Keyboard Builders' Digest / Tips & Tricks
FDM-printable Chicago Steno
Pseudoku's Chicago Steno keycaps optimized for FDM-printing by u/levpopov.
Published April 4, 2022
When levpopov wanted to use CS caps for one of his flat keyboard projects (unpublished), he spent a bit of time tuning it for FDM printing.
These high-res caps generated using pseudoku's https://github.com/pseudoku/PseudoMakeMeKeyCapProfiles are mostly stock, with the exception of a new extra tall convex cap variant which can be handy for corner keys (Y,N,T,B) - the elevation makes these much easier to reach without hitting adjacent keys.
Grab Lev's STLs with print instructions here:
https://www.printables.com/model/158865-chicago-steno-low-profile-ergo-keycaps
Compared to the author's LPX keycaps, Chicago steno provides a similar feeling but with a different footprint.
CS is great for flat Choc-spaced boards like Ferris Sweep where key spacing is driven by the switch footprint.
For 3D keywells (like dactyls) you want a minimal footprint to allow for aggressive curvatures, which is why I made LPX – levpopov.
You can think of LPX as Chicago Steno designed for 3D keywells.
Published on Mon 4th Apr 2022. Featured in KBD #72 (source).
Related
Visiting GMK
Oblotzky's write-up on visiting GMK's new production facility.
DDC keycap profile
DDC is a new cylindrical keycap profile for Choc switches – designed by LowproKB.
Dyeing Keycaps in 2023
Fellow redditor amphiboi put together a detailed guide on dyeing keycaps, based on the groundwork laid by CrowningKnight.
Doubleshots from 1988
Doubleshots do wear out over time. Photo taken by jsheradin.