[IC] Universal 104/108 Plate

[jdcarpe]

Universal 104/108 Plate

Introduction
This thread is to gauge interest in ANSI 125 metal Universal plates for full size (104/108) keyboards. These plates allow for easy modding after installation.

The Plate
These are designed so the top switch housing is removable without desoldering, which helps with swapping switches, springs, stems, lubing, or stickering later on. They can be directly dropped in to existing keyboards, after removing all the switches from the PCB and existing plate. For the Ducky Shine 2 (108-key), this plate should be a direct replacement. For Filco, Rosewill, other 104-key keyboards you will have to cut the plate in a few places, with a dremel cutting wheel or metal saw.
 



 Keyboard Compatibility:

• Filco Majestouch-2 104
• Ducky Shine 2
• Rosewill RK-9000 series
• CM Storm QuickFire XT
• possibly others (Ducky Shine 3, Rosewill RK9100, Keycool 108, etc.)

 
 Stabilizer Options:

• Costar stabilizer
• PCB-mounted cherry stabilizer (NerD 108?)
• Plate-mounted cherry stabilizer

Please comment in this thread to express your interest.

[SpAmRaY]

I would be interested in 2 or 3.

What are the chances it would work with the Ducky Shine 2 and CM XT?

[jdcarpe]

I would be interested in 2 or 3.

What are the chances it would work with the Ducky Shine 2 and CM XT?

It will work with Ducky Shine 2, I can tell you that. Chances are good it would work with CM QF XT, but I can't know for sure unless I had a look at the existing plate/PCB.

[LechnerDE]

Hmm, I actually don't use my fullsize boards anymore, but I might buy a plate just because

Will the price be in the ~40$ area like the TKL plates?

[jdcarpe]

Hmm, I actually don't use my fullsize boards anymore, but I might buy a plate just because

Will the price be in the ~40$ area like the TKL plates?

Yes, that's what I'm hoping. If we get enough orders, I'm sure we can make that happen.

[infiniti]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

Definitely in for 1 but depending on pricing, I may get 2.

[jdcarpe]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

Definitely in for 1 but depending on pricing, I may get 2.

I thought you might be interested in this.

[infiniti]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

Definitely in for 1 but depending on pricing, I may get 2.

I thought you might be interested in this.

OH I AM! AND YOU KNOW IT!

It's time to start promoting this IC.

[MOZ]

This looks excellent, who designed the plate? I am interested in the plate mounting hole positions and plate dimensions, since I have got many requests for acrylic case for full hand cases. I hope you wouldn't mind sharing.

[CPTBadAss]

Interested.

[xavierblak]

I'd be interested in at least one. Anyone have any guesses if a wasd v1, leopold or a das keyboard would be compatible.

[jdcarpe]

I'd be interested in at least one. Anyone have any guesses if a wasd v1, leopold or a das keyboard would be compatible.

I could probably tell you if you could open them and show me the plates.

[nuclearsandwich]

Interested. I have a Ducky DK9008G2 and my brother has a Shine III. I'd probably get two assuming you think these would be compatible JD. Is a top-down photo of the plate without the top case sufficient for you to tell?

[jdcarpe]

Interested. I have a Ducky DK9008G2 and my brother has a Shine III. I'd probably get two assuming you think these would be compatible JD. Is a top-down photo of the plate without the top case sufficient for you to tell?

Yes, that should do. Just make sure the keycaps are off, of course. If there are any screws which hold the plate to the case, please remove those as well.

[nuclearsandwich]

Interested. I have a Ducky DK9008G2 and my brother has a Shine III. I'd probably get two assuming you think these would be compatible JD. Is a top-down photo of the plate without the top case sufficient for you to tell?

Yes, that should do. Just make sure the keycaps are off, of course. If there are any screws which hold the plate to the case, please remove those as well.

Cool. I'm about to be vacationing away from all my keyboards but I'll be able to get you that photograph late next week.

[Photoelectric]

Interested in one pending on price.  Can't do more than $30ish, if that's even realistic.

[justnits]

would love this for my shine 2!!!! DO IT!!!

[CommonCurt]

Oh man.

I will be in for at least one 104 for Filco.

Although I won't be able to cut it

I don't have any of the tools you mentioned.

[berserkfan]

why not have the plate pre-cut instead? It should not be a problem to use it on the Ducky with the 3 compatibility cuts, right? While being pre cut it would save Filco, Rosewill, CM etc owners the trouble of cutting.

I think most people don't have metal cutting tools.

[CommonCurt]

why not have the plate pre-cut instead? It should not be a problem to use it on the Ducky with the 3 compatibility cuts, right? While being pre cut it would save Filco, Rosewill, CM etc owners the trouble of cutting.

I think most people don't have metal cutting tools.

That would be ideal.  I don't have the tools, but I will find a way to get it cut if I need to.

[jdcarpe]

Would that work for the 108-key models? A small little separate 4-key plate to go along with the 104-key main plate? I can do that if it would work, but I don't have a 108 to test it on. I think about half the orders will be from people who want this for a Ducky, it seems. But to make it usable without cutting for the 104-key folks, I could design it as two pieces. What do you guys think, would that be an acceptable compromise solution?

I think we can get these for around $30 plus shipping, if we can get close to 40 orders.

[SpAmRaY]

What if it was made like this?



Could the top right area just be bent back and forth until it breaks? Or am I underestimating the strength of the material??

OR since that right bottom of the top area has that triangular notch already could a pair of side cuts be used to 'clip' it and then bend the rest to break the remaining tab on the bottom left of the top?

[whiskytango]

I'm down for 2

[justnits]

i can't imagine how a pre-cut is going to look like 

[CommonCurt]

JD,

Have you decided if they will be aluminum or stainless yet?

[berserkfan]

Would that work for the 108-key models? A small little separate 4-key plate to go along with the 104-key main plate? I can do that if it would work, but I don't have a 108 to test it on. I think about half the orders will be from people who want this for a Ducky, it seems. But to make it usable without cutting for the 104-key folks, I could design it as two pieces. What do you guys think, would that be an acceptable compromise solution?

I think we can get these for around $30 plus shipping, if we can get close to 40 orders.

JD I think your idea is great, but as of now we haven't confirmed if it works only for Ducky.

Would be good to have the plate genuinely universal. EG compatible with 95% or more of 104/108 keyboards out there. I wish more Keycool or other model owners would come forward with their plates so we can examine for compatibility.

I guess it is too much to ask if one can make it compatible with a Deck Legend 105... 
But if you want, I'm happy to take photos of the plate with whatever measurements you need.

[MOZ]

Possible to scan it?

[CommonCurt]

Will this be done through Strict also, or someone else?

[jdcarpe]

Will this be done through Strict also, or someone else?

I'm not sure yet. I guess it depends on if I need to find someone to take the lead, if someone volunteers, or if no one wants to run it.

BTW, I'm open to volunteers.

[LechnerDE]

JD, your new avatar confuses me - I didn't even realize you replied to the question until I took a closer look.

I guess I got so accustomed to the little Spock that I refuse to accept change

[strict]

Will this be done through Strict also, or someone else?

I'm not sure yet. I guess it depends on if I need to find someone to take the lead, if someone volunteers, or if no one wants to run it.

BTW, I'm open to volunteers.

I still need to solidify my plans for the format of my next GB but, tentatively I will say I'm not opposed to the idea of offering/making these plates if there's enough demand. Shipping details would definitely need figured out before I made any commitments. TKL plates and smaller fit nicely inside a USPS flat rate legal envelope but there's no way a full size plate would fit any of their flat rate envelopes. It would likely have to go out in a much bigger box making shipping a little more difficult (cost & time).

On the upside, I already have a dremel with all kinds of metal tools so if I did offer these plates I would have no issue cutting the small corner section off for users whose keyboards don't need it.

Just to reemphasize, this is all dependent on the exact format I end up choosing for my next GB so dont count on anything for sure.

[whiskytango]

Will this be done through Strict also, or someone else?

I'm not sure yet. I guess it depends on if I need to find someone to take the lead, if someone volunteers, or if no one wants to run it.

BTW, I'm open to volunteers.

If you want I can get quotes from around here. I would not be opposed to running the buy. I didn't follow through with the phantom/uTKL buy we talked about because right about then strict and techpriest started theirs up, but I can go to the same shop and get a quote if you want to send me the file.

edit: I could also dremel the ones that want pre-cut as strict suggested. That would be minimal effort I would think.

[jdcarpe]

I changed the design slightly, per Ray's suggestion.

whiskeytango, I'll send you the drawing file to your email. If you don't mind getting some quotes, that would be great.

JD,

Have you decided if they will be aluminum or stainless yet?

Probably stainless or mild steel. That would be my preference, anyway. Aluminum is great if you get it anodized, but the logistics of that get complicated.

[whiskytango]

Got it. I am going to ask about stainless then.

[saltdiscus]

ohh I jist started a thread for ducky.I didnt see this post.if this work on shine 3, I am very interested.

[Chonzer]

I would be very interested in this. I keep seeing group buys for TKL plates but never for full sized plates. I would buy this in an instant.

[whiskytango]

I got a favorable quote via email from one of the laser cutters here in town. I tried to go by the shop friday afternoon but the sales guy had already left for the day. I am going to try to get in touch with him tomorrow about getting a prototype done.

[CommonCurt]

I got a favorable quote via email from one of the laser cutters here in town. I tried to go by the shop friday afternoon but the sales guy had already left for the day. I am going to try to get in touch with him tomorrow about getting a prototype done.

Can't wait to see the prototype. I have been wanting one for my full size Majestouch2's, but never seen one for full sized boards.

[jdcarpe]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:




One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

[whiskytango]

[CPTBadAss]

I'm only buying if there's an epic quest that culminates in me throwing the one plate into a volcano....and then I return to a life of eating 6 meals a day. Are hobbits into ice cream?

[Photoelectric]

Well that should gather a lot of orders nicely

[SpAmRaY]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

So....what are the odds the right side numberpad would fit a 4x5 ghpad?

[strict]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

Excellent idea! Would there be any need to tweak the design to allow for different space bar offsets?

[whiskytango]

So....what are the odds the right side numberpad would fit a 4x5 ghpad?

this was my thought exactly. I think we should design a case around this plate. Will require drilling holes to mount the pcb.

[jdcarpe]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

Excellent idea! Would there be any need to tweak the design to allow for different space bar offsets?

I don't really think so, unless there was some demand from Phantom users for the offset 6.25-unit spacebar and Caps Lock. When you try to add 7-unit spacebar support for Phantom, you run into the problem of not being able to use plate mounted stabs, which are required by all the keyboards this plate is designed to drop into.

[strict]

I don't really think so, unless there was some demand from Phantom users for the offset 6.25-unit spacebar and Caps Lock. When you try to add 7-unit spacebar support for Phantom, you run into the problem of not being able to use plate mounted stabs, which are required by all the keyboards this plate is designed to drop into.

Good to know, I cant imagine there will be much demand from the phantom crowd for these plates (as long as we keep having all these other plate GB's  ).

[Pacifist]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

and also ghpad unextended?

[jdcarpe]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

and also ghpad unextended?

If you don't mind using plate mount stabs, yes.

[CommonCurt]

What would you all think about something like this? I call it the One Plate:

Show Image

One Plate to rule them all, One Plate to count them,
One Plate to accept them all, and on the keyboard mount them


A little Dremel work, and this plate replaces the stock plates for most 108, 104, and 87-key keyboards.

I have never taken any of my full size MJ2's apart. 

Does the plate/pcb screw down in the same places as the TKL's, or is there also another screw mount somewhere around the num pad area?