RAMA Topre/MX Hybrid

[KingRama]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd like to keep everyone updated on my progress so far with my projects!

After a successful first GroupBuy I'm proud to announce that I sold 61% of my goal - I didn't reach the quantity I was hoping for, but I want to get my keycaps out to people that have been supporting me
All orders for my GroupBuy will be receiving one of my 4% keyboard pcbs: http://rama.works/#/r042b/

And here are the colours of they keycaps for those interested:

And the raw aluminium cap:


For those who missed out, I will be selling the remainder of the quantity in Round 2 of the GroupBuy (which has already begun! Ending May 1st or earlier)

Now, whilst I wait for the order to come in (it was paid for yesterday! woo) I have begun research and development on a hybrid Topre/MX stem.
I have already started to 3D print various prototypes until I hone in on something that works so that I can get it properly machined and fully tested.

Here is a render of the current proposal:

Hopefully this idea works :3
EDIT NEW PROPOSAL HERE:


Thanks everyone so far for the support and welcoming me to this amazing community!


UPDATE: it works kinda - just need to add something to stabilize it and we're in business. EDIT: Nubbinator made a valid point that they will pop-off easy - which yes, they will! Back to the drawing board

Here's the video of prototype 2:

Prototype 3 with "pop-off" issue fixed:

[hwood34]

Wish I used artisans more so I could pick up some of these, look like really high quality stuff. Honestly the highest looking quality artisans I've seen in a while. I might have to pick up that mini-numpad though when it gets released, has a Cherry-look to it nvm apparently m0110. Still very cool

[romevi]

Will definitely get a hybrid.

[KatzenKinder]

Definitely interesting, really well-executed too. I'll keep an eye out 

[Waateva]

Love the hybrid stem, the picture of it really shows off how clean everything on the cap is too.

[KingRama]

Wish I used artisans more so I could pick up some of these, look like really high quality stuff. Honestly the highest looking quality artisans I've seen in a while. I might have to pick up that mini-numpad though when it gets released, has a Cherry-look to it

oh wow... thanks heaps man! That means a lot to me :')

Yeah I really wanted to get a retro look for those numpads/macroboards, it's influenced from some of the really early Apple keyboards Actually working with someone now to do a programmable PCB then I'll probably do a shortrun on the enclosures with the PCB's Gonna do a cnc'd aluminium case for the heck of it when I get some time, gonna be sick

Will definitely get a hybrid.

 
Hopefully it works! Will report back once I get some results (failures or successes)

Definitely interesting, really well-executed too. I'll keep an eye out 

 
Thanks heaps dude! Will keep you updated ^_^

Love the hybrid stem, the picture of it really shows off how clean everything on the cap is too.

 
Thanks heaps once again dude!

[nubbinator]

As someone who had done hybrid stems, you have to be incredibly precise in your tolerances or it will not work.  I have doubts about your rendered stem since the front looks MX stem sized, which can cause fitment issues.

[KingRama]

As someone who had done hybrid stems, you have to be incredibly precise in your tolerances or it will not work.  I have doubts about your rendered stem since the front looks MX stem sized, which can cause fitment issues.

Its actually bigger than the MX stem but is designed to still fit within the MX Cavity, since it's squared off at the top.

Just tested the prototype and it seems to work well - just need to add something to stabilize rotation. Uploading video now!

[nubbinator]

I was saying with the ones I tested, friction fit is okay, but, ideally, you have a tapered front that helps you get closer to a snap fit.  Without that snap fit, you run the chances that the cap pops off.  I noticed friction fit only ones were prone to popping off.

[KingRama]

I was saying with the ones I tested, friction fit is okay, but, ideally, you have a tapered front that helps you get closer to a snap fit.  Without that snap fit, you run the chances that the cap pops off.  I noticed friction fit only ones were prone to popping off.

Oh i see what you're saying now, the prongs act like a snap fit with the arrow shaped thing they sit under on the slider. Yes very true, this is the main hurdle that will have to be sorted, as you said it will easily pop off. HMM.

[KingRama]

Okay the only thing I can think of right now is to make it so you put it on at 90 degrees then twist it on to lock it in - but of course can't do that when they're next to each other so completely pointless of an idea ;__;
EDIT: I have another idea now which may work, might have to wait until next week to try it out though ;___;

VIDEO of first prototype:

[KingRama]

I was saying with the ones I tested, friction fit is okay, but, ideally, you have a tapered front that helps you get closer to a snap fit.  Without that snap fit, you run the chances that the cap pops off.  I noticed friction fit only ones were prone to popping off.

Hey mate, I fixed that issue, video uploading now :3

[KingRama]

Here is the video of Prototype #3

[hwood34]

Here is the video of Prototype #3

 

[KingRama]

Here is the video of Prototype #3

 

Going to get a more finished prototype soon

[sherryton]

Nice design!

[Weltschmerz]

These are really cool. Any chance for a cherry profile "gamer" set? (WASD and Arrows). I would totally buy that, because the chance of winning one from Bro seems super unlikely. I know Doom also does gamer sets, which look fantastic, but again, raffles and I've never been very lucky.

[zslane]

Will this hybrid design work with Topre HiPro switch housings?

Ultimately I am wondering this: if I have SA keycaps, which Topre switches will they fit on with these hybrid stems?

[KingRama]

Nice design!

Thanks dude

These are really cool. Any chance for a cherry profile "gamer" set? (WASD and Arrows). I would totally buy that, because the chance of winning one from Bro seems super unlikely. I know Doom also does gamer sets, which look fantastic, but again, raffles and I've never been very lucky.

Hey yeah man, definitely, been wanting to do WASD/ARROW sets for a while, just need to find some spare time and some money to get it going ;__; but yeah dude, gonna happen for sure!

Will this hybrid design work with Topre HiPro switch housings?

Ultimately I am wondering this: if I have SA keycaps, which Topre switches will they fit on with these hybrid stems?

 
Hey dude, hmmm, not sure about it fitting onto the HiPro switch housings - do they have more travel than traditional Topre switch housings?
I've been meaning to get a Hi-Pro board for myself when I have some spare cash, would be able to test it when I have access to it. Or perhaps I can send a prototype around for it to be tested so we can check?

At this point I can't give you a definitive answer until I see one and can play around with it :E Not sure that it would judging from the pictures, but who knows!
All I know is that I REALLY want a Hi-Pro board 

[Photekq]

Those little 10-key keyboards shown in the renders look absolutely amazing. I don't suppose you have any plans to sell something like that?

[mobbo]

You know I'm in for the future, Rama.

Good stuff. Really excited to see what else you have up your sleeve.

[fanpeople]

Dis sexy everyone likes a good hybrid i cant wait to see the finished product.

Would 10/10 bang a hybrid.

Buy i mean buy a hybrid

[zslane]

I have a 104UK HiPro and I'd really like to put SA keycaps on it. Cooler Master refuses to manufacture an ANSI 104 version of the NovaTouch, so I'm pretty much out of options. A properly designed hybrid stem might just be the answer.

If you ever come up with a prototype you'd like tested on a HiPro, I'd be happy to try it on mine (with a number of different keycap profiles).

[hwood34]

Those little 10-key keyboards shown in the renders look absolutely amazing. I don't suppose you have any plans to sell something like that?

Says they're coming coon on his website

[SpAmRaY]

I have a 104UK HiPro and I'd really like to put SA keycaps on it. Cooler Master refuses to manufacture an ANSI 104 version of the NovaTouch, so I'm pretty much out of options. A properly designed hybrid stem might just be the answer.

If you ever come up with a prototype you'd like tested on a HiPro, I'd be happy to try it on mine (with a number of different keycap profiles).

What you want are MX compatible topre sliders, what RAMA has here is a hybrid keycap stem that theoretically fits both.

[KingRama]

Those little 10-key keyboards shown in the renders look absolutely amazing. I don't suppose you have any plans to sell something like that?

In the works! Working with a mate to get a programmable PCB made then I'll get the enclosure manufactured as a short run

You know I'm in for the future, Rama.

Good stuff. Really excited to see what else you have up your sleeve.

Aw thanks dude, I hope you're there in the future with me 

Dis sexy everyone likes a good hybrid i cant wait to see the finished product.

Would 10/10 bang a hybrid.

Buy i mean buy a hybrid

Gonna get a sexy nicely finished machined prototype soon, doing the CAD later this weekend when I got some time

I have a 104UK HiPro and I'd really like to put SA keycaps on it. Cooler Master refuses to manufacture an ANSI 104 version of the NovaTouch, so I'm pretty much out of options. A properly designed hybrid stem might just be the answer.

If you ever come up with a prototype you'd like tested on a HiPro, I'd be happy to try it on mine (with a number of different keycap profiles).

Damnit Coolermaster! Yeah problem is with manufacturing all these things is that anything at small quantities is ludicrously expensive ;_; Wish I had an infinite budget to just bite the bullet and get things mass produced so that they could be affordable for people  But yeah dude, I'll look into it and I'd be happy to send you something to try out re: the hybrid stem'd cap and see if it fits

Says they're coming coon on his website

hehe but how soon, who knows definitely a project I'm going to do though

I have a 104UK HiPro and I'd really like to put SA keycaps on it. Cooler Master refuses to manufacture an ANSI 104 version of the NovaTouch, so I'm pretty much out of options. A properly designed hybrid stem might just be the answer.

If you ever come up with a prototype you'd like tested on a HiPro, I'd be happy to try it on mine (with a number of different keycap profiles).

What you want are MX compatible topre sliders, what RAMA has here is a hybrid keycap stem that theoretically fits both.

Correct, however I'm not sure about it fitting on the HI-CAPS topre switch housing he was referring too, I'm not sure how different it is to ordinary topre switch housings

[KingRama]

Revision 4 :3



Getting this prototyped now, hopefully will receive it end of this week/next week

[Waateva]

Revision 4 :3

Show Image

Getting this prototyped now, hopefully will receive it end of this week/next week

Lookin' good!

[KingRama]

Revision 4 :3

Show Image

Getting this prototyped now, hopefully will receive it end of this week/next week

Lookin' good!

Cheers mate! Pumping all profits from my groupbuy straight back into R&D and getting these prototyped + the mould from the original post! :D

This new idea allows for any stem to be attached to the keycap, so makers would only have to make one type of keycap and can use whichever stem they want whether it be bucklingspring/Topre+MX/ALPs etc.

[Waateva]

Revision 4 :3

Show Image

Getting this prototyped now, hopefully will receive it end of this week/next week

Lookin' good!

Cheers mate! Pumping all profits from my groupbuy straight back into R&D and getting these prototyped + the mould from the original post! :D

This new idea allows for any stem to be attached to the keycap, so makers would only have to make one type of keycap and can use whichever stem they want whether it be bucklingspring/Topre+MX/ALPs etc.

Wow, that's quite ambitious!  Good luck with it :)

[KingRama]

Wow, that's quite ambitious!  Good luck with it

Thanks heaps dude, you're always so encouraging! Will report back with photos when the prototypes arrive Can't wait to show them!

[DukeMugen]

Im loving these ideas and renders. will follow your work. You're very interesting , great work man!

[KingRama]

Im loving these ideas and renders. will follow your work. You're very interesting , great work man!

Oh wow thank heaps dude!! Going to follow up with the real prototype photos when they come in hopefully this week or next

Cheers for following my projects and work!

[dgneo]

Rama you're cranking out some impressive stuff, really nice work here.

Also definitely interested in one of the 10 key boards

[KingRama]

Rama you're cranking out some impressive stuff, really nice work here.

Also definitely interested in one of the 10 key boards

Aww cheers dgneo, you guys are the best, honestly!

Speaking with someone now to make these a possibility!!

[nubbinator]

Revision 4 :3

Show Image

Getting this prototyped now, hopefully will receive it end of this week/next week

Lookin' good!

Cheers mate! Pumping all profits from my groupbuy straight back into R&D and getting these prototyped + the mould from the original post! :D

This new idea allows for any stem to be attached to the keycap, so makers would only have to make one type of keycap and can use whichever stem they want whether it be bucklingspring/Topre+MX/ALPs etc.

Sounds like my Modular Cap System.  A round cutout like in your render won't work though.  The housing top of the switch has to fit inside the cap.

[KingRama]

Sounds like my Modular Cap System.  A round cutout like in your render won't work though.  The housing top of the switch has to fit inside the cap.

Hey mate, don't wish to step on anyone's toes with this, didn't see that post on your modular cap system. The main reason I'm using a modular stem is that it's required for the way that the Topre/MX stem is manufactured

The initial square cutout allows space for the main body of the Topre housing and the circular cutout is for the round extrusion at the top-most of the switch housing.

Hope that makes sense :E But yeah, it's all measured and it fit with my initial 3D printed trials!

[KingRama]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

[zslane]

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

[romevi]

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

Macros.

[KingRama]

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

It's a programmable 10-key keyboard, so you can change what each key does easily through a web-interface :3
For example you could set it up to be used as a media controller or specific keys for a flight-sim, anything you want!

 

Macros.

 
And this  )

[Waateva]

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

Hacking obviously

[KingRama]

Hacking obviously

Show Image

LOL plugging in the M10A into the statue of liberty is not recommended!  :p

[zslane]

Isn't there keymapping software out there that lets me, say, assign macros to my numpad keys?

[romevi]

Isn't there keymapping software out there that lets me, say, assign macros to my numpad keys?

And aren't there, like, a gorillion keyboards and keysets out there already?

Options.

[KingRama]

Isn't there keymapping software out there that lets me, say, assign macros to my numpad keys?

Yeah dude, there definitely is - just making something beautiful for fun as a side project

[bocahgundul]

Rama y u so cool?

[KingRama]

Rama y u so cool?

Hahahaha dunno bout' cool man, I just like working on these kinds of projects

[hwood34]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

[zslane]

I understand the impulse to make gadgets cuz making stuff is fun. But folks here are acting like it fills some void in the keyboard functionality space, and I was just wondering what I was missing. Part of my puzzlement may come from not being a collector of keyboards or keyboard accessories.

[theoriginal123123]

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

Hacking obviously

Show Image

I love that gif so much  :D

[KingRama]

Oh that's hot

Oh I love making sneak peak shots of it's interior

I understand the impulse to make gadgets cuz making stuff is fun. But folks here are acting like it fills some void in the keyboard functionality space, and I was just wondering what I was missing. Part of my puzzlement may come from not being a collector of keyboards or keyboard accessories.

 
I don't think anyone is claiming the macroboard will fill any void or is anything new man ><" Just a cool little product that would look nice on a desk and feel super premium to hold and use Das all! It'll just give people that feeling you get when you see something beautiful that you want - for me it's when I got my Teenage Engineering OP-1. I don't even use it, but I've always wanted one. And when I finally saved up to splurge on one, it felt amazing. Words cannot describe that feeling bruh. I don't know where I was going with this, but, yeah, working on projects like these and getting prototypes made and seeing them to fruition is a really rewarding process for me, creating something that people want, it's just feels good man.

What is the purpose of a macroboard?

Hacking obviously

Show Image

I love that gif so much  :D

 
LOL me too, it's great, makes me wanna replay Deus Ex

[Waateva]

I understand the impulse to make gadgets cuz making stuff is fun. But folks here are acting like it fills some void in the keyboard functionality space, and I was just wondering what I was missing. Part of my puzzlement may come from not being a collector of keyboards or keyboard accessories.

I don't think anyone at all is acting like the macroboard is something groundbreaking or anything as there are plenty of other macroboards, this one just happens to look very nice and clean to people like it.

[KingRama]

I understand the impulse to make gadgets cuz making stuff is fun. But folks here are acting like it fills some void in the keyboard functionality space, and I was just wondering what I was missing. Part of my puzzlement may come from not being a collector of keyboards or keyboard accessories.

I don't think anyone at all is acting like the macroboard is something groundbreaking or anything as there are plenty of other macroboards, this one just happens to look very nice and clean to people like it.

Thisss, thanks Waateva! Not reinventing the wheel here, just making something people might like to have :3

[demik]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

I don't know what this is but I want it

[KingRama]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

I don't know what this is but I want it

ANOTHER ONE.

ANOTHER ONE.

ANOTHER ONE.

[KingRama]

I don't know what this is but I want it

Also, I'm working on it man! Working on costings ATM - the circuit/electronics side of it is coming along really well from the hard work of 27percent (sir smartypants) of Machine Industries

Once I get my GroupBuy all shipped out and trial a few prototypes, full force ahead on releasing this bad boiiiiiiii 

[Waateva]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

I don't know what this is but I want it

It's MX, doesn't go to u

[demik]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

I don't know what this is but I want it

It's MX, doesn't go to u

i support anything kingrama does

plus i need a place to put keycaps from makers that hate topre :(

[Waateva]

Update on the macroboard!
I have been working with 27percent from Machine Industries to make the RAMA M10-A Macroboard a possibility
It will feature a web-based configurator to set up the keys and it will be fully programmable!

Here is a sneak peak:

Show Image

Oh that's hot

I don't know what this is but I want it

It's MX, doesn't go to u

i support anything kingrama does

plus i need a place to put keycaps from makers that hate topre :(

Poor MX artisans, no home :(

[KingRama]

i support anything kingrama does

plus i need a place to put keycaps from makers that hate topre

Awww dude what, that actually touched my heart O_O 

You know I'd make a Topre one if I could dontchu demik Why they don't sell discrete switch housings is beyond me

[demik]

i know you would, you understand the topre love.

this is all topre's fault.. but i can't be mad at it! I LOVE U TOPRE.

[KingRama]

i know you would, you understand the topre love.

this is all topre's fault.. but i can't be mad at it! I LOVE U TOPRE.

Why you heff to be like this Topre - just release a discrete housing. Oh my god and if they used the same PCB mounting layout as MX. OMG IS THIS POSSIBLE... ZEAL? SOMEONE? MAKE ONE? ....PLZ?

[jebbra]

That board! It's really a nice design! Please make the numpad too and even better, 60% case with that kind of retro goodness style. Please!

[KingRama]

That board! It's really a nice design! Please make the numpad too and even better, 60% case with that kind of retro goodness style. Please!

Heh thanks heaps dude! I'm working on it Doing the numpad first then going to work on a bigger board after it ^_^

[KingRama]

Hi all!

Sorry for the lack of updates, been hard at work! Prototype for my macropad is coming in this week: http://rama.works/#/m10-a/

The keycaps have all been made!! I will be receiving them this week and promptly shipping them out to everyone (after taking some pics )

Thank you all for your patience and I cannot wait to get these out to everyone!!

Cheers, RAMA


EDIT: AWKS WRONG THREAD. ALTHOUGH TOPRE/MX HYBRID CAP PROTOTYPE IS COMING IN ALSO THIS WEEK

[Waateva]

Hi all!

Sorry for the lack of updates, been hard at work! Prototype for my macropad is coming in this week: http://rama.works/#/m10-a/

The keycaps have all been made!! I will be receiving them this week and promptly shipping them out to everyone (after taking some pics )

Thank you all for your patience and I cannot wait to get these out to everyone!!

Cheers, RAMA


EDIT: AWKS WRONG THREAD. ALTHOUGH TOPRE/MX HYBRID CAP PROTOTYPE IS COMING IN ALSO THIS WEEK

Love the macropad and can't wait for the keycaps to arrive!

[KingRama]

Love the macropad and can't wait for the keycaps to arrive!

Oh man so excited to get them out, the wait has been unbearable - I really do hate keeping people waiting :/

Thanks for all the support again btw dude You've been amazing - can't wait to get onto the next project