[IC] SKB2 - steel, isolation top mount, powder coated / ETA set!

[eebogaine]

@PlastikSchnittstelle. Speaking of screws, you mentioned here that there isn't a good way of colouring screw heads:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2830018#msg2830018

I'd like to point out that powdercoating screw heads is a relatively common service, and I've seen them used in the field. Here's a few examples:





Could you ask your powdercoater if they're willing to do this?

It's not necessary for most colours. On the dark colors like dolsch, the black screws look great already. But the RAL9002 really needs it imo.
Thanks.

[rinkaan]

Kinda liked the contrasting colors of he screw head tho...

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[PlastikSchnittstelle]

@PlastikSchnittstelle. Speaking of screws, you mentioned here that there isn't a good way of colouring screw heads:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2830018#msg2830018

I'd like to point out that powdercoating screw heads is a relatively common service, and I've seen them used in the field. Here's a few examples:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Could you ask your powdercoater if they're willing to do this?

It's not necessary for most colours. On the dark colors like dolsch, the black screws look great already. But the RAL9002 really needs it imo.
Thanks.

i could write a lot about these so called "powder coated screws". instead i should just say NO. okay, let me just say the following...
if you knew about the process of powder coating and what steps it involves (for each single part) then you would also know that there is no way actual powder coating on screws can be achieved for a reasonable price. it says "powder coating" but I doubt this is the same process that I'm aware of.

look, everyone who wants the case is free to combine it with whatever special screws s/he likes. in the box with the case there will be the standard button head screws - that is set.

don't get me wrong, I absolutely appreciate the suggestion, the example and of course the participation in the process, but on this particular topic "screws" I have to clearly say that it will be standard, button head, black. for the stainless steel versions, I'll still have to try stainless screws to match because obviously they are simple to get, inexpensive and probably a perfect match, that makes sense.

that said I'm already looking forward to be surprised by the looks of alternatives some may come up with. like this, nice!

p.s.
ok, one more little thought: try imagine me quality controlling THOUSANDS of screws - this is not going to happen ;)

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

regarding the flathead screws:

they weren't easy to source here and would have been quite expensive. add to that, some commented on them to be ugly. so I really only see the standard button head screws to be the best solution for what comes in the box. again, everyone is free to find a more personalized option themselves.

I personally like them, especially in this build, mmmmh, niiice!

[eebogaine]

try imagine me quality controlling THOUSANDS of screws - this is not going to happen

That's a very good point. Sorry for bringing it up.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

no no no, don't be sorry for bringing it up, it's totally fine and absolutely welcome. I just hope that this time I provided the necessary context to make everybody understand why this is not a practical option for this GB.

[eebogaine]

Has a black color been decided on yet? If not, I'd like to propose one.

Looking at the glossy RAL9005 prototype, I think it might be a little too black. It even overpowers the black keycaps and screws:
https://i.imgur.com/PqEqOWo.jpg

I propose RAL9017. I think it looks especially good in matte or feinstruktur. For some examples, here's the Devialet Phantom Reactor speaker (I confirmed that the black version is actually painted in RAL9017 and not just molded plastic) under different lighting conditions:
1, 2, 3

Sorry everyone for posting so much

[Senor Coconut]

I don't think that there is such a thing as too black. Glossy makes the black deeper, I guess that's the purpose.
And if the painting problem is fixed, that might be the color I'll pick.

[raptorzoz]

Definitely interested in an 1800 board, and probably a TKL too

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

3rd Prototype batch early bird funding:

OK, I've been I a bit more quiet the last two weeks. I made some minor adjustments and was working on the plates. Everything is ready for the third and probably last prototype batch to be ordered. I suggest the same way of early bird funding like we did with the last batch. I would open the same form again and after about 10 submissions are in, I'll close it again, send out the invoices and then I should be able to quickly place the order. Data is ready.

good, right?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Feinstruktur vs glossy:

I need to bring the glossy powder coated parts to the company and be there in person in order to discuss the glossy waviness surface issue. I hope I can make that next week.
I'm sure getting the glossy surface done nicely and evenly will not be a problem. But regardless of this matter, I do get the feeling that most (including myself) would prefer feinstruktur over glossy anyway. Regardless if the color may be black, grey, yellow, beige or whatever, I think most would want to get it in feinstruktur, not glossy. If I get different feedback on this, I could include a vote for glossy vs feinstruktur in the color vote form.

[benfrain]

Is the early bird form for the 3rd round protos on the original post?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

RAL options for classic beige:

I made a few new renderings for comparing the beige options RAL9001 and RAL9002. I also found a third option, RAL1013. The renderings may probably be missleading because the rgb values can't match what you see in reality. I still didn't had time for good pictures. After I have those done, I will set up a form where we can vote on the colors. Renderings in the following order: RAL1013, RAL9001, RAL9002, then again from different perspective.
Here:

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Is the early bird form for the 3rd round protos on the original post?

yes, I'll post the same link again here when I re-open it, maybe later today.

[nathanchere]

Have there been any design changes between the different prototype runs?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Yellow:

here are more renderings with RAL1023. I really like this color, you'll see it on the next protos, pretty sure this will be one of the final options. I think I managed to simulate the Feinstruktur better this time. Caps should roughly resemble GMK Lux:

[bananasplit_00]

If you make a navless/96 key/similar i am sold unless the price is too high

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Have there been any design changes between the different prototype runs?

yes, just very minor stuff though. for example half a millimeter bezel size, from first to second protos. one millimeter more clearance inside because screws from screw in stabs were touching the bottom.
the plates got more changes, especially with the next proto round, you'll see.

[benfrain]

That yellow is fantastic

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

just saw gmk honey, hadn't noticed it before. this would be a very good fit for yellow as well. too bad R5/R0 is not offered

[norb]

i would totally cash in for another prototype but i don't wanna steal someone elses place
nice yellow and +1 for FEINSTRUKTUR instead of glossy, just because it's a german word^^

[FearsomeCubedWarrior]

~

[killchain]

@PlastikSchnittstelle. Speaking of screws, you mentioned here that there isn't a good way of colouring screw heads:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2830018#msg2830018

I'd like to point out that powdercoating screw heads is a relatively common service, and I've seen them used in the field. Here's a few examples:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Could you ask your powdercoater if they're willing to do this?

It's not necessary for most colours. On the dark colors like dolsch, the black screws look great already. But the RAL9002 really needs it imo.
Thanks.

What about PlastiDip kind of stuff? Sure it won't match 100% in terms of colour, but if it's intentionally "same but different", it can do the job I think.

[eggplant-chan-]

I'd be interested to see 75% renders when they come out

[Funkzilla]

Dear god, Im begging for the 1800...

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

I'd be interested to see 75% renders when they come out

you mean those?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Dear god, Im begging for the 1800...

I think I have to disappoint you. Though Maarten does have a 1800-PCB, it was not designed with custom cases in mind but as a replacement PCB to fit G80/G81-1800 cases. To make it fit well, he would have to make a few adjustments. In addition the interest check form indicates a rather low demand for this version.
There will be news regarding PCBs soon, you might like it.

[Vigrith]

There will be news regarding PCBs soon, you might like it.

Is there a final tally as it stands for which form factors and layouts will be offered the first go around?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Sizes & Layouts:

These ones will be offered for sure:

- 60% Standard, WKL, HHKB, YAS62
- 65% Standard, 0.5U bottom row blocker, 0.5U bottom row blocker and right column two key blocker (like prototype)
- 75%
- TKL Standard, WKL

The 75% "version D" layout that I had said would be done later might now be ready sooner. If so, it will be offered instead of the KBD75 style version.

[rondg]

The 75% "version D" layout that I had said would be done later might now be ready sooner. If so, it will be offered instead of the KBD75 style version.

Yes! Is it possible to order multiple PCBs? 

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

sure!

[consumer]

Please please consider Boardwalk.


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[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Colors and Finishes:

Colors that will be for sure (all RAL powder coating, Feinstruktur):
- Classic beige (RAL1013 or RAL9001 or RAL9002), compare RAL9001 and 9002 prototypes here, also renderings with RAL1013 there
- Dolch / gray (RAL7039) prototype here
- Yellow (RAL1023) renderings here and there
- maybe black?

Maybe black will be added but three is already a lot, keep in mind that with all the different sizes and layouts it will be a lot of possible combinations.
All Feinstruktur, since no one objected to my post back here.

Stainless Steel:
- "bead blasted only" or "bead blasted & nickel treated", see protos of both compared here.

I only want to offer one of the two. I'm leaning more towards the one with nickel treatement. The "bead blasted only" version is for sure very nice but I think it looks very similar to "aluminum bead blasted anodized". Only when picking it up you would instantly know it's not alu because of the higher weight. The nickel treatement is a very interesting look that I haven't seen jet.

Please let me know if this sound all reasonable to you.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Please please consider Boardwalk.

yes, why not.

[eebogaine]

- maybe black?

Please please offer some form of black. It's such a universal colour that works with pretty much any keycaps. RAL9017 in Feinstruktur would look so good!

[norb]

nickel finish looks way more classy than raw steel, my vote would go for this one!

[riterdando]

I like the Nickel finish!


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[rinkaan]

Nickel is alot more interesting.. But was thinking about longevity VS the stainless since it is the natural color and won't wear off with abuse... But am happy with all the colors nonetheless! Nickel to beige to yellow.. All are nice!

Waiting for the run.. No full size I guess? Was hoping for something with numpad to use in my office (tons of data entry on spreadsheets required)

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[Senor Coconut]

Nickel or raw steel is fine either way.
I already have a yellow keyboard, and if the glossy black is not an option anymore, I should go for the beige.

[RETURNISO]

Dear god, Im begging for the 1800...

I think I have to disappoint you. Though Maarten does have a 1800-PCB, it was not designed with custom cases in mind but as a replacement PCB to fit G80/G81-1800 cases. To make it fit well, he would have to make a few adjustments. In addition the interest check form indicates a rather low demand for this version.
There will be news regarding PCBs soon, you might like it.

Sad to see the 1800 get cut.
Was there simple not room for it bc of the design of the gh80/81 1800 pcb?

I was so ready for it, haha damnit

Colors and Finishes:

Colors that will be for sure (all RAL powder coating, Feinstruktur):
- Classic beige (RAL1013 or RAL9001 or RAL9002), compare RAL9001 and 9002 prototypes here, also renderings with RAL1013 there
- Dolch / gray (RAL7039) prototype here
- Yellow (RAL1023) renderings here and there
- maybe black?

Maybe black will be added but three is already a lot, keep in mind that with all the different sizes and layouts it will be a lot of possible combinations.
All Feinstruktur, since no one objected to my post back here.

Stainless Steel:
- "bead blasted only" or "bead blasted & nickel treated", see protos of both compared here.

I only want to offer one of the two. I'm leaning more towards the one with nickel treatement. The "bead blasted only" version is for sure very nice but I think it looks very similar to "aluminum bead blasted anodized". Only when picking it up you would instantly know it's not alu because of the higher weight. The nickel treatement is a very interesting look that I haven't seen jet.

Please let me know if this sound all reasonable to you.

Just gonna ramble abit. But between the white's. Not sure about RAL1013, a little nicotine hasy maybe.
Irl it properly gonna look good. But then there is 3 muted medium "hazy" options with Dolch, Inox, Nickel, and the 1013 oyster white.

No black, no white, no silver

To distinguish the color setup better a bit, i vote for RAL9002 for the white if you end up going with "only" Inox Nickel and Dolch. as the lighter/muted color options.

1+ 'og' Bead blasted SKB, BLACK. It looks so good IRL

Still love the Raw, bead blasted, Inox Naked. it's very hard to choose haha

[FearsomeCubedWarrior]

~

[Vigrith]

Sizes & Layouts:

These ones will be offered for sure:

- 60% Standard, WKL, HHKB, YAS62
- 65% Standard, 0.5U bottom row blocker, 0.5U bottom row blocker and right column two key blocker (like prototype)
- 75%
- TKL Standard, WKL

The 75% "version D" layout that I had said would be done later might now be ready sooner. If so, it will be offered instead of the KBD75 style version.

Lovely. Thank you for clarifying, I suppose I'll stick with my original plan of going for a TKL as well as a YAS.

Colors and Finishes:

Colors that will be for sure (all RAL powder coating, Feinstruktur):
- Classic beige (RAL1013 or RAL9001 or RAL9002), compare RAL9001 and 9002 prototypes here, also renderings with RAL1013 there
- Dolch / gray (RAL7039) prototype here
- Yellow (RAL1023) renderings here and there
- maybe black?

Maybe black will be added but three is already a lot, keep in mind that with all the different sizes and layouts it will be a lot of possible combinations.
All Feinstruktur, since no one objected to my post back here.

Stainless Steel:
- "bead blasted only" or "bead blasted & nickel treated", see protos of both compared here.

I only want to offer one of the two. I'm leaning more towards the one with nickel treatement. The "bead blasted only" version is for sure very nice but I think it looks very similar to "aluminum bead blasted anodized". Only when picking it up you would instantly know it's not alu because of the higher weight. The nickel treatement is a very interesting look that I haven't seen jet.

Please let me know if this sound all reasonable to you.

I like the colour choices and I too think going for Feinstruktur for all of them is the better choice. Far as the "beige" goes, my preferred option is definitely 1013.

Nickel is much more unique than the alternative in my opinion and it just looks cooler - I'd much prefer if that's the version that's picked for the bead blasted finishes.

[Hell-es]

Like both steel versions - both are fine. If both are offered i would think about getting both.

So cutting one will save money haha

[stoffelduss]

RAL options for classic beige:

I made a few new renderings for comparing the beige options RAL9001 and RAL9002. I also found a third option, RAL1013. The renderings may probably be missleading because the rgb values can't match what you see in reality. I still didn't had time for good pictures. After I have those done, I will set up a form where we can vote on the colors. Renderings in the following order: RAL1013, RAL9001, RAL9002, then again from different perspective.
Here:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Well, if my monitor is correctly showing 1013 more creamy than 9001 and 9002 (almost pure white), I think I'm in for 1013.
So, my preference for "beige" is following: 1013>9001>9002 (If there will be 9002 chosen, I'll most likely switch to nickel or inox finish)

I have pretty much the same opinion. I just checked if I wrote that lol

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Colors & finish options are (almost) set:

guys, thanks a lot for the feedback. this really helps making decisions. looks like there are not many variables left now.
regarding black. yes, the arguments for black some of you brought forward are good, black really should not be left out. I'll manage four color options.
the only question left for powder coats is which of the three RAL options for beige. when I get back the next protos including RAL1013 I can put the three options side by side in pictures and then we can vote.

powder coating color options (all feinstruktur):
- classic beige (RAL1013 or RAL9001 or RAL9002)
- dolch / gray (RAL7039)
- yellow (RAL1023)
- black

stainless steel will be bead blasted and have the nickel treatment.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Early bird funding for 3rd prototype batch:

I had already mentioned it here, the data is ready for the order to be made. I have just reopened the same form which I had used for the last early bird funding round. I'll keep my eyes on it and close it after around ten entries.

Early bird form

[Hell-es]

Good luck for the new yearly birds.


Ok - stainless stell nickel it will be then... saves times deciding between the 2 options.

Most likely TKL - now just waiting   

[d00deitsnik]

Colors & finish options are (almost) set:

guys, thanks a lot for the feedback. this really helps making decisions. looks like there are not many variables left now.
regarding black. yes, the arguments for black some of you brought forward are good, black really should not be left out. I'll manage four color options.
the only question left for powder coats is which of the three RAL options for beige. when I get back the next protos including RAL1013 I can put the three options side by side in pictures and then we can vote.

powder coating color options (all feinstruktur):
- classic beige (RAL1013 or RAL9001 or RAL9002)
- dolch / gray (RAL7039)
- yellow (RAL1023)
- black

stainless steel will be bead blasted and have the nickel treatment.

Does this mean RAL 6027 has been dropped? Oof. Sad to see it go. I think managing 4 colors and a nickel-treated steel provides a good range of options though.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

yes, yellow is the one popping color option now. looking at the linked GBs in your signature, I can see why RAL6027 would have been really nice for you - sorry.

[honoka]

Early bird form filled in!
Invoice approx when?

Edit: nvm, got email saying soon