Volkswagen MK7 Golf/GTI Minimalist Key Case

prusaprinters

<p>I have hated the heavy bulky key for my MK7 GTI since I bought the car in 2017. My car literally doesn't even have a slot for the giant fold-out metal key (it's completely keyless) so I designed this as one of my first projects after getting my Prusa Mini+. The design and about two dozen test prints were completed over the course of a couple of weeks. In the end, I now have a fully-functioning key that takes up much less space in my pocket.</p><p>This case retains the use of the buttons (although I eliminated the panic button as I have never used it) and only sacrifices the actual metal key (which again I have never used as I have the completely keyless system). The top cover essentially has a “membrane” that is only 0.3mm thick which allows for enough flex that you can push the buttons through the case.</p><p>You will have to take apart one of your keys to get the circuit board in order to transfer to this new case. This is obviously done at your own risk and there is always potential for you messing something up (an expensive mistake, so be careful!). However, below is a helpful video I followed in order to take mine apart and in the end the old empty case is barely messed up so I can recommend it - but take your time and don't force anything too much.<br>&nbsp;</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzy_2DF5o7Y"></oembed></figure><p>The case is held together with three M3x6 bolts and three M3 nuts. Warning, putting it together is a little difficult because the spring tension from the battery holder wants to push them apart. But hopefully you'll only have to do it once every couple of years to replace the battery. I have an annual reminder in my phone to proactively change the battery before it dies so that a dead battery doesn't leave me stranded (since the metal key is no longer part of the package).</p><p>Stock Case</p><ul><li>(H) 71mm X (W) 39mm X (D) 17mm</li><li>71.4 grams</li></ul><p>Minimalist Case</p><ul><li>(H) 60mm X (W) 32mm X (D) 11mm</li><li>19.7 grams</li></ul><p>So this case weighs 75% less and takes up about half the volume (although to me the thickness was the most critical aspect of the size).</p><p>I have attached an .stl file and .skp file but be aware that both are scaled up x10 so when you bring them into your slicer you need to scale down to 0.1.</p><p>I put a small split ring on mine and then clip it to my pocket with a plastic Nite Ize S-Biner. Stays put all day and doesn't make a sound.</p><p>Any questions? Let me know!</p><p>EDIT: Updated to include v2 which is a more refined version. Now includes a fourth nut and bolt for more distributed clamping, shorter button pegs to eliminate accidental button pushes, and chamfered edges. Latest files include “V2” at the beginning. I printed the final version at a 0.1mm layer height with 0.4mm lines and 45mm/s speeds. There are now also two “top” options, one with two posts for “Lock” and “Unlock" only and another with four posts which also includes the “Trunk” and “Panic” buttons.</p>