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THE NOTORIOUS ❄ , 02-22-2025, 01:10 PM

hi guys i am rn working on the costum diy keyboard i do not have that much experience** its my first ever project** i have some questions regarding the 3d printing, *how can i make it as cheap as i can* since i may have someone that can print it for me and what are the things i should be ware of when considering printing it on my own, i am still a student in my second year and i can not afford that much hope someone here can help ,thanks

Robert Feranec , 02-24-2025, 07:37 AM

the cheapest is when you do it with your own printer (or on your friend's printer). But the look will not be as good as if you order industrial 3D printing. Also, there are some limitations e.g. keycaps are tricky to 3d print and also tolerances are different between different printers (means you may need couple of tries to fit everything properly). Start with your own 3d printer and once you are happy you can then try to print it in a company (it is not that expensive, you can try to upload 3d models to JLC3DP website, it will tell you price)

Denis , 02-24-2025, 07:45 AM

Hi, I tried to do a diy keyboard some time ago. It is hand wired to make it cheaper.
For me the downside of it was not enough strength, but more than enough for everyday use.
Mainly I used it for studying. I learned USB protocol.

Denis , 02-24-2025, 08:02 AM

The most expensive path of that keyboard was a payment for material for 3D printer.
Maybe if it was a much smaller macropad, I could invest money into PCB manufacturing.
It would give better quality and strength. Also it would be possible to add LED for backlight.

Robert Feranec , 02-24-2025, 08:54 AM

@Denis agree - bigger size makes it much more expensive - just the number of switches and keycaps will add up the price a lot e.g. if $1 / per switch then 50 switches = $50

THE NOTORIOUS ❄ , 02-28-2025, 04:44 PM

@Robert Feranec @Denis thank you for your precious help, much needed, thanks for the great content @Robert Feranec no one comes near you in the way you explain things i would love to see you do some lives also you are a GENIUS

Robert Feranec , 03-01-2025, 08:04 AM

thank you. PS: there are much more clever people than I am (I know many of them)