How to customize key caps?

[Silencer67]

Hello everyone! I just purchased my first Mechanical Keyboard (CS Storm Quickfire tk) and I've been looking into custom key caps. My search led me to these forums and I thought someone here could answer a few questions I had about custom key caps.

First off, I was wondering how keycaps can be customized like this:
http://store.ggwpapparel.com/product/pre-order-clg-logo-key-cap

How do you take a normal solid black key and get a symbol into it? I'm looking to maybe pick up customizing key caps as a hobby. Not so much making key caps themselves but buying solid black key caps and customizing them like putting a logo or symbol into it. What would I need to get started? Can someone point me in the direction of a thread or something to help me get started? I'd greatly appreciate it!

I would like to thank everyone in advance for their time! Have a great day!

[MOZ]

It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing

At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.

[Silencer67]

It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing

At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.

I can't do something like Laser Etching?

[MOZ]

It's very hard to print on your own. Have a read through this to see how legends (The symbols on keycaps) are produced: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing

At home, most people produce novelty caps by creating their own molds, and/or painting pre-manufactured ones.

I can't do something like Laser Etching?

If you saw the link, yes, you can , it is one the ways keycaps are printed.

[mythe]

The cheapest and most practical way would probably be to go through wasdkeyboards.  It's only $15 for 2 keys: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/custom-keycap.html
If you decide to laser etch your own then you need a laser engraver.  I think you can get a cheap engraver for around $500, but idk if ones that cheap are precise enough to detail a keycap.  It might be worth it if you are planning to engrave a ton of keys.
Otherwise, you can also get hobby waterslides and print out a decal.  Those won't be as durable but it might be practical in some cases.  The biggest downside is that you can't print in white unless you have a special printer.

[mindoculus]

the custom key design on WASD is a nice  option.

what type of images are best ? what's the sweet spot for resolution where details are not blurred or sacrificed? any pictures of actual custom WASD keys ?