Rotate to disable keycap (cherry mx)

A key cap with a safety mechanism to prevent unwanted actuation. rotate the knob to enable/disable the switch
In the contest Keycaps
317
512
11
5055
updated March 8, 2023

Description

PDF

The intent of this keycap is to allow the user to disable a key when an accidental keypress is undesired. 

Rotate the knob anticlockwise to “disarm” the switch and in the opposite direction to “arm” it again.

watch it in action!
 


Usecases: 

  • Disable the windows key while gaming 
  • Disable the firing button for your DIY project


 
The model is made up of 2 separate parts: a rotating knob that enables or disable the key and the central piece that is attached to the switch stem.

 
Printing instructions:

the knob should be printed as it is but the central piece would probably print better with the cross cut for the switch stem facing up.

I've printed with a 0.6 mm nozzle and 0.3 mm layer height. However you are more likely to get better results with a 0.4 mm nozzle and a default layer height.

Given the interlocking mechanism made of very small details it might be a good idea to use the Arachne engine
 
It will probably also look better when the two parts are printed with different colors.
A nice contrast effect can also be achieved by using filament swap techniques or by simply coloring with paint or markers the top face. (have a look at some of the makes)
 

versions: 
  • v1 (legacy) kinda works but some tolerances are not ideal and it tend to jam. It also does not look as good as subsequent versions.
  • v2 (recommended)  improves the tolerances and the overall aesthetic (better grip on the knob and more defined notches and chamfers.  
  • v3 (experimental) I've added some slopes in the knob to guide the button in the slot even when it is not perfectly aligned in the on position. there are no changes in the button so you can reuse the one from v2. 
     
Cad files:
 

I'm providing also the cad file for FreeCAD in case you are familiar with it or you want to try playing with it.
 

Design idea:
 

Got inspired by BaGooN's initial submission for the keycap contest.
His model featured a recessed button that was harder to accidentally press.

I've started wondering if I could create a contraption that would make it not simply harder but “impossible” to accidentally press the button. 
After some sketching in my brain and on paper I've realized that by carefully designing the geometry of the button you can create a mechanism that add the on-off feature to a keycap that you see in this model
 

shoutouts:
 

Thanks to this contest this model has definitely become my most popular.
I'm honored for the award, I'm thankful to Printables for organizing this kind of contests and motivating the community to come up with new ideas.

Thanks to all users leaving a comments, posting makes and suggesting improvements.

Of course thanks to BaGooN for his creation that have inspired this models.
He later has decided to improve on his design and released two other models that are very interesting (have a look at them)

This model (and most o my other creations) has been designed with an OpenSource Cad program called FreeCAD
It is probably one of thee few if not the only option available that is not proprietary and that it is continuously improving release after release. 
A big shoutout to the community and developers of this tool.

If you like this model, chances are you might like also my other models.
I've already posted some improvements to this model and I'll probably post more of them in the future. 
Consider following my user if you find them interesting and keep posting your makes and suggestions

Tags



Awarded in the contest


Keycaps
447 entries | February 10 – February 19, 2023

Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

License