Making Your Own Custom Keyboard Keys | Alumilite
Let your keyboard become your canvas - make your own keycaps! Using our mold making and casting supplies, you can have your very own customized technical keyboard. Add your favorite dyes and powders for a creative, colorful look.
Here's our landing page talking more about keycaps: www.alumilite....
Products Used
Amazing Mold Rubber: www.alumilite....
RC-3 Tan: www.alumilite....
Synthetic Modeling Clay:www.alumilite....
Spatula Set: www.alumilite....
Pick Set: www.alumilite....
Rubber to Rubber Mold Release: www.alumilite....
Corrugated Plastic:www.alumilite....
Dyes: www.alumilite....
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If you have any questions at all about our products, who we are, ideas on how to make things, or people we should do a project with please reach out to us.
You can also call our customer service for any technical help: 800-447-9344
Check out our website: www.alumilite....
Instagram: / alumiliteco
Facebook: / alumilite
Пікірлер: 275
man I thought you were some enthusiast until you said 'our product'. Really cool and natural, it sold me
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Haha! Thanks for the kind words. We are pretty enthusiastic about our products!
I really just watched a 7 minute ad... And im not even mad.
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
LOL! Neither are we. Thanks for watching!
@acek1h
3 жыл бұрын
8 min I guess
I want to do this for my keyboard! Can't wait to try. Thanks
@TheAshtarr
4 жыл бұрын
What happend
@crazyapple2101
4 жыл бұрын
@@TheAshtarr prolly gave up or still building
@vexon60hz31
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah me too and what did happen
@jndeath
4 жыл бұрын
Is soo ugly
@crazyapple2101
4 жыл бұрын
@@jndeath if you're saying that this is ugly then dye sublimation is your taste but please keep your disrespectful opinion to yourself. You are not the only one with brain and feelings.
I'm gonna be honest I'm pretty glad I found this video and the blue shell one. its a pretty good way to start a business and if i did get started I could probably help out my family alot.
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
So glad we could help you! Please reach out if you have any questions.
@tropical5135
4 жыл бұрын
Respect
@marcusl8688
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation respect
@sleepingturtle32
4 жыл бұрын
Respect
@cronTabsolute
3 жыл бұрын
Respect
The fact that u put the material in the discription really helps
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Happy to hear it!
came here because I always wondered why are they 60 usd
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
They take a lot of work, and a lot of products!
@h1ddens0ng
4 жыл бұрын
These are only $15-$20. It’s the detailed carving artisans that are $60-$100. I doubt you’ll find a detailed video on that.
@nonnegaard
4 жыл бұрын
@@h1ddens0ng CYSM, Night and Latrialum blanks can be stupid expensive as well.
@frisk7674
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation meh I don't think keycaps on for example Amazon are made that way xD I think they're getting produced like the original keycaps
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
@@frisk7674 Definitely! We follow a lot of artisan keycap makers who hand sculpt and cast. The price point makes sense!
This is awesome. There is so much to learn.
I used thinner keycaps for the bottom mold and thicker ones for the top so I could fit little items and gems in the keycaps
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea!
This was an ad for me, I’m not disappointed... BTW I just subbed 😁
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Happy to hear it! Thanks for watching.
To the person reading this I hope you become successful one day and have an amazing day I wish you the best and nothing but the best
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Very nice comment! Thanks for watching.
I need to learn how to make molds and use resin and all that, this is cool and not only for keyboards
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You definitely should!! We have a lot of great resources on our channel and on our website to help you learn!! Reach out on our socials if you ever have any questions! :)
Just started out making custom keycaps! Does any one know a good supplier for these micro figurines inside of some of these resin keycaps? I've been looking for some time now. :)
@techow
4 жыл бұрын
@@evilwearsgucci Thanks!
@h1ddens0ng
4 жыл бұрын
Also....artists make them. So carved? From wax.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like people have come to help! We love KZread for that reason. Let us know if we can help anymore.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for helping tech How!
7:13 I spy quite the funny looking dye-spill
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Apparently everyone's been spying that! Thanks for watching Gabe.
crazy keyboard
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
2:39 Is it bad that it felt threatened when he had the tip of the pencil close to the camera?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Haha! Thanks for watching.
@corbinreed6721
4 жыл бұрын
Hey this is pretty weird but when I plug my keyboard into my Xbox the RGB won’t turn on but the keyboard will connect can someone please help me
@soggyrakoon4680
4 жыл бұрын
@@corbinreed6721 does the keyboard use two USB plugs?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
@@corbinreed6721 I hope someone can help!
@Z1NXZIZ
4 жыл бұрын
EPIC GAMER some keyboard need to have a specific software for rgb
I have a Kinesis Edge keyboard and I'll probably look further into this for making my own keycap set. Especially for the space keys that are 3.5U, very strange.
5:50 MAGIC!
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
THANKS!
now I want to do this with WASD, SPACE,SHIFT in red and black question is all this but i need to make that and maybe 8 more with the smaller container of this resin.
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
That should definitely be enough resin! It only takes a little bit to make each cap.
se ven bien frescos esos key caps
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Gracias!
2:11 I was so hoping for him to say squish that cat.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
You can also use cardboard instead or corrugated plastic if your trying to not kill the ecosystem with needless plastic waste, it's corrugated too 👍
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
That's a great tip, thanks Kean!
How do you prevent tearout of the stems? I'm having trouble molding my keycaps with Amazing Mold maker
Brilliant thanks for this videoo!!
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching!
could you actually make moulds to sell in a merch store you would make a killing..... if you made moulds for razer orbweaver/tartarus keycaps or a tutorial on them that would be awesome
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea! Thanks for the feedback!
Hey! Awesome video! I'm thinking of getting into making my own keycaps now, but I'm worried that my preferred method of putting legends on keys, heat induction, won't work on your resin. How do you put legends on your keys?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
It really depends on the temperature your process gets too. Each resin has its own heat resistance - this is where permanent damage can occur. If you find a resin that can handle the heat of your process then you'll be good to go!
Woww nice
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Love it I subbed
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Wow bro
How durable are these pieces? I am making a school project, and I am wondering if it is worth it to switch from a 3d printer to making a mold
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
It all depends on which product you cast with! Most of our casting resins are on the higher end of the shore hardness scale so they're fairly durable!!You can find the shore hardness of each product on their product page on our website - the product used in this video to cast the keycaps is Alumires RC-3 Tan which has a shore hardness of 74D, you could also use Amazing Clear Cast which has a longer open/cure time but a higher shore hardness at 80 D.
@j3t950
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation Thanks!
I would love to do something like this but live in a small apartment with my dog. Is the mold rubber and RC-3 Tan safe to use indoors without any additional protection? If not, can you recommend anything else to use instead?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Taylor! We recommend working in a well-ventilated area, or if not, wearing a respirator while you work. As always when working with silicones and resins, wearing eye protection and gloves is required. If you have an open window and/or a fan on, you should be just fine doing this project in your apartment!
found a really nice ergonomic keyboard but two of the keys are red which just clashes with my setup. definitely gonna try making my own, thanks for the video!
I wana try this now
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely should!
Good
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Would this be a good project for beginners? I really want to make my Owen key caps
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, this technique is great for beginner keycap makers! The more familiar you are with the process, the more details you can start adding! We definitely recommend you give it a go!!
I’m doing this so I can have a better feel of my key board
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea! We'd love to see photos when you're done - find us on social media!
How can i prevent bubbles from getting into the nooks and crannies of my keycaps? I Just got my second mold done, And it appears that there was trapped air causing the mount/stem to be done wrong.
@h7opolo
3 жыл бұрын
5:00 venting
@heathjohnston4049
3 жыл бұрын
U could make like a water themed one
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Venting is a great tip! Using a pressure pot also helps a lot with bubbles!
But how do you add the prints on the keyboard ????
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You could always use vinyl and then give it a quick top coat!
did you use enough hot glue?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
We've had enough spills/accidents in our shop to be extra cautious when it comes to our mold boxes! 😅
Ur the best
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Do you already have or can you create a video that walks through the Best Practices for each of your Epoxy Products. I'm so confused as you have so many that do the same job... or not :0)
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Check out our "Different Epoxies Explained" video - it does a good job of going through our different epoxies and explaining when to use each one! Here's the link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/g3Vp2cRuf5y3pLQ.html
Question regarding the toothpick vents, are they placed inside the first half mold key part or on the outside? It's too hard to see exactly where they go in respect to the molded area with the speeding up of the video????
can i do a dye sub on this type of keycap? or will it just melt?
Can i use Petroleum Jelly instead of rubber mold release? I dont know how to find it in my country
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Yes you can! Make sure you cover all of the silicone..... the only thing silicone sticks to is silicone, so you want to avoid disaster here!
Did you use a pressure pot?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Not for these ones! We would've if we used our Clear or Clear Slow resin.
I love this! Great Video I wanna make keys now! haha
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely should!
Is it matter how thick is the silicon mold?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Hi there! I'm not sure what you mean - you just want to make sure your key is covered.
My key is broken from inside how do i fix it
Is there a way to make a mold that allows you to insert like a 3d model or something in it first?
@justinnelson1
4 жыл бұрын
For the bottom side of the mold you can use shorter keycaps. The SA keycap profile can be used for the top of the keycaps, while DSA or low profile keycaps can be used for the bottom, internal, cherry mx stem mold.
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You can mold a 3D model, you can mold a clay model, a figurine... really anything you want!
Do you have to buy two things of the silicone mold or just one because u did a top and the bottom.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
We were able to make both pieces of the mold with one silicone kit! We have a volume calculator on our website that you can use to determine how much silicone you’ll need for a project - this makes it easier to choose a silicone kit size!
@heathjohnston4049
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks
Now just a light sandblasting for texture..
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Cool idea!
@mrscotchguy
4 жыл бұрын
I've tried sanding abs and pbt with different grits and they just turn out weird. I'm pretty sure the keycap manufacture put the caps in large drumps with fine sand and roll them the way metal shop do to finish.
Diy lego bricks 👀
I really want to do this for my entire keyboard DURGOD VENUS btw but im still in my teens so money aint really there
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
If you do it, definitely send us photos! We'd love to see!
@liquid24
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation i would but like i said teenager money aint really there but if i did i would i mean if u wanna send me money to im down 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😂😂😙 but yeah if 200 bucks falls in my lap ill do it
I want to make a Luke Skywalker themed keyboard. Can you do some sort of keycaps similar to the Galactic Empire DSA keycaps? That has the Aurebesh instead of English?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Hi there! Making keycaps like that with our products is definitely possible. Hopefully this tutorial is helpful for you!
Did you try these in a keyboard? I'm curious how well they fit. The stem area concerns me. 3D printing is tempting, but typically each key is a different shape. Modelling each is a lot of work. The drawback here is that if you are trying to create an original layout and use a non-standard size you will have nothing to copy.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
We did! They fit pretty well! As for creating a custom layout, that's definitely something you would have to design and 3D print first so you have something to copy. But for just customizing a keyboard you have laying around, it works great!
This seems fun but looking at the prices of ur stuff it’s kinda steep. U should make a website and sell the molds there
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately we don't sell pre-made molds but you could probably find them online at sites like Amazon and Etsy!!
Can you upload a video on custom unicolor backlit keycaps please?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
We just uploaded a new keycap video - it isn't on unicolor backlit keycaps, but between that tutorial and this one, you should be ready to start making your own!
@idyllsend6481
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation I love you tremendously, thanks
no pressure pot used?
@AlumiliteCorporation
2 жыл бұрын
You can but it's not required!
what is the best resin to remake motorcycle body parts? i don’t want to use fiberglass because i need to copy both sides
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Resin might not be the best option for motorcycle parts. Resin can only handle a certain amount of heat and yellows with time from UV rays. If you want more information on Resin we would recommend reaching out to our Customer Service team at info@alumilite.com!
As far as the kinds of materials used...I’m looking for a plastic-like substance, colorable, but also translucent. Like a colored acrylic but frosted looking. Is there a type of resin that appears as such?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Check out this video and see if the clear version is what you're looking for. That's our epoxy kzread.info/dash/bejne/jKKm0qOjo8iqmbg.html at 16:30
Question... do you add the rubber to rubber mold release each time you make the keys?
@AlumiliteCorporation
2 жыл бұрын
No! Just when making the mold! The rubber to rubber helps to make sure the two layers of silicone you're pouring, don't stick together. But once the silicone cures it's not needed!
Do i need rubber to rubber or can i use petroleum jelly
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
We've seen people use petroleum jelly or baby powder as alternatives to rubber to rubber!
@imprial
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation k thx
Hey Alumilite I needed help with Anne Pro 2 keyboard (60% keyboard): I need a Portuguese keyboard, but doing so I lose the functions on the side of those keycaps. So my point is, where can I got to, to order custom backlit keys, in Portuguese, backlit but have the side functions on them?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You're will have to search online to see if anyone sells them! We're not too familiar with them, unfortunately!
hey can you use the same mold for other caps?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Some keys on the keyboard are different shapes, so you just need to make sure that the key matches the one you're trying to replace.
ِِAwesome !!
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Just hydro dip it
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You could!
Poor gang anyone?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
How do you clean the injector after use?
@AlumiliteCorporation
2 жыл бұрын
Typically we get cheap injectors and just toss them after - but if the resin inside is thin enough you can probably just peel it out after it cures!
what type of resin do i use?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
In this video we used our RC-3 tan, but you could also use our epoxy. Here's a link to RC3: www.alumilite.com/resins/alumires-rc-3-tan/
Quick question, can we use quick resin or epoxy from any other brand?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Although we always recommend using our products, you are able to use whatever you are comfortable with! 😉
What is an inch
@bigotedbybasting
4 жыл бұрын
It’s around 3 cm my friend
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for answering that for us!
@Shikoyyan
3 жыл бұрын
@@bigotedbybasting Thank u my friend even though that was a joke and i know that you are a very nice person
Just wondering how much silicone you used to make this mold I want to make some
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Our Amazing Mold Rubber is a 10 to 1 mixture by weight or volume so we used about 277 grams of the base and 27 grams of the catalyst!
Why haven't I ever seen anyone do these with laptop keys?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Not sure! You should!
Hey which clay is this?
@AlumiliteCorporation
2 жыл бұрын
Great question! Here you go: www.alumilite.com/accessories/synthetic-modeling-clay-1lb/
Ah, this is why artisans are expensive.
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
It takes a lot of work!
@JamButter123
4 жыл бұрын
rms customers mostly expect artists or hobbyists to go lower the price but artists or hobbyists won’t go lower the price. I have paid $200 to woodworker for 2 big nightstand tops because of his time and expensive and good quality materials and expensive tools. I have paid $300 to photographer for my perfect family photo because she worked for photography company. I recently paid $130 to my friend who is baker because she was making perfect decoration cake for my father’s birthday. My plan to pay experienced painter for probably $700-$1,000 to re-create my unfinished painting into 3ft x 5ft painting canvas. I don’t mind to pay him/her if he/she expects to go higher price. I hope customers need to understand hobbyists and their time, materials, tools, and PRICE...
@-kaburibonech.4282
4 жыл бұрын
@@JamButter123 all artists tip hats to you... art is expensive, and that's why it's a luxury, a privilege almost
@Bloop42106
4 жыл бұрын
足二本のアニメ頭蓋骨 but on top of this, splashing three colors around and calling it abstract art and selling it for $70,000 is not fun
@-kaburibonech.4282
4 жыл бұрын
@@Bloop42106 oh don't worry, no body understand modern fine art, even art students
The shape can be reused to create another keys?
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Correct!
This would work with romer g keycaps, right?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
I think so! To mold and cast a keycap all you have to do is be able to pop it on and off your keyboard... so any keys that can do that are good to go!
Do you think this is possible with low profile switches? (IE, Logitech G915). I would be thrilled!
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
That's an awesome question! These can be 100% customizable so we assume that you would be able to make them for any sort of switch!
@chris.davidoff
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation I'll have to give it a try ;)
can you also make keycaps out of that silicone you used to make the mold😎😎
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You could!
That blue and orange keycap is nasty af
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
How would u put the keys back without seeing the alphabets on them
@Hi-Hi.
4 жыл бұрын
Genetically Gamer his seem to have the key cut into the back and you could also make a sheet that shows where each key from the mold goes
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
@@Hi-Hi. This! Or just do one or a few at a time :)
hey, just a quick question. are you able to buy some of those keycaps for your own keyboard?
@jeklee7586
4 жыл бұрын
You can, but it will be quite expensive, and doing it yourself let’s you to customise the key caps the exact way you want them to be
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You can! Not from us, but if you search custom keycaps online you should be able to find them. This is just one way to make completely custom keys!
How mich did all cost
@vga-cami3482
4 жыл бұрын
12k
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
It is under $100 if you're buying each of the products we listed in the description of the video and allows you to make multiple keys from a single mold.
can you make a vid on casting a whole keyboard
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
That’s an awesome idea!! We’ll definitely add it to our list!
Just paint the keycaps
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely could do that!
I want to try this on a 60% keyboard
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You should!
I came here befcause I cant find keycaps for my kalih lowprofile onessss
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You should make some!
wait.. this is an ad?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
It's not an add - this is a video we made in-shop to show our makers that making your own custom key-caps with our products is a possibility!!
Sound test?
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
That's an awesome idea for future videos!!
him: hey guys i will teach you how to make custom keycaps for your mechanical keyboard :D me: *cries in membrane*
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
LOL! Thanks for watching.
@Fang727
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation yw btw great video it was fun to watch if i ever get a mechanical keyboard lol
When you have an ornate chroma this is the only way to get keycaps :/
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You should definitely try it yourself!
@Laxarus.
3 жыл бұрын
I will :)
Or *KeyCaps
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You aren't wrong... ;)
@entithicc1133
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation wow i didn't think you will respond
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
@@entithicc1133 Here we are! We hope you have a lovely day.
There is no point In buying them or even making them you can buy custom ones for way cheaper (Edit: but don’t get me wrong these are sick as hell man)
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely can! This is just to make your own custom ones.
You think you got enough hot glue there bud
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Having a mold leak is one of the most expensive mistakes to make. Lots of hot glue means lots of reassurance it's not going to happen!
todo bien pero donde carajo consigo todo lo del video wtf
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
Alumilite.com!
This is too complicated I can’t do it
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely can! Let us know if you have any questions. We're here for you!
I thought this was sop
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha thanks for watching anyway!!
He should sell these molds
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You should make one for yourself!
Look like a messy technic lol
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
Resin can be a little messy but it looks so good once done!!
Or you can paint the keys lol
@zTraktore
4 жыл бұрын
Painting them isn't the same tho, paint can wear off or even block some functionality if the layer of paint ist too thick.
@AlumiliteCorporation
3 жыл бұрын
You could! But the satisfaction of making your own is soooo different.
why not just use a 3d printer to print them? im trying to find the best way to make these. thank you
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
You definitely could! We wanted to give an option for those who don't have a 3D printer and/or want to get into using silicones and resins.
@guyzo540
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation thanks for the reply. i just ordered one yesterday. excited to try and make artisan keycaps. you should do a video on how to 3d print them! id definitely watch it :)
@AlumiliteCorporation
4 жыл бұрын
@@guyzo540 That is awesome! We're going to have to get a 3D printer first, LOL!
@guyzo540
4 жыл бұрын
@@AlumiliteCorporation lol yeah that might help. xD