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

[Blazestorm]

Got 2x 87u55's lined up for this =) Now just to decide on colors... ahhh...

[Peiweisgreat]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

[dallman5]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

I believe that refers to the breakout PCB for the USB C connector. A custom Topre PCB would be the dream though.

[norbauer]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

[Peiweisgreat]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Cool I figured that might be the case, I just wanted to make sure thanks!

[FSund]

Since this will most likely be a limited/single run, perhaps the cases could be numbered? If that doesn't add a significant cost.

[Howser]

I'll try to edit together some pics tonight or tomorrow morning.

that would be great. i'm also having a very hard time to decide on a color

[Burt Macklin]

No dilemma here - tactical black it is 

Many thanks for setting up EU proxy!

[Lansky]

So, just before I put in my order...

Is the package insured when using the EU proxy? I'm assuming it is but I just want to make sure. It would break my heart if the beautiful case shows up damaged. 

[krey]

looks fab!

time to sell my kidneys before x'mas, decide on a colour and hop on.

[Techno Trousers]

looks fab!

time to sell my kidneys before x'mas, decide on a colour and hop on.

You might want to keep one of them.

[norbauer]

No dilemma here - tactical black it is  :thumb:

Many thanks for setting up EU proxy!

My pleasure; thanks for keeping after me to arrange it! :)

[norbauer]

So, just before I put in my order...

Is the package insured when using the EU proxy? I'm assuming it is but I just want to make sure. It would break my heart if the beautiful case shows up damaged. 

I would assume that this is the case, but I have messaged them to ask and will confirm when I find out.

[norbauer]

So, just before I put in my order...

Is the package insured when using the EU proxy? I'm assuming it is but I just want to make sure. It would break my heart if the beautiful case shows up damaged. 

I have confirmed that they will ship with insurance. He also added that, after 3000 shipments, they've never had a package lost.

[Lansky]

I have confirmed that they will ship with insurance. He also added that, after 3000 shipments, they've never had a package lost.

Thanks for the quick follow up, that is great news.

I'll put in my order when I get home. So hyped for this! 

[avid]

Very nice to see this come to GB. Time-line is perfect, might even opt for a second one 

Now the hard decision on what i should buy. I suppose you dont happend to have a black realforce in the black case?
I know many finishes was done in the novatouch GB, is there more pictures of those? Im considering at least enigma black vs tactical black.

[Blazestorm]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Would have been cool to get some QMK in there to allow some minor remapping -> Something like Hasu's USB to USB converter. I just want to add media keys/my own FN layer.

Maybe I can get one made by Hasu to go between your PCB and the Topre one, just don't solder on the big USB A connectors and hand-wire it.

[Halverson]

Can we see stats of how many of each color are ordered? I’m curious

[hayt]

Very nice to see this come to GB. Time-line is perfect, might even opt for a second one 

Now the hard decision on what i should buy. I suppose you dont happend to have a black realforce in the black case?
I know many finishes was done in the novatouch GB, is there more pictures of those? Im considering at least enigma black vs tactical black.

+1 would very much like to see how the black keyset looks with the black finish options.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Troif]

This GB is a must. Love my Norbatouch and a RF87u is on its way to me... now color, what color!!!
Also, what is the best way to obtain mx sliders in Europe? Or may be is it better to get the realforce RGB? Opinions?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[norbauer]

Hi Norb, is there any way we could get a pic of how the ano 3 black case will look with the standard black RF keyset? Since I have both a white and a black RF, I’m fairly torn on if I want to do white on silver or black on black.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Norb, is there any way we could get a pic of how the ano 3 black case will look with the standard black RF keyset? Since I have both a white and a black RF, I’m fairly torn on if I want to do white on silver or black on black.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Also in the same boat here, leaning toward black on black but worried it could look boring.

I'll try to edit together some pics tonight or tomorrow morning.

that would be great. i'm also having a very hard time to decide on a color

Hi Norb, is there any way we could get a pic of how the ano 3 black case will look with the standard black RF keyset? Since I have both a white and a black RF, I’m fairly torn on if I want to do white on silver or black on black.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Also in the same boat here, leaning toward black on black but worried it could look boring.

As promised. With apologies for the ****ty Photoshop work and pics of my grubby, shiny-ABS, dust-encrusted daily-driver keys. :S

Aerospace aluminum (I know, it kind of looks white in the studio lights)


Tactical black (the keys above photoshopped in place)

[hayt]

Thx Norb! Very helpful

Unfortunately this just makes my decision that much harder as the black keyset on ano iii black is insanely nice


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[salvanipour]

Conflicted between the black and the clear aluminum. I want something hard wearing, even though my keyboard doesn't travel. On the other hand the case on the anniversary keyboards is black and I'm looking to jazz things up a bit.

[Lansky]

Tactical black (the keys above photoshopped in place)

Show Image

Hnnngggg  :-X

[Techno Trousers]

Tactical black (the keys above photoshopped in place)

Show Image

Hnnngggg  :-X

How much more black could it be?

The answer is none. None more black.

[braidn]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Would have been cool to get some QMK in there to allow some minor remapping -> Something like Hasu's USB to USB converter. I just want to add media keys/my own FN layer.

Maybe I can get one made by Hasu to go between your PCB and the Topre one, just don't solder on the big USB A connectors and hand-wire it.

If we could get QMK running on this it would be truly end game TKL amazing but, understand if it’s not. 

[Devkey]

Man, I'm torn between WKL enigma grey and space-station white. How durable are the glossy powder finishes?

[Howser]

As promised. With apologies for the ****ty Photoshop work and pics of my grubby, shiny-ABS, dust-encrusted daily-driver keys. :S
Aerospace aluminum (I know, it kind of looks white in the studio lights)

can you maybe compare aerospace aluminum to another keyboard that has a similar type of finish? the whitefox maybe?
and for the enigma grey, does the finish look similar to monte carlo but in grey?
whats the difference between space station and venice beach white?
on the order page it's not clear from the first 11 pictures which colors i'm looking at, is that space white or aluminum or both?

sorry if you have answered this before

[clappingcactus]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Would have been cool to get some QMK in there to allow some minor remapping -> Something like Hasu's USB to USB converter. I just want to add media keys/my own FN layer.

Maybe I can get one made by Hasu to go between your PCB and the Topre one, just don't solder on the big USB A connectors and hand-wire it.

If we could get QMK running on this it would be truly end game TKL amazing but, understand if it’s not.

Already ahead of you:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651

[vinzlr]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Would have been cool to get some QMK in there to allow some minor remapping -> Something like Hasu's USB to USB converter. I just want to add media keys/my own FN layer.

Maybe I can get one made by Hasu to go between your PCB and the Topre one, just don't solder on the big USB A connectors and hand-wire it.

If we could get QMK running on this it would be truly end game TKL amazing but, understand if it’s not.

God, I have QMK on my other board and now that I have my RF I'm realizing how much I love QMK. If we get QMK on this I will explode.

[norbauer]

Thx Norb! Very helpful :)

Unfortunately this just makes my decision that much harder as the black keyset on ano iii black is insanely nice

I agree, actually. It's very ninja.

And it's basically what my daily driver has been for years (black keys on black anodized case). Before I made this case, I had an ultra-rare Korean RealForce housing in black type II ano, which unfortunately has gotten quite scratched up over the years due to my carelessness—hence my interest in Type III ano. I've loved that thing for years, but there has definitely been room for improvement, which is what led to this project.

Sorry for any slow replies today, btw. I've been making sous vide turkey, deep-fried brussels spouts, and engaged in other holiday festivities all day. Similarly, I'll be doing some family stuff over the next couple of days and away from my computer (my father is in town visiting), so apologies in advance for any latency in forum or email replies. I always catch up eventually. :)

[norbauer]

So am I reading this right when it says that it will come with a custom pcb?

Yes, but not in the sense that most keyboard people mean PCB. It is a very small printed circuit board that makes it possible to use a detachable cable with the RealForce.

Would have been cool to get some QMK in there to allow some minor remapping -> Something like Hasu's USB to USB converter. I just want to add media keys/my own FN layer.

Maybe I can get one made by Hasu to go between your PCB and the Topre one, just don't solder on the big USB A connectors and hand-wire it.

If we could get QMK running on this it would be truly end game TKL amazing but, understand if it’s not.

God, I have QMK on my other board and now that I have my RF I'm realizing how much I love QMK. If we get QMK on this I will explode.

So I'm used to keeping my head down and tending my little quixotic keyboard garden (projects like this), and I'm sadly pretty ignorant of a lot of the stuff that goes on elsewhere in the community (it's so hard to keep up!). Can you guys fill me in on what this QMK business is?

[norbauer]

As promised. With apologies for the ****ty Photoshop work and pics of my grubby, shiny-ABS, dust-encrusted daily-driver keys. :S
Aerospace aluminum (I know, it kind of looks white in the studio lights)

can you maybe compare aerospace aluminum to another keyboard that has a similar type of finish? the whitefox maybe?
and for the enigma grey, does the finish look similar to monte carlo but in grey?
whats the difference between space station and venice beach white?
on the order page it's not clear from the first 11 pictures which colors i'm looking at, is that space white or aluminum or both?

sorry if you have answered this before

I haven't examined the anodizing on a White Fox up close, but it looks pretty much like bead-blasted clear type-II anodized aluminum, so yes, I would expect the finish to be very similar.

Enigma Gray and Monte Carlo red are actually totally different. Enigma Gray is just a gray (lighter) version of Enigma Black. It has a subtle texture (sort of random small specks of texture), but it's not a wrinkle texture, which is what Monte Carlo red is. This is the best picture I've found online to show what Monte Carlo red looks like. It looks exactly like that up close.

Space station white and Venice Beach are very similar in terms of their finish (medium- to high-gloss and smooth), but of course one is white and the other is hot pink.

On the order page, the first batch of photos are all aerospace aluminum. Then they're tactical black. Then it's Retro Refrigerator. I don't have photos of this case in any other finishes, because that is all the samples I had to test, so I made that final image to show other cases I've made in the past using the finishes being offered this time. I'm working on better ones. You can also have a look at my Novatouch product page for more images of those powder finishes.

[norbauer]

I just wanted to mention that I added another powder coat option by request of a few people: medium-gloss black, which I'm calling, in my fanciful way, Singularity Black. This is basically the black version of Space Station white. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of this finish at the moment, but it's a pretty straightforward one and doesn't require too much imagination to accurately know what it will look like. ;)

[Stresemann]

Yesterday, I finally ordered this awesome housing. I've been following this feed for about 6months and I am so happy that this is actually happening. Hyped with the beautiful aesthetics. I ordered silver WKL and I am sure it would look beautiful with my 87u ek with white keycaps!

[FSund]

I just wanted to mention that I added another powder coat option by request of a few people: medium-gloss black, which I'm calling, in my fanciful way, Singularity Black. This is basically the black version of Space Station white. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of this finish at the moment, but it's a pretty straightforward one and doesn't require too much imagination to accurately know what it will look like.

Thanks for doing this. I've just put in an order for a Singularity Black case.

So I'm used to keeping my head down and tending my little quixotic keyboard garden (projects like this), and I'm sadly pretty ignorant of a lot of the stuff that goes on elsewhere in the community (it's so hard to keep up!). Can you guys fill me in on what this QMK business is?

QMK is just a keyboard firmware that can be used with most of the custom pcb's out there (and those using for example a Pro Micro), those that use a Atmel AVR microcontroller.

The USB to USB adapter that is mentioned above is using the QMK firmware installed on a custom chip that has USB input and output, which will read the keypresses being sent from the keyboard that is plugged in to the adapter, and output some other keypresses based on the QMK configuration. This can be used to add lots of different functionality that is available via the QMK firmware, to a keyboard that isn't programmable. Typically this is used to remap keys (for example map Caps Lock to Ctrl), to program macro keys, and to add support for different layers (f.ex. if you hold the Tab key, the arrow keys can be mapped to Page Up, Page Down, Home and End, a very useful mapping).

[nguyenhimself]

Man, someone has to explain to me all the different shades of black here:

- Tactical black: Super black and glossy.



- Enigma Black: I assume is pic below, so a shade lighter than Tactical Black with, uhm, medium gloss?



- Enigma Gray: As Norbauer said, Enigma black but lighter, so I assume it's something like the below Space Gray iPhone?



- Singularity Black: I'm not entirely what "black version of Space Station white" means here, because that sounds like Tactical Black to me (Super black, super glossy).

Just a bit confused, is all. Thanks.

[norbauer]

Man, someone has to explain to me all the different shades of black here:

- Tactical black: Super black and glossy.

Show Image

- Enigma Black: I assume is pic below, so a shade lighter than Tactical Black with, uhm, medium gloss?

Show Image

- Enigma Gray: As Norbauer said, Enigma black but lighter, so I assume it's something like the below Space Gray iPhone?

Show Image

- Singularity Black: I'm not entirely what "black version of Space Station white" means here, because that sounds like Tactical Black to me (Super black, super glossy).

Just a bit confused, is all. Thanks.

Hehe. Yeah, sorry, but everything you said above is wrong. I apologize for the confusion, but I’m only offering so many black colors because people have actually specifically asked for each one of them. :) Let me try to clarify.

the new Singularity Black: this is black, opaque, and fairly glossy. It is what most people think of when they think of “black powder coat.” If you got a black filing cabinet, it would probably be a finish similar to this.

Enigma black: this is black powder coat with a gentle speckled texture, creating a fairly matte appearance

Royal Wrinkle black: this is black powder coat with a more noticeable texture, which takes the form of tiny wrinkles rather than specks, also creating a fairly matte appearance.

Tactical black: this is just black anodizing of a bead-blasted surface; it is NOT glossy at all. It is like Apple space gray if you darkened the dye from 75% black (or whatever it is) to 100%. If it looks glossy in some of the photos, it is just the result of how my bright studio lights play against the surface of the metal. The finely bead-blasted texture of the surface of the tactical black case makes it diffuse light pretty well and thus not appear glossy.

[norbauer]

Man, someone has to explain to me all the different shades of black here:

- Tactical black: Super black and glossy.

Show Image

- Enigma Black: I assume is pic below, so a shade lighter than Tactical Black with, uhm, medium gloss?

Show Image

- Enigma Gray: As Norbauer said, Enigma black but lighter, so I assume it's something like the below Space Gray iPhone?

Show Image

- Singularity Black: I'm not entirely what "black version of Space Station white" means here, because that sounds like Tactical Black to me (Super black, super glossy).

Just a bit confused, is all. Thanks.

Hehe. Yeah, sorry, but everything you said above is wrong. I apologize for the confusion, but I’m only offering so many black colors because people have actually specifically asked for each one of them. Let me try to clarify.

the new Singularity Black: this is black, opaque, and fairly glossy. It is what most people think of when they think of “black powder coat.” If you got a black filing cabinet or any piece of old office furniture, it would probably be a finish similar to this.

Enigma black: this is black powder coat with a gentle speckled texture, creating a fairly matte appearance

Royal Wrinkle black: this is black powder coat with a more noticeable texture, which takes the form of tiny wrinkles rather than specks, also creating a fairly matte appearance.

Tactical black: this is just black anodizing of a bead-blasted surface; it is NOT glossy at all. It is like Apple space gray if you darkened the dye from 75% black (or whatever it is) to 100%. If it looks glossy in some of the photos, it is just the result of how my bright studio lights play against the surface of the metal. The finely bead-blasted texture of the surface of the tactical black case makes it diffuse light pretty well and thus not appear glossy.

[child]

Ryan, not trying to bash you on this, but no one would have to present their (missed) findings and assumptions about the colors if you proceeded from the start in the most obvious way - put the description (like you just did - those are very insightful) and a few photos of each color on the buy page. Fortunately I am aiming for the simplest color possible (Aerospace Aluminum), but the first thing I've noticed on the buy page is that there is not enough information about the colors. Some of the colors look very similar (Enigma Black/Enigma Gray). Some are not shown at all. Artistic photos are nice, but they do not even have descriptions about the colors (so I wasn't even sure if the first one is Aerospace Aluminum). I understand you may not have all the colors on the cases yet, but things like showing them on Nobratouch cases also helps.

As I said - I'm not trying to bash you, but just help with improving future buys done by you.

[norbauer]

Ryan, not trying to bash you on this, but no one would have to present their (missed) findings and assumptions about the colors if you proceeded from the start in the most obvious way - put the description (like you just did - those are very insightful) and a few photos of each color on the buy page. Fortunately I am aiming for the simplest color possible (Aerospace Aluminum), but the first thing I've noticed on the buy page is that there is not enough information about the colors. Some of the colors look very similar (Enigma Black/Enigma Gray). Some are not shown at all. Artistic photos are nice, but they do not even have descriptions about the colors (so I wasn't even sure if the first one is Aerospace Aluminum). I understand you may not have all the colors on the cases yet, but things like showing them on Nobratouch cases also helps.

As I said - I'm not trying to bash you, but just help with improving future buys done by you.

Hehe. Feel free to bash. I honestly have no idea what I'm doing and am just flying by the seat of my pants here. Fortunately, that usually works for me, but it does mean sometimes needing to course-correct. So I appreciate the feedback.

Perhaps you didn't notice the last photo (which I do also mention in the text of the listing), which shows all the powder finishes with descriptions. I'm reproducing it here below:



But you're absolutely right that it could be clearer; I'll try to think of a good way to handle this. The only reason I didn't add full text descriptions into the listing itself was I didn't want the listing page to run too long since it's already pretty wordy.

The reason some colors aren't shown in the above mockup is they are ones that folks talked me into adding beyond my original plans, after the GB had already launched. I'll try to get photos of them before the close of the GB, but they're there just because I'm trying to accommodate special requests when possible.

[norbauer]

I've now updated the GB page with more specific powder coat finish descriptions, along with links to hi-res sample images of each.

child: thanks for nudging me get over my procrastination and provide more specific descriptions. 

[foxlive]

It is a piece of art! I love the look of it and possible finish. My question may appear silly, but is thiscase only compatible with realforce pcb? Or is it possible to fit another tkl board with cherry mx switches. I have some zealios and a dasher sa or Budapest sa who need a case !! Thanks for your answer!

[norbauer]

It is a piece of art! I love the look of it and possible finish. My question may appear silly, but is thiscase only compatible with realforce pcb? Or is it possible to fit another tkl board with cherry mx switches. I have some zealios and a dasher sa or Budapest sa who need a case !! Thanks for your answer!

I'm sorry to report that it's Topre RealForce boards only for this one.

[vinzlr]

Okay just fixed up my order and resubmitted for astrophysical purple. Do you think there will be any better pictures of this finish available soon? Thanks for the great stuff Norb! I can't wait for the Tactical Carry Bag and I hope I can design something worthy of your praise in the future!

[norbauer]

Okay just fixed up my order and resubmitted for astrophysical purple. Do you think there will be any better pictures of this finish available soon? Thanks for the great stuff Norb! I can't wait for the Tactical Carry Bag and I hope I can design something worthy of your praise in the future!

I can't wait to see what you design; let me know if I can help with anything!

I do hope to have pics of the purple color before the close of the group buy, as I should be getting some Novatouch cases back in that finish from r2.5 hopefully before the end of the year. I will of course post them if so.

Thanks for the encouragement about the bag! The design is complete; I'm just now going through the somewhat arduous process of finding a factory that can make them at small quantities and not charge a million dollars.

[Devkey]

If I want to change finishes is there a way to do that on the website or do I have to email?

[norbauer]

If I want to change finishes is there a way to do that on the website or do I have to email?

Please email.

[Vespene]

Hey, I would like to buy one of these, but I live in New Zealand and I can't use MyKeyboards. And anything over $400 NZD will be severely import taxed (+$180 or more). Please consider a delivery solution for non-US non-EU buyers, I'd appreciate it.

[foxlive]

It is a piece of art! I love the look of it and possible finish. My question may appear silly, but is thiscase only compatible with realforce pcb? Or is it possible to fit another tkl board with cherry mx switches. I have some zealios and a dasher sa or Budapest sa who need a case !! Thanks for your answer!

I'm sorry to report that it's Topre RealForce boards only for this one.

Thanks for your answer! Toooo bad for me then :$