I was scared about modeling the keys after spending so much time making them into precise, unique shapes in CAD. I spent considerable time thinking about how I would construct the mechanism to actuate a hidden button. I decided to make simple square keys with inexpensive tactile switches. The cheap pushbuttons will not give the feedback I want, but I can afford to use and discard a few dozen of them if I find a better option.
The key top was a rectangular piece with an oval hole in the top that did not appear in the picture. The hole will make the LED filament visible. The width was based on a standard piano key, but the length was determined by the space I needed for the base. The base held an LED filament, two M3 bolts, and a tactile switch on either or both ends. I arranged the switches at the edges so I could print the base on its side, which meant that the layer lines would be parallel to the key movement.
The first print came out all right. There was friction between the top and bottom parts, which improved as I slid them together a few times and wore away the offending bits. I placed an LED filament in the slot, and it fit perfectly and was flush with the top. The bolts required some torque to install. The pushbutton sat perfectly in its position, but the feet stuck when I added the key top.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2026-02-
The key top was a rectangular piece with an oval hole in the top that did not appear in the picture. The hole will make the LED filament visible. The width was based on a standard piano key, but the length was determined by the space I needed for the base. The base held an LED filament, two M3 bolts, and a tactile switch on either or both ends. I arranged the switches at the edges so I could print the base on its side, which meant that the layer lines would be parallel to the key movement.
The first print came out all right. There was friction between the top and bottom parts, which improved as I slid them together a few times and wore away the offending bits. I placed an LED filament in the slot, and it fit perfectly and was flush with the top. The bolts required some torque to install. The pushbutton sat perfectly in its position, but the feet stuck when I added the key top.
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| Key top and populated key base |
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2026-02-
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