Playing keycaps is becoming a more and more popular hobby among young people. In this article, Break Wooden will provide you with detailed information about the keycaps production process .
1. Artisan keycaps
Artisan keycaps are designed caps that are markedly different from regular keycaps and allow users to add a personal touch to their keyboard. They can be made from a variety of materials, but resin and clay are more common.
An art key can be created into a cartoon character, or a flower and even a forest with mountains, rivers, trees, … or any shape under the talented hands of the artists.
Artisan keycaps are completely handmade products, so the production process is complicated and requires high meticulousness.
2. Production process
The production process at Break Wooden is extremely strict from sketching ideas to packing goods. Our team of 20 artisans are all handicapped from Vietnam, physically handicapped but not mentally handicapped. We always try our best to bring the best products to our customers with our burning passion and desire.
Each necessary stage is performed by skilled artisans with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience.
Step 1: Outline the product idea
Sketching the idea is the first step of the production process and also the most difficult step. The artist begins to put the ideas in his head on the paper with strokes, according to the horizontal and vertical proportions of the keycaps. Finalize and correct redundant details if any.
For custom-designed keycaps, the artist gives the customer drawings for evaluation and suggestions for adjustment and the artist corrects them as required. This process usually takes about 2-3 days.
Step 2: Create a 3D template or design to create the first prototype.
After sketching on paper, the artist begins to design a multi-dimensional model with software, turning ideas on paper into 3D models. The purpose of 3D design is to help the product image be sketched in the most detailed and accurate way and to make it easier for artists to review prototypes and refine if any.
Step 3: Basic shape of the 3D printed keycap
After completing the processing, adjusting the position, size and orientation of the model, the system will start to build the printed product by building layer by layer. material. The process is conducted almost automatically, with little human intervention.
Step 4: 3D printed models are washed with a special solution
Keycaps need to be treated after 3D printing with a separate solution to ensure a smooth and glossy surface.
Step 5: Illuminate the model with UV lamp
The Use of 3D lamps to cure the epoxy gloss coating, increasing the hardness of the product.
Step 6: Paint the base paint for the keycap
When overlaid with other colors, the base paint helps the keycap to be more standard, more beautiful and closest to the prototype
Step 7: Paint multiple layers of colors, from a large array of colors to the details. Small color detail 0.1mm
This is the most difficult stage, requiring absolute concentration and meticulousness. The beauty of the keycap depends largely on this process. Artists will begin to paint keycaps with their own style, highlighting the artist’s own personality through the small keycaps.
Colors are gradually painted from the bottom of the keycap, from a large array of colors to a small color. Everything is done with care and precision. Because these are handmade keycaps, each keycaps has its own character, especially in color.
Step 8: Pour turpentine
In both molds: large and small. Both have 2 small round holes in the middle. After the artist has prepared the resin mixture, they will pour the mixture into the hole of the small mold. Next, they put the keycaps over the resin layer to glue the parts together.
Step 9: The keycap mold is compressed in a high-pressure cage to eliminate air bubbles, creating absolute clarity
The keycaps maker pours resin into the hole of the large mold and embeds the small mold with decorative details on the surface into the hole and lets it dry. To avoid creating bubbles that damage the keycaps, the artisan must compress them tightly so that air does not enter. After lifting the small mold from the hole, a wonderful resin keycap is finished.
Step 10: Cut out the excess details
To create a complete keycap, the artisan cuts off the excess details with a grinding device. The removal of redundant details makes the keycap more accurate and sophisticated.
Step 11: Polishing
Go through 10-12 extremely detailed grinding and polishing stages to create a mirror-like shine.
Step 12: Check each completed keycap into the box
This is the final stage of the keycaps manufacturing process. Check products thoroughly before putting them in the box to help customers experience quality and excellent products.
3. Conclusion
In fact, the manufacturing process is much more complicated and difficult. Behind the complete keycap delivered to the customer is sweat and effort, the dream of many artisans – who have a burning passion for keycaps.
If you want to refer to some artisan keycap samples, you can refer here. These cute and stylish keycaps are waiting for you to bring them home!
