Modular Keycap

thingiverse

The primary objective of this project was to create a keycap design that separates the supporting piece, which attaches to the switch, from the top of the key, the actual design on display. Several reasons motivated this approach: * It enables the cap to be printed without supports, which are notoriously difficult to remove from the bottom * You can replace the design part without having to reprint the entire key or add the key into the design * You can use a different filament without pausing the print at a certain height to switch it out * It's an enjoyable process The solution I arrived at was a 3-part design consisting of the key, the aesthetically pleasing top part, and a connecting piece; if the pretty top part has a flat surface on top, you can attach the connecting piece directly to the bottom of it. I've included several sample designs for the top of the key, but it's straightforward to adjust them to suit your needs. Simply resize your design to the desired size, then cut out a cylinder from the bottom with a 6mm diameter and 2.5mm height (1.5mm for the smaller connector). Alternatively, if your design is easier to print upside-down, you can attach a hexagonal prism to the bottom that inscribes into a 6mm diameter circle with a 2.5mm height. On June 4, 2019, I added another type of connector specifically designed for a particular model. I printed out this skull model: https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-free-detailed-skull-93540 and created a connector that fits into the foramen magnum at the base of the skull (I had to look up what this was; it's the large hole in the bottom).