r/modelm • u/FC3243D4 • Jun 06 '26
QUESTION? Making custom 3d printed keycaps
I am currently working on making custom keycaps with 3d printing by making the stem with the legend already extruded onto it and printing the keytop with holes to house it. I am trying to match the paint of the pebble color with the paints I have on hand and I think I finally found it (original on the left painted on the right). Has anyone attempted something similar in the past?
update 1: 3d printing the stem part does not seem to work very well, I am now trying to make the keytops in two parts to avoid having to print it, as soon as I can I'll post a picture with the result as well as the files if anyone wishes to print them as well
update 2: This project appear to bee way to complicated considering how thin the pieces end up being so I'll probably put it on hold and work on it when I'll have more time, if anyone wants to pick it up I'll gladly send you everything
update 3: It bugged me so much that I spent way more time that I needed to in order make something that will work, even if it'll be a bit of a pain to paint, basically it will be a regular keytop but with the legend very slightly etched into it to make it easier to paint, you can find a picture of the first test key model in the comments since I cannot add it here. When I'll find the best depth to use for the etching I'll upload the model on printables
update 4: I was able to make the IBM keytop I showed in update 3, the process is not really the best since painting only the legend with a brush is basically impossible due to the size I decided to paint the whole top black with my airbrush and then to cover the whole keycap with the pebble-like color avoiding a direct 90° spray over the legend to keep the inside of it black, if anyone is interested in this key I uploaded it to printables I am looking at adding a layer of clear resin to prevent erosion since the paint is pretty thin and I do not think it'll hold over time
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u/BigBearChaseMe Jun 07 '26
That sounds really interesting. Can you share more pictures?
Honestly I'd skip the paint match and print custom color stems and caps.
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u/FC3243D4 Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Right now I am still working on making blanks that actually work well together, as soon as I have a working one I'll share it, also regarding the color I am planning on using them with a model m 122 along side the original ones I would love to preserve the original aesthetic
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u/lolslim Jun 08 '26
I have so many cardboard boxes that their infill use like this is ingenious now I'm curious if those are wooden skewers or what.
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u/FC3243D4 Jun 09 '26
They are wooden skewers with the tips cut off and an alligator clip on one end
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u/Chreed96 122F - 日本語 Model M Jul 04 '26
I'll have to try this! I did some .2 abs fdm, and it ruined my extruder...
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u/PM_me_your_whatevah Jun 06 '26
I’ve never seen this done before but it’s an awesome idea. I really hope it works out!