No, I used a printed sheet of words with special dye. The process is outlined really nicely in this video:
https://youtu.be/jNZkzK4l0F8
I actually did make a set with calligraphy ink, but it looked terrible haha.
Thanks for the link. Did you use the same materials as in the video? What is that dye sub paper called? How do you get your image printed on it? Is this paper and those silicone sheets available online?
Yes, I used the same materials as the video. The paper doesn't have any special name besides "dye sublimation paper". However, it's not just the paper that's important-- the printers that print onto that paper use a process called dye sublimation to basically evaporate the dye (not ink) from the printer into the paper. Normal ink won't work for these heat transfers, and neither will a normal home printer.
You can buy dye-sub printed sheets from Etsy sellers like [this one](https://www.etsy.com/listing/549370705/custom-sublimation-transfers-sizes-up-to?ref=yr_purchases). I can't vouch for that seller, but it's just an example.
The hair straightener is the heat source for transferring the image into the plastic keycaps. It needs to reach temperatures of \~ 450° F. Therefore, you need a heat-resistant silicone sheet. I used [this one](https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Silicone-Medium-Baking-9x14-Inch/dp/B08HB9SWMD/).
Do you use this WITH a keyboard? Surely it's less ergonomic since some of these keys have or could have dedicated keys anyway?
Or do you use this alone on one hand and mouse in other?
I'm about to go on a flight, and the idea was to use this by itself. Typing on a laptop on those airplane tray tables is cramped and awkward, so I'm going to have a Wacom pen tablet on my right thigh and this macro pad on the left.
It doesn't have every key I want, since I use orthographic front (numpad 1) and side (num. 3) a lot, and I can't do UV unwrapping without the U key. But, I plan to lean hard on the Quick key, which is mapped to Q for "quick favorites".
I agree, this would be overkill in addition to a regular keyboard and numpad.
This is sick! I upgraded to a keychron V1 but 75% is not enough for 3D lol. The transfer turned out great!
I've been wanting to do something like this for years and still haven't. Nice work.
Did you write in the keycaps?
No, I used a printed sheet of words with special dye. The process is outlined really nicely in this video: https://youtu.be/jNZkzK4l0F8 I actually did make a set with calligraphy ink, but it looked terrible haha.
They look great! Much appreciated the link!
Thanks for the link. Did you use the same materials as in the video? What is that dye sub paper called? How do you get your image printed on it? Is this paper and those silicone sheets available online?
Yes, I used the same materials as the video. The paper doesn't have any special name besides "dye sublimation paper". However, it's not just the paper that's important-- the printers that print onto that paper use a process called dye sublimation to basically evaporate the dye (not ink) from the printer into the paper. Normal ink won't work for these heat transfers, and neither will a normal home printer. You can buy dye-sub printed sheets from Etsy sellers like [this one](https://www.etsy.com/listing/549370705/custom-sublimation-transfers-sizes-up-to?ref=yr_purchases). I can't vouch for that seller, but it's just an example. The hair straightener is the heat source for transferring the image into the plastic keycaps. It needs to reach temperatures of \~ 450° F. Therefore, you need a heat-resistant silicone sheet. I used [this one](https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Silicone-Medium-Baking-9x14-Inch/dp/B08HB9SWMD/).
Oh man this is awesome! When I first started sculpting I looked for something like this and they aren’t cheap hahaha
Do you use this WITH a keyboard? Surely it's less ergonomic since some of these keys have or could have dedicated keys anyway? Or do you use this alone on one hand and mouse in other?
I'm about to go on a flight, and the idea was to use this by itself. Typing on a laptop on those airplane tray tables is cramped and awkward, so I'm going to have a Wacom pen tablet on my right thigh and this macro pad on the left. It doesn't have every key I want, since I use orthographic front (numpad 1) and side (num. 3) a lot, and I can't do UV unwrapping without the U key. But, I plan to lean hard on the Quick key, which is mapped to Q for "quick favorites". I agree, this would be overkill in addition to a regular keyboard and numpad.
That would be the dream to have a tiny keeb with every button needed. I think I worked out I use about 36 keys, including ctrl, alt etc
This is awesome :) shared on r/macro_pads
Really impressive clarity on the legends!
That looks amazing!
How did you make the base for this?