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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: cryptokey on Fri, 20 November 2015, 11:35:01

Title: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: cryptokey on Fri, 20 November 2015, 11:35:01
link:  https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xx7-megaqon-artisan-keycaps (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xx7-megaqon-artisan-keycaps)
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: baldgye on Fri, 20 November 2015, 11:37:37
more 3d printed trash?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: demik on Fri, 20 November 2015, 11:50:17
more 3d printed trash?

HA
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: crbr on Fri, 20 November 2015, 12:07:57
more 3d printed trash?

I am new around here, but that is exactly what I thought when I saw this massdrop hit.  Is there another reason these are desired?   
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Niomosy on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:04:03
more 3d printed trash?

I am new around here, but that is exactly what I thought when I saw this massdrop hit.  Is there another reason these are desired?   

Likely your only option if you want a Megatron keycap.

Other than that, yeah, it's not that great.  3d printing still has a lot of work ahead of it.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:15:28
PSA: 3D PRINTED CAPS ARE NOVELTY CAPS, NOT ARTISAN CAPS.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: demik on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:26:11
PSA: 3D PRINTED CAPS ARE NOVELTY CAPS, NOT ARTISAN CAPS.

Artisan caps are novelty caps. They serve no purpose other than looking nice.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:27:49


PSA: 3D PRINTED CAPS ARE NOVELTY CAPS, NOT ARTISAN CAPS.

Artisan caps are novelty caps. They serve no purpose other than looking nice.

I agree.

But novelty caps aren't always artisan caps.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: BunnyLake on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:29:29


PSA: 3D PRINTED CAPS ARE NOVELTY CAPS, NOT ARTISAN CAPS.

Artisan caps are novelty caps. They serve no purpose other than looking nice.

I agree.

But novelty caps aren't always artisan caps.

my artisan keyboard says filco on the side of it
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: jerue on Fri, 20 November 2015, 13:32:45


PSA: 3D PRINTED CAPS ARE NOVELTY CAPS, NOT ARTISAN CAPS.

Artisan caps are novelty caps. They serve no purpose other than looking nice.

I agree.

But novelty caps aren't always artisan caps.

my artisan keyboard says filco on the side of it

My artisan keyboard doesn't say anything at all, 2pro for labels. :P
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Homenubbie on Fri, 20 November 2015, 14:14:27
Hipsters love that Artisan label.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: MagicSauce on Fri, 20 November 2015, 14:49:58
link:  https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xx7-megaqon-artisan-keycaps (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xx7-megaqon-artisan-keycaps)

Have to agree with you on this one...
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Fri, 20 November 2015, 16:03:57
Hipsters love that Artisan label.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/artisan

I guess oxford is where all the hipsters hang out.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: jaffers on Fri, 20 November 2015, 16:42:51
But I can buy sandpaper at the store?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: njbair on Fri, 20 November 2015, 20:17:02
Hipsters love that Artisan label.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/artisan

I guess oxford is where all the hipsters hang out.
Oxford Dictionary just changes the meaning of a word if enough people use it incorrectly.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: e_l_tang on Fri, 20 November 2015, 22:04:01
What process(es) are superior to 3D printing and qualify a keycap as "artisan"?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: whmeltonjr on Fri, 20 November 2015, 22:37:18
What process(es) are superior to 3D printing are qualify a keycap as "artisan"?

Per the dictionary link above: "A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand". 3D printing something for mass production is a lot different than those that take the time to make a mold and caps by hand.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: trizkut on Fri, 20 November 2015, 22:41:00
(http://i.imgur.com/W8IEl5V.png)


 :)) :)) :)) :))
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: MagicSauce on Sat, 21 November 2015, 06:50:57
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W8IEl5V.png)



 :)) :)) :)) :))

Now those are some artisans I can get behind
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Vox_PT on Sat, 21 November 2015, 09:42:35
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W8IEl5V.png)



 :)) :)) :)) :))

Now those are some artisans I can get behind

But... are they edible?  ;)
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sat, 21 November 2015, 14:30:18
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Vox_PT on Sat, 21 November 2015, 14:50:15
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Don't let yourself get down by these kinds of posts man. I must admit that I quite like the look and mix of color on those Megatron caps, "artisan" or not. They look good and it's all that matters imo.
Keep doing your thing and improving on these. I don't know why most people don't like 3D printed keycaps tbh... some can be really well made and look pretty sexy.  :thumb:
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sat, 21 November 2015, 14:52:15
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Don't let yourself get down by these kinds of posts man. I must admit that I quite like the look and mix of color on those Megatron caps, "artisan" or not. They look good and it's all that matters imo.
Keep doing your thing and improving one these. I don't know why most people don't like 3D printed keycaps tbh... some can be really well made and look pretty sexy.  :thumb:

Thanks man, just gets to me sometimes.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: dthai17 on Sat, 21 November 2015, 22:55:24
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Yeah I really like these! Keep doing what you're doing.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 22 November 2015, 10:25:59
Not my colours and I don't think the pics do them many favours (too bright and not enough shadow - I can barely make out the mouth) but I bet these look better in person.  The design also looks like it slopes towards the front which makes them more usable on a 60% as well as decorative, I'm glad to see the drop is going well :)

Out of interest is the colour of the Psychedelic random?  The bottom of the MX and Topre are completely different...
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sun, 22 November 2015, 10:38:58
Not my colours and I don't think the pics do them many favours (too bright and not enough shadow - I can barely make out the mouth) but I bet these look better in person.  The design also looks like it slopes towards the front which makes them more usable on a 60% as well as decorative, I'm glad to see the drop is going well :)

Out of interest is the colour of the Psychedelic random?  The bottom of the MX and Topre are completely different...

The topre and MX versions were both randomizedbso they'll be some differences.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: bcredbottle on Sun, 22 November 2015, 10:43:49
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Your magenta/blue psychedelic cap was my first ever artisan. It was great, 3d printed or not. Thank you for offering pretty artisans at a really low cost.

I'm somewhat surprised at the responses you got. I say somewhat because I've noticed a lot of users1 ****ting on caps they don't like, which (A) is discouraging to people who want to try cap-making, (B) is a douchebag thing to do, and (C) removes any credibility when we call ourselves a "community."

It's exponentially more douchey when the insults come from artisans b/c a lot of these artisans are the reason people tried their hand at capmaking in the first place.

1not solely limited to the posters ITT


Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Vox_PT on Sun, 22 November 2015, 10:55:06
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Your magenta/blue psychedelic cap was my first ever artisan. It was great, 3d printed or not. Thank you for offering pretty artisans at a really low cost.

I'm somewhat surprised at the responses you got. I say somewhat because I've noticed a lot of users1 ****ting on caps they don't like, which (A) is discouraging to people who want to try cap-making, (B) is a douchebag thing to do, and (C) removes any credibility when we call ourselves a "community."

It's exponentially more douchey when the insults come from artisans b/c a lot of these artisans are the reason people tried their hand at capmaking in the first place.

1not solely limited to the posters ITT

Well said. I couldn't agree more with your post.  ;)
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: TieuNgu on Sun, 22 November 2015, 16:03:38
Ouch this thread :(  I understand that 3D printing isn't for everyone, and to most people they aren't artisans, but there's no need to **** all over someone's work.

Your magenta/blue psychedelic cap was my first ever artisan. It was great, 3d printed or not. Thank you for offering pretty artisans at a really low cost.

I'm somewhat surprised at the responses you got. I say somewhat because I've noticed a lot of users1 ****ting on caps they don't like, which (A) is discouraging to people who want to try cap-making, (B) is a douchebag thing to do, and (C) removes any credibility when we call ourselves a "community."

It's exponentially more douchey when the insults come from artisans b/c a lot of these artisans are the reason people tried their hand at capmaking in the first place.

1not solely limited to the posters ITT

Well said. I couldn't agree more with your post.  ;)

I agree, imagine people coming to your classified threads and **** all over your stuff...
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 23 November 2015, 13:52:39
Aside from one of the early comments, I guess I just thought the main argument being made here was that you cannot call something designed on a computer and made by a machine "artisan" since artisan is a term that infers hand made.  It's not really an insult, just an argument of semantics.

Someone asked, but it wasn't answered.  You did mention that your caps are "grainy".  Can that graininess be sanded down for a smoother cap, or will that sand off the coloring?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Mon, 23 November 2015, 13:54:47
Someone asked, but it wasn't answered.  You did mention that your caps are "grainy".  Can that graininess be sanded down for a smoother cap, or will that sand off the coloring?

Yupp you can sand them yourself.  I've been reading up on new methods, and apparently the same floor wax/cleaner used to make the clear switch tops more evenly clear works really well.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 23 November 2015, 17:39:31
$15 for a cap you have to finish yourself? And you wonder why some people had an issue with your work?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Mon, 23 November 2015, 18:01:31
$15 for a cap you have to finish yourself? And you wonder why some people had an issue with your work?

I didn't say you have to, I said you can.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Waateva on Wed, 25 November 2015, 12:31:10
Dang, remind me to never try and make my own caps unless I looking to be flogged by the "community" for doing so.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Binge on Wed, 25 November 2015, 15:44:23
Dang, remind me to never try and make my own caps unless I looking to be flogged by the "community" for doing so.

If you made your own keys by hand I think a lot of people in this thread would try to support you.

As for my main man XX7-  I remember reading about what you do to color the keys and it does require a bit more manual labor on your part which IMO is worthy of at least saying these are above the standard bar for 3D printed keys.

Take what people are saying and grow with it.  A suggestion to finish your keys by hand or do more mad scientist work with your filament may be just what you need to garnish respect working with what is effectively a digitally driven duplicating machine.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: Siegx on Thu, 26 November 2015, 00:56:11
I, for one, love the graininess of the keycap and think it looks beautiful.

Don't be discourage by these douches ****ting on the thread man, to each his own. :))
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: baldgye on Thu, 26 November 2015, 03:32:31
I, for one, love the graininess of the keycap and think it looks beautiful.

Don't be discourage by these douches ****ting on the thread man, to each his own. :))

Yes, ignore any and all criticism, that's the only true path to glory.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Thu, 26 November 2015, 11:57:23
I, for one, love the graininess of the keycap and think it looks beautiful.

Don't be discourage by these douches ****ting on the thread man, to each his own. :))

Yes, ignore any and all criticism, that's the only true path to glory.


I'll gladly take any constructive criticism you have, would you care to give some suggestions?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: MiTo on Sat, 28 November 2015, 06:54:43
The double standards of this forum are disgusting.

X7, don't waste your time arguing with limited people. Your work and effort is much appreciated here and on rMK. The Megatron artisan keycap looks great and unique, but as for constructive criticism, what if you try to smoothen the surface of the keycap? The texture is not an issue for me at all, although I sadly don't own any of your artisans, but I know what a 3D printer texture feels like an can see why some customers would have a problem with it. I know that the grainy texture is a feature of the 3D printing method, but maybe you could sand down the keycaps a little bit? I think that many people would enjoy a sanded finish.

Another idea that crossed my mind, what if you use the 3D printer to print masters for resin casting? The possibilities are endless. You could use the Megatron keycap as a master for a resin keycap. Then you could cast it and polish/sand it to remove the grainy texture and imperfections. Now you have a better master, repeat the process until the texture is good enough in your judgement.

You could even use this method to create new designs. Personally, I find the Crowned Skull (Krytone) concept very appealing, due to the keycap being shorter and smoother for the touch, when a key press is required. Perhaps you could try this route for new designs, who knows?

As I said before, possibilities are endless for such a creative individual in possession of such an incredible tool that the 3D printer is.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: bcredbottle on Sat, 28 November 2015, 08:05:34
The double standards of this forum are disgusting.

X7, don't waste your time arguing with limited people. Your work and effort is much appreciated here and on rMK. The Megatron artisan keycap looks great and unique, but as for constructive criticism, what if you try to smoothen the surface of the keycap? The texture is not an issue for me at all, although I sadly don't own any of your artisans, but I know what a 3D printer texture feels like an can see why some customers would have a problem with it. I know that the grainy texture is a feature of the 3D printing method, but maybe you could sand down the keycaps a little bit? I think that many people would enjoy a sanded finish.

Another idea that crossed my mind, what if you use the 3D printer to print masters for resin casting? The possibilities are endless. You could use the Megatron keycap as a master for a resin keycap. Then you could cast it and polish/sand it to remove the grainy texture and imperfections. Now you have a better master, repeat the process until the texture is good enough in your judgement.

You could even use this method to create new designs. Personally, I find the Crowned Skull (Krytone) concept very appealing, due to the keycap being shorter and smoother for the touch, when a key press is required. Perhaps you could try this route for new designs, who knows?

As I said before, possibilities are endless for such a creative individual in possession of such an incredible tool that the 3D printer is.

Agreed. Having the ability to make a master key through 3d printing (assuming you can smooth it down) will allow you to make some pretty impressive resin cast caps. If you ever want to try it out, you should really check out the guides people have made here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67744.0), here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41371.msg826550#msg826550), here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46284.0), and here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62696.0). And of course, I'd be happy to share my limited experience with casting if you want.

But I think your caps are great now. I'm just saying MiTo is right that there is some intriguing potential for using your talent to make master keys and start casting.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sat, 28 November 2015, 09:42:38
So because someone designed a cap on a computer, it's not an artisan? Do I need to return my BBV2s? Or is it just because it's 3D printed? Does that mean that if an artisan was cast from a machined mold it would no longer be an artisan? Does any of this mean we should be ****ting on the caps? Why can't people just respectfully share their opinion and move on?

Why did I just type a whole bunch of questions with no statements?  :confused:
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: njbair on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:03:21
XX7, don't take any of this personally. I think what we're seeing here is the ongoing debate over the use of the term artisan for any keycaps, bleeding over to this particular product, catalyzed by the growing frustration and dislike for Massdrop.

Personally, I don't like the term artisan when talking about keyboard stuff. Not to diminish the craft, I just think the term has become a marketing buzzword and is being misapplied everywhere, not just in this hobby.

As for some constructive criticism, I like the design of the cap. Oldschool Megatron looks cool. The coarse, 3D-printed texture is not my favorite. I agree with the suggestions about using 3D printing to produce a master, then hand-finishing that master and using it to produce molds. Or if you can find a scalable way to finish 3D-printed parts, you can leverage the flexibility of 3D printing without sacrificing finish quality.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:15:48
Personally, I don't like the term artisan when talking about keyboard stuff. Not to diminish the craft, I just think the term has become a marketing buzzword and is being misapplied everywhere, not just in this hobby.

The mod team picked a word to differentiate between things you don't make but do sell (vendors) and things you do make and do sell (artisans). That's it. I don't really see the problem here. If you don't like it, call it something else - but the entity will not have changed, just the name, so it seems silly IMO. What do you hope to accomplish by calling them something other than artisans?

(I think that decision was made before I was a mod btw, so I can't comment on *why* - but I don't see the issue still ;) )
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: trenzafeeds on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:22:31
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W8IEl5V.png)



 :)) :)) :)) :))

Now those are some artisans I can get behind

But... are they edible?  ;)

Of course not, that's whey they're called artisan novelty pizzas.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:23:09
Thanks for the feedback guys, I already have some new finishing methods I've been working on (and they'll hopefully be fairly easy to scale up).  With the profit from this drop I was going to pick up some supplies for resin casting, as many have suggested.  Bcred ty for the links, those are going to be a huge help.

I'm also looking for suggestions on new designs (not blanks) so if anyone wants to contribute they're free to.

Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: bcredbottle on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:25:16
Thanks for the feedback guys, I already have some new finishing methods I've been working on (and they'll hopefully be fairly easy to scale up).  With the profit from this drop I was going to pick up some supplies for resin casting, as many have suggested.  Bcred ty for the links, those are going to be a huge help.

I'm also looking for suggestions on new designs (not blanks) so if anyone wants to contribute they're free to.

I would kill for a cap with this symbol on it 


(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wf0I0KMGqJ8/TWus4m1J-0I/AAAAAAAAFhQ/1nII2uvVnVQ/s400/Circle.png)
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: MiTo on Sat, 28 November 2015, 10:54:50
I'm also looking for suggestions on new designs (not blanks) so if anyone wants to contribute they're free to.

Since you asked, I'd like to express my preference towards angled faces/heads like the Crowned Skull from Krytone and the BroBot V2 by BroCaps. I find the design very elegant and delicate, it's hard to find somebody that dislike these designs. If you somehow manage to apply the concept of a head/face they used to some sort of subject (Kry used a skull, Bro used a robot), I believe you would reach a very large audience and succeed. I'm a big fan of straight lines, angles and smooth surfaces when it comes to artisan/novelty keycaps.

I can't wait to see the development of your new projects with the new tools and machinery that you mentioned you gonna acquire with the royalties. Super exciting, count on me for support!
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: njbair on Sat, 28 November 2015, 12:45:48
Personally, I don't like the term artisan when talking about keyboard stuff. Not to diminish the craft, I just think the term has become a marketing buzzword and is being misapplied everywhere, not just in this hobby.

The mod team picked a word to differentiate between things you don't make but do sell (vendors) and things you do make and do sell (artisans). That's it. I don't really see the problem here. If you don't like it, call it something else - but the entity will not have changed, just the name, so it seems silly IMO. What do you hope to accomplish by calling them something other than artisans?

(I think that decision was made before I was a mod btw, so I can't comment on *why* - but I don't see the issue still ;) )
I've heard this explanation before. But frankly, it seems like overreach on the part of the moderation team. And what makes keycaps different from other things people make here? We don't have artisan PCBs or artisan keyboards. They're just custom. And the forum badge for these folks says "maker," which is a better modern term for what they do: "custom keycap maker" or just "maker."
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sat, 28 November 2015, 14:54:52
Personally, I don't like the term artisan when talking about keyboard stuff. Not to diminish the craft, I just think the term has become a marketing buzzword and is being misapplied everywhere, not just in this hobby.

The mod team picked a word to differentiate between things you don't make but do sell (vendors) and things you do make and do sell (artisans). That's it. I don't really see the problem here. If you don't like it, call it something else - but the entity will not have changed, just the name, so it seems silly IMO. What do you hope to accomplish by calling them something other than artisans?

(I think that decision was made before I was a mod btw, so I can't comment on *why* - but I don't see the issue still ;) )
I've heard this explanation before. But frankly, it seems like overreach on the part of the moderation team. And what makes keycaps different from other things people make here? We don't have artisan PCBs or artisan keyboards. They're just custom. And the forum badge for these folks says "maker," which is a better modern term for what they do: "custom keycap maker" or just "maker."

Again, Artisan defines the subforum where they are sold - that's it.  It's also where people sell their USB cables, wrist rests, etc.

I'm confused as to how designating a section for handmade items separate from commercial enterprises is considered overreach?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: demik on Sat, 28 November 2015, 15:19:17
and I'M the mean one, eh XX7?
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sat, 28 November 2015, 15:21:57
and I'M the mean one, eh XX7?

I'm a sensitive soul ;)
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: njbair on Sat, 28 November 2015, 15:46:33
Personally, I don't like the term artisan when talking about keyboard stuff. Not to diminish the craft, I just think the term has become a marketing buzzword and is being misapplied everywhere, not just in this hobby.

The mod team picked a word to differentiate between things you don't make but do sell (vendors) and things you do make and do sell (artisans). That's it. I don't really see the problem here. If you don't like it, call it something else - but the entity will not have changed, just the name, so it seems silly IMO. What do you hope to accomplish by calling them something other than artisans?

(I think that decision was made before I was a mod btw, so I can't comment on *why* - but I don't see the issue still ;) )
I've heard this explanation before. But frankly, it seems like overreach on the part of the moderation team. And what makes keycaps different from other things people make here? We don't have artisan PCBs or artisan keyboards. They're just custom. And the forum badge for these folks says "maker," which is a better modern term for what they do: "custom keycap maker" or just "maker."

Again, Artisan defines the subforum where they are sold - that's it.  It's also where people sell their USB cables, wrist rests, etc.

I'm confused as to how designating a section for handmade items separate from commercial enterprises is considered overreach?

If it was just about naming the subforum, then I misunderstood. I think I first heard the story in the context of the "MX-compatible" vs. "Cherry clone" debate, that at some point the GH leadership tried to mandate "MX-compatible" instead of "Cherry clone" in order to avoid trademark infringement or something to that effect. So I thought they had also tried to mandate the "artisan" moniker.

Since it's totally within the mods' purview to choose the name of a subforum, I'll retract that statement. That said, I still wish they would have chosen a better name.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Sat, 28 November 2015, 15:54:25
It was never a personal attack on my part.  I personally do not like 3D printed caps, but that doesn't mean that you should be discouraged.  I apologize for causing such a ruckus here.

The reason I posted that, and this thread just happened to be the tipping point, is that the word "artisan" is typically reserved for things made by hand.  I can see the argument for 3d printing being "hand" made, but I do not agree with that thought process.  Many people look at artisans differently, and are free to.  But I personally see them as pieces of art and feel the need to give the artists credit where credit is due. 

Like many things on GH, this is just my opinion.  I apologize for coming off as a ****head with my post, and wish you luck with your future projects.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: 27 on Sat, 28 November 2015, 15:59:26
It was never a personal attack on my part.  I personally do not like 3D printed caps, but that doesn't mean that you should be discouraged.  I apologize for causing such a ruckus here.

The reason I posted that, and this thread just happened to be the tipping point, is that the word "artisan" is typically reserved for things made by hand.  I can see the argument for 3d printing being "hand" made, but I do not agree with that thought process.  Many people look at artisans differently, and are free to.  But I personally see them as pieces of art and feel the need to give the artists credit where credit is due. 

Like many things on GH, this is just my opinion.  I apologize for coming off as a ****head with my post, and wish you luck with your future projects.

No worries man, I've just been having a pretty bad last couple of weeks so I'm a little touchy right now.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: KeypressGraphics on Sun, 29 November 2015, 02:56:57
I'm a fan of both hand-crafted & 3D printed keycaps and feel they both have their place in the grand scheme of things.

After saying that I'm not overly keen on Nylon as a material. It has the benefits of being cheap, very durable and available in multiple colors but the surface is quite rough, it won't support a high level of fine detail and it is very lightweight which is often the opposite of what people want in a keycap.
Shapeways offers pre-polished nylon keycaps with a smoother finish but these are run through a machine and the polishing process obliterates much of the detail - I've had better results ordering them unpolished and sanding them by hand with 800 or 1200 grit sandpaper.

I find frosted plastic to be a far superior material for 3D printed caps. Naturally smooth finish, weightier and much better detail, but unfortunately only available in a clear almost see-through finish. They are also fragile if dropped and arrive with a grimy residue that should be cleaned before using them. The various metals are another option too but can be quite pricey.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: MiTo on Sun, 29 November 2015, 04:58:57

I find frosted plastic to be a far superior material for 3D printed caps. Naturally smooth finish, weightier and much better detail, but unfortunately only available in a clear almost see-through finish. They are also fragile if dropped and arrive with a grimy residue that should be cleaned before using them. The various metals are another option too but can be quite pricey.

So it seems that Frosted Plastic is the best material to use in order to 3D print a resin casting master.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: _joe_king on Sun, 29 November 2015, 10:33:04
The attitude in this thread is very off putting... Please, share your work for what you have made so we can all critique it. I think they look cool and bought one to try out. Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: romevi on Fri, 04 December 2015, 15:29:30
The attitude in this thread is very off putting... Please, share your work for what you have made so we can all critique it. I think they look cool and bought one to try out. Keep up the good work!

Criticism can be a good thing. The point of a product is to sell it. If people aren't going to buy it, it's wise to listen to any productive and constructive feedback and make any necessary changes that seem to improve the product. You don't need to be a designer to know what you're talking about.

As a small-time writer and actor, I always welcome feedback from those produce and those who receive. The point of the arts is to entertain and please, and if I'm not doing either then I need to change some things.
Title: Re: XX7 Megatron Artisan Keycaps Now on Massdrop
Post by: _joe_king on Sun, 06 December 2015, 12:26:46
The attitude in this thread is very off putting... Please, share your work for what you have made so we can all critique it. I think they look cool and bought one to try out. Keep up the good work!

Criticism can be a good thing. The point of a product is to sell it. If people aren't going to buy it, it's wise to listen to any productive and constructive feedback and make any necessary changes that seem to improve the product. You don't need to be a designer to know what you're talking about.

As a small-time writer and actor, I always welcome feedback from those produce and those who receive. The point of the arts is to entertain and please, and if I'm not doing either then I need to change some things.

There is a HUGE difference in constructive criticism and crapping on someones work.