Author Topic: Aluminium TKL Case - TEK-80 - CAD Files inside! (Read 160391 times)

Sifo · « **Reply #200 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:12:11 »

**** maybe I should keep my Filco....

Photekq · « **Reply #201 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:17:16 »

Quote from: Sifo on Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:12:11

**** maybe I should keep my Filco....

I should maybe change the thread title...

This case is no longer just for the Filco/Phantom. It will work with ANY TKL PCB, and it also allows any TKL PCB to have a detachable micro usb cable. However, it will require a custom plate.

I will be using it with the KMAC PCB and a Phantom PCB. The KMAC does require slight modification : you need to cut off the part of the PCB that extends outwards for the USB connector.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #202 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:32:03 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:17:16

I will be using it with the KMAC PCB and a Phantom PCB. The KMAC does require slight modification : you need to cut off the part of the PCB that extends outwards for the USB connector.

Umm just letting you know it won't work with ANY Korean TKL, including all KMACs, LZ, 356s, or A87s. The PCB dimensions are not the same as mass-produced keyboards.

I just thought I'd correct this statement so no one gets sorely disappointed after spending so much money this case.

Photekq · « **Reply #203 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:35:16 »

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:32:03

Umm just letting you know it won't work with ANY Korean TKL, including all KMACs, LZ, 356s, or A87s. The PCB dimensions are not the same as mass-produced keyboards.

I just thought I'd correct this statement so no one gets sorely disappointed after spending so much money this case.

How do you mean? Are you saying they won't fit, or is it due to switch spacing etc? I've made the area where the PCB goes quite a lot larger than the phantom, filco pcbs. I've measured my KMAC PCB and it will fit with the exception of the USB connector which, as I've said before, I'll have to cut off.

EDIT : I've measured the switch spacing on my KMAC PCB - it's the exact same as my plates. I've measured the dimensions of the KMAC PCB that I have - it will definitely fit inside the case.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #204 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 14:44:00 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:35:16

How do you mean? Are you saying they won't fit, or is it due to switch spacing etc? I've made the area where the PCB goes quite a lot larger than the phantom, filco pcbs. I've measured my KMAC PCB and it will fit with the exception of the USB connector which, as I've said before, I'll have to cut off.

EDIT : I've measured the switch spacing on my KMAC PCB - it's the exact same as my plates. I've measured the dimensions of the KMAC PCB that I have - it will definitely fit inside the case.

The plate you prototyped is based off the original file I sent you. I designed that plate for Phantom PCB to fit inside Filco/CM case. They do not fit KMAC or any other Korean PCBs.

You're right that switch spacing is the same... it has to be because all keyboards use standard spacing of 19.05mm between each 1x key size. However, look closely at the empty spacing between the function row and the number row. Spacing is different between Korean designed PCBs and Filco/CM/Phantom, or any other mass produced keyboards.

KMAC PCB might "fit" inside this case, but that's because it's smaller than Filco/Phantom PCB. Not only will it be loose, you'll need a different plate for it.

Photekq · « **Reply #205 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 14:51:41 »

Well dang. You're right. I never would've noticed that if you hadn't pointed it out..

It could be made to work if I had a new top part + plate made, but it might not be worth it at this point. I guess I'll just have to wait for the Phantom to arrive (god knows when).

Photekq · « **Reply #206 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:42:36 »

I was considering quickly changing the top piece, and getting a new plate so the KMAC PCB could be used since I have no idea when the Phantom is coming. However, my machinist has already done the top piece

) oh well.. I guess I'll just wait for the phantom.

On the bright side.. It looks awesome.

Batmann · « **Reply #207 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:44:05 »

congrats Photek! I can't wait to see the final result

UniClown · « **Reply #208 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:45:12 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:42:36

I was considering quickly changing the top piece, and getting a new plate so the KMAC PCB could be used since I have no idea when the Phantom is coming. However, my machinist has already done the top piece ) oh well.. I guess I'll just wait for the phantom.

On the bright side.. It looks awesome.

Show Image

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'Tis more than awesome. 'Tis beautiful.

agodinhost · « **Reply #209 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:19:43 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:42:36

I was considering quickly changing the top piece, and getting a new plate so the KMAC PCB could be used since I have no idea when the Phantom is coming. However, my machinist has already done the top piece ) oh well.. I guess I'll just wait for the phantom.

On the bright side.. It looks awesome.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Awesome pictures!
I always wanted to see how it was done ...
thanks man!

Photekq · « **Reply #210 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:37:16 »

Quote from: Batmann on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:44:05

congrats Photek! I can't wait to see the final result

Thanks batman

I can't wait either

Quote from: agodinhost on Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:19:43

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:42:36
I was considering quickly changing the top piece, and getting a new plate so the KMAC PCB could be used since I have no idea when the Phantom is coming. However, my machinist has already done the top piece ) oh well.. I guess I'll just wait for the phantom.

On the bright side.. It looks awesome.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Awesome pictures!
I always wanted to see how it was done ...
thanks man!

Yeah, it's pretty cool to see it during machining.

Quote from: UniClown on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:45:12

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:42:36
I was considering quickly changing the top piece, and getting a new plate so the KMAC PCB could be used since I have no idea when the Phantom is coming. However, my machinist has already done the top piece :)) oh well.. I guess I'll just wait for the phantom.

On the bright side.. It looks awesome.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

'Tis more than awesome. 'Tis beautiful.

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #211 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:40:00 »

Awesome pictures! Looks really great, nice work.

Looking forward to it all coming together.

ApocalypseMaow · « **Reply #212 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:50:57 »

I want one, so I can have it anodized like this!
Do GMK purple mods with EKs blue WASD and Enter.... OH

Photekq · « **Reply #213 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:53:32 »

Quote from: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:50:57

I want one, so I can have it anodized like this!
Do GMK purple mods with EKs blue WASD and Enter.... OH
Show Image

That would be so, so awesome, although I'm afraid you can't really do anodising like that. Another thing.. The case will most likely cost you £400+ and postage on top of that which is extremely, extremely costly. You could get a KMAC 2 kit, switches, keycaps and stabs for that price.

ApocalypseMaow · « **Reply #214 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:56:10 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:53:32

Quote from: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:50:57
I want one, so I can have it anodized like this!
Do GMK purple mods with EKs blue WASD and Enter.... OH
Show Image

That would be so, so awesome, although I'm afraid you can't really do anodising like that. Another thing.. The case will most likely cost you £400+ and postage on top of that which is extremely, extremely costly. You could get a KMAC 2 kit, switches, keycaps and stabs for that price.

Yeah... Oh well. I guess my Hammer case will have to do! Either way Pho that case is coming along nice!

Photekq · « **Reply #215 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:58:24 »

Quote from: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:56:10

Yeah... Oh well. I guess my Hammer case will have to do! Either way Pho that case is coming along nice!

Thank you man! I appreciate it

You COULD get it powder coated like that by the way.

Tym · « **Reply #216 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 09:07:46 »

When will you have it in-hand?

Photekq · « **Reply #217 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 09:09:59 »

Quote from: Tym on Mon, 29 July 2013, 09:07:46

When will you have it in-hand?

Hard to say really. It all depends how long it takes him to do the bottom piece which is the most complex piece. Could be done this weekend, next weekend or the weekend after. I'll be going to pick it up personally once it's done. Then it needs to be sent off to be finished + anodised.

Moosecraft · « **Reply #218 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 10:17:38 »

Be sure to take pics of it before you send it off

Photoelectric · « **Reply #219 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 10:58:21 »

I hope you will be able to lift your keyboard from your desk! Actually it might be a good anti-theft property of the custom case--so heavy, you can't grab it and walk away with it

ApocalypseMaow · « **Reply #220 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 12:14:21 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:58:24

Quote from: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 29 July 2013, 08:56:10
Yeah... Oh well. I guess my Hammer case will have to do! Either way Pho that case is coming along nice!
Thank you man! I appreciate it

You COULD get it powder coated like that by the way.

You know I didn't think of that... and there is a local powdercoat place... Wait!!! They do Hydrographics too... Multicam? Carbon fiber?

Photekq · « **Reply #221 on:** Mon, 29 July 2013, 19:23:06 »

Quote from: Moosecraft on Mon, 29 July 2013, 10:17:38

Be sure to take pics of it before you send it off

Of course!

Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 29 July 2013, 10:58:21

I hope you will be able to lift your keyboard from your desk! Actually it might be a good anti-theft property of the custom case--so heavy, you can't grab it and walk away with it

The case itself is estimated at 3.5kg, so around 4kg with everything installed. Pretty darn heavy..

Quote from: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 29 July 2013, 12:14:21

You know I didn't think of that... and there is a local powdercoat place... Wait!!! They do Hydrographics too... Multicam? Carbon fiber?

:O hydrographics are really sweet. There's loads of options, I just know that you can't really do patterns with anodising since it's a chemical process.

Photekq · « **Reply #222 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 05:19:49 »

The two plates I ordered have arrived. Just need to get them anodised.

Tym · « **Reply #223 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 05:32:07 »

Hydro with brass is kinda pointless because most of its use is covering up cheap plastics to make them look like carbon fibre, yet you have a beautiful case here. Don't do it!,

Photekq · « **Reply #224 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 05:34:19 »

Quote from: Tym on Tue, 30 July 2013, 05:32:07

Hydro with brass is kinda pointless because most of its use is covering up cheap plastics to make them look like carbon fibre, yet you have a beautiful case here. Don't do it!,

I wasn't planning on it, don't worry! Anodising all the way for me.

Batmann · « **Reply #225 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 07:13:07 »

Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 30 July 2013, 05:19:49

The two plates I ordered have arrived. Just need to get them anodised.

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Well this is going to be pretty unique, really.
I might pop up and steal your windowed keycaps though!

Photekq · « **Reply #226 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 08:49:51 »

Quote from: Batmann on Tue, 30 July 2013, 07:13:07

Well this is going to be pretty unique, really.
I might pop up and steal your windowed keycaps though!

) The windowed caps are my all time favourites. So glad I have them..

I think I've found a workaround for that KMAC problem. It isn't perfect, but since I don't have the money for a new top piece + plate it's better than nothing, especially since I have no idea when bavman will ship my phantom.

There's a section of the KMAC PCB at the top that has no traces, I'm going to remove this part. I'll also remove the plastic bumps on the bottom of each F-row switch. I'm almost certain this will give the switches room to sit in the plate - it definitely looks like it will. I'll then simply wire the switches to the PCB. It's not perfect, but it should work absolutely fine.

oTurtlez · « **Reply #227 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 09:30:25 »

Looking great so far, can't wait to see a finished product

Might have to snag one for my phantom

Dubsgalore · « **Reply #228 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 14:55:43 »

Dem Windowed Caps

Happy to see this almost completed!

Photekq · « **Reply #229 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 12:32:11 »

First photo of the base. Note that the angle has not yet been added, and most of the machining you see here is the roughing passes. The final finish will be much tidier.

Tym · « **Reply #230 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 12:45:21 »

Looks beautiful mate

Photekq · « **Reply #231 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 13:00:31 »

Quote from: Tym on Wed, 07 August 2013, 12:45:21

Looks beautiful mate

Thanks man

codyeatworld · « **Reply #232 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 13:28:02 »

I really enjoy seeing photos of the process. Very cool stuff!

Batmann · « **Reply #233 on:** Wed, 07 August 2013, 17:32:31 »

Sweeeet,
You must be dying to get the final result, that's a very entertaining project!

Photekq · « **Reply #234 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:35:49 »

I can almost taste it now.. My machinist sent me these a little bit earlier. There are still a few things to be done, but it should be completed next weekend. Then it just needs to be anodised/finished.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #235 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:36:58 »

Your going to have yourself one sweet keyboard case!!

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #236 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:38:30 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:35:49

I can almost taste it now.. My machinist sent me these a little bit earlier. There are still a few things to be done, but it should be completed next weekend. Then it just needs to be anodised/finished.
More
Show Image

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Show Image

:eek: WOW. Very nice. :D

Xenderwind · « **Reply #237 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:40:18 »

So close! Looks great so far. Any idea what color you're going to get it anodized?

Photekq · « **Reply #238 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:40:55 »

Quote from: Xenderwind on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:40:18

So close! Looks great so far. Any idea what color you're going to get it anodized?

Grey! (like this!)

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #239 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:44:51 »

Does your machinist do anodization as well? And I assume he's doing the finishing?

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #240 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:46:13 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:40:55

Quote from: Xenderwind on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:40:18
So close! Looks great so far. Any idea what color you're going to get it anodized?
Grey! (like this!)

Not sure that's a valid link.

Photekq · « **Reply #241 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:47:13 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:44:51

Does your machinist do anodization as well? And I assume he's doing the finishing?

Both finishing and anodising will be done by someone else. My machinist isn't part of a company, he just owns a machine and does it as a hobby. He doesn't own any finishing/anodising equipment.

Photekq · « **Reply #242 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:48:34 »

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:46:13

Not sure that's a valid link.

My bad! Fixed

Photekq · « **Reply #243 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 17:13:42 »

And for those who are interested this is how the angle was machined. The case was made as a simple rectangle, then was mounted at a 6 degree angle. Then the angle was machined.

UniClown · « **Reply #244 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:32:59 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:35:49

I can almost taste it now.. My machinist sent me these a little bit earlier. There are still a few things to be done, but it should be completed next weekend. Then it just needs to be anodised/finished.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

I might have a mess in my pants.

nubbinator · « **Reply #245 on:** Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:47:27 »

Looking nice, can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.

mashby · « **Reply #246 on:** Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:12:33 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:47:27

Looking nice, can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.

Ditto. I was debating on selling my Phantom, but now you've got me thinking of building it so that I have a reason to buy this case.

)

Photekq · « **Reply #247 on:** Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:13:33 »

Quote from: mashby on Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:12:33

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:47:27
Looking nice, can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.

Ditto. I was debating on selling my Phantom, but now you've got me thinking of building it so that I have a reason to buy this case. )

Don't build it yet! It requires a custom plate to fit in this case!

)

mashby · « **Reply #248 on:** Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:19:38 »

Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:13:33

Don't build it yet! It requires a custom plate to fit in this case! )

Thank you for the reminder, but given the pace of my projects I have no doubt you'll be on your second round before I get it done.

)

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #249 on:** Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:23:34 »

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:47:13

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 16:44:51
Does your machinist do anodization as well? And I assume he's doing the finishing?
Both finishing and anodising will be done by someone else. My machinist isn't part of a company, he just owns a machine and does it as a hobby. He doesn't own any finishing/anodising equipment.

Nice. Love all the updates man.

Quote from: Photekq on Mon, 19 August 2013, 17:13:42

And for those who are interested this is how the angle was machined. The case was made as a simple rectangle, then was mounted at a 6 degree angle. Then the angle was machined.

Show Image

Love seeing chips being cut. It's more fun to do it yourself but machining metal is just sexy regardless.

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Author Topic: Aluminium TKL Case - TEK-80 - CAD Files inside! (Read 160391 times)