Keycaps 101
If you’re a person with a high sense of aesthetics and a passion for collecting beautiful things, then artisan keycaps will be the perfect and most unique choice for you. So, let's find out everything about handmade keycaps right away with HANDVN!
What Are Artisan Keycaps?
Artisan keycaps are custom-made, handcrafted keycaps created by individual artists or small groups to replace the mass-produced ones on mechanical keyboards. These unique pieces add a striking, personalized touch to your keyboard setup.
Popular for their distinctive designs, artisan keycaps are available in a variety of materials to suit different tastes. Skilled artisans specialize in creating intricate designs with rich colors and attention to detail.
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Resin keycaps: Crafted from high-quality epoxy resin, these resin keycaps often feature a high level of detail, vibrant colors, and the ability to create vivid 3D effects. They are the most common type on the market.
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Wood keycaps: These provide a natural, rustic, and refined aesthetic. Wood keycaps highlight the inherent beauty of the wood grain, giving your keyboard a warm feel.
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Metal keycaps: Often made from brass, copper, or aluminum, they add durability and a premium feel. These are highly sought after by collectors.
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Clay keycaps: A malleable and flexible material, clay is often used to create master sculpts for resin casting. The final keycap can also be made from baked clay, offering vibrant colors and a playful aesthetic.
Artisan keycaps are typically compatible with most popular switches like Cherry MX and similar clones. However, some keycaps may have different profiles or heights, which can affect the typing feel and ergonomics.
How Are Artisan Keycaps Made?
Each handmade keycap is a work of art, with a meticulous creation process from concept to completion.
1. Resin Artisan Keycaps:
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Design Concept: The artist sketches out a design, drawing inspiration from various themes like anime keycaps, gaming keycaps, or natural landscapes.
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Mold Making: A silicone mold is created from the original design to perfectly reproduce the keycap's shape and features.
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Resin Preparation: The main component, a two-part liquid synthetic resin, is colored and prepared before being poured into the mold.
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Casting: The resin is carefully poured into the mold and left to cure.
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Finishing: After being de-molded, the keycaps are cleaned, sanded, and polished to a perfect, gleaming finish.
2. Wood Artisan Keycaps: Wood adds a natural and organic look. It can be carved, cut, or engraved to create unique patterns. Sometimes, wood is combined with resin to create unique hybrid keycaps.
3. Metal Artisan Keycaps: Metal keycaps are cast, forged, or machined to create different shapes and forms. While durable and premium, they are often more expensive and difficult to work with.
4. Clay Artisan Keycaps: Polymer clay is used to sculpt the keycap by hand. It is then baked in an oven to cure it. Finally, the keycap is hand-painted and coated with a protective layer to ensure durability and long-lasting color.
Are Handmade Keycaps Worth Buying?
Investing in handmade keycaps is a worthwhile option if you appreciate unique and creative designs for your mechanical keyboard.
Pros:
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Unique Product: Each keycap is one-of-a-kind, showcasing your personal style.
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Premium Materials: They use high-quality materials that are durable and visually stunning.
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Exquisitely Detailed: The craftsmanship and attention to detail surpass mass-produced products.
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Collectible Value: Their limited availability makes them highly prized among collectors.
Cons:
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High Cost: Because they are handmade, the cost is significantly higher than that of regular keycaps.
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Limited Availability: It can be hard to acquire a full set, and you may have to wait for specific releases.
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Long Production Periods: You might need to wait weeks or even months for a custom order.
Artisan vs. Regular Keycaps: What's The Difference?
While regular keycaps offer a practical solution, artisan keycaps appeal to those looking to add a distinctive, personalized, and artistic touch to their mechanical keyboard setup.
How To Choose And Use Artisan Keycaps
To choose the perfect artisan keycaps, consider these factors:
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Compatibility: Ensure the keycap is compatible with your switch type (most are Cherry MX) and your keyboard layout (full-size, TKL, 60%, etc.).
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Material: Choose a material that suits your preference. PBT keycaps are known for durability, while ABS keycaps are more common and affordable.
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Profile: Keycap profiles like OEM or Cherry affect the typing feel. Understand which one is best for your use (gaming, typing, or programming).
Where To Buy Artisan Keycaps?
If you're looking for a reliable place to buy unique keycaps, here are some trusted sources:
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Communities: Subreddits like r/ArtisanKeycaps and other mechanical keyboard forums are great for group buys and finding reputable sellers.
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Etsy: This marketplace is home to many independent artisans.
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HANDVN: As a Vietnamese keycap brand, HANDVN specializes in creating high-quality handmade keycaps with intricate designs. HANDVN's products are regularly updated with new designs, have competitive prices, and are highly collectible.
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Other Marketplaces: You can also find artisan keycaps on major platforms like Amazon or eBay.
Tips For Buying Artisan Keycaps
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Explore Artists: Take time to research various artisan keycap creators and their portfolios.
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Check Compatibility: Always double-check your keyboard's switch type, layout, and profile before purchasing.
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Consider the Material: Pay attention to the materials used, as they impact the overall aesthetics and durability.
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Set a Budget: Artisan keycaps can range greatly in price, so setting a budget will help you make a choice that fits your needs.
Conclusion
Artisan keycaps are more than just accessories; they are a form of art that elevates the typing experience to a new level. By focusing on quality and creativity, they transform mechanical keyboards into unique works of art. They have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, embodying the dedication and talent of the artisans who create them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are artisan keycaps for? Artisan keycaps are used to customize and enhance the aesthetics of a mechanical keyboard, allowing users to design a setup that reflects their personal style and personality.
How much do artisan keycaps cost? Prices can range from $10 to over $150 per piece or set, depending on the design, material, quality, and rarity.
How do you use artisan keycaps? Simply use a keycap puller to remove your original keycap and replace it with an artisan keycap. They are made to work with standard mechanical switches, making them easy to swap out.
Are artisan keycaps comfortable to type on? This depends on the design. Some keycaps with irregular shapes or heights may not be as comfortable as standard ones and are often used on less-frequently-used keys like the ESC key. However, many people enjoy their unique feel.
What are the best artisan keycap brands? Some popular names in the community include HANDVN, Jelly Key, RAMA Works, KeyLabs, and many others. Each brand has a distinct aesthetic and designs that appeal to various preferences.
