How to make custom keycaps

Before we start, let us talk about preparation. Making custom keycaps is akin to baking since you’re making their own “clicky” pieces These keycaps are not very complicated to make; you won’t need a big workshop or a 3D printer, but having one is a bonus.

What you do need is a solid little kit of supplies and a pinch of patience.

Imagine a tiny crafting station: a few bottles of colored resin, silicone molds shaped like keycaps, a handful of stir sticks, and that one workspace you promise to keep clean… but probably won’t. You’ll also want gloves (trust me on this, resin is no joke on skin), some measuring cups, and a well-ventilated room. Resin smells like commitment. You’ll know what I mean.

Some folks get overwhelmed thinking this is all pro-level maker stuff, but really, it’s beginner-friendly if you start small. We’ll go through each part together—so if you’re staring at your keyboard right now wondering “Can I really make this cooler?” the answer’s yes. And the best part? No two sets are ever the same. This is your little fingerprint on your setup.

Here’s a basic sketch of what this workspace might look like:

See? Nothing crazy. Let’s get into the exact tools now.

Materials and Tools Checklist

So here’s your shopping list—but not the boring kind. This is like the fun version of school supplies. The vibe is “science lab meets art class,” and you’re the one in charge.

Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Two-part epoxy resin
• Keycap silicone mold (can be 1U, artisan, etc.)
• Mixing cups and stir sticks
• Disposable gloves
• Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning up)
• Color pigments or resin dyes
• Toothpicks (you’ll be surprised how handy they are)
• Tweezers (again, trust me)
• Safety mask (if you’re working in a small room)

Optional but fun:

• Glitter, foil flakes, or mini decorations
• UV lamp if you’re working with UV resin
• Heat gun or torch (to pop bubbles in resin)

The cool thing is, once you’ve got these, you’re basically set for multiple batches. Most kits come with enough supplies for ten or more caps. If you’re just testing the waters, you can even find all-in-one starter kits online for like $30–$50.

And if you’re wondering—no, you don’t need to be an artist. This is more about exploring than perfecting. You’ll mess up a few. That’s normal. You’ll also accidentally create something awesome.

Where to Find Molds and Kits

Now, let’s talk molds. These are what give your resin that classic keycap shape—or a totally wild one if you’re feeling spicy.

You’ve got three main places to look:

1. Online Marketplaces: Amazon, Etsy, and AliExpress are packed with keycap mold kits. Look for food-grade silicone molds (they’re safe and durable). Some even come with full kits.
2. Keyboard Communities: Places like Reddit’s r/MechanicalKeyboards or Discord servers often have vendors selling custom-shaped molds. Artisan makers sometimes offer pre-orders.
3. DIY Route: Feeling ambitious? You can actually make your own molds with mold-making silicone and a donor keycap. It’s more advanced but totally doable later on.

One quick note—molds usually come in standard 1U size. If you’re aiming for something like a spacebar or function key, you’ll need specialized molds. But for starters? Stick to 1U and have fun.

Here’s how a basic mold looks in structure:

Let’s move on to the fun part: getting your design down.

Designing Your Keycaps

Okay, this is the part where your creativity gets to roam free. Think of your keyboard like a canvas—except instead of brushstrokes, you’re working with color swirls, cute icons, and sometimes little frogs in the escape key (yes, really). Designing your keycaps is a blend of form and fun, and no two people do it the same way.

Whether you want a color-matched set that vibes with your battlestation or a single artisan keycap shaped like a jellyfish, this is your chance to get personal. The best part? There’s no “wrong” way to design. You could sketch out a plan, grab a palette and wing it, or scroll through Pinterest for aesthetic inspo (just try not to go down the rabbit hole too hard—it’s a trap).

Some folks like to plan the whole set around a theme: vaporwave, forest spirits, anime, vapor-synth kitties in space—you name it. Others go one key at a time, letting the color mixing guide them. Either way, this is your expression.

Here’s the golden rule: Start small. Make a few tester caps. Play with color blends and layering. Once you see how resin behaves (it’s a bit like a slow-moving lava lamp), you’ll start getting ideas fast.

Next, let’s get into how to actually start sketching or digitally designing those ideas.

Drawing or Digitally Designing the Keycap

You don’t have to be a pro illustrator, I promise. The goal here isn’t to design something perfect—it’s to get your ideas down in a way that helps you plan. Whether that’s doodling in a notebook or opening up Canva, both are totally valid.

Here are some ways to design:

• Traditional Sketching: Grab a pencil and paper, outline a simple keycap shape, and color it in.
• Canva / Figma: Great for digital layouts if you’re into a cleaner, pixel-perfect mockup.
• Keycap Design Tools: There are online tools like Keycap Render Kit or KeyV2 (browser-based) that let you mock up sets visually.

Think about:

• Legend or icon? Will it have letters, symbols, or be blank?
• One solid color or a layered swirl?
• Do you want transparency, glitter, embedded objects?

Sometimes it helps to keep a “mood board” of keycaps you love, just to get those creative juices flowing. Start by recreating a simple one you like—just for practice—and then put your own spin on it.

Next, let’s pick some colors and nail down your aesthetic.

Choosing Colors and Styles

Let’s be real—this is where the fun kicks in. Color choice is where your keycaps get their personality. And depending on your setup, your mood, or even your favorite snack (no judgment), you can go from dreamy pastels to moody cyberpunk to straight-up glitter explosion.

Here’s how to think about color:

• Resin dyes come in liquid, powder, or paste form. Liquids are beginner-friendly and mix easily.
• Pigment powders offer a metallic or pearlescent finish—these look gorgeous when swirled.
• Neon or UV-reactive dyes are perfect if you’ve got RGB lighting under your keyboard.
• Glitters, foils, and micro-beads can be suspended in clear resin for a galaxy or fantasy vibe.

Tips for success:

• Stick with 2-3 colors max to start. It helps avoid muddy blending.
• Pour in layers for a marbled or gradient effect.
• Use a toothpick or stir stick to create swirls or ripple effects while the resin is still fluid.

And hey—don’t overthink it. The resin will do its thing, and sometimes that “happy accident” will be your favorite cap of all.

Next up: We’ll actually pour that magic and bring your designs to life.

Casting the Keycaps

Alright, now it’s go time. You’ve got your mold, your design, your colors—now we’re diving into the actual casting process. T From this point on, everything becomes tangible. At this stage, patience and precision come into play, but don’t worry. It’s much more relaxing than it sounds.

Mixing the Resin

Step one: get your resin and hardener mixed up. Most craft resins come in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, and accuracy is crucial here. If you eyeball it, you risk soft, bendy keycaps or ones that never fully cure. And no one wants a melty W key.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• To avoid residue getting on your hands and damaging your skin, put on gloves (as resin can be sticky).Use a silicone cup or disposable measuring cup
• Stir for 3–5 minutes until it’s totally blended (but don’t whip it, or you’ll trap bubbles)

After mixing, this is where you can:

• Add dye or pigment
• Drop in glitter or foil
• Separate into smaller cups for color layering

Pro tip: If you have a vacuum chamber or pressure pot, this is when you’d de-bubble your resin. Not required, but it gives you super clean results.

 Pouring the Resin into the Molds

You’ve got your dreamy blend of sparkly swirls—now, carefully pour it into your keycap molds.

Some tips:

• Pour slowly, especially if you’re layering colors
• Use a dropper or pipette for precision (super helpful for 1U caps)
• Gently tap the mold or use a toothpick to pop any surface bubbles
• Cover the molds with a lid or box to keep dust out

Let the resin sit and cure undisturbed. This part takes time. Most resins will need 12 to 24 hours to fully harden, depending on your brand. Leave them alone—don’t poke! Don’t check! While it’s annoying, you need to trust the process. Now that it has been fully cured, you can finally show off your creation.

Demolding and Finishing Touches

This is honestly the most satisfying part. Peeling those keycaps out of the mold is like unwrapping candy. But the job isn’t quite done yet—there’s a bit of finishing work to make your caps look and feel polished.

Demolding Safely

When demolding, go slow and gentle:

• Gently flex the silicone mold and ease the cap out
• If it’s resisting, give it more curing time (especially at the stem area)

Check for any flashing or rough edges—this happens when a bit of resin seeps where it shouldn’t. You can:

• Trim it with a craft knife or precision cutter
• Use a fine nail file or sandpaper (400–600 grit works well)

Sanding, Polishing, and Stem Checking

Once your keycap is out:

• Sand the underside or edges if they feel sharp or uneven
• Polish the top if you want that glassy look (microfiber cloth + resin polish works wonders)
• Check the stem fit—this is key. If your cap is too loose or too tight on a switch, you might need to slightly reshape the stem or remold it

Optional step: Spray on a clear UV-resistant topcoat if your resin isn’t already UV-stable. This keeps your colors vibrant over time, especially with heavy use or sun exposure.

Testing and Mounting Your Keycaps

So, you’ve crafted your own keycaps, and they look fire. But how do they feel? Let’s make sure they’re ready to pop onto your keyboard without wobble, weird tilts, or sad misfits.

Checking the Stem Fit

Every keycap has a little cross-shaped insert on the bottom—that’s the stem. And it needs to match your switch type (usually MX-style).

Here’s a simple diagram of how the stem should fit onto your switch:

Test it by gently pressing your cap onto the switch:

• Snug but not forced? ✅
• Slides on with zero resistance? Might be too loose.
• Won’t go on at all? Stem might be blocked or too narrow.

Fixes:

• Use a needle file or precision tool to slightly widen tight stems.
• Add a dot of hot glue inside a loose stem, let it cool for 2 seconds, then push it onto the switch to mold it.

Mounting the Full Set

Once you’re confident in the fit, try building out a full layout. Maybe just start with your number row or modifiers.

Things to watch for:

• Key height alignment – do your caps sit evenly?
• Wobble – is there movement when you tap the side?
• Feel – are you getting smooth actuation or scratchy sounds?

If something feels off, remove and inspect the underside for uneven resin, bubbles, or sloped edges. A little sanding usually fixes it.

Final Layout Test

Here’s a visual of a basic testing layout:

Check height, spacing, and whether the caps rock side to side.

If everything checks out, congratulations. You just made a custom keycap set, by hand, from scratch. Not a lot of people can say that—and even fewer have a set that’s one-of-a-kind like yours.

Final Thoughts & Tips for Custom Keycap Artists

Let’s zoom out for a second. If this is your first time making keycaps, you’ve already crushed a huge creative project. But if you’re feeling the bug to go further, here are a few closing tips.

Mistakes Happen (And That’s Fine)

Seriously—your first set might be messy. That’s part of it. But it’s also where the fun lives. Sometimes your “mistake” will turn out cooler than what you were aiming for. Happy accidents? Totally a thing here.

Experiment, Then Experiment More

Resin art is infinite:

• Try layered pours
• Mix in glow powders, dried flowers, or foil
• Try a different profile mold (like SA, DSA, XDA)
• Go sculpted—yes, full-on tiny dragons on your Escape key are a vibe

Share Your Work

There’s a super friendly community of cap-makers out there. Post your stuff, ask for tips, and get inspired by others. You’ll learn way faster and probably make some new friends who also geek out over switch stems.

If you’re also looking to refresh your switches for that ultra‑smooth feel, don’t miss our hands‑on tutorial on How to Change and Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches.