[GB] CNC Alum. Cooler Master TKL cases r2, SHIPPING

[elcubismo]

I already spent so much on keyboards! I'm trying to psych myself into pulling the trigger on this. They all look gorgeous and I definitely don't want to miss out...

[orpheo]

The Pexon connector is slightly larger. I resolve this by filling down the edges of the connector, it work perfect now.

[norbauer]

Could someone explain why a Pexon cable is any different from any other USB cable, and why it doesn't "work" with a Norbauer case?

I can only speculate, having not seen one in person, but I presume they're merely putting a heat shrink tube over the normal USB connector, which increases its size slightly beyond the USB spec. This sort of thing has a very desirable aesthetic effect in general, I would say, but it just so happens that it means the connector is now larger than the USB spec says it should be. I intentionally designed the pocket in my case to fit snugly around a connector of the largest size within the spec, so it would give a nice tight visual look. After getting feedback about the Pexon cables, I thought about opening it up a bit more to accommodate larger connectors, but I heard from multiple people that they prefer the look of the tight fit. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[MythicalWagyu]

Could someone explain why a Pexon cable is any different from any other USB cable, and why it doesn't "work" with a Norbauer case?

I would assume the cutout in the case for the USB plug is not wide enough for the plastic housing on the cable. Like mentioned, should be fixable by changing the connector.

[norbauer]

I already spent so much on keyboards! I'm trying to psych myself into pulling the trigger on this. They all look gorgeous and I definitely don't want to miss out...

Haha. Well, I absolutely don't want to talk anybody into joining the GB who isn't totally enthusiastic to participate, but if you're looking for an excuse: after the first round there was a vigorous after-GB market for these (see Mechmarket on Reddit), with most people selling them well above the GB price. Since I'm pretty sure this will be the last time I'll produce this design (I'd like to move onto other projects and am bad at multi-tasking), you could always look as it as an "investment," with the optionality of simply keeping it if you end up liking it. ;)

[zslane]

I can only speculate, having not seen one in person, but I presume they're merely putting a heat shrink tube over the normal USB connector, which increases its size slightly beyond the USB spec. This sort of thing has a very desirable aesthetic effect in general, I would say, but it just so happens that it means the connector is now larger than the USB spec says it should be. I intentionally designed the pocket in my case to fit snugly around a connector of the largest size within the spec, so it would give a nice tight visual look. After getting feedback about the Pexon cables, I thought about opening it up a bit more to accommodate larger connectors, but I heard from multiple people that they prefer the look of the tight fit. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I see.

Well "colorizing" a connector with heat-shrink tubing is a very common option among custom cable makers, not just Pexon. In the future, I would recommend erring on the side of compatibility rather than maintaining such a tight fit with virtually zero tolerance for minor variability in connector size. I mean, I'm never going to see that tight fit, but I am going to see the color of the connector sticking out the back...

[nightdriver]

The Enter key doesn't fit on quite right due to the extra stems and the stabilizer housing, but it's not the end of the world. And it's easily solved by dremeling off the extra stems (acquiring an extra Enter key might not be a bad idea, so as to have an intact one still in one's set).

(Attachment Link)

noooooo don't damage the precious pulse set!

[zslane]

The Enter key doesn't fit on quite right due to the extra stems and the stabilizer housing, but it's not the end of the world. And it's easily solved by dremeling off the extra stems (acquiring an extra Enter key might not be a bad idea, so as to have an intact one still in one's set).

(Attachment Link)

noooooo don't damage the precious pulse set!

I don't intend to. I will investigate drilling holes in the plate instead. Worst case scenario is that I just use the original Topre Enter key.

[norbauer]

The Enter key doesn't fit on quite right due to the extra stems and the stabilizer housing, but it's not the end of the world. And it's easily solved by dremeling off the extra stems (acquiring an extra Enter key might not be a bad idea, so as to have an intact one still in one's set).

(Attachment Link)

noooooo don't damage the precious pulse set!

I don't intend to. I will investigate drilling holes in the plate instead. Worst case scenario is that I just use the original Topre Enter key.

Just to clarify for those who might be casually dropping into the thread, you're talking about keys on your RealForce numpad and not the case on offer in the current group buy, right? ;)

[zslane]

Yes, that's correct.

I was only trying to refute the notion that enhancing a Topre 23U numpad is pointless on the basis that you can't put nice MX-based keycaps on it. I don't want that to be the reason you disregard the idea of making an aluminum case for it.

[norbauer]

Yes, that's correct.

I was only trying to refute the notion that enhancing a Topre 23U numpad is pointless on the basis that you can't put nice MX-based keycaps on it. I don't want that to be the reason you disregard the idea of making an aluminum case for it.

It's definitely something I've thought about. I'm told that it's not Mac-compatible, however, which is a bit of a bummer for me personally. I use Windows too, but my Mac is my primary desktop computer because I like the Unix command line when I'm doing software development. Does anybody have experience using one on a Mac?

[cmc]

Looks like they attach to the socket on the PCB, and some have a crazy cylindrical connector, so maybe they can't fit through the opening?

https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/usb-cables/products/new-style-mod-kit

[richard912]

Looks like they attach to the socket on the PCB, and some have a crazy cylindrical connector, so maybe they can't fit through the opening?

https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/usb-cables/products/new-style-mod-kit

Pexon's New Style Mod is made up of two parts, Connector 1 and Connector 2, both joined with the "crazy cylindrical connector".

Connector 1 connects to your MKB (mini or micro USB) while Connector 2 is connected to your PC. So, by having two Connector 1 in mini and micro USB respectively, makes it easier whence switching between different MKB. Simply unscrew the "crazy cylindrical connector", remove Connector 1 with mini USB, replace with other Connector 1 with micro USB, screw on and you're done.

[Atredl]

Looks like they attach to the socket on the PCB, and some have a crazy cylindrical connector, so maybe they can't fit through the opening?

https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/usb-cables/products/new-style-mod-kit

Pexon's New Style Mod is made up of two parts, Connector 1 and Connector 2, both joined with the "crazy cylindrical connector".

Connector 1 connects to your MKB (mini or micro USB) while Connector 2 is connected to your PC. So, by having two Connector 1 in mini and micro USB respectively, makes it easier whence switching between different MKB. Simply unscrew the "crazy cylindrical connector", remove Connector 1 with mini USB, replace with other Connector 1 with micro USB, screw on and you're done.

I've got to get myself one of these with both connectors. It will also make it possible to upgrade the cable to usb type-c if mechs move in that direction.

[boxfrommoon]

Hmm. Try swapping them. I think PuLSE is better on a black (or very dark) case because the alphas are all black. By going with a black case, you allow the turquoise mods to really pop, whereas they sort of just clash with the blue case since the blue tones are not the same (PuLSE mods are almost green). And the purple mods of the GMK Plum set might look good with a dark blue case, whereas the completely neutral gray tones of the tactical gray case don't really combine with any of the Plum colors. (I feel that a tan case would probably have been idea for Plum, but tan was not offered as an option.)

That is actually very good point! Here is the Galactic Plum setup:



This might be it! I really like how colors work together. What do you guys think? Should I just go with the blue case?

[elcubismo]

I already spent so much on keyboards! I'm trying to psych myself into pulling the trigger on this. They all look gorgeous and I definitely don't want to miss out...

Haha. Well, I absolutely don't want to talk anybody into joining the GB who isn't totally enthusiastic to participate, but if you're looking for an excuse: after the first round there was a vigorous after-GB market for these (see Mechmarket on Reddit), with most people selling them well above the GB price. Since I'm pretty sure this will be the last time I'll produce this design (I'd like to move onto other projects and am bad at multi-tasking), you could always look as it as an "investment," with the optionality of simply keeping it if you end up liking it.

That's what I think has convinced me to get it

[orpheo]

You will like it for sure, but yeah it may cost top dough in 20 years ;p

[MythicalWagyu]

Looks like they attach to the socket on the PCB, and some have a crazy cylindrical connector, so maybe they can't fit through the opening?

https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/usb-cables/products/new-style-mod-kit

Pexon's New Style Mod is made up of two parts, Connector 1 and Connector 2, both joined with the "crazy cylindrical connector".

Connector 1 connects to your MKB (mini or micro USB) while Connector 2 is connected to your PC. So, by having two Connector 1 in mini and micro USB respectively, makes it easier whence switching between different MKB. Simply unscrew the "crazy cylindrical connector", remove Connector 1 with mini USB, replace with other Connector 1 with micro USB, screw on and you're done.

Oh wow that's neato. I thought those style cables were for Filcos cause the stock cable isn't removeable or something...now I want one.

[grandtheftspaceman]

Retro Refrigerator - you will be mine!
_{(RIP my wallet...)}

[elcubismo]

Pulled the trigger on the tactical gray. 

[superpiya]

I have heard that as well, but I don't have a Pexon cable myself with which to test.

You can do this with the case, however.

Is this Aerospace Aluminum or Tactical Gray ?

Also, you got PM 

[fine_italian_leather]

I have heard that as well, but I don't have a Pexon cable myself with which to test.

You can do this with the case, however.

Is this Aerospace Aluminum or Tactical Gray ?

Also, you got PM 

Thats regular gray from r1

[poolside]

So that's why, with my sincerest apologies, I have to declare the cases at the legal price paid.

Even those shipping straight from China, or were you talking specifically about the powder-coated cases that you would ship out yourself?

[norbauer]

So that's why, with my sincerest apologies, I have to declare the cases at the legal price paid.

Even those shipping straight from China, or were you talking specifically about the powder-coated cases that you would ship out yourself?

All of the above, I'm afraid.

[superpiya]

I have heard that as well, but I don't have a Pexon cable myself with which to test.

You can do this with the case, however.

Is this Aerospace Aluminum or Tactical Gray ?

Also, you got PM 

Thats regular gray from r1

Thanks man 

Is it lighter in color than the current R2 Tactical Gray?

[fine_italian_leather]

I have heard that as well, but I don't have a Pexon cable myself with which to test.

You can do this with the case, however.

Is this Aerospace Aluminum or Tactical Gray ?

Also, you got PM 

Thats regular gray from r1

Thanks man 

Is it lighter in color than the current R2 Tactical Gray?

Yes. The R1 gray you see in the video is Cool Gray 11 C while the R2 tactial gray is 2336 C.

[norbauer]

OK, my dear keyboard comrades. Today is the final day. I don't plan to do another group buy of this design, so, no pressure, but please board the train if you want on at all, for the CNC Express is leaving the station as of midnight tonight.



Thanks so everyone who has supported this project so far! I'm very excited to get the ball rolling on manufacturing this Monday. I'm working on including a couple of nice little surprise upgrades compared to last time, which should make for a nicer "unboxing" experience than packing peanuts spilling all over the floor. 

[Atredl]

As much as I love the galaxy blue color you've chosen, I'm afraid in going to have to skip out on this GB. For me it just doesn't make sense to buy an upgrade to a board I don't use anymore. As much as I love the feeling of my Novatouch, layout has become the most important factor when deciding if I want to use a board. The Novatouch just doesn't have layer capability

I hope all of you enjoy your boards! I'll be here patiently waiting for a metal HHKB case to come out, and I might be waiting for a long time.

[zslane]

Are you selling your NovaTouch, Atredl? I mean, since you don't use it anymore and all...

[Atredl]

Are you selling your NovaTouch, Atredl? I mean, since you don't use it anymore and all...

Yeah, I'd consider it. I'll send you a time stamp through pm later today. I'm headed out the door shortly.

[clappingcactus]

The Novatouch just doesn't have layer capability

Hasu's USB to USB mod works!

[fine_italian_leather]

The Novatouch just doesn't have layer capability

Hasu's USB to USB mod works!

Yes, this. Using a Novatouch with Hasu's TMK USB to USB converter right now and it's glorious.

[autobot]

Ordered Aerospace Silver and Tactical Gray! 

Thanks again for running this one last time Norbauer! 

[norbauer]

Thanks again for running this one last time Norbauer! 

My pleasure. Thanks for the kind words and support! 

[TheCanisDirus]

Whelp long time lurker and had to make an account finally to say just how excited i am for this!  I actually found "you" a while back when i tried to buy (but sadly missed) the Galaxy Class set.  I ordered a tactical grey case. 

Oh, and let me know if you ever re-release the Galaxy caps... or if you ever want to part with one of the sets i know you must have someplace sitting around ;P

Thanks for doing what you're doing!

[norbauer]

Whelp long time lurker and had to make an account finally to say just how excited i am for this!  I actually found "you" a while back when i tried to buy (but sadly missed) the Galaxy Class set.  I ordered a tactical grey case. 

Oh man, that's awesome! Welcome to GeekHack!! 

Oh, and let me know if you ever re-release the Galaxy caps... or if you ever want to part with one of the sets i know you must have someplace sitting around ;P

Thanks for doing what you're doing!

Actually, as it happens, I expect to have something pretty cool to announce about a new Galaxy Class++ set in a week or so. Stay tuned.    (If you're not already on my email list, I'll share any news there.)

[TheCanisDirus]

Whelp long time lurker and had to make an account finally to say just how excited i am for this!  I actually found "you" a while back when i tried to buy (but sadly missed) the Galaxy Class set.  I ordered a tactical grey case. 

Oh man, that's awesome! Welcome to GeekHack!! 

Oh, and let me know if you ever re-release the Galaxy caps... or if you ever want to part with one of the sets i know you must have someplace sitting around ;P

Thanks for doing what you're doing!

Actually, as it happens, I expect to have something pretty cool to announce about a new Galaxy Class++ set in a week or so. Stay tuned.    (If you're not already on my email list, I'll share any news there.)

Oh man, cannot wait!  I need a set of caps to go with this case  signing up stat

[Atredl]

The Novatouch just doesn't have layer capability

Hasu's USB to USB mod works!

Where might I be able to get one?

[nightdriver]

Are you selling your NovaTouch, Atredl? I mean, since you don't use it anymore and all...

Yeah, I'd consider it. I'll send you a time stamp through pm later today. I'm headed out the door shortly.

wow, score!

[LoLPirate]

Retro fridge here I come!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[norbauer]

Retro fridge here I come!

[nightdriver]

[norbauer]

Wow. I have been seriously one-upped in the GIF department there.

[richard912]

Wow. I have been seriously one-upped in the GIF department there.

Hahahaha....good one!!!

[eyedrop]

Still loving my R1 cool grey case.  The blue on the R2 is lovely.  But I don't regret purchasing mine as I use it daily in the office.   

[TheCanisDirus]

Let me ask everyone this... why do people put shelf lining into their cases?  Does it pad the bottom of the board or something?  Is it necessary?

[norbauer]

The idea is that the shelf liner dampens some of the typing sound. It's a little esoteric and doesn't make for a huge acoustic change (in my opinion), but a lot of people are really into it.

[richard912]

The idea is that the shelf liner dampens some of the typing sound. It's a little esoteric and doesn't make for a huge acoustic change (in my opinion), but a lot of people are really into it.

I've actually been meaning to ask about this. Does the case's internal provide sufficient "clearance" for this "layer"

[fine_italian_leather]

The Novatouch just doesn't have layer capability

Hasu's USB to USB mod works!

Where might I be able to get one?

Info here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.0

[poolside]

So that's why, with my sincerest apologies, I have to declare the cases at the legal price paid.

Even those shipping straight from China, or were you talking specifically about the powder-coated cases that you would ship out yourself?

All of the above, I'm afraid.

Thanks. I ended up ordering my galactic blue case from Originative to combine shipping with some other stuff.

Whelp long time lurker and had to make an account finally to say just how excited i am for this!  I actually found "you" a while back when i tried to buy (but sadly missed) the Galaxy Class set.  I ordered a tactical grey case. 

Oh man, that's awesome! Welcome to GeekHack!! 

Oh, and let me know if you ever re-release the Galaxy caps... or if you ever want to part with one of the sets i know you must have someplace sitting around ;P

Thanks for doing what you're doing!

Actually, as it happens, I expect to have something pretty cool to announce about a new Galaxy Class++ set in a week or so. Stay tuned.    (If you're not already on my email list, I'll share any news there.)

Now, this could be real: