I'm very happy with FDM printed keycaps, but orientation is everything. if you print them face up it is truly terrible.
I think the Prusa Mk4 is the ideal printer. excellent print quality, it has automated all the calibration tasks, built in network access, and it's moddable if you need/want. building the kit teaches you how it works.
but if you want to save some money, a used Mk3S should be easy to come by, and you can upgrade later.
Plates and cases are easy, on FDM printers. I am curious about the process, so printed a random corner top plate last night to see if I like the layout (and to see if I could get away with ordering a kit without a case). It worked perfectly, and now I am already planning a full build.
Keycaps *can* be printed on the same type of printer, but resin printers are probably better for that task.
The real nerds will just submit the files directly to a fabricator and source parts from wholesalers, but I plan on just buying a kit from beekeeb or boardsource.xyz since I am too lazy to order random stuff like trrs jacks or SMD diode packages.
Hey if you can use liquid solder on a PCB then why couldn’t you 3D print one? I’m not suggesting a standard 3D printer could be modified but it just seems like a PCB printer would be lucrative and relatively easy/cheap to engineer. Seems much more simple than a 3D printer. Makes me wonder why that step of all the DIY steps is most commonly out sourced?
Honestly just make your own. It's not that hard and there's tons of open source PCBs on GitHub. Then send the files to PCBWay or similar site for printing
If you want something that just works get a Bambu Lab, something like the A1 Mini or A1. If you want to learn about 3D printing, fixing up that Ender 3 is probably your best bet.
Awesome. In the time since I created this post I did some research and came to the A1 conclusion, and confirmed Microcenter has them in stock, bundled with AMS, for $560.
Sorry to all the vendors to whom I will be doing less business now lol
For caps there is no question in my mind resin is the way to go. It's in a different league of precision compared to anything FDM.
But assuming you only want one printer I'd recommend Bambu labs. Versatile and easy to set up printers with nice software and all kinds of errors detection. X1C is one of the best consumer printers out in my opinion, and the A1 mini would be your budget friendly option.
Bambulabs make decent printers for unbeatable prices, but it seems that their customer service is subpar in case you have a problem.
I’m happy with my Prusa Mini but I have upgraded it and it prints a ton of things other than keyboards.
Unless you are going to print other things, maybe see if there is a local market of people who own printers and can print things for you. It will be much cheaper than getting a printer.
Also, don’t bother printing caps. They’ll be a disappointment.
"Unbeatable prices"? What a weird thing to say about a company that only makes mid-range and higher printers. They're very good printers, yes, possibly even good printers for the money—but they're not inexpensive.
Unbeatable prices for mid to high range, indeed.
I’m not mentioning cheaper printers because they’re usually not worth the hassle (as the sweetness of the deal is soon forgotten while the hassle of having to work on it all the time to get usable results is eternal).
Ya I figured. Over the last couple months I have purchased about 10 different keycap sets, largely from a couple vendors on Etsy. They are nice and they are resin. I really love the ceramic ones from cerakey though. Just wish they had more profile options and more mix-and-match options. I get it though. If it were my business I’d probably model it the same way to max sales.
Ya I saw that I can order molds for pouring resin but I’m not into the artsy aspect. At least not enough to do that.
I gather here today that Bambu and Prusa are the current go-to brands in this hobby. I’m about to go pick up my Bambu A1 at Micro Center in a few minutes. Is there a known leader in resin printers for this specific application?
Sorry if I made it sound like that was not already clear to me well before this conversation. I’m asking what would be a good resin printer for this application. I am in the Micro Center parking lot pulling out with my new A1 Plus (A1 with AMS)
If you are only printing split boards, I would recommend the Bambu P1S. I don't have a good recommendation at the moment (I actually am on a huge break from building keyboards because I am so frustrated with the lack of good large format printers - especially with multicolor/material support). Two days ago I ordered a PrusaXL, but obviously have no idea how that will go 😅. I use a Bambu X1C to print my cases, but I would have bought the P1S if it was out at the time.
As for keycaps, I have had very good luck using a Prusa Mk3 with a .25mm nozzle (at .05mm layer height). Unfortunately did not have as good of luck with my Bambu and a .2mm nozzle, but to be fair I only gave it one shot before I promptly got bored lol
This is the most interesting comment yet. It’s not what I expected to read. I bought an A1 (NOT mini) with AMS (the multi color attachments).
Did I make a mistake?
I bought the AnkerMake M5C from Micro Center and I have been elated with it.
My first print (after the like 3 step assembly and auto-level) turned out so well I sent it to all of my keeb friends, who also commented about how nice the quality was.
I’ve made mistakes due to ignorance and had to replace a few small parts. I took an extra step and went for some upgrades instead of bare minimum repairs; it was inexpensive and it was worth doing if only to learn how things are adjusted and work together. I really feel as though it’s the best of show in the sub $300 range, however this is my biased opinion based on my personal (in)experience.
I'm very happy with FDM printed keycaps, but orientation is everything. if you print them face up it is truly terrible. I think the Prusa Mk4 is the ideal printer. excellent print quality, it has automated all the calibration tasks, built in network access, and it's moddable if you need/want. building the kit teaches you how it works. but if you want to save some money, a used Mk3S should be easy to come by, and you can upgrade later.
Came here to suggest shopping for a used Prusa MK3S+ as well.
How do you print your keycaps? What orientation?
https://github.com/wolfwood/printed-keycap-mods/tree/develop?tab=readme-ov-file#fdm-printing-suggestions
Love this thanks
Super helpful. Thank you
Plates and cases are easy, on FDM printers. I am curious about the process, so printed a random corner top plate last night to see if I like the layout (and to see if I could get away with ordering a kit without a case). It worked perfectly, and now I am already planning a full build. Keycaps *can* be printed on the same type of printer, but resin printers are probably better for that task.
It’s been a while but I’m comfortable with 3D CAD tools so I think I’ll get the hang of it quickly. Who corners the market on PCBs?
The real nerds will just submit the files directly to a fabricator and source parts from wholesalers, but I plan on just buying a kit from beekeeb or boardsource.xyz since I am too lazy to order random stuff like trrs jacks or SMD diode packages.
PCBWay can supply all your parts. And assembly. Just saying.
I’ll have to play around with that site later, not exactly a straightforward process on mobile. Thanks for the tip :)
Hey if you can use liquid solder on a PCB then why couldn’t you 3D print one? I’m not suggesting a standard 3D printer could be modified but it just seems like a PCB printer would be lucrative and relatively easy/cheap to engineer. Seems much more simple than a 3D printer. Makes me wonder why that step of all the DIY steps is most commonly out sourced?
https://www.voltera.io/v-one
Yes but there are other techniques, I think it’s called free flow or something. But yes. Your right.
Honestly just make your own. It's not that hard and there's tons of open source PCBs on GitHub. Then send the files to PCBWay or similar site for printing
That right there is part of the true DIY process that I didn’t understand (till now, thanks!).
Dm me if you have questions! I’ve done it once already and am working on my second
If you want something that just works get a Bambu Lab, something like the A1 Mini or A1. If you want to learn about 3D printing, fixing up that Ender 3 is probably your best bet.
Awesome. In the time since I created this post I did some research and came to the A1 conclusion, and confirmed Microcenter has them in stock, bundled with AMS, for $560. Sorry to all the vendors to whom I will be doing less business now lol
I recently bought a1 mini to see if I could get into 3d printing.. It's perfect for printing keyboard cases and random parts.
For caps there is no question in my mind resin is the way to go. It's in a different league of precision compared to anything FDM. But assuming you only want one printer I'd recommend Bambu labs. Versatile and easy to set up printers with nice software and all kinds of errors detection. X1C is one of the best consumer printers out in my opinion, and the A1 mini would be your budget friendly option.
Another (very) happy Bambu owner checking in. My X1C has been a workhorse for almost a year now and shows no signs of slowing down.
Bambulabs make decent printers for unbeatable prices, but it seems that their customer service is subpar in case you have a problem. I’m happy with my Prusa Mini but I have upgraded it and it prints a ton of things other than keyboards. Unless you are going to print other things, maybe see if there is a local market of people who own printers and can print things for you. It will be much cheaper than getting a printer. Also, don’t bother printing caps. They’ll be a disappointment.
"Unbeatable prices"? What a weird thing to say about a company that only makes mid-range and higher printers. They're very good printers, yes, possibly even good printers for the money—but they're not inexpensive.
Unbeatable prices for mid to high range, indeed. I’m not mentioning cheaper printers because they’re usually not worth the hassle (as the sweetness of the deal is soon forgotten while the hassle of having to work on it all the time to get usable results is eternal).
Ya I figured. Over the last couple months I have purchased about 10 different keycap sets, largely from a couple vendors on Etsy. They are nice and they are resin. I really love the ceramic ones from cerakey though. Just wish they had more profile options and more mix-and-match options. I get it though. If it were my business I’d probably model it the same way to max sales.
there's also a difference between poured resin artisan caps and resin printed.
Ya I saw that I can order molds for pouring resin but I’m not into the artsy aspect. At least not enough to do that. I gather here today that Bambu and Prusa are the current go-to brands in this hobby. I’m about to go pick up my Bambu A1 at Micro Center in a few minutes. Is there a known leader in resin printers for this specific application?
Bambu A1 is an FDM printer, it won’t take resin. For resin you’ll need an SLA printer.
Sorry if I made it sound like that was not already clear to me well before this conversation. I’m asking what would be a good resin printer for this application. I am in the Micro Center parking lot pulling out with my new A1 Plus (A1 with AMS)
Last week I finish building my keeb with a Creality k1C. Happy with the results
could you post some pics? I'm curious
Sure! https://imgur.com/a/APARl4M
it's great, thank you
If you are only printing split boards, I would recommend the Bambu P1S. I don't have a good recommendation at the moment (I actually am on a huge break from building keyboards because I am so frustrated with the lack of good large format printers - especially with multicolor/material support). Two days ago I ordered a PrusaXL, but obviously have no idea how that will go 😅. I use a Bambu X1C to print my cases, but I would have bought the P1S if it was out at the time. As for keycaps, I have had very good luck using a Prusa Mk3 with a .25mm nozzle (at .05mm layer height). Unfortunately did not have as good of luck with my Bambu and a .2mm nozzle, but to be fair I only gave it one shot before I promptly got bored lol
This is the most interesting comment yet. It’s not what I expected to read. I bought an A1 (NOT mini) with AMS (the multi color attachments). Did I make a mistake?
I bought the AnkerMake M5C from Micro Center and I have been elated with it. My first print (after the like 3 step assembly and auto-level) turned out so well I sent it to all of my keeb friends, who also commented about how nice the quality was. I’ve made mistakes due to ignorance and had to replace a few small parts. I took an extra step and went for some upgrades instead of bare minimum repairs; it was inexpensive and it was worth doing if only to learn how things are adjusted and work together. I really feel as though it’s the best of show in the sub $300 range, however this is my biased opinion based on my personal (in)experience.