(https://i.imgur.com/oxj8KOB.jpg)
Let me introduce you the eucrite65, another 65% keyboard case, but with some twists this time!
(https://i.imgur.com/bH4f98s.jpg)
eucrite65 is a layered acrylic sheet-style keyboard case for any solderable 65% PCBs on the market. The unique aspects of the case are the dual brass weights on the bottom and the "integrated" FR4 plate.
"Integrated" because it's one of the many layers that make up the whole case. On the other hand the switch plate itself is connected with leaf springs to the outer frame, which provide you some flexibility and isolation by default. However you can breake off almost all of these spring-like arms (except the 4 outer most ones) to increases the flex.
And on the top of that the switch plate has two-sided graphics which can be seen through the slightly opaque acrylic sheets.
IC form (https://forms.gle/17JKP4F2VWLUY12x6)
Prototype pictures
(https://i.imgur.com/hxNIhC6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cGNPoM2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AuBQ6Ut.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x0IvOtS.jpg)
Additional picture of the prototype: https://imgur.com/a/sg30Ah6 (https://imgur.com/a/sg30Ah6)
Plate
(https://i.imgur.com/Gc9VSOb.jpg)
The plate has 5 spring arms, which can be broken out as they have mouse bites where they are connected to the switchplate and the plate's frame. In this way, you will be able to adjust the flex of your keyboard. The plate has a small amount of flex, when all the arms are attached. Remove the 3 arms in the middle (highlighted in light blue colour on the image above) for slightly more flexibility. If you would like to experience the full f l e x, break away the other 4 arms (highlighted in blue).
To demonstrate how it looks like, I made a video:
Gallery of plate prototypes: https://imgur.com/a/NI5vN8p (https://imgur.com/a/NI5vN8p)
Typing test
Features of the case:
- 65% layout with blocker
- 6 degree typing angle
- 7 layers of 3mm acrylic sheets + 3 layers for feet (matte on one side)
- dual sandblasted brass weights
- FR4 plate with flex cuts and breakable springs for adjustable flexibility
- FR4 plate colour variants: black (https://imgur.com/a/Q4uhQXq) (white silkscreen) ; white (https://imgur.com/a/yD4z0dS) (black silkscreen) and blue (https://imgur.com/a/n8QP2xp) (white silkscreen)
- layouts options: split Backspace, stepped Caps Lock, ISO enter, split left Shift, 6.25U spacebar
- compatible PCBs: KBDfans KBD67 Rev2 and Mark II; YMD68; Parallel 65%
- price: 109EUR
Layout options
(https://i.imgur.com/QM2P2Zt.png)
The case kit contains:
- 8pcs 3mm acrylic sheets (clear, one side matte, one side shiny)
- 2pcs 3mm acrylic sheets (clear)
- 1pc FR4 switch plate
- 2pcs brass weights (sandblasted, e-coated)
- 6pcs 15mm standoffs
- 6pcs 6mm standoffs
- 12pcs M2x4mm screws
- 12pcs M2x8mm screws
- 6pcs rubber feet
Extras for the case kit:
- a compatible PCB
- plate foam
Changes for the GB production:
- the feet will get two more standoff-screws combos in the middle to support the weight of the brass weights
- will use an other lasercutting company for the acrylic sheets to get more refined edge cuts
Timeplan:
- 05_02_2023: IC post and IC form published
- 21_02_2023: typing video added to the post
- 05_03_2023: price revealed
Discord server's link: Ealdin Keyboards (https://discord.com/invite/MME7tc8)