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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: MrFex on Mon, 13 April 2015, 13:09:44

Title: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: MrFex on Mon, 13 April 2015, 13:09:44
So yeah.. not trying to be funny at all. Is there any way to enlarge the shaft/stem of a keycap? I can imagine something to put between the switch and the cap. Just to give it those extra millimeters for my top row.

Any ideas? Perhaps someone with a 3d printer that wants to try it out?
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: andCoffee on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:16:29
I found this by googling "Shaft Enlarger".

Is this really a site for geeks that have learned how to 3d print new, potentially larger shafts?
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: Seriously on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:35:41
I recall someone was developing an MX-to-Alps insert, and they had extenders for MX-to-MX. It was here, though.
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:46:49
I recall someone was developing an MX-to-Alps insert, and they had extenders for MX-to-MX. It was here, though.

That was me.  It adds more than a couple of mm though.
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: plegnic on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:49:52
I recall someone was developing an MX-to-Alps insert, and they had extenders for MX-to-MX. It was here, though.

That was me.  It adds more than a couple of mm though.
It would have to add at least the full height of the stem, no? You can't add any material around the existing stem that you expect to fit into the keycap. I guess you could add a couple mm with a spacer, but the keycap wouldn't sit very tight.
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: Binge on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:54:44
For just 6 easy installments of 29.99 you too can have the stem size of your dream!  Yes we know what you want and how to get it!

Have the ladies been putting you down over the length of your cap stem?  Do they call your whole package, "Just the tip?"

Look no further!  Order today!
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: JinDesu on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:58:12
I found this by googling "Shaft Enlarger".

Is this really a site for geeks that have learned out to 3d print new, potentially larger shafts?

I just died laughing. Please send for a coroner.

I think Nubbinator is doing swappable stem keycaps, he could perhaps help with some info on CAD or 3D printing files of the stem where you might be able to just increase the dimensions.
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: MrFex on Tue, 14 April 2015, 17:47:40
For just 6 easy installments of 29.99 you too can have the stem size of your dream!  Yes we know what you want and how to get it!

Have the ladies been putting you down over the length of your cap stem?  Do they call your whole package, "Just the tip?"

Look no further!  Order today!

I should have known I would get into this .. :)

I recall someone was developing an MX-to-Alps insert, and they had extenders for MX-to-MX. It was here, though.

That was me.  It adds more than a couple of mm though.

Sounds interesting. The real problem that I have is that my keyboard has a R5 row with 1.5 and 1.0 keys. So, I wondered if it would be possible to use R3 keycaps and mod them to become taller. How did your project work out?
Title: Re: Keycap heightener / Shaft enlarger
Post by: KHAANNN on Tue, 14 April 2015, 18:27:38
I would cut the old shaft, 3d print a new one, glue the new shaft in place

An easier approach is to cut the old shaft in the middle, insert a 3d printer enlarger in place

The bigger the shafter, the lower the rigidity / balance tho

Or just put something in the stem holder that will add 0.5mm