We have always offered our 3D printing files for free because we want Mechanism to be accessible to all. This project has been greatly informed by the Steam/maker community and this is just a small way in which we can give back.

That said, there are definitely limitations to the 3D printed parts, especially in the long term. Read on for a breakdown of the differences of the options available to you!

Let's talk about pricing for a second. You'll notice a couple of those pros and cons listed cost as an area of concern for the printed parts. What gives?

The truth is that it's hard to buy onesie/twosies of these parts. If you were to buy all the parts on the list below the cost would come out to $42.82 in parts alone at the time of this writing, not including printing costs.

If you were to print this just for yourself, that might not make sense. However, if you were to print multiple sets for you and your friends, the additional cost is negligible since most of these items come in higher quantities than what you need.

Alternatively, we just released a DIY Kit that includes all the hardware you need to assemble your full system and custom cut adhesives for just $19

Strength - Injection molded parts create solid and consistent parts for a strong, long lasting product. While 3D printed parts work really well, depending on your printer and filament, your print quality will vary greatly

Reliability - 3D printing is a great tool for iterating on designs and testing out concepts quickly, but the reality is that most home 3D printers have too much variability to create a constantly reliable product. Your Steam Deck is expensive...

Difficulty - While we love a project we know that not everyone is up for it. Assembling your own 3D printed parts can come with a bit of trial and error. Additionally some of the hardware needed for this build requires additional tools and technical know how.

Design - while the core design of our system is consistent across our 3D printed and Molded parts (making them interchangeable and compatible) there are a few key design differences.

The Deckmate grip features a more streamlined and symmetric design, with SD card holders that actually work. The Wall Mount has the same adhesive, but the molded version has added wings that allow for mounting with screws. The Kickstand received the biggest design overhaul to a stronger and sleeker design, with more angle adjustability and smoothness.