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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: mikankun on Sun, 21 February 2016, 15:31:31

Title: Making Custom Keycaps Project
Post by: mikankun on Sun, 21 February 2016, 15:31:31

So Hi all, I am new to Geekhack and here is my little project:

I want to make custom keycaps out of a resin (i want to paint it)

This is where you come in, I have never made my own custom keycaps before so

I live in the UK

Is this all I need to start the project or is there anything else I missed or need to know??? ((( the cheaper the better!!))

A Rubber mould to make the keycap mould http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KTJ7E9M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_1&smid=AXHIJNZG8XDYA
A suitable Resin so that i can use to make the mould http://www.mbfg.co.uk/polyurethane-casting-resin/sg2000.html

Then im gonna need like other things like primer, paint, mould release.

Also I wanted to make a custom shape so how would i make it for the mould as its gonna be some hard shapes/to put onto the key. I would think 3d printing but unfortunatly I am not a minted asian kid.

I apreicate all your help on the replys and will try to be active on this thread on how things go and i hope you all benefit from this post also.

Title: Re: Making Custom Keycaps Project
Post by: Moistgun on Mon, 29 February 2016, 20:36:25

Usually you are going to need

A keycap to create a mold of
pourable Resin plastic
Silicone for a mold
Mold release
Dye or pigment to change the color of the keycap
Maybe a syringe to fill

I feel like im missing stuff

Title: Re: Making Custom Keycaps Project
Post by: suicidal_orange on Tue, 01 March 2016, 03:26:54

If you haven't already I suggest you read Booper's thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67744.0) where she goes through what she chose to make some of the best gravity (no pressure pot) cast caps and why, many new makers list it in their inspiration/thanks sections :)

Title: Re: Making Custom Keycaps Project
Post by: mikankun on Tue, 01 March 2016, 15:49:30

ty <3

Title: Re: Making Custom Keycaps Project
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Fri, 04 March 2016, 17:45:19

Quote from: suicidal_orange on Tue, 01 March 2016, 03:26:54

If you haven't already I suggest you read Booper's thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67744.0) where she goes through what she chose to make some of the best gravity (no pressure pot) cast caps and why, many new makers list it in their inspiration/thanks sections :)

I definitely recommend Boopers guide. The quality that she was able to get without a vacuum chamber and pressure pot was incredible. She also had some of the cleanest beginner molds that I had ever seen. Follow that guide, and you'll be in business. Too many new makers are rushing things because they're excited, then frustrated with the results.