Cherry MX Keycap Tolerance Test

thingiverse

This is a tolerance test design created for my Cherry MX keycap generator CAD designs: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4387400 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4397194 This design uses the following base dimensions for the + shaped switch stem from Cherry MX official drawings: Width: 4.1mm Thickness: 1.17mm The final width and thickness of the stem hole is calculated with a parameter called MXHoleTolerance which slightly widens the stem hole in the keycap. Instructions: 1. Print test pieces with varying tolerances, around 0.05mm for SLA printers and up to 0.1 for FDM printers. 2. Try inserting them onto your mechanical switches and find the one with the best fit. 3. Open the Keycap generator (links above), go into Modify -> Change Parameters and change MXHoleTolerance to the value listed on the print with the best fit. 4. Use the keycap generator to create and print keys of your dreams. Note: Even FDM printers have an accuracy around 0.05mm, so there will always be variation. If you're getting inconsistent fitment, try turning on anti-aliasing in your slicer (in Chitubox, this is in Settings -> Advanced) and rotating models 45 degrees on the XY plane. I also suggest getting fine diamond-coated needle files to adjust keys that are too tight.