[IC] Various acrylic cases/lube stations - Express your choices

[justnits]

Also full size Filco would be cool

Full-size, I have not designed any case thus far, as I am unsure of any standards (If they exist), the closest thing to full case is the Phantom/QFR/TKL and GHPad combined case.

hey moz, wat are the things you need to design cases if i don't have dwg files for it?
will a scan of the pcb works?

[MOZ]

A scan should work at least as a starting point. Based on the scan I can make judgement on what other dimensions I need.

[JaccoW]

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If I could get an acrylic case that looks just like that for my Phantom I would pledge my undying devotion you.

I would love a TKL like that as well.

Possibly a numpad too, provided we can design one that will fit the extra row of the Leopold FC 210TP.

[Latin00032]

Interested in a 60 percent case. Hhkb style

[MOZ]

Today, I built my second keyboard ever, a Leeku 1800 PCB inside my custom Magic School Bus case, and I faced a problem which WhiskyTnago had warned me about earlier, the Cherry PCB mount stabs colide with the acrylic plate.

Now, this issue arises due to the thickness of the acrylic plate, which would be much too fragile at the Cherry specified 1.5mm, thus a 2.5-3mm plate is used. Using Cherry Plate munt stabs is just impossible, with modding them and then gluing them. Costar stabs can be used by gluing them to the plate. Cherry PCB mount stabs can be used, however it means elongating he current stab hole further, which will remove compatibility for the costar stabs.

What does this mean? For acrylic palte, one needs two desing,s one supporting Cherry PCB mounted stabs (Recommended), and the other, supporting Costar stabs.

[whiskytango]

Today, I built my second keyboard ever, a Leeku 1800 PCB inside my custom Magic School Bus case, and I faced a problem which WhiskyTnago had warned me about earlier, the Cherry PCB mount stabs colide with the acrylic plate.

Now, this issue arises due to the thickness of the acrylic plate, which would be much too fragile at the Cherry specified 1.5mm, thus a 2.5-3mm plate is used. Using Cherry Plate munt stabs is just impossible, with modding them and then gluing them. Costar stabs can be used by gluing them to the plate. Cherry PCB mount stabs can be used, however it means elongating he current stab hole further, which will remove compatibility for the costar stabs.

What does this mean? For acrylic palte, one needs two desing,s one supporting Cherry PCB mounted stabs (Recommended), and the other, supporting Costar stabs.

MOZ, how hard do you think it would be to remove material on the underside of the plate around the stabilizer hole? Like make the edge beveled? Or engrave it a bit like your laser guy did for the initial ghpad cases?

I agree with you though, i would prefer the plate to only support cherry pcb mount stabs, and thus have bigger holes. Like the holes for the spacebar stabilizer on WYSE plates. That way you could also use the older style PCB stabs that use a screw on the bottom becasue they are actually larger than normal Cherry PCB stabs.

So how does the magic school bus look? I need to finish my leeku and post pics. I still have to mod the switch tops to allow removal with LED in place, install LEDs, install smd diodes and resistors.

[MOZ]

It's looking great, I lost one of the small cosmetic pieces, so I didn't post pics.

For the plate, I did have to file my own plate for the 1800, it took only 1 min per stab, but there is uneven-ness, as for laser etching, I've tried it previously and to get good results, it is much too expensive, perhaps a steel/alu plate would be in close price range, so it doesn't make sense. The Koreans usually just have larger holes for the PCB mount stabs.

[exitfire401]

I'd take a lube station in AN-993Fl Green

[whiskytango]

It's looking great, I lost one of the small cosmetic pieces, so I didn't post pics.

For the plate, I did have to file my own plate for the 1800, it took only 1 min per stab, but there is uneven-ness, as for laser etching, I've tried it previously and to get good results, it is much too expensive, perhaps a steel/alu plate would be in close price range, so it doesn't make sense. The Koreans usually just have larger holes for the PCB mount stabs.

Yeah, the Koreans rally seem to love their PCB stabs. The main issue I see with hem though is that they are difficult to remove or repair if needed without desoldering the whole plate. Looking forward to some pics of the school bus!

[jdcarpe]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

[whiskytango]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

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Hey, no fair, you got a 4x5 case!?  :p

Looks great.

[SpAmRaY]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

Hey, no fair, you got a 4x5 case!? 

Looks great.

Yes I need a case like that

[jdcarpe]

Thanks! I've been holding onto this case for quite some time now, right MOZ? Way before we got those 4x5 PCBs from phatdood9.

[SpAmRaY]

Thanks! I've been holding onto this case for quite some time now, right MOZ? Way before we got those 4x5 PCBs from phatdood9.

We need a reliable source of these things in the USA, no offense to MOZ, just saying

[MOZ]

Yes, I didn't even know what it was for back then, surprised the 4x5 fits in so well.

And ray, no offence taken, I thought this was easy, but it is only until you are getting cases done for yourself, once you start getting a few, things get messy, with all the layouts, colors, thickness, what not.

[jebbs]

Any idea how many layers the case would be?

[MOZ]

Depends on the case, most are 5 3mm layers.


I will most likely not be able to run this for a while, as I just lost $500 worth of acrylic:

Just when I thought that I had a good day (shipped a bunch of stuff, got most of the switch stickers, got my 1800 running without a hitch), I was reminded of how much my life sucked and I was playing it on legendary level. My acrylic workshop's owner got a heart attack while I was in Joburg, and passed away. Thus means they had to shut down shop, and one of the workers there, that I had befriended also went back to his village. I do wish my condolences to the owner, however I had acrylic sheets worth $500 sitting in his shop, which was sold by his next of kin, along with all the stuff inside.

[jebbs]

Depends on the case, most are 5 3mm layers.


I will most likely not be able to run this for a while, as I just lost $500 worth of acrylic:

Just when I thought that I had a good day (shipped a bunch of stuff, got most of the switch stickers, got my 1800 running without a hitch), I was reminded of how much my life sucked and I was playing it on legendary level. My acrylic workshop's owner got a heart attack while I was in Joburg, and passed away. Thus means they had to shut down shop, and one of the workers there, that I had befriended also went back to his village. I do wish my condolences to the owner, however I had acrylic sheets worth $500 sitting in his shop, which was sold by his next of kin, along with all the stuff inside.

Oh my, I'm sorry for your loss. Take your time with whatever you need to do.

[MOZ]

I highly doubt this is going to happen since I am a little busy and by the time I get free, I will run into my exams.

I was however supposed to send someone replacements for a custom order I did, since I will have to buy those acrylic sheets, I will take some orders in the Artisan section for cases cut in those colors only. So keep an eye out.

[geniekid]

Oh I'll be keeping an eye out alright.

[Defect]

Oh I'll be keeping an eye out alright.

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And eye as well!

Always interested in acryllic cases!