KeyV2/README.md

Parametric Mechanical Keycap Library

this library is a keycap and keyset construction library for mechanical keyboards, written in openSCAD.

Let's Go! I wanna make some keycaps!

At the highest level this library supports Cherry and Alps switches, and has pre-defined key profiles for SA, DSA, DCS, and (some form of) OEM keycaps. keys.scad is meant as an entry point for everything but the most technical use; there should already be an example at the bottom to get you started! Pre-programmed key profiles can be found at key_profiles.scad.

What if I want to customize my keycaps?

There is a bevy of supporting functions to customize your keycaps. You can add a brim to more easily print the stem, switch up the stem support type, make 2x2 keycaps for a POS system, add legends, rotate stems, and more. These functions can be found in key_profiles.scad, key_sizes.scad, key_transformations.scad, and key_types.scad currently, and can be referenced directly in keys.scad.

The key() function also supports children, and will place them in the center of the top of the keycap, if you want to quickly design your own artisan keycaps. I'll post an example later!

What if I want to get really technical?

If you're not afraid to write some code yourself, at the base level this library should function well as a key profile design library. by loading up src/key.scad (notice no s) you can tweak variables in src/settings.scad to prototype your own profiles. You can design your own keyset with custom width height and depth, dish tilt, top skew, fonts, wall thickness, etc.

In addition, the library should be abstract enough to handle new dish types, keystems, and key shapes, in case you want to design your own DataMancer keycaps, support buckling spring keyboards (maybe) or design some kind of triangular dished profile. src/shapes.scad src/stems.scad and src/dishes.scad all have a 'selector' module at the top that should allow you to implement your own creations alongside what already exists.

This readme is currently incomplete and I plan on finishing it later.

TODO:

• finish readme
  • printing guide
  • examples
    • beginner, intermediate, advanced
  • pictures
• pull out side sculpting options to let people tweak them?
• can now measure keycaps very accurately. need to redo measurements: SA DCS DSA OEM?
• Add inset stem to all profiles that need it. OEM DCS?
• customizer version where everything is copy/pasted in. needs to be last.
• generate dishes via math? kind of hard, maybe later