# DIY Decorative Resin Keycaps ## Overview https://youtu.be/J0ZUBEqV9ps In this project, we’re resin casting keycaps for Mechanical Keyboards like the Adafruit MacroPad! Resin casting keycaps is a really fun way to level up your keyboard making skills. We experiment with adding colored pigments, glitter, even some components like resistors and googly eyes.   ![projects_capsB-hero.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/782/medium640/projects_capsB-hero.jpg?1628530769) ![projects_resistor-hero-close.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/783/medium640/projects_resistor-hero-close.jpg?1628530847) You can make your own set of keycaps with these silicone molds and UV-curable resin. To keep it simple, all you really need is the keycap molds, some UV resin and a UV lamp for curing. We designed and 3D printed our own mini UV lamp a while back which is just the right size for these silicone molds. Check out the files and tutorial to make your own UV Lamp below.   ![projects_mold-hero.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/784/medium640/projects_mold-hero.jpg?1628530974) ![projects_uv-mold-caps.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/785/medium640/projects_uv-mold-caps.jpg?1628531295) [Download UV Lamp Files](https://learn.adafruit.com/uv-manicure-lamp) ![Eye](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/guides/images/000/003/389/original/eye-hero-close.jpg?1628518940) ## Parts ### Kailh Mechanical Key Switches - Linear Red - 12 Pack [Kailh Mechanical Key Switches - Linear Red - 12 Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5122) For crafting your very own custom keyboard, these ** Kailh Red Linear mechanical key switches**  are deeee-luxe! With smooth actuation and Cherry MX compatibility, they're lovely when you want a  **smooth linear ** keystroke: - Type... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5122) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5122/guides) ![Top shot of 12 pack Red Kailh Mechanical Key Switches ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5122-02.jpg) ### Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED [Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here, stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5100/guides) ![Angled shot of MacroPad](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5100-00.jpg) ### Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack [Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103) Dress up your Adafruit Macropad with PaintYourDragon's fabulous decorative silkscreen enclosure and hardware kit. You get the two custom PCBs that are cut to act as a protective bottom plate and and a mechanically-stabilizing keyboard plate. Use the included M3 screws to attach the... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5103/guides) ![Top view of MacroPad add on pack](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5103-06.jpg) ### NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart Mechanical Key Switches w/ NeoPixel [NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart Mechanical Key Switches w/ NeoPixel](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5157) For folks who want ready-to-go keeb action, we've got the lovely [Adafruit Macropad with a 3x4 grid of MX+NeoPixel key switches](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) - but for those who like to forge their own path, we now present the easiest way of creating custom ortholinear... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5157) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5157/guides) ![Top view video of a Black woman's hands pressing the key switches on to emit rainbow colors from the NeoPixels.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/5157-03.jpg) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/786/medium800/projects_tool-hero.jpg?1628531748) # DIY Decorative Resin Keycaps ## Make Keycap Molds ## Pour 1st Layer Add a small amount of resin, just enough to fill the bottom of the mold. Gently slosh the resin around the mold so it is evenly distributed. Place the mold on a tray to keep the resin level. ##   ## Pop Bubbles Use a tool to carefully remove any bubbles in the resin. ##   ## Cure 1st Layer Align the tray and mold inside the UV lamp.   Allow the resin to cure for about three minutes. ![projects_layer1-pour.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/761/medium640/projects_layer1-pour.jpg?1628519579) ![projects_layer1-bubble-pop.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/762/medium640/projects_layer1-bubble-pop.jpg?1628519727) ![projects_layer1-cure.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/763/medium640/projects_layer1-cure.jpg?1628520927) ![projects_layer1-cure-time.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/764/medium640/projects_layer1-cure-time.jpg?1628521181) ## Prep Layer 2 Place glitter or small objects around the center of the mold.   ### Objects  Some objects may need to be inserted at an angle to help the air bubbles escape. ##   ### Glitter Only use a small amount of glitter to avoid blocking UV light while curing.   Pour enough resin to fill over the top of the object in the mold and allow to cure for another 3 minutes. ![projects_layer2-place.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/765/medium640/projects_layer2-place.jpg?1628521886) ![projects_eye-side-insert.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/766/medium640/projects_eye-side-insert.jpg?1628521954) ![projects_layer2-pour.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/767/medium640/projects_layer2-pour.jpg?1628522021) ![projects_layer2-cure.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/768/medium640/projects_layer2-cure.jpg?1628522055) ## Layer 3 The 3rd and last layer can act as a backdrop for the keycap. Add more resin on top. Glitter or pigment can give the keycap a pop of color when diffused. Mix and stir it up nicely so the pigment blends into the resin. Fill the mold to the top and remove any bubbles that form.  ![projects_layer3-mica.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/774/medium640/projects_layer3-mica.jpg?1628526910) ![projects_layer3-mix.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/775/medium640/projects_layer3-mix.jpg?1628526942) ## Stem Hold the stem mold at an angle and apply a very small amount of resin to one side of the stem. Allow the resin to slowly seep into the mold. Wait for the resin to fully seep into the mold before applying another small drop of resin. This will force any air out of the  the stem mold. Continue until the stem mold is full with no air bubbles.   ![projects_stem-pour.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/776/medium640/projects_stem-pour.jpg?1628528220) ## Align Stem Mold Be careful and precise with your placement so the two mold are properly aligned. Allow the resin to overfill, it’s a good sign you have used enough resin. If it’s not overfilling you might not have enough. Back into the UV lamp, you want to give each side 5 minutes  to cure both sides.   ![projects_stem-align.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/778/medium640/projects_stem-align.jpg?1628529059) Warning: ## Pull Mold Allow the mold to cool down.  Carefully pull out our keycap. Any excess resin, or molding flash, will need to be removed and can be trimmed away. We used our flush snips, just be sure to angle it down when cutting so the flash doesn’t fly across the room. You’ll find the surface is a bit tacky so you can use some isopropyl alcohol to remove some of the stickiness. If they still feel a bit sticky, you could also let them sit in direct sunlight for a few minutes.   ![projects_mold-pull.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/779/medium640/projects_mold-pull.jpg?1628529460) ![projects_rinse.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/780/medium640/projects_rinse.jpg?1628530027) And there you have it! Resin casted keycaps are really fun and definitely approachable. We hope this inspires you to try out resin casting and hope this helps you learn the techniques with some of our tips and tricks. So what ideas do you have for keycaps? Be sure to share your projects with us on Adafruit’s Weekly [Show and Tell](https://learn.adafruit.com/show-and-tell "Show and Tell")! ![projects_resistor-hero-close.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/103/781/medium640/projects_resistor-hero-close.jpg?1628530560) ![Eye](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/guides/images/000/003/389/original/eye-hero-close.jpg?1628518940) ## Featured Products ### 3 x 1U and 2 x 1.25U "Ctrl" Silicone Keycap Molds [3 x 1U and 2 x 1.25U "Ctrl" Silicone Keycap Molds](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5079) If you love to customize, why not level up your DIY keeb-makin' skills and craft your own set of bespoke 'caps with this keycap mold that has three "1U R1" (e.g. single bottom row key) molds and two 1.25U  **Ctrl Keycap Molds**.  We recommend... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5079) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5079/guides) ### Kitty Paw Silicone Keycap Molds - MX Compatible Switches [Kitty Paw Silicone Keycap Molds - MX Compatible Switches](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5076) If you love our [Kitty Paw Keycaps](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=kitty+paw&sort=BestMatch) and love to customize, why not level up your DIY keeb-makin' skills and craft your own set of bespoke 'caps with these  **Kitty Paw Keycap...** In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5076) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5076/guides) ### Fluorescent Pigment - Purple [Fluorescent Pigment - Purple](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4124) We're with the squad back at New York's hottest cyberpunk club, _Near Field Commune(ication), _and it's _still_ got  **everything** , _[Adabot & the Circuit...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNxZmZCqvw)_ No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4124) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4124/guides) ### NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart Mechanical Key Switches w/ NeoPixel [NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart Mechanical Key Switches w/ NeoPixel](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5157) For folks who want ready-to-go keeb action, we've got the lovely [Adafruit Macropad with a 3x4 grid of MX+NeoPixel key switches](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) - but for those who like to forge their own path, we now present the easiest way of creating custom ortholinear... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5157) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5157/guides) ### Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED [Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here, stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5100/guides) ### Flush diagonal cutters [Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides) ### Precision Straight Tweezers - Rhino SW-11 [Precision Straight Tweezers - Rhino SW-11](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3096) King Arthur carried Excalibur and Thor wields Mjölnir, but the Electrical Engineer? She will always have a pair of excellent tweezers at the ready such as these **Rhino SW-11 Tweezers** ! They are sharp, straight, and super luxurious. These  are... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3096) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3096/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit MacroPad RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-macropad-rp2040.md) - [Adafruit NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neokey-5x6-ortho-snap-apart.md) - [MacroPad Summer Olympics Hotkeys](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-olympic-hotkeys.md) - [Ableton Live MacroPad Launcher](https://learn.adafruit.com/ableton-live-macropad-launcher.md) - [MACROPAD Hotkeys](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-hotkeys.md) - [CNC Rotary Macropad](https://learn.adafruit.com/cnc-rotary-macropad.md) - [Minecraft Turbopad](https://learn.adafruit.com/minecraft-turbopad.md) - [Using QMK on RP2040 Microcontrollers](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-qmk-on-rp2040-microcontrollers.md) - [MacroPad Remote Procedure Calls over USB to Control Home Assistant](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-remote-procedure-calls-over-usb-to-control-home-assistant.md) - [Split Ortho Keyboard with TCA8418 Matrix Expanders](https://learn.adafruit.com/split-ortho-keyboard.md) - [Numpad 4000 Mechanical Keyswitch Data Entry Device](https://learn.adafruit.com/numpad-4000-mechanical-keyswitch-data-entry-device.md) - [Deluxe 4x4 NeoPixel Keypad](https://learn.adafruit.com/deluxe-4x4-neopixel-neokey-keypad.md) - [MacroPad Braille Keycaps](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-braille-keycaps.md) - [An Introduction to RP2040 PIO with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/intro-to-rp2040-pio-with-circuitpython.md) - [3D Printed Stand for MacroPad RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-stand-for-macropad-rp2040.md)