[GB] SKB75, SKB65 & SKB60 / GB CONCLUDED

[johngodsmith]

Hey guys, OKAY, it's really hard but I have to inform you about another little delay of about two weeks. please read for yourself:

(Attachment Link)

for all who don't understand german, I asked last week if I can plan picking up the parts. the answer is basically that the parts are not finished at beadblasting and expected to be back around the 9th (yesterday) and will then be brought to anodizing which "normally takes around eight days". This would mean next week but that week is easter holiday so I would expect more like the week after that.

we are really close now, I CAN FEEL IT!

as reparation I want to raffle out two more cases. That would be three cases in total because one was already said to be raffled out but hasen't been jet. will apply to only the first 150 orders, all later are quite recent and haven't had to wait that long in comparison. will do the raffle once I have the cases.

bear with me guys!

oh damn, I had never expected it would drag out that long that I would feel the need to post screenshots of my communication.

Thanks for keeping us posted with the updates Chris, two weeks is no biggie at all.

Glad everything is moving along, very excited!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[r5d]

Thanks for the update.

I think the TEX ADA keycaps would look exceptional with this case.

[Zuology]

Updates and transparency in communication have been top notch in this GB, so the delays haven't felt anywhere near as bad as some other GBs I've been part of where you kind of just cross your fingers and hope it shows up within a year of the estimated/promised delivery date Thanks again for all the work, looking forward to the finished products!

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

BTW for 65% buyers should check out this small GB for a 65% PCB 

https://maartenwut.com/product/ta-65/

thanks for the hint! just ordered it.
supports my favorite bottom row for 65%:
1.5 / 1 / 1.5 / 6 / 1.5 / 1.5 / 1 / 1 / 1

btw, let me point out that the SKB65 plate does support this layout as well, although at the time I made it, there was no 65% pcb that supported it. I did it anyway in hope a pcb would come along which would as well. nice it happened.

[johngodsmith]

Kinda off-topic but is anyone planning on doing a hotswap build for the SKB75? I'm trying to decide on a PCB cause I know not all of them are compatible with holtites. The only thing I'd really want is south-facing LED's so there's no interference with cherry profile keycaps.

[Zuology]

I'm not a fan of hotswap with a plate-mounted setup in theory, since the switch pins' friction will be the only thing (collectively) holding the PCB in place with no mechanical fasteners.

I think this got discussed a while back in this thread, but not sure if anyone had direct experience with plate-mount hot-swap. The mechanical clips on the switches only attach to the plate, so security of the PCB staying in place (and issues like getting misaligned with movement, pulling from USB cable, stabilizers coming out of place) are all resting on how tight the holtites are, or in the case of Kailh hotswaps how strong the springs are in the sockets.

Only workaround I would think of (if using holtites like mentioned) is direct soldering a few strategically placed switches at corners/edges of the PCB where you want the flex to be minimal to "anchor" the PCB in place relative to the plate, and then hotswap the rest of the board.

[Voxis]

Yeah, holtites  kinda seems like a bad idea here. However I've had several boards with kailh sockets + 5 pins switches and it works really well.

[Zuology]

His original question was about the SKB75 as hotswap, and to the best of my knowledge, no existing kailh hotswap 75% PCBs exist at the moment. He'd be limited to the holtite option only, which I've always heard inconsistent things about, at best, and that's not even in the context of securely connecting and retaining a PCB in a plate-mount setup.

[menuhin]

Kinda off-topic but is anyone planning on doing a hotswap build for the SKB75? I'm trying to decide on a PCB cause I know not all of them are compatible with holtites. The only thing I'd really want is south-facing LED's so there's no interference with cherry profile keycaps.

I'm planning to build a hotswap SKB75, and I think Mill Max probably fit most of the switch pinholes on the KBD75 PCB.

For sure soldered on switches are the most solid building method. However, when a build is plate-mounted, especially with a case with top-mount or a sandwich-mount construction, I do not see super big cons of having a hotswappable PCB as the PCB itself is not anchored and the switches (for the alphanumeric keys) are held unusually tightly by the plate. The real cons will be at the mod-keys when the plate is designed to fit quite a few mod layout options and are not offering support to the mod switches.

[johngodsmith]

I'm not a fan of hotswap with a plate-mounted setup in theory, since the switch pins' friction will be the only thing (collectively) holding the PCB in place with no mechanical fasteners.

I think this got discussed a while back in this thread, but not sure if anyone had direct experience with plate-mount hot-swap. The mechanical clips on the switches only attach to the plate, so security of the PCB staying in place (and issues like getting misaligned with movement, pulling from USB cable, stabilizers coming out of place) are all resting on how tight the holtites are, or in the case of Kailh hotswaps how strong the springs are in the sockets.

Only workaround I would think of (if using holtites like mentioned) is direct soldering a few strategically placed switches at corners/edges of the PCB where you want the flex to be minimal to "anchor" the PCB in place relative to the plate, and then hotswap the rest of the board.

Hmm yeah I see where you're coming from, most hotswap builds I've seen are tray-mount, I'll definitely have to think about it. I'll be getting 2 cases so I think I'll do a regular build for one and maybe try and do this hotswap as a little experiment on the side. I appreciate the help Zuology, thanks man

Kinda off-topic but is anyone planning on doing a hotswap build for the SKB75? I'm trying to decide on a PCB cause I know not all of them are compatible with holtites. The only thing I'd really want is south-facing LED's so there's no interference with cherry profile keycaps.

I'm planning to build a hotswap SKB75, and I think Mill Max probably fit most of the switch pinholes on the KBD75 PCB.

For sure soldered on switches are the most solid building method. However, when a build is plate-mounted, especially with a case with top-mount or a sandwich-mount construction, I do not see super big cons of having a hotswappable PCB as the PCB itself is not anchored and the switches (for the alphanumeric keys) are held unusually tightly by the plate. The real cons will be at the mod-keys when the plate is designed to fit quite a few mod layout options and are not offering support to the mod switches.

Yeah that's what I was thinking too, the mod-keys are what worries me most. What we could also do is, custom order a single-layout plate and I feel like that'll be a lot better, in terms of support. I think Plastik offered to send the plate CAD files so it's definitely possible.

[IchiBalzac]

If anyone ordered a Boardwalk plate and wants hotswap, let me know.  I've put Mill Max in about a dozen Boardwalks now and have about 30 of them on hand that I can modify if you want one.  Full job takes 190 sockets (lots of options) and about an hour and a half to knock out.  I'd only charge cost of 21 cents per socket plus 30 bucks for my time if anyone is interested.  I'll also have a few extra SKB60 in Boardwalk and XD75RE configurations if anyone missed out and wants one.

[equalunique]

Yeah that's what I was thinking too, the mod-keys are what worries me most. What we could also do is, custom order a single-layout plate and I feel like that'll be a lot better, in terms of support. I think Plastik offered to send the plate CAD files so it's definitely possible.

Plate CAD files would be super useful. I'm particularly interested in designing my own custom Boardwalk plate, since the boardwalk plate options basically have a super wide socket for all the different spacebar configurations.



Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

[Soft_Sama]

Yeah that's what I was thinking too, the mod-keys are what worries me most. What we could also do is, custom order a single-layout plate and I feel like that'll be a lot better, in terms of support. I think Plastik offered to send the plate CAD files so it's definitely possible.

Plate CAD files would be super useful. I'm particularly interested in designing my own custom Boardwalk plate, since the boardwalk plate options basically have a super wide socket for all the different spacebar configurations.



Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

Yes release plate files please!

[r5d]

It's close, I can feel it!     

[RETURNISO]

It's close, I can feel it!     

Yes so ready haha , PCB inbound, plates inbound, caps inbound, the voice in my head calling for another SKB wkl 60 top, New iron on the way, dampening material on the way, plastiks idea for "gasket O rings" to be exploded.

Eehh @plastik you need help to pack up boxes? 

[oluigenuma]

If your location is somewhere in Franconia, I‘d love to help you with packaging too!


Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk

[Zuology]

FYI - I think the term for the sandwiched o-rings mount has been dubbed "burger mount" in other circles. I like the tasty name, but I am a fat american fwiw.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

FYI - I think the term for the sandwiched o-rings mount has been dubbed "burger mount" in other circles. I like the tasty name, but I am a fat american fwiw.

Link to aforementioned oring mounting

[TuCZnak]

FYI - I think the term for the sandwiched o-rings mount has been dubbed "burger mount" in other circles. I like the tasty name, but I am a fat american fwiw.

Link to aforementioned oring mounting

upas has been calling it that in his Satisfaction 75 and Brutal 60 IC threads IIRC

[RETURNISO]

Check out some ketchup details here

[Zuology]

Check out some ketchup details here

How about this mustard I floated the idea back in the IC, though I'm hardly the first to think of it, surely.

[1corazon]

CANT WAIT FOR THIS MATE !!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy to wait to make sure things are perfect.

Hope your well.

Kind regards

Reynold

[macken]

Looking forward to this!

Assuming the latest timeline works out I am gonna do some keeb building on my short and late winterholiday. I already have the kbdfans 75 programmed to my liking and pulse sa is also lined up for the skb75. Switches will be box navy.

I would love an update on at what stage the production is now? Are we at shipping when easter holiday is over?  Will it be late april or early may?

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Herr Plastik! How goes things?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

The cases arrived at the anodizing facility at 9th of april. Last week some questions came up regarding the propper attaching of the parts for when they immerse. We cleared that quickly, so no probleme there. Now I expect the parts to be finished this week!

[Jae-3soteric]

The cases arrived at the anodizing facility at 9th of april. Last week some questions came up regarding the propper attaching of the parts for when they immerse. We cleared that quickly, so no probleme there. Now I expect the parts to be finished this week!

Excellent!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[FSund]

The cases arrived at the anodizing facility at 9th of april. Last week some questions came up regarding the propper attaching of the parts for when they immerse. We cleared that quickly, so no probleme there. Now I expect the parts to be finished this week!

Exciting news! Seems like it will be a race between SKB65 and SPACE65 to see whoever arrives first

[RETURNISO]

The cases arrived at the anodizing facility at 9th of april. Last week some questions came up regarding the propper attaching of the parts for when they immerse. We cleared that quickly, so no probleme there. Now I expect the parts to be finished this week!

Excellent!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

+ 1!!

[LightningXI]

The cases arrived at the anodizing facility at 9th of april. Last week some questions came up regarding the propper attaching of the parts for when they immerse. We cleared that quickly, so no probleme there. Now I expect the parts to be finished this week!

Now that's an update I didn't expect. Very excited.

[The_Boom_Boy]

IT is coming!

[stoic-lemon]

I've not bought any keyboard stuff in over 3 months! This is going to be amazing.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

here are peeks into two of many boxes I got so far. car was too small for all, will get the rest later or tomorrow.
can't really believe it myself that they are really finished!

[macken]

here are peeks into two of many boxes I got so far. car was too small for all, will get the rest later or tomorrow.
can't really believe it myself that they are really finished!

Nice! Can't wait to get my hands on one.

[equalunique]

Very excited!

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Yes! Next step: don't sleep on Friday until all are packed (and do intl orders first  )

[Coloneljesus]

here are peeks into two of many boxes I got so far. car was too small for all, will get the rest later or tomorrow.
can't really believe it myself that they are really finished!

This is fantastic news! Have you inspected them already?

We happy?

[okidna]

here are peeks into two of many boxes I got so far. car was too small for all, will get the rest later or tomorrow.
can't really believe it myself that they are really finished!

Fantastic news! Hopefully the QC process goes smoothly.

[Draic]

Yes! Next step: don't sleep on Friday until all are packed (and do intl orders first  )

no, don't send mine too early as I am away for the whole next week x)

[Shihatsu]

OMFG I am not ready :x

[ojrask]

Awesome! Hopefully all of them are up to par and no one has to wait for their cases in case (heh) a few mishaps have happened to individual items.

[laserbeamspewpew]

Time to lube some switches, *****es.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Creams, Linjars, BOX Pink or holy pandas?

Someone decide for me, quick!

[rondg]

Creams, Linjars, BOX Pink or holy pandas?

Someone decide for me, quick!

Make a board for each switch 

[kekstee]

• none of the above.

Great the see the boards have been delivered! I really have to get that Alps plate going now

[cherrymxsilent@gmail.com]

These keyboards look fantastic and op showed real commitment and genius. Too bad I discovered this hobby too late.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

now I have all of it!
damn, just a small box of of steel plates feels so much heavier than a big box with alu case parts.
happy with the NOT shiny plates.

[ampt]

now I have all of it!
damn, just a small box of of steel plates feels so much heavier than a big box with alu case parts.
happy with the NOT shiny plates.

I think I see mine! 

[wd9001]

Hey PlastikSchnittstelle, I've ordered a 60% hhkb layout but would like a standard 60%. Would I be able to get a swap?

I really have to get that Alps plate going now

Would you be able to share with me the plate file? I would love to make an alps build!

[Asbrodeus]

are there any extras  I filled out the google form but I'm assuming you will deal with those after the GB has shipped.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Hey PlastikSchnittstelle, I've ordered a 60% hhkb layout but would like a standard 60%. Would I be able to get a swap?

I really have to get that Alps plate going now

Would you be able to share with me the plate file? I would love to make an alps build!

I think you're a few months too late. Also, please be weary of making alps plates on this board - the plate is much thicker than 1.2 mm, so getting stabilizer clips held in is going to be an issue. Also, alps PCBs for standard layouts other than 60% are few and far between right now.