How to make keycaps for $20

In Ep 5 of Shifty DIY, I try and take on making resin keycaps, but they might have bested me this time. Please consider hitting the "Join" button to support me going full time in 2021!
⬇️Affiliate links to help out the channel ⬇️
Epoxy Resin: amzn.to/2MgCf8B
Keycap Molds: amzn.to/3o2w1XT
Mica Powder: amzn.to/2WXxinp
Heat Gun: amzn.to/2MblwUb
Gold Powder: amzn.to/38NqVIX
My camera: amzn.to/3jCtq49
My lens: amzn.to/2TyBvw6
My lighting: amzn.to/34A3emg
Buy Any Epomaker Keyboards here
epomaker.com?sca_ref=450109.wjDF4oHK4N
✔️ SPONSOR: Get 5% off your keyboard modding supplies (like stabilizers and krytox) and support me by doing so! ✔️
✔️ Join my discord! / discord
✔️ Comment what you want to see next!!!
✔️ Follow my Instagram! / hipyotech
✔️ See my about page for business inquiries
I use typetest.io for my typing tests.
#MechanicalKeyboards #Diy #ResinKeycaps #ArtisanKeycaps #CheapestMechanicalKeyboard #BudgetKeyboard #3ildcat #Bestkeyboardforchristmas #keyboardasmr #typingasmr #cooltech #techreview #techasmr #keycaps #novelkeys #taehatypes #HipyoTech #homemaderesinkeycaps

[@HipyoTech]

✔️ WE GOT THE JOIN BUTTON NOW!! MORE INFO IN THE FIRST MIN OF THE VIDEO!! ✔️ ✔️ Join my discord! discord.gg/eEK2JEWur2

[@tz5zt]

hi

[@smjx824]

Back in my military days, I worked with a lot of resin for fiberglass and carbon fiber work. Best to use a scale to get an accurate measure of part A. Then just add part B on top to match the total weight calculated. Using separate cups definitely lead to a poor ratio and that was probably the biggest issue with the resin not setting properly.

[@smjx824]

Also when adding part B, it'll be easier to pour from the part B container, onto something like a popsicle stick so it can drip into the cup. Makes it easier to control how much part B goes in. Part A doesn't matter as long as you can control how much part B goes in.

[@elijahpollard6828]

oh wow... i just started working with resin and this comment is a lifesaver.. thank you for the suggestion and thank you for your service in the military!

[@flip4119]

thank you for your service, and for the info!

[@iPlayOnSpica]

Additionally, re-zero the scale after adding part A if you don't want to do the math. You can also use a paper cup and either cut off the top half or flip it upside down and use the bottom for mixing small amounts. Also, never eyeball for exact measurements. The mixing ratio is very often by weight and not by volume (only very liquid chemicals are commonly mixed by volume, i.e. spray paints), and parts A and B have different densities.

[@dariuschappell2231]

So, I deal with resin quite a bit. I make shift knobs for cars. Here are some tips for anyone who wants to tackle this. Pour and mix directly into plastic measuring cups. If possible, use a pressure pot to eliminate all bubbles allowing for crystal clear pieces. Over fill rather than under fill. be as exact as possible whether your resin mix is measured by weight or by volume. Mix thoroughly before pouring (at least 5 minutes of mixing!) or until the clear streaks go away. you'll know what I'm talking about if you mix in a clear measuring cup. Keep your pieces in a warmish place to harden and cure. room temperature is good.

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks for the tips!!!!

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

You seem like someone who knows whats up. How is the wear on these, would the keycaps wear down from typing a lot or does it pretty much become indestructible, if you don't bash them against the wall?

[@JimmyFit_]

@@Daniel-dj7fh I don’t really know but I think they would probably wear down at the very least they would probably accumulate Greece but I guess that’s why you make multiple

[@irisx]

Would recommend watching a few videos with Rybonator in regards to dice making as similar types of epoxy resins are used and lots of different tips and tricks in regards to dice making should overlap with keycap making! Small volumes and cure times etc! I've just got the same types of moulds in the mail today and will be trying them out next week!

[@suncze5394]

Sure I would love to see more of these diy videos

[@HipyoTech]

Yay more coming right at you!

[@ArchNephalym]

We are still waiting huhuh ;-;

[@milkkee540]

@@HipyoTech give us more hiplier

[@saulsug1066]

@@HipyoTech hurry up then

[@beatwrecker7343]

as an artist who works with resin and makes keyboards (seperately) i can only imagine how much fun its going to be when i get my custom molds back... yay

[@28empoleon]

Heyo! I'm an art student and I've worked with resin. The resin i use is different in my country (it isn't a 50/50 ratio mix) but it's resin + resin hardener in a tiny bottle. Maybe try tapping the mold on a flat surface or popping bubbles with a toothpick? But since you're based in north America, there's a channel that focuses on general molding techniques called the craftsman. He has a puppet as his character :)

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'll def be trying it again!

[@liam5498]

for getting rid of bubbles a recommend buying a large pump weed sprayer it will act like a pressure pot and will squeeze the bubbles down until there quite small and by then the resin will have set

[@munchkinmeep]

Seeing how hard it is to make resin work makes me have a lot of appreciation for the folks who can make entire matching sets that work I watch a lot of Peter Brown on KZbin and he does so many resin pours using molds! Might see some good tips on his channel. Weighing resin parts, stirring more more more, using a vacuum chamber to evacuate air from the pour, and letting it cure in a better temperature are all things I've seen Peter do, but I don't have any personal experience so there may be more Secrets I don't know myself You might also want to try molds that are configured better for consistent stem formation, or try doing multi-stage resin pours that let one layer cure a bit before you pour another. Try not fighting gravity, yanno?

[@alexwaples5341]

3 things. 1 I hope you make more key cap videos and diy series. 2 It is the first time watching one of ur vids and I love ur vibe so I liked and subbed immediately. 3 I love how honest you r with ur affiliate links and that you make money of it. KEEP UP THE YT GRIND!

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks so much for all the support!

[@jimmyhuang7481]

Use the heat gun directly on the resin to pop air bubbles near the surface. Cold resin is thick and tends to trap air bubbles instead of allowing them to rise. Just don't let the heat gun stay on the resin for too long. Overfilling is better than underfilling as underfilling creates an incomplete cap. 45 min is a long working window so you can do partial pours while working air bubbles out between pours. As others have mentioned, exact portions using one mixing container and a scale will lead to the best results. Also look for people who resin print their own caps.

[@kota7789]

Put the uncured resin into a cheap vacuum chamber to help out with the bubbles. Also, maybe letting the dabs of resin cure on the stem mold for a bit before filling the mold and putting them in would help.

[@CaveyMoth]

You could make Salvador Dali themed keycaps! It would suit all the warped ergonomic keyboards out there!

[@SerendipityChannel91]

I was actually going to attempt to make some artisan keycaps for myself! Nice vid as always! :)

[@HipyoTech]

You should! I would love to see your take!

[@TheJobieadobe]

The "bad" one looked pretty nice to me!

[@universaldream35]

A follow up video would be awesome!

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks! Might do one with UV resin!

[@itstr3y_878]

I’ve been wanting to make some and this popped up in my feed....

[@tracedimos4202]

Well I wrote this big long thing about all the things you did wrong but by the end of the video you had covered almost all of them. De-airing, Cure time, Polishing/Sanding. Would love to see you try again!

[@Instinct0425]

I can always count on you to give me some funny *and* high quality videos 😂❤️

[@HipyoTech]

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

[@Instinct0425]

@@HipyoTech np ❤️

[@198Immortal]

I'm VERY CURIOUS about how it will sound on a keyboard. Do a before and after for this DIY project!

[@unmotiviert]

The Sound is depending in the Plate, the Base, the dampening Layer unser the PCB, the Switch, the Switch top and Base Material, the optional foil between Switch top and Base, and the keycaps.

[@rlilac643]

Now this makes me want to make some Resin DOME keycaps!

[@its_zakd]

Def do another video making some more. Maybe if you can get that 3D printed mould in for comparison or someone on here with a 3D printer could make you up a set.

[@HipyoTech]

That would be awesome!

[@alicedraken]

I'm actually going to use this mold, but I'll be using UV resin. I'm curious I mine will turn out but it will be a learning experience watching the things you do with yours.

[@taekwontheo]

It isn't perfect, Which makes it perfect.

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks!

[@XxmariyamistxX]

You should do a new DIY where you redo this since learning how to work with resin! I thought this was really interesting to watch! 😊

[@rackemupmann]

Hey Hipyo and anyone wanting to make their own keycaps love your stuff my cousin has just gotten me into custom keyboards . I do resin with wood I definitely think you should make a follow up video and try again. What I would suggest is getting different moulds ones that the stem piece is secured or clips onto so it stays true. When working with resin do it in the same container pour part b first (easier to pop the dry resin out this way) then part a do it on scales and work out what each weight should be for your resin brand. Metho is great for reducing bubbles put it in a spray bottle spray the mixing cup then spray the mould and then spray the top of the resin when poured and 10 minutes later I would be surprised is you need a heat gun after doing all that. Lastly check which resin you buy most resin likes to be poured in thin layers under 10mm people who do moulds and stuff like that make a pressure pot to suck all the air bubbles out because they are pouring more resin in a small place that needs to set at one time if you don't want to get a pressure pot (easy to make) you can pour layers keep 8mm as a rule unless its river flow or deep pour but they set set longer also most resin takes 36 hours until you can sand it (more time if not the right weather) then when you are done mix up a small amount of resin to paint on top so it isn't cloudy anymore.

[@thanhanle3879]

Well Artisan keycaps not just pouring resin into the mold and waiting for a miracle. Jelly Key for example, they already wrote a blog post in our vnmese community sharing their knowledge abt making artisan kc. Most of the time will be spend for doing the prototype, and it takes 5-10 tries to get a perfect kc

[@GeekLevelAsian]

hindsight is 2020, and 2020 has been a pretty bad year...that hit SOOOOO hard

[@HipyoTech]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@GeekLevelAsian]

@@HipyoTech Haha you too man! Love the videos. I was going to attempt this but I'm now glad I saw this first.

[@aiball1752]

I would love to see you attempt this again!

[@scorpio2t]

Waiting on the prime day sale to happen to finish getting my supplies! Im making keycaps!! Gotta get better equipment though... Waiting on the photon s to come in too :) I used to do epoxy art for countertops back in 2009-2011 as a kid so this is right up my alley 🤩😎

[@aryarustagi6592]

Please make more of these videos, they are so cool !

[@HipyoTech]

Will do!

[@suncze5394]

Yes finally ive been waiting for this one

[@HipyoTech]

Hope you liked it!

[@pomegranatekat2061]

Yes, i totally want another video of this

[@dejayrezme8617]

Properly hardening epoxy is important. The problem with epoxy isn't fumes, it's that the hardener creates a kind of allergic if you get exposed often enough. So if you don't wear PPE after a while you become allergic to it. They are not toxic but can lead to some really nasty reactions and prevent you from ever working with epoxy again. So gloves when pouring and gloves and respirator when sanding. That means if it's not fully cured because it was too cold it might never cure and continue to leech hardener. Once it's properly cured epoxy is really inert. UNLESS you sand it. You should wear a respirator when sanding because there will be tiny amounts of uncured hardener in the dust.

[@CloudsFPV]

Instead of pouring it into a cup and then dumping it in. tare the scale with the cup and pour the first part in to desired weight, then tare scale and repeat, now you aren't using an extra cup but the same one and the amounts are exact.

[@nandor613]

I know im late but if you want the stems to be better you just put a little painters/masking tape on the stam and press it down really hard, and that swould fix it

[@vNo5]

If you want really 0 bubbles you will need to put it inside a pressure pot/chamber over night and let it cure inside (you can also suck the bubbles out before filling the molds with a vaccum chamber but dont fill your cups completely because they´re going to flow over)

[@dexterlallo397]

Diy Keyboard vids rock aight, and yes do a follow up. Yu kinda did us dirty there bud

[@jakw0lf149]

When is second video coming with the lessons learned? 🙂

[@HipyoTech]

Maybe in a long time :( I lost all the resin supplies

[@hypecacw]

This is why I’m subbed to you everything I think of you have made

[@HipyoTech]

More mind reading to come in the future stay tuned

[@lilrowbear]

Vacuum chamber is the key to getting rid of the bubbles. But most people don’t have that or want to buy one.

[@HipyoTech]

Yeah they are so expensive!!! If I was to make a lot more I would need one for sure!

[@kamea2202]

CAN’T WAIT

[@DavidBennett1]

dope video brotha thanks for the shout out!! i want to do some tutorial vids now i think the people deserve em lol

[@HipyoTech]

Ayy yes please I need it

[@zachariahrailsback726]

We need a redo Hipyo! Do a redemption video!

[@takoyakeys]

Were you tempted to take a bite of those gummy keycaps

[@HipyoTech]

More than you could ever know

[@zeonic_keys6375]

Oh god, I just bought those same molds. Lol wish me luck

[@HipyoTech]

f

[@LionAnt_Ace]

Laughs in high schooler voice doing resin jwellery

[@squidoo.]

What key cap set is that on your keyboard? I love the look of it. And the shape!

[@david328ci]

Let’s see part 2 of this with better keycaps

[@stormcloud7818]

This is awesome and upsetting

[@stormcloud7818]

I wanna try it so bad

[@HipyoTech]

Go for it!

[@stormcloud7818]

ight

[@FeldiArts]

I wonder if this would've worked better with UV resin and a UV light.

[@shawntye12]

This is awesome

[@klimqx]

I’d like to see part 2 where you try to make better ones

[@fawndiamond6745]

I love your videos!!!!!!!!!

[@Skyswordz1121]

wow hipyo sounds so different

[@cosmicwonderhoof133]

Id say this video is for beginners trying to go higher

[@emilzexkk735]

9:03 Me. Happy new year! (Ik, 1,5h early here but idc lol)

[@HipyoTech]

HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@emilzexkk735]

@@HipyoTech now its 6AM so I can say that I stayed awake the whole night

[@HipyoTech]

@@emilzexkk735 you're a legend

[@emilzexkk735]

@@HipyoTech now i can retire and wake up between 10AM and 9PM lol

[@Hero1117a]

Thank you

[@spinkey4842]

warm up the resin in a bucket of hot water before mixing

[@krazikatladi3729]

Watch evan and katelyn! They do lots of resin stuff!

[@InhaleTheInsan3]

Pls more!

[@HipyoTech]

Thanks!

[@Damian-oe8ob]

Wait... Wouldn't measuring the hardener and resin by weight give an unequal mix ratio, given that they differ in density?

[@JoshuaDang]

pressure pot fixes all these problems

[@gillian32]

Perhaps a UV light would have been a good idea.

[@rinyimy]

Me too. I think just use UV resin.

[@TheAsianNerd]

Waiting... Waiting... Waiting...

[@seanyehaley]

The most surprising thing was when I realized Hipyo had a girlfriend

[@sside7755]

Whats that keycap set on the keyboard u used

[@time-4251]

Godly edit but ur so underrated :(

[@Dazdigo]

I agree 2020 sucked.

[@Chaggy1978]

Agreed and it seems to be getting much worse in 2024...

[@E3lcpl]

Just started trying to make key caps . But they arent hardening

[@pitfa1140]

I tried making these too! They turned out squishy and didn’t hold their shape well. Lol

[@siobhanhenry9094]

Fill the stems separately and remember to learn from other people's mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself coz every other KZbin vid on keycaps shows this lol

[@DATKEYSTUDIO]

Hi. We are Artisan Keycap Master. Give us a challenge. ;)

[@ChristoKiwi]

Did you try it again?

[@dragonebl]

would these work with the razer ornata chroma keyboard?

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

How bad do resin caps wear down over time?

[@HipyoTech]

not too bad I think

[@toriachan1944]

Use UV resin

[@HipyoTech]

I'll give it a shot in a future vid!

[@deluxesofa]

What is the point of premiere in yt

[@ph0roggy]

So basically you can schedule a video to be posted at a certain time instead of uploading immediately. That's what premiere does. It's good to plan when to release a video so that most of the timezones can get exposed to the video

[@HipyoTech]

It gives me a good way of letting people know when a video will release, it also lets me chat with viewers in a live chat during the first viewing.

[@meiguess6765]

Does anybody know any alternatives to mica that would work well in resin? Or any responsible sources of mica? I just don’t want to contribute to the problems the industry already has but I want ✨ *sparkly* ✨ keycaps

[@solidwok]

Seggzy artisan

[@Impactframess]

Thought it was a lil tab

[@dumbthings7461]

Why not use hot glue

[@loquerish]

im a member

[@HipyoTech]

Thank you so much for joining the stream and joining the channel!

[@banks3388]

Now sell them for $50, stonks....

[@skeletonmaker3853]

I have a cardboard keycap

[@Andrew-wo8ry]

I thought this said foreskin keycap and I was scared

[@fartimedes]

what

[@Andrew-wo8ry]

@@fartimedes I mistaken the word resin

[@GibusGang]

ha!

[@iisxvxgewater576]

whens hipyos gf reveal :0

[@asslole]

comment for algorithim

[@creampuff4483]

Oh no... Hello ;)

[@LateBandwagon]

Do it

[@mickeyromeo]

low audio

[@VoteRayan]

I'm guessing she's the one who... wanted more.....

[@toxic1428]

U

[@toxic1428]

xd

[@bizqrre8958]

m o r e r e s i n k e y c a p s