Author Topic: Topre sliders, MX caps (Read 90057 times)

dustinhxc · « **Reply #50 on:** Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:07:40 »

What is this noppoo you speak of, I only see MX for them.

Photekq · « **Reply #51 on:** Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:12:48 »

Quote from: dustinhxc on Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:07:40

What is this noppoo you speak of, I only see MX for them.

http://deskthority.net/news-reviews-f4/noppoo-tease-a-very-familiar-capacitive-switch-design-t6741.html#p139550

dustinhxc · « **Reply #52 on:** Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:17:45 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:12:48

Quote from: dustinhxc on Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:07:40
What is this noppoo you speak of, I only see MX for them.
http://deskthority.net/news-reviews-f4/noppoo-tease-a-very-familiar-capacitive-switch-design-t6741.html#p139550

HOly crap!!! Thanks!

Matt3o · « **Reply #53 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 04:58:55 »

I rebuilt the model from scratch and I've been able to make it compatible with less expensive 3d printing materials. The difference is $2 instead of $6 per slider.

I'll have both versions printed to see the difference. I'll also design the stabilized slider, it seems pretty simple so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope to receive the new prototypes by the end of the week.

Elrick · « **Reply #54 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 05:25:20 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 23 February 2014, 04:58:55

I hope to receive the new prototypes by the end of the week.

Geezus, I suppose you are now the official "rainmaker" here on Geekhack? Just as I have ditched all my Thorpies into the cellar to never use ever again, along came Matt3o to spoil everything here.

I really wanted to hate the thorpe but you have me hoping that your venture comes through for all of us here. I still won't ever buy a HHKB calculator

.

Moosecraft · « **Reply #55 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 07:34:04 »

I have to get some for my HHKB, topre caps aren't really to my tastes.

dustinhxc · « **Reply #56 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 12:25:36 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 23 February 2014, 04:58:55

I rebuilt the model from scratch and I've been able to make it compatible with less expensive 3d printing materials. The difference is $2 instead of $6 per slider.

I'll have both versions printed to see the difference. I'll also design the stabilized slider, it seems pretty simple so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope to receive the new prototypes by the end of the week.

That sounds great! I wonder if different materials would effect the feel of each keystroke. It would be cool to get different colors too

Matt3o · « **Reply #57 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 12:33:39 »

the stabs are also ready:

If we can find a way to mass produce them the price per slider would be extremely low. Material would be most likely ABS, but I don't really know yet.

Zeal · « **Reply #58 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 12:35:12 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 23 February 2014, 04:58:55

I rebuilt the model from scratch and I've been able to make it compatible with less expensive 3d printing materials. The difference is $2 instead of $6 per slider.

I'll have both versions printed to see the difference. I'll also design the stabilized slider, it seems pretty simple so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope to receive the new prototypes by the end of the week.

~~What material are the sliders made of?~~Ninja post^

Quote from: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 February 2014, 12:25:36

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 23 February 2014, 04:58:55
I rebuilt the model from scratch and I've been able to make it compatible with less expensive 3d printing materials. The difference is $2 instead of $6 per slider.

I'll have both versions printed to see the difference. I'll also design the stabilized slider, it seems pretty simple so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope to receive the new prototypes by the end of the week.

That sounds great! I wonder if different materials would effect the feel of each keystroke. It would be cool to get different colors too

It should -- I recall reading a thread saying how an MX switch were made of of POM (slippery) and ABS.

Dubsgalore · « **Reply #59 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 12:39:58 »

Wow, stunning work! this should be great for all the topre users who miss the MX master race caps

Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 18 February 2014, 19:22:46

We're one step away from this. We just need to work out the stabilisers.

Show Image

:)) :)) :)) :)) :))

avtar · « **Reply #60 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 13:55:35 »

This is the best news

Thank you!

dustinhxc · « **Reply #61 on:** Sun, 23 February 2014, 23:34:02 »

Hey Matt! Photos as promised.

I use my Tiny Screwdriver to pop my sliders out, just push the back of it against the slider and they pop right out, no purpose to cut the edge off. This way, they stay in when I put them back in the housing as well. I believe this was for my iPhone maybe?

Oobly · « **Reply #62 on:** Mon, 24 February 2014, 03:26:01 »

If you are willing to share the shape files of these, someone with a CNC mill could modify them to make acurate molds.... Then someone with plastic molding skills could make a test run and possibly run a GB.

I'm slowly working on getting a CNC mill up and running, but it won't be done soon. This is one project I would be interested in helping out on when it's ready, though.

RESPRiT · « **Reply #63 on:** Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:33:39 »

Out of curiosity, when you remove the nub that keeps the sliders in, will they continue to work fine if you put them back in? I would imagine they would, but maybe there's some quirks that mess them up that you might know of.

Matt3o · « **Reply #64 on:** Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:36:57 »

Quote from: RESPRiT on Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:33:39

Out of curiosity, when you remove the nub that keeps the sliders in, will they continue to work fine if you put them back in? I would imagine they would, but maybe there's some quirks that mess them up that you might know of.

yes, they work exactly the same. absolutely nothing changes. in fact some of the sliders don't have it at all (the left ctrl in the realforce for example, and all stabilized keys)

RESPRiT · « **Reply #65 on:** Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:59:41 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:36:57

Quote from: RESPRiT on Mon, 24 February 2014, 09:33:39
Out of curiosity, when you remove the nub that keeps the sliders in, will they continue to work fine if you put them back in? I would imagine they would, but maybe there's some quirks that mess them up that you might know of.

yes, they work exactly the same. absolutely nothing changes. in fact some of the sliders don't have it at all (the left ctrl in the realforce for example, and all stabilized keys)

Awesome, that's not too much of a sacrifice at all if you ask me. I might tinker around with them later. Good luck on your progress!

yicaoyimu · « **Reply #66 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 10:51:23 »

Noppoo just released a capacitive switch keyboard (not Topre switch though) with MX stem. And rumor says that Topre have plan for similar product too.

Matt3o · « **Reply #67 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 10:52:22 »

good news for everyone except for those who already have a Topre

avtar · « **Reply #68 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:02:54 »

Quote from: yicaoyimu on Tue, 25 February 2014, 10:51:23

And rumor says that Topre have plan for similar product too.

Citation needed, please.

jwaz · « **Reply #69 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:08:26 »

Now we just need to figure out how to make custom domes

yicaoyimu · « **Reply #70 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:10:12 »

Quote from: avtar on Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:02:54

Quote from: yicaoyimu on Tue, 25 February 2014, 10:51:23
And rumor says that Topre have plan for similar product too.

Citation needed, please.

No citation. It's just a rumor I heard on a Chinese forum.

Matt3o · « **Reply #71 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:18:57 »

Quote from: yicaoyimu on Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:10:12

No citation. It's just a rumor I heard on a Chinese forum.

ah darn Chinese forums! they always get the scoops first

Quote from: jwaz on Tue, 25 February 2014, 11:08:26

Now we just need to figure out how to make custom domes

That would be something!

mkawa · « **Reply #72 on:** Tue, 25 February 2014, 14:27:51 »

hmm..... slider replacement would be a perfect opportunity to lube up topre switches. the cyclindrical outer face is exactly where they benefit from extremely thick lube.

Matt3o · « **Reply #73 on:** Tue, 04 March 2014, 04:04:17 »

tomorrow I'm getting the new prototypes! crossing fingers...

dustinhxc · « **Reply #74 on:** Tue, 04 March 2014, 04:15:41 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Tue, 04 March 2014, 04:04:17

tomorrow I'm getting the new prototypes! crossing fingers...

Can't wait!

avtar · « **Reply #75 on:** Tue, 04 March 2014, 07:24:14 »

Matt3o, you're making the world a better place

RESPRiT · « **Reply #76 on:** Tue, 04 March 2014, 08:08:47 »

1 step closer to greatness!

Wildcard · « **Reply #77 on:** Tue, 04 March 2014, 22:38:23 »

Hopefully this batch works out

Matt3o · « **Reply #78 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 02:42:05 »

run UPS run!

Zeal · « **Reply #79 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 02:52:16 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Wed, 05 March 2014, 02:42:05

run UPS run!

I'd run away from UPS! Their brokerage fees for ground shipments are insane!

-----
UPS, please deliver faster. We're all eager to see Matt3o's updated topre sliders!

dndlmx · « **Reply #80 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 04:20:13 »

Bring on the HHKB keycap sets.

Matt3o · « **Reply #81 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 04:29:50 »

Now I'm a bit in a hurry. Comments later. The white one is in low quality material, very cheap but it turned out pretty well anyway.

dustinhxc · « **Reply #82 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 04:38:13 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Wed, 05 March 2014, 04:29:50

Now I'm a bit in a hurry. Comments later. The white one is in low quality material, very cheap but it turned out pretty well anyway.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Damn that looks great, I can't wait to order some. :)

Moosecraft · « **Reply #83 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 05:39:54 »

I'll buy enough for one HHKB

sublime · « **Reply #84 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 07:29:44 »

I am so up for these!! Once you get to a more prototype phase, do you think you'll release the 3D models to those of us who have 3D printers on hand? I'd love to make some of these myself.

Fan-fooking-tastic work so far Matt3o

Matt3o · « **Reply #85 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:47:33 »

Okay guys.

The new prototype is perfect. I can't really find any flaws to it.

Maybe --if you really want to be super anal-- it wobbles a little more than the original. That is probably due to the fact the I use sharp edges instead of rounded. But, really, it's unnoticeable. I'll try to make some more tests to see if I can make it super firm, but I don't want to risk to make it scratchy (ie: hit the sides of the housing).

The frosted material one is pretty expensive, but the end result is really perfect.

The white one is standard ABS, it turned out very well, but the quality is lower. Also the stem inside looks a bit brittle. Anyway they both work.

The problem is that each material shrinks differently during the curing time. So I would need to make two slightly different 3D models based on material.

Also, to lower 3D print cost I could try to reduce the amount of plastic adding some hollow spots. That might help with pricing, but a new prototype would need to be done.

I'll try to shoot a video if I get some time.

mashby · « **Reply #86 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:03:28 »

dustinhxc · « **Reply #87 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:04:10 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:47:33

Okay guys.

The new prototype is perfect. I can't really find any flaws to it.

Maybe --if you really want to be super anal-- it wobbles a little more than the original. That is probably due to the fact the I use sharp edges instead of rounded. But, really, it's unnoticeable. I'll try to make some more tests to see if I can make it super firm, but I don't want to risk to make it scratchy (ie: hit the sides of the housing).

The frosted material one is pretty expensive, but the end result is really perfect.

The white one is standard ABS, it turned out very well, but the quality is lower. Also the stem inside looks a bit brittle. Anyway they both work.

The problem is that each material shrinks differently during the curing time. So I would need to make two slightly different 3D models based on material.

Also, to lower 3D print cost I could try to reduce the amount of plastic adding some hollow spots. That might help with pricing, but a new prototype would need to be done.

I'll try to shoot a video if I get some time.

Shapeways!

kelske · « **Reply #88 on:** Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:06:49 »

Looking great man. I'd be down for the frosted ones, i mean - if you're going to so much trouble anyway... why not get the better of the 2 options?

Matt3o · « **Reply #89 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:13:57 »

I've made the slider public on Shapeways.

PLEASE NOTE, that the current version is still beta. Order at your own risk!

I made the barrel slightly bigger and the feet a bit wider, so there's a small chance to get an incompatible slider (!!!!).

Anyway if you want to help this is the link

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1768885/topre-to-mx-slider-v1-0b.html

I don't know why the price to the "public" is higher than the one I see on my store backoffice, but just by a small amount (few cents). I'll double check that. I'm not making a margin on this.

The best material (and most expensive) is Frosted Ultra Detail (Frosted Detail should be also ok). I printed a version in White Strong & Flexible Polished which is way cheaper, it seems to work but quality is way lower and it seems a bit more fragile. I haven't tried the White Detail material, which I guess is halfway between the frosted and the white strong & flexible.

If you want to help me debug the slider, take one or two and post your comments and suggestions. But --again-- it is not guaranteed to work!

riotonthebay · « **Reply #90 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:22:44 »

I'm ordering 2 Frosted Ultra Detail, 1 White Detail, and 1 White Strong & Flexible. Will report back. Thanks for your work!

Matt3o · « **Reply #91 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:26:00 »

Quote from: riotonthebay on Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:22:44

I'm ordering 2 Frosted Ultra Detail, 1 White Detail, and 1 White Strong & Flexible. Will report back. Thanks for your work!

cool thanks!

crossing fingers. I'm also waiting for my samples.

The good news is that if they don't work, they don't by a whisker, so nothing some sanding paper couldn't solve.

riotonthebay · « **Reply #92 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 10:09:41 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:26:00

The good news is that if they don't work, they don't by a whisker, so nothing some sanding paper couldn't solve.

Yep, sounds fine to me

. The slightly increased diameter was to counter the shrinkage on the cheaper prints, right?

Anyways, I'm very excited to test this out. There's a particularly dark lord who has been saddened by lack of use.

Finally, thank you very much for all of the time, effort, and money (which I now realize is not an inconsiderable amount) that you've invested in these!

Matt3o · « **Reply #93 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 10:32:45 »

Quote from: riotonthebay on Sun, 09 March 2014, 10:09:41

Anyways, I'm very excited to test this out. There's a particularly dark lord who has been saddened by lack of use.

Remember to post pictures!

Quote from: riotonthebay on Sun, 09 March 2014, 10:09:41

Finally, thank you very much for all of the time, effort, and money (which I now realize is not an inconsiderable amount) that you've invested in these!

Yeah I wasted quite some plastic (and money) in the past few months...

dustinhxc · « **Reply #94 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 17:22:05 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 09 March 2014, 09:13:57

I've made the slider public on Shapeways.

PLEASE NOTE, that the current version is still beta. Order at your own risk!

I made the barrel slightly bigger and the feet a bit wider, so there's a small chance to get an incompatible slider (!!!!).

Anyway if you want to help this is the link

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1768885/topre-to-mx-slider-v1-0b.html

I don't know why the price to the "public" is higher than the one I see on my store backoffice, but just by a small amount (few cents). I'll double check that. I'm not making a margin on this.

The best material (and most expensive) is Frosted Ultra Detail (Frosted Detail should be also ok). I printed a version in White Strong & Flexible Polished which is way cheaper, it seems to work but quality is way lower and it seems a bit more fragile. I haven't tried the White Detail material, which I guess is halfway between the frosted and the white strong & flexible.

If you want to help me debug the slider, take one or two and post your comments and suggestions. But --again-- it is not guaranteed to work!

OMG I want to try a Pink and Purple.. How amazing to have pink and purple mx sliders in my Topre boards.. Hope their strong enough. THanks Matt3o

Ordering:
Frosted Ultra Detail x1
Hot Pink Strong & Flexible Polished x1
Coral Red Strong & Flexible Polished x1
Violet Purple Strong & Flexible Polished x1
Royal Blue Strong & Flexible Polished x1

Matt3o · « **Reply #95 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 17:54:10 »

the low quality material seems to work just fine, but it's impossible to have one model that 100% works on all materials.

I'd really like to see the slider in "White Detail" material, that could be a nice compromise.

Merloobi · « **Reply #96 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:25:19 »

I'm debating between getting a HHKB pro 2 and these stems or waiting on the CM NovaTouch TKL. I really love the aesthetic of the HHKB. Any word of advice from some Topre veterans on which direction I should go? Thanks!

Matt3o · « **Reply #97 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:30:48 »

Quote from: Merloobi on Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:25:19

I'm debating between getting a HHKB pro 2 and these stems or waiting on the CM NovaTouch TKL. I really love the aesthetic of the HHKB. Any word of advice from some Topre veterans on which direction I should go? Thanks!

we can't give you a feedback about the Novatouch because it's not out yet. I'm actually a CM beta tester and I'm using the novatouch since a couple of days, but I'm under NDA and I can't say a thing

dustinhxc · « **Reply #98 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:33:37 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:30:48

Quote from: Merloobi on Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:25:19
I'm debating between getting a HHKB pro 2 and these stems or waiting on the CM NovaTouch TKL. I really love the aesthetic of the HHKB. Any word of advice from some Topre veterans on which direction I should go? Thanks!

we can't give you a feedback about the Novatouch because it's not out yet. I'm actually a CM beta tester and I'm using the novatouch since a couple of days, but I'm under NDA and I can't say a thing

Whoa, thats awesome!

Merloobi · « **Reply #99 on:** Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:45:03 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:30:48

Quote from: Merloobi on Sun, 09 March 2014, 18:25:19
I'm debating between getting a HHKB pro 2 and these stems or waiting on the CM NovaTouch TKL. I really love the aesthetic of the HHKB. Any word of advice from some Topre veterans on which direction I should go? Thanks!

we can't give you a feedback about the Novatouch because it's not out yet. I'm actually a CM beta tester and I'm using the novatouch since a couple of days, but I'm under NDA and I can't say a thing

Woah that's so cool. That's a very good sign and indicator that they should be available in reasonable time. Please share your experience and impression ~~via smoke signals~~ when you're allowed to

News:

Author Topic: Topre sliders, MX caps (Read 90057 times)