Hi All,

I’m planning to print a plate & case for a handwired 46-key split kb. I have access to both SLA & FDM printers at a fab lab, so wondering which printer tech would be best to print various parts such as keycaps, plate, case etc. Function’s more important than looks for me.

I’m allowed to use PLA or TPU for the FDM, and the default resin (ABS-like?) for SLA.

I’m thinking:

  • Keycaps: SLA (I want really thin keycaps)
  • Plate: ?? (not sure what’s better for a thin & durable plate that allows a bit of flex when typing)
  • Case: FDM (Due to costs, and easy to embed screws & magnets)
  • Wrist rest (if any): FDM? Would TPU wrist rest be clean or comfortable?
  • Gaskets, extra layers (if any): FDM (cuz TPU)

What do you think?

  • @shaysub
    6•1 year ago

    For my board, I printed keycaps, plate and case all with FDM in PLA.

    • @Necromnomicon
      3•1 year ago

      Dude, what settings did you use to print those? Did you do any post processing? They all look amazing

      • @shaysub
        3•1 year ago

        No post processing on any of this. The case and plate were just with my standard printer settings, nothing special. For the keycaps, I printed them at an 80° angle so the stems would be stronger and used organic supports. 0.1mm layer height and oriented so the layer lines are along the finger travel direction so you don’t notice the layer lines in use very much

        • wjrii
          1•1 year ago

          Do I see fuzzy skin on the plate at least?

          • @shaysub
            2•1 year ago

            It isn’t fuzzy skin as set in the slicer, but it is texture imparted on the switch plate by using a textured PEI build plate.

    • MouldyC
      2•1 year ago

      Can you share the files for your case? I’m wanting to make the same (Hillside 40, no?), but can only find files for a 46, and am hoping to avoid the learning curve needed for 3d modeling. Thanks.