geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Silencer67 on Fri, 16 August 2013, 13:41:01
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Hello everyone! I just purchased my first Mechanical Keyboard (CS Storm Quickfire tk) and I've been looking into custom key caps. My search led me to these forums and I thought someone here could answer a few questions I had about custom key caps.
First off, I was wondering how keycaps can be customized like this:
http://store.ggwpapparel.com/product/pre-order-clg-logo-key-cap
How do you take a normal solid black key and get a symbol into it? I'm looking to maybe pick up customizing key caps as a hobby. Not so much making key caps themselves but buying solid black key caps and customizing them like putting a logo or symbol into it. What would I need to get started? Can someone point me in the direction of a thread or something to help me get started? I'd greatly appreciate it!
I would like to thank everyone in advance for their time! Have a great day!
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It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing
At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.
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It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing
At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.
I can't do something like Laser Etching?
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It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing
At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.
I can't do something like Laser Etching?
If you saw the link, yes, you can , it is one the ways keycaps are printed.
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The cheapest and most practical way would probably be to go through wasdkeyboards. It's only $15 for 2 keys: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/custom-keycap.html
If you decide to laser etch your own then you need a laser engraver. I think you can get a cheap engraver for around $500, but idk if ones that cheap are precise enough to detail a keycap. It might be worth it if you are planning to engrave a ton of keys.
Otherwise, you can also get hobby waterslides and print out a decal. Those won't be as durable but it might be practical in some cases. The biggest downside is that you can't print in white unless you have a special printer.
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the custom key design on WASD is a nice option.
what type of images are best ? what's the sweet spot for resolution where details are not blurred or sacrificed? any pictures of actual custom WASD keys ?