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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: mindoculus on Thu, 13 March 2014, 21:57:26

Title: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: mindoculus on Thu, 13 March 2014, 21:57:26
Hey there:

I thought you might like to see a few 3D keycaps I recently received from Shapeways.

All the keys were made in polished plastic (type unknown). They have the feel of fine
paper and are rather light. With two of them, you can still see the whorls. The polish
needs to improve but overall I'm thrilled to have them and look forward to ordering
more.

First four are by Ravenzcroft; last one by Tasker.

The fit for this first key has unfortunately deteriorated. The material around the stem
has chipped. I might be able to get a fit using some scotch tape but it appears that it
will continue to crack. Sad because its my favorite.

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

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

(http://i.imgur.com/COzXqa0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/iFEAmb5.jpg)

Tasker's:

(http://i.imgur.com/7u0LCny.jpg)

Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 13 March 2014, 22:21:02
They look pretty good.

Any pictures of the underneath of the keycaps?
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: RESPRiT on Thu, 13 March 2014, 23:40:14
Thoughts on the quality? I've never thought 3D caps were worth it, but I'm interested in what you think.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: mindoculus on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:17:08
Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 13 March 2014, 22:21:02
They look pretty good.

Any pictures of the underneath of the keycaps?

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

Sorry it couldn't be clearer. I'll try for a better potato shot later.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: mindoculus on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:34:40
Quote from: RESPRiT on Thu, 13 March 2014, 23:40:14
Thoughts on the quality? I've never thought 3D caps were worth it, but I'm interested in what you think.

The keys are thin and light-weight – yes, ABS thin and light-weight, which I think is the type of plastic filament they used. They could have benefitted from a deeper rendering because it doesn’t take much pressure to flex their sides. With that said, I am not planning to stand on them so they should be fine. I love the textures. They’re finely coarse but worlds different than the flocked keycaps sold by TechKeys. You can see the whorls from the printing process on two of them. Of the seven keys I received, only one has trouble with fitment, and I don’t think it can be repaired.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: nereme on Fri, 14 March 2014, 13:05:25
So they seem like if they were hit hard or summit they would break?

what do you think would improve the caps if you were to do them 'properly'

are the astetic issues with them just some after manufacturing tlc e.g sanding or something like that?
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 23:40:29
Quote from: mindoculus on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:17:08
Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 13 March 2014, 22:21:02
They look pretty good.

Any pictures of the underneath of the keycaps?

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


Sorry it couldn't be clearer. I'll try for a better potato shot later.

Looks as good underneath as it is on top.  Strengthning bars, well-formed stem - nice :)
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: epzy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 23:42:41
That 3d GH key looks neat!!
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: do_Og@n on Sat, 15 March 2014, 00:22:17
Those look surprisingly better than I though they would.

Well done! I'm eager to see your progress on this.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: RaVNzCRoFT on Sat, 15 March 2014, 14:45:27
If I may do a bit of self-promotion, most of these keycaps were designed by me and purchased through my keycap shop, K3YD. (http://www.shapeways.com/shops/K3YD)  I take requests for free.  If you click the link in my signature, you can go to the thread where you can see more information and make requests.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: HipsterPunks on Sat, 15 March 2014, 15:01:19
im confused? is geekhack trademarked? or can anybody make a geekhack key?
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: fatchoi on Sun, 16 March 2014, 00:37:30
Looks good. I'm thinking to learn 3D modeling to make my own key caps. (e.g. my initials, birth year, etc.)
Possible to share some 3D models?
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: meiosis on Sun, 16 March 2014, 01:25:33
Quote from: HipsterPunks on Sat, 15 March 2014, 15:01:19
im confused? is geekhack trademarked? or can anybody make a geekhack key?

you can't trademark "gh" maybe GEEK HACK though but even then the copyright laws/money needed is not worth it.
Title: Re: 3D Print Caps - Shapeways
Post by: simon_C on Sun, 16 March 2014, 20:39:18
Those look like the standstone material. Have you tried any of the high resolution plastics available yet?