Thanks LightningXI!
I've been getting lost in the land of excess tonight while modeling the wrist rest. The above simple PC design is by far the cheapest even with embossed logo on base and pockets for affixing to main case body. I've added 2 recessed pockets to the wrist rest surface that mates to the main case body that support 2 options:
- Thin neodymium magnets; caveats being: mounting magnets on the inside of the case might require slight modification to the switch plate and using powerful magnets near any electronics is not a good idea. I'll need stronger magnets to have enough force being at least 4mm apart which makes me even less likely to go this route. I did not account for recessed cavities in the main case to place magnets closer to the surface.
- I have some cheap nano tape on order and I'm curious if the fine-grit bead blasted and anodized surface will be compatible. It might not be smooth enough but it's cheap enough to test. I like the idea of reusable sticky tape that will not ruin the surface treatment and allow for relatively easy removal of the rest from the case
Another design that led me way too far down the rabbit hole:
The goal was to match the aesthetic of the main case. The top is a recessed 2.5mm thick high-quality veg-tanned black leather swatch that's laser-cut for a perfect fit. There might be enough room for a 0.5mm-1mm silicone or neoprene cushion underneath for added comfort. I'm really interested in this idea since it is a lot less prone to discoloration than PC, Acrylic, etc. and it's very easy to recondition or even replace.
The main body is a similar design to the main case for a perfect mating to the main case, same fillets and height with a flush fillet-free edge to mate to the top part of the case. The deck-height of the rest will be 1.5mm lower than the main case where its fillet ends - I think this is a better aesthetic than matching the deck-height and having a gap caused by matching fillets for the case and rest - like a small valley.
There is a slightly recessed-mount base plate with 2 threaded through-bolts to made a ~3mm flat brass plate to the base. I'm thinking of a laser-cut sheet instead of machined since easily 1/3 the price but will require slight modification like: countersinking, edge filing, hand polishing and a final coating.
If I go for this more complex rest, I'll then really want to match the main case with a full brass base plate. I already have a prototype laser-cut brass base plate for the main case that requires some finish work but I have yet to take it out of the seal for it to start tarnishing.
The price of this option is 25% more expensive in total than the PC version given the quotes I have so bar. I'm fairly certain I would appreciate this design more than a frosted PC rest no matter how many times I stare at the beamingrobot's Alice PC rest.
I still haven't fully explored a wood option but I'm confident I'll want to get it prototyped with a CNC router for precision, but I do not have easy access to one and I have yet to find a good vendor.
Now time to climb out of the rabbit hole...