das keyboard 4 volume knob

[zeltner]

Since I got my das keyboard I have wanted to "mod" the volume knob to a different color other than red. I thought it would be really cool if I could color match it to different keycap sets. Or at least make it all black.

prototypes are on order from shapeways.

[zeltner]

I did some googling and it seems that shapeways is pretty popular service so I decided to try it out.

I tried out the web based Tinkercad and it was pretty easy to figure out. I threw a simple model together... I don't have a micro meter so I made a few guesses as the only ruler I have at the moment is the "footbar" to my Das keyboard.

Anyway I uploaded it and put an order in for 2 of them. I found a promo code for $10 off first purchase so it's only a few bucks to prototype this. Should be arriving the first week of April. Hopefully it fits and I'll post some pictures.

If all goes well I'd like to try some more intricate designs for it. I'll also make the model available in shapeways if anyone wants to order it.

[zeltner]

Prototypes arrived in the mail today. Just popped them on and they fit *almost* perfectly. The only issue is the bottom ring is about 1mm too tall so it creates a small gap. Other than that, they fit nice and snug!

[Moistgun]

The solid black looks nice, but the pink... not so good imo.  )

[suicidal_orange]

The solid black looks nice, but the pink... not so good imo.  )

Agreed. unless (s)he's planning to add a Miami set, then it would look great!


Good work on the model, using nothing but a ruler and making it fit is impressive

[zeltner]

The solid black looks nice, but the pink... not so good imo.  )

Agreed. unless (s)he's planning to add a Miami set, then it would look great!


Good work on the model, using nothing but a ruler and making it fit is impressive

Thanks! I surprised myself too! I was almost sure that it wouldn't fit. Theres only that small gap where it doesn't sit flush with the bottom part. Should be a pretty easy fix to make a version 2 though.

I actually am not a huge fan of the pink/purple either. I think its actually darker than a miami set, but my lighting is just weird. It is advertised as purple on shapeways, but it is a bit brighter than I was hoping for.

Anyway, now that I know this fits, I am planning to do a second version to fix the gap, and will try some other colors out to see how they look.

Once I get version 2 printed I'll try to make it available on the shapeways store so anyone can grab one of these if they want.

[appleonama]

I'd say you get someone to resin cast that top for some interesting colors.

[Moistgun]

I'd say you get someone to resin cast that top for some interesting colors.

I would definitely do it if I had a pressure set up!

[zeltner]

I'd say you get someone to resin cast that top for some interesting colors.

I would definitely do it if I had a pressure set up!

I don't know anything about resin casting. Any way you could point me in the right direction for how to do this / where I can have this done?

[appleonama]

I'd say you get someone to resin cast that top for some interesting colors.

I would definitely do it if I had a pressure set up!

I don't know anything about resin casting. Any way you could point me in the right direction for how to do this / where I can have this done?

you could ask some artisans or someone who has a casting set up

[Moistgun]

I don't know anything about resin casting. Any way you could point me in the right direction for how to do this / where I can have this done?

You would have to put in a few hundred bucks to get a high quality cast of that without any bubbles.
You could post it in the classifieds asking for artisan services I guess?

[zeltner]

I don't know anything about resin casting. Any way you could point me in the right direction for how to do this / where I can have this done?

You would have to put in a few hundred bucks to get a high quality cast of that without any bubbles.
You could post it in the classifieds asking for artisan services I guess?

I like the idea but for a couple hundred bucks I'm not really sure that it is worth it.

For the standard material its only $3 - $4 depending on color. They also offer some different colors of steel as well for around $20 so I was thinking that might look cool too.

I might try going with a transparent or white as well and then dying it.