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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: vim_commando on Sun, 09 April 2017, 13:22:20

Title: Typewriter-Style Steampunk-Inspired Laser-Cut Keycaps?
Post by: vim_commando on Sun, 09 April 2017, 13:22:20
Yeah, so my wife and I bought a laser cutter a couple months ago and I've had an idea rolling around in my head... laser cut keycaps! I searched around and I only found the ones Moz made a few years back.

I think mine came out looking pretty good. It has taken several prototypes and a lot of tweaking to get to this point, but the end results are worth it  :D

[attach=1]

Here are some Victorian-era engravings in silver and gold. Poker keycaps anyone? The watch has a bronze border instead of gold.

[attach=3]

I always see WASD clusters, but as an avid Vim user, I couldn't help myself. I needed an HJKL cluster.  :cool:

I threw on some danger symbol modifiers for fun.

[attach=2]

Ok, ok, I made some WASD clusters too. Here is one in gold and bronze.

[attach=5]

These should fit most MX-compatible keys. Laser cutting the stems makes it a little tricky to keep the tolerances just right so the caps both fit and stay secure.

[attach=4]

Moving a little away from the steampunk feel, WASD in silver and blue.


I've got more ideas running around in my head, and unrestricted access to a laser, so I'm certifiably dangerous  :))

Let me know what you think!
Title: Re: Typewriter-Style Steampunk-Inspired Laser-Cut Keycaps?
Post by: OldIsNew on Sun, 09 April 2017, 15:21:02
Yeah, so my wife and I bought a laser cutter a couple months ago ...

Nice! I'm planning on picking up a Mr. Fusion next time I go to Target.
Seriously though those are very cool! I've seen some ads for "hobbist" CO2 laser cutters (not cheap) - is that something like what you're using?

Title: Re: Typewriter-Style Steampunk-Inspired Laser-Cut Keycaps?
Post by: vim_commando on Sun, 09 April 2017, 20:32:33
Yes, we got the ~$2,000 eBay special. It definitely won't win any awards for ease of use or reliability, but it can produce some good results once you've figured it out.