geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: gameaholic on Tue, 27 November 2012, 22:53:26

Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Tue, 27 November 2012, 22:53:26
Did these ever get made?

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.321213747946342.71066.241720585895659&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.321213747946342.71066.241720585895659&type=3)
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/535854_321214107946306_738704567_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/549242_321213871279663_535254213_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/528876_321214037946313_780284233_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 27 November 2012, 22:56:48
Edit: Vortex apparently died... they had massive delays and never delivered what they promised for whatever reasons...  until now?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 27 November 2012, 23:00:27
You mean this? http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33155.msg714320#msg714320
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 27 November 2012, 23:05:16
oh snap gg. Guess they are alive.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: sherryton on Tue, 27 November 2012, 23:07:51
yeah they did
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Tue, 27 November 2012, 23:12:43
Where can I get one?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 07:45:48
Do want!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 28 November 2012, 07:52:59
I had a source to get one, but it was way too expensive... :( They didn't want any trades either... D:
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 28 November 2012, 11:53:00
^ More than the MKC aluminum case?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Neo.X on Wed, 28 November 2012, 12:28:56
More than a cherry ESC keycap?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 28 November 2012, 12:43:59
~$250ish I believe.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: ShakeR on Wed, 28 November 2012, 13:41:29
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=212

:)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 28 November 2012, 13:52:40
^Oh snap....uh oh.   My wallet belongs to ShakeR.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 13:55:26
Mine too. Just take all my money already!

Ordered. :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:11:45
Mmmmmmmmm $148, very tempting but I'm wondering if they'll release other colors later  :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: i3oilermaker on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:15:40
Does anyone know if QF's will fit?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:17:26
Since the Phantom will fit in a Filco case, it should fit in this case, right? If I ever get my ANSI150 plate for my Phantom, I will know for sure.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:18:46
Does anyone know if QF's will fit?

Doesn't the USB cable route in a different place on the QFR? I don't know, since I have no QFR.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:28:42
Looks really nice, but I haz no filcos
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:29:16
Thanks for link!  I know what I'm getting for Christmas now!

Question:  If I change the switches, keycaps, plate, controller, and case on my my Filco is it the same keyboard?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: boost on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:29:27
Looks really nice, but I haz no filcos

phantom?
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:30:51
Thanks for link!  I know what I'm getting for Christmas now!

Question:  If I change the switches, keycaps, plate, controller, and case on my my Filco is it the same keyboard?

That's what I've done to mine but the pcb is still a Filco.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:32:39
Looks really nice, but I haz no filcos

phantom?

Nope, no custom boards I'm afraid -__-, just what's in my sig

But I'm working on finding one ^__^
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:32:54
If the PCB says Filco, it's a Filco.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:32:57
I guess I'm giving up my detachable cable mod on one of my filcos. That's a little sad, but an aluminum filco case that actually exists and costs half of the MKC one, that's worth it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:34:40
Woah! Cool! Thanks for the link!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:38:10
Would it be possible to re-anodize this to give it a Titanium or Purple look?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:40:21
Phantom may NOT fit since measurements were taken off a Filco.  There's no clear picture of the interior bottom where the Phantom controller needs to go.

QFR will NOT fit intact and may not fit at all. There are 2 standoffs that are different from the Filco and there's the daughterboard for the USB connector.  You could forgo the daughterboard and make up a permanent cable with the appropriate connector (same as in a Filco).
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:42:23
Would it be possible to re-anodize this to give it a Titanium or Purple look?

I don't think he will, but I'm sure you could have it done yourself (you send it to someone or if your so inclined, anodize it yourself)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Neo.X on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:44:20
Please, someone do a review about this case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:44:38
Would it be possible to re-anodize this to give it a Titanium or Purple look?

I asked them on facebook they said they'll release more colors later but it could take a while.  So you couldddddddd do it if you're impatient  :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:45:17
I'd buy now. They'll never release it...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:47:31
If "soon" took this long, "a while" ain't never gonna happen.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:51:08
LOL I guess it's true, and the first person who gets this need to write a review.

Cuz seems like price and availability wise this at the moment kills KMAC, TypeNow Solid, and the MKC Filco case.  Though the latter looks like it might have higher quality finish.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:53:01
I'm considering it.  I was going to have my Filco professionally painted but this would also be nice.  I wouldn't count on it matching the quality of those boards you mentioned, though.  Let's be honest: it's vortex.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Wed, 28 November 2012, 14:55:29
I ordered one. If mine is the first to show up, I can review it, and provide some potato-y pics.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Wed, 28 November 2012, 15:04:43
Whoa this is pretty neat. Wish there are more colors though.

Can't buy at the moment, but along with the recent plate GB, I'm looking forward to some reviews and more pictures of potential Filco customs!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 15:17:07
Whoa this is pretty neat. Wish there are more colors though.

Can't buy at the moment, but along with the recent plate GB, I'm looking forward to some reviews and more pictures of potential Filco customs!

Don't forget about the programmable controller from bpiphany! Throw in some lubed and stickered switches with custom springs, and you have a rival to the KMAC.

Edit: phone browser quote fail
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: daerid on Wed, 28 November 2012, 15:35:42
Man o man o man.. I wish the aluminum cases for the RealForces weren't more expensive than the board itself.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 15:39:37
Realforces are already solid as hell.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: daerid on Wed, 28 November 2012, 16:02:26
Oh absolutely. But I want at least one of mine to be METAL. I might just save up for one of those exorbitantly expensive ones on eBay.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 28 November 2012, 16:28:31
Does anyone know if QF's will fit?
They fit. You probably want to pick up a spare Filco cable and use that instead of the mini USB PCB thinger. Few other boards fit in it since it has no protruding screw mounts in the bottom. You can't screw the board down into the case. They kinda just sandwich between the case. The case has center cable exit instead of the offset exit now. The case top is shallower than the Filco, so the LED will protrude, as well as giving the tall keycap look.

I heard a vendor ordered a small batch of these. I should have guessed it was Tiger Imports.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 17:02:53
You can't screw the board down into the case. They kinda just sandwich between the case.

Ewwwww.  A solid base is the most important thing for me. :(

The case top is shallower than the Filco, so the LED will protrude, as well as giving the tall keycap look.

That could cause problems fitting the bliphany controller in there...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 28 November 2012, 17:11:12
I'm considering it.  I was going to have my Filco professionally painted but this would also be nice.  I wouldn't count on it matching the quality of those boards you mentioned, though.  Let's be honest: it's vortex.

What do you have against Vortex's quality? Considering they use the same factories as Costar.

Is bpiphany's controller taller than the stock controller?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 17:21:32
What do you have against Vortex's quality? Considering they use the same factories as Costar.

Poker, Pure, and Race.  Never heard of anyone having to unplug their Filco to get the esc key to work, or reporting that the coating is chipping off.

Is bpiphany's controller taller than the stock controller?

I don't have one, but I seem to remember reports that it was a bit of a squeeze to get it into the stock case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 28 November 2012, 17:24:50
bp's controller isn't particularly taller, the outline is slightly different but can be sanded down without loss of function if you are careful and have the right tools.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 28 November 2012, 17:58:37
Poker, Pure, and Race.  Never heard of anyone having to unplug their Filco to get the esc key to work, or reporting that the coating is chipping off.
Ducky cap coating's have chipped too. Since caps comes out of the same factory. Backlit coating suck on all boards. Paint on the painted Filcos does come off too. I bash Vortex 100x than you do, but this is not specifically their problem. Plug thing is not a manufacturing problem but a design one. Who in their right mind uses miniUSB connector for keyboards? You see the same problem in QFR and RK9000. So you used these to generalize Vortex sucks. Not that I have a problem with it since I don't like them too, but the reasons are kinda weak. There are so many other real reasons to bash Vortex. Incomprehensible designs. Bad firmware. Over promising, under delivering. Shrewd business practice...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 28 November 2012, 18:09:57
Hmm, those Korean boards use the same USB connector.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 28 November 2012, 18:38:53
laffindude, can you post internal shots of this case? You said the PCB and plate are clamped between the two shells, but I'm having a hard time visualizing how this is actually implemented. KMAC has the plate clamped between the two shells too, but that's because it has tabs on the plate, and even then, the plate is still screwed down. Filco or CM does not have these tabs protruding out, so how is the PCB and plate held up without any standoffs?

If what you said is true and the case is more shallow than the stock Filco case, then a phantom PCB won't fit because it has a teensy controller requires a good amount of height clearance on the bottom PCB.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 28 November 2012, 18:51:11
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.317727758294941.70267.241720585895659&type=3 Vortex already have posted pix of interior.

The plate's edge sits on a groove on the case, as it is so in the Filco/CM Storm case. It is just Filco and CM Storm have extra protruding screw thingers it also rests on. They primarily sit on the ledge on the edge. The height of the plate on the edge is same height as edge of the bottom aluminum case (see here (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=321213774613006&set=a.321213747946342.71066.241720585895659&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F464053_321213774613006_686295761_o.jpg&smallsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F575590_321213774613006_686295761_n.jpg&size=1800%2C1200)). The the top case just screw down into it, sandwiching it all together.

Edit, on the shallower thing, you miss the part where I said top. The top case doesn't bow downward like a Filco case, so it should have enough clearance for a bpiphany controller. Function row keys stick out more than in a Filco case. Case interior is shallower too. It is angled ~.3cm to ~1cm in bottom clearance. Not sure Phantom will fit though, given the talks in the next page.
Just a quicky picture since I am waiting for some parts. I just stuck it in there and took a picture.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:37:37
If someone wants to send me a Phantom ANSI150 plate, I will assemble my Phantom (finally!) and let you know if it fits in this case, once the case is delivered to me. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until I can get a ANSI150 plate.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Vintage on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:38:38
Hmmm. That's pretty interesting that you may be able to put QFR's in them. Hope someone dares to try that.

BTW, I agree that mini/micro USB probably is not the smartest choice for keyboards, especially mechanical ones. There is no need for low-profile connectors on the back of a board. I would prefer the standard USB or USB Type B connector (the ones for printers) as they would be much more durable. At least the QFR has a better placement for it that is less likely to be damaged like the Rosewill's that hangs straight out the back.

I do like the idea of a detachable cable though, because it allows you to replace the stock cable with a nicer one, or replace it if it breaks.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:38:43
Can't you get one from the custom plate GB?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:41:24
Can't you get one from the custom plate GB?

Yes, Dan already knows that I want one, but I think The_Beast still has them. Waiting...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:53:45
You'll hopefully be getting one in a few days
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 28 November 2012, 19:55:18
Yay, pictures... booo, bokeh.  bokeh is for art not for showing people your product.

So a Phantom will be loose without doing something to the case to hold it down.  The Phantom plates don't have the folded edges to be clamped down.

Since there are no standoffs in the package at all then the QFR and Filco should both fit equally and it's likely PLU-87 will too... I have no idea why I should even mention the idea of putting a PLU into an aluminum case tho.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 28 November 2012, 20:20:18
Lol aluminum PLU-87 FTW!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Wed, 28 November 2012, 21:20:48
Hmmm. That's pretty interesting that you may be able to put QFR's in them. Hope someone dares to try that.

BTW, I agree that mini/micro USB probably is not the smartest choice for keyboards, especially mechanical ones. There is no need for low-profile connectors on the back of a board. I would prefer the standard USB or USB Type B connector (the ones for printers) as they would be much more durable. At least the QFR has a better placement for it that is less likely to be damaged like the Rosewill's that hangs straight out the back.

I do like the idea of a detachable cable though, because it allows you to replace the stock cable with a nicer one, or replace it if it breaks.

I actually rely on my detachable cable mod daily. When I sleep/go to work, I take my keyboard off my desk and put down a shock pad so my dumb cat won't get on my desk. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when this case makes me revert to an attached cable.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 28 November 2012, 21:29:18
You'll hopefully be getting one in a few days

Maybe the Phantom plate and the case will arrive around the same time. Then I can do a proper Phantom build and do a review of the case at the same time.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 28 November 2012, 21:40:03
You'll hopefully be getting one in a few days

Wait my child, reports need finishing -__-
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 28 November 2012, 22:30:52
You'll hopefully be getting one in a few days
I'm waiting to do your Poker for when Beast gets those plates to you as well... Do your homework Beast!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 28 November 2012, 22:47:20
lol MKC better release their aluminum keyboard soon otherwise this will steal all their customers  :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 28 November 2012, 22:58:00
You didn't see feng's GB? MKC already released it, several people bought it for ~$350 shipped.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 28 November 2012, 23:16:38
You didn't see feng's GB? MKC already released it, several people bought it for ~$350 shipped.

I'm pretty sure he was referring to MKC's upcoming complete keyboard offering, not the Alu Filco case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 29 November 2012, 00:03:05
Seems like there are some confused users elsewhere. This is a CNC machined case. Pretty apparent by the machine marks.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: fl0w3n on Thu, 29 November 2012, 00:07:01
When you guys say the phantom plate won't fit in this, do you mean the one white fire dragon is making for the filco?

Also, does an aluminum case like this actually change the feel of the board typing wise?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 00:20:41
The plate's edge sits on a groove on the case, as it is so in the Filco/CM Storm case. It is just Filco and CM Storm have extra protruding screw thingers it also rests on. They primarily sit on the ledge on the edge. The height of the plate on the edge is same height as edge of the bottom aluminum case (see here (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=321213774613006&set=a.321213747946342.71066.241720585895659&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F464053_321213774613006_686295761_o.jpg&smallsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F575590_321213774613006_686295761_n.jpg&size=1800%2C1200)). The the top case just screw down into it, sandwiching it all together.

Ok now I see what you mean from this pic below. Basically there is a very small edge that the plate rests on. Since Filco, CM quickfire, and Ducky has plates that have bent down edges at the front and the back, that means phantom plates will only be supported and held up by the two short sides since a phantom plate is completely flat with no bent top and bottom edges. This is very little support since the top and bottom are long and they're just suspended, and also the fact that there are no standoffs in the middle to hold anything up. I'm thinking phantom PCB/plate combo might bend slightly if you press down hard in the middle.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/th_471891_317733138294403_1480717228_o.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/471891_317733138294403_1480717228_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 29 November 2012, 00:44:13
Unfortunately the case only have ledges that support the plate on the front and back. Not on the side. I am afraid that your plate won't fit.

How does your plate work in a regular Filco case? Doesn't that require the bent edges to sit on the bottom case too?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 01:00:20
For everyone else, here to a picture to better explain what I said. A filco plate has downward bends on the front and back of the plate, the phantom plate is flat throughout the whole plate. In the picture, bottom black plate is from a Filco, and top plate is from my custom TKL plate, which is similar to a phantom plate.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/th_IMG_1844.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/IMG_1844.jpg)



Unfortunately the case only have ledges that support the plate on the front and back. Not on the side. I am afraid that your plate won't fit.

This pretty much confirmed it: won't be compatible with phantom PCB/plate combo. jdcarpe, if you bought this for phantom only, then return it lol. My initial guess was that it might still work with phantom because the two shorter sides can hold it up, however just bends too easily. But laffindude said the case only holds up the plate by the front and back that requires the bend, which will make it flat out not work with phantom.

However, good news is that this aluminum case will work with all Filco TKL, CM quickfire, and ducky TKL since they all use the same plates with the bend. Dimensions are all the same.


How does your plate work in a regular Filco case? Doesn't that require the bent edges to sit on the bottom case too?

The custom plate is supported at the two short side edges and 4 standoffs, along with 1 large standoff near the top center for the PCB. Enough to be pretty sturdy, so it doesn't require the top and bottom bends.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 29 November 2012, 01:14:36
Gotcha. That's what I kinda figured when I looked at the interior of a case. The plate is thick enough to be pretty sturdy without being supported all around (given that you don't use the board as a trampoline ;)).
Oni also fits, since that's the board I happen to have handy and stuffed in there for the picture.
On the subject of Oni, in addition to having a plate support on the front and back, there are also little ledges to support the PCB. Not sure how needed that is, but it is there.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 29 November 2012, 01:41:58
Oh, hell yeah.  Ordered.  Now, to find an anodizing place in Austin to pick my own color....
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 03:16:12
I wasted an hour sitting here, contemplating whether to order or not. Price was too good so I ended up caving and ordered one. Going to home anodize it myself.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: ChaoticKinesis on Thu, 29 November 2012, 03:34:32
Assuming I were to use this for a QFR, how would I go about obtaining an attachable cable like on a Filco?
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Thu, 29 November 2012, 04:17:09
Assuming I were to use this for a QFR, how would I go about obtaining an attachable cable like on a Filco?
id say contact mimic
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Thu, 29 November 2012, 05:52:18
Assuming I were to use this for a QFR, how would I go about obtaining an attachable cable like on a Filco?

If you find out let me know...I ordered one of these alu cases for a QFR.  I don't want to have to do all the work of desoldering green switches and soldering them into a Filco.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 29 November 2012, 06:46:44
No, I didn't only order this for my Phantom. :) I still have 3 Filcos, even after I just sold another 3. :D

So for this to work with a Phantom PCB, you would have to use the plate from an actual Filco? I'm still hoping that bpiphany's replacement Filco controller wits nicely in the cutout in the top of this case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pasph on Thu, 29 November 2012, 07:47:41
Can someone anodize one for me?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: reverkiller on Thu, 29 November 2012, 08:19:16
...
However, good news is that this aluminum case will work with all Filco TKL, CM quickfire, and ducky TKL since they all use the same plates with the bend. Dimensions are all the same.
...

Because this is in the plate and not the PCB, back-lit Ducky TKL included too? I don't think there is a plate difference (and am not really sure why there would be), but one can never be too sure.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 09:36:19
Assuming I were to use this for a QFR, how would I go about obtaining an attachable cable like on a Filco?
If you find out let me know...I ordered one of these alu cases for a QFR.  I don't want to have to do all the work of desoldering green switches and soldering them into a Filco.

I already have a few of the pins and connectors from mouser to make the custom USB cable. I'll make a couple when I make mine too  ;)



Can someone anodize one for me?

It's not as easy as you think. That's why companies that anodize will charge a lot unless it's mass anodizing all at once.
 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 29 November 2012, 10:27:13
You could also consider getting it powder coated.  You can find places do to it, and it is durable.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: phetto on Thu, 29 November 2012, 10:29:41
I've heard that its only $180 =)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pasph on Thu, 29 November 2012, 10:46:42

Can someone anodize one for me?

It's not as easy as you think. That's why companies that anodize will charge a lot unless it's mass anodizing all at once.
 

Yes, In fact I wanted to ask if there is someone who can offer this kind of professional service, obviously at a reasonable price, for just 1 case
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: damorgue on Thu, 29 November 2012, 10:49:35
Since the surface is oxidized already, you would have to get someone to grind or sandblast the surface in order to anodize it again. Making a bath, preparing a color and all that will be expensive if only for one item. I suggest you ask them if there is a chance that there are any colors going to be made close to the one you want and go with it, perhaps they can throw it in with those and you will have less fixed costs.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 10:50:16

Can someone anodize one for me?

It's not as easy as you think. That's why companies that anodize will charge a lot unless it's mass anodizing all at once.
 

Yes, In fact I wanted to ask if there is someone who can offer this kind of professional service, obviously at a reasonable price, for just 1 case

Yeah, HERE (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37391.0) #6. I'm still getting everything set up though. Other than that, I haven't seen anyone on here offer it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: fl0w3n on Thu, 29 November 2012, 11:12:26
Regarding fitting the phantom plate, what if it was modified to have standoffs in the proper location's?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hluo87 on Thu, 29 November 2012, 11:49:24
Does anyone know if QF's will fit?
do you mean CM Quickfire Rapid?
do you know will that fit?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:06:16
I'm tempted but I don't know how much I like the sandwich idea of putting the pcb in, seems like it could be flimsy in the middle (like stock pokers).
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:22:19
Pokers don't have a plate.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:38:41
Neither does the filco afaik, hence this GB:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36907.0
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: vun on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:41:57
Neither does the filco afaik, hence this GB:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36907.0
Filcos and QFRs have plates, that plate just lets you open switches without desoldering.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: fl0w3n on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:42:51
Filco most definitely has a plate. 

Look at WhiteFireDragon's post at the top of this page, he posted a picture of the Filco plate + his plate from the GB you just linked.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Thu, 29 November 2012, 14:53:59
Filco most definitely has a plate. 

Look at WhiteFireDragon's post at the top of this page, he posted a picture of the Filco plate + his plate from the GB you just linked.
My mistake, I must have missed that (I've only disassembled one filco before). Wonder if I could find a powercoater in Seattle to get it a dark gray....
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 15:41:33
MechanicalKeyboards is pretty fast, mine's shipped off already :D


Regarding fitting the phantom plate, what if it was modified to have standoffs in the proper location's?

The standoff legs are on the stock plastic cases, not the plate. These standoffs suspends the PCB/plate combo up. Phantom plate is not compatible unless you add the small bends on the whole front and back of the plate. And you can't just add more material on unless it was welded or something.


Does anyone know if QF's will fit?
do you mean CM Quickfire Rapid?
do you know will that fit?

Well we know this case is made to fit Filco, and we compatibility is solely dependent on the bend on the front and back of the plate according to laffindude. Since Filco, CM quickfire, and Ducky all use the same exact plate in this regards, they all should be compatible with this case. I have all 3 of these keyboards, so I'll confirm it once I get mine.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 29 November 2012, 16:03:53
Just ordered one,
only 2 left..!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:02:38
WTF! I was just about to order one and it's out of stock now.  There were 5+ this morning.  :( 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:08:32
You should have been first to order, I guess. Oh wait, that was me. >:D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:20:27
I also got out bid on some black on beige doubleshots this morning. :mad: You Goddamn grinches stole my Christmas!
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHEFzjqZz2604Dqz5VPFu-DG9zDvwqj4aZxmWZS9kZHX-tnYIJ)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:20:31
WTF! I was just about to order one and it's out of stock now.  There were 5+ this morning.  :( 

Sold out pretty quick. When I ordered around 2am this morning, it said 10+ in stock. You're the one that wanted one so badly, not sure why you hesitated.

edit: I ordered just to see how it looks in person and how it fits other keyboards besides Filco. Also wanted to experiment with anodizing. After that, and I can probably just sell it back to you. Any color in particular you want?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:29:49
Hesitated because I was bidding on the doubleshots + moogle kit this morning.  I kinda of like the original silver from the pictures but I'd also be interested in a titanium look to try to simulate the KMAC cases.  Can this be done?  Someone should Gold plate theirs.   ;D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:48:17
Maybe laffindude can confirm, but I suspect these are already anodized? If not, they would oxidize and stain fairly quickly if they were just brushed aluminum. All that means, if true, is that to have them anodized to another color, you first have to media blast them to remove the anodized layer.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 29 November 2012, 17:49:56
Sold out? Good, no more contemplating buying one for my QFR :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 29 November 2012, 18:03:41
I don't have a multimeter to test. I would be surprised if it isn't.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: vun on Thu, 29 November 2012, 18:05:53
Sold out? Good, no more contemplating buying one for my QFR :)
Same here. But now I'm wondering what I'll get once I actually have the money to get a case for my QFR.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 18:44:02
Since the surface is oxidized already, you would have to get someone to grind or sandblast the surface in order to anodize it again. Making a bath, preparing a color and all that will be expensive if only for one item. I suggest you ask them if there is a chance that there are any colors going to be made close to the one you want and go with it, perhaps they can throw it in with those and you will have less fixed costs.
Maybe laffindude can confirm, but I suspect these are already anodized? If not, they would oxidize and stain fairly quickly if they were just brushed aluminum. All that means, if true, is that to have them anodized to another color, you first have to media blast them to remove the anodized layer.

You don't need to file or sandblast the surface before anodizing. A very thin oxide layer will for instantly when right off the mill. Whether you file or surface or not, it still needs to be etched in a sulfuric bath to form a thicker oxide layer anyways. So it doesn't make sense to sand off the thin layer, only to grow a thicker layer later. Just etch right over the existing layer.

My guess is that these cases haven't been anodized yet, only sandblasted. $150 for a full CNC case and going through the whole anodizing process is hard to believe. But I'll verify with my multimeter when I get mine.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 29 November 2012, 20:06:35
If it is anodized it will have more resistance/less conductivity than if not anodized?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 29 November 2012, 20:22:02
Yes, because the oxide layer is not conductive. A quick resistance or continuity test with a DMM will tell you if it's been anodized or not.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: mickd on Thu, 29 November 2012, 21:02:07
I camp this forum so much haha. Not sure how I skimmed over this 4 page thread for 2 days. O well, next time!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 30 November 2012, 00:36:24
Their out :(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 30 November 2012, 01:44:42
Alright, if you missed it, I'll sell mine for $250. ;-)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 30 November 2012, 06:17:46
No, no. Same price as MKC aluminum Filco case. A bargain at $350! :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Fri, 30 November 2012, 10:24:34
Okay, the msrp of this case SHOULD be 160+ as I know, so mechancialkeyboards.com sold this case on a very low price.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Fri, 30 November 2012, 11:23:04
Alright, if you missed it, I'll sell mine for $250. ;-)
No no! I'll see you one for $249.99!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 30 November 2012, 11:25:16
You do know what MSRP translates to... R is recommended, ie: a suggestion.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: damorgue on Fri, 30 November 2012, 11:39:59
You do know what MSRP translates to... R is recommended, ie: a suggestion.

I always thought R was for Retail. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. There is already a "suggested" in there :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 30 November 2012, 11:44:05
doh.. This is true.  Maybe I should sleep, that or my damned blood sugar is still low.  Either way, it's not a price set in stone which is the point I was making.  Even MAP (minimum advertised price) is not a price that cannot be gone below.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 30 November 2012, 14:57:45
You do know what MSRP translates to... R is recommended, ie: a suggestion.
Maybe Suggested Recommended Possibly price.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Fri, 30 November 2012, 15:01:51
You do know what MSRP translates to... R is recommended, ie: a suggestion.

I always thought R was for Retail. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. There is already a "suggested" in there :P
Wikipedia says this is right:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSRP
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 30 November 2012, 15:18:09
I admitted that 15minutes before you posted... it's over.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 30 November 2012, 16:28:45
lol you guys like to debate about the most trivial things.

Anyways, my case is expected to arrive Wednesday Dec 5 according to fedex tracking.
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Fri, 30 November 2012, 17:47:30
lol you guys like to debate about the most trivial things.

Anyways, my case is expected to arrive Wednesday Dec 5 according to fedex tracking.
Mine is scheduled for December 1st...but idk if mechanicalkeyboards.com sprang for Saturday delivery.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: The_Beast on Fri, 30 November 2012, 17:53:24
Lol, aluminum doesn't stain but it does self "anodize" since anodization is basically accelerated "rusting"
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:15:27
Well that was fast!

(http://i49.tinypic.com/102qrrs.jpg)
(http://i50.tinypic.com/30m7g5y.jpg)
(http://i47.tinypic.com/nqpdtk.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:22:39
Looks very nice... I still wanna know if it'll fit in a Filco with the bpiphany controller and if it can be re-anodized
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:28:12
Hmmm...the package seems to be missing the metal keyboard feet.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Vintage on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:28:55
Looks really nice....

Maybe i'll get a CM QFR and put this on it down the road.

Decisions...decisions.  :p
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:30:06
Hmmm...the package seems to be missing the metal keyboard feet.
those are kinda important lol
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:34:59
That's what I mean about Vortex.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Delirious on Sat, 01 December 2012, 12:49:33
Mine came missing the feet as well, both rubber and the cone one like the advertised picture. I already emailed Mechanicalkeyboards about it. I thought that just was an oversight of the packaging department. If yours doesn't come with the feet I guess we just have to accept the fact that Vortex is being Vortex once again.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:00:28
That really sucks
I'm afraid this is no oversight now
here is a picture used in the description of the case
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/63153503/large_212_ALFilcoTKL_5.jpg)

Seeing this I don't expect the trooper to be in the box but I surely don't expect the feet to be missing...!

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:01:20
Standard Vortex ^^
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:05:16
Do you tink there is any chance they send the feet if we ask for them?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:06:21
idk they might have never had feet...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:06:43
I say slap some Egrips on the bottom and go!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:07:20
I say slap some Egrips on the bottom and go!

Yeah but what if they want the elevation
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:10:15
I say slap some Egrips on the bottom and go!

Yeah but what if they want the elevation
Wood blocks+Egrips?

it alreadu looks like the case has some elevation to me just not alot. when it had the feet on it actually looked like too much to me say compared to my KMAC.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Hyde on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:20:33
So the square rubber padding for the 4 corners are missing too eh?  Because if those are there then you might be able to get away without having feet since it's already slightly elevated.

<== Uses Filco without the prop up legs.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:43:18
I use my Filco without the legs up too but the angle of that case looks slightly lower than the regular Filco one. idk
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: damorgue on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:53:52
Show Image
(http://i50.tinypic.com/30m7g5y.jpg)


Isn't the board supposed to be supported somewhere in the middle?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:55:23
nope not in that case much cheaper to make
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tsangan on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:57:29
What you need

(http://i.imgur.com/WYSSw.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:57:56
For the guys that got it already, do you have a multimeter to check continuity? That tells you if it's anodized or not.



Isn't the board supposed to be supported somewhere in the middle?

Last few pages of this thread discussed compatibility and how the plate is held up. There are no standoffs to hold the plate or PCB up. It's supported only by the bend of front and bottom of the plate. Not even the two sides.


What you need
tsangan, where can we get those feets? There were at least 20 cases ordered, I doubt you have that many for everyone.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 13:58:39
What you need

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/WYSSw.jpg)

are those KMAC feet?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tsangan on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:01:04
It was used for the KMAC, but its basically used on most custom keyboards
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:02:02
Do you actually have black feet still?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:03:03
Where to get :O
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:04:31
It was used for the KMAC, but its basically used on most custom keyboards
The Vortex ones looks to be a little more pointy. Also the screw threads must fit the threads of the vortex case. Do you know the screw size.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tsangan on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:07:04
Do you actually have black feet still?
Yeah, haven't found a case that didn't come with feets already, but looks like I found a use for it now

Where to get :O
I think these were extras from some case GB

The Vortex ones looks to be a little more pointy. Also the screw threads must fit the threads of the vortex case. Do you know the screw size.
You can use screws or adhesive tape for example for mx mini acrylic cases.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:09:40
PMd
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 14:50:55
Tsangan....I have a spare pair of those Korean keyboard feet and the screw holes for those are way smaller than the screw holes for the feet on the Vortex Alu case.

Side by side pics for comparison.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/358tnpv.jpg)


Your only option is to use tape.  I used 3M VHB tape (modders tape....aka Tape of the Gods a la Bill Ownes of MNPC Tech fame).  That tape worked like a charm.  The board is now at a perfect elevation.               

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2cgd3kz.jpg)
(http://i46.tinypic.com/34s43o1.jpg)
(http://i45.tinypic.com/k315c8.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 15:30:34
I still want one of those cases...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Sat, 01 December 2012, 15:30:37
Yep, mine too came without feet, and it has sketchy fitment in general. I couldn't fit the standard filco cable, because the ferrous bead on it was too wide, so I smashed it (lol). It still looks questionable whether or not I'm going to be happy when I get back from the hardware store (I need to buy an allen wrench that fits it) or really annoyed. I haven't totally give up yet on being able to use a detachable cable, since the connecter fits in the hole turned 90 degrees, but securing it there, and having it fit in under the plate is going to take some finangling at the very least.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 15:33:46
^I was able to fit the Filco cable with ferrous bead just fine.  It took a little bit of maneuvering and you have to slowly tighten the case up (start at opposite corners and slowly work your way around). It took several trips around the board to get it fully tightened.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:24:39
Got it together. It's ok, obviously not as perfect as the KMAC. Here are some pictures, mostly of the weird seams.

http://imgur.com/a/dYKN8
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:26:21
Got it together. It's ok, obviously not as perfect as the KMAC. Here are some pictures, mostly of the weird seams.

http://imgur.com/a/dYKN8

Did you have spare screws?  What are the short screws with washers for?  I didn't have to use them to put together the case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:31:20
lol emptythecache, those huge holes are ridiculous. You really should email mechanicalkeyboards to get a refund or compensation or something. They shouldn't be there. Akimbo's case doesn't have those huge holes.



(http://i.imgur.com/QcV17h.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/QcV17h.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/WHw1hh.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:32:38
Yeah, I don't know what that baggy was for. There was one extra allen wrench screw, and then that bag. I used the washers from it with allen wrench screws in the front middle and corners to get the seam as tight as I could. I couldn't fully tighten the front without them.

WFD: It's not easy to tell, but they don't go the whole way through, so from the outside, there is no way to know they are there.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:37:38
Ah I see. Front glancing at the pic, I thought it goes all the way through both sides, which if it did, would be unacceptable. I guess it's not that bad if you can't see from the outside, but still... I wouldn't want unnecessary holes in my cases.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:37:40
I would still complain though... and everyone should complain about no feet.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: vun on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:45:46
The holes could be used to hold the case during manufacturing. Although I don't know too much about it, so could be completely unnecessary.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 01 December 2012, 16:55:30
No, those huge holes looks like they were drilled after all the manufacturing. You can see the whole case is probably sandblasted, but large holes has the shiny bare aluminum marks.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 01 December 2012, 17:26:41
Do we all look like suckers here?
They come here, tease us with nice pics and correct prices and in the end they send THIS...!!!
no feet, stupid holes and dodgy seams for 150$
I really do hope it's a mistake and they are going to fix it


Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 01 December 2012, 17:46:36
I believe those 2 big holes are there for centering the top case. There are corresponding holes on the bottom. Seems like there was something that was supposed to go in there with a large head that you can stick in there, so it doesn't rely on the screws to resist lateral force.
Be glad. Mine was missing SCREWS. I didn't say anything since... well. I didn't grab mine from the batch. I assumed they would actually check a larger order, but mine are incoming with my missing feet (and I did ask for rubber feet). If ShakeR didn't jump the gun so soon, I might have said something more... Once all my stuff have arrived.

Edit: I actually played with that exact prototype. That prototype is... Missing rubber feet. It did have a few more edge treatment than our production run. For example, the edge bevel. This wasn't done on the production case that you can see on that prototype.

Edit2: Don't worry guys. In addition to ShakeR/Tiger Imports demanding answers, I'll have my contact there and blast them with mouth cannon.

Edit3: Faulty memory on the case top bevel.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 17:53:25
I'm not unsatisfied with the quality of the case.  I think it's good for the price.  I just wish the feet were included.  I'm sure Shaker will take care of us though (he seems to be generally on top of things).  I'm dying to know what those extra 4 screws with washers were for.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: emptythecache on Sat, 01 December 2012, 17:55:16
so what you are saying is I was sent a prototype as if it was the same finished product they sold to everyone else? That's fantastic.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 01 December 2012, 17:59:05
I think the case quality is acceptable. I wasn't exactly expecting top shelf stuff, so it actually exceeded my expectation. Edge treatment could have been better of course. Mine has sliiiight parallel grooves still on the bottom. Just my luck, I had them on my Pure case as well.

Emptythecache: No yours is not the prototype. Not sure why they put the bevel on yours.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 01 December 2012, 18:07:45
^Mine has a very slight bevel too.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 01 December 2012, 18:10:48
I guess I am the odd man out. Mine is just straight machined hole there.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: telepete on Sat, 01 December 2012, 18:34:22
No feet? Drill holes? No Phantom support? Good ole Vortex. For the price I get either a useless case or a keg of cheap beer. Not a hard decision.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Sat, 01 December 2012, 18:37:30
No feet? Drill holes? No Phantom support? Good ole Vortex. For the price I get either a useless case or a keg of cheap beer. Not a hard decision.

Yup, gotta love a keg of beer. Speaking of, I gotta turn my spare fridge into a kegerator!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 01 December 2012, 18:52:19
Because Vortex.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:01:37
I posted some pictures here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33155.msg728124#msg728124

Like everyone else it seems, I didn't get feet either.  I wasn't planning on using feet as I like the low profile as it's better on your wrists IMO... but still stinks not to get them.  (Resale, etc)  But mainly, I really wish they had included some rubber pads... looks like they have little indentions where they should go, but none included.  I guess I can use something else.

Here is the profile and height as compared to a stock Filco:
[attach=1]
[attach=2]

I also got the mysterious hole on the inside, that doesn't go all the way through. And the extra packet with three screws and three washers. (??)

Only other slight problem was that the thickness of my braided cord (stock on the Camo Filco) gave the back of the case a little trouble when trying to close all the way.  I forced it down though, and seems to be fine.

It's a heavy beast with the zinc caps on... nearly 5lbs.

Now... to find an anodizing shop and pick a color.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:12:04
Also, just pulled out my multimeter and I'm not seeing any conductivity.  But... I'm not expert at using that thing so it'd be good for someone else to verify.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:40:27
Height looks good without the feet. I would like to have the rubber pads, though. Won't get mine until tomorrow, as I have all keyboard stuffs sent to my P.O. box, and my post office doesn't open on the weekends.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:57:49
Ripster was talking about hi fi equipment feet and the Vortex Alu case.  I looked at a few hi fi equipment feet online and the diameters roughly match those of the bottom holes on the case meant for feet.  So that's a possibility for anyone who wants feet that screw into the bottom of the keyboard and doesn't want to wait for mechanicalkeyboards to fix it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 02 December 2012, 19:00:52
I was tempted to get one for my Phantom and drill up the underside to fit the controller... Now that they are sold out, I don't have to keep myself from buying one.

It's not as easy as you think. That's why companies that anodize will charge a lot unless it's mass anodizing all at once.
Sometimes a company will let a part be plated or anodized together with their regular orders. I got a espresso-cup sized steel part nickel-plated that way for about 15 Euros. II had to wait a couple of weeks longer, but they called me when they were done. Really nice of them. :)

If they won't do it, it does not hurt to ask. ;)

Seeing this I don't expect the trooper to be in the box but I surely don't expect the feet to be missing...!
BTW. It is an AT-AT driver. ;)
Lego messed up. The helmet and complete suit should be light grey. (but it looks white in the movie)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: fl0w3n on Mon, 03 December 2012, 23:30:24
Did the case change the feel of the board at all? 

Looks pretty good. 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Mon, 03 December 2012, 23:32:16
BTW. It is an AT-AT driver. ;)
Lego messed up. The helmet and complete suit should be light grey. (but it looks white in the movie)

NERD!!!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 03 December 2012, 23:41:31
Did the case change the feel of the board at all? 

Looks pretty good. 

Yeah, feels like a solid truck now.  I mean, a Filco being plate mounted is already solid, but I guess the plastic gives a tad or something.  It feels different to me, in a great way.  Also, it's super heavy... I think I used to casually push my board around to fit my position.  I noticed that a lot more now. Also not a bad thing, just an observation. 

My only problem is that I'm having trouble finding someone to anodize it around here.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 03:06:48
Someone sell me theirs please :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:40:42
Someone sell me theirs please :)
i will do a group buy later and come with 5 different colors
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:42:35
Okay, I could kiss you now!  If you're getting them made, any chance in a Winkeyless version for my phantom?  I'll get another plate cut to fit the case, it'll be easier in the long run.
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:42:52
Someone sell me theirs please :)
i will do a group buy later and come with 5 different colors

:O around the same price as these ones?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:43:15
Okay, I could kiss you now!  If you're getting them made, any chance in a Winkeyless version for my phantom?  I'll get another plate cut to fit the case, it'll be easier in the long run.
sorry... no wkl version..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:44:30
sorry... no wkl version..

oh well, still an improvement for now :)

what colours?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:46:27
Someone sell me theirs please :)
i will do a group buy later and come with 5 different colors

:O around the same price as these ones?
no.. around 185 shipped conus

p.s.i will loss 10 usd+ if i sell it on 148
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:49:59
Someone sell me theirs please :)
i will do a group buy later and come with 5 different colors

:O around the same price as these ones?
no.. around 185 shipped conus

p.s.i will loss 10 usd+ if i sell it on 148

If that shipping includes Canada, I like the price! A black one would be nice.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 05:51:17
Shipping to UK? what would I be looking at?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 06:31:03
Shipping to UK? what would I be looking at?
maybe 5 more
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pmh1410 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 06:50:16
how many shipping fee to Vietnam, i'm interest other color :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 06:52:04
how many shipping fee to Vietnam, i'm interest other color :P
185 usd
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 06:58:08
maybe 5 more

please put me down for one :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pasph on Tue, 04 December 2012, 08:03:03
maybe 5 more

please put me down for one :)

another one here
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 04 December 2012, 08:05:01
maybe 5 more

please put me down for one :)

another one here

Time for a GB thread! Although with the poker round 2 and those Cherry cap pullers, a lot on your plate Tinlong!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 08:10:35
maybe 5 more

please put me down for one :)

another one here

Time for a GB thread! Although with the poker round 2 and those Cherry cap pullers, a lot on your plate Tinlong!
tinlong will be overloaded if he does 3 group buy on the same time. He is preparing his exam now  :'(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 04 December 2012, 08:24:27
You'll be fine :)
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 04 December 2012, 08:25:28
Exams first, group buys later.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Neo.X on Tue, 04 December 2012, 10:00:49
Exams first, group buys later.

Count me in for group buy.  :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 04 December 2012, 11:32:23
Some initial thoughts:

I can confirm that this case will work with the bpiphany controller daughterboard. It's a very tight fit. And I haven't tried it yet, but I'm concerned that it may get stuck in the cutout when I attempt to disassemble it. What you want to do when you assemble it, is to put the controller side into the top part of the case first. Then assemble everything around that. I also had to make several passes around the case, when tightening all the screws, to make everything fit and tighten properly.

I also did not receive any feet with mine. I hope we can get these feet sent to us. Overall it feels like a very solid case. I don't have any problem with the design. I will post a full review later when I've had a chance to use the keyboard in this case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: gameaholic on Tue, 04 December 2012, 12:27:21
So what is the consensus on this case?  I'm getting it's not the same quality as a KMAC.  What are the exact differences?  How does it compare to the MKC case?  It definitely seems a step up from the stock case but I was expecting to have my mind blown.  Also what goes into designing a case like this?   
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: damorgue on Tue, 04 December 2012, 14:15:17
So what is the consensus on this case?  I'm getting it's not the same quality as a KMAC.  What are the exact differences?  How does it compare to the MKC case?  It definitely seems a step up from the stock case but I was expecting to have my mind blown.  Also what goes into designing a case like this?   

Objectively, MKC's case were better in all aspects. More chamfers and treated edges, extra chamfers and features to hide imperfections in the split lines, finer tolerances (by the looks of it), more advanced shape with milled underside etc requiring more mounts in a mill, brass inserts for threads instead of just tapping the holes in the aluminum etc.

Then again, they were about twice as expensive. Someone who received one could perhaps chime in. I am actually surprised that they managed to get the price that low.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Tue, 04 December 2012, 14:47:56
So what is the consensus on this case?  I'm getting it's not the same quality as a KMAC.  What are the exact differences?  How does it compare to the MKC case?  It definitely seems a step up from the stock case but I was expecting to have my mind blown.  Also what goes into designing a case like this?   
Objectively, MKC's case were better in all aspects. More chamfers and treated edges, extra chamfers and features to hide imperfections in the split lines, finer tolerances (by the looks of it), more advanced shape with milled underside etc requiring more mounts in a mill, brass inserts for threads instead of just tapping the holes in the aluminum etc.

Then again, they were about twice as expensive. Someone who received one could perhaps chime in. I am actually surprised that they managed to get the price that low.
I had an MKC one and this one should be here on Thursday, will give more specifics on this one and the differences between the two.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 04 December 2012, 15:44:28
I would be in for a groupbuy in either the current color or blue...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Neo.X on Tue, 04 December 2012, 19:15:28
Want a silver one or black one, count me in for group buy. Thanks
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 05 December 2012, 17:51:29
Came home and the package was waiting for me. I recorded a video review on the spot, will upload it when I have time. But here are some quick things I want to note. It's already anodized, just not with color. It fits fine with Filco and CM quickfire with stock controllers. With bpiphany's custom controller, it won't work. Ducky plates is about half a millimeter too long to be a direct drop in, so filing the ducky plate or the vortex case at the left and right sides would make it work. I'm disappointed in the overall imperfections.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 05 December 2012, 18:19:14
With bpiphany's custom controller, it won't work.

Got mine in there with the bpiphany controller, but I don't know if it will come out again...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: BimboBB on Wed, 05 December 2012, 18:24:57
Came home and the package was waiting for me. I recorded a video review on the spot, will upload it when I have time. But here are some quick things I want to note. It's already anodized, just not with color. It fits fine with Filco and CM quickfire with stock controllers. With bpiphany's custom controller, it won't work. Ducky plates is about half a millimeter too long to be a direct drop in, so filing the ducky plate or the vortex case at the left and right sides would make it work. I'm disappointed in the overall imperfections.

No good news.  :( Was thinking to use it for my Ducky.

In general, is it possible to re-anodize to a different color?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 05 December 2012, 19:11:05
Dan did it to his Cheat
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Wed, 05 December 2012, 19:21:00
A quick comparison to the MKC case:
Cost:
For the money, the vortex is easily the better deal. Half the cost but not half the quality.
Quality:
MKC, but that I knew would be a given. I couldn't find a flaw with that case. With the vortex there were some minor blemishes upon arrival. It also does not feel as smooth as the MKC case and the two parts don't come together in a perfect seam.
Other:
Neither had directions though you shouldn't need it as they are straight forward. No feed or padding at all on the Vortex case, I actually have it on a mat as to prevent it from scratching anything.

Final:
For what they are, I would actually say both are overpriced. MKC by quite a large margin and surprisingly the vortex as well. It's design is too simple and executed too poorly to justify much more than what I paid ($158USD including supping).


As for reanodizing, you can but I know it is $125 minimum where I would go and that just isn't worth it for something like this.


EDIT - If anyone finds some feet that work well with this can you post them ITT? Already going out to get some rubber pads.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 05 December 2012, 20:59:32
I found two places near me that have given me quotes to reanodize it.  $75 at one, and $100 at another.  (They have to plug all the holes in order not to mess up the threads, and they charge $1 a hole extra they tell me.)  One is in San Antonio, and one in Austin.  Not cheap... but I think I'll try.
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:24:59
@aggie Is it cheaper if they do more than one at a time? Hmmm...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:26:28
Dan did it to his Cheat
He did his for $40. Not sure why where Aggiejy is going it is so expensive... herm.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:32:11
At one place, yes.  Or if I do it while he's already doing other stuff.  (If I like the color he's doing.)  Else, he's making a dye bath just for one thing.  My inlaws are driving in from Midland Friday, I'd have them take yours along for the ride, but no way to get it back until after Christmas.  Plus, you may not like the color. :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:33:56
I don't really need it until after Christmas. :) And what color, maroon?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:34:24
I vote pink!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:35:56
I vote pink!

(http://i50.tinypic.com/1zxoy9t.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:41:04
What's wrong with pink?
(http://oi56.tinypic.com/i2r3u1.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:43:42
What's wrong with pink?

I think this is what you were looking for:

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyeN7GkqgvI/TfR_CHRrc5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/DlCVH4H8nkk/s1600/Rose%2BShirt.png)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 05 December 2012, 21:45:23
I don't really need it until after Christmas. :) And what color, maroon?

Haha, no.  If I go with the cheaper place, I was going to ask for blue or green or red.  I am kind of undecided anyway, so I figured I'd take whatever one he happened to be mixing up next.  He said if I did that, he'd give me a good discount, maybe even as low as $50.  But, he wants to look at the part in person before he commits.  Unfortunately, it's an hour drive from me, so I'm trying to talk him into taking a better look at pictures, etc.  (I'd spend that much in gas!)  He's just a small one-man shop best I can tell. (http://www.finishwright.com/)

The other company is larger (http://www.cmtfinishing.com/) and they quoted me $75 originally, but then said $100 after asking about the hole count, etc.  But unlike the guy, they're committed to that price, and I can pick any color I want that they do.  (They do more than what is listed.)  I feel a little bit more comfortable about this group, even though it could be twice the price.  If you are serious about wanting to double-dip (literally), I can ask them what it would cost to do an extra.  At minimum, it'd be $18 extra just to plug the threaded holes I guess.  But who knows, maybe they wouldn't charge much to add another.  (Not sure if it'd have to be the same color...)

Edit: Oh, and I did mention to both that it *might* be anodized already, and it didn't seem to get them too excited.  The cheaper guy did say it would have to be removed before coloring.  I plan to ask if that will cost more, to both places.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 05 December 2012, 22:12:56
I'll throw my Zimbabwe 2 cents in.

Design: I guess the sandwiched solution is kinda smart. However. I would have preferred they drilled the bottom case so you can install screw on standoffs for extra support. I wish there was some sort of alignment bevel/groove for top and bottom of the case, or use stakes.

Quality: Nicks and dings. Par for the course since I've already seen it on my Pures. Mine has a good bit of parallel machine marks. So they don't have their machine setup correctly and the axis of the machined parts and the bit is not perfectly perpendicular. Or it may be worn bits. Mine in particular has some "rubs" on it. The minor discoloration rubs off. I would have accepted it if it was a prototype. I was told that mine is out of the same batch you guys got. Eye brow was raised.

Price: I think 150 is reasonable if they didn't have the nicks and dings, and included the rubber feet. Metal feet would be nice too, eventhough I won't use it. Low production run cost a bunch.

Commentary:
I don't particularly think the case is bad quality. I'd probably rate it a solid B. It is when the price issue is brought in that this case flunks out. $150 isn't a lot of money, but it is a good bit to spend on accessories for accessories. I don't think most of us that bought one would have minded a better QCed case for 30-50 more. They cheaped out, and it shows.

As seen in the first page, I gotten mine 3 weeks ago. I didn't write anything since, well, I expected the actual shipped batch to get more attention. I guess I was wrong. I like ShakeR, but I feel that he kinda jumped the gun on this one. He should have at least taken pictures of the actual production run instead of using the Vortex shallow depth of field photos that you can't see anything on. May be I should have said something to the detriment of ShakeR/Tiger Imports. Then again, a lot of people here think I am talking out of my butt already. They'd probably buy it anyways and we would end up in this same spot. I will just pissed off a Vendor for no one's benefit.

And for those that missed out... Another batch (with colors) is supposed to be made, probably early next year or so. If you still want one, there ya go. I am just going to ask for a sample on the next batch. I did order more, but I am not a gambling man.

PS: For the record, I am satisfied enough for a daily usage case. I don't exactly put my keyboards on a pedestal and worship it. I buy them to be used. It isn't 150 dollar good, but still very usable. Perhaps more so since I won't give 2 craps about dinging and scratching it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 05 December 2012, 22:20:50
Well, now you have a weapon handy in case someone goes postal while you're at your desk :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 05 December 2012, 22:31:44
I am gonna stuff my case with higher density rubber foam. It should help weight it down some more. It definitely is a blunt weapon.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: BimboBB on Thu, 06 December 2012, 01:32:21
Good to hear its possible to re-anodize. I asked a company here in Hamburg and they would do color anodizing of that case for EUR 20-30. Will ask them today again, if its a problem when its anodized already.

edit: they said, no problem at all. the case will be pickled in advance in order to remove the anodic coating.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 07 December 2012, 16:38:57
aggiejy, did you ever hear back from the anodizing place if it would reduce the cost per unit to do more than one?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 07 December 2012, 16:46:57
aggiejy, did you ever hear back from the anodizing place if it would reduce the cost per unit to do more than one?
Last quote he gave me was $60 if I did blue.  I wrote back asking about doing two instead of one, and also to get clarification that that price includes deanodizing.  I haven't heard back.  But, my inlaws have already left Midland today, so you'd have to mail it if you wanted to.  I'll PM you if I hear back. (But figured people would like to see the ballpark pricing I'm finding!)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tinlong117 on Mon, 10 December 2012, 06:23:14
although im not a representative of mechkbds.com or vortex, i know the aluminum stand/whatever sh*t will come on 2013/1
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Mon, 10 December 2012, 06:43:15
For what they are, I would actually say both are overpriced. MKC by quite a large margin and surprisingly the vortex as well. It's design is too simple and executed too poorly to justify much more than what I paid ($158USD including supping).
EDIT - If anyone finds some feet that work well with this can you post them ITT? Already going out to get some rubber pads.

It isn't 150 dollar good, but still very usable. Perhaps more so since I won't give 2 craps about dinging and scratching it.

Pretty happy to read this,
I often have the feeling that value of money is kinda twisted here
150$ for a simple alu case is  not cheap
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Fri, 14 December 2012, 06:23:04
^Bringing this back up. For those of you that used a ferrite bead cable. Did you guys actually forcibly screwed it down? Seems like trouble if you did. The plate is semi floating plate. If you push down hard and keeping the PCB in place (propped up by the bead), you can actually unhook the plate from the switches. You guys may want to check on that.

/Finally got my screws so I could finish assembling it. I do have a unbeaded cable, but it also doesn't have the strain relief. Not sure what to do right now. I may go buy another spare cable (for fullsized board so longer internal cable) and remove the bead...
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 14 December 2012, 17:10:46
Just sent mine off to have it reanodized red. We'll see how that works.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 14 December 2012, 17:50:07
Just sent mine off to have it reanodized red. We'll see how that works.

Coolio can't wait to see the result.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Fri, 14 December 2012, 23:58:36
So I found out what those 2 holes are on the underside of the top alu plate. 

They are recessed holes that allow for the 2 pan head screws to fit into.  There are two threaded holes drilled into top side of the bottom alu plate (the holes are just left of center on the top of the keyboard [i.e. near the function row] and bottom right of center [i.e. near the directional arrows]).  The 2 pan head screws screw down to keep the keyboard pcb+plate from shifting around in between the top and bottom vortex alu keyboard plates.  Once these 2 pan head screws with washers are screwed into their respective holes, the heads of these 2 screws fit snugly into the 2 mysterious holes in the top vortex alu plate.  With that being said, the top most (i.e. near the function row) recessed hole on my case was a fraction of a millimeter off so I could only use the bottom pan head screw. 

I hope this helps and I hope it hasn't been said earlier in this thread....but I just figured this out tonight when I was reinstalling the vortex case.
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 15 December 2012, 00:52:22
Great info, thanks!!
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 15 December 2012, 03:22:21
^Bringing this back up. For those of you that used a ferrite bead cable. Did you guys actually forcibly screwed it down? Seems like trouble if you did. The plate is semi floating plate. If you push down hard and keeping the PCB in place (propped up by the bead), you can actually unhook the plate from the switches. You guys may want to check on that.

/Finally got my screws so I could finish assembling it. I do have a unbeaded cable, but it also doesn't have the strain relief. Not sure what to do right now. I may go buy another spare cable (for fullsized board so longer internal cable) and remove the bead...
if your looking for a filco cable talk to MiMic he can make them now.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 15 December 2012, 12:15:05
I paid 3 dollars for my spare cable and I think I overpaid ;o I'll sleeve the cable myself when I get around to it. /lazy
I already solved it though. I disassembled the white connector leads and pull them through the ferrite bead. For those that want to mod their stock cable. Look at the flat side of the connector where you can see the silver leads. There are 5 tabs holding those things in. Just flip up the tab with a precision flathead and you can remove the wire + lead from the connector. Make sure to mark the 2 different black wires so you know which is which. Remove the heatshrink and pull the wires through the bead, then reassemble. Done.
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 15 December 2012, 15:04:34
I paid 3 dollars for my spare cable and I think I overpaid ;o I'll sleeve the cable myself when I get around to it. /lazy
I already solved it though. I disassembled the white connector leads and pull them through the ferrite bead. For those that want to mod their stock cable. Look at the flat side of the connector where you can see the silver leads. There are 5 tabs holding those things in. Just flip up the tab with a precision flathead and you can remove the wire + lead from the connector. Make sure to mark the 2 different black wires so you know which is which. Remove the heatshrink and pull the wires through the bead, then reassemble. Done.
Or  you can smash the ferrite bead with a hammer like I did.  They are uber fragile so one soft hit with a hammer shatters them.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 15 December 2012, 15:58:52
I didn't even think about the destructive way ;o
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 20 December 2012, 11:36:15
I received my case today, and.....





It's good!
No dodgy seams, no scratch, no dent (and also no feet)
I got worried when I saw pics on this thread but the outcome is a very good surprise for me
I also have the giant holes but they look pretty clean and unnoticeable when mounted.

Next time I'll try and not start *****ing about something I didn't see in person!  :-[
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 20 December 2012, 13:48:58
Fitted mine yesterday.  Looks good - nice seams too.  The edges are a tad sharp, but that's just the design.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 20 December 2012, 14:50:46
Yeah, I love mine.  I didn't have bad seams or anything else wrong.  I guess if you're side by side with a high end korean board or something, it could be noticeable.  But otherwise, it's a heck of a lot cheaper way to get a nice heavy aluminum tenkeyless. :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 20 December 2012, 16:31:22
I should stick my white PBTs on the Pure. It would be an interesting contrast. White on black case and dark grey on aluminum grey.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 21 December 2012, 18:47:29
That Filco looks really great with those gray caps.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 21 December 2012, 18:57:24
IIRC, they are blacks, but the white balance is off.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 22 December 2012, 05:41:34
They're the dark grey PBTs. I know Oni and One has them. I haven't looked at the new front printed Ducky PBT, but they look like they're the dark grey too.

Edit: The caps' color is kinda funky. In dimmer lighting, it is as dark as blacks. They look like much lighter grey compared to the black under brighter lights.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 22 December 2012, 06:39:05
Not great photos...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5a8Ddkx4gP8/UNWoyFR6MaI/AAAAAAAACFc/qk4onYdFL-w/s800/DSC_0159.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-03YPy9AC1AM/UNWozZEDwrI/AAAAAAAACFk/qWytkjlCe5w/s1024/DSC_0161.jpg)

Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: phetto on Sat, 22 December 2012, 06:45:28
Awesome hoggy!
Haven't seen that keyset in a while :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: reverkiller on Sat, 22 December 2012, 07:40:24
I pulled a couple of keys from that keyset in the SP grab bag  Now I really want one!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 22 December 2012, 08:39:23
The one in the picture is from round one.  I liked it so much I bought another in round 3...  It just seems to go nicely with a large variety of boards.  7bit might have something left over from round 4...
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 22 December 2012, 16:21:21
Hey hoggy, you play golf? The pink thing on your pics looks like a tee
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 22 December 2012, 16:24:18
Oh, it's a cover from my multimeter.  I got paranoid and wanted to check the case wasn't conductive before placing the pcb inside.  I've only ever played crazy golf (and I stank...)
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 22 December 2012, 16:40:54
Ah ok! My addiction is twisting my mind, nvm!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: FabsSpeed on Sat, 12 January 2013, 02:18:54
Overall on the Vortex - So do you recommend buying it?
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 12 January 2013, 02:47:16
If you are looking for a tkl alu case you don't have much of a choice.
The Vortex is rather good and the price is decent.
What is sad is that it won't work with the existing and upcoming custom tkl plates (from WFD for exemple), meaning no phantom support and no easy switch opening :/
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: biz.fiasco on Sat, 12 January 2013, 08:31:44
Another batch alu casing arrived!

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=212
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 12 January 2013, 09:25:30
Another batch alu casing arrived!

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=212

and wtf, you registered just to post this?  :)) :))   fisshy fisshy  :)) :))

Nobody be a **** and order like 10
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sat, 12 January 2013, 09:31:04
Another batch alu casing arrived!

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=212

and wtf, you registered just to post this?  :)) :))   fisshy fisshy  :)) :))

Nobody be a **** and order like 10
why are you so paranoid?

Also, they have been in stock for a while.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 12 January 2013, 09:37:06
Another batch alu casing arrived!

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=212

and wtf, you registered just to post this?  :)) :))   fisshy fisshy  :)) :))

Nobody be a **** and order like 10
why are you so paranoid?

Also, they have been in stock for a while.

why are you blind, do you not see the smilies?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 14 January 2013, 00:00:29
I wonder if this batch will be better :\
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 14 January 2013, 01:56:59
I wonder if this batch will be better :\

I just ordered one.. comes probably thursday... if you guys are worried.. wait for my review. ;D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 15 January 2013, 02:54:03
I wonder if this batch will be better :\

I just ordered one.. comes probably thursday... if you guys are worried.. wait for my review. ;D

Cool, let us know!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 15 January 2013, 05:34:23
I wonder if this batch will be better :\

I just ordered one.. comes probably thursday... if you guys are worried.. wait for my review. ;D

Cool, let us know!

Tracking says wednesday... I wish I could freeze myself, and wake up wednesday... wh00t......
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 15 January 2013, 08:04:10
Stung with £35 import tax.. expensive case now ..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Tue, 15 January 2013, 08:30:24
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 15 January 2013, 08:49:33
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

I though mk.com only did fedex.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Tue, 15 January 2013, 09:34:15
They shipped mine with USPS which spared the tax issue
I know that with fedex and UPS it's 100% declared and taxed...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 15 January 2013, 13:27:00
They shipped mine with USPS which spared the tax issue
I know that with fedex and UPS it's 100% declared and taxed...

Is this legal?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Tue, 15 January 2013, 13:33:01
I don't know but I'm rather happy my parcel sneaked is way through the customs!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Tue, 15 January 2013, 14:17:33
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

Royal Mail asking me for the money so no idea who yet.  Arrives on Thursday

$148 for a case
$48.55 for the postage
$56.33 for the import tax

$252.88

should have just got a ****ing mkc case shouldn't I....  beware UK buyers!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Tue, 15 January 2013, 14:46:05
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

Royal Mail asking me for the money so no idea who yet.  Arrives on Thursday

$148 for a case
$48.55 for the postage
$56.33 for the import tax

$252.88

should have just got a ****ing mkc case shouldn't I....  beware UK buyers!

Feel for you.  But the case is rather nice.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Dgsbllx on Tue, 15 January 2013, 14:51:51
Ffs that's insane. Cheers for the heads up Dirge I was contemplating one of these for a Phantom PCB. No love in the keyboard world for the UK!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: nebo on Tue, 15 January 2013, 14:56:33
This case doesn't work with the phantom anyways...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 15 January 2013, 16:02:54
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

Royal Mail asking me for the money so no idea who yet.  Arrives on Thursday

$148 for a case
$48.55 for the postage
$56.33 for the import tax

$252.88

should have just got a ****ing mkc case shouldn't I....  beware UK buyers!

TAXES.................

Is there no Import tax when they ship the MKC from China?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: ChaoticKinesis on Tue, 15 January 2013, 16:45:38
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

Royal Mail asking me for the money so no idea who yet.  Arrives on Thursday

$148 for a case
$48.55 for the postage
$56.33 for the import tax

$252.88

should have just got a ****ing mkc case shouldn't I....  beware UK buyers!

TAXES.................

Is there no Import tax when they ship the MKC from China?

In my experience, everything that China ever ships internationally is a "gift."
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:55:29
Exactly!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 16 January 2013, 03:22:37
^ That hurts  :(

USPS carrier?

Royal Mail asking me for the money so no idea who yet.  Arrives on Thursday

$148 for a case
$48.55 for the postage
$56.33 for the import tax

$252.88

should have just got a ****ing mkc case shouldn't I....  beware UK buyers!

TAXES.................

Is there no Import tax when they ship the MKC from China?

In my experience, everything that China ever ships internationally is a "gift."

Why can't they ship from UK as Gift?

Is it cuz Elitekeyboards and MechKeyB.com arn't dodging income taxes like regular smart people??  ;D ,  Like the queen needs any more money and saving
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 16 January 2013, 20:40:05
Anodized red! :)

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: reaper on Wed, 16 January 2013, 20:40:27
very nice!   :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 16 January 2013, 20:42:47
Anodized red! :)

(Attachment Link)
hey that ones mine :P yours is to the left ;)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Wed, 16 January 2013, 21:43:44
Okay now that makes me really wanna get one. How much did it cost?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 16 January 2013, 21:46:36
Okay now that makes me really wanna get one. How much did it cost?
can be up to $60 if you do it alone best way would be to get a GB together
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 16 January 2013, 21:53:30
Anodized red! :)

(Attachment Link)

Now that looks very nice. I knew I should have sent mine to you to get anodized at the same time. :)
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 16 January 2013, 21:57:24
Anodized red! :)

(Attachment Link)
Wait, is there 2 or 3 cases there... is the left a mirror?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 16 January 2013, 21:59:36
If it were a mirror, you'd see the Esc hole, not a wider one.

So 2 red and some blue thing w/ a red plate.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 16 January 2013, 22:01:21
I believe that would be aggie's KMAC
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 16 January 2013, 22:07:36
I believe that would be aggie's KMAC
Aha. My mind was playing tricks on me...Looks like he is going to have a Rita Darling KMAC:) Just like your project Moose:)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 16 January 2013, 22:10:57
That will be interesting to see. Though I don't think he's aiming towards that...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 16 January 2013, 23:05:56
Ill have more on the anodizing soon(ish).
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 17 January 2013, 03:21:32
How about adapting the phantom plate design so it will fit this case? (provided it doesn't compromise further compatibility  with other cases)
It's the only aftermarket case available so far and it's pretty good in the end
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: NikoGasm on Thu, 17 January 2013, 03:45:32
How about adapting the phantom plate design so it will fit this case? (provided it doesn't compromise further compatibility  with other cases)
It's the only aftermarket case available so far and it's pretty good in the end

I was gonna get one of these cases to house my Phantom, but the one thing stopping me was the fact that my plate won't work with it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 17 January 2013, 08:34:46
you could still use a filco plate but you would lose the easy switch opening  :(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 17 January 2013, 08:45:24
I believe that would be aggie's KMAC
Aha. My mind was playing tricks on me...Looks like he is going to have a Rita Darling KMAC:) Just like your project Moose:)


Well, the other red one is another vortex (TheProfosist and I each have one), and below that is my KMAC LE.  Since it was two tone anyway, figured I'd do it up REALY two tone... top is blue, bottom is red, plate is red.  Not for everyone, but I like it!  I'm sure TheProfosist will post more pics of our anodizing run later. I had my KMAC sent there for him to put together.  But because I wanted the plate anodized, I called around Wisconsin and found a few places that can do it near him.  But when you're mixing up a color, it's cheaper to do multiple.  So ended up mailing him my vortex too, and there were others.  An experiment of sorts, but kind of cool.  If you want to do something similar, you can google for "Anodizing" in your area and call them.  If you offer to piggy back on a color that one of their other customers might already be doing, it could be cheaper.  (Because once they have the "bath" made, they can keep dipping...)  Of course, most places I called had a minimum ranging from $50-$100 per color.  So it'd be best to do 2 or 3 per color if you can, but all depends on the shop.  (This one was in Green Bay)

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 10:06:27
The blue KMAC next to aggiejys is mine ;)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Thu, 17 January 2013, 10:10:48
I like it. Looks sharp Ace!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 10:26:07
Thanks, I dig blue as much as you dig red SmallFry :cool:
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Thu, 17 January 2013, 10:40:08
I see. Well, this must mean you like blue an awful lot. I almost got a KeyBoner over that red Vortex case. :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:12:54
When you guys go out and anodize the case on your own and tack on that $60,, that crosses the $300 line on total. Whereby you're better off just waiting for the next Kmac group buy no?

Anyway, hopefully I'll have my review on the new batch of these cases tomorrow.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:28:38
Anodizing cost me $35
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:29:15
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but a Filco with a programmable controller in an aluminum case is just as good as a KMAC. I just wish WFD's universal TKL plate worked with the Vortex case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:34:23
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but a Filco with a programmable controller in an aluminum case is just as good as a KMAC. I just wish WFD's universal TKL plate worked with the Vortex case.

Anodizing cost me $35

Just sayin' the $150 filco+157 vortex case, that's $300 already, but when you hit another $35-50 on it, that's Crossing the Kmac price.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:39:06
No no, I paid $35 to anodize my KMAC lol.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:41:16
No no, I paid $35 to anodize my KMAC lol.

it didn't come in custom colors?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:42:50
No it does not. KMAC and KMAC LE came in silver and titanium.

But KMAC 1.2 and KMAC 2 comes in gunmetal/red/black
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:45:46
No it does not. KMAC and KMAC LE came in silver and titanium.

But KMAC 1.2 and KMAC 2 comes in gunmetal/red/black

how much is it total for a kmac 2 shipped to the States
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 17 January 2013, 12:49:19
That I'm not too sure of. Probably somewhere between $300-$400 if I had to guess though.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 17 January 2013, 13:22:07
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but a Filco with a programmable controller in an aluminum case is just as good as a KMAC. I just wish WFD's universal TKL plate worked with the Vortex case.

this I wouldn't flame!
it would be less high end and hype but still as good for me
Only major drawback is the plate issue
Phantom with WFD plate in this case would be my kmac
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 13:42:10
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but a Filco with a programmable controller in an aluminum case is just as good as a KMAC. I just wish WFD's universal TKL plate worked with the Vortex case.

this I wouldn't flame!
it would be less high end and hype but still as good for me
Only major drawback is the plate issue
Phantom with WFD plate in this case would be my kmac

If you REALLY want to, You can Grind the edges of the WFD plate yourself to fit the Vortex. all you need is a disk grinder.. It's actually really easy..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 17 January 2013, 13:59:03
Really easy to grind the edges to give it a bend for it to sit on the ledge in the case? ;)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 January 2013, 14:49:49
Really easy to grind the edges to give it a bend for it to sit on the ledge in the case? ;)

Bro, you gotta be creative. The ledge can just be propped up by some other method, maybe weld some thick steel wires to the plate if it's too low.

But this is not anything that's difficult to manipulate..

I don't know if the PCB is going to be an issue.. But the plate is no problem..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Thu, 17 January 2013, 16:06:29
Mines here and it seems to fit my phantom! What problems do others have? Looks great. Wish it was winkeyless but hey I'm quite happy with it :)
Ill get some photos up tomorrow :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 17 January 2013, 16:10:40
^ Post of the Beast, dirge. ;D

How well does it work without a bent plate to support it on those ridges?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Fri, 18 January 2013, 01:00:44
I was expecting without standoffs to have vertical movement and need to prop the back up. However simply not the case its a snug fit.
There is lateral movement due to no screws to fix the PCB/plate too, however there is sufficient friction there to prevent it moving during normal use.
When I had everything aligned the board overall could be out by a millimeter or two, no more. If you look the escape key is close to the right hand side of the hole while the arrow cluster is aligned closer to the left of its cutout. You need to really look hard to see this mind.
I do need to test it mind make sure nothing's shorted by the case and that its not my USB cable accounting for the standoff height. But first impressions are good. Apart from price which still stings lol.
Really needs anodizing mind.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 18 January 2013, 04:02:01
^Do you think you can post picture of the plate in the case?
I have no Filco so I can more or less picture the compatibility issue from what people explained here and there but this remains pretty vague
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 January 2013, 06:31:42
dirge, I think the case is already clear anodized. At least the ones from the first batch don't appear to be electrically conductive, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. But I agree with you, anodized another color would have been a nice option.

Perhaps you can use some cardboard "shims" around the edges to prevent lateral movement within the case? I don't know. Does it seem to "rock" within the case at all, due to the height on one side of the Teensy?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 07:30:15
Yep their clear anodized and rather thickly too
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Fri, 18 January 2013, 07:50:21
I'll get the multimeter on to confirm but I suspect your right, they wouldn't want it oxidizing.

I've got prices to change its colour, range from £30 - £60.  The £60 was for a hard anodize in dark gunmetal, used for underwater metals apparently... not testing that.

The lateral movement isn't really an issue, when the case is tightened you really have to push hard to get it to move, won't happen by accident.

My phantom rocked from escape to the bottom corner when in my plastic chinese case, with this case it does not happen.  Also in the filco case it was solid, because of standoffs and screws of course.  Also in the cheap plastic case the left control stuck because the case just wasn't the best fit.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Fri, 18 January 2013, 10:07:39
http://deskthority.net/photos-videos-f8/phantom-in-vortex-case-t4910.html

(http://i.imgur.com/U4NPt.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ATwv4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4cde4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/QpC2J.jpg)


notice the escape is slightly to the right
(http://i.imgur.com/mXQWF.jpg)
and the arrow cluster is slightly to the left
(http://i.imgur.com/ZiCmg.jpg)

Overall its like 1mm over the total case so not a bid deal at all, just some people are a bit mental.  I mean we've talked about the doubleshot patterns on the bottom of keycaps that can't be seen.

Small nick under the control key
(http://i.imgur.com/TtT0y.jpg)

I'd imagine that's quite lucky the rest of the case has scratches and little dings all over.  Just be aware of that, not 100% perfection.

If I press the escape hard it doesn't bend.  Control, no flex, arrow keys, no flex.

Vertical movement:
Pause/Break, it does flex, could maybe do with something to pack that out.  You need to press pretty hard and I don't imagine its ever going to be an issue for me.

Lateral movement:
left to right no movement unless you put a lot of effort in.
up and down, left side of the board, nothing you'd snap a switch first.
right side of the board, if you hold the home cluster you can move it up and down, its more of a circular motion with the 5 key as the center of the circle.

Some plastic shims cut to size could resolve these issues but day to day I don't think anyone would complain about the case.

Until/if LZ / Lifezone / http://lzlife.tistory.com/ can come to our rescue or someone else, its as good as it gets right now.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:03:29
JUST got my bottom plate... it is far superior to the FIRST batch.. They sent me a first iteration bottom plate on wednesday and I called for them to send me another one, because the first iteration plate is COMPLETELY a different color... It's GRAY as oposed to the sillver from the second batch..


And DIRGE I have a Nick in my top plate in the EXACT same place as you plate, must be a grain of sand in their belt in the same places LOL...

There are still CNC marks on the pieces, but they're not NEARLY as terrible as the first batch..

My Case has exactly 1.5mm of LEFT-RIGHT play, and Perfect UP-DOWN FIT....
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:11:58
I'll get the multimeter on to confirm but I suspect your right, they wouldn't want it oxidizing.

I've got prices to change its colour, range from £30 - £60.  The £60 was for a hard anodize in dark gunmetal, used for underwater metals apparently... not testing that.

The lateral movement isn't really an issue, when the case is tightened you really have to push hard to get it to move, won't happen by accident.

My phantom rocked from escape to the bottom corner when in my plastic chinese case, with this case it does not happen.  Also in the filco case it was solid, because of standoffs and screws of course.  Also in the cheap plastic case the left control stuck because the case just wasn't the best fit.
i know ive had 2 reanodized.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:22:57
OMG guys, there is certainly a flaw with this case design..

With out the feet, the bottom edges are completely flat against the table...  With it being almost 4.5 lbs put together... It's quite an exercise to pick up and move around the table by hand.... sigh.....   Here's hoping...those aluminum feet come eventually.  I'll put some rubber on there for now.

Make sure you guys use acid free adhesive rubber if you guys are gluing cork sheets or rubber sheets.

Overall.. A good buy for $150 USD Shipped..  :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:40:53
n1 Profosist :) sorry for the delay in getting back to you on that filco case, had a poweroutage at work and its been MENTAL since tues.... last night two of the guys were still going at 3:45am :(

Make sure you guys use acid free adhesive rubber if you guys are gluing cork sheets or rubber sheets.

Overall.. A good buy for $150 USD Shipped..  :)

I purchased some stupid high heel rubber grips for the base.  How do I check or do you have a link to a decent product?  mine was just £1 delivered so very cheap.  Just wanted to stop the base sliding and scratching.... not that it slides much its massive and heavy.

snow's 2 foot deep here now....
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:57:36
Ive got rubber stick on feet or egrips for my feet can show pics if anyonnes interested.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 14:27:03
n1 Profosist :) sorry for the delay in getting back to you on that filco case, had a poweroutage at work and its been MENTAL since tues.... last night two of the guys were still going at 3:45am :(

Make sure you guys use acid free adhesive rubber if you guys are gluing cork sheets or rubber sheets.

Overall.. A good buy for $150 USD Shipped..  :)

I purchased some stupid high heel rubber grips for the base.  How do I check or do you have a link to a decent product?  mine was just £1 delivered so very cheap.  Just wanted to stop the base sliding and scratching.... not that it slides much its massive and heavy.

snow's 2 foot deep here now....

It's a risk thing.. I'm just a worrier in that respect, So I make sure it says acid free.. But... to be honest.. if it does damage your exterior it'd be at the very bottom, so it's not the end.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 14:49:56
had some time with the aluminum case..

It's honestly a lot thicker than I thought it would be..

I'd describe the feel as, Typing into" a brick wall.... where as with the original plastic case the bottom out feel felt some what springy..

Overall, I definitely think aluminum cases should have a lifted CURVE on the sides, because it is very heavy to pick up by finger friction alone...  this would be where the MKC case design seems superior.

ALSO.. I noticed that the "keyboard metal plate" rises above the closing point by just a hair..

So, to all the kids purchasing this case.. DO NOT overtighten the screws.. Aluminum shatters very very easily...

In fact, after you put all the screws in and check you keyboard alightment... You should re-torque all the screws in an zig zag pattern to relieve any pressure "hot spots"
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:23:00
bah... only complaint... too heavy and slippery to pick up...

I contend that the Vortex case would NOT be a very good bludgeoning weapon, because by the time you pick it up.. Your enemy will have probably hit you first..

Standard plastic keyboards would be better quick-draw weapons.  :))
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 16:48:28
:P :P :P :P :P

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/TheProfosist/GeekHack/GH-sub-mine-DSLR/IMG_2636_zps14d17389.jpg)

:P :P :P :P :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 17:13:34
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 17:24:35
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 17:55:27
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 17:59:14
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:00:58
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:12:42
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:14:49
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:18:20
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:31:38
There is a yellow that looks gold-like as well.

You would be better off getting it powdercoated as chances are they have a candy yellow that would look exactly how you want.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:34:56
There is a yellow that looks gold-like as well.

You would be better off getting it powdercoated as chances are they have a candy yellow that would look exactly how you want.

I just feel like that would defeat the purpose of having an aluminum case right?? ;D

Does anyone know of a Full 87 set of Sunny yellow PBT..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:42:40
I'll get the multimeter on to confirm but I suspect your right, they wouldn't want it oxidizing.

It's already anodized but they left out the additional step of color dye. I verified mine with a DMM.

And how is it possible you mounted it correctly with a flat plate? Can you take a quick shot of the internals of the bottom piece? I only skimmed all the new posts so maybe you already posted about this.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:50:46
I'll get the multimeter on to confirm but I suspect your right, they wouldn't want it oxidizing.

It's already anodized but they left out the additional step of color dye. I verified mine with a DMM.

And how is it possible you mounted it correctly with a flat plate? Can you take a quick shot of the internals of the bottom piece? I only skimmed all the new posts so maybe you already posted about this.

Are you talking about the phantom? I don't think that mounts perfectly, it looks a bit recessed at the top in those pictures.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:15:45
I just feel like that would defeat the purpose of having an aluminum case right?? ;D

Does anyone know of a Full 87 set of Sunny yellow PBT..
Why?
With candy,  you would still see the grain, and you can feel the heft, and powdercoat is often just as tough as anodizing.

Normal powdercoating is done with sandblasting, however you can also have it etched, which preserves the looks of the metal and allows the powder to stick. I have even seen it done over top of normal paint.
The trick though is you need them to etch the surface instead of sandblasting it, and if they fail to etch (some will skip it for profit reasons), it can peel.


Feng has a top printed, yellow PBT 37key set on Ebay, he may be able to find a full etched set.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KBC-Yellow-PBT-Top-Printed-37-Keyset-for-Cherry-MX-Keyboards-/230839615411?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item35bf1cffb3
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:18:53
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:30:04
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:31:35
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D

This quote is huge! FYI I'm not his spokesperson, but anxiously awaiting his return to good health as well, because I want the MKC board! :D Glad I didn't buy one of these, would have cost too much to go find a filco then re-anodize it heh.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:56:34
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D

This quote is huge! FYI I'm not his spokesperson, but anxiously awaiting his return to good health as well, because I want the MKC board! :D Glad I didn't buy one of these, would have cost too much to go find a filco then re-anodize it heh.

You can do QFR. Confirmed fit. except the cabling issue in which case you need to make your own cable.

If you're talking about that very rectangular "no slope" mkc board, it's anti-stylish.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 18 January 2013, 19:58:39
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D

This quote is huge! FYI I'm not his spokesperson, but anxiously awaiting his return to good health as well, because I want the MKC board! :D Glad I didn't buy one of these, would have cost too much to go find a filco then re-anodize it heh.

You can do QFR. Confirmed fit. except the cabling issue in which case you need to make your own cable.

If you're talking about that very rectangular "no slope" mkc board, it's anti-stylish.

I like it 'square'. But really, I've been looking for something TKL, green led, and green aluminum case. For that price, it fits the bill very nicely. If I need to get more stylish, I'll fork over the cash for a real Korean custom.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 20:00:45
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D

This quote is huge! FYI I'm not his spokesperson, but anxiously awaiting his return to good health as well, because I want the MKC board! :D Glad I didn't buy one of these, would have cost too much to go find a filco then re-anodize it heh.

You can do QFR. Confirmed fit. except the cabling issue in which case you need to make your own cable.

If you're talking about that very rectangular "no slope" mkc board, it's anti-stylish.

I like it 'square'. But really, I've been looking for something TKL, green led, and green aluminum case. For that price, it fits the bill very nicely. If I need to get more stylish, I'll fork over the cash for a real Korean custom.

It's not about the cost.. It's about HOW long will you wait.... few hundred dollars, chump change.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 18 January 2013, 20:02:03
:P :P :P :P :P



:P :P :P :P :P

Looks good Profosist..

I'm thinking of getting mine done in Sunny Yellow..
just so you know there arnt that many anodizing colors you kinda restricted it not like powder coating....

 :'(  So Sunny Yellow unpossible?

I have too much of Blue and Red stuff already...

yellow may be possible but like yellow only variation you get is by different aluminums and how long yo uleave it in

I looked through the possibilities on google... seems like they can only do a "mustard" yellow... No Sunny yellow.

sigh... Guess I'd just call it a day..
yea its not a bright yellow

Is feng still sick.. I paypaled him and pmed him about the orange alu space bar, he hasn't gotten back to me.. idk if it's just cuz i'm annoying though  :'( :'(
idk man been trying to get ahold of him on stuff too

He just got home a day or two ago from international flying with a cold, I'd give him a few more days.
kkkk thanks for the update :D

This quote is huge! FYI I'm not his spokesperson, but anxiously awaiting his return to good health as well, because I want the MKC board! :D Glad I didn't buy one of these, would have cost too much to go find a filco then re-anodize it heh.

You can do QFR. Confirmed fit. except the cabling issue in which case you need to make your own cable.

If you're talking about that very rectangular "no slope" mkc board, it's anti-stylish.

I like it 'square'. But really, I've been looking for something TKL, green led, and green aluminum case. For that price, it fits the bill very nicely. If I need to get more stylish, I'll fork over the cash for a real Korean custom.

It's not about the cost.. It's about HOW long will you wait.... few hundred dollars, chump change.



True. Oh well, whatever happens will happen. I'm going to stop gunking up this thread with my jibber jabber.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 January 2013, 20:26:54
Had some more time with "aluminum"

I think my hands have been accustomed to the less rigid vibrational response of a regular Plastic case..

I am making 3-5% more mistakes in my typing games with the aluminum case..

It feels as if my hands are not receiving the same "hit-confirm" responses at the end of each word.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 22 January 2013, 23:21:36
I just got one of these in the mail today.

TLDR version:
MUCH better than the first, but there are still some caveats. I feel it's worth the money, but read the rest before you consider one.



Long version:
So, after seeing the first batch and my recent issues with KBT (who is working with me on the problems), I decided to give this a shot.

Initially I was dead set on the MKC, however after getting some feedback on MKC prices I had to rethink things. When I first started my quest for an aluminum keyboard, there wasn't a lot of choice and prices were high. Then the Vortex and MKC went back off the market.  Today though, we have the LZ-GH coming, Vortex has redone their case, MKC is readying to release an entire keyboard at a price right in the middle, and less then the group buy price for the MKC case.  It's hard to justify nearly $400 just for a case at this point when you have other options for less money.

After hearing some feedback on this case being better in the latest batch, the price seemed a bit more justifiable, and figured if I wasn't happy, I could fix some of it and/or resell it. At worst I might lose a little money at which point I could buy a different case or keyboard or simply keep it and toss in a CM QFR for a spare. It was still better than $400 for the MKC. Don;t get me wrong, the MKC case is nice, but it's lot of money.

A note about standoffs.
This case doesn't use them, and if you study how it was designed, it doesn't need them. In fact if you look, even the Filco hardly even uses the ones it has. The Filco case is plastic and provides very little support to the plate except the back edge and a few standoffs, the aluminum case braces the plate entirely along both the front and the rear, adding extra stiffness. Anger over the lack of standoffs is unfounded as this is actually a better design from a structural standpoint. There is a mm or two side to side the keyboard can move during assembly but I also don't see this as bad as it allows you to center the board. Once done, it won't move.

The good:
The fit is good! There is no bowing on the sides, the sides are flush and the front and rear is almost perfectly flush. The cord even fit in perfect. Amazingly, the key spacing is BETTER than the stock Filco case(!), I was blown away. Every key is almost perfectly spaced, the F keys are a little too far forward (1/4mm?), but you can't see it unless you look for it, the rest are perfectly centered. It's still better than the Filco. The finish is also not nearly as rough as I expected either. It looks sandblasted in the pictures, but in person it's more satin, it reminds me of 1000 grit sandpaper.

The bad...
Obviously, you probably know that feet did not come with it, however, mine also came without any hardware. Seriously, I got two plates and nothing else. I don't know who is to blame here for this. One of the inner boxes had some tape come lose and the hardware may have slid out or a box was missed or it just didn't have any, but no hardware was in there. At any rate, it only cost me $4, so it's not a big deal really, just a minor inconvenience.

So how is it to use?
It actually reminds me a lot of the Model M (which is fantastic!). If you have used one, you know what I mean when I say they don't flex or vibrate or wiggle around. It's like the switches are dead bolted to your desk. Super stiff, all you feel is the key actuation, no moving or vibrating. A side bonus is that it dampens the noise much more than expected, in fact I had plans on spraying the inside with rubberized undercoating for more sound dampening, but it's not necessary at all.


Is it worth it?
Well, it would be nice if it came with screws and feet, however I can say that it's a much better value than it was. If they ever ship the proper feet, it will be a good deal. The fit and finish has been greatly improved. For me, yes, it was worth it, but I'm not a teenager working fast food. If you are, stick with a stock case.

I had plans to paint it, but it looks pretty good as it is so I plan to wait until I have my Red Alert key set installed (in the mail), then decide what to do. It's too darn cold outside to paint anyhow (well below freezing).


Tips...
The screws you want are panhead (flat), allen keyed (2mm), M3-.50 x 10  (m3 diameter, .5 thread, 10mm long), at least those are what worked for me. I got mine for 25cents each at a Chicks Do-It-Center, you need 9 of them, but 8 would work. I grabbed some 6mm long ones as well and used them to pre-run the holes, which to be honest, could have been a bit cleaner. A few were a bit tight, others were fine.

Assemble it all loosely, then use the screws to pull the case halves together evenly so you have a thin gap all around. There should be enough pressure on the plate at that point to keep it from moving. You will probably feel this point as much as see it. Using your fingers to pinch the case, just tighten the screws so they are snug, but not tight. I worked from the middle out, in criss-crossing pattern. There is no need to clamp it down for dear life, it won't go anywhere and you should get a nice even line all the way around.

Also, get some sort of feet and resist lifting it, particularly if you have a glass desk, this thing is HEAVY and if it slips, it will do some damage. The empty case is around 3.5 pounds, add another one and a half for keyboard and you are talking a 5 pound chunk of metal. Just dropping an end just 1inch onto your finger will show you how much mass it's packing.

Potato cam pics showing alignments:
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1568.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1569.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1570.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1571.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1572.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1575.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 23 January 2013, 01:16:07
Great review Leslieann. How did you manage to close the two shells together with the ferrite bead? I'm one of the first ones that got this case from the first batch, and mine doesn't close with the ferrite bead from the cable.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: hoggy on Wed, 23 January 2013, 01:38:18
You could just take a hammer and gently tap the choke.  It will shatter into a few pieces without any fuss. You could wrap it in a cloth first...

I haven't noticed any ill effects from mine after doing this.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 23 January 2013, 02:57:12
Great review Leslieann. How did you manage to close the two shells together with the ferrite bead? I'm one of the first ones that got this case from the first batch, and mine doesn't close with the ferrite bead from the cable.
It fit right in under the board with no changes. I literally took the Filco apart and just transferred it straight over.
I'm pretty sure that the bottom tray is a bit different inside from the first batch, that or my bead was smaller (MJ2). If/when I paint it, I'll take some pics of the inside, including the bead and how the board sits.

I wasn't sure if I should bother posting this or not, and considering how maligned this case and Vortex has been (myself included), I wanted to give it a fair review after it was done. That was partly why there are no inside pictures, I really wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. We already heard the second gen had straighter lines, and I would have just gave that comment a second (or third), but when I saw the key caps line up better than the stock case, I had to say something and it just sort of went from there.

The more I use it, the more I'm impressed with how it feels, the best way to describe it, is crisp. You don't realize how much flex is in a keyboard, or how much it effects the feel, until you try a more solid one and this is about as solid as they come.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 23 January 2013, 03:13:48
Great review Leslieann. How did you manage to close the two shells together with the ferrite bead? I'm one of the first ones that got this case from the first batch, and mine doesn't close with the ferrite bead from the cable.
It fit right in under the board with no changes. I literally took the Filco apart and just transferred it straight over.
I'm pretty sure that the bottom tray is a bit different inside from the first batch, that or my bead was smaller (MJ2). If/when I paint it, I'll take some pics of the inside, including the bead and how the board sits.

I wasn't sure if I should bother posting this or not, and considering how maligned this case and Vortex has been (myself included), I wanted to give it a fair review after it was done. That was partly why there are no inside pictures, I really wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. We already heard the second gen had straighter lines, and I would have just gave that comment a second (or third), but when I saw the key caps line up better than the stock case, I had to say something and it just sort of went from there.

The more I use it, the more I'm impressed with how it feels, the best way to describe it, is crisp. You don't realize how much flex is in a keyboard, or how much it effects the feel, until you try a more solid one and this is about as solid as they come.

I believe the solidity isn't in removing the "flex", rather, it's because the whole board is heavier now, and sitting completely flat "huge contact area" on top of the desk..

There was very little flex in a plate mounted board to begin with...

my only complaint was the "finish" isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be. :-X

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 23 January 2013, 03:13:53
Dont paint your case, powercoat maybe. I may be doing anodizing GBs in the future which would be the bes method for coloring aluminum.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 23 January 2013, 03:23:13
I wasn't sure if I should bother posting this or not, and considering how maligned this case and Vortex has been (myself included), I wanted to give it a fair review after it was done. That was partly why there are no inside pictures, I really wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. We already heard the second gen had straighter lines, and I would have just gave that comment a second (or third), but when I saw the key caps line up better than the stock case, I had to say something and it just sort of went from there.

I think most of the bashing has to do with Vortex, not the case. The case is fine for what it is. Mine doesn't have the alignment issue nor parallel marks on the top face of the board. You can look at Dirge's pictures to see that even 2nd batch haven't fixed that. Yours still have that groove on the side of the case that run parallel to the top surface. The problem is there, just whether or not you notice it/care.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 23 January 2013, 03:38:34
I wasn't sure if I should bother posting this or not, and considering how maligned this case and Vortex has been (myself included), I wanted to give it a fair review after it was done. That was partly why there are no inside pictures, I really wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. We already heard the second gen had straighter lines, and I would have just gave that comment a second (or third), but when I saw the key caps line up better than the stock case, I had to say something and it just sort of went from there.

I think most of the bashing has to do with Vortex, not the case. The case is fine for what it is. Mine doesn't have the alignment issue nor parallel marks on the top face of the board. You can look at Dirge's pictures to see that even 2nd batch haven't fixed that. Yours still have that groove on the side of the case that run parallel to the top surface. The problem is there, just whether or not you notice it/care.

yup, I have some mild parallel markings.. visible in low light..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 23 January 2013, 18:29:59
Update: Mechanical Keyboards is sending me screws.
I asked for the proper size before I ran out and just grabbed some, and woke up to a shipping invoice. Great bunch of guys there. :) I have the right screws, but it's nice to get good service.

I believe the solidity isn't in removing the "flex", rather, it's because the whole board is heavier now, and sitting completely flat "huge contact area" on top of the desk..

There was very little flex in a plate mounted board to begin with...

my only complaint was the "finish" isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be. :-X
I'm not so convinced.

The plate in the Filco may not be flexing, but it wasn't as well supported in the Filco. The front of the plat on the filco simply rests on a 3 very small standoffs and there is nothing really clamping it down. It's possible the plate has room to give, even if only a little. If any standoff is a little high, or a little low (case flex will cause this as well as the molding process), it can allow for some give.  Above all though, plastic is forgiving. No matter what you do, ABS plastic will never be as solid as aluminum.

The finish could be better, I agree, but I expected a fairly rough sandblasted finish.

Dont paint your case, powercoat maybe. I may be doing anodizing GBs in the future which would be the bes method for coloring aluminum.
If it's well painted, you can't tell what type of paint was used, I was planning to use automotive paint.

There is a reason I decided on this though, and that is that I can easily remove it with paint stripper or Easy Off Oven cleaner, and  repaint it on a whim (a girl has right to change her mind!  :))), without needing a lot of prep work every time.

I gave some thought to polishing it, but ugh, the fingerprints would drive me mad. People complain about them on Das keyboards, this would be about 10 times worse.


I think most of the bashing has to do with Vortex, not the case. The case is fine for what it is. Mine doesn't have the alignment issue nor parallel marks on the top face of the board. You can look at Dirge's pictures to see that even 2nd batch haven't fixed that. Yours still have that groove on the side of the case that run parallel to the top surface. The problem is there, just whether or not you notice it/care.
There was, and is, a lot of valid complaints about this case.

And yes, I know the lines are there, I also have some milling "ghost" patterns above the arrow keys, but they are quite subtle. If we want to to nit pick, the screw holes could be better done (they are a bit rough), the case could be more flush on the front and back, and a lot of corners are rather sharp. I never expected perfection but for the money, it's a far better deal than the first round. First round had some serious gotchas, such as the ferrite bead.

Credit where credit is due, it's a big improvement.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Fri, 25 January 2013, 13:31:25
Can I get a quote on how well this fits the Phantom? I kinda get it, but a Yay/Nay on whether it fits or not would be much appreciated (because I've heard it does and it doesn't). I'm wanting a nice Phantom case (only problem is that it has the block between the arrow keys and the delete cluster, something I would hope to somehow get rid of...
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 25 January 2013, 14:19:08
Can I get a quote on how well this fits the Phantom? I kinda get it, but a Yay/Nay on whether it fits or not would be much appreciated (because I've heard it does and it doesn't). I'm wanting a nice Phantom case (only problem is that it has the block between the arrow keys and the delete cluster, something I would hope to somehow get rid of...
it wont fit properly with the phantom plate currently designed. I could sell you an extra filco plate I have which would make it work.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:29:07
Thanks, but no thanks. I would rather have the Phantom plate. Thanks for the answer BTW. Now to find an Aluminum case that has the Cutout for the 5 keys above the Invert-T keys.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:35:29
Insert "One does not simply..." meme here.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:51:59
I noticed one issue with this case, and other aluminum cases, they aren't properly grounded.

I found this out last night when a static spark jumped nearly half an inch on to the housing and somehow made it to the Scroll Lock LED, which lit up. This happened again a short time later. So far there doesn't seem to be any damage, but I plan on figuring out a way to properly ground it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Dgsbllx on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:52:27
I noticed one issue with this case, and other aluminum cases, they aren't properly grounded.

I found this out last night when a static spark jumped nearly half an inch on to the housing and somehow made it to the Scroll Lock LED, which lit up. This happened again a short time later. So far there doesn't seem to be any damage, but I plan on figuring out a way to properly ground it.

 :eek:
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:52:38
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8415357224_42cf7bf859.jpg)

Ok. No more threadcrapping.
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: longweight on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:56:02
Can I get a quote on how well this fits the Phantom? I kinda get it, but a Yay/Nay on whether it fits or not would be much appreciated (because I've heard it does and it doesn't). I'm wanting a nice Phantom case (only problem is that it has the block between the arrow keys and the delete cluster, something I would hope to somehow get rid of...
it wont fit properly with the phantom plate currently designed. I could sell you an extra filco plate I have which would make it work.


Can my phantom have the Filco plate please?!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 25 January 2013, 17:00:43
I noticed one issue with this case, and other aluminum cases, they aren't properly grounded.

I found this out last night when a static spark jumped nearly half an inch on to the housing and somehow made it to the Scroll Lock LED, which lit up. This happened again a short time later. So far there doesn't seem to be any damage, but I plan on figuring out a way to properly ground it.

I put a bifold of packing paper between the PCB and bottom plate... Because I was worried some of the pins might stick out and contact the base..  They don't seem to do that..

However, I believe you saw sparks because you may have a "pin" touching...

That, or cuz it's winter and the weather is very dry...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 25 January 2013, 19:06:13
I noticed one issue with this case, and other aluminum cases, they aren't properly grounded.

I found this out last night when a static spark jumped nearly half an inch on to the housing and somehow made it to the Scroll Lock LED, which lit up. This happened again a short time later. So far there doesn't seem to be any damage, but I plan on figuring out a way to properly ground it.

I put a bifold of packing paper between the PCB and bottom plate... Because I was worried some of the pins might stick out and contact the base..  They don't seem to do that..

However, I believe you saw sparks because you may have a "pin" touching...

That, or cuz it's winter and the weather is very dry...
I think the board is just close enough that it was able to jump the gap.

Considering my cable sits under the board, there must be plenty of clearance. I'm going to open it up this weekend though and take a look. I didn't notice anything grounding the plate to the pcb, but in the stock Filco case, the plate is more protected. On this, the plate contacts the case, and paper, isn't going to stop a big enough jolt. It will stop a dead short, but stopping a 1/2in spark from static, not so much.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 25 January 2013, 19:13:25
I noticed one issue with this case, and other aluminum cases, they aren't properly grounded.

I found this out last night when a static spark jumped nearly half an inch on to the housing and somehow made it to the Scroll Lock LED, which lit up. This happened again a short time later. So far there doesn't seem to be any damage, but I plan on figuring out a way to properly ground it.

I put a bifold of packing paper between the PCB and bottom plate... Because I was worried some of the pins might stick out and contact the base..  They don't seem to do that..

However, I believe you saw sparks because you may have a "pin" touching...

That, or cuz it's winter and the weather is very dry...
I think the board is just close enough that it was able to jump the gap.

Considering my cable sits under the board, there must be plenty of clearance. I'm going to open it up this weekend though and take a look. I didn't notice anything grounding the plate to the pcb, but in the stock Filco case, the plate is more protected. On this, the plate contacts the case, and paper, isn't going to stop a big enough jolt. It will stop a dead short, but stopping a 1/2in spark from static, not so much.

anodized shouldn't conduct period. so if it is static build up from your hands.. hmmm...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 25 January 2013, 20:19:04
anodized shouldn't conduct period. so if it is static build up from your hands.. hmmm...

On contact, you are correct (I even checked the case, it is non-conductive).

Arcing however is an entirely different matter.
According to NASA and professional anodizers, anodizing is only (somewhat) static resistant, hard anodizing is needed to suppress anything serious and even then care must be taken as edges do not take to hard anodizing well.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 26 January 2013, 03:18:27
Can I get a quote on how well this fits the Phantom? I kinda get it, but a Yay/Nay on whether it fits or not would be much appreciated (because I've heard it does and it doesn't). I'm wanting a nice Phantom case (only problem is that it has the block between the arrow keys and the delete cluster, something I would hope to somehow get rid of...
it wont fit properly with the phantom plate currently designed. I could sell you an extra filco plate I have which would make it work.


Can my phantom have the Filco plate please?!
sure send me a pm i have 2 or 3 filco plates
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sun, 27 January 2013, 20:09:57
Well, it looks like the ferrite bead had less clearance than I thought.
I started to strip the heat shrink, planning to use the usb cable shielding as ground for the case and the bead was in 4 pieces. Oopsie! On the bright side, it took care of itself.

Anyhow, I grabbed a pic for those curious about the lack of standoffs and show why it doesn't need them. In the pics you can see it's supported and clamped along the entire top and bottom edge, the PCB floats. It's not a bad design, just different to what the stock Filco uses, which requires support in various places because plastic lacks the rigidity. Different materials have different properties and the design needs to change to take advantage of it. The Vortex design is actually quite a smart design, it's just a bummer it only supports the stock plates because of it. If you doubt how stoutly supported the floating board is, take a look at the ferrite bead parts. The PCB crushed it. You can also see just how much room is under the board while inside the case. Pins are probably only 1 or 2mm away in front, but about 5 in the rear.



The last few pics are how I grounded the chassis, no soldering necessary.
After stripping the heat shrink and shattered ferrite barrel, I cut open an SATA cable and pulled out two solid core insulator wires (these are just bare wires), I used about six inches of each. I slid those into the cable where the wires exited about an inch and a half, alongside the bare ground wire,  the shielding and ground wire on the USB cable is grounded in the computer. I then bent the wires back up to the plastic bead where it contacts the case, wrapped them around a few times and wrapped the entire length in electrical tape so as not to short out the board. I then filed the case where the cable passes through to remove the anodizing and make it conductive, and shoved the bead in. This took a little effort as the wires made it thicker. A quick squeeze with some needle nose made it easier. I cleaned the wrap a bit more since the pictures, but you can't see it while in use, so it doesn't matter if it's cleanly done or not.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 27 January 2013, 20:31:54
LOL, good work, but it just seems OCD/unnecessary. ;D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 28 January 2013, 00:23:42
LOL, good work, but it just seems OCD/unnecessary. ;D
I thought so too, until I saw a 1/2in spark jump from my finger to the case and watched the scroll lock LED light up really bright.

TWICE.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 28 January 2013, 01:42:18
LOL, good work, but it just seems OCD/unnecessary. ;D
I thought so too, until I saw a 1/2in spark jump from my finger to the case and watched the scroll lock LED light up really bright.

TWICE.

Do you have carpet? rubber sole slippers? dry skin?

I've yet to feel any static jump anywhere
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 28 January 2013, 03:40:53
Does anyone have A DUCKY shine, does that fit in this case?

I had a ducky shine yotd but I never took it apart...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 28 January 2013, 04:05:19
Do you have carpet? rubber sole slippers? dry skin?

I've yet to feel any static jump anywhere
Certain parts of the country are far more prone to it than others. Here, you get zapped all the time.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dieseldog49 on Mon, 28 January 2013, 04:24:55
I am very tempted by this, it would give me a excuse to grab a CMR with Greens and make a project of it. BTW if you guys are looking for crazy high quality anodizing just look to the paintball industry its really amazing what they do there.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: BimboBB on Mon, 28 January 2013, 13:17:28
Does anyone have A DUCKY shine, does that fit in this case?

I had a ducky shine yotd but I never took it apart...

WFD mentioned (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37801.msg731568#msg731568) earlier that it doesnt work exactly. Some filing might be necessary to fit in. And you have the problem with the detachable cable, same like the QFR.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 28 January 2013, 15:30:57
Does anyone have A DUCKY shine, does that fit in this case?

I had a ducky shine yotd but I never took it apart...

WFD mentioned (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37801.msg731568#msg731568) earlier that it doesnt work exactly. Some filing might be necessary to fit in. And you have the problem with the detachable cable, same like the QFR.

filing? hmm.... I would go power grinder if anything ;D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: ShakeR on Mon, 28 January 2013, 15:41:57
Red, Blue, Black, and Silver cases coming in next month. 

Just an FYI...

I kept wondering about the chance of arcing on these things.  Please PM me if anyone finds any serious problems (omg, my board is fried, etc.) with them.  :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 28 January 2013, 15:47:40
Red, Blue, Black, and Silver cases coming in next month. 

Just an FYI...

I kept wondering about the chance of arcing on these things.  Please PM me if anyone finds any serious problems (omg, my board is fried, etc.) with them.  :D

I'm not confident in Vortex's anodizing skills... they pretty much screwed up "base color" with many people's cases.. I had to return my bottom piece because it didn't match the top "at all", luckily they sent me another one that did. props to mech keyboard.com
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: eyesmiles on Mon, 28 January 2013, 16:17:14
Red, Blue, Black, and Silver cases coming in next month. 

Just an FYI...

I kept wondering about the chance of arcing on these things.  Please PM me if anyone finds any serious problems (omg, my board is fried, etc.) with them.  :D

Good to hear that you'll be stocking them ShakeR!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 30 January 2013, 03:25:45
We had an odd, warm winter day, and although I had to dodge rain and tornadoes, I got it all squared up, and painted.
Came out nice, I'll have to get better pics tomorrow, as it looks much better in person.

Other than feet, I'm quite pleased with this case, now if only my RA set would get here...

The backs of these are really wavy, like they took the rough casting and barely hit it with a mill. The sandblasted finish hides it well, but there were lots of low spots. The sides were better, and the front even better still, however there was high and low spots all around. They must be casting almost to exact size.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 30 January 2013, 23:28:30
Got my Red Alert keys, but didn't have time to get a much better picture yet.
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33130.0;attach=12670;image)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 January 2013, 06:36:40
Got my Red Alert keys, but didn't have time to get a much better picture yet.
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33130.0;attach=12670;image)

That looks great! I still need to find an aluminum case that has the keys above the invert-t cut out...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 31 January 2013, 17:15:13
That looks great! I still need to find an aluminum case that has the keys above the invert-t cut out...

Dremel!
You could do it and it would barely be noticeable if you do it right.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 January 2013, 17:58:06
That looks great! I still need to find an aluminum case that has the keys above the invert-t cut out...

Dremel!
You could do it and it would barely be noticeable if you do it right.
I would have to figure out how to do it with enough precision. I'm thinking of getting my own case CNCed, but that would be VERY expensive (Still, can't be much more expensive than the higher-end ones on here...

Anyone know how much a Custom CNCed case would be for just one?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 31 January 2013, 18:16:06
That looks great! I still need to find an aluminum case that has the keys above the invert-t cut out...

Dremel!
You could do it and it would barely be noticeable if you do it right.
I would have to figure out how to do it with enough precision. I'm thinking of getting my own case CNCed, but that would be VERY expensive (Still, can't be much more expensive than the higher-end ones on here...

Anyone know how much a Custom CNCed case would be for just one?
hahahahaha

isn't that lz still going on? or is it closed
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 January 2013, 19:33:57
That looks great! I still need to find an aluminum case that has the keys above the invert-t cut out...

Dremel!
You could do it and it would barely be noticeable if you do it right.
I would have to figure out how to do it with enough precision. I'm thinking of getting my own case CNCed, but that would be VERY expensive (Still, can't be much more expensive than the higher-end ones on here...

Anyone know how much a Custom CNCed case would be for just one?
hahahahaha

isn't that lz still going on? or is it closed

You mean the LZ-S or the LZ-GH? I'm not sure if those are Filco/Phantom compatible... and even still,

I would have to carve it up to make it work with the layout i'm eyeballing...all that Korean case goodness, just CARVED UP LIKE THAT. :'(

Maybe I could get a 3D-PRINTED CASE! not quite sure if that would be sturdy enough, but YOU CAN TRY!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Thu, 31 January 2013, 20:19:58
Anyone know how much a Custom CNCed case would be for just one?

I seem to recall boost being quoted ~250 for a prototype case *top*
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 January 2013, 20:29:43
Anyone know how much a Custom CNCed case would be for just one?

I seem to recall boost being quoted ~250 for a prototype case *top*
OK, that's great! That's not out of the range that I could afford and, quite frankly, about as much as I was looking at to spend on a case for this. I'll have to wait for my birthday or save up, but worth it.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Thu, 31 January 2013, 20:30:50
Dude... did you read it tho?  Just the top of the case.  Not the plate, not the bottom, no feet..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 January 2013, 20:40:41
Dude... did you read it tho?  Just the top of the case.  Not the plate, not the bottom, no feet..

...

I could still make it work...but it would be harder...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 31 January 2013, 23:54:40
I would have to figure out how to do it with enough precision. I'm thinking of getting my own case CNCed, but that would be VERY expensive (Still, can't be much more expensive than the higher-end ones on here...

It would be dead simple, just scribe a line from the lower set up to the upper set, tape it off, cut it with a hacksaw or Dremel, leaving a little extra and file it clean to where it needs to be. You aren't cutting around extra keys or anything and you already have points to work from so you aren't working blind.

An hour and a half is being generous if you have any power tools (Dremel) and at $150 per case, you can mess up twice for almost every custom top you have made. Being aluminum you could even have it repaired and try again or fill in the bad spot with JB Weld, paint and resell it for only a small loss.

I could still make it work...but it would be harder...
Harder is an understatement.
No lower case fits your boards controller.
No upper factory case fits your key layout.
No factory plate fits your key layout
Your plate won't fit into any case other than Filco and CM QFR.


It would be $250 for a top IF you design it right to be done cheaply (the longer it's on a mill the more it costs) and then that cost is only if you get it right the first time. $250 should be your minimum estimate... For a top. What about the bottom half? What about the plate? Feet? Nothing off the shelf will work.

What if it takes 3 tries to get it right? Even good cad designers miss things, that's why you have prototypes. You are actually looking at close to $600 for a case, add a couple hundred worth of keys, switches, value of current parts and all told you are quickly closing in on $1000, and that is a best case scenario, with you assembling and painting everything. It could break $1200 pretty easily (how many Korean boards could you buy with that?), and what if something goes wrong?




If you want to keep it at all all reasonable, here is what I would do
Take a Vortex and cut it, it's simple to do. Then take a stock Filco plate and add your necessary switch holes, it shouldn't be too difficult as you have a pattern to work from, just watch the heat, you don't want to warp it (if you want, trim the other holes to allow easy switch removal, again, you have a pattern to work from). For feet, buy some roundbar aluminum off Ebay and make a riser similar to the LZ (my material is on the way and I will document it). You just need a bar with two countersunk holes and two rubber pads. Total cost $13 and half an hour. This part is optional, but I would bolt it together without anything inside, then take a sanding block, belt sander or jitterbug and square everything up (like I did on mine) and then have it painted or re-anodized.

All told you are looking at a half days worth of work, and less than $200 in parts and material. There is no way you will get anything for anywhere close to that. Particularly with low risk. The only thing left is how to account for your controller. If it was me, I would cut a similar shaped hole in the bottom of the Vortex and let it peak through. Maybe add a thin sheet of plexiglass over it with some panhead allen screws.

Start in the morning, you could have the paint drying by dinner, and using it the next day.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:27:17
Started making my feet today.
I was using some rubber dome thingies, they worked and were really grippy, but not high enough. Here is my second attempt, it raises the keyboard about an inch (I wanted 3/4 but didn't account for how far forward the feet mounted).

This is the first test fitting, so things are still rough, but it is very solid.
It's a 5/8th inch aluminum bar, with some thick o-rings and recessed bolt seats. I still need to finish the ends, grind some grooves to hold the o-rings, clean it up and get some button head allen bolts. I may redo it with some 3/8 or 1/2in later though depending on how I feel about the height.


Ignore the unpainted bottom, have yet to paint it and may be redoing the case in brushed aluminum.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 09 February 2013, 20:47:43
Damn that looks good! Nice progress
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:30:18
Started making my feet today.
I was using some rubber dome thingies, they worked and were really grippy, but not high enough. Here is my second attempt, it raises the keyboard about an inch (I wanted 3/4 but didn't account for how far forward the feet mounted).

This is the first test fitting, so things are still rough, but it is very solid.
It's a 5/8th inch aluminum bar, with some thick o-rings and recessed bolt seats. I still need to finish the ends, grind some grooves to hold the o-rings, clean it up and get some button head allen bolts. I may redo it with some 3/8 or 1/2in later though depending on how I feel about the height.


Ignore the unpainted bottom, have yet to paint it and may be redoing the case in brushed aluminum.

Cool stuff..

But Why not just Tilt the table towards you instead.. ??? tape some coins to the bottom.. that's MUCH MUCH easier than this, and better for your shoulders.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:31:49
Started making my feet today.
I was using some rubber dome thingies, they worked and were really grippy, but not high enough. Here is my second attempt, it raises the keyboard about an inch (I wanted 3/4 but didn't account for how far forward the feet mounted).

This is the first test fitting, so things are still rough, but it is very solid.
It's a 5/8th inch aluminum bar, with some thick o-rings and recessed bolt seats. I still need to finish the ends, grind some grooves to hold the o-rings, clean it up and get some button head allen bolts. I may redo it with some 3/8 or 1/2in later though depending on how I feel about the height.


Ignore the unpainted bottom, have yet to paint it and may be redoing the case in brushed aluminum.

Cool stuff..

But Why not just Tilt the table towards you instead.. ??? tape some coins to the bottom.. that's MUCH MUCH easier than this, and better for your shoulders.

This one time...I had coins.....I spent it on coffee
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:32:46
Started making my feet today.
I was using some rubber dome thingies, they worked and were really grippy, but not high enough. Here is my second attempt, it raises the keyboard about an inch (I wanted 3/4 but didn't account for how far forward the feet mounted).

This is the first test fitting, so things are still rough, but it is very solid.
It's a 5/8th inch aluminum bar, with some thick o-rings and recessed bolt seats. I still need to finish the ends, grind some grooves to hold the o-rings, clean it up and get some button head allen bolts. I may redo it with some 3/8 or 1/2in later though depending on how I feel about the height.


Ignore the unpainted bottom, have yet to paint it and may be redoing the case in brushed aluminum.

Cool stuff..

But Why not just Tilt the table towards you instead.. ??? tape some coins to the bottom.. that's MUCH MUCH easier than this, and better for your shoulders.

This one time...I had coins.....I spent it on coffee

Ok, I get it now, a little solo partying tonight, ;D?

quite typical of GH members I'd assume.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Halverson on Sun, 10 February 2013, 01:36:03
Started making my feet today.
I was using some rubber dome thingies, they worked and were really grippy, but not high enough. Here is my second attempt, it raises the keyboard about an inch (I wanted 3/4 but didn't account for how far forward the feet mounted).

This is the first test fitting, so things are still rough, but it is very solid.
It's a 5/8th inch aluminum bar, with some thick o-rings and recessed bolt seats. I still need to finish the ends, grind some grooves to hold the o-rings, clean it up and get some button head allen bolts. I may redo it with some 3/8 or 1/2in later though depending on how I feel about the height.


Ignore the unpainted bottom, have yet to paint it and may be redoing the case in brushed aluminum.

Cool stuff..

But Why not just Tilt the table towards you instead.. ??? tape some coins to the bottom.. that's MUCH MUCH easier than this, and better for your shoulders.

This one time...I had coins.....I spent it on coffee

Ok, I get it now, a little solo partying tonight, ;D?

quite typical of GH members I'd assume.

Yuss. Indeed.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Tue, 12 February 2013, 13:51:24
What jokers... 1 month to arrive and they gave me the wrong screws. They don't go all the way through to the main plate, hahahaha... **** me.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 12 February 2013, 14:15:36
What jokers... 1 month to arrive and they gave me the wrong screws. They don't go all the way through to the main plate, hahahaha... **** me.

where did you order.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Tue, 12 February 2013, 14:37:09
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 12 February 2013, 16:44:44
What jokers... 1 month to arrive and they gave me the wrong screws. They don't go all the way through to the main plate, hahahaha... **** me.
Email or call MK, they will send you another set, fast.

It's a simple enough fix though, that will only cost you a buck or so.



The screws you want are button head, allen keyed M3-.5 x 8   (m3 diameter, .5 thread, 8mm long),  (10 should also work)

These also work.
Panhead (flat), allen keyed M3-.50 x 10  (m3 diameter, .5 thread, 10mm long),  (6mm is too short, 12 is too long)


Total cost at a hardware store is like $2
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Tue, 12 February 2013, 18:14:15
Appreciate the help, it's definitely an easy fix. Will buy them tomorrow, but meh, tad silly for this to happen.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 12 February 2013, 18:17:13
Appreciate the help, it's definitely an easy fix. Will buy them tomorrow, but meh, tad silly for this to happen.

More important issue is making sure the top matches the bottom..

My first set were two completely different colors.. silver top, with a "grey bottom"
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Tue, 12 February 2013, 18:40:42
Appreciate the help, it's definitely an easy fix. Will buy them tomorrow, but meh, tad silly for this to happen.

More important issue is making sure the top matches the bottom..

My first set were two completely different colors.. silver top, with a "grey bottom"

Haha, looks like I lucked on that front.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 12 February 2013, 22:04:14
Appreciate the help, it's definitely an easy fix. Will buy them tomorrow, but meh, tad silly for this to happen.
I agree, but if you think that's bad, mine didn't come with any screws.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Wed, 13 February 2013, 01:16:12
So my understanding is that there are no stand offs in these aluminium cases? What's required in order to fit a stock filco internals into these cases?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 February 2013, 01:18:16
So my understanding is that there are no stand offs in these aluminium cases? What's required in order to fit a stock filco internals into these cases?

No, if you are using the "stock" filco plate.. this case sandwitch-es the plate against the top and bottom. MUCH better than standoffs.  Standoffs suck donkey c... compared to the way this case mounts.

If you are using a phantom plate Then you will need to fasten a length of wire against the front and back riser lips to prop up the plate.

This case relies on the bent lips of the "stock filco" or QFR plate rather than standoffs.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Wed, 13 February 2013, 01:27:44
Ah thanks for that. Are there any reviews of this case? I think I saw one earlier but can't find it. :(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 February 2013, 01:35:58
Ah thanks for that. Are there any reviews of this case? I think I saw one earlier but can't find it. :(

I'll give you one right now..

Ah......

Cons:

Some ghost machine marks left on the surface, very subtle, only visible from <1 feet away.

Minor imperfections, little dings here and there..

Top and bottom color "slightly" different, "this is luck of the draw"

The "alignment" between top and bottom can be off slightly, 1/4-1/3 of a mm.


Pros:

You can buy one TODAY, and it'll arrive in a week.

Quality quite acceptable for the low price.

Key spacing is superb even better than stock filco cases.


Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Wed, 13 February 2013, 04:40:53
Those LED's are trippy. Well, I'm gonna give this case a try. I just want a case that matches a beige/white keycap set better than the ol' black.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 February 2013, 04:44:29
Those LED's are trippy. Well, I'm gonna give this case a try. I just want a case that matches a beige/white keycap set better than the ol' black.

silver goes with pretty much anything except black keycaps..

Black keycaps makes a silver board look like there's BIG HOLES in it.. I guess some people like that... they can diaf...;D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 13 February 2013, 05:51:43
Two more cons... No feet, and you may get screws, you may not, and if you do, they may or may not fit. LOL

Screws are an easy, cheap fix. The alignment, ghosting, and color issues are also easily fixed if you plan on refinishing the case. Feet are really the worst problem on the newer shipments.

My full review is in the middle of page 12.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Wed, 13 February 2013, 06:24:36
Thanks, just read your review. I never use the feet on any keyboard so that's not really a big deal for me. Does it come with rubber feet though? I don't want the case to slide around on my desk. My main concern is the quality and finish of the case. Wish me good luck, I should have it next week. :P

edit: I believe ripster or someone on the boards did a review of this case with high-res pics but can't find it anymore.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Wed, 13 February 2013, 13:49:15
tempted... but I don't want to pay a crazy amount again.  I think I've paid my dues for a bit of metal.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 13 February 2013, 20:29:14
I never use the feet on any keyboard so that's not really a big deal for me. Does it come with rubber feet though?
It comes with no feet, you can get some on Ebay for cheap.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 13 February 2013, 21:27:29
So my understanding is that there are no stand offs in these aluminium cases? What's required in order to fit a stock filco internals into these cases?

at 3.6lbs + 2 lb keyboard guts, this thing doesn't slide, even if you had a slippery surface... Like a ROCK
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 13 February 2013, 23:17:18
So my understanding is that there are no stand offs in these aluminium cases? What's required in order to fit a stock filco internals into these cases?

at 3.6lbs + 2 lb keyboard guts, this thing doesn't slide, even if you had a slippery surface... Like a ROCK
Agreed, they top 5 pounds on the desk, they qualify as not only a (brick) paperweight, but a deadly weapon as well.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Fri, 15 February 2013, 15:50:02
http://imgur.com/XMX4bgm,Et46FuW,iAneEvb,3NpGiDv,pwQ9dZ0,DbKhWb0,Zq49NRj

Never again. Next purchase will be WASD v.2
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 15 February 2013, 16:11:56
Meh, kinda glad I didn't get one of these.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 15 February 2013, 16:34:30
http://imgur.com/XMX4bgm,Et46FuW,iAneEvb,3NpGiDv,pwQ9dZ0,DbKhWb0,Zq49NRj

Never again. Next purchase will be WASD v.2

I didn't see anything obvious, so what were you expecting?

I'm not sure exactly how WASD fixes it since they don't offer an aluminum case last I heard.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Xaviz on Fri, 15 February 2013, 16:45:07
http://imgur.com/XMX4bgm,Et46FuW,iAneEvb,3NpGiDv,pwQ9dZ0,DbKhWb0,Zq49NRj

Never again. Next purchase will be WASD v.2

I didn't see anything obvious, so what were you expecting?

I'm not sure exactly how WASD fixes it since they don't offer an aluminum case last I heard.

I expected getting correct screws. I expected the bottom plate to not rub against the pins. I expected above average construction. I expected something that was at least worth half of what you pay. It was a learning experience anyway, so I'm not too bothered. Just not anything I would recommend or pretend that it's good. Definitely more bad points than good, but if you're desperate for an aluminium case, I guess it works. Either way, I look forward to WASD v2 for other reasons.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 15 February 2013, 17:35:46
I expected getting correct screws. I expected the bottom plate to not rub against the pins. I expected above average construction. I expected something that was at least worth half of what you pay. It was a learning experience anyway, so I'm not too bothered. Just not anything I would recommend or pretend that it's good. Definitely more bad points than good, but if you're desperate for an aluminium case, I guess it works. Either way, I look forward to WASD v2 for other reasons.

Screws are an annoyance, but not the end of the world (typical Vortex).
Didn't know your pins rubbed, that is not good. I know mine is close, but I haven't seen any indication of them grounding.

I wish there were alternatives, but I'm not paying $350-$400 for a used MKC case.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Sat, 16 February 2013, 15:49:04
Alright, I received my grey case today, Here's my review.


Nasty/deep scratch. Lucky for me it's at the bottom where I don't care as much. Otherwise I would have returned this in a heart beat.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2028_zpsd1428af3.jpg)

The filco plate wouldn't fit because of that edge. Either the drill bit they used for that particular corner was a bigger size or whatever.
I used 180 grit sand paper to sand it off. Easy fix but I shouldn't have had to.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2025a_zps0459e8e4.jpg)
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2029_zpse92bd774.jpg)

Screws are too short. They barely hold on to the upper case. I mean look at the pics. That's less than 1mm of thread.
I was only able to screw in 5 out of 8. The other 3 just spin freely. Vortex should include longer than 10mm screws.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2033_zps2ed20832.jpg)

Bottom case needs a little more room. The switch pins were coming in contact with the case and causing some switches to not register.
I used masking tape on the bottom 3 rows to cover the pins.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2031_zps2fc4ec56.jpg)

I expected better rubber feet that would fit in the square pockets like Filcos. Nice metal feet though.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2036_zps656e2447.jpg)

I personally would have preferred that there is no step in the upper lid as I pointed in the pic. But that's just my pet peeve.
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2034_zps33b168d3.jpg)


PROs
Relatively cheap price
Easily available
Sturdy, heavy
couple of color choices

CONs
Overall finish
Short screws


I have mixed feelings on this one. I feel like I got a prototype or beta version. They really need to replace the 10mm screws with 12mm. These cases should come with better rubber feet, not those dinky dimples. But to be honest I wasn't expecting any rubber feet at all. :P

I gotta say it does feel really good to type on. Has the sturdiness of a model M. I also love the grey color as I think it compliments the white/beige key caps quite nicely.
If they fix the problems I mentioned above, I would buy again. So there you have it.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2035_zps2690f76b.jpg)

Ignore the capslock, will replace them later.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 16 February 2013, 15:51:30
You got feet. Still waiting on mine. I ordered from the first batch, on the first day they were available from MK. :(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: eyesmiles on Sat, 16 February 2013, 19:29:37

Screws are too short. They barely hold on to the upper case. I mean look at the pics. That's less than 1mm of thread.
I was only able to screw in 5 out of 8. The other 3 just spin freely. Vortex should include longer than 10mm screws.
Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2033_zps2ed20832.jpg)



Those screws look like M4 as opposed to M3 like Leslieann mentioned. Any confirmation on that calavera?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 16 February 2013, 19:47:13
Calavera, 10mm screws are plenty long, my bet is that they didn't properly countersink the screws.

Eyesmiles, some of my screws get wedged in the holes, others fall right out, dont use the holes to judge the screw size.

Now I need to send a note off to MK and see about getting my feet, though my bar foot works extremely well, I would like the right ones.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Sat, 16 February 2013, 19:58:01
Those screws look like M4 as opposed to M3 like Leslieann mentioned. Any confirmation on that calavera?

How can I find out? Those are the screws that were included in the package.

Calavera, 10mm screws are plenty long, my bet is that they didn't properly countersink the screws.

Eyesmiles, some of my screws get wedged in the holes, others fall right out, dont use the holes to judge the screw size.

Now I need to send a note off to MK and see about getting my feet, though my bar foot works extremely well, I would like the right ones.

You're probably right because 5 of the 8 screws went in fine. But then again, how hard is it to counter sink every hole the same depth? It's not like they're eyeballing it; surely they have a stop or marker on their machine that gives them the same depth every time.

I measured the length of the screw and it's not quite 10mm. Overall length starting from top of head to bottom of thread was ~9mm. So these are 10mm screws? I'm thinking of giving 12mm screws a try.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 16 February 2013, 20:32:36
Wo. Wo. Wo.. You got the FEET?

ALSO Calvera,, what keyboard is that you put in there, filco with alps?.  :)

Ok, gotta contact MK

Oh, and that's a "weird color".... It should be "silver.."  Pretty sure you can ask for another one if the color's a problem because "silver" was the advertised color.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Sat, 16 February 2013, 20:38:56
Wo. Wo. Wo.. You got the FEET?

ALSO Calvera,, what keyboard is that you put in there, filco with alps?.  :)

Ok, gotta contact MK

Oh, and that's a "weird color".... It should be "silver.."  Pretty sure you can ask for another one if the color's a problem because "silver" was the advertised color.

I ordered the grey case last week. MK has silver, grey, red, blue, and black on their website. The internals are a filco zero with modded complicated alps. :)


EDIT: I just realized those rubber feet were meant for the bottom of the metal feet, weren't they? Since they gave me four I put them on the case instead. ha

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2036_zps656e2447.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 16 February 2013, 20:58:03
How can I find out? Those are the screws that were included in the package.
Depending on the screw type decides how they are measured.
My advice is take the screw with you to the hardware store and match it up and find one longer.

That was how I got mine, was I found a screw that fit thread-wise, then went to a hardware store and got two different lengths that were about what I needed. If you buy as individual screws (instead of pre-bagged packs) you can get them for $2 a set.

You're probably right because 5 of the 8 screws went in fine. But then again, how hard is it to counter sink every hole the same depth? It's not like they're eyeballing it; surely they have a stop or marker on their machine that gives them the same depth every time.

The depth should be the same every time, but so should the side milling where you had a bit of extra. Another case had holes go all the way through the top.  Mistakes happen even with CNC, but it's not this sis of or that is off, it's everything, or something went wrong. It shouldn't just be inconsistencies. This seems rather par for the course with Vortex though.


EDIT: I just realized those rubber feet were meant for the bottom of the metal feet, weren't they? Since they gave me four I put them on the case instead. ha
In your defense, SOME sort of instructions would be nice, but considering they come as loose parts (no retail packaging), inconsistent as heck, no feet, and often none or incorrect screws... Instructions are again, just par for the course.

What kills me is, if they charged $5 more and fixed the issues, they could probably sell a lot of these and people would be happier.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 16 February 2013, 21:03:34
How can I find out? Those are the screws that were included in the package.
Depending on the screw type decides how they are measured.
My advice is take the screw with you to the hardware store and match it up and find one longer.

That was how I got mine, was I found a screw that fit thread-wise, then went to a hardware store and got two different lengths that were about what I needed. If you buy as individual screws (instead of pre-bagged packs) you can get them for $2 a set.

You're probably right because 5 of the 8 screws went in fine. But then again, how hard is it to counter sink every hole the same depth? It's not like they're eyeballing it; surely they have a stop or marker on their machine that gives them the same depth every time.

The depth should be the same every time, but so should the side milling where you had a bit of extra. Another case had holes go all the way through the top.  Mistakes happen even with CNC, but it's not this sis of or that is off, it's everything, or something went wrong. It shouldn't just be inconsistencies. This seems rather par for the course with Vortex though.


EDIT: I just realized those rubber feet were meant for the bottom of the metal feet, weren't they? Since they gave me four I put them on the case instead. ha
In your defense, SOME sort of instructions would be nice, but considering they come as loose parts (no retail packaging), inconsistent as heck, no feet, and often none or incorrect screws... Instructions are again, just par for the course.

What kills me is, if they charged $5 more and fixed the issues, they could probably sell a lot of these and people would be happier.

Pretty sure the problem is they bought the CHEAPEST worst CNC machine EVAR. because foxconn bought all the good ones to make Iphones.

My iphone 5 is terrific.. Only problem... I got suckered into buying this damn thing just like TOPRE...

Bored with it after 30mins...  But I can't return or sell this damn thing because I'm on company contract, and they give me free unlimited internet.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Sat, 16 February 2013, 21:18:02
I keep going back to the screws. Apparently when it says M3-.5x8 for example, the last number stands for the length of the thread only. I thought it was the length of the entire screw from head to bottom. :palmface:

Anyways in that case the screws that I got were 8mm. They should have included 10mm screws.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 16 February 2013, 21:29:24
I keep going back to the screws. Apparently when it says M3-.5x8 for example, the last number stands for the length of the thread only. I thought it was the length of the entire screw from head to bottom. :palmface:

Anyways in that case the screws that I got were 8mm. They should have included 10mm screws.
Depends, on panhead screws it goes to the very top, at least according to mine.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Mon, 18 February 2013, 07:43:41
Pretty sure the problem is they bought the CHEAPEST worst CNC machine EVAR. because foxconn bought all the good ones to make Iphones.
I was skeptical of the "2nd batch is better quality" claim. "Because Vortex."

And you guys need some real feet ;o
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Moosecraft on Mon, 18 February 2013, 12:42:44
This wouldn't fit a ducky board right?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Mon, 18 February 2013, 13:21:12
Pretty sure the problem is they bought the CHEAPEST worst CNC machine EVAR. because foxconn bought all the good ones to make Iphones.
I was skeptical of the "2nd batch is better quality" claim. "Because Vortex."

And you guys need some real feet ;o

Where can I get those? I've been looking for something exactly like that!!
Title: Re: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Mon, 18 February 2013, 13:30:43
Pretty sure the problem is they bought the CHEAPEST worst CNC machine EVAR. because foxconn bought all the good ones to make Iphones.
I was skeptical of the "2nd batch is better quality" claim. "Because Vortex."

And you guys need some real feet ;o

Where can I get those? I've been looking for something exactly like that!!
I made something similar with high heel stick on grips..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Mon, 18 February 2013, 19:41:27
Where can I get those? I've been looking for something exactly like that!!

These are the same feet that Vortex used on the Poker/Pure/Race/Oni/One. I could probably get a few more sets, but I am gonna keep them as spare parts since I have many boards that use these feet.

You could just buy some egrips and cut your own. The hole is roughly 10mm x 40mm. So these will probably fit pretty good: http://flexibleinnovations.com/component/com_rokecwid/Itemid,423/view,ecwid#!/~/product/category=411410&id=1457612  .35" = ~9mm.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Mon, 18 February 2013, 20:58:45
Wow, as if I needed another reason to avoid Vortex...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Mon, 18 February 2013, 21:07:25
Where can I get those? I've been looking for something exactly like that!!

These are the same feet that Vortex used on the Poker/Pure/Race/Oni/One. I could probably get a few more sets, but I am gonna keep them as spare parts since I have many boards that use these feet.

You could just buy some egrips and cut your own. The hole is roughly 10mm x 40mm. So these will probably fit pretty good: http://flexibleinnovations.com/component/com_rokecwid/Itemid,423/view,ecwid#!/~/product/category=411410&id=1457612  .35" = ~9mm.

Thanks for the info. But those estrips you linked isn't what you have on your case?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Mon, 18 February 2013, 21:24:51
The ones on my case are the strips Vortex used. AFAIK Vortex doesn't sell spare parts.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: brighenne on Wed, 20 February 2013, 21:02:50
Just received a grey case today, screws fit fine in the bottom side recesses, but they're the wrong thread.. that's a good way to get people to strip out their cases.

Also, only received one pair of the rubber feet, not two.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: verbhal on Wed, 20 February 2013, 21:28:35
I got my red case in today.  Looks great.  Luckily all my screws fit just fine, although I only got 2 dots as well.  Will grab something to put on the front part.  Pic quality isn't the best though.  Needs some caps now and the green cord looks a bit silly.

(http://i.imgur.com/Tmq8lee.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8SveDYn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Q66NXwg.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/NfGtCSR.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 20 February 2013, 23:37:13
Looks good Verbhal, could you take some high-res photos with Good Natural Sunlight? :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 20 February 2013, 23:44:01
Response to my inquest from Mechanical Keyboards regarding feet...

Quote
We will definitely be sending you out these feet once we receive them. For some reason they sent us the feet for all of the new color cases (blue, red, grey, black) but still did not send any silver feet. We have contacted Vortex asking them why they still didnt send any silver feet, but they are off until March for the Chinese New Years.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 20 February 2013, 23:47:25
They don't have them, they aren't going to send them.  Call it a hunch.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 20 February 2013, 23:49:41
Response to my inquest from Mechanical Keyboards regarding feet...

Quote
We will definitely be sending you out these feet once we receive them. For some reason they sent us the feet for all of the new color cases (blue, red, grey, black) but still did not send any silver feet. We have contacted Vortex asking them why they still didnt send any silver feet, but they are off until March for the Chinese New Years.

Yea I got the same letter.... same exact words too... :D

i don't know why they don't just send us the "colored" ones... I don't really care about matching colors..

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 20 February 2013, 23:50:07
They don't have them, they aren't going to send them.  Call it a hunch.

Freakin' don't jinx it  >:D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: brighenne on Thu, 21 February 2013, 01:20:53
Just received a grey case today, screws fit fine in the bottom side recesses, but they're the wrong thread.. that's a good way to get people to strip out their cases.

An update to this:  They were the correct screws, it was actually a poor job of masking during the anodizing process so that each of the screw holes had a lip of the aluminum oxide that needed to be sanded down.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: verbhal on Thu, 21 February 2013, 01:47:55
Yeah tp, I'll try and find the camera tomorrow.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: FinalJeopardy on Fri, 22 February 2013, 07:24:48
FIRST POST!!! I ordered one of these in blue guys. Fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 22 February 2013, 07:53:32
Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2025a_zps0459e8e4.jpg)

I loled at the legend!
I don't get how they still have this kind of issues, prototype time is over, they already sold a bunch by now...
Or wait, maybe they have a CNC guy whose job is to push this button:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Emergency_stop_button.jpg) and got distracted


Also is this a full Alps set? I like the simple and classy look of this board
Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF2035_zps2690f76b.jpg)

I woul like to buy some mathias switches but I don't know where to find alps caps
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Fri, 22 February 2013, 08:07:40
The easiest source is a Dell AT101W which I got those from. You can replace every key except the capslock (due to off-centered stem) to a filco layout like I did in that pic. Sadly they're laser etched but these are more easy to come by and cheap. There are other alternatives but its freaking hard to find them.
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 22 February 2013, 16:51:45
I looked for those dell on ebay, price range is pretty wide.
Any chance some of them are double shot or pbt dye sub?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pasph on Fri, 22 February 2013, 17:49:14
This looks promising
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: L4yercake on Fri, 22 February 2013, 18:47:18
I got my red case in today.  Looks great.  Luckily all my screws fit just fine, although I only got 2 dots as well.  Will grab something to put on the front part.  Pic quality isn't the best though.  Needs some caps now and the green cord looks a bit silly.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Tmq8lee.jpg)



Any chance of getting a picture in natural light? Thinking about ordering a Red and Grey one to do a two-tone look but I need to get a nice picture before I spend $300.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 22 February 2013, 19:02:38
This looks promising
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html

sounds good, I hope it works out well
I'm not sure I can source matias switches without buying a board though
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: pasph on Fri, 22 February 2013, 19:10:05
http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/matias-alps-switches-taking-pre-orders-t4931.html
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Fri, 22 February 2013, 20:14:07
Whats so special about the matias switches that I'm missing?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 22 February 2013, 20:44:30
Well, I just got a couple hundred of the Matias Quiet switches and stuck some in the battered carcass of a 1087XM.  These are very quiet switches.  In an alu case like a KMAC they'd be dead silent.

They are nicely tactile.  Doing a head to head against blue MX, the blue will move a little at the tactile pint of the Matias, and then not budge again until the Matias is bottomed.  You can fully depress a brown switch before the Matias budges at all.

As someone who really likes MX browns, these may be a little too firm.  I'm going to give it more than a few hours to figure that out.  However, swapping the XM green springs in, it is hard to distinguish from MX ergo clears.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 23 February 2013, 05:05:59
Thanks pasph!

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: laffindude on Sat, 23 February 2013, 10:58:43
As someone who really likes MX browns, these may be a little too firm.  I'm going to give it more than a few hours to figure that out.  However, swapping the XM green springs in, it is hard to distinguish from MX ergo clears.
Do want! I hope they make a lighter version :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Permeability on Fri, 01 March 2013, 08:10:56
I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: OnTheBrink on Fri, 01 March 2013, 11:57:55
I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink  :rolleyes:

For $130+ I'd rather get something with less imperfections or from a company without such a bad rep :(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 12:07:46
I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink  :rolleyes:

For $130+ I'd rather get something with less imperfections or from a company without such a bad rep :(

I'm not defending vortex... my case came with several imperfections..

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

SHOW ME!!!! :D

oh, you can't?

Stop whinin" :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 01 March 2013, 12:34:35
^ true

I just received a tracking number from mechanicalkeyboards.com, are they sending the feet for those who didn't get them?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 01 March 2013, 12:37:32
They did say the would as soon as they got them.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 01 March 2013, 14:38:16
I got one to, very nice!
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 01 March 2013, 14:45:16
That's a good surprise, I wasn't expecting it tbh
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:01:58
That's a good surprise, I wasn't expecting it tbh

all the "silver" people are supposidly "not getting" the feet.

The colored people will all get them.
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:03:47
I am "silver"
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:33:18
I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:44:14
I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: eyesmiles on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:44:57
Got the case last week. Just been lazy to take any pictures. The screws that came with it didn't grab. I ended up getting purple M3 x 0.5mm x 10mm Allen Bolts. I was thinking of using MDPC M3 Brainwashers in case they were too long but that wasn't necessary. There's a few scratches on the top cover near the arrow keys. You can seem them at specific angles, but its evident in the first picture. There was no sanding down of anything or random holes. Only gripe I have is that I thought the grey would be a bit darker. In certain lighting, it looks really light silver. I'll have it anodized a different color when I get bored of it.  :p

(http://imageshack.us/a/img820/1183/indoors.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/indoors.jpg/)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img694/7845/topgf.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/topgf.jpg/)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img405/8761/underhk.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/underhk.jpg/)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:47:33
can't wait to get my feet..... aggg... prob longest wait ever...

hm... feng's aluminum space bars are taking a while too  :'(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:52:22
I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................

Heh. No color was specified, so I won't call it "silver." :P
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 15:58:26
I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................

Heh. No color was specified, so I won't call it "silver." :P

why are you toying wit' ma' mind'  :'(
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 01 March 2013, 17:44:28
Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!


But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...
Other cases do exist, the MKC is available, however you do have to find it used. Those too had imperfections on many, and the prices on them was bad enough when new, but if you go searching, expect to pay even more. Last one I found, the seller wanted over $400 by the time I got it. It was cheaper, easier and faster to buy a Vortex and clean it up myself. Even if I had to re-anodize it after and make some feet, it was far less.

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 18:11:59
Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!


But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...
Other cases do exist, the MKC is available, however you do have to find it used. Those too had imperfections on many, and the prices on them was bad enough when new, but if you go searching, expect to pay even more. Last one I found, the seller wanted over $400 by the time I got it. It was cheaper, easier and faster to buy a Vortex and clean it up myself. Even if I had to re-anodize it after and make some feet, it was far less.

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 01 March 2013, 19:16:57
This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......
I agree to a point.

6 months ago I would have agreed with you entirely, but we just had the LZ GH buy, there has been quite a few KMACs up for sale recently and Originative even has them in stock. You no longer have to spend a year hitting refresh hoping to get a KMAC or LZ.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 21:34:27
This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......
I agree to a point.

6 months ago I would have agreed with you entirely, but we just had the LZ GH buy, there has been quite a few KMACs up for sale recently and Originative even has them in stock. You no longer have to spend a year hitting refresh hoping to get a KMAC or LZ.

I was up for a kmac a while ago.. but then i thought... too korean... need something more GH and less KBDmania..
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Permeability on Fri, 01 March 2013, 21:51:49
So from I can gather in this thread, the case uses the Filco plate for support? So if I were to purchase a Universal Plate (from a recent gb) it would not fit correct?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 01 March 2013, 21:53:20
Correct, it supports the plate in much the same way as the Filco board, but with zero standoffs for re-inforcing horizontal positioning. 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 23:00:18
Correct, it supports the plate in much the same way as the Filco board, but with zero standoffs for re-inforcing horizontal positioning. 

Of which is completely Unnecessary...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 01 March 2013, 23:20:16
Of which is completely Unnecessary...

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 March 2013, 23:29:35
Of which is completely Unnecessary...

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

No, with the standoffs, you'd be assuming they're drilled perfectly to match the top, which would defeat the purpose of your "ADJUST" in the first place..

Stand offs are completely useless in a plated keyboard... they're only necessary for pcb mounts
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 01 March 2013, 23:36:42
I wouldn't be assuming anything, a complete design would include enough leeway in all the necessary locations to adjust for whatever tolerances were specified in the manufacturing of all components.  If for whatever reason the design required that the plate not have ears and be screwed directly to the case (like all the Korean customs) then yes, standoffs would be the way to go.

Have you actually WORKED on any of the stuff you rail on about?  Product design/engineering? 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 01 March 2013, 23:37:38
I stopped checking this thread around page 6, and just started looking at it again and wow, it's already on page 17. Anyways, I came back to say that I randomly got a shipping notification from mechanicalkeyboards, so I'm assuming it's the feet and maybe a some screws that were missing. I was one of the first one from the first batch that received it last year.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: OnTheBrink on Sat, 02 March 2013, 00:14:25
^ true

I just received a tracking number from mechanicalkeyboards.com, are they sending the feet for those who didn't get them?

Then I'd rather not get anything at all. Don't want to knock your purchase, to each is own, but I can't justify a poorly made product with supply and demand.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 02 March 2013, 04:26:51
I completely understand your concern, I've also been there
This case got a lot of hate (I bashed it too before I got mine), but to be fair the final outcome when assembled is very satisfying and makes me forget about the small imperfections
I couldn't justify adding almost 200$ for an mkc case.
Then again I'm not trying to convince anybody, to each is own  :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 02 March 2013, 11:17:55
I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: calavera on Sat, 02 March 2013, 15:32:16
Does anyone know if ducky 1087xm internals would fit? From what I know they are plate mounted
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 02 March 2013, 21:28:01
a 1087XM has a completely different plate design, there is no bend at all and it doesn't extend beyond the PCB on at the top or bottom of the KB.  (Typed on the modded innards to a 1087XM)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 02 March 2013, 22:02:32
... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.
I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.


I completely understand your concern, I've also been there
This case got a lot of hate (I bashed it too before I got mine), but to be fair the final outcome when assembled is very satisfying and makes me forget about the small imperfections
Exactly.
If you want to be fickle, you can clean any imperfections and alignment with a dual action sander in 30 minutes and send it off to be re-anodized and still come out well ahead.

I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...
I've been looking for an easy method as I have a plate I would like to use, but I have so far been stumped. You may be able to find a Filco plate for cheap though.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 02 March 2013, 22:08:10
... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.
I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 02 March 2013, 22:38:17
... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.
I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

dis' guy doesn't get it.. :))

Maybe if you bought the case, you'd see that its mounting mechanism is quite genius, contrary to its minor manufacturing blemishes.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 02 March 2013, 23:33:57
No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

Your right it does go to the plate, meaning the Filco PCB floats in the stock case as well, which is all the more reason to wonder what your complaint is.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 02 March 2013, 23:37:40
I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...
I've been looking for an easy method as I have a plate I would like to use, but I have so far been stumped. You may be able to find a Filco plate for cheap though.

I would try to tack some wire I use for bending stabilizers to the edges of the plate.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: OnTheBrink on Sun, 03 March 2013, 11:04:58
Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!


But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This was my argument. I just didn't want to offend people's purchase.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: alaricljs on Sun, 03 March 2013, 11:26:40
No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

Your right it does go to the plate, meaning the Filco PCB floats in the stock case as well, which is all the more reason to wonder what your complaint is.


It's held exactly as the Vortex Alu case does it, just with plastic.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 03 March 2013, 11:27:21
Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!


But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This was my argument. I just didn't want to offend people's purchase.

LOL, kids and their "waiting"

not having to wait is worth a whole lot more.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 04 March 2013, 01:43:33
It's held exactly as the Vortex Alu case does it, just with plastic.
No, actually it isn't.

The Filco top cover is merely decorative.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Laxian Key on Mon, 04 March 2013, 18:33:15
I got my "feet" today :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 04 March 2013, 19:09:51
I got my "feet" today :)

Got mine as well. works... :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 04 March 2013, 19:58:56
Ditto, of course I don't have my board to try them on. Waitin.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 04 March 2013, 20:16:50
5 months later, and I finally get my feet today.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 04 March 2013, 20:18:24
Same here. Glad to have them, finally.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 04 March 2013, 21:44:26
Put them on, the keyboard doesn't feel as solid when they're off on the feet

compared to just FLAT nothing on top my ripper xxl mousepad.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 04 March 2013, 23:33:03
Post office delivered top the wrong house.... GRRRRRRR.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: FinalJeopardy on Thu, 07 March 2013, 09:31:15
Hey guys. I got my blue aluminum case yesterday. It's beautiful. Super bright. There are no blemishes on it except what looks like a small scratch where you can see the silver aluminum color on the bottom side. It's approx 1 cm long and I may very well have caused it myself, but I'm not sure.

On the bottom half there is a little line on the side which must be a result of the cnc process not being flawless but it'd very difficult to notice unless you look at the right angle because the anodizing color is so strong.

The board fit in no problem at all. I realized once I got it all done that i had the board sitting to the right when i tightened the screws down so the keys are offset to the right slightly, but nothing that will cause problems. Being as anal about these things as I am, I'll probably loosen the screws off and center it properly.

The screws grabbed fine but I found them tricky because they are tiny and the taps are pretty rough. I've been over the board a few times to double check the tightness of the screws.

The 2 pieces fit together really well and there doesn't appear to be any gaps or misalignment between them.

I got the feet for the board but the taps in the bottom of the case are to large and they won't screw in lol. I wasn't planning on using them, but I thought i would see how they fit, or don't, in this case.

Overall, I'm really really pleased with the result. I think it looks great and I really like the added heft it provides. It's truly a very heavy blunt object now. If you dropped it on your foot, you'd be going to the hospital. I'll get some pics up ASAP.

Cheers,
Jeopardy
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:01:31
Pictures or it didn't happen!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: FinalJeopardy on Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:18:56
Challenge accepted good sir! Sorry they are super crappy phone pics... I've got new keycaps on the way, so I'll post some better ones once I get those on it.

(http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q542/friggenusername/20130306_180150.jpg)
(http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q542/friggenusername/GosmsPhoto1362617814670.jpg)
(http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q542/friggenusername/20130306_184703.jpg)
(http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q542/friggenusername/20130306_184736.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:33:21
Lovely looking! :)
Title: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: phetto on Thu, 07 March 2013, 11:20:01
https://www.google.se/search?q=swe+flag&hl=sv&client=safari&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=F8w4UaWJE-bJ4ASUjIHQCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=356#i=3

So nice!
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: fruktstund on Thu, 07 March 2013, 11:22:27
Looks great! (For obvious reasons :>)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 07 March 2013, 12:14:57
Ah.... Move the PCB a little more to the "left" :D
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: FinalJeopardy on Thu, 07 March 2013, 12:51:13
I will tonight. As soon as I got it all tightened up and turned it over, I knew I screwed up. Hopefully I won't have to back the screws all the way out to get it to move.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Bar81 on Fri, 08 March 2013, 07:44:55
Can't wait to get my black one.  Finally a good looking option for a normal price.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 08 March 2013, 15:10:22
If it weren't for the caps/num, lock light holes I would totally try to fit one of these to my Quickfire
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 08 March 2013, 17:11:08
If it weren't for the caps/num, lock light holes I would totally try to fit one of these to my Quickfire
A bit of creative wiring would allow you to relocate the lights.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 08 March 2013, 19:37:32
Would be cool if I could pull it off, but I wouldn't even know where to start. Moving an led is easy enough, but what about making it stay in it's new home without a spot in the board for it?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:01:16
Hot glue, epoxy, bubble gum...
Leave some length in the wires so you can leave them attached to the top cover.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 08 March 2013, 21:54:20
I'll take a look at the innards once I get it back from the RMA, it was one of the ones with a couple non clicky switches. They handle the RMAs really well though so that's good.


Want to do a full on mod with those two piece mimic cables, a new case, and all that nice stuff.
Basically deckin out a quickfire like it was a kmac.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 14 March 2013, 22:13:14
Update time....
I stripped the case to bare metal again and went for a brushed look. When I painted it red, I thought my Red Alert keys were way off. With them, it's just  too much red.  At this point though, I'm half tempted to paint it pink like the stock (non-lotus) case, I liked that look. We'll see, for now I like the bare metal with RA2 keys.

I also got my USB mini B extension (http://www.showmecables.com/product/Mini-USB-B-Extension-Cable-3-Feet.aspx) (not so easy to find here in the US.). Linked is where I got mine.  Warning, while most colors match up, including the black shielding wire, the USB internal black is yellow on this cable. I hooked mine up and it nearly crashed Windows.


First thing I did was strip it down to bare connector... This fits right perfectly into the Vortex cable slot.
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1688.jpg)

Then I trimmed, and trimmed and trimmed some more of the high temp hot glue(?).
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1690.jpg)
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1691.jpg)

After that, I used hot glue to create a plug, holding the connector in place, and then trimmed again so the case would close properly Not that the less it sticks out, the more up tilted the connector will be. Mine almost runs parallel to the case top angle. I would have preferred it sit completely horizontal, but that would mean either re-soldiring the connector, I already broke two of the pcb mounted connectors trying that, and this one was not cheap, so I didn't want to go that route, so I settled on a happy medium.  If you are really daring, you can get it to fit in almost flush and flat, but that means resoldering all of it. At $15 a cable, no thanks. Being hot glue against aluminum, it doesn't stick, so it's removable.
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1696.jpg)

Bolted together...
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1701.jpg)

Updated look.
(http://vmroms.com/mypics/vortex/IMAG1707.jpg)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 14 March 2013, 22:58:20
If it weren't for the caps/num, lock light holes I would totally try to fit one of these to my Quickfire

Mine is a quick fire + modded  capslock leds + win key lock  ^-^

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 14 March 2013, 23:50:30
That would drive me nuts. LOL
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 15 March 2013, 01:06:33

Mine is a quick fire + modded  capslock leds + win key lock  ^-^


Mind sharin a bit of the how to? Mostly the USB part.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Permeability on Mon, 08 April 2013, 11:24:28
I need some help installing this case.. it seems the right side top plate will not sit with the bottom plate because the holes for the LEDs prevent it from going down. here's a picture:
http://imgur.com/76LuQjx

So i cant get the right side of the top plate to touch the right side of the bottom plate. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 08 April 2013, 13:19:58
I need some help installing this case.. it seems the right side top plate will not sit with the bottom plate because the holes for the LEDs prevent it from going down. here's a picture:
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/76LuQjx)


So i cant get the right side of the top plate to touch the right side of the bottom plate. Any suggestions?


ur picture doesn't show up.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Mon, 08 April 2013, 13:21:50
Same here. Glad to have them, finally.
Now you sell me the case, right? :P I'd like mine in black, along with that KMini of yours. :P Also, Leslieann, I found one of the extender cables on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Black-Female-Cable/dp/B00B5HSA3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365445463&sr=1-5&keywords=mini+usb+extension+cable), surprised me that they aren't more common than the 19 that are currently in stock.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 08 April 2013, 13:28:08
Same here. Glad to have them, finally.
Now you sell me the case, right? :P I'd like mine in black, along with that KMini of yours. :P Also, Leslieann, I found one of the extender cables on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Black-Female-Cable/dp/B00B5HSA3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365445463&sr=1-5&keywords=mini+usb+extension+cable), surprised me that they aren't more common than the 19 that are currently in stock.

$5  :eek: for that?  F.............

much too much
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: SmallFry on Mon, 08 April 2013, 13:29:02
I agree that it is indeed expensive.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Permeability on Mon, 08 April 2013, 13:43:20
I need some help installing this case.. it seems the right side top plate will not sit with the bottom plate because the holes for the LEDs prevent it from going down. here's a picture:
http://imgur.com/76LuQjx

So i cant get the right side of the top plate to touch the right side of the bottom plate. Any suggestions?

fixed with picture link. sorry.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 08 April 2013, 15:50:19
Here's the red one
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 08 April 2013, 16:25:16
Also, Leslieann, I found one of the extender cables on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Black-Female-Cable/dp/B00B5HSA3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365445463&sr=1-5&keywords=mini+usb+extension+cable), surprised me that they aren't more common than the 19 that are currently in stock.
I wish that had been available when I got mine, in fact I had a heck of a time finding it in stock anywhere. There was the place I listed and only about 3 stores in China that had them. 2 of which were not meant for small quantities.



$5  :eek: for that?  F.............
I take it you didn't look at the link I posted. $14 before shipping.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Capitalistix on Thu, 11 April 2013, 00:50:53
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 11 April 2013, 03:05:27
I believe the control board hangs too low.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: F u r u y á on Thu, 11 April 2013, 12:36:28
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
According to WFD, no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEWMwLu10I&t=16m58s).
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 11 April 2013, 12:57:10
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
According to WFD, no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEWMwLu10I&t=16m58s).

It fits, but height wise, it will need to be propped up by something..

I'd go with wood shim + rubber pad..

If you've completed a working phantom, I'd think you're competent enough to get this right.. it's pretty easy
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: RSC on Sat, 18 May 2013, 20:03:00
Is this for sale in Europe?
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Thu, 23 May 2013, 03:28:09
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
According to WFD, no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEWMwLu10I&t=16m58s).

Mine fits well, I think I wrote about it earlier in this thread.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Thu, 23 May 2013, 03:28:41
Is this for sale in Europe?

I paid a crazy amount for shipping and tax.  If you've a reliable proxy I'd suggest you ask them.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 23 May 2013, 03:43:47
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
According to WFD, no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEWMwLu10I&t=16m58s).

Mine fits well, I think I wrote about it earlier in this thread.

I still don't understand how this is possible. This vortex case depends on that 90degree bend from the plate to mount the plate/PCB combo. The Phantom's plate does not have this bend.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 23 May 2013, 16:14:19
You either need the Filco plate, or you have to wedge something inside to hold the plate up.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: t2russo on Thu, 23 May 2013, 18:40:40
(http://cdn.skincaretalk.com/b/b7/b78cc71f_z3450_mind-blown.jpeg)

I think JDcarpe did shimming to fit his WFD plated Filco into his case.  IIRC he had some rubber strips that made up the height difference and allowed the halves to close down and clamp the plate.  I'm more curious about the teensy fit.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 23 May 2013, 19:04:22
Show Image
(http://cdn.skincaretalk.com/b/b7/b78cc71f_z3450_mind-blown.jpeg)


I think JDcarpe did shimming to fit his WFD plated Filco into his case.  IIRC he had some rubber strips that made up the height difference and allowed the halves to close down and clamp the plate.  I'm more curious about the teensy fit.

rubber shimming is a great idea because it is less likely to crack the board if there's "too much pressure"
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: t2russo on Thu, 23 May 2013, 19:13:06
rubber shimming is a great idea because it is less likely to crack the board if there's "too much pressure"

**** now you have me paranoid that my case is too tight and strangling my bare pcb...  :eek:
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 23 May 2013, 19:30:20
rubber shimming is a great idea because it is less likely to crack the board if there's "too much pressure"

**** now you have me paranoid that my case is too tight and strangling my bare pcb...  :eek:

the case doesn't strangle the pcb if you're using a filco or quickfire..

that could only be a problem if you're using a phantom.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: t2russo on Thu, 23 May 2013, 20:03:28
Yeah I'm crazy, it only grabs the plate anyways  :rolleyes: 
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 23 May 2013, 20:04:22
Show Image
(http://cdn.skincaretalk.com/b/b7/b78cc71f_z3450_mind-blown.jpeg)


I think JDcarpe did shimming to fit his WFD plated Filco into his case.  IIRC he had some rubber strips that made up the height difference and allowed the halves to close down and clamp the plate.  I'm more curious about the teensy fit.

That wasn't me, but someone did that. I can't remember now who it was. I put a Filco plate on a QFR PCB for mine. :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 23 May 2013, 23:38:48
anyone know if these fit the phantom ?
According to WFD, no (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEWMwLu10I&t=16m58s).

Mine fits well, I think I wrote about it earlier in this thread.

I still don't understand how this is possible. This vortex case depends on that 90degree bend from the plate to mount the plate/PCB combo. The Phantom's plate does not have this bend.

I usually never do this, but I'm going to quote myself to add on what I was saying. I just took out my Phantom PCB/plate and checked for the 2nd time in this Vortex case, and it does NOT fit properly. And just like a few people mentioned above, you need to fill the front and back edge of the case with something so the plate can actually sit on it. But without something to prop up a flat plate, it won't fit.

Dirge, I'm pretty sure yours "fit" is because either you don't have it seated correctly, or the teensy controller is pushing it up. You're actually putting stress on your teensy if this is the case, so you might want to check the fitment again.


Also, my controller is "properly" soldered on, and it sits completely flush to the PCB. When I mount this PCB/plate combo in this Vortex case, it wobbles like crazy because there is a lot of clearance between the teensy and the case. So your phantom should NOT fit in this case without mods to the case or the plate.


[attach=1]
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Sat, 25 May 2013, 04:36:16
I think on mine the USB connection is the point the pressure is on.  If I press on the pause key there's flex there, but I never press hard anyway.

I guess it depends on how perfect you want things.  Works fine for me, sure I will at some point put something underneath to act as standoffs to take the pressure off the teensy/usbcable.  But I'm not in any hurry.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Glod on Sat, 25 May 2013, 16:58:15
well as long as there would be clearance for the teensy, it seems absolutely possible to create a special fitted mount for the phantom with SUGRU, the stuff sticks fine to aluminium, you can shape it to almost anyway and sand it to a perfect fit and it sets to be almost rock hard in less than 20 hours. I've got a vortex case currently with a CMStorm QFR Rapid and im going to give it a try when i get the phantom. worst case scenario is the case stays with the CMStorm lol.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: dirge on Sun, 26 May 2013, 03:29:01
I was thinking about using plastiform.  Just need boiling water, when it cools its rock hard.  Great stuff.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: boye on Fri, 28 February 2014, 11:13:05
After reading the entire thread and being none the wiser; have anyone tried fitting a Shine 3 yet?
Would be quite nice to know before ordering one and paying taxes and all :)
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: epzy on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:20:08
After reading the entire thread and being none the wiser; have anyone tried fitting a Shine 3 yet?
Would be quite nice to know before ordering one and paying taxes and all :)

I think WhiteFireDragon tried with a Ducky Shine YOTD or something. It almost fit, but you will have to file 0.5mm of off each side of the plate. The question is, is the pcb/plate on the Shine 3 same as the Shine 2? I think so, but someone else here should probably know for sure.

Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: areyounoob on Wed, 15 July 2015, 18:21:26
To the people that got the Phantom in place, how high and what areas of the PCB are you supporting with wood/rubber/styrofoam?  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: Leslieann on Wed, 15 July 2015, 19:15:26
The Phantom doesn't fit for several reasons.
There is no lip on the plate (adapters can fix that), but what is not so easy to solve is the fact that the controller doesn't fit into the case, it hangs down and hits the bottom.  I've heard of some notching or even cutting out the bottom of case to give it room. Not an ideal solution, but a practical one. You also might be able to relocate it, but where, I have no idea.


This posts talks about it a bit.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46827.msg1063176#msg1063176
Title: Re: Vortex Aluminum Filco Case
Post by: samhwang on Mon, 17 August 2015, 22:19:52
Hi everyone,

I know this is a pretty old thread already, but I'm planning  on buying one of these cases. But the question is: Do they fit the custom costar controller from bpiphany ?  :'( :'(

I've read through the thread and saw jdcarpe says yes while WFD video says no, so I'm a bit confused.