Tired of GMK Prices? I Printed a Set That Looks Even Cooler
If you're a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of GMK keycaps. They’re the gold standard in the keyboard community, known for their high-quality materials, fantastic feel, and premium look. But let’s be honest—GMK prices can be pretty outrageous. A full set can cost you hundreds of dollars, and while they are undoubtedly gorgeous, the price tag just isn’t always worth it, especially for a hobby where you can easily customize everything yourself. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and 3D print a set of keycaps that not only look even cooler than GMK but also didn’t break the bank. Here’s how I did it!
Why I Wanted to 3D Print My Keycaps
Let’s face it: GMK keycaps are beautiful, but they come with a hefty price tag. I’ve spent months eyeing up custom sets and dreaming of owning one, but I just couldn’t bring myself to drop that kind of money. Plus, I’ve always loved the idea of creating something myself—something unique, personalized, and, most importantly, budget-friendly.
I knew that 3D printing could offer a much cheaper alternative, so I decided to embark on the challenge of creating my own keycap set. Not only would it save me a ton of cash, but it would also give me the freedom to design something that matched my personal style perfectly.
The Materials: From Filament to Flex
The first step was choosing the right materials. GMK keycaps are known for their thick, high-quality ABS plastic with a beautiful matte finish. I wanted something that would have a similar premium feel but without the astronomical cost.
I decided to go with ABS filament for the main keycaps. ABS is durable, has a nice smooth finish, and is perfect for creating solid, sturdy keycaps. For a few specialty keys, like the spacebar and enter key, I opted for TPU filament, which is flexible and soft to the touch, giving those keys a comfortable, bouncy feel. The flexibility of TPU also allowed me to experiment with some unique, tactile designs that GMK keycaps couldn’t offer.
Designing the Keycaps: Letting My Creativity Run Wild
One of the best parts of 3D printing my own keycaps was the ability to design them from scratch. With GMK, you’re limited to the sets available on the market, but with 3D printing, the only limit is your imagination.
I started by using 3D modeling software to create a basic keycap template. I then began to get creative—adding custom textures, logos, and patterns that reflected my style. I even designed some of the keys with a slight texture on the surface to give them a more premium, tactile feel. I played with different patterns, like geometric shapes and even some subtle gradients to add depth to the keys.
For the colors, I went with a sleek, modern palette of matte black, navy blue, and silver. The matte black was for the main characters, while the navy blue added some contrast and flair for the function keys. The silver accents on the edges of the keys were meant to give them that little bit of "pop" that makes them stand out.
The Printing Process: Trial, Error, and Patience
Printing keycaps wasn’t a walk in the park. While the concept seemed simple enough, the process was much more complicated than I initially thought. The first few prints came out less than perfect—some had visible layers, others were too flimsy, and a couple were just plain too small.
I spent hours tweaking my 3D printer settings, experimenting with different layer heights, speeds, and temperatures. Once I got the settings dialed in, the prints started coming out beautifully. The ABS keycaps had a smooth finish with clean edges, while the TPU keys had just the right amount of flexibility.
The real trick was ensuring that each keycap would fit snugly onto my switches. Mechanical keyboards have very specific requirements when it comes to keycap compatibility, so I had to double-check the keycap profiles and switch compatibility to make sure everything would work properly.
The Result: A Custom Set That Beats GMK
After a few weeks of trial and error, I finally had a full set of 3D printed keycaps. And let me tell you—these things look amazing. Not only do they feel just as good (if not better) than the GMK keycaps I was lusting after, but they’re completely one-of-a-kind. No one else will have a set like mine.
The matte black keycaps with the navy blue accents and silver highlights give my keyboard a sleek, modern look that makes it feel premium without the ridiculous price tag. The TPU keys add a soft, bouncy feel that makes typing or gaming so much more enjoyable. Plus, the custom designs—ranging from geometric patterns to subtle gradients—make my keyboard stand out in the best possible way.
Why 3D Printed Keycaps Are a Game-Changer
If you’re tired of the high prices and limited selection of GMK keycaps, 3D printing is the perfect solution. Not only is it a fraction of the cost, but it gives you the ultimate freedom to design and customize your keyboard to your heart’s content.
Cost Breakdown Comparison
GMK Keycaps: A typical GMK keycap set can cost between \$100 to \$300 depending on the set and customization. Premium sets with additional mods or special colors can even surpass \$400.
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DIY 3D Printed Keycaps: The cost for 3D printing keycaps is significantly cheaper. Here's a breakdown:
- ABS Filament: About \$25 per kg. You can print several keycaps from one kilogram, making the cost of printing a full set around \$10 to \$20.
- TPU Filament: Around \$30 per kg. A few specialty keys might cost you around \$2 to \$5 for a set.
In total, the cost of a 3D printed custom keycap set can be under \$50, making it a far more budget-friendly option compared to GMK sets.
The Bottom Line: Cool Keycaps, No GMK Prices
In the end, 3D printing my own keycaps turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my mechanical keyboard journey. Not only did I save hundreds of dollars, but I also got to express my creativity and design something truly special. If you’re tired of GMK prices and want to create a set that looks even cooler, I highly recommend giving 3D printed keycaps a try.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your 3D printer and start designing the keyboard of your dreams—without the insane price tag!
FAQ
1. How long does it take to print a full set of keycaps?
Printing a full set of keycaps can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days, depending on your printer’s speed and the complexity of your designs. The keycaps can also be printed in batches, which speeds up the process.
2. Do 3D printed keycaps last as long as GMK keycaps?
While 3D printed keycaps can be durable, GMK keycaps are made from thick ABS plastic and tend to last much longer. 3D printed keycaps may wear faster depending on the material, but using high-quality filaments like ABS or PLA can help improve longevity.
3. Can I use 3D printed keycaps on any mechanical keyboard?
Yes, as long as the keycap is designed to match the switch type (Cherry MX or similar), it should fit perfectly. Make sure to check your keyboard's switch compatibility before printing.
4. How do I get a smooth finish on 3D printed keycaps?
A smooth finish can be achieved by adjusting your 3D printer settings, such as reducing the layer height. You can also sand the keycaps after printing to get a more polished surface.
5. Are 3D printed keycaps comfortable to use?
Absolutely! You can design keycaps with specific textures, angles, and curvature for added comfort. You can even use TPU for flexibility in keys like the spacebar for a softer, bouncier feel.
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