Black background

I tried to dye the sides of keycaps by some ways. Coating is not good, I suppose. Coated surface is completely different from dyed surface.

My result:


I've abandoned. Dye-sub is the only way. Black background will cost astonishingly high...

Better contact

I bought a new vacuum cleaner:)



I made a silicone sheet jig. The silicone sheet sometimes wimples while heating because it gets longer by heat. This jig gives a little tension which avoids wimpling.


I got perfectly saturated consistent black! For money savings, most of these caps are already printed test chart. Blank keycaps are expensive in my budget.


Printed on blank keycaps:

Perfectly saturated consistent black. I've gained some confidence with my method.

But I've found printing misalignment. I feel my keycap mount is not stable enough. In principle, plaster is highly stable. Aging is required? I went wrong while alignment? Anyhow, I have a plan to make new design keycap mount.

Contact is important

Today I've found the contact of dye-sub film and material is important for consistent result.



The inconsistency of black thickness is came from the inconsistency of the contact. I need better contact. My vacuum cleaner may be not enough...

Compensation of ink bleed

Now I'm trying to print black background and compensate ink bleed.

The image what I want to make:


What I printed to dye-sub transfer film:


What I've got:


A bit stronger compensation is required, but image sharpness will be lost more.

How to make a keycap mount: Part 3

Prepare test chart.


Microscope image:


Print the test chart and compensate each keycap's misalignment.


Microscope image:


Hmm, ink bleeds about 2 px (600 dpi). Some compensation is required, but this is a bit hard problem.

How to make a keycap mount: Part 2

Cast plaster.


Peel off OHP sheet.


Separate mask and base carefully.


Clean up mask's film side by file.


Drill air holes.


Calibrate printing image roughly.

How to make a keycap mount: Part 1

First, prepare alignment marks.

I used aluminium rivets.


Cramp with a vise and draw scribe lines.


Cut the trunk.


Prepare printing image and print it on OHP sheet.


Glue keycaps on the OHP sheet by glue gun.


Glue the alignment marks by gum.


Prepare mold. Seal up by Scotch tape.


Cast plaster. Reinforce by fiber material. I used nonwoven fabric for cooking.


Fill overhang by clay.


Give coat of dish soap as parting agent.


Continue to part 2...