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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: RealLover on Tue, 14 August 2012, 01:24:29

Title: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: RealLover on Tue, 14 August 2012, 01:24:29
Wonder how my keyboard would look like in this housing..
Pink is more like it.  :D


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Graphite-/160864170459?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item25744071db (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Graphite-/160864170459?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item25744071db)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Pink-/160864190293?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440bf55 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Pink-/160864190293?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440bf55)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Silver-/160864191292?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440c33c (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Silver-/160864191292?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440c33c)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Red-/160864188754?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440b952 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Red-/160864188754?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item257440b952)
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: jwaz on Tue, 14 August 2012, 01:28:14
Damn, for that price the keyboard better be included, welcome to GeekHack!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: DanGWanG on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:22:48
Wonder how my keyboard would look like in this housing..
Pink is more like it.  :D

Wonder if you are actually the eBay seller for these cases at outrageous prices.  Welcome to GH with your 1st post!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: yearn4 on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:25:38
holy moly that's a hhkb type s right there...
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:25:47
Make a HHKB case!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: mkawa on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:35:36
hey RealLover,

1) welcome to geekhack!

2) if you are the seller of these cases, i have seen these on kbdmania/otd before, they look awesome ^_^ (but pricey o_O!!!)

3) however, if you are the seller, this post should go in the classifieds forum. if you are posting here because you aren't allowed to post in classifieds, but you can verify that you are the manufacturer/vendor, i can make an exception and move the topic.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: boost on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:40:10
welcome...That is one sick looking case
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:42:54
Saw an opportunity to make disgusting money, decided to make cases

I wonder what's the profit margin on these bad boys
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: boost on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:44:48
Saw an opportunity to make disgusting money, decided to make cases

I wonder what's the profit margin on these bad boys

maybe 150-200%
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:47:47
I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: boost on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:50:26
I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB

That is a very good question sir...It does have usb inputs which is nice
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: DanGWanG on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:53:25
Hey, at least it's free shipping...right?  ....right?  sigh...
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:53:38
I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB

People will pay that though so it's a fair market price I think.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:57:21
I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB

People will pay that though so it's a fair market price I think.

If it's just bent/broke aluminum, no. If it's CNCed, maybe worth that price.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 09:59:14
I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB

People will pay that though so it's a fair market price I think.
I guess...

Tbh a RF is quite solid as it is with it's original case, don't know that many people that's willing to drop $450 for just a case. Stack on a RF for $250-280 that's a good $700+ I can think of many other keyboards to get for that price.

But hey if RF is your thing then by all means :)

I know \KL was looking for one but I'm sure he's not that desperate.

EDIT: A CNC of a much more complex case is still less costly then this (with profit in mind). I know this first hand, this case LOOKS very simple it could be a bit more complex inside but I still don't see the expensive cost
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:02:52
It's definitely CNC'd. I wouldn't buy one, I would pay 300 USD for a HHKB or Filco one though :D

I wonder if anyone bought one yet

Don't get me wrong an aluminum casing is expensive I know but I also know it's not $449 expensive and that's taking into account that this is a sale and not a non profit GB

People will pay that though so it's a fair market price I think.
I guess...

Tbh a RF is quite solid as it is with it's original case, don't know that many people that's willing to drop $450 for just a case. Stack on a RF for $250-280 that's a good $700+ I can think of many other keyboards to get for that price.

But hey if RF is your thing then by all means :)

I know \KL was looking for one but I'm sure he's not that desperate.

EDIT: A CNC of a much more complex case is still less costly then this. I know this first hand, this case LOOKS very simple it could be a bit more complex inside but I still don't see the expensive cost

The price isn't that high to reflect the machine time and materials, it will include for prototyping and lots of mark up to make money.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:03:04
It's definitely CNC'd. I wouldn't buy one, I would pay 300 USD for a HHKB or Filco one though :D
Maybe someone's dream for a Filco one will come true soon for much less >_>

EDIT: It is expensive, but like i said maybe the case is more complex then I think, but a case that is MUCH more complex was cheaper and do note that case was sold with a profit also
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:09:58
I would love a cheaper Filco case but we have to pay the price for these specialist nice things :P
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:11:29
I would love a cheaper Filco case but we have to pay the price for these specialist nice things :P
That was a hint of things to come
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: jil_jil32 on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:13:10
$250 then all of us should buy one? o^.^o
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:13:18
Excellent ;)

SOMEONE MAKE SOME METAL MODIFIER CAPS!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:15:23
$250 then all of us should buy one? o^.^o
$250 is a tad cheap, considering it's not being mass produced.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: damorgue on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:15:52
Excellent ;)

SOMEONE MAKE SOME METAL MODIFIER CAPS!

:D
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: damorgue on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:18:36
$250 then all of us should buy one? o^.^o
$250 is a tad cheap, considering it's not being mass produced.

The MKC Filco case was $320, was it not? It could be made cheaper since aluminium is so easy and fast to mill.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: thegunner100 on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:20:37
Holy ****... do want the silver, but $450?! That's how much i paid for my HHKB and RF 87u 45g combined.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:23:11
$250 then all of us should buy one? o^.^o
$250 is a tad cheap, considering it's not being mass produced.

The MKC Filco case was $320, was it not? It could be made cheaper since aluminium is so easy and fast to mill.
MKC filco case is even worst, with China's machine cost and the simplicity of the case his profit margin is through the roof

This case does look a tad more complex that's why I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt that it actually cost quite a bit to produce, given that its not mass produced either, also EMS shipping for that thing is around $50-$60
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: DanGWanG on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:49:59
Except that it's only standard shipping =)  So likely $30 for him.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: longweight on Tue, 14 August 2012, 10:51:50
It does look amazing, I need a Realforce board first though!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: limmy on Tue, 14 August 2012, 16:48:17
I saw a review of this case in KBDMania and there were several issues. One critical one I remember is plate + pcb moving around in the case not sitting in tightly.

There was never an explanation from vendor or any further review by members (the initial review was pretty harsh and seems to have killed most of interests of potential buyers). General consensus was that the price was high and quality doesn't really meet its price.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Tenkey on Tue, 14 August 2012, 20:13:58
Lol that thing is huge
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: sth on Tue, 14 August 2012, 20:24:36
eh, metal is nice but the shape is way uglier than the realforce.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Elrick on Tue, 14 August 2012, 21:04:22
eh, metal is nice but the shape is way uglier than the realforce.
Yep, plus I never trust ANYONE on Ebay with absolutely no feedback whatsoever.  And he wants $450USD........rrriiigggghhhtttttt.  :p

Even I'm not that stupid........  :-*
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tipo33 on Wed, 15 August 2012, 11:55:08
That looks awesome!!  +1 if they can make this I would like to see cases for other keyboards.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: tsangan on Wed, 15 August 2012, 11:59:21
limmy just killed all hopes of anyone wanting to get one :rofl:
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 15 August 2012, 12:22:04
Did anyone notice that one of the cases is auction style (aka bidding) in addition to a buy it now price?  Think that was a mistake with the auction lister?

Edit:  Looks like buy it now price is no longer available since I placed a bid on the case.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: damorgue on Wed, 15 August 2012, 12:50:45
Did anyone notice that one of the cases is auction style (aka bidding) in addition to a buy it now price?  Think that was a mistake with the auction lister?

Edit:  Looks like buy it now price is no longer available since I placed a bid on the case.

Can we all just agree not to bid on it to see if the seller will accept it. Most of his potential clientele are us. He is sort of bound to send it if you win it for a small sum, although his acc isn't much to give up I guess.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 15 August 2012, 12:52:50
He'd probably just cancel the auction once it's over due to a "listing mistake" on his part.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 15 August 2012, 20:48:38
Lol...some tool outbid me.  Whoever did that...you can have it. XD
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: thegunner100 on Wed, 15 August 2012, 21:24:38
Lol...some tool outbid me.  Whoever did that...you can have it. XD

Actually, someone bought-out this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Graphite-/160864170459?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item25744071db

Now who's the insane person who bought it?
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: whiskerBox on Wed, 15 August 2012, 22:44:39
Ok time for the HHKB case to happen
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: nntnam on Thu, 16 August 2012, 03:57:25
I saw a review of this case in KBDMania and there were several issues. One critical one I remember is plate + pcb moving around in the case not sitting in tightly.

There was never an explanation from vendor or any further review by members (the initial review was pretty harsh and seems to have killed most of interests of potential buyers). General consensus was that the price was high and quality doesn't really meet its price.

Lol, You has just killed my interest too, limmy. Thanks for the information  :p
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: limmy on Thu, 16 August 2012, 17:11:00
The critical review I mentioned before came from someone who knew things about aluminum machining and designing. So, the things he cared about may not really matter to you. It was one opinion from someone who were interested in designing aluminum case for his Realforce. I think his bottom line was that the outcome could have been better at such a high price.

It seems that we are going to see at least one more review(if the buyer is going to say anything about it) on this aluminum case, so we will see if the buyer is going to agree or disagree with the previous review.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: KeyboardRookie on Sat, 18 August 2012, 15:19:48
Awesome!
Wanna get one! But I think that I can't afford it now.

Please tell me more detail if someone has it!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: damorgue on Sat, 18 August 2012, 15:31:58
Can we all just agree not to bid on it to see if the seller will accept it. Most of his potential clientele are us. He is sort of bound to send it if you win it for a small sum, although his acc isn't much to give up I guess.

Not that I expected it to work, but that went well.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Okita on Sun, 19 August 2012, 14:03:41
These look sick, but the price is a bit shocking.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: feng on Sun, 19 August 2012, 21:56:04
OMG these are hot!
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: isp on Tue, 21 August 2012, 15:53:04
so ...$700+ in a keyboard when it's all said and done?

never go full retard
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: KeyboardRookie on Tue, 21 August 2012, 23:17:44
so ...$700+ in a keyboard when it's all said and done?

never go full retard

My colleague said exactly the same thing when I introduced $350 keyboard to her.
I've never expect that I can read that from here.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Wildcard on Thu, 23 August 2012, 15:42:36
If you show a $350 keyboard to someone who doesn't really like keyboards, is the outcome really that surprising? BTW, people have spent much more for a single KB then buying a case and adding a board.

I was interested in the auction as well, but it depends on what the price does. I really don't need an alu case for my RF, but I've been thinking about it.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Tue, 28 August 2012, 06:22:45
Well, if you compare these to feng/MKC's aluminum filco case, these are only about $87 more. That's not even that much higher considering it's a topre premium price. ($363 metal filco vs $450 metal topre, out the door prices)
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Elrick on Tue, 28 August 2012, 08:08:15
Well, if you compare these to feng/MKC's aluminum filco case, these are only about $87 more. That's not even that much higher considering it's a topre premium price. ($363 metal filco vs $450 metal topre, out the door prices)

The real difference is that Feng's MKC's can come with any colour you like.  Not so with the "Topre" edition.  :(   I prefer the Feng Special, a much better deal.  ;)
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: limmy on Fri, 31 August 2012, 23:13:11
More people are buying these and trying it themselves.
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/4998145 (dark grey color, has inside pics)
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/4998871 (pink color)

The points raised by the first reviewer mentioned in my previous post didn't really bother the other members who tried the case. The member in the second link didn't have RF at hand for the pics however.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: Bim Gao on Sat, 01 September 2012, 03:41:13
450$ only for a case @@ omg, but its nice
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: argcargv on Wed, 20 August 2014, 12:42:04
Ok time for the HHKB case to happen

Yes I agree.
Title: Re: ebay : Full Aluminum Housing for Realforce keyboard
Post by: damorgue on Wed, 20 August 2014, 12:44:04
And this years necro-bump award goes to...




drumroll...




Ok time for the HHKB case to happen

Yes I agree.