivered!

Omg! Delivered indeed! Those look great Bambino!!! That horse so majestic, so elegant ! I'm in love!! (so need that in Black for the work keyboard <3)

& the level of detail on the iguana-buddy =)

 ;D this guy gives the ppl what they want!  :thumb:

Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Krytone on Thu, 19 May 2016, 01:21:16
(Attachment Link)   (Attachment Link)
so nice and clean, your sculpting skills is amazing.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Thu, 19 May 2016, 01:36:23


(Attachment Link)

Very lovely! You should do Four Horsemen colors for this.



(Attachment Link)

And hehehehe colors for this. ;)
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Thu, 19 May 2016, 01:53:02
Nice color  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dannrawr on Thu, 19 May 2016, 02:38:27
Quote

A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)

whats that keycaps holder or switch tester?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Diokhan on Thu, 19 May 2016, 02:52:49
Quote

A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)

whats that keycaps holder or switch tester?


Coolermaster switchtester
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dannrawr on Thu, 19 May 2016, 03:19:45
Quote

A few test runs here [spoiler alert].  Also shows off a few other angles.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/9IQAIhC.jpg)

whats that keycaps holder or switch tester?


Coolermaster switchtester
thanks bro ;D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: UTEster750 on Fri, 20 May 2016, 08:58:27
(Attachment Link)   (Attachment Link)

Bloody loving that lizard!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Sun, 22 May 2016, 23:32:57
Moonlight
[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2] [attachimg=3]
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: wayne756 on Sun, 22 May 2016, 23:43:29
awesome piece of work.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Sun, 22 May 2016, 23:45:53
Okay, those are freaking awesome.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: audax989 on Sun, 22 May 2016, 23:50:54
**** son... Those are 'speck'tacular
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Mon, 23 May 2016, 00:15:53
Moonlight
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Look great ..... Cant wait to get it  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dannrawr on Mon, 23 May 2016, 00:33:42
will go well with my blue theme keysets :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: qazeqaz on Mon, 23 May 2016, 07:47:12
Moonlight
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

This colorway is what's up!
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Capmerica on Tue, 24 May 2016, 03:57:27
Put them on sale oledy >< Awesome artwork !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 24 May 2016, 16:21:09
Put them on sale oledy >< Awesome artwork !

Thanks!  I had planned to hold a sale this week, but I've been deathly sick for the past 6 days.  But more news will be coming up soon.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 24 May 2016, 16:22:06
Put them on sale oledy >< Awesome artwork !

Thanks!  I had planned to hold a sale this week, but I've been deathly sick for the past 6 days.  But more news will be coming up soon.

Sick:  :(

Sale:  :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: UTEster750 on Wed, 25 May 2016, 05:19:16
Moonlight
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

These just keep getting better and better!
Hope you feel better soon, then we can have an awesome sale!  :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Thu, 26 May 2016, 22:22:28
I call this version "Straight Outta Lon Lon"

[attachimg=1]

Tribute to my favorite virtual steed.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: suicidal_orange on Fri, 27 May 2016, 03:06:40
Glad to see you're feeling better, that horse looks evil - hopefully it's supposed to!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: audax989 on Fri, 27 May 2016, 08:10:40
I call this version "Straight Outta Lon Lon"

(Attachment Link)

Tribute to my favorite virtual steed.


This reminds me of that evil horse spirit in witcher 3.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Fri, 27 May 2016, 08:17:58
I call this version "Straight Outta Lon Lon"

(Attachment Link)

Tribute to my favorite virtual steed.

Still gotta play the 3DS version.

Great looking cap!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Fri, 27 May 2016, 10:44:05
Incredible stuff! You're making me envy your sculpting skills :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 01 June 2016, 10:33:40
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/eae7448aa09ebee388cc2c286d689f0f.jpg)

Details about a sale imminent and will be posted in the Artisan Services thread. Thanks for the support everybody!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Wed, 01 June 2016, 10:35:16
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/eae7448aa09ebee388cc2c286d689f0f.jpg)


Details about a sale imminent and will be posted in the Artisan Services thread. Thanks for the support everybody!

 :eek:  :eek:  :eek:  :eek:  :eek:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: biocalves on Wed, 01 June 2016, 10:43:39
 :eek: :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: KetchyKech on Wed, 01 June 2016, 10:47:08
awwww yis, time to get hype~ lotta sales going on lately but ive been looking forward to this one for awhile! Need cpl of those horses in my lyfe  :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sncbraxsc2 on Wed, 01 June 2016, 11:28:04
Really excited for this Bambino! I'm gonna need one of those Stallions for my spartan:D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: TheVengeance on Wed, 01 June 2016, 11:52:59
More amazing caps from the grand master.

Really love the intricacy.

Due, what do you mould with, is it a putty?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 01 June 2016, 11:55:30
More amazing caps from the grand master.

Really love the intricacy.

Due, what do you mould with, is it a putty?

Are you asking about making a mold or making a master keycap ?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Kemindo on Wed, 01 June 2016, 11:58:12
Have u opened the sale thread yet ? I couldnt find the sale thread  :(
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: TheVengeance on Wed, 01 June 2016, 12:04:30
More amazing caps from the grand master.

Really love the intricacy.

Due, what do you mould with, is it a putty?

Are you asking about making a mold or making a master keycap ?
What you use to skulpt the master


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Wed, 01 June 2016, 12:06:59
More amazing caps from the grand master.

Really love the intricacy.

Due, what do you mould with, is it a putty?

Are you asking about making a mold or making a master keycap ?
What you use to skulpt the master


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Probably some form of klay.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 01 June 2016, 12:17:30
What you use to skulpt the master

I've tried Sculpey firm, Fimo soft, Cx5, and Cx5{s}.  They've all been good in different ways.  Mixing Sculpey/Fimo or Cx5/Cx5{s} together has given useful properties.  I'm no expert though; I'm still figuring out what works best for me. 

I also tried some white Milliput, but it didn't work well.  Its properties change so slowly and drastically from the moment you mix to the time it has hardened.  I don't think I'd like any epoxy clays, really.  They'd require too much patience or I'd have to work too fast to get the results I like.

Have u opened the sale thread yet ? I couldnt find the sale thread  :(

This is the sale thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79097.0
The sale is not open yet, but details will be posted in that thread soon.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: TheVengeance on Wed, 01 June 2016, 12:27:29
What you use to skulpt the master

I've tried Sculpey firm, Fimo soft, Cx5, and Cx5{s}.  They've all been good in different ways.  Mixing Sculpey/Fimo or Cx5/Cx5{s} together has given useful properties.  I'm no expert though; I'm still figuring out what works best for me. 

I also tried some white Milliput, but it didn't work well.  Its properties change so slowly and drastically from the moment you mix to the time it has hardened.  I don't think I'd like any epoxy clays, really.  They'd require too much patience or I'd have to work too fast to get the results I like.

Have u opened the sale thread yet ? I couldnt find the sale thread  :(

This is the sale thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79097.0
The sale is not open yet, but details will be posted in that thread soon.
Really appreciate you sharing that. No expert, right....

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: baldgye on Wed, 01 June 2016, 13:16:54
Did anyone ever get back to you (http://i.imgur.com/EjpFDbA.jpg) on how to make Clacks and Bro's before the quality of your sculpting jumped in a short space of time, or does your learning/ability spike sporadically?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Wed, 01 June 2016, 14:21:14
What you use to skulpt the master

I've tried Sculpey firm, Fimo soft, Cx5, and Cx5{s}.  They've all been good in different ways.  Mixing Sculpey/Fimo or Cx5/Cx5{s} together has given useful properties.  I'm no expert though; I'm still figuring out what works best for me. 

I also tried some white Milliput, but it didn't work well.  Its properties change so slowly and drastically from the moment you mix to the time it has hardened.  I don't think I'd like any epoxy clays, really.  They'd require too much patience or I'd have to work too fast to get the results I like.

Have u opened the sale thread yet ? I couldnt find the sale thread  :(

This is the sale thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79097.0
The sale is not open yet, but details will be posted in that thread soon.

Cx5 should be the best as i know for all the small designs like artisan keycap btw its jst my opinion ^___^
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 29 June 2016, 16:40:51
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)
Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Wed, 29 June 2016, 16:41:34
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Needs more green to be Tiffany!
Title: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 29 June 2016, 16:47:23
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/32f20e474080c49438c762cacf52a0fb.jpg)
Another.

Edit- ugh, the lighting in here
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: dannrawr on Wed, 29 June 2016, 23:09:19
more hugo on next sale pls  :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Wed, 29 June 2016, 23:18:25
Love the teal. Great stuff!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Peripheral Prophet on Thu, 30 June 2016, 09:21:55
I dont know how I missed these caps  :eek:

The craftsmanship is quite remarkable, very nice indeed..
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: mylove1431 on Fri, 01 July 2016, 02:17:17
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/32f20e474080c49438c762cacf52a0fb.jpg)

Another.

Edit- ugh, the lighting in here

 :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: SBJ on Sun, 03 July 2016, 06:34:52
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
God I love those Hugo's :D So bummed I missed out on the sale!
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Sun, 03 July 2016, 20:04:10
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
God I love those Hugo's :D So bummed I missed out on the sale!

Agreed. Nc blue is beautiful.

Don't worry juice,we'll win this time
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: SBJ on Sun, 03 July 2016, 23:37:20
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
God I love those Hugo's :D So bummed I missed out on the sale!

Agreed. Nc blue is beautiful.

Don't worry juice,we'll win this time
Let's hope so, man!

Sent from my stinky butt.

Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: UTEster750 on Mon, 04 July 2016, 08:40:49
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/32f20e474080c49438c762cacf52a0fb.jpg)

Another.

Edit- ugh, the lighting in here

Dude that stuff is looking so awesome! :D
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Moistgun on Tue, 05 July 2016, 15:42:41
Not my colors, but its cool that youre cranking these out so much! keep up the momentum
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Raenbo on Sun, 10 July 2016, 00:21:07
Woo, can wait to see more Keybutos. Excited for the next sale  :p
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 23 August 2016, 23:28:34
I read sad news tonight - USPS base rate is going up.   It's only $2.45 to $2.60, but every little bit is a downer for keycap trading.  https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1685
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Wed, 24 August 2016, 10:36:56
I read sad news tonight - USPS base rate is going up.   It's only $2.45 to $2.60, but every little bit is a downer for keycap trading.  https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1685

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: polentA on Thu, 25 August 2016, 19:03:36
I read sad news tonight - USPS base rate is going up.   It's only $2.45 to $2.60, but every little bit is a downer for keycap trading.  https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1685

Still worth it. Gotta get dem caps.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: GreyAmbience on Wed, 09 November 2016, 05:50:26
I read sad news tonight - USPS base rate is going up.   It's only $2.45 to $2.60, but every little bit is a downer for keycap trading.  https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1685


What about us poor internationals?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 16 November 2016, 15:54:20
I read sad news tonight - USPS base rate is going up.   It's only $2.45 to $2.60, but every little bit is a downer for keycap trading.  https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1685


What about us poor internationals?

"'Poor' and buying artisans goes well together." --Said no one.

For international buyers, I standardized the shipping cost for all destinations.  That was the only change I made since starting this ride late last year!  I wish I could get better shipping rates for international packages, but USPS keeps telling me that's the lowest they'll go.  Makes me think I'd get a better rate at Pawn Stars.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: P1kas on Tue, 29 November 2016, 21:58:51
Have there been any sales including Spartans yet? Look amazing ^.^
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: romevi on Tue, 29 November 2016, 22:15:12
Have there been any sales including Spartans yet? Look amazing ^.^

Yes; I believe the first (two?).

I like the Keybutos a lot as well, but wish they'd get some trimmin'.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Tue, 29 November 2016, 22:15:32
Hey, there were only Spartans in the intro sale, and only a few were made.  It turned out that they were highly susceptible to breaking molds!  I also changed my focus away from keycaps that are as tall as the Spartan.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: lovechan on Fri, 09 December 2016, 01:07:25
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/122444c43198b1b303919c6d5f6e92b1.jpg)

Some Tiffany-Teal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tiffany is a comfortable colour, hugo and duke are so nice.
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Tally810 on Thu, 09 February 2017, 16:46:50
Waiting for the results of the snapper sale I looked through this whole thread and it's cool watching bambino evolve from a helmet sculpt to one of the high tier artisans of the community. :thumb:
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: sHOTTA on Fri, 24 February 2017, 13:27:43
Georgia fans would love the bulldogs  ^-^
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 31 May 2017, 00:33:24
Sneak peak at some keycaps we'll be making as part of the artisan workshop at the Utah Meetup this weekend.

(http://imgur.com/cwXUWCp.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/2308iW0.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/4q6bwmz.jpg)

I decided to give the attendees a few options based on some designs I've been working on :-*
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: TelFiRE on Wed, 31 May 2017, 00:34:45
Ohhhh mannnnnnnnnnnnn

I wanna go :(
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: beehatch on Wed, 31 May 2017, 00:52:07
Sneak peak at some keycaps we'll be making as part of the artisan workshop at the Utah Meetup this weekend.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/cwXUWCp.jpg)

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2308iW0.jpg)

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/4q6bwmz.jpg)


I decided to give the attendees a few options based on some designs I've been working on :-*

do you have any pictures of your progress through the sculpting process?
Title: Re: Bambino's Keycap Lab
Post by: Bambino on Wed, 31 May 2017, 01:22:24
Sneak peak at some keycaps we'll be making as part of the artisan workshop at the Utah Meetup this weekend.

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/cwXUWCp.jpg)

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/2308iW0.jpg)

Show Image
(http://imgur.com/4q6bwmz.jpg)


I decided to give the attendees a few options based on some designs I've been working on :-*

do you have any pictures of your progress through the sculpting process?
I don't have many progress pics for these caps (I did the skull in two evenings this past weekend without taking snaps in between), but I found a couple early versions of Duke II and Patriarch from last March:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170531/6a84c17362fdaceb43990aee751d10a7.jpg)
Patriarch had a general profile here, on which details like the horns and scales were refined over time. There was also a lot of back and forth in several sessions regarding how I wanted the body area's texture to look and whether he would have teeth or not.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170531/d96ea3f44c36d9d36e304449668e3057.jpg)
Duke II was originally much closer in appearance to the original Duke, but in the end I decided to make him a little more innocent and playful in expression and added a spiked collar. I also had to adjust the ears which ended up slightly too wide and would potentially rub on neighboring Duke II's when I tested a few prototypes.

These three might end up in future sales but might also have a few revisions before then. There will only be a very small number made at the meet up, so I'm just gonna let a few out in their current state even if they might not be perfectly "done." The goal of the workshop will be more about giving everyone a chance to bring home a fun self-made souvenir rather than promoting certain keycaps or future sales anyway.