the Norbaforce: after-market housing for RealForce TKL keyboards — SHIPPED

[chakku]

What size washers are you using? I'm not at home currently to measure up but may as well pop in to the hardware store on the way home to pick some up to throw it and make sure that my PCB is in stable.

[letze]

What size washers are you using? I'm not at home currently to measure up but may as well pop in to the hardware store on the way home to pick some up to throw it and make sure that my PCB is in stable.

The standard one I believe. The washer packaging doesn't mention any dimension.
Take note this is biggest washer that fit well into casing. Any bigger you will have trouble to fit it.
Go for smaller size if cannot find similar as mine.
Safety precaution if you can bring ruler and one of plate screw to test at hardware store 

[chakku]

Thanks, looks like M4 washers should do it.

EDIT: Store was out of M4s but M3s work fine if you don't need the washer to spread the load any more, they're exactly the same size as the screw head. Don't forget to go nylon or stainless steel and not brass.

[norbauer]

Anyone else not quite having the PCB sit still in the enclosure? When I was hitting keys around the bottom right of the board (right shift, right ctrl, arrow keys, etc) there was an audible noise made from presumably the PCB itself moving up and down slightly. I tightened the screws as much as possible without pushing it to the point of breaking, but it still persisteted. My current fix was to add a second layer of the foam just to the bottom of the backplate to pad it a bit more and push up against the PCB, which has helped it tremendously.

I also had this problem and thought about adding foam, but I believe this is not a proper fix, because it just dampens the noise and doesn't prevent it. Instead I went with the washers on plate-mounting screws. Even though only one of those visibly did not hold the plate/PCB tightly, the rattling/noise went away only after I put washers on all of them.

Btw. I also have some outstanding capacitors (took me a while to figure out you don't mean key caps ) at the bottom of PCB, so rest assured it's ok.

Yes, this phenomenon (for those who are seeing it) can be easily fixed with washers (m4) or shorter machine screws (M4, 5mm length). Foam would be used for entirely different purposes.

Incidentally, note that all powder coated cases (when they're ready) will now ship with nylon washers in case one's particular plate and housing require them. I regret that I didn't have time to source them in to ship with the anodized cases, but for all the cases yet to ship we can consider this a solved problem. (It doesn't hurt to use the washers even if your plate and housing don't experience the issue, but definitely install them on all four plate screws, not just one.)

[Lansky]

Just thought I'd share the good news with all my fellow EU proxy members. I just talked to Yuliia from MyKeyboard.eu and they just received the cases today and will start shipping them out tomorrow. 

[Burt Macklin]

Wonderful news, finally 

[norbauer]

The EU housings also got washers, btw. They arrived just in time for me to include them.

[Lansky]

The EU housings also got washers, btw. They arrived just in time for me to include them.

I actually thought about asking you earlier but figured it was too late for you to include them. But that is great news! 

[richard912]

Thanks, looks like M4 washers should do it.

EDIT: Store was out of M4s but M3s work fine if you don't need the washer to spread the load any more, they're exactly the same size as the screw head. Don't forget to go nylon or stainless steel and not brass.

I've used a size 8 lock washer with mine. Just one corner since the other 3 were fine

[Lansky]

Wonderful news, finally 

I just got received my tracking info! Almost there now! 

[Makami]

Good evening,

received mine yesterday and just finished installment, potatoe picture:



Only small complaint, 2 of the 10 screws for the backplate had been turned round, luckily a small screwdriver and patience worked to solve that.
Overall i'm very happy and want to thank you Ryan for this piece of perfection!

Have a nice weekend

[salvanipour]

So I went to Home Depot today and got a pack of M5 washers for 54 cents. The M5 washers had the exact same outer diameter as the provided screws that hold the board in the case.

I have to say that they really, really made a big difference, especially by the right arrow key. The whole board feels much more solid now.

Also got the Silverstone foam. The keyboard sounds pretty good with the bottom open to the desk, as there isn't any kind of resonance trapped inside of the case. I haven't cut the foam yet and the plate is still out. The foam is kind of cheap and the paper backing is really bad. For $20 I expected better.

Hopefully a PVD or just solid brass backplate will tie this thing off nicely. The washers alone really made a huge difference in an already great case.

[tanvir175]

If anyone is trying to sell off a WKL Venice Beach spot, PM me here or on reddit RedHawk02 or discord tanvir175#0001 
Even better if you have an 86u or ub 

[Lansky]

So I went to Home Depot today and got a pack of M5 washers for 54 cents. The M5 washers had the exact same outer diameter as the provided screws that hold the board in the case.

I have to say that they really, really made a big difference, especially by the right arrow key. The whole board feels much more solid now.

Also got the Silverstone foam. The keyboard sounds pretty good with the bottom open to the desk, as there isn't any kind of resonance trapped inside of the case. I haven't cut the foam yet and the plate is still out. The foam is kind of cheap and the paper backing is really bad. For $20 I expected better.

Hopefully a PVD or just solid brass backplate will tie this thing off nicely. The washers alone really made a huge difference in an already great case.

I used the washers that Ryan included (I was in the EU proxy) and it does make a difference.

If you don't like the Silverstone foam, I can recommend this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-Roll-200X50cm-36sqft-Car-Sound-Deadening-Cotton-Heat-Insulation-Pad-Foam-Material-Automotive-Interior-Accessories/32874486930.html

I had to cut out some holes for the capacitors and the ground wire, but it's a very snug fit which makes the board feel super dense and "muted". The thock is great now. I left the paper on so it's easy to remove in case I need to take the board apart again.

[salvanipour]

Solid recommendation! I may swing by the crafts store after work and just find a piece of regular craft foam that I can throw in with no adhesive. I think my Leopold has something similar inside that is held with just friction.

[MajorKoos]

Solid recommendation! I may swing by the crafts store after work and just find a piece of regular craft foam that I can throw in with no adhesive. I think my Leopold has something similar inside that is held with just friction.

Shelf liner is always an option.
This stuff:

[salvanipour]

I didn't even think of that. That saves me a lot of time since I actually have it on hand and it's easy to cut straight. Cheers!

[awhitedev]

How soon are we expecting the extras to be available for sale? 

[norbauer]

How soon are we expecting the extras to be available for sale? 

I'm holding off until all the powder coat cases from the group buy ship, so likely late October or shortly thereafter. Sorry to leave everyone hanging, but I don't feel right sending out cases to people who didn't participate in the group buy until everyone who was in it and waited so long has gotten theirs.

[Kurisu666]

I was wondering if there would be an option to purchase a spare type-c daughterboard for the Norbaforce. I actually take it too and from work everyday and It’s going to be plugged and unplugged quite a few times throughout its lifetime and I’m worried that one of these days that it will wear out and become loose. I have one of the magnetic micro USB attachments for another keyboard but they are definitely hit or miss when it comes to reliability. Thank you!

[norbauer]

I was wondering if there would be an option to purchase a spare type-c daughterboard for the Norbaforce. I actually take it too and from work everyday and It’s going to be plugged and unplugged quite a few times throughout its lifetime and I’m worried that one of these days that it will wear out and become loose. I have one of the magnetic micro USB attachments for another keyboard but they are definitely hit or miss when it comes to reliability. Thank you!

Got your email and will reply to it soon, but in short: yes, no problem.

[Kurisu666]

Great! Also both cables worked for me! It one you originally included didn't work for like 20 minutes and all of a sudden worked after changing the USB port it was in then started working on all of them :/ go figure...

[norbauer]

Great! Also both cables worked for me! It one you originally included didn't work for like 20 minutes and all of a sudden worked after changing the USB port it was in then started working on all of them :/ go figure...

Yeah, there is some kind of weird circumstance with USB hubs where the cable seems to cause problems for some small subset of people and not all of them, but I haven't been able to figure out what the common factor is. The problem has thankfully proven much more rare than I had feared, however; most people report the cable just working, which is great!

[Burt Macklin]

Got my case yesterday!

A bit pressed for time, though, I probably won't do anything with it
before the weekend (planning to swap BKE domes in, while I'm at it) ..
so, more waiting.
 
But from what I could tell just by looking at (and touching) it -
it feels brilliant.
The packaging is also something else,
very nice design and premium feel all the way.

Great job, Norbauer 

[norbauer]

Got my case yesterday!

A bit pressed for time, though, I probably won't do anything with it
before the weekend (planning to swap BKE domes in, while I'm at it) ..
so, more waiting.
 
But from what I could tell just by looking at (and touching) it -
it feels brilliant.
The packaging is also something else,
very nice design and premium feel all the way.

Great job, Norbauer 

Yay! Thanks for the great feedback. I'm glad I was able to get these to the EU folks in advance of the powder cases.

[xauser]

I just want to say thank you to ryan for that great case and mykeyboard.eu for the proxy service. I built my keyboard yesterday and am very happy with it.

[norbauer]

I just want to say thank you to ryan for that great case and mykeyboard.eu for the proxy service. I built my keyboard yesterday and am very happy with it.

(Attachment Link)

Thanks for for the kind words, xauser, and for sharing the lovely pic—much appreciated. 

[Troif]

My time constructing the WKL NorbaForce yesterday: (2-3hours)

Finally after waiting a lot here in Europe I received my NorbaForce WKL Black ano case... the presentation was sublime.

Now I am an expert disassembling it, as I did it THREE times.

My explanation:

1 - follow the Norbauer instructions in his video. Those are great.
2 - WKL people out there: you need to take courage and take out the pcb to COMPLETELY remove the 2 Win keys (I mean the membrane, the spring, the switch and the slider) because the first time I thought it was enough just taking out the keys (assemble again), then I took out the slider (assemble again), and finally I had to take out completely the switch (assemble again). If not, the case does not fit at all in place.
3 - finally when all was in its place I realized that the sound was ECOEING a lot... where’s the Thock??? Eps! There is a solution!!! I installed a foam piece of Sobortane that incredibly dampened the noise.
4 - NOW really that is a Real Thing. It sounds incredible and love the feeling. THANKS NORBAUER FOR MAKING IT A REALITY.

P.S: My new in box FC660C is waiting for you now...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Lansky]

3 - finally when all was in its place I realized that the sound was ECOEING a lot... where’s the Thock??? Eps! There is a solution!!! I installed a foam piece of Sobortane that incredibly dampened the noise.
4 - NOW really that is a Real Thing. It sounds incredible and love the feeling. THANKS NORBAUER FOR MAKING IT A REALITY.

I agree! Adding some sort of dampening material in the bottom of the case is a definite must. After that it sounds glorious.

[Choobies]

So I went to Home Depot today and got a pack of M5 washers for 54 cents. The M5 washers had the exact same outer diameter as the provided screws that hold the board in the case.

I have to say that they really, really made a big difference, especially by the right arrow key. The whole board feels much more solid now.

Also got the Silverstone foam. The keyboard sounds pretty good with the bottom open to the desk, as there isn't any kind of resonance trapped inside of the case. I haven't cut the foam yet and the plate is still out. The foam is kind of cheap and the paper backing is really bad. For $20 I expected better.

Hopefully a PVD or just solid brass backplate will tie this thing off nicely. The washers alone really made a huge difference in an already great case.

I used the washers that Ryan included (I was in the EU proxy) and it does make a difference.

If you don't like the Silverstone foam, I can recommend this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-Roll-200X50cm-36sqft-Car-Sound-Deadening-Cotton-Heat-Insulation-Pad-Foam-Material-Automotive-Interior-Accessories/32874486930.html

I had to cut out some holes for the capacitors and the ground wire, but it's a very snug fit which makes the board feel super dense and "muted". The thock is great now. I left the paper on so it's easy to remove in case I need to take the board apart again.

Show Image

Thanks for this suggestion!  This seems like the best value sound-dampening option I've seen yet.  Ordered some for myself :D

[Rumblehotep]

Anyone crazy enough to test the sound dampening effects of Flex-Seal yet?

[Kurisu666]

My time constructing the WKL NorbaForce yesterday: (2-3hours)

Finally after waiting a lot here in Europe I received my NorbaForce WKL Black ano case... the presentation was sublime.

Now I am an expert disassembling it, as I did it THREE times.

My explanation:

1 - follow the Norbauer instructions in his video. Those are great.
2 - WKL people out there: you need to take courage and take out the pcb to COMPLETELY remove the 2 Win keys (I mean the membrane, the spring, the switch and the slider) because the first time I thought it was enough just taking out the keys (assemble again), then I took out the slider (assemble again), and finally I had to take out completely the switch (assemble again). If not, the case does not fit at all in place.
3 - finally when all was in its place I realized that the sound was ECOEING a lot... where’s the Thock??? Eps! There is a solution!!! I installed a foam piece of Sobortane that incredibly dampened the noise.
4 - NOW really that is a Real Thing. It sounds incredible and love the feeling. THANKS NORBAUER FOR MAKING IT A REALITY.

P.S: My new in box FC660C is waiting for you now...

Show Image

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I did the same thing with the "take out a few things and take out more" parts of the Win/Menu keys until even the dome and spring were out haha. I put gaffe tape over the plate in those spots on the switch plate so stuff doesn't get inside (probably unnecessary) and shoved some packing foam into the back where there was a lot of empty space. I use mine at work on a thick solid hard wood desk and the thock has become an even more satisfying THUMP while keeping the RF refinement that my Norbatouch doesn't quite have. For some reason my Norbatouch (BKE Lights) feels better at home on a cushy desk mat and the Norbaforce is better at work on the hard desk. I think the foam and the surface it's on really brings out the best of the Norbaforce. All in all a fantastic typing experience and I didn't even lube or silence the board, it's all stock aside from the case!

[chakku]

Got my Norbaforce all wireless now too. A black cable would probably fit better but I don't have a short one on hand.

[letze]

Got my Norbaforce all wireless now too. A black cable would probably fit better but I don't have a short one on hand.

Show Image

Please find black cable for full dark knight theme.  ;D

Hope in the future Norbauer can find a way to make powder coated vanta black color  :thumb:

[5inn3d-]

Got my Norbaforce all wireless now too. A black cable would probably fit better but I don't have a short one on hand.

Show Image

can you share how you made it wireless??

[norbauer]

My time constructing the WKL NorbaForce yesterday: (2-3hours)

Finally after waiting a lot here in Europe I received my NorbaForce WKL Black ano case... the presentation was sublime.

Now I am an expert disassembling it, as I did it THREE times.

My explanation:

1 - follow the Norbauer instructions in his video. Those are great.
2 - WKL people out there: you need to take courage and take out the pcb to COMPLETELY remove the 2 Win keys (I mean the membrane, the spring, the switch and the slider) because the first time I thought it was enough just taking out the keys (assemble again), then I took out the slider (assemble again), and finally I had to take out completely the switch (assemble again). If not, the case does not fit at all in place.
3 - finally when all was in its place I realized that the sound was ECOEING a lot... where’s the Thock??? Eps! There is a solution!!! I installed a foam piece of Sobortane that incredibly dampened the noise.
4 - NOW really that is a Real Thing. It sounds incredible and love the feeling. THANKS NORBAUER FOR MAKING IT A REALITY.

P.S: My new in box FC660C is waiting for you now...

Show Image

Thanks for those kind words and for the helpful info, Troif!

[chakku]

Got my Norbaforce all wireless now too. A black cable would probably fit better but I don't have a short one on hand.

Show Image

can you share how you made it wireless??

http://handheldsci.com/kb + Powerbank + Bluetooth dongle (Got an ASUS BT-400, wasn't confident in the BT on my motherboard being adequate for connectivity)

[shadow]

Hi Ryan,

While waiting for my case to arrive I wanted to get the dampening mat ready for installing the case (I purchased the Silverstone dampening), so I would like to ask you if you could let me know the dimensions I need to cut the foam for it to fit?

Also in your video demonstrating the dampening, did you just put the foam in there loose, or did you stick it to the back plate?

Many thanks!

[chakku]

Hi Ryan,

While waiting for my case to arrive I wanted to get the dampening mat ready for installing the case (I purchased the Silverstone dampening), so I would like to ask you if you could let me know the dimensions I need to cut the foam for it to fit?

Also in your video demonstrating the dampening, did you just put the foam in there loose, or did you stick it to the back plate?

Many thanks!

Not the cleanest cut (but I don't see it unless I take the backplate off anyway!) but here's how I did mine, did end up sticking it to the backplate since I don't plan on replacing it as I like how it works. Also the double stacked/layered bits were from before I got the washers so the foam would push against the PCB and mitigate some of that movement.

The foam does a damn good job of imprinting the PCB components 

[norbauer]

Hi Ryan,

While waiting for my case to arrive I wanted to get the dampening mat ready for installing the case (I purchased the Silverstone dampening), so I would like to ask you if you could let me know the dimensions I need to cut the foam for it to fit?

Also in your video demonstrating the dampening, did you just put the foam in there loose, or did you stick it to the back plate?

Many thanks!

158mm x 358mm would probably be a safe dimension to use. Might just be easier to wait for the plate to arrive though and lay it out by eye.

[AppleVsAndroid]

Is there an update for the round "pi" cases to be shipped?

[norbauer]

Is there an update for the round "pi" cases to be shipped?

I think you've got the wrong thread. You probably want this one. Anyway, those are slated to ship later this year. Last I heard, the machining was complete and they're in the finishing stage.

[AppleVsAndroid]

Oops! Thanks, I will check it out

[thinkriver]

[norbauer]

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Thanks for sharing! Cool wrist rest.

[thinkriver]

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Thanks for sharing! Cool wrist rest.

Thank you to reply my post, I like you work very much.

I wish one day you want to work on a project for Topre to MX adapter. Currently, all the Topre to MX adapters on the market are not good enough.

[dantambok]

Long shot but are there any extras available?

[norbauer]

Long shot but are there any extras available?

There will be a tiny few available after all the group buy units ship (only powder coat finishes remain to ship), likely around the end of this month. You can sign up on my email list, linked in my signature, to be among the first to be notified when they go up.

[dantambok]

cool beans thanks!

[phinix]

Long shot but are there any extras available?

There will be a tiny few available after all the group buy units ship (only powder coat finishes remain to ship), likely around the end of this month. You can sign up on my email list, linked in my signature, to be among the first to be notified when they go up.

Any chance those remains could be enigma black or royal wrinkle black?