Author Topic: [IC] Custom Engraved Brass Keycaps (Read 31458 times)

Photekq · « **on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:04:32 »

PROTOTYPES IN : http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45974.msg970004#msg970004

Would anyone be interested in a simple, square shaped brass keycap with their own custom engraving on it? There's no profile to cut down on costs. Looks like this :

I have ordered a prototype which should be coming in a few weeks. I expect (note the word expect - i can't guarantee anything) these will cost around £15-25 each depending on numbers.

The engraving is COMPLETELY custom. You can put whatever you want on it. The only limitation is that, since these are being machined, internal corners will have to have a radius.

Thanks and let me know what you think.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:11:07 »

You now I'll buy at least one just to have bro!!!...I think it should say sPaMrAy

SidusNare · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:13:43 »

Well, it seems we need to get down to brass tacks on this :-p

What are you going to do with the top, it looks totally flat, are you going to give it a cylindrical or spherical profile? I know it would be more, but I don't think totally flat would be very appealing.

Photekq · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:15:50 »

Good to hear you're interested ray

Quote from: SidusNare on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:13:43

Well, it seems we need to get down to brass tacks on this :-p

What are you going to do with the top, it looks totally flat, are you going to give it a cylindrical or spherical profile? I know it would be more, but I don't think totally flat would be very appealing.

I didn't give it a profile to cut down on costs. You would be surprised how much more expensive a keycap with a profile is.

Binge · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:18:17 »

I'm in. I want some seriously badass seal(emblem) style engraving

Photekq · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:39:11 »

Seal emblem engraving?

Tym · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:42:06 »

Seal Ingraving?

esoomenona · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:42:56 »

Can you engrave a moose on it?

Also, what height are they? Similar to top row? Would bottom row be possible (nice for some Fn keys)?

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:45:33 »

Quote from: Photekq on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:39:11

Seal emblem engraving?

Quote from: Tym on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:42:06

Seal Ingraving?

Show Image

Navy Seal maybe?

Photekq · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 12:22:50 »

Quote from: esoomenona on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:42:56

Can you engrave a moose on it?

Also, what height are they? Similar to top row? Would bottom row be possible (nice for some Fn keys)?

They will be 1cm high, which is about the same height as f-row cherry profile keys. You could use them for bottom row, but since they have no profile they might not match too well. I think they would work best as an esc key or even as the three media keys that some boards have.
I can engrave a moose if you can provide a fairly simple vector. These can't be extremely complex due to the small canvas (18x18mm)

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:45:33

Quote from: Photekq on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:39:11
Seal emblem engraving?

Quote from: Tym on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:42:06
Seal Ingraving?

Show Image

Navy Seal maybe?

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

That's what I was thinking initially.. I'm still confused :confused:

mashby · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 14:54:30 »

I would be interested.

Photekq · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 19 July 2013, 15:18:02 »

Here's an example of what could be done

Kempher · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 01:12:49 »

Not a bad concept, any idea which row these will fit, or when you say no profile, are you going to keep it completely flat?

SeriouSSpotS · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 10:59:36 »

I would be interested.

codyeatworld · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:01:57 »

I would want a couple with engraving!

Photekq · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:07:19 »

Quote from: Kempher on Tue, 23 July 2013, 01:12:49

Not a bad concept, any idea which row these will fit, or when you say no profile, are you going to keep it completely flat?

They are square-shaped. Completely flat.

I have my prototypes here now. They're absolutely beautiful and my machinist has done a great job of the engraving. They're also bulky as hell (weight 25g each) and have an amazing feel to them. I need to smooth some things out with them before I even think about selling any though.

They're hard to photograph since they're so shiny.. but this should give a good idea of how it looks. I'm afraid I don't have an MX board to put it on atm.

calavera · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:15:11 »

Curious as to how these would look on a board though, like does the height match with row1 (function row)?

Photekq · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:16:11 »

Quote from: calavera on Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:15:11

Curious as to how these would look on a board though, like does the height match with row1 (function row)?

These are 1cm high, very close to the height of Cherry profile R1 caps. I'm curious too. I think they'd be most suited to esc, or as media keys.

MOZ · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:17:52 »

Looks real nice. If only it were spherical.

Kempher · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 13:01:13 »

Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:07:19

Quote from: Kempher on Tue, 23 July 2013, 01:12:49
Not a bad concept, any idea which row these will fit, or when you say no profile, are you going to keep it completely flat?
They are square-shaped. Completely flat.

I have my prototypes here now. They're absolutely beautiful and my machinist has done a great job of the engraving. They're also bulky as hell (weight 25g each) and have an amazing feel to them. I need to smooth some things out with them before I even think about selling any though.

They're hard to photograph since they're so shiny.. but this should give a good idea of how it looks. I'm afraid I don't have an MX board to put it on atm.

Show Image

It really does look fantastic. Very heavy though, you'll need a heavier spring under that bad boy to compensate. I wonder if anyone would fill an entire keyboard with these lol.

Photekq · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 13:04:26 »

Quote from: Kempher on Tue, 23 July 2013, 13:01:13

Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:07:19
Quote from: Kempher on Tue, 23 July 2013, 01:12:49
Not a bad concept, any idea which row these will fit, or when you say no profile, are you going to keep it completely flat?
They are square-shaped. Completely flat.

I have my prototypes here now. They're absolutely beautiful and my machinist has done a great job of the engraving. They're also bulky as hell (weight 25g each) and have an amazing feel to them. I need to smooth some things out with them before I even think about selling any though.

They're hard to photograph since they're so shiny.. but this should give a good idea of how it looks. I'm afraid I don't have an MX board to put it on atm.

Show Image

It really does look fantastic. Very heavy though, you'll need a heavier spring under that bad boy to compensate. I wonder if anyone would fill an entire keyboard with these lol.

I don't think you'd want to put it on a key you use frequently :)) At least it isn't 50g.. then you wouldn't even be able to use it on lighter switches. Thanks for the compliment :)

MOZ · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 23 July 2013, 20:59:25 »

Good thing, I am getting 80g springs

Lu_e · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:00:39 »

Lead-free?

neoezekiel · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:09:45 »

Quote from: Lu_e on Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:00:39

Lead-free?

Since when did Brass contain Lead?

Also I am in for a few of these once you start selling

Lu_e · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:01:42 »

Quote from: neoezekiel on Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:09:45

Quote from: Lu_e on Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:00:39
Lead-free?

Since when did Brass contain Lead?

Also I am in for a few of these once you start selling

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass#Lead_content

Photekq · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:07:55 »

I will ask my machinist about the lead content. Is it very important to you?

Photekq · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:42:03 »

The brass is a grade that contains small amounts of lead. It allows it to be machined easier.

Tym · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:47:37 »

I'm pretty sure its fine unless you decide to ingest the key or put it in your water supply.

Photekq · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:54:12 »

Quote from: Tym on Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:47:37

I'm pretty sure its fine unless you decide to ingest the key or put it in your water supply.

Yeah. It's totally fine. Even an entirely lead keycap would be fine.. It's not going to poison anyone

)

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:55:26 »

Quote from: Photekq on Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:54:12

Quote from: Tym on Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:47:37
I'm pretty sure its fine unless you decide to ingest the key or put it in your water supply.
Yeah. It's totally fine. Even an entirely lead keycap would be fine.. It's not going to poison anyone )

But be sure if you send any to California it's labeled as containing a toxic substance.

neoezekiel · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 13:17:45 »

Quote from: Lu_e on Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:01:42

Quote from: neoezekiel on Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:09:45
Quote from: Lu_e on Wed, 24 July 2013, 13:00:39
Lead-free?

Since when did Brass contain Lead?

Also I am in for a few of these once you start selling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass#Lead_content

I humbly eat my words.

MOZ · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 20:17:56 »

Photekq, would it be at all possible to share the CAD files for these, I would like to see if the local machinist can make these, I might get him to try on other materials as well, such as SS, Alu.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:27:08 »

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:11:07

You now I'll buy at least one just to have bro!!!...I think it should say sPaMrAy

^^

fydo · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:39:49 »

I'd be interested depending on price.

Looks pretty cool. How is the fit on the Cherry MX stem? I have heard that metal keycaps will sometimes fit very tightly.

Photekq · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:14:22 »

Quote from: mohitgarg on Wed, 07 August 2013, 20:17:56

Photekq, would it be at all possible to share the CAD files for these, I would like to see if the local machinist can make these, I might get him to try on other materials as well, such as SS, Alu.

No, not at the moment. I'm still playing with the design and waiting to hear back from testers. Maybe at a later date, but at the moment I still have many things to change.

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:27:08

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:11:07
You now I'll buy at least one just to have bro!!!...I think it should say sPaMrAy

^^

Soon. Soon

Quote from: fydo on Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:39:49

I'd be interested depending on price.
Looks pretty cool. How is the fit on the Cherry MX stem? I have heard that metal keycaps will sometimes fit very tightly.

The original prototypes (with TEK logo) were very tight. The V2s I had made for Bunny and HoffmanMyster fit very, very well.

MKULTRA · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:54:58 »

I'd be in.

You should look into blockers...

Photekq · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:56:13 »

Quote from: MKULTRA on Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:54:58

I'd be in.

You should look into blockers...

Different cases have different heights for their bezels.. It's hard to make it look nice.

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #37 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 00:23:04 »

Okay everybody. If this doesn't get you excited for these I don't know what will! Welcome to the dark side.

In case it isn't clear, the logo on this is raised, rather than being engraved and cut into the cap. I really like the look.

Please enjoy the photos below and an album with 11 additional photos here.

DSC01862 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

DSC01924 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

DSC01903 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

Different lighting

DSC01917 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

DSC01920 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

For reference, here is the image I sent:

kenmai9 · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 00:32:01 »

I would be interested in one with a Darth Vader etching? That would look so badass..

MOZ · « **Reply #39 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 03:03:54 »

Quote from: HoffmanMyster on Sat, 10 August 2013, 00:23:04

Okay everybody. If this doesn't get you excited for these I don't know what will! Welcome to the dark side.

In case it isn't clear, the logo on this is raised, rather than being engraved and cut into the cap. I really like the look.

Please enjoy the photos below and an album with 11 additional photos here.

Show Image

DSC01862 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

Show Image

DSC01924 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

Show Image

DSC01903 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

Different lighting
Show Image

DSC01917 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

Show Image

DSC01920 by HoffmanMyster, on Flickr

For reference, here is the image I sent:
Show Image

I fell in love when I saw that, the design is perfect for the keycap, reminds you of old navy seals, or pirates, ships, colonial days.

MOZ · « **Reply #40 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 03:04:47 »

--- Double Post ---

MOZ · « **Reply #41 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 04:00:39 »

If I can, I would get this:

Else:

CalmB4tehPwn · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 07:30:51 »

oOOHH, GoT House Sigils.

I love it, but I'd also like to see a quote on a key with... any profile. Spherical might be cool with a brass keycap. But I just want some profile, at all.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 10 August 2013, 07:37:25 »

Quote from: Photekq on Fri, 09 August 2013, 20:14:22

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 09 August 2013, 15:27:08
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Fri, 19 July 2013, 11:11:07
You now I'll buy at least one just to have bro!!!...I think it should say sPaMrAy

^^
Soon. Soon

Just dont' forget about me bro!!

fydo · « **Reply #44 on:** Thu, 29 August 2013, 23:06:24 »

Any word on this?

KangarooZombies · « **Reply #45 on:** Fri, 30 August 2013, 00:03:06 »

That prototype looks kick ass photeq.

Photekq · « **Reply #46 on:** Fri, 30 August 2013, 02:32:27 »

Quote from: fydo on Thu, 29 August 2013, 23:06:24

Any word on this?

Next revision coming soon

Quote from: KangarooZombies on Fri, 30 August 2013, 00:03:06

That prototype looks kick ass photeq.

Thanks man

noisyturtle · « **Reply #47 on:** Fri, 30 August 2013, 07:38:25 »

Quote from: Photekq on Fri, 30 August 2013, 02:32:27

Quote from: fydo on Thu, 29 August 2013, 23:06:24
Any word on this?
Next revision coming soon

I are excite

LechnerDE · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 30 August 2013, 08:00:09 »

Quote from: kenmai9 on Sat, 10 August 2013, 00:32:01

Can I get one with a Darth Vader etching? That would look so badass..

+1

I wouldn't mind a storm trooper either

MOZ · « **Reply #49 on:** Fri, 30 August 2013, 13:13:35 »

Waiting.

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Custom Engraved Brass Keycaps (Read 31458 times)