What Resin Keycaps Are and What They Used for
Resin keycaps are a type of keycap that is made from resin. They are often used for mechanical keyboards and used to add extra color and style to a keyboard, and they are available in a variety of different colors and designs. This makes them popular among keyboard enthusiasts who want to customize their keyboards. Resin keycaps are also more expensive than other types of keycaps, such as ABS keycaps. However, they are still a popular choice among keyboard users due to their durability and uniqueness.
Resin keycaps are made from resin, which is a type of plastic. They are often used for backlit keyboards, as the resin is translucent and allows light to pass through. This makes the keycaps look more colorful and vibrant. Resin keycaps are also less likely to wear down over time, as they are less likely to fade or chip.
The Benefits of Resin Keycaps
Resin keycaps are becoming a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for a variety of reasons. Some of the benefits of resin keycaps include:
1. They are incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them a good choice for those who are hard on their gear. With the material resin, the keycaps are very durable and have a long lifespan.
2. They have a very unique and eye-catching appearance, which can add personality to your keyboard. The fact about resin keycaps is that they’re a canvas for your creation. If you’re not that artistic, you can use them plain. Still, if you have that vibe within you, you can use different colors, paints, patterns, stickers, and decorations to add to your resin mold to make the keycaps vibrant and stunning in comparison to artisan keycaps.
3. They are relatively affordable, compared with the common keycaps, resin keycaps are cheaper which is beneficial for keycaps enthusiasts, making them a good option for those on a budget.
4. When it comes to PBT keycaps or ABS keycaps, they are all made by factories with a difficult process. However, the resin keycaps could be made by people who would like to personalize their keyboard more beautifully at home simply at a low cost.
How to Make Resin Keycaps
Resin keycaps are a great way to add some personality to your keyboard. Not only are they unique and colorful, but they can also be very personal because you can choose the shape and design of your keycaps. In this tutorial, we will show you how to make resin keycaps using a silicone mold and resin.
First, you will need to create a mold for your keycaps. You can use a silicone mold or a 3D-printed mold. If you are using a silicone mold, make sure that it is in the shape of the keycap that you want to make. If you are using a 3D-printed mold, make sure that the walls of the mold are at least 1mm thick to ensure that the resin does not leak out.
What’s more, you should prepare a mask for protection, gloves, mica powder for a bit of color, an array of decorations of your choice, and A and B epoxy resin. A disposable plastic cup, stirring rod, original keycap, electronic scale, and sandpaper are also necessary. When you have prepared these tools, let’s begin.
Step 1: Mixing and stirring
Pour adequate A epoxy resin and B epoxy resin into the disposable plastic cups and use the electronic scales to weigh out the rate approximately 3 to 1. And then mix the two types of epoxy resin into one plastic cup. After mixing, it’s time to stir the liquid with the stirring rod, which will last about 5 to 6 minutes. When you find the liquid becomes clear, transparent, and easier to stir and there are no more filaments, it means the stirring work is done. In this process, you should better stir the liquid in one direction to minimize the inclusion of air bubbles. After the stirring, you could leave it to defoam for 10 minutes.
Step2: Pouring and decorating
After that, you’re going to slowly pour the resin into the mold and make sure you fill it to the top; even overfilling, it won’t be a problem, as long as you don’t underfill it. Then you’re also going to add the resin mixture into the mold for the switch stem because otherwise, your keycap won’t fit on your keyboard switch. And now you could add your own artistic touch or some mica powder to make your keycap cool and beautiful. Finally, leave it to harden for 24 hours.
Step 3: Demoulding and polishing
Once the keycaps have hardened completely by the next day, you are ready to release them. This is not the end of the process. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the keycaps and the underside of the keycaps to complete the process. And now you get a resin keycap made by yourself.
Resin Keycaps VS. 3D-printed Keycaps
What are 3D-printed keycaps
3D-printed keycaps are a type of keycap that is 3D-printed, typically using ABS, PLA, or resin. 3D-printed keycaps are made by 3D-printing a mold of the keycap, which is then used to cast the final keycap. 3D-printed keycaps are typically made with a double-shot molding process, which means that the legends and the keycaps are molded into two separate pieces and then joined together.
3D-printed keycaps can be made with any legend, including logos, symbols, and text. they offer a higher degree of customization. 3D-printed keycaps are also typically less durable than injection-molded keycaps, but they can be made in a variety of colors and materials. 3D-printed keycaps are also generally less expensive than traditional keycaps, making them a popular choice for budget-minded consumers.
The pros and cons of 3D-printed keycaps
Pros
3D-printed keycaps are customizable and can be made in any color or design. There are numerous material options for 3D-printed keycaps – metals such as gold and silver, plastics in at least 10 colors, and even the odd thing you wouldn’t think could be 3d printed, such as porcelain, sandstone and wax. Since the 3D printed caps are designed in software with precise, calculated units of measurement, it is possible to accomplish some pretty cool multi-part tricks. They are also unique and can add personality to your keyboard
Cons
The 3D-printed plastics have a bit of a “powdery” feel to them. Due to the less “solid” feeling of the 3D printed keycaps, you likely wouldn’t want to use them on any keys that get heavy use, especially not on a gaming keyboard. The plastic likely wouldn’t hold up over the long haul, so it’s best to use them on lesser-used keys. The quality of 3D printing can vary, so you may end up with a keycap that is not as sturdy or well-made as you would like.
Compare to resin keycaps and 3D-printed keycaps
3D-printed keycaps are made from a variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, and resin. They are typically less expensive than resin keycaps and offer a wide range of designs. However, 3D-printed keycaps can be more susceptible to wear and tear and may not provide the same level of durability as resin keycaps. Resin keycaps are made from a solid piece of resin and are often reinforced with metal or fiberglass. They are more expensive than 3D-printed keycaps but offer a higher level of quality and durability.
What’s more, resin keycaps have a softer feel and a more tactile experience than 3D-printed keycaps. Additionally, 3D-printed keycaps often have sharper edges than resin keycaps, which can make them uncomfortable to use for extended periods. When choosing between 3d-printed and resin keycaps, it is important to consider your budget and the intended use. If you are looking for a durable keycap that will withstand heavy use, a resin keycap may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a unique keycap with a lower price tag, a 3d-printed keycap may be the better option.
How to Clean Resin Keycaps
Resin keycaps are beautiful, but they can be difficult to keep clean. Dust and dirt can easily become trapped in intricate designs, making them difficult to remove. Here are some tips for keeping your resin keycaps clean and looking their best.
To remove dust and debris, start by using a soft brush, such as a makeup brush or toothbrush. Gently whisk away any surface dirt. If you need a little more ink power, try using compressed air or a can of compressed air to blow away stubborn dirt.
To clean deeper down, you may need to resort to using Q-tips or cotton swabs. Soak the tip of the Q-tip or cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and then gently scrub at the dirt. This should help to loosen and remove any tough residue.
Once you’ve removed as much dirt and debris as possible, rinse the keycaps with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Allow the keycaps to air dry completely before putting them back on your keyboard. With a little time and effort, you can keep your resin keycaps looking like new.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy resin keycaps?
Because of their unique designs, resin keycaps are becoming increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a place to buy resin keycaps, there are a few options available to you. One option is to purchase them from a retailer specializing in mechanical keyboards and keyboard accessories. These retailers usually have a wide selection of keycaps to choose from, and they may also be able to provide helpful advice on which type of keycap would be best suited for your needs.
Another option is to purchase resin keycaps directly from the manufacturer. This can be a great way to get the exact type of keycap you want, and it may also be possible to get them at a discounted price. Regardless of where you purchase your resin keycaps, be sure to take care of them so that they will last for many years to come.
2. How about the price of resin keycaps?
Resin keycaps can range in price from $10-$100, depending on the quality and uniqueness of the design. Most mass-produced keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which is a durable but lower-quality material. Resin keycaps are made of a higher-quality material, and the manufacturing process is more complex and time-consuming. As a result, resin keycaps typically cost more than ABS keycaps. However, they are also more unique and often considered to be more attractive. Whether or not a resin keycap is worth the higher price tag is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
3. Are resin keycaps durable?
Resin keycaps are quite durable if you compare them to other keycaps. They are designed and made to fit the keyboard well and can last quite a long time. Durability is one of the strong points of resin keycaps.
4. How long are the lifespan of resin keycaps?
When it comes to the lifespan of resin keycaps, it depends on how you use them and how well you take care of them. Generally speaking, resin keycaps can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. However, if you are constantly using your keyboard in harsh conditions or if you don’t clean it regularly, your keycaps will start to show wear and tear much sooner. On the other hand, if you take good care of your keyboard and only use it occasionally, your resin keycaps could potentially last for many years. So, while there is no definitive answer to how long resin keycaps will last, it all comes down to how you use and care for them.
Conclusion
Resin keycaps are a great way to customize your keyboard and add some personality to your typing experience. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can find the perfect set to match your style. Resin keycaps are also durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for everyday use. Have you tried resin keycaps yet? If not, we recommend giving them a try then you won’t be disappointed!
