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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: naranja on Thu, 26 January 2012, 17:45:41

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: naranja on Thu, 26 January 2012, 17:45:41

Hey! So first of all I want to state that I'm still pretty new and not as knowledgeable as many other GHers here but I decided to tackle on a miniproject just to keep myself busy. I forgot to take pictures during the process so the pictures might not show every step well.

I always thought that the ducky keycap keychain (http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/35122654/aview/__26410___21629___21517_.jpg) was just the coolest thing ever since my recent keyboard craze. But since there seems to be a limited supply out there, I was unable to get one(without paying alot more than what its worth) =[ So I made my own!

There are probably more better/efficient ways to do this(please share!) but this is how I made my own keycap keychain.
 
I got some keyswitches  (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-parts-1.html)from wasdkeyboards which they recently stocked as well as some row 3 keycaps (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/individual-blank-keycaps/row-3-size-1x1-cherry-mx-keycap.html).

I dug out the inside of the r3 keycap with nailclippers and a scalpel until it was basically a hallow shell.

http://i.imgur.com/VplY8.jpg

After seeing that the switch fits in the keycap(I bent the pins) I just hotglued the switch in the keycap.

http://i.imgur.com/9sCf5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mVuAi.jpg

Then stick a r4 keycap on and you're done! .. well almost.

http://i.imgur.com/RF91l.jpg

I heated up a sewing needle hot enough to pierce through the bottom corner of the keycap for the keychain.

getting the actual keychain on was the hardest part for me since it was surprisingly difficult to get the metal pin in the hole.

Here's the final result(I only did it on black caps since I'm quite boring.)


http://i.imgur.com/8FQGm.jpg

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: hazeluff on Thu, 26 January 2012, 17:59:24

Like what you did = 3. Tho I don't quite agree with using a keycap as the bottom bit.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: naranja on Thu, 26 January 2012, 18:04:34

Quote from: hazeluff;500048

Like what you did = 3. Tho I don't quite agree with using a keycap as the bottom bit.

yeah, it took me a while to think of a container for it; i was thinking about using a tooth container; but i wasn't sure if it'd fit.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: hazeluff on Thu, 26 January 2012, 18:17:41

Quote from: naranja;500057

yeah, it took me a while to think of a container for it; i was thinking about using a tooth container; but i wasn't sure if it'd fit.

I'm interested in building one that lights up. But in my mind I can't find a way to elegantly put in a watch battery and have it easily changeable.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 26 January 2012, 20:05:53

Wow good stuff. Using a keycap as the bottom is such a simple, but incredibly smart idea! good job.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: SmallFry on Sat, 28 January 2012, 16:37:47

Good work. I second Hazelhuff's post, but don't know of other solutions of the bottom.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: erw on Sat, 28 January 2012, 17:13:08

Awesome mini-project :-)

Quote from: hazeluff;500072

I'm interested in building one that lights up.

Is there a place where you can buy switches with LEDs without the $20 or so starting price mouser.com has?

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: SmallFry on Sat, 28 January 2012, 17:15:23

Erw: Just buy an LED or ask in the classifieds...I'm sure someone can mail you an LED for nothing.

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: hazeluff on Sat, 28 January 2012, 17:26:55

Quote from: erw;501864

Awesome mini-project :-)


Is there a place where you can buy switches with LEDs without the $20 or so starting price mouser.com has?

All switches have a slot for LED... so All you do is buy some 10 cent LED and pop it through the slot.

My mind has just come up with getting some kinda thin plate metal and bending it to somewhat of housing/contact for the battery...= /

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: weenis on Sat, 28 January 2012, 20:10:45

Quote from: hazeluff;500072

I'm interested in building one that lights up. But in my mind I can't find a way to elegantly put in a watch battery and have it easily changeable.

Why don't you put Tritium in it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tritium
$16 a piece- http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?170374-For-Sale-Tritium-Vials

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: hazeluff on Sat, 28 January 2012, 21:17:52

Quote from: weenis;501969

Why don't you put Tritium in it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tritium
$16 a piece- http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?170374-For-Sale-Tritium-Vials

Not so sure about radio active stuff... I still like to have children.

Also I'd like to turn the light off...so Tritium isnt' the best idea = p

Title: Naranja's Keycap Keychain Mini-project
Post by: erw on Sun, 29 January 2012, 08:34:18

Quote from: hazeluff;501875

All switches have a slot for LED... so All you do is buy some 10 cent LED and pop it through the slot.

Awesome, didn't know that.