I'm planning to print a plate & case for a handwired 46-key split kb. I have access to both SLA & FDM printers at a fab lab, so wondering which printer tech would be best to print various parts such as keycaps, plate, case etc. Function's more important than looks for me.
I'm allowed to use PLA or TPU for the FDM, and the default resin (ABS-like?) for SLA.
I'm thinking:
Keycaps: SLA (I want really thin keycaps)
Plate: ?? (not sure what's better for a thin & durable plate that allows a bit of flex when typing)
Case: FDM (Due to costs, and easy to embed screws & magnets)
Wrist rest (if any): FDM? Would TPU wrist rest be clean or comfortable?
Your current plan is solid. Print the plate with fdm, though it can't be too thin. There are a few designs on thingiverse and etc. to get an idea on how thick.
Hmm what's the rationale to print the plate with FDM? Are SLA plates brittle or inflexible? (if printed with ABS)? I don't have much experience with SLA. And good point, I'll check Thingiverse for the thickness.
Can you share the files for your case? I'm wanting to make the same (Hillside 40, no?), but can only find files for a 46, and am hoping to avoid the learning curve needed for 3d modeling. Thanks.
This is actually my fork of the Hillside with enough PCB changes that the case won't directly work with the original hillside unfortunately. Here's my repo: https://github.com/wannabecoffeenerd/hillside
For wrist rest, you can stick a piece of TU leather to cover the printed surface, so it will look nice, be clean and comfortable. Not sure if TPU is sufficiently soft if you want a soft wrist rest, you would probably need something like silicone.
Nice idea! Do you mean on top of the switch plate? I'm still brainstorming the design, but it will have a removable layer on top of the plate to hide the switches' legs (I don't like that "naked" feel) & keep some dust from falling inside the kb.
I just did it for the wrist rest, as that is the part your wrist will touch regularly. It is too much work to cut many holes if you want to cover the plate, and I don't think it will be much cleaner comparing with bare printed surface. You still need regular cleaning.