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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Wildcard on Sun, 24 November 2013, 23:43:39

Title: Making custom stems
Post by: Wildcard on Sun, 24 November 2013, 23:43:39

I've been slowly designing a custom MX stem that fits inside a shell type key cap cover (IBM caps are the perfect example).

(http://rhino.im/u/0020/IMG_1037.jpg)

I was originally looking to mold these out of some type of plastic, but I know the cost for the mold will probably be pretty high.  My other options are 3D printing or possibly making a 2 part silicone mold and using some type of epoxy, however I wonder how well this will work with such a small part.  Basically the final product will look like a small cuboid with an MX stem protruding out one side. You can insert it into a shell key cap cover with a dab of glue to make it permanent.

Can anyone suggest a good method to make these?

Title: Re: Making custom stems
Post by: Wildcard on Sun, 24 November 2013, 23:58:42

After doing some digging I also found that that binge and photekq are also working on creating custom stems here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51046.0), except I'm custom making it to replace an existing stem to fit a key cap for a much older keyboard.

I'll be closely following this thread for ideas on how to properly mold perhaps. This stem is very detailed towards the base. Hopefully I can make a working prototype.

You're gonna love this :)

Title: Re: Making custom stems
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 25 November 2013, 17:15:48

I think that Mr Interface also has a project going on to make Cherry MX-compatible key stems that take IBM keycaps.

Title: Re: Making custom stems
Post by: Wildcard on Mon, 25 November 2013, 20:25:03

It seems like a really good idea to bring life to these old key caps.

I guess I should try to finish my prototype and go the epoxy route.