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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Frogbot on Wed, 04 March 2015, 01:20:50

Title: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 04 March 2015, 01:20:50: Thought I should post my first proper round of casts. I'd love to get some feedback... go easy :)

You can probably see some of my influences, all R&D at this stage. I couldn't have done it without all the great info and tips I've got on the forum.

This is based on a sculpt using cx5, it's pretty amazing stuff but I still have a fair way to go with making it do what I want, really want to get it smoother/shiny.

Learning a lot as I go and so should improve with my next round. I have access to a vacuum pump so hopefully have a chamber ready for the next sculpt.

(http://i.imgur.com/JFuKE99.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/B7fFIHW.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/jrkEVs3.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: NexVestrum on Wed, 04 March 2015, 01:31:48: I love the transparent green ghosty material! (like really really like it)

These all look really good, good colors and they look like they'll be nice to press ;D Not sure if I would want it shiny though, I'm a sucker for matte and nice surface texture though - it's your cap though.

Can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 04 March 2015, 03:16:16: Thanks NexVestum! Yeah I love the green to.. in some ways the bubbles add to it. Maybe I can make a few more greens and post one to you, can't imagine a little cap costs too much to send ;)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: stoic-lemon on Wed, 04 March 2015, 04:35:33: Good luck with this. I looks like a really lengthy process that needs a lot of tweaking. You've some great colours there and the design is pretty cool too.Is that pink next to the purple or just a trick of the light.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Alpsie on Wed, 04 March 2015, 05:54:23: These look great

Its a "simple" design, but its great looking :)
I really like most of the colours too.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: NexVestrum on Wed, 04 March 2015, 13:52:27: Quote from: Frogbot on Wed, 04 March 2015, 03:16:16
Thanks NexVestum! Yeah I love the green to.. in some ways the bubbles add to it. Maybe I can make a few more greens and post one to you, can't imagine a little cap costs too much to send ;)

I would love you forever if you did! And once I get my stuff sorted out and I have some caps of my own I'll be sure to send you one!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Dihedral on Wed, 04 March 2015, 13:53:52: Looks cool! PoatForUpdates
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: suicidal_orange on Wed, 04 March 2015, 14:09:52: I'm loving the orange and glittery purple especially but all of these look great for a first attempt :)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 04 March 2015, 19:41:55: Quote from: stoic-lemon on Wed, 04 March 2015, 04:35:33
Is that pink next to the purple or just a trick of the light.

Well spotted, it's actually a orange cast with some pink spry paint + gloss lacquer.. just a test but turned out okay.

(potato shot)
(http://i.imgur.com/JrTNRwm.jpg)

Quote from: Alpsie on Wed, 04 March 2015, 05:54:23
These look great

Its a "simple" design, but its great looking :)
Thanks, this is what I'm going for at the moment, I like the idea of it being a workable key.

Thanks for the encouragement. Still have a long way to go tho!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: tigersharkdude on Wed, 04 March 2015, 19:57:11: In for updates
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: mmbacon on Fri, 06 March 2015, 09:00:31: Yumm that orange :thumb: Can you elaborate more on your design? I see the influence of another cap but trying to understand what the story is here since it is unique!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:49:29: Thought I'd post my latest sculpt and casts. I've been experimenting with a vacuum chamber at various stages of the process to improve results. I'm going to smooth and refine one of the casts and re mould to see if I can get it even shaper and smoother.

(http://i.imgur.com/mFgBE9q.jpg)

Quote from: mmbacon on Fri, 06 March 2015, 09:00:31
Yumm that orange :thumb: Can you elaborate more on your design? I see the influence of another cap but trying to understand what the story is here since it is unique!

In regards to design I gotta say the Brobot caps are a big influence, I'm amazed at the cleaness and precision. I feel hard edge designs play well with other keys on a keyboard.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: fknraiden on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:56:17: Oh man. I'd give my left nut for a row 1 cherry profile blank in that translucent green.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: sethk_ on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:03:49: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:49:29
Thought I'd post my latest sculpt and casts. I've been experimenting with a vacuum chamber at various stages of the process to improve results. I'm going to smooth and refine one of the casts and re mould to see if I can get it even shaper and smoother.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/mFgBE9q.jpg)

Quote from: mmbacon on Fri, 06 March 2015, 09:00:31
Yumm that orange :thumb: Can you elaborate more on your design? I see the influence of another cap but trying to understand what the story is here since it is unique!

In regards to design I gotta say the Brobot caps are a big influence, I'm amazed at the cleaness and precision. I feel hard edge designs play well with other keys on a keyboard.
that clear and purple one :eek:
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: FoC_Tow on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:04:34: Wow awesome casts Frogbot!
I love the looks of the pale purple one, especially from this angle! :eek:

Definitely need to keep an eye on this thread... :)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Wilba on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:11:28: I love that last design! It reminds me of a WH40K Ork Gargant.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:46:42: Quote from: fknraiden on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:56:17
Oh man. I'd give my left nut for a row 1 cherry profile blank in that translucent green.

Could be a good trade, Maybe I could make a cast of it... :)

Quote from: pwnnarwhal on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:03:49
that clear and purple one :eek:

:eek: as in good or bad?

Quote from: FoC_Tow on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:04:34
Wow awesome casts Frogbot!
I love the looks of the pale purple one, especially from this angle! :eek:

Definitely need to keep an eye on this thread... :)

The pale purple ain't perfect.. looks like a redskin lolly in real life!

Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:11:28
I love that last design! It reminds me of a WH40K Ork Gargant.

Hehe, does to... didn't know that even existed, I can see what you mean tho!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: sethk_ on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:51:33: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:46:42
Quote from: fknraiden on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:56:17
Oh man. I'd give my left nut for a row 1 cherry profile blank in that translucent green.

Could be a good trade, Maybe I could make a cast of it... :)

Quote from: pwnnarwhal on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:03:49
that clear and purple one :eek:

:eek: as in good or bad?

Quote from: FoC_Tow on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:04:34
Wow awesome casts Frogbot!
I love the looks of the pale purple one, especially from this angle! :eek:

Definitely need to keep an eye on this thread... :)

The pale purple ain't perfect.. looks like a redskin lolly in real life!

Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:11:28
I love that last design! It reminds me of a WH40K Ork Gargant.

Hehe, does to... didn't know that even existed, I can see what you mean tho!
good!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: FoC_Tow on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:53:01: I just had to google redskin lolly, but that looks like one hell of a crazy color! :thumb:
I've never seen one life tho... Why is it a bad thing if it looks like a redskin lolly? xD
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:55:14: Quote from: fknraiden on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:56:17
Oh man. I'd give my left nut for a row 1 cherry profile blank in that translucent green.

hehe... I read 'nut' as 'thumb' for some reason... wouldn't cast :)

Although maybe I could do a row 1 cherry profile... Is row 1 the top or bottom?
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: FoC_Tow on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:59:41: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 21:55:14
Quote from: fknraiden on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:56:17
Oh man. I'd give my left nut for a row 1 cherry profile blank in that translucent green.

hehe... I read 'nut' as 'thumb' for some reason... wouldn't cast :)

Although maybe I could do a row 1 cherry profile... Is row 1 the top or bottom?

It's the top (number/function) row! =)
This GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63953.0) has a few good picture for refference.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: stoic-lemon on Wed, 18 March 2015, 03:05:32: Those look great. You are obviously on the right track with this stuff.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: do_Og@n on Wed, 18 March 2015, 04:08:57: Very clean look....me likey!!! Keep it up and be sure to sell me some. :p
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: tigersharkdude on Wed, 18 March 2015, 13:36:19: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 17 March 2015, 20:49:29
Thought I'd post my latest sculpt and casts. I've been experimenting with a vacuum chamber at various stages of the process to improve results. I'm going to smooth and refine one of the casts and re mould to see if I can get it even shaper and smoother.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/mFgBE9q.jpg)

Quote from: mmbacon on Fri, 06 March 2015, 09:00:31
Yumm that orange :thumb: Can you elaborate more on your design? I see the influence of another cap but trying to understand what the story is here since it is unique!

In regards to design I gotta say the Brobot caps are a big influence, I'm amazed at the cleaness and precision. I feel hard edge designs play well with other keys on a keyboard.

Need
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:38:27: Here's my latest casts, I did a varnish and recast to get it nice and shiny straight out of the cast.

(http://i.imgur.com/Cic8Vcm.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/xN37BSR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/4JlDI4H.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:41:14: Nice :)

Transparent keycaps often show up flaws in the process, but these look very clean indeed!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: FoC_Tow on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:53:25: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:38:27
Here's my latest casts, I did a varnish and recast to get it nice and shiny straight out of the cast.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Cic8Vcm.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/xN37BSR.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4JlDI4H.jpg)

Yaay! Very Shiny indeed! :thumb:

Those clear ones look amazing, and the varnish really helped a lot to make them super shiny!
Awesome work Frogbot! Love the colors and finish! :)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Wilba on Tue, 14 April 2015, 22:11:49: Awesome!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: do_Og@n on Tue, 14 April 2015, 22:18:33: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:38:27
Here's my latest casts, I did a varnish and recast to get it nice and shiny straight out of the cast.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Cic8Vcm.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/xN37BSR.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4JlDI4H.jpg)

VERY WELL DONE!!! Keep it up
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: stoic-lemon on Wed, 15 April 2015, 00:32:16: Very interesting to see how you improve and refine your technique.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 01:00:48: Thanks very much for the encouragement!

I'll keep doing casts of these but have started working on some new sculpts.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: MessyCaps on Wed, 15 April 2015, 05:34:00: These look amazing bro!
What resin do you use out of curiosity?
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Alpsie on Wed, 15 April 2015, 06:52:56: The newest one looks so good :)
You have come a long way from your first post :)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:38:13: Quote from: MessyCaps on Wed, 15 April 2015, 05:34:00
These look amazing bro!
What resin do you use out of curiosity?

Tried a few types of resins. A good place here is Aust is Barnes, in Perth there's a good shop called Kirkside that stocks their products.

For my opaques
I've been getting best results from Barnes Easy Cast http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/easycast-1306 (http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/easycast-1306)
But it has a super short work time, I've even tried keeping it in the fridge for a while to extend it which gave me a few more minutes to degas.

I tried 4PU http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/4pu-1295 (http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/4pu-1295) but it came out a bit rubbery.

Procast is meant to be good, I'll try this next: http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/procast-1364 (http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/procast-1364)

For Clear
Smooth-on Crystal Clear 202 has been good, I feel it's better than the barnes Clearcast which I tried first http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/easycast-clear-1312 (http://www.barnes.com.au/polyurethane/easycast-clear-1312)

So much comes down to the model you mold. It's amazing how much detail in the texture comes across.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Dihedral on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:39:46: Look cool! I'd like to see a doubleshot
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:24:24: Quote from: Dihedral on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:39:46
Look cool! I'd like to see a doubleshot

Well... here are some super rough tests I did a little while back, going to do some proper ones soon with the smooth mold. Definitely potential I think.

(http://i.imgur.com/ssK5hpj.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: fknraiden on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:26:15: looks awesome!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 16 April 2015, 17:44:52: Quote from: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:24:24
Quote from: Dihedral on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:39:46
Look cool! I'd like to see a doubleshot

Well... here are some super rough tests I did a little while back, going to do some proper ones soon with the smooth mold. Definitely potential I think.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ssK5hpj.jpg)

I like those colors!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 16 April 2015, 21:41:50: Quote from: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:24:24
Quote from: Dihedral on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:39:46
Look cool! I'd like to see a doubleshot

Well... here are some super rough tests I did a little while back, going to do some proper ones soon with the smooth mold. Definitely potential I think.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ssK5hpj.jpg)

I know it's just the lighting, but the one on the right looks like its eyes are on fire!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: FoC_Tow on Thu, 16 April 2015, 22:07:21: Quote from: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:24:24
Well... here are some super rough tests I did a little while back, going to do some proper ones soon with the smooth mold. Definitely potential I think.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ssK5hpj.jpg)

I actually really like how the colors fade together slightly, and the orange even seems to have yellow and red and even some green faded areas!
It looks really glowy to me as well like rowdy said! :)

Also I honestly don't mind the slightly rough finish as much, since it makes it look even more crafted. (somehow a few craft marks can look nicer then super glossy imo)
If you think about it, super glossy could even be unrealistic in some cases like for skulls for example. So I really think for a design like the Jaw Bot its fine to have a few scratches! =)

It could even look really cool to do a metal/weathering effect with like a very dry brush or one of these metal 'rub paint' thingys to embrace the roughness! xD
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Mon, 26 October 2015, 01:36:16: Finally got around to making a new sculpt and cast of a Mutant Jaw bot.

(http://i.imgur.com/5Uh0gpZ.jpg)

Got a some fluro pigments so will try some new colours shortly as well.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Wilba on Mon, 26 October 2015, 01:43:10: I love the design!
So much detail that they'd look great painted, like gaming miniatures.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Mon, 26 October 2015, 03:47:14: Thanks Wilba, I haven't tried painting them like a miniature. I might give it a try..

Could I just use acrylic or does it need to be special paint?

I might cast a white one and give it a go, has anyone done something like that yet?
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: CapC on Mon, 26 October 2015, 11:17:59: Quote from: Frogbot on Mon, 26 October 2015, 03:47:14
Thanks Wilba, I haven't tried painting them like a miniature. I might give it a try..

Could I just use acrylic or does it need to be special paint?

I might cast a white one and give it a go, has anyone done something like that yet?

First of all, awesome work! Your sculpts are great and really evolving nicely! :thumb:

Secondly, yes absolutely, Acrylic would work great, you should not even need a base coat of primer. Just be sure to give it a clear coat when you are finished -- you can use Matt or Gloss clear coat just be sure you are matching desired effect! Good luck :)
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Sinanju on Mon, 26 October 2015, 11:55:57: Quote from: Frogbot on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:38:27
Here's my latest casts, I did a varnish and recast to get it nice and shiny straight out of the cast.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4JlDI4H.jpg)

That clear ice colored cap looks awesome.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: fliptrik on Mon, 26 October 2015, 12:19:26: The pink color is pretty nice. I would kill for some fluorescent caps.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: b3Rz3Rko on Mon, 26 October 2015, 13:13:52: So very purty ;) love it, I'm am making some caps of my own, so far getting the hang of it but molding and casting have been my mayor problems, could you talk about your molding and casting process, would really appreciate it, and also what pigments do you use the colors are so vibrant.

Love your caps man, I have seen cx5 in a couple of YouTube videos.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: dgneo on Mon, 26 October 2015, 13:17:07: Quote from: Frogbot on Wed, 15 April 2015, 22:24:24
Quote from: Dihedral on Wed, 15 April 2015, 09:39:46
Look cool! I'd like to see a doubleshot

Well... here are some super rough tests I did a little while back, going to do some proper ones soon with the smooth mold. Definitely potential I think.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ssK5hpj.jpg)

Frog these are really great! Nice work you've got here, especially these doubleshots. Love the look of those!

Any interest in doing some Topre ones as well? I'd be willing to ship you some blanks if you need them.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Aengus on Mon, 26 October 2015, 14:49:16: These look great. It's fun to find a thread like this and read through it and see how the caps have evolved and been refined and stuff. Definitely going to keep an eye out for any future sales. I also second the topre request ;D
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: bcredbottle on Mon, 26 October 2015, 14:53:36: What kind of pressure/vacuum setup are you using?
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: gabba-gool on Mon, 26 October 2015, 15:15:07: The improvement is very noticeable. I love those green transparent caps.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Frogbot on Mon, 26 October 2015, 23:42:45: I'll definitely do some more Fluro... and will give painting one a shot when I get the chance.

Quote from: b3Rz3Rko on Mon, 26 October 2015, 13:13:52
Could you talk about your molding and casting process, would really appreciate it, and also what pigments do you use the colors are so vibrant.

I'll do a step by step guide on my process next time. I might try to do a 1.25 for some mod keys.

Quote from: dgneo on Mon, 26 October 2015, 13:17:07
Any interest in doing some Topre ones as well? I'd be willing to ship you some blanks if you need them.

Yeah I might do Topre at some stage... want to get a board soon, can't decide between a Realforce 87U or HHKB just don't know if I could do the two hand arrows, as a designer I use the arrows and mouse a lot.

Quote from: Aengus on Mon, 26 October 2015, 14:49:16
Definitely going to keep an eye out for any future sales. I also second the topre request ;D

I'll set up a shop soon I think.. it'll just be a heap of one off keys as I have no consistency at the moment. There' all one of a kind so that might be worth something. Any ideas of how I should price them?

Quote from: bcredbottle on Mon, 26 October 2015, 14:53:36
What kind of pressure/vacuum setup are you using?

I'll go in to more detail when I make the guide but using a home made vac chamber for the silicon pour, this helps keep bubbles out of the stem and a cheap pressure pot (I can pressurize/depressurize from another room for safety). Sometimes I degas the resin but it doesn't seem to make much difference.

Thanks for the nice words!
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Jhonan on Tue, 27 October 2015, 00:02:28: I just wanna tell you that so far, I think you're work looks amazing, and I'd love to get ahold of a couple. Keep up the work, like to see these available sometime soon.
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: DrCr4nK on Tue, 27 October 2015, 00:02:46: Dude! Just seeing these, and they're great! I'm new to the hobby, and your **** is ****in awesome! I just started sculpting, but based on your stuff -well, I got a ways to go! lol :D
Title: Re: Keycaps Round 2
Post by: Butter on Fri, 30 October 2015, 06:54:37: Awesome caps! any plant selling this??