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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Jpecina on Sat, 30 July 2016, 22:51:43

Title: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sat, 30 July 2016, 22:51:43
Hello everyone,
 So I'm fairly new to the Geekhack community and so far  I have really been enjoying it here. Recently I caught the artisan bug and have been trying hard to get ahold of some. While I wait for sales to start popping up I decided to give making my own a try. Like others, I did most of my research here on Geekhack and other than reading a couple of posts, I have no experience sculpting or casting. Please feel free to offer any feedback or advice as I can only improve moving forward. I will continue to update this post as I go further into the process.

Material List:
-Smooth on silicon Oomoo 30
-Polyform Super Sculpey
-Easy Cast Clear Casting Epoxy
-Red Resin Dye
-Mold Release
-Shaping tools
-Legos

I didn't really have a vision of what I wanted in a cap, so I just started sculpting and ended with something I was happy with. Before I made a mold of the sculpture I decided to start with a blank cap for practice, and also because I really want to make a blank set for my HHKB.
[attach=1][attach=2]
[attach=3][attach=7]

I used some Legos for a mold box since that's what I had on hand . I was worried about bubbles, so once I poured the silicon mixture into the mold box I decided to place them on top of a blower as it offered vibration and it seemed to have worked well.
[attach=4][attach=5]

The mold held well and I'd decided to do both designs at once. I'm also gonna do the other half of the blank tomorrow, and hopefully, I can have my first custom cap by Monday as it takes 24 hrs for the epoxy to cure. As for colorway ideas I was thinking camo, but as I haven't the slightest idea how I'm going to start with transparent red.
[attach=6]



Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 30 July 2016, 23:41:34
Your sculpting looks pretty good. Eager to see how they turn out.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Sat, 30 July 2016, 23:57:50
Looks like you're on the right track. You'll learn a lot during the casting process, and each mistake will make your keys that much better quality.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: juahenza on Sun, 31 July 2016, 00:01:27
nice work! cant wait to see more  :thumb:
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sun, 31 July 2016, 00:37:30
Quote from: Sneaky Potato on Sat, 30 July 2016, 23:57:50
Looks like you're on the right track. You'll learn a lot during the casting process, and each mistake will make your keys that much better quality.

Thank you, The main thing I'm worried about is the bubbles in the epoxy since I don't have a pressure pot. hope to buy one soon to start cranking out those blanks.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Kenda on Sun, 31 July 2016, 01:15:02
Casting without pressure pot is tough but you still can get pretty good result if you can make it carefully


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 31 July 2016, 04:01:11
Looks like you've taken to sculpting really well, good work!

I'm slightly worried about the toothy guy's chin - looks like it might hit the cap below when you put him on a board?  Pretty sure the skull will hit all round too, but that seems to be backgrounded anyway...

Looking forward to watching your progress :)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: SBJ on Sun, 31 July 2016, 04:53:22
Wow those first sculpts look fantastic!
I can't wait to see your progress.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: jchan94 on Sun, 31 July 2016, 05:40:40
Those first sculpts are fantastic! Seriously, the detail on it is amazing.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: xondat on Sun, 31 July 2016, 06:41:25
Sculpting looks pretty good, but it's nothing unless its cast correctly - good luck :thumb:
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: SoftKeys on Sun, 31 July 2016, 09:10:59
The designs look great, goodluck with the rest of the casting process! Looking forward to see more progress
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sun, 31 July 2016, 11:36:14
Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sun, 31 July 2016, 04:01:11
Looks like you've taken to sculpting really well, good work!

I'm slightly worried about the toothy guy's chin - looks like it might hit the cap below when you put him on a board?  Pretty sure the skull will hit all round too, but that seems to be backgrounded anyway...

Looking forward to watching your progress :)

You called it orange haha , both designs had issues on different keyboards. I also managed to sculpt a more appropriate sized key. I'll update tonight with more photos.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Tue, 02 August 2016, 15:54:24
Apologies for the super late update, but apparently the epoxy takes 72hrs to cure!!

My original designs had clearing issues so I decided to scrap one, modify the other, and make a smaller sculpt. Unfortunately, the problems had just begun. For some strange reason, I could not get a reliable 2nd mold; I couldn't figure out why the stem wasn't forming. I tried multiple  things such as a thinner pour and injecting it into the stem, but could not get a good result. If anybody can offer advice I would greatly appreciate it. After 8 hrs I decided that MX wasn't gonna work, so I moved on to Topre. The results improved a little, so I went with it.

[attach=1][attach=2]
[attach=3][attach=4]
[attach=5]

The cast process itself wasn't too difficult, but the end result is rather horrid. The small details in the sculpt trapped too much air and the walls of the cap need to be thickened. This was a great learning experience and has made me appreciate the time and effort that goes into crafting artisans. I enjoy the designs I created, so I will keep at it until I can create a solid cap.

[attach=6][attach=7]
[attach=8]

after a couple more tries i finally nailed something descent :D
artsy shot:
[attach=9]
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: suicidal_orange on Wed, 03 August 2016, 15:02:05
I don't know what the sculpt is of but the cast looks nice and clean - congrats :)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: romevi on Wed, 03 August 2016, 15:06:54
That's a really cool ent-troll thing.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Wed, 03 August 2016, 15:10:11
Quote from: suicidal_orange on Wed, 03 August 2016, 15:02:05
I don't know what the sculpt is of but the cast looks nice and clean - congrats :)

Haha it's suppose to be a mythical wooden cyclops creature... But it can be anything you want it to be if you stare long enough at it.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sat, 13 August 2016, 16:34:14
Small update-

I went ahead and bought a pressure pot and vacuum chamber, and started casting blanks. The pressure pot made a big difference in the casting, it's hard to tell, but the casts are nice and clean. I went ahead and made a WASD and arrow cluster for my HHKB, and I am currently working a new sculpt. I might do a giveaway if there are enough people interested in these sets.
[attach=1][attach=2]
[attach=3][attach=4]
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: rm-rf on Sat, 13 August 2016, 17:07:06
Those blanks look pretty nice!
I'm interested!
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: ramnes on Sat, 13 August 2016, 17:22:34
Wow, the blanks look so clean, good job! Much purdy.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: romevi on Sat, 13 August 2016, 18:26:59
Quote from: Jpecina on Sat, 13 August 2016, 16:34:14
Small update-

I went ahead and bought a pressure pot and vacuum chamber, and started casting blanks. The pressure pot made a big difference in the casting, it's hard to tell, but the casts are nice and clean. I went ahead and made a WASD and arrow cluster for my HHKB, and I am currently working a new sculpt. I might do a giveaway if there are enough people interested in these sets.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Whew! Those blood ones look sweet.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Sat, 13 August 2016, 19:07:49
Plz do a small blank run! I'd eat this up!
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: kiwi99 on Sat, 13 August 2016, 19:14:13
these blanks in topre in a moba set... would cop  :thumb:
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sat, 13 August 2016, 21:35:44
Quote from: romevi on Sat, 13 August 2016, 18:26:59
Quote from: Jpecina on Sat, 13 August 2016, 16:34:14
Small update-

I went ahead and bought a pressure pot and vacuum chamber, and started casting blanks. The pressure pot made a big difference in the casting, it's hard to tell, but the casts are nice and clean. I went ahead and made a WASD and arrow cluster for my HHKB, and I am currently working a new sculpt. I might do a giveaway if there are enough people interested in these sets.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Whew! Those blood ones look sweet.

Thanks romevi, I plan on calling them "Inkeys". Working on other color combos for a future giveaway stay tuned.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 13 August 2016, 21:37:17
Very interested in an arrow set

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: OfTheWild on Sun, 14 August 2016, 00:40:54
i love the mixed swirl in the red blanks! Very elegant.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: kekman on Sun, 14 August 2016, 05:59:37
looks really nice...
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Vadurr on Sun, 14 August 2016, 11:21:16
Wow. Super clean! Will purple MX be an option?
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: letsjigsrocks on Sun, 14 August 2016, 13:21:39
That cyclops thing is looks so ancient which is good. Anyways, Cyclops is ancient . Never mind the ancient-thingy.  :)) :)) You're work is great.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: xninetynine on Sun, 14 August 2016, 15:03:49
These look great! Hope to see them available to the public soon.  :p
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: xondat on Sun, 14 August 2016, 15:22:19
Quote from: Jpecina on Sat, 13 August 2016, 16:34:14
Small update-

I went ahead and bought a pressure pot and vacuum chamber, and started casting blanks. The pressure pot made a big difference in the casting, it's hard to tell, but the casts are nice and clean. I went ahead and made a WASD and arrow cluster for my HHKB, and I am currently working a new sculpt. I might do a giveaway if there are enough people interested in these sets.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
MUCH better. I hope I get those purple caps one day... They're perfect.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Raenbo on Sun, 14 August 2016, 18:28:58
Your blanks look awesome! I'd love to see an MX WASD cluster :)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Sun, 14 August 2016, 18:32:19
Quote from: Raenbo on Sun, 14 August 2016, 18:28:58
Your blanks look awesome! I'd love to see an MX WASD cluster :)

Yes i plan to make some MX as well. I was thinking of making some in DSA profile but it'll take some time.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: JT_Sea on Tue, 16 August 2016, 10:01:45
Blanks are looking sharp, keep up the good work.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: SBJ on Wed, 17 August 2016, 03:27:34
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 16 August 2016, 10:01:45
Blanks are looking sharp, keep up the good work.
I agree. Nice looking blanks.
Makes me wish I had a topre board.  :))
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 15:33:55
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Wed, 17 August 2016, 03:27:34
Quote from: JT_Sea on Tue, 16 August 2016, 10:01:45
Blanks are looking sharp, keep up the good work.
I agree. Nice looking blanks.
Makes me wish I had a topre board.  :))

I'll be working on MX this weekend, I still need to figure out the issues with the stems not forming. Stay tuned
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Raenbo on Wed, 17 August 2016, 15:46:43
How do you orient your sprues for MX? I find having a sprue on the edge of the stem to be successful.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 15:49:37
Quote from: Raenbo on Wed, 17 August 2016, 15:46:43
How do you orient your sprues for MX? I find having a sprue on the edge of the stem to be successful.

Last time I tried I put a Sprue on 2 opposite corners of the cap. I was considering placing a Sprue on the stem but didn't want the stem to plug. I'll give it another try and hope it works.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Raenbo on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:01:54
(http://i.imgur.com/5kbtjom.jpg?1)

This is how I do MX. The sprue doesn't cover the hole, I just superglue it to the edge, even though a little of it hangs off. I get a toothpick and pre-fill the MX stem before pouring the rest of the mold.

It comes out like this, with 3 holes.
(http://i.imgur.com/uTECy17.jpg?1)

I use the middle sprue to inject the resin in until some comes out of the other two. Then I kind of shake it around to get the air loose and aim it to drain upwards toward the outer sprues. Then it goes into the pressure pot. I still get bubbles sometimes, but mostly on the edge of the caps.

Though, this is just the way I do it. Hope you can get similar results. Please don't hate me if it doesn't work D:
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:05:56
Quote from: Raenbo on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:01:54
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/5kbtjom.jpg?1)


This is how I do MX. The sprue doesn't cover the hole, I just superglue it to the edge, even though a little of it hangs off. I get a toothpick and pre-fill the MX stem before pouring the rest of the mold.

It comes out like this, with 3 holes.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/uTECy17.jpg?1)


I use the middle sprue to inject the resin in until some comes out of the other two. Then I kind of shake it around to get the air loose and aim it to drain upwards toward the outer sprues. Then it goes into the pressure pot. I still get bubbles sometimes, but mostly on the edge of the caps.

Though, this is just the way I do it. Hope you can get similar results. Please don't hate me if it doesn't work D:

Thanks I really appreciate the help. I'll definitely give this a try:)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Raenbo on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:10:21
No problem! You can message me if anything. I've studied up on a lot of other artisans' guides hehe. Looking forward to your progress!
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:04:12
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/4e3fbb68caccc67c7b56929af6a9032e.jpg)
What should I call this guy? Also some more blanks, I call this typhoon blue
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/85b9d9966b56103bdb416de8922e730a.jpg)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: romevi on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:23:23


Quote from: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:04:12
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/4e3fbb68caccc67c7b56929af6a9032e.jpg)

What should I call this guy?

Bootyhead.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: ryan92084 on Thu, 18 August 2016, 05:00:04
Quote from: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:04:12
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/4e3fbb68caccc67c7b56929af6a9032e.jpg)

What should I call this guy? ...
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/85b9d9966b56103bdb416de8922e730a.jpg)

Morla the Ancient One :D
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: ramnes on Thu, 18 August 2016, 05:30:11
You should work a bit more on it. I'm sure you can make it look even better!
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 18 August 2016, 05:39:20
I liek blue
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Str1pez on Thu, 18 August 2016, 11:53:13
Damn man, looking really good.  Hoping to get into this myself soon.  I can't wait!

Your sculpts are freaking *****in for not having experience with it at all.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Raenbo on Thu, 18 August 2016, 17:05:54
Crush? heh

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/3/30/Crush-FN.png/revision/latest?cb=20131111065956)

Your sculpt is pretty good, I can never get my eyes to look good.
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: Jpecina on Thu, 18 August 2016, 17:09:14
Quote from: Raenbo on Thu, 18 August 2016, 17:05:54
Crush? heh

Show Image
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/3/30/Crush-FN.png/revision/latest?cb=20131111065956)


Your sculpt is pretty good, I can never get my eyes to look good.

Lol You'd be surprised how many times I end up scrapping my sculpts. Here's another I've been working on:)
 (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/328b9263e767fcacb8883b5beed0d789.jpg)
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: SBJ on Sat, 20 August 2016, 04:43:12
Quote from: Jpecina on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:04:12
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/4e3fbb68caccc67c7b56929af6a9032e.jpg)

What should I call this guy? Also some more blanks, I call this typhoon blue
Show Image
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/85b9d9966b56103bdb416de8922e730a.jpg)

Very nice looking blanks! :thumb:
Title: Re: My first go at custom keycaps
Post by: switchnollie on Mon, 22 August 2016, 20:08:25
Nice :)

I'll keep a lookout for these :thumb: