It has been quite a while since the last model in the Artifact collection was introduced (first launched at the end of 2016 with the Oasis model). I finally had the opportunity to introduce the next version due to the complexity involved in crafting this type of keycap. Right from the first version, we employed techniques such as cutting and layering wood and paper together to create the desired height and depth for the keycap layout.

This time, the challenge was to elevate our Artifact series to a new level, using 18 layers of meticulously examined wood and paper, along with perfecting the manual dyeing technique for each paper layer.

Step 1: The first task was laser-cutting thin wood sheets (or paper for certain layers). The cutting process itself wasn’t lengthy; luckily, the laser cutting machine handled this part very well. The challenge here was to accurately align the laser-cut parts and determine the amount of material being used. This was particularly challenging with the spacebar, where, after cutting, up to 200 pieces needed to be removed from the frame. Removing these pieces after cutting was quite tricky because they were tiny and weren’t completely cut by the laser beam… believe me, you wouldn’t want to try it.

Step 2: Ultrasonic cleaning was done after removing the pieces from the frame. Each keycap had to be cleaned individually because grouping multiple keycaps at once would make it difficult to sort them out. Each layer had different shapes and varying numbers of puzzle pieces, and, I emphasise, there were up to 18 layers.

Step 3: Thorough drying in a dust-free environment was crucial, as it would affect the subsequent steps.

Step 4: The dyeing process followed. There were more than 10 different colours in a single 6.25u spacebar, totalling 200 pieces. We had to sort the pieces by colour and layer for each keycap individually. Therefore, working with small batches made the dyeing process manageable. Additionally, the dyeing times for paper and wood differed significantly. You wouldn’t want to see a piece of paper dissolve in water and have to cut a new one to replace it; trust me on this one. Afterward, the previous steps were repeated for each layer.

Step 5: Drying again, but this time, the difficulty level increased. The dyeing process made the material quite sensitive. Applying too much pressure during drying would leave marks on the paper and wood pieces. Overall, this step required extreme caution. Any mistake meant starting over.

Step 6: Arrange each piece, stick them together, and trim excess if necessary. This step wasn’t highly challenging, but it demanded infinite patience. The glue had to be used to secure the pieces. Too little glue, and the layer being glued might fall off when working on the next layer. Too much glue, and it could spill over, thickening the layers. The worst-case scenario was the glue spilling over the edge, damaging the entire block.

There are still many steps left to complete the process, including the base, casting stem, and creating effects like flowing rivers and skies. I will do my best to achieve the highest visual impact and maintain a simple and comfortable appearance.

I hope to execute this model flawlessly after returning to this wood assembling genre after four years. Fans have always requested me to create this series, but I want to remind you all: I haven’t forgotten about this series, but it’s incredibly challenging to produce and involves a lot of steps. Fortunately, Jelly Key’s customers are individuals who demand high artistic elements and respect the craftsmanship involved in a keycap. This continuously fuels my passion for creating keycaps with the most increased complexity and requires the highest crafting skills in the market.