Hi geekhack friends,
I've been quietly working on this project over the last 6 months. I now have a working prototype and a small initial run is in the works, so I thought it would be a good time to share a bit more. This is my first keyboard design, my first time using CAD software, and my first time having something I created manufactured. Since these are plenty of firsts, and since I don't care overly much about naming, I'm happy to introduce the No. 1, a custom TKL.
There are three design decisions I'd like to mention. The first is that the "weight" isn't so much of a weight as it is half of a two-part case bottom — the weight design visible on the underside of the case is the same piece of material that forms the strip that runs around the side and back of the case. The second is that the plate is sandwich-mounted between the two-part bottom and the case top. Sandwich-style cases have, in my experience, provided the best typing experience and sound compared to bottom or top-mounted plates. Third, adhesive rubber gaskets have been incorporated into grooves in the case top to ensure that the plate is sandwiched perfectly with no wiggle room.
I'm currently running a small, private group buy for a small order of these, but I'm working with a vendor to make a larger quantity available to folks down the line. Thanks for checking it out. =)