I Made my Own Keyboard Keycaps!!
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SimpliSafe is an awesome home security service that helps keep your home safe around the clock. It's reliable, inexpensive, easy to use, and there are no contracts. Check SimpliSafe out today at simplisafe.com - Thanks to SimpliSafe for sponsoring this video! Is your keyboard just not.. YOURS enough? Today we’re building our own heat press to show you how to dye sublimate images directly INTO blank keys to truly customize your keyboard. Intro by Mbarek Abdelwassaa - @mbarek_abdel Buy Epson Workforce WF-7710 Printer On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy J-B Weld High Heat Epoxy On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Polyamide (Kapton) Tape On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Sublimation Paper On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Dye Sublimation ink On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy 12V Heating Element On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Empty Ink Cartridge On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Get SimpliSafe Home Security at simplisafe.com/LTT Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Test Benches on Amazon: lmg.gg Our Production Gear: lmg.gg Thanks to Dixie Mech for providing the Keycaps - dixiemech.com FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Techquickie: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg ShortCircuit: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg MUSIC + INTRO CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg
In this video, Linus Tech Tips explores turning plain keyboard keycaps into fully customized, colorfully printed caps using dye sublimation. The host explains the basic concept of dye sublimation, describing how a dye is transferred from sublimation paper to a heated surface under pressure, and how this creates a permanent, scratch-resistant design on light-colored caps. The project workflow is demonstrated step by step, starting with selecting a compatible inkjet printer and a DIY heat press, then loading sublimation transfers and printing designs provided by Taran Van Hemert. Early attempts reveal challenges, including issues with printer setup, ink quality, and proper timing, which lead to adjustments in pressure and duration to improve transfer results. As the process progresses, different designs such as a Minecraft creeper and a Batman motif are tested, with results showing vibrant colors when the sublimation successfully embeds into the cap material. The video also covers practical tips learned along the way, like the superiority of dye sublimation on lighter or white keycaps and the importance of even pressure for uniform results, while noting that darker keycaps are less suitable for this technique. Interludes feature sponsor insights about SimpliSafe, highlighting home security features and monitoring, which are integrated into the video as part of the creator’s usual content mix. By the end, the host reflects on lessons learned, acknowledges remaining challenges, and expresses enthusiasm for refining the heat press design to achieve even, durable transfers across more keycap styles, inviting viewers to try the technique themselves and share their results.
Topics · technology · maker_movement · diy_projects · manufacturing · tutorial
Questions answered
- What is dye sublimation and what is it used for in this video?
- Dye sublimation is a process where a dye is transferred from sublimation paper to a heated surface under pressure, infusing the dye into the material so the image becomes permanent and scratch resistant. In this video it is used to embed colorful designs into blank keyboard keycaps, creating custom, durable keycaps.