steampunk keyboard

Step 11 Connect accent light

in this case i removed the numb lock led and used a bright blue led inside of a brass tube i mad to create an accent light controlled by the numb lock key since almost always on it works out well.

Comments

[kwhitacre]

Is the light coming out of a hole? Or is there some cover? I see a design and don't understand if that is part of the light or part of the cover?

One more question on putting keys onto plastic key: is it only glued? Is there anything for structural stability? A shaft? BTW, this is way cool. Thank you for your post.

[phirzcol]

A piece of braided steel was used on the inside of the brass pipe its as long as needed for the soldered shut side going down and the cap soldered on the other end holds it in place. To get the braid get a length of coaxial cable (tv cable) and remove just the outer pvc plastic. the next layer on the inside of the cable will be woven wires /////\\\\\\////// over layed . Slide this down the next layer of foil covered foam and wire. Cut the foam covered wire off and let the braided wire go cut off the braided wire off and use the same style push together slide to work it onto existing wire and slide it inside the brass tube with the led to make an inside grill.

[Advar]

Some scrollwork in the blank spaces with a woodburning tool (or soldering iron) could be pretty cool as well.  :)

[phirzcol]

 good idea!

[oak1780]

love the design, but why blue? amber Led would give a more incandescent-steampunky feel I think, still i guess i can do that when i make mine :) thanks for the great idea :)

[phirzcol]

I like blue. so just personal artistic preference.

[grunff]

I think blue light works really well in a steampunk context, because of the contrast with the rich golds & browns.

[dominic.tarr]

what about little mechanical flags that pop up to indicate what mode your in, like traffic signals... you know, the sort they had before traffic lights... now, that would be steampunk!