[IC] Mechanical Fidget Cube

[No_joke]

Not so long ago I was on kickstarter and I saw the Fidget Cube (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/antsylabs/fidget-cube-a-vinyl-desk-toy).
This little toy is simply a small cube that has various features on it for you to fidget with.
The cube is nice and all, but I think we all know what it’s missing .

Enter, the mechanical fidget cube!



This 44x44x44mm aluminium cube features 24 mechanical switches for your tactile fidgeting pleasure.
Of course, that isn’t it’s only function.

• Use it as a switch tester
• Use it as a switch lubing stand
• Give it as a gift to your mechanical keyboard loving friend
• It’s probably not so bad as paperweight

Jokes aside, I’d really like to manufacture a small quantity of these.
In practicality, they would most likely feature Gateron switches and DSA keycaps from Signature Plastics and I’m hoping to make them fully configurable (choose a switch color and keycap color for every switch).

In terms of price, for 20 units, we’re looking at around 20$ for a barebones version (no switches or keycaps) and around 40$ for the fully equipped one (excluding shipping).
Of course the price will drop with respect to the number of people taking part.

If instead, you'd like to make one yourself, the plans are available here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B088D3eeCn1mY29aRHVpUmlFYzg

Any feedback would be welcome!   

[ishtob]

sounds awesome!

I'm thinking if we can hand wire a adafruit feather 32u4 BLE into this, we can have a small 3D game pad of sorts

I believe that board is supported by one of the QMK forks

[Vigrith]

100% in.

[FoxWolf1]

Any chance of a version with wiring/PCBs, batteries, and wireless? That way it could actually send input while still being held/manipulated in an untethered fashion.

[ishtob]

thats what I suggested, probably have to hand wire if we are to keep the price low...

not sure how a charge port would be implemented though...

[GreyAmbience]

Hahaha that's the most stupid idea ever, I'm in!

Sent from my microwave oven using alternating current

[No_joke]

sounds awesome!

I'm thinking if we can hand wire a adafruit feather 32u4 BLE into this, we can have a small 3D game pad of sorts

I believe that board is supported by one of the QMK forks

Any chance of a version with wiring/PCBs, batteries, and wireless? That way it could actually send input while still being held/manipulated in an untethered fashion.

That would certainly be awesome. Would need a complete redesign though. Perhaps in the future! 

[romevi]

Interest is mildly titillated.

I recall seeing the Fidget Cube during the Kickstarter phase and always thought it looked too small to actually use on a regular bases. Part of what makes fidgeting fun is having the ability to use objects with your full hand or two hands. The Fidget Cube looks to be operable with just two fingers, and that seems uncomfortable.
But the success sky-rocketed, and people seem to be reporting in positive feedback with the knock-offs that have been circulating.

[doooostin]

Interested! I love small things like this .

I think it would be fun if these were customizable. I.e., you can put whatever switches you want in them. Maybe a Diy kit?

[Vigrith]

Interested! I love small things like this .

I think it would be fun if these were customizable. I.e., you can put whatever switches you want in them. Maybe a Diy kit?

In terms of price, for 20 units, we’re looking at around 20$ for a barebones version (no switches or keycaps) and around 40$ for the fully equipped one (excluding shipping).
Of course the price will drop with respect to the number of people taking part.

[Kominyetska]

In for 1 or 2 barebones setups.

[Tom_Kazansky]

why don't you add 2u key? 2x 2u, one use costar stab, one use cherry stab

Any chance of a version with wiring/PCBs, batteries, and wireless? That way it could actually send input while still being held/manipulated in an untethered fashion.

lol, more than just a figet cube, it will become some high-tech cube

[ixtopolis]

This is going to open a portal to the Cenobites, isn't it?

[UsualSuspectXXX]

This is ridiculous. I love it and I'm totally in for one... Or three...

[thad]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

That'd be great for the short term, but I think the weight of the aluminum is what would make this awesome!

[thad]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

That'd be great for the short term, but I think the weight of the aluminum is what would make this awesome!

I agree, but the STL let's me have one done in the morning.

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

That'd be great for the short term, but I think the weight of the aluminum is what would make this awesome!

I agree, but the STL let's me have one done in the morning.

Very true. I might be able to get one of my coworkers to print me one.

[thad]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

That'd be great for the short term, but I think the weight of the aluminum is what would make this awesome!

I agree, but the STL let's me have one done in the morning.

Very true. I might be able to get one of my coworkers to print me one.

If you can get the SoldiWorks file into an STL, I'll print one for you.

[RELLIK]

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

[YoungMichael88]

I wouldn't mind one a bit smaller even with just one switch per side and 6 different Cherry switches. Red, blue, black, brown, green, clear. All pre built. Or even if there was a way to add LEDs that just switched on/off with every press individually. Or a naval orange sized sphere completely covered in MX blues.

[yuktsi]

this could replace gon mobik that i put next to my bed 

[YoungMichael88]

I wouldn't mind one a bit smaller even with just one switch per side and 6 different Cherry switches. Red, blue, black, brown, green, clear. All pre built. Or even if there was a way to add LEDs that just switched on/off with every press individually. Or a naval orange sized sphere completely covered in MX blues.

[KINGPIN]

this looks like a grenade, I am in

[Giorgio]

If it's really a switch tester, wouldn't it need some sort of base? Because otherwise you're only pushing switches against switches.

[No_joke]

Any chance of getting STL's of the files so I could 3D print a cube?

I'll try to design a 3d printable version sometime this week, but honestly I wouldn't trust 1.5mm plastic to be very strong...

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

I'll update the design to allow opening the switches.

I wouldn't mind one a bit smaller even with just one switch per side and 6 different Cherry switches. Red, blue, black, brown, green, clear. All pre built. Or even if there was a way to add LEDs that just switched on/off with every press individually. Or a naval orange sized sphere completely covered in MX blues.

All very good ideas, perhaps in the future.

If it's really a switch tester, wouldn't it need some sort of base? Because otherwise you're only pushing switches against switches.

Just leave one face empty 

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

I'll update the design to allow opening the switches.

But nothing is soldered, so you can just pop the switch out entirely...

[No_joke]

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

I'll update the design to allow opening the switches.

But nothing is soldered, so you can just pop the switch out entirely...

Oh yeah. Good point  )

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

I'll update the design to allow opening the switches.

But nothing is soldered, so you can just pop the switch out entirely...

Oh yeah. Good point  )

Maybe on rev.2 when you can fit a mini bluetooth controller inside

[diiiP]

Interested!
Any plans regarding the material?
Aluminum / Steel / Brass?

[No_joke]

Interested!
Any plans regarding the material?
Aluminum / Steel / Brass?

Aluminum because it's light and durable 

[RELLIK]

Huh, neat. Might be interested in a barebones for a switch tester if switches can be opened. It'd actually be pretty handy space saver like that.

I'll update the design to allow opening the switches.

But nothing is soldered, so you can just pop the switch out entirely...

Noted. :S So long as I can mount some different switches on it and press away Im good/intersted >_>

[Findecanor]

... and here I had been fidgeting with single key switches.

Imagine the games you could do with a microcontroller inside and some backlighting ...

[iFreilicht]

I made one with just one key per side:



Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

[No_joke]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Looks awesome. Care to share the files?

[iFreilicht]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Looks awesome. Care to share the files?

Sent you a PM.

[UsualSuspectXXX]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Nice. Care to get a 4x4x4 made up?

[iFreilicht]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Nice. Care to get a 4x4x4 made up?

You mean like, 4x4 switches on each side or 4 switches on each side like in the OP? If you want I can do that, but I'll wait for this version to come in first so I can see if everything fits correctly. According to shapeways it will take a week to get to me.

Do you think that I should still include a knob with a hole for attaching a piece of string on such a large cube? Personally I can't really see it being used as a keychain at that size.

[iFreilicht]

Care to get a 4x4x4 made up?

Had a bit of time this evening, so I did:



The one with just one key per side costs a bit less than $10 bucks on SW, but this one is already close to $38 when printing with plastic. So at that point it would make more sense to get No_jokes version, especially if you want it to be metal. Metallic plastic costs over $55.

[No_joke]

Since this thread was bumped anyway, just thought I'd give you guys a bit of an update on progress.
Right now I'm working on a configurator for the mechanical fidget cube.
When this is done, I'll start a group buy and then on to manufacturing!



Happy fidgeting!

[YoungMichael88]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Now that's what I want!

[iFreilicht]

I made one with just one key per side:

(Attachment Link)

Supports Alps and Cherry MX switches, both plate- and PCB-mount variants.

Just ordered it from shapeways to see what it will look like and whether the fit is good. If you can't wait you can get one from them.

Now that's what I want!

Sent you a link via PM.

Since this thread was bumped anyway, just thought I'd give you guys a bit of an update on progress.
Right now I'm working on a configurator for the mechanical fidget cube.
When this is done, I'll start a group buy and then on to manufacturing!

Show Image

Happy fidgeting!

That's a very cool idea! Do you already know what switches one will be able to choose from?

[UsualSuspectXXX]

Care to get a 4x4x4 made up?

Had a bit of time this evening, so I did:

(Attachment Link)

The one with just one key per side costs a bit less than $10 bucks on SW, but this one is already close to $38 when printing with plastic. So at that point it would make more sense to get No_jokes version, especially if you want it to be metal. Metallic plastic costs over $55.

That looks awesome! I'm a bit surprised that the price jumped up so much though =/

Since this thread was bumped anyway, just thought I'd give you guys a bit of an update on progress.
Right now I'm working on a configurator for the mechanical fidget cube.
When this is done, I'll start a group buy and then on to manufacturing!

Show Image

Happy fidgeting!

Woo, can't wait for this to be a thing!

[iFreilicht]

Care to get a 4x4x4 made up?

Had a bit of time this evening, so I did:

(Attachment Link)

The one with just one key per side costs a bit less than $10 bucks on SW, but this one is already close to $38 when printing with plastic. So at that point it would make more sense to get No_jokes version, especially if you want it to be metal. Metallic plastic costs over $55.

That looks awesome! I'm a bit surprised that the price jumped up so much though =/

Yeah me too. I also uploaded it to i.materialise as well and they give a much better offer at about 20$. Interestingly, the small one comes in at a little over 15$. I guess I'll order a small one from there as well to see how they differ in quality from shapeways.

[Fiery]

I'm definetly interested, I love fidget things, but I currently don't own any. Seems awesome

[iFreilicht]

Got the print from Shapeways today! The whole cube is much sturdier than I expected. I wasn't expecting quite such a coarse finish when ordering "Polished and Dyed", but it's less visible to the naked eye.



Doesn't quite fit the orange of my board. Unfortunately, there is some variance to the dyeing process SW uses, so that's to be expected.



With switches and keychain QD installed. Switches fit in quite well, but because SLS 3D-printing isn't perfectly repeatable, one of the sides has a looser fit than all the others. It still seems like there's no way for them to fall out accidentally, but if I were to mount very valuable switches in there, I'd probably hot-glue them just to be on the safe side. I'll keep this in my pocket the next few days to see whether they come loose on their own.

I'm not feeling comfortable posting the link to the SW item here, after all this isn't my IC. If you want one, googling "FidgetKeyCube" should be sufficient to find it.

[MikeTheTiger]

(Attachment Link)

Got the print from Shapeways today! The whole cube is much sturdier than I expected. I wasn't expecting quite such a coarse finish when ordering "Polished and Dyed", but it's less visible to the naked eye.

(Attachment Link)

Doesn't quite fit the orange of my board. Unfortunately, there is some variance to the dyeing process SW uses, so that's to be expected.

(Attachment Link)

With switches and keychain QD installed. Switches fit in quite well, but because SLS 3D-printing isn't perfectly repeatable, one of the sides has a looser fit than all the others. It still seems like there's no way for them to fall out accidentally, but if I were to mount very valuable switches in there, I'd probably hot-glue them just to be on the safe side. I'll keep this in my pocket the next few days to see whether they come loose on their own.

I'm not feeling comfortable posting the link to the SW item here, after all this isn't my IC. If you want one, googling "FidgetKeyCube" should be sufficient to find it.

Looks nice!! 

[iFreilicht]

In case anyone else is interested in printing one of the cubes I posted above, you can find them on thingiverse now: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2749631