I'm so tempted to buy one of these boards but given the nature of the project it feels like it would be smarter to invest in a 3D printer, learn to understand how to use it and then print from a kit so that I can update myself along with the project as it evolves. I suppose I could just get the board and by the printer later, but having no knowledge of 3D printing not sure which option to choose for the printing material?
You won't regret buying a full build even if you buy a printer and modify stuff later. For somebody who's never done any FDM printing before, let alone this kind of very tight tolerance stuff, it's quite a lot of work. I have a very practiced hand, and my printers are dialed in. But of course the kit build is always an option as well, and a very fun project. If you're buying pre-built, my preference is for ABS. If you're printing yourself, go with PLA or PETG unless you're prepared to take appropriate occupational safety precautions. ABS fumes while printing are no joke.
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. I'm actually on an older daily driver with the old key design right now and it never ceases to amaze me how great they all feel, but in subtly different ways. When you fall down the 3D printing rabbit hole you can try them all ;)
are the non printed components in the design(ie the kit you buy) interchangeable between different versions of the mechanisms? eg if I buy a kit and the mechanism design is upgraded can I print off the update and swap out the magnets from the old to the new design?
This key is compatible with the original PCB designs, yes. I'm always pushing the limits, but I try to keep things backwards compatible where I can. Sometimes a PCB form factor change becomes necessary for functional reasons🙏🏻
awesome to see you this excited about your key, looks like a great solution
I'm so tempted to buy one of these boards but given the nature of the project it feels like it would be smarter to invest in a 3D printer, learn to understand how to use it and then print from a kit so that I can update myself along with the project as it evolves.
I suppose I could just get the board and by the printer later, but having no knowledge of 3D printing not sure which option to choose for the printing material?
You won't regret buying a full build even if you buy a printer and modify stuff later.
For somebody who's never done any FDM printing before, let alone this kind of very tight tolerance stuff, it's quite a lot of work. I have a very practiced hand, and my printers are dialed in.
But of course the kit build is always an option as well, and a very fun project.
If you're buying pre-built, my preference is for ABS. If you're printing yourself, go with PLA or PETG unless you're prepared to take appropriate occupational safety precautions. ABS fumes while printing are no joke.
glad I was able to get this key design with my board. It feels great!
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. I'm actually on an older daily driver with the old key design right now and it never ceases to amaze me how great they all feel, but in subtly different ways. When you fall down the 3D printing rabbit hole you can try them all ;)
Incredible stuff. Saving up to buy the diy kit.
So cool. Nice work
are the non printed components in the design(ie the kit you buy) interchangeable between different versions of the mechanisms? eg if I buy a kit and the mechanism design is upgraded can I print off the update and swap out the magnets from the old to the new design?
This key is compatible with the original PCB designs, yes. I'm always pushing the limits, but I try to keep things backwards compatible where I can. Sometimes a PCB form factor change becomes necessary for functional reasons🙏🏻
Weird= awesome
Where do I buy one?
www.svalboard.com :)