[IC] Quefrency Rev.3 case 69Nice

[Cinicle]

Hello!
I bought a quefrency rev3 a month ago from keeb.io and wanted to design a case around it.
After looking online, there seemed to be no CNC cases for quefrency that were readily available so I decided to check if anyone else would be interested.

Current idea is a thick high profile sandwich aluminum case with a bottom insert and a 4,5mm plate. Typing angle is 4,2 degrees.
Would like to have various plate and weight options, which will depend on interest and demand.
The idea for the group buy would be to have separate options for it so if you want a left hand part with macro, but a 60% right hand, or a 65% right hand and a non-macro left hand, you can choose yourself.

So let me know if this is something that would spark joy or what you would like to see for it to spark joy.
Google form for IC: https://forms.gle/3vowvJMQ12Gk8t337

Thanks for taking your time and reading through this.
Your input is much appreciated.

Update 04.04.21:
Thank you for the feedback on the design and on the interest check. Over the past week I've been working on improving the design by sculpting the case and weight.
The GH post has been updated with new renders. Mounting hardware will be added and renders updated as soon as I will receive the specifications from manufacturer.

More concept renders:

More

[/size]


Renders with 4,5mm, 3mm and 1,5mm plates:


Updated weight design:

[ddnomad]

In case anybody is suspicious of OP being a random human person, I can vouch for the OP and confirm that he’s a decent and trustworthy random person

[Alejo1707]

Count me in!

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[Alejo1707]

In case anybody is suspicious of OP being a random human person, I can vouch for the OP and confirm that he’s a decent and trustworthy random person

Who doesn't love and trust random people in the internet?

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[joshipoo23]

I'm in! 


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[pongstr]

Definitely in on this one! <3 LFG!!

[ddnomad]

In case anybody is suspicious of OP being a random human person, I can vouch for the OP and confirm that he’s a decent and trustworthy random person

Who doesn't love and trust random people in the internet?

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

People are scary, especially when digitized

[sagarsiddhpura]

Do you have any affiliation with keeb.io

[Cinicle]

Do you have any affiliation with keeb.io

Nope, just a guy who really likes split keyboards.
I did write keeb.io to inform them that I will be running an interest check on a case inspired by their design though.

[darthcapn]

It'd be good to see an official yes from keebio.

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[Alejo1707]

It'd be good to see an official yes from keebio.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Unlikely, but truth be told, if you manage to have them as the US vendor it will greatly boost this post.

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[Keybadger]

I really hope you get enough interest for this to take off, I use a different split keyboard, but have put off picking up a Quefrency, due to the lack of case options.

[Cinicle]

It'd be good to see an official yes from keebio.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Unlikely, but truth be told, if you manage to have them as the US vendor it will greatly boost this post.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

Bakingpy / Danni is aware of the interest check.

[Cinicle]

I really hope you get enough interest for this to take off, I use a different split keyboard, but have put off picking up a Quefrency, due to the lack of case options.

I know, right! This is also the main reason I wanted to make something for the Quefrency. It's a great board that could be even great with an awesome case.
Thanks for the support!

[paulgali]

The idea is nice but...

> Would like to have various plate and weight options, which will depend on interest and demand.

Thick brass plates are not pleasant to type on. I'd try to model out this now, whilst you're at this stage. Cater for what you are looking for in a project first, before designing purely based on community feedback.

[convoliution]

Absolute yes! I've been holding off on picking up a Quefrency solely because I couldn't find a nice solid aluminum case for it.

[Rossman360]

[Cinicle]

The idea is nice but...

> Would like to have various plate and weight options, which will depend on interest and demand.

Thick brass plates are not pleasant to type on. I'd try to model out this now, whilst you're at this stage. Cater for what you are looking for in a project first, before designing purely based on community feedback.

Thanks for the feedback!
I suppose thick brass plates are a matter of  preference.
For me the plate choice is always determined by the choice of switches that I will use for a certain build. So I would like to provide options. At least during IC.

Currently, the tooling used for CNC should be possible to be used for all the plates regardless of thickness. (Under verification with a mechanical engineer I know.)
At the moment, the more challenging factor to me is to design the macroless and 60% halves in a way that they could also use the same mounting points at large as the "full" version for CNC.
I'm well aware that manufacturing quantity drives cost down and I want to provide multiple options while keeping the involved manufacturing costs at a minimum.

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

I'm ****ing in

[vootcaboot]

What's the estimated cost for this guy? I'm super interested, as I want to build my GF a premium split that doesn't stink, and I'd rather support keeb.io than whoever made the Taobao VE.A Clone.

[fromscratchusa]

This was the kind of board I was looking for, the side is great for novelties. Best of luck with the IC!

[Electronic_Abyss]

I just bought one despite it not having a good case since the layout interested me. This would be tight.

[DeMechanica]

Would you consider top mount instead of sandwich mount?

[Cinicle]

This was the kind of board I was looking for, the side is great for novelties. Best of luck with the IC!

Thanks! I plan on leaving the macro section on for my case just for display as well.

[Cinicle]

What's the estimated cost for this guy? I'm super interested, as I want to build my GF a premium split that doesn't stink, and I'd rather support keeb.io than whoever made the Taobao VE.A Clone.

Cost will depend on actual demand, too early to give any estimates yet.
I will start looking into manufacturers next week and can hopefully give more info on estimated pricing and breakpoints for quantities mid April.

[Cinicle]

Would you consider top mount instead of sandwich mount?

I would, but for the current revision the fundamentals are already done. Will consider a top mount and/or gasket mount option for the potential next run.

[Wonderfool]

Do you have any affiliation with keeb.io

Nope, just a guy who really likes split keyboards.

I too am a guy who really likes split keyboards.  I'm interested!

[thornkin]

Would definitely get me to pick up a quefrency.

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[DeMechanica]

Would you consider top mount instead of sandwich mount?

I would, but for the current revision the fundamentals are already done. Will consider a top mount and/or gasket mount option for the potential next run.

I’ll be in for that round!

[Dorkbomb]

Made an account just to keep an eye on this, definitely interested.

[Kowaishi]

Would you consider top mount instead of sandwich mount?

I would, but for the current revision the fundamentals are already done. Will consider a top mount and/or gasket mount option for the potential next run.

I’ll be in for that round!

defos in for this too

[Ehtna]

Is there a discord server for this?

[Havattack]

"Quefrency"..... That is quite an unfortunate name. it is not... 69nice.

[Cinicle]

Is there a discord server for this?

Not yet. Still in early design phase, but discussions are ongoing for a possible collaboration, will hopefully post an update here this week.

Made an account just to keep an eye on this, definitely interested.

Thanks, it means a lot.

"Quefrency"..... That is quite an unfortunate name. it is not... 69nice.

I'm unsure what you mean. Care to elaborate?

[Ailment]

I have been looking for another split but wanted something with a metal case vs making my own etc.  Interested if this becomes a thing.

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

Is there a discord server for this?

Not yet. Still in early design phase, but discussions are ongoing for a possible collaboration, will hopefully post an update here this week.

Made an account just to keep an eye on this, definitely interested.

Thanks, it means a lot.

"Quefrency"..... That is quite an unfortunate name. it is not... 69nice.

I'm unsure what you mean. Care to elaborate?

The board is not exactly 69nice level of goodness because it is a plain rectangle with little to appeal other than that is a split case for a good split board, if this was not split, I would have 0 interest in the design

[Cinicle]

"Quefrency"..... That is quite an unfortunate name. it is not... 69nice.

I'm unsure what you mean. Care to elaborate?

The board is not exactly 69nice level of goodness because it is a plain rectangle with little to appeal other than that is a split case for a good split board, if this was not split, I would have 0 interest in the design

Ah, I see. Well the current renders are a concept and I'm working on the dimensions and tolerances currently.
I would like to update the renders this week with the addition of macroless and 60% sides, various plate thicknesses and materials.

I personally am drawn towards plain desings as I see beauty in simplicity. However any design recomendations you may have are welcome.

[Adqam64]

This looks great.  Watching with interest!

[atlanticise]

Sorry for the noob question - would you design it such that it's possible to use the plate that we already have from keebio? (:

[Extra Fox]

Please sir, one for the Sinc too?

[Cinicle]

Sorry for the noob question - would you design it such that it's possible to use the plate that we already have from keebio? (:

Do you mean the pcb or the actual switch plate?
The switch plate no, because there will be allignment bits on the top plate and case that will notch into the channels on the switch plate. But you'll get a new plate with the case!

This looks great.  Watching with interest!

Thanks! Look forward to updated renders this week!

Please sir, one for the Sinc too?

I have been thinking of making one for the Iris and why not for the Sinc too.
But one thing at a time, let's see how the Quefrency will go.

[Alejo1707]

Sorry for the noob question - would you design it such that it's possible to use the plate that we already have from keebio? (:

Do you mean the pcb or the actual switch plate?
The switch plate no, because there will be allignment bits on the top plate and case that will notch into the channels on the switch plate. But you'll get a new plate with the case!

This looks great.  Watching with interest!

Thanks! Look forward to updated renders this week!

Please sir, one for the Sinc too?

I have been thinking of making one for the Iris and why not for the Sinc too.
But one thing at a time, let's see how the Quefrency will go.

With you on this, keep things simple and organized

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[Cinicle]

Updated renders with a reworked weight and a slight indent on the sides. Also added renders for versions with the 3mm and 1,5mm plate.

[Keybadger]

Updated render is very nice, adds a little something without being too much, out of interest what will be the typing angle of the case?

[Cinicle]

Updated render is very nice, adds a little something without being too much, out of interest what will be the typing angle of the case?

Thanks!
Typing angle is 4,2 degrees, adding a possibility to increase it with bumpons if one requires a steeper angle.

[Adqam64]

Typing angle is 4,2 degrees, adding a possibility to increase it with bumpons if one requires a steeper angle.

I think the nice low typing angle is one of the big draws for this idea.

[thornkin]

I like using the weight as the height.

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[teleute]

I think the nice low typing angle is one of the big draws for this idea.

Yeah, I think most folks who are into splits are looking for comfort and a bit more of an ergonomic position, which is the opposite of steep wrist bending angles seen in a lot of groupbuys. I'd love some weights that change the angle to 0 degrees or even negative tilt but that might be too many options for a single group buy.

[Adqam64]

I'd love some weights that change the angle to 0 degrees or even negative tilt but that might be too many options for a single group buy.

That's a really great idea. Although 4 degrees is a really nice angle I would also be interested in zero.

[atlanticise]

Sorry for the noob question - would you design it such that it's possible to use the plate that we already have from keebio? (:

Do you mean the pcb or the actual switch plate?
The switch plate no, because there will be allignment bits on the top plate and case that will notch into the channels on the switch plate. But you'll get a new plate with the case!

Ah alright! I was wondering if I'd have to resolder what I already have. I've always wanted an alu case for my quefrency, so I'll keep an eye on this project! Not a big fan of brass plate though so I'll be super psyched to see how this develops. Though I know the plan is a sandwich so it's hard to change it out into a different material. Just thinking of how stiff it will be scares me a little. My bottom-out fingers are already trembling.

[Cinicle]

Sorry for the noob question - would you design it such that it's possible to use the plate that we already have from keebio? (:

Do you mean the pcb or the actual switch plate?
The switch plate no, because there will be allignment bits on the top plate and case that will notch into the channels on the switch plate. But you'll get a new plate with the case!

Ah alright! I was wondering if I'd have to resolder what I already have. I've always wanted an alu case for my quefrency, so I'll keep an eye on this project! Not a big fan of brass plate though so I'll be super psyched to see how this develops. Though I know the plan is a sandwich so it's hard to change it out into a different material. Just thinking of how stiff it will be scares me a little. My bottom-out fingers are already trembling.

I do plan on having polycarb plates too, to have a slightly softer typing experience.
Also considering having halfplates available.

[JayDespair]

Rose Gold??
Maybe a acrylic layer for rgb to diffuse?

[danvro]

This looks so nice, hopefully this becomes a reality .

[aejt]

Created an account just to say I'm very interested! I've been eyeing the Quefrency since forever, but never went for it due to the lack of cases. I'd join in on this in a heartbeat!

[Cinicle]

Wow, IC has reached nearly 150 replies, this is more than I had expected!
Huge thank you to everyone who has given their input!

Short update on the design:
It's nearly final, we are just working on some logos for the weights. I would like to have that finished within April and hopefully have some good news to share soon.

Cheers!

[Ranger_Trivette]

be carefull with the 4,5mm plate.
ask to your supplier which are the standard size for brass.
probably the 5mm exist. they have to mill all the plate to 4,5mm, then complete the cnc work.
(that means that a 5mm plate will be less expensive to a 4,5mm plate)
will the plate be fully milled or water/laser cutted and then milled? check the minimun radius your supplier can reach by milling.

the top part (as showed in pictures) may be laser/water cutted, adding later hole and thread.
if you want a chamfer on top this will drastically change the price.
when you design a components keep in mind how it will be made 

[Cinicle]

be carefull with the 4,5mm plate.
ask to your supplier which are the standard size for brass.
probably the 5mm exist. they have to mill all the plate to 4,5mm, then complete the cnc work.
(that means that a 5mm plate will be less expensive to a 4,5mm plate)
will the plate be fully milled or water/laser cutted and then milled? check the minimun radius your supplier can reach by milling.

the top part (as showed in pictures) may be laser/water cutted, adding later hole and thread.
if you want a chamfer on top this will drastically change the price.
when you design a components keep in mind how it will be made 

Thanks for your input!
During the design process I've kept manufacturability in mind and also have a few people to consult on these topics.

[Adqam64]

Just a thought looking at the renders - the tolerances around the sockets seem quite tight, which might cause an issue for people that use mill-max sockets.

[Cinicle]

Just a thought looking at the renders - the tolerances around the sockets seem quite tight, which might cause an issue for people that use mill-max sockets.

The tolerances take into account max mill sockets.
In addition I have a board with Mill-Max 7305 sockets so I will be able to verify tolerances with the prototype.

[BioRad02]

Super excited for this! A good case is the only thing keeping me from going full endgame on my Quefrency.

Do you think it’ll work with the upcoming rev4 PCBs? They’re being upgraded to Kailh hotswap sockets at stock.

[DuellM]

 

be carefull with the 4,5mm plate.
ask to your supplier which are the standard size for brass.
probably the 5mm exist. they have to mill all the plate to 4,5mm, then complete the cnc work.
(that means that a 5mm plate will be less expensive to a 4,5mm plate)
will the plate be fully milled or water/laser cutted and then milled? check the minimun radius your supplier can reach by milling.

the top part (as showed in pictures) may be laser/water cutted, adding later hole and thread.
if you want a chamfer on top this will drastically change the price.
when you design a components keep in mind how it will be made 

 

[Cinicle]

Update on the project:
Logo design is finished. Final logo placement and actual size will change, but below is a rough draft.


Will order a 3d printer to print some prototypes to have a phyhsical piece. This is just to look at it assembled and perhaps do some more design changes to the case based on how it looks.
Ordering a new release printer which should arrive by July. Once the printed part is reviewed and any potential design changes implemented to call it final, we will release the final IC and order an actual prototype from the manufacturer.
Aiming to get the prototype in fall to do any minor tolerance tweaks. Once that's done we will proceed with the group buy.

Thank you all for your input. I will keep you posted on the progress.

[seh0nk]

Super excited for this! A good case is the only thing keeping me from going full endgame on my Quefrency.

Do you think it’ll work with the upcoming rev4 PCBs? They’re being upgraded to Kailh hotswap sockets at stock.

If they work with mill-max sockets they will work with Kailh sockets 

[treeleaf64]

Ok ty and if you don't mind  Some more renders would be nice   Thank you

[kwitiii]

I'm in!

[Lucazems]

Just found this and I really dig it, form submitted!

[UBERCRUZER]

Holy crap. The Quefrency I'm using right now is currently my favorite layout. I don't love the case options. Definitely just made the geekhack account to comment. If it happens I'm 100% in.

[nathanchere]

I have some quefrency PCBs gathering dust which would love a proper home. Fingers crossed this takes off.

[Cinicle]

As an update, the printer has been ordered and will arrive early July. Excited to get printing and get some rough idea of what the case will look like other than just renders.
I will keep you posted and will share some pictures once that's done. After that we will move to phase 2 of the IC.

Meanwhile, I've been thinking of also making a winkeyless top frame for the 60% and macroless versions.
Would you anyone here also be interested in having this an option for the macro and 65% versions?

[L4ll1g470r]

Very interested (as long as there is ISO support  )

[BridgetownBeast]

Very interested in this! Seeing as quefrency rev 4 will be out soon, with kailh hotswap sockets, would this be compatible with that version as well?

[deadcell1453]

Just found this IC, and I'm very interested.  I have a rev 2 and am looking to buy a rev 3 board, but the lack of quality cases was holding me back.  Hopefully the option for black case with 1.5mm polycarb plate will be available.

[woodgrain]

Been tracking this post the last 2 months, finally created an account to post my interest, the Quefrency v3 is my first custom board, (putting it together this weekend once I get the last part). Please message me if you do a group buy. I am also interested in a 0 degree option. Would be 60% left (no macros) with 65% right (arrows and navigation keys). Thanks!

[Engedi_]

Super excited for this! So all I need is the PCB correct? Do I need to get anything else from keeb.io?

[Arcoril]

Really interested in this! I'd love to see some sort of tenting support too. Even some threaded holes on the bottom to allow for aftermarket options would be really welcome.

[Cinicle]

Update: As the manufacturer for the printers did not expect such a high demand, the printer to produce the prototype with will be shipped early September.
Currently waiting for that to arrive to continue with the project.

[joy.o]

Just a thought looking at the renders - the tolerances around the sockets seem quite tight, which might cause an issue for people that use mill-max sockets.

The tolerances take into account max mill sockets.
In addition I have a board with Mill-Max 7305 sockets so I will be able to verify tolerances with the prototype.

Would you recommend 7305's for a new build with this case in consideration over the 0305's? Also, looking forward to seeing this enter the GB phase! Black with polycarb middle and bottom insert sounds like a killer combination.

[convoliution]

I don't always look down at my Quefrency to type, but when I do, I still wish it were in an aluminum case.

[joy.o]

I recently built a Sinc since my last visit to this IC, hoping to see a nice alu or polycarb case for it in the future

[ssmanxman]

Any updates to this or a discord we can join for updates?

[Leolion1816]

Has there been any new updates on your project. I just recently bought the rev 4 and was really bummed about the lack of metal cases.

[Cinicle]

Hey.
Been a while since my last update on this, sorry for that. The printer was delayed a few months and I've been busy reiterating and doing minor tweaks. So basically semihard at work on this.
The design is final. I've been waiting for a manufacturer quote for the prototype and am working together with a company who has done successful group buys in the past as I lack the experience for it.
Attached are a few shots of the Macroless/60% variant with winkeyless blocker top layer that I've printed in the meanwhile. Disregard the strange layout and modifiers, just using a keycap set that I had laying around that didn't completely clash with the black and gold theme here.

[deadcell1453]

Are the blank slots part of the final design?

[Cinicle]

Are the blank slots part of the final design?

The blank slots are just a part of the winkeyless top. The aim is to have different options available, but it will laregely depend on demand.

[mvxx]

This is exactly what I was looking for! I browsed the internet for an aluminum Quefrency case but if this GB is succesfull I'll be one happy duck!
The renders look amazing and the WKL 60% macroless is my Endgame split keyboard!

[joy.o]

Neat! Are there still plans to develop one for the Sinc?

[danvro]

Hey its been a while, any updates?

[danvro]

Any updates on this ic? (edit: ops didnt mean to comment this twice sry and I didnt see that their was a second page)

[woodgrain]

I'm so pleased I decided to look on page 2, I thought you were editing the 1st post with updates didn't want to miss out on this one.
Will there be different incline options? I'd prefer a 0 degree option as I'm using SA keycaps.

[DeMechanica]

An update! Sick!! Can’t wait for this.

[Uki]

Will it support Rev.4? It's very similar to Rev.3 but it's hotswap so there's fixed layout with 0.5u blocker between arrows and ctrl: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/e5f8bac66d6733fe662276d2e8be03fa

[foolfriday]

Hey I was wondering if there was any new update on this project?

[Uki]

project is dead probably we haven't got any reply since december

[deadcell1453]

Unfortunately, project is most likely dead.  Such a shame too, because I've been searching for something like this for the better part of 1 year now.

[treeleaf64]

Give better design

[ssmanxman]

For anyone lamenting the death of this project, the Keebio owner is slowly doing alu cases for boards. Did their macropad, is currently prototyping Iris, and said in a comment to me a while back Quefrency is next.

[convoliution]

For anyone lamenting the death of this project, the Keebio owner is slowly doing alu cases for boards. Did their macropad, is currently prototyping Iris, and said in a comment to me a while back Quefrency is next.

Big if true. But this project will always have a place in my heart. And my budget.

[Uki]

I contacted keebio and today I got response. They confirmed they are working on it. It is on their roadmap you can even fill small IC https://trello.com/c/hYq5f9lh/307-quefrency-aluminum-case