Close

Key caps

A project log for 32xe

Ergonomic QWERTY keyboard with Trackball

andrey-kalmatskiyAndrey Kalmatskiy 01/30/2017 at 17:422 Comments

Printed key caps (using keycaps.pk2):

If a 3D printer does not support multiple materials, the final model can be painted by permanent markers. I found that the Sharpie felt-tip pens are durable and well-adhesive to PLA.

The model texture is formed by parallel lines (at side surfaces) or cross-hatched pattern on top and bottom ones, and the ink flows in those micro cracks, thus spoiling the painted regions. So I performed a trick:

  1. Made a model as if it is two-material.
  2. Setup a slicer for two headed printer having zero offsets.
  3. Removed all Tn commands in resulting G-Code text file.

Resulting model texture is having etched contours of inter-color borders, and the ink of different color don't intermix.

Keys "TGBYHN" are raised by 2 millimeters:

Thumb caps are too long and unsteady, so I'm going to redesign them.

Here is the assembled keyboard from top (this time having full wiring):

Now I've started coding the firmware. This code looks useable for mouse sensor Dwergmuis

Discussions

Andrey Kalmatskiy wrote 02/04/2017 at 02:50 point

I'll try, thanks. Is it paintable?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Neon22 wrote 02/03/2017 at 21:19 point

consider using xtc-3d as a coating on the keys. nice shiny smooth surface IMHO

  Are you sure? yes | no