Hey! I'm Adam and I've been planning to build my very own mkb. Its' been a dream of mine since I got into this rabbit hole early 2015. I remember having my first post here asking 'How do I build my own keyboard?' Didn't know by then how crazy, difficult and expensive it is to build one. :)) I was introduced by a member with the diy kb kits instead. Since then I have owned different types of keyboards. A B.87, HHKB, VE.A, p0k3r, Octagon V2, Novatouch, and a Whitefox. Total of 7 boards. http://imgur.com/a/MPh19 (http://imgur.com/a/MPh19). Since I pretty much had all the different layouts already, I've decided to start working on my own keyboard, putting all together the things that I liked. So here's Project COSMOS -- 1 of 1 custom built mechanical keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/XO9KXQ6.jpg)
More
(http://i.imgur.com/BhBJDPw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/G6vP0hW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rHkKtys.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Fq79rsn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/M7HcJZk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BqodNGm.jpg)
Design wise, it is about 70% done. There are so much more to add/fix on this one which means that the rendered images above isn't the final design, but this is how I see it as the final product. Main goal of this project is to have a space themed keyboard hence the project name. I am actually free styling the design of this. I had no drawings or any kind to base of the design of this board and at the same time learning how to use CAD app since it is my first try using it. Sorry for crappy rendered images too, it is my first time to use rendering app as well. I will keep this thread updated with all the updates for this project. I must mention now too that this will take months to finish due to my sched/work and budget.
Btw, I am open to any suggestions. Let me know.
Details/Specs:
- Cnc'd Anodized Aluminum body✔
- Polycarbonate Logo Inserts(Top)(Backlit)✔
- Polycarbonate Mid Diffuser✔
- Gold Plated Logo(Back)✔
Brass/Stainless Steel Engraved Weight InsertsGold Plated Stainless Steel Weight Insert✔- HHKB Layout (1-1.5-6-1.5-1 bottom)- ✔
- Black Blank PBT Keycaps - ✔
- Gold Plated Custom Shiny Stainless Steel Plate - ✔
- B.face RGB PCB - ✔
- Hotswappable switch mod -✔
- Nixdorf linear switches✔
- Custom usb cable. ✔
- Clear/Gold stabilizers✔
- A set of 'gamer set' artisan blanks✔
- Budget - RIP
last updated: 12/23/16
*✔ = acquired / finished /in production
[UPDATE] 11/27/16 - pcb, holtite, pbt keyset, prototyping
More
(http://i.imgur.com/7FQVvjQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/HVQcYDT.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/H7FONNh.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/0XnBrUQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ERr1w49.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hRHxQr0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vEaZhDh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wLVopOm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/lTkHfhU.jpg)
[UPDATE] 12/7/16 - New renders
More
New renders :thumb: Just a small update, I have aquired some Nixie switches for the board already. As for the plate, it was shipped last week. Not entirely sure when it is gonna arrive. For the design of the case, it is pretty much done. I am just finalizing it then I'll move on the next step and that is finding someone who could manufacture it for a decent price. The board will be attached thru screw holes on the bottom part of the case on the plate of this board. Really loving this color, but it is not the final color. Brass/Stainless weight will either be cnc'd or engrave w/ some info.
(http://i.imgur.com/67HYyjj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eqJqWFe.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/s1rBgJE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TQk80lo.jpg)
[UPDATE] 12/16/16 - Final colors of Cosmos
More
Purple case with gold plated stainless steel plate, weight inserts and logo.
(http://i.imgur.com/4HitCCT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tfqBE3A.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Qkxp5yN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qu7gRqb.jpg)
[UPDATE] 12/21/16 - Aluminum Case Prototype and Polycarbonate Pieces
More
(http://i.imgur.com/s7Q96Hf.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/kUiv4yq.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/VbHMS2m.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/Yn7Bgln.jpg?1)
[UPDATE] 12/23/16 - Raw smooth finished prototype case
More
(http://i.imgur.com/inEbe1y.jpg?1)
[UPDATE] 12/24/16 - Aluminum Case Prototype just arrived
More
aluminum case prototype just arrived. :) Can't believe what I am seeing. It looks freaking cool. Plate and switches needs to be here asap.
Here's some pics:
(http://i.imgur.com/9y1jFzH.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CYqcMk8.jpg)
[UPDATE] 12/27/16 - Nixdorf switches
More
Harvesting this switches over the weekend. Plate is already at my state. Should arrive anytime this week! :)
(http://i.imgur.com/6OU49qA.jpg)
[UPDATE] 12/29/16 - SS Plate is here!
More
[update]
[update]
Plate is here! :) The weight insert and logo are in production now. I cannot wait to see the complete case on its final form and color. :thumb:
Missing a hole for one screw, but that will be an easy fix for me :)) Too kbottom pic of it as well which is badly scratched, my bad :D
(http://i.imgur.com/GClfzN4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dJIiq2Y.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TIXsrY9.jpg)
[UPDATE] 01/09/17 - Polished Weight insert and logo
More
[Update]
Polished stainless steel weight insert and logo was shipped today. It should be here tmo. They're looking good in these photos, but I will still take some more photos of them on the board. I just sent the anodizing shop another email, hoping to get a response this time. I really want the board anodized asap. I will be working next on the cherry profile blanks once I find some free time. :thumb:
(http://i.imgur.com/StEt8pw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OBKnNz5.jpg)
[UPDATE] 01/09/17 - Blank Keycap making!
More
[Update]
Just want to share this pic of my Cherry profile blanks. Theses are Fns. It is a test run. Not so sure if they are okay at the bottom or not. I will have to redo the other molds for other keycap rows. I think it is looking great at this point. The colorway for the Cosmos is def a surprise. :p
(http://i.imgur.com/tDfjFwg.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/A4lo2JZ.jpg)
[UPDATE] 01/11/17 - Polished Weight insert and logo arrived - Test fit
More
[Update]
These just came in too! It looks freaking insane. :eek: I'm so afraid of touching it 'cause I might put a scratch on it. Can't wait til these are gold plated :thumb:
(http://i.imgur.com/XDshu1b.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/P9n4x2J.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/g16Qn44.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/etqWdH2.jpg?1)
[UPDATE] 01/21/17 - Cosmos 90% finished - blanks colorway revealed
More
[update]
Here's the photo of 90% finished Cosmos. Help me decide whether to gold plate the SS pieces(Plate, weight insert, logo) or keep them polished instead. Enjoy :thumb:
(https://i.imgur.com/KFxn8nn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VjTkzBH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hus9UKT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pBYH0e0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eZHD3PX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AwImf8H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZUDiWmz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GvVTGO4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AflYZNu.jpg)
[Update]
So I already found an anodizing shop nearby that does color anodizing. Here's a sample photo of the purple on aluminum piece. They do beadblasting as well which I will have my case treated to remove tool markings. I will have mine in darker shade, closer to amethyst purple. :thumb:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/LuDe4JS.jpg)
Final colors is gonna be a purple case with gold plated stainless steel plate, weight inserts and the logo. One thing I hate with holiday seasons is that everything you purchase online are always delayed. I am still waiting for the plate and switches packages to arrive. I haven't seen any movement of the packages since last week. :'( Also, there will be another NC meetup on Jan. Either on the 14th or 21st. Finished or unfinished, I will be bringing this board with me. So if you'd like to see in person, come over. If everything goes as planned, I am def gonna have a Merry Christmas as the aluminum case package will be delivered on 24th. I will share the photos of the prototype case as soon as I received them. :thumb:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/4HitCCT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tfqBE3A.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Qkxp5yN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qu7gRqb.jpg)
edit: There are changes on materials as well. The clear logo and the diffuser will be made out of clear poly carbonate plastic as it is a much stronger material than acrylic tho a bit more expensive. For the weight inserts and back logo, they will be made out of stainless steel so I could have the two together with the custom plate gold plated or at least anodized with gold color.
[Update]
I just received photos of the alu and poly pieces. Supposedly, they will ship out the parts tmo, but I asked them to hold onto it first and have the stainless steel pieces quoted so I could have them cnc'd as well and be shipped out together with these pieces. It is looking good. They said they still need to do manual finishing for the alu pieces. :thumb:
Here are some photos they sent me this morning.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/s7Q96Hf.jpg?1)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/kUiv4yq.jpg?1)
(http://reactiongifs.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jerry-seinfeld-kramer-pocker-face-Newman-winner-laugh.gif)
Cosmos + HHKB :thumb: :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/C2sGPvC.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/2E8BYtT.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/NQ2WzrL.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/E9lx6uC.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/UBHcoNk.jpg)
Beautiful work man!
Stainless steel weight and logo are almost done. It just needs some cleaning and then polishing. Still haven't received any replies from two shops that I emailed so I will start looking for another anodizing/plating shops around the area later. I also bought a custom cable for the board. A purple pexon cable. The guy shipped it already so it should be here soon. So yeah the proj's almost done. All that is left is to get the pieces anodized/plated and for me to make artisan blanks which is the most time consuming part of this project. :(
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PuV4ZJJ.jpg)
Great turn around on the project! Puts a lot of IC/GB leaders here to shame :-\
Enjoy that keyboard dude!
[Update]
Received the custom pexon cable today. It was too long for my needs so I cut it short. Good thing I had heat shrink laying around. :thumb:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HVvgPBR.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/gSnpYgT.jpg?1)
How many feet did you order? im planning to get one really soon and i hope i dont screw up the length. lol
[Update]
Just want to share this pic of my Cherry profile blanks. Theses are Fns. It is a test run. Not so sure if they are okay at the bottom or not. I will have to redo the other molds for other keycap rows. I think it is looking great at this point. The colorway for the Cosmos is def a surprise. :p
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/tDfjFwg.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/A4lo2JZ.jpg)
Nice! Maybe I'll get my winnings soon then?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75385.msg1869972#msg1869972
Got myself some watermelon and pineapple. :p Will be working for Cosmos blank set next :)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/xUqdlmW.jpg?1)
Wow they look awesome!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk