3D print keycaps: What They Are & How to 3d print your own keycaps?

Would you like to give your mechanical keyboard a new look? Having some custom keycaps is really the way to go in such cases. 

There are many various types of keycaps available, but 3D print keycaps may make your keyboard more appealing. So, what exactly are they?

This blog post is just what you need. We will also tell you how to make your 3D print keycaps at home and help you to find out which is better between artisan custom keycaps or 3D printed custom keycaps.

What is a 3D-printed keycap?

A 3D-printed keycap is a custom-made keycap, designed in CAD and produced via a 3D printer. It’s compatible with many keyboard sizes and layouts, which offers users the ability to personalize key shapes, colors, and materials for the look of their keyboard.

Are 3D printed keycaps worth it?

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of 3D printing keycaps:

Pros	Cons
Wide range of color and material choices Affordable compared to artisan keycaps Allows full customization to your preferences Fun and creative process to design your own Access to pre-made designs or create your own Great for personalizing unique keycap designs 3D printing at home is becoming more accessible	May not withstand heavy use over time Lower overall quality than hand-crafted keycaps Requires precise measurements for proper fit FDM printers often struggle with fine details Time-consuming due to design, printing, and sanding Less artistic value compared to hand-painted caps Reduced collectible value as they're more common

Generally, 3D-printed keycaps are worth it for keyboard hobbyists who enjoy customization and have the patience for experimentation, especially those who already have a 3D printer. They can build many unique personalizations and achieve results that pre-made keycaps can’t provide. However, it may not be suitable for people who seek flawless, professional-quality keycaps without the time, effort, or resources required for trial, error, and finishing touches.

How To 3D Print Your Own Keycaps At Home?

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The first step in 3D printing custom keycaps is collecting all necessary materials and tools before starting. Here's what you'll need:

• 3D printer: A must-have for creating your custom keycaps. Ensure it is compatible with the filament you're using, whether PLA or resin.
• Design software: Use programs like AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or Tinkercad to design your keycaps. Accurate modeling will ensure a perfect fit for your keyboard.
• Filament: PLA filament is ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and affordability, while SLA or resin provides superior quality, durability, and clarity.
• Finishing tools: Sandpaper is used for smoothing rough surfaces, ensuring a polished finish after printing and a small knife helps cut away any excess material or imperfections on the printed keycaps.
• Blue tape: Used to secure the keycaps to the print bed for added stability during printing.
• Electronic caliper: Used to exactly measure the keycaps in millimeters to make sure the size fits perfectly with the keyboard you're using.

Proper preparation and having the right materials will ensure a smooth, efficient 3D printing experience and help you achieve professional-looking keycaps.

Step 2: Measure Your Keycaps

Accurately measuring your keycaps is an important step to ensure your custom 3D-printed keycaps fit perfectly. Start by using electronic calipers to measure the keycaps currently on your keyboard. Be sure to note the height, depth, stem size, and wall thickness. Since keycaps aren’t universal, exact measurements are essential to avoid misalignment or improper fitting during installation.

Additionally, capture any angles or curves unique to your keycaps. Make sure to measure both the top and bottom of each keycap, as their dimensions may vary. Precise millimeter-level accuracy is important, as even small discrepancies can affect the final fit. These measurements will guide your design process, ensuring that the printed keycaps match the original ones.

Step 3: Create A Design

Using CAD software like AutoCAD or Tinkercad, begin by modeling the base sides to form the keycap’s overall structure. Next, design the hollow lower portion with a shell wall thickness of around 1.25mm. Don’t forget to include the ergonomic curve on top for comfortable use and a stem underneath to fit your keyboard’s mechanical switches. Besides, you also need to consider the support structure that is essential for stabilizing the keycap during printing, especially for complex shapes.

There are several factors to consider when designing your 3D keycaps to ensure the best fit and feel for the keyboard. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

• Sculpted vs unsculpted: Sculpted keycaps vary in height and shape depending on their position on the keyboard, while unsculpted (uniform) keycaps have the same profile across all rows.
• Flat: These keycaps have a smooth, flat surface. They’re easier to print face down but may lead to accidental key presses due to their lack of contour.
• Angled: These keycaps have a slight tilt, reducing the chance of pressing multiple keys at once. They are also easy to print face down.
• Concave: With an indented surface, concave keycaps guide your fingertips, improving accuracy. However, they can be difficult to print due to their shape.
• Convex: Convex keycaps bulge outward and are usually reserved for larger keys, like the spacebar. Similar to concave keycaps, they can be tricky to print.
• Height: Keycaps come in low, medium, and high profiles. Taller keycaps offer more sculpting, while lower ones are ergonomically advantageous.

Additionally, if you prefer to use ready-made designs and wonder where to find 3D print templates for keycaps, websites like Yeggi and Thingiverse offer a variety of free 3D printing keycap templates. Besides, Reddit communities are also great resources, where users often share files and helpful tips for 3D printing enthusiasts.

Here are some suggested 3D printed keycaps designs that can be downloaded from popular 3D printing sources:

Source	Sample
Thingiverse	The Gun Keycap
	Minecraft Keycap
	Sonic Arrow Keycap
	Cherry MX Keycap
	‘Boom’ Enter Key Keycap
	Minecraft Ore Keycap
	Mimic in training Keycap
Cults3d	Valorant Keycap
	Genshin Impact Keycap
	Transparent Keycap Base
	Corgi Puppy Keycaps
	Anime Keycap
MyMiniFactory	Creasi Keycap Designs
	Fantasy Keycaps
CGTrader	Kurama Keycap
	Superhero Logo Keycaps
Rshakur	Death trooper head keycap
Hirosart	2B Nier Automata Artisan Keycap
	Master Sword The Legend of Zelda Keycap
	Godzilla Monster Artisan Keycap

Step 4: Print Your Keycaps

Once your keycap material is ready, it's time to move on to the printing stage. To start, choosing the right design software is crucial for creating an accurate and detailed keycap model. You can use CAD software like Fusion 360, which provides advanced tools for precision modeling, or Tinkercad, with a more beginner-friendly option for simpler designs. For those looking to craft more intricate and detailed keycaps, Blender is a good choice due to its powerful sculpting features.

Equally important are the 3D printer settings, which determine the quality and durability of the printed keycaps:

• Nozzle Temperature: Adjust based on the filament material being used. For example, 190 - 210°C for PLA, 230 - 250°C for ABS and PETG
• Bed Temperature: Maintain a stable print bed based on the material, with PLA requiring 50 - 60°C, ABS needing 90 - 110°C, and PETG 70 - 90°C for better adhesion
• Print Speed: Slower speeds at around 40 - 60mm/s for PLA and ABS material, or 30 - 50mm/s for PETG, ensure that finer details are captured during the printing process
• Layer Height: Typically set between 0.1 - 0.2mm, helps achieve a smoother finish on the keycaps
• Infill: Usually between 20 - 40% infill strikes a balance between durability and efficient material usage, ensuring that the keycaps have enough strength without using excessive material

Setting	PLA	ABS	PETG
Nozzle Temperature	190 - 210°C	230 - 250°C	230 - 250°C
Bed Temperature	50 - 60°C	90 - 110°C	70 - 90°C
Print Speed	40 - 60 mm/s	40 - 60 mm/s	30 - 50 mm/s
Layer Height	0.1 - 0.2mm	0.1 - 0.2mm	0.1 - 0.2mm
Infill	20 - 40%	20 - 40%	20 - 40%

Step 5: Sanding and Finishing

After printing, your keycaps may require some finishing to achieve a smooth and polished appearance. If you use PLA filament, the clarity of the translucent keycap may not be very good, but the clarity will be quite high if you use SLA filament. For added shine, you can use a polishing compound or buffing wheel. While this may not achieve the same level of clarity as a fully transparent keycap, it can significantly enhance the overall appearance and allow for better LED backlight visibility.

For a polished finish, consider applying post-processing techniques:

• Removing support structures: Use pliers or a sharp knife to carefully remove any support material from your keycaps. Be cautious to avoid damaging the keycap itself. Consider using a heated tool to soften it easier to remove.
• Sanding: Pay attention to corners and edges and sand in a circular motion. Start with coarse grit sandpaper like 180 grit to remove larger imperfections, and gradually move to finer grits such as 240, 320, or 400 grit for a smoother finish.
• Priming: Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the sanded keycaps which helps to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.
• Painting: Use acrylic or enamel paints specifically designed for plastic surfaces, apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat to avoid drips and runs. For a more durable finish, consider applying a clear coat after the final layer of paint.

Step 6: Install Your Keycaps

When your keycaps are finished, install them on your keyboard. Carefully remove the existing keycaps using a keycap puller. Then gently insert your custom keycaps onto the switches, ensuring they are securely seated.

Pay attention to their alignment and orientation. Ensure that the keycaps are positioned correctly relative to the surrounding keys. Once installed, test the keypress of keycaps to ensure they function properly and provide a comfortable typing experience.

Tips for 3D Printing Keycaps for Mechanical Keyboards

There are some important tips and considerations to ensure a successful and customized 3D print keycaps result:

• Test for fit: Accurate measurements are essential to ensure the keycaps fit snugly on the keyboard switches. Trial and error may be necessary to achieve the correct fit due to variations in 3D printer accuracy.
• Choose the right material: Materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and resin each have their strengths. PLA is easy to print but less durable, while ABS offers more durability and heat resistance. PETG provides a balance of flexibility and strength, while resin delivers high detail but requires more post-processing.
• Optimize printer settings: Adjust settings according to your filament type including nozzle temperature, layer height, and infill for durability and efficient material usage.
• Apply finishing techniques: Sanding, polishing, or applying a clear coat after printing will improve both the appearance and durability of your keycaps. These methods help eliminate layer lines, smooth edges, and add protection to prevent wear over time.

Best Material For 3D Printing Keycaps

The best material for 3D printing keycaps is resin, known for its smooth finish, high durability, and ability to produce intricate designs. Resin-based methods like SLA or DLP result in keycaps that are both visually appealing and long-lasting. However, resin 3D printing requires a specific type of printer and involves additional post-processing steps such as sanding or curing to achieve optimal results.

Other materials, such as PLA, ABS, and PETG, are also commonly used. PLA is easy to print and available in many colors but can warp or break under stress. ABS offers more durability and heat resistance, though it emits strong odors during printing and is more challenging to work with. PETG strikes a balance, offering better flexibility and strength than PLA without the difficulty of ABS.

Both FDM and SLA printers can produce keycaps, but each has its advantages and specific settings. Here’s a comparison of recommended settings for each:

adaKey.stl FnSkull.stl comKey.stl blankKey.stl	SLA: 25 microns: 2.5 exposure time 50 microns: 3.5 exposure time	SLA: 25 mirons: 130 mins 50 microns: 40 mins
	FDM: @235 PLA 15% Infill 0.15 Layer Height 2 Shells 60mm/s Print Speed 120mm/s Travel Speed	FDM: 20 mins

3D Printed Custom Keycaps vs Artisan Custom Keycaps

Artistic Feel

Regarding artistic touch, you may truly appreciate an artisan keycap as a work of art from top to bottom when you get one.

You know the materials and colors were carefully chosen and that the art was hand-crafted by the artist.  As a result, the artisan keycaps may have more alive feelings which mass-production 3D printers have yet to do.

That’s why many people having a sense of art usually prefer premium artisan keycaps. You can also read: Why Artisan Keycaps are so popular now? to learn more about its popularity.

Affordability

In terms of cost, the winner will be surely 3D printed keycaps. Due to the lower material costs and no manual work involved, a 3D printed keycap may have 20-50% of the price of a new artisan keycap.

If you can acquire artisan keycaps brand-new from the artist, they will set you back $20-40. Moreover, If you miss the first sale, you will even end yourself spending twice as much or more in the aftermarket.

Collectibility

Collecting artisan keycaps is a cool hobby for many folks. Almost all of the fun for them is hunting down the unique keycap they desire and trying to get a good bargain on it. Many folks in some forums also trade their artisan keycaps.

As you can buy 3D printed keycaps for a low price anywhere, you may not gain the collectible value as the moment of getting an artisan keycap. It also doesn't feel like what you'd struggle to acquire because they can always produce more.

Design options

3D printed keycaps are designed through software that uses accurate, calculated measurement systems. Therefore, they can perform some very interesting multi-piece tricks that may be much more difficult than making an artisan keycap.

There are also some extremely tiny pieces, which would be difficult to shape and cast; however, everything is getting easier with 3D printed technology.

Material choices

The artist has ultimate control over the end result for artisan keycaps. Any keycap will appear precisely as the creator intended unless you're insane enough to try changing materials or coloring it (and damaging its value).

For 3D print keycaps, there are at least different colors of plastic with a variety of materials to choose from, including metals like silver and gold. Even several weird things like sandstone, porcelain, and wax that you wouldn't believe could be 3D printed.

So, that’s all about 3D printed keycaps vs artisan keycaps. If you want to know more about other keycaps, check out this article: The Complete Guide to different types of keycap: Materials, Profiles, Printing methods, and more

Final Thought

In conclusion, 3D print keycaps still have certain places in the market.

If you are on a budget, 3D printed keycaps will be a good choice. However, they will not give you artistic value as artisan keycaps can do.

So, if you want to get a sense of a collectible work of art, visit Hirosart and explore the world of artisan keycaps.

FAQs

Can you 3D print your own keycaps at home?

Yes, absolutely. With material, a print template, and a printer, you can make any 3D print artisan keycaps you want.

How long does it take to 3D print a keycap?

The 3D pieces were created with a tiny build platform. These pieces can take up to an hour to print and use roughly 2 grams of material.

What is the best printer to print 3D keycaps?

The resin printer can be a good choice for printing 3D keycaps due to its good performance and higher-quality outcomes.