Author Topic: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS [CONCLUDED]  (Read 269991 times)

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Offline PlastikSchnittstelle

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[GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS [CONCLUDED]
« on: Thu, 30 April 2020, 17:06:13 »
HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS

The stars align! After a pretty intensive IC phase with lots of fertile discussions, we have finally reached the GB phase. Oh and btw, new name! SKB (Simple Keyboard) is no more, it's a Heavy Metal Keyboard now (or HMKB). To make the whole GB process easier for all of us, I set up a shop. A discord channel is also available now. BUT PLEASE, before you do anything, take your time and read this start post including the FAQ - because 95% of the time it helps all the time ;)

Renders

HMKB-60 Standard with GMK Dark



HMKB-60 HHKB stainless steel with GMK Ashes



HMKB-65 with Dolch



HMKB-65 with GMK TARO R2



HMKB-75 with GMK Nautilus R2



HMKB-75 with GMK Ashes



HMKB-80 WKL with OG Cherry caps & RGB Modifier



HMKB-80 with WoB



HMKB-95 with GMK 9009 (almost, because R0)



HMKB-40
there are a few in the IC thread, soon more...

Photos

RAL1013



Stainless Steel



More photos









About

This is a mechanical keyboard enclosure made from bent sheet metal. After being laser cut, a big precision bending machine forms the sheet metal part into its final shape. Top and bottom steel parts form an extremely tough and heavy enclosure that rests firmly on your desk.
The plate that holds the switches is top mounted which is obviously revealed by the penetrating bolts. TPE grommets are used to fully isolate the plate from the bolts and the enclosure, which results in a more enjoyable typing experience.
The typing angle is adjustable by a mono leg, made of metal and attached by bolts. This ensures the case top stand rock solid at all of the four possible angles: 6, 8, 10 and 12 degrees.
The big bezels are a deliberate choice and provide a well spaced frame for the key caps.
Powder coating is a very robust, technical coating. It has a grainy texture wich is called fine structure. Beige, grey, black and yellow are the available color options.
Apart from these powder coated versions there is also a stainless steel version. It is bead blasted V2A steel.

Designed and made in Germany.

Sizes and versions



Specifications
  • material and finish: steel (powder coated) or V2A stainless steel (bead blasted)
  • top mount construction
  • high profile case, caps sink in very deep
  • plate fully isolated via grommets
  • adjustable typing angle: 6, 8, 10 and 12°
  • very low first/lowest key row
  • weights, see on the product page
  • dimensions 40, 60, 65, 75, 80, 95
  • additional info in the shop

Colors
  • Classic Beige (RAL 1013), Feinstruktur
  • Dolch Gray (RAL 7039), Feinstruktur
  • Black (RAL 9005), Feinstruktur
  • Yellow (RAL 1023), Feinstruktur
  • Natural/bare, stainless steel, bead blasted

Included
  • keyboard enclosure (top, bottom, mono-foot)
  • switch plate (steel or brass)
  • PCB (designed by Maartenwut, high quality, QMK)
  • accessories (grommets, bolts, standoffs, nuts)

Pricing

See the prices in the shop. Here are some basics:
  • 60% including steel plate and PCB starts at 130€ (142$ ), including shipping to the US it's 160$
  • 80% TKL including steel plate and PCB starts at 170€ (185$ ), with shipping to the US it's 214$. Shipping is expensive because the boxed TKL weighs just over 2kg, so the cheaper sub-2kg shipping option isn't possible with TKL and bigger
  • stainless steel versions cost a bit more
  • brass plate instead of steel plate, costs more
  • the 60% is also offered with just the plate but without the PCB, this starts at 110€/119$ (that's 137$ shipped to the US)

Timeline

I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.

Expected shipping Q3 2020

Updates

the whole start post including the FAQ will be updated over time. To be most up to date you should join the discord server. Here I will only post the most important milestones.
  • just started
  • first numbers (amount of orders) will be published in a few days
  • the future

FAQ

Q: What is included?
A: The case, plate, PCB and accessories like nuts, bolts and grommets.

Q: Who developed the PCBs?
A: Maartenwut.

Q: But I already have a PCB, can I get an HMKB without it?
A: Yes, the 60% versions are available without PCB, that's "HMKB-60s" in the shop. All other sizes are only available as kit, PCB included.

Q: Boardwalk PCB?
A: The Boardwalk PCB is the only one you'll have to get elsewhere. It's sold via MKUltra. You need to ask Silentreader regarding a Euro proxy.

Q: YAS62 PCB?
A: I have very few left from my last GB. They are the only reason a SKB2 YAS version will be made.If you already have a YAS PCB and want a new case for it, you can get the HMKB-60-YAS without the PCB, you can find it in the shop under "HMKB-60s".

Q: RGB?
A: Please leave!

Q: Hotswap?
A: No, Maarten's PCBs don't support hot swap.

Q: Can I use another PCB?
A: Yes, if you prefer a different PCB (maybe because of hot swap capability) you can do so. SKB2 is a top mount construction, so you don't need to care about screw hole compatibility. Just make sure the USB port is at the correct position. I tried a hot swap PCB, it fits, no problem.

Q: Other colors?
A: There was a long discussion about which colors and which specific RAL tone. It's beige, grey, black, yellow and stainless steel. Nothing else.

Q: Powder coating, what is that?
A: It's a durable type of technical coating. It's like baked into the metal. Google it!

Q: Only this Geekhack IC thread? Am I missing something? Discord, Instagram, anything else?
A: During the IC phase all was happening in the Geekhack thread only. Since the start of the GroupBuy, a discord server is available.

Q: What about social media?
A: No, I don't do social media at all but I don't mind if you share information about HMKB on social media, provided you link to "www.heavymetalkeyboards.com".

Q: Will you offer plates made of other materials than steel or brass?
A: No, only steel and brass.

Q: A custom plate?
A: I'll make a custom plate file for everyone who wants it. Just not right from the start, need a rest first, before I dive in to custom plate files.

Q: How long will the GB run?
A: About one month, I estimate until the end of may or start of june.

Q: Expecting any corona related delays?
A: The German manufacturer is operating normally at the moment. The Chinese company responsible for the PCBs is back to normal operation at this time. So I don't expect any corona related delays.

Q: So you do run a shop now, or what?
A: No! The store is simply a means to run the group buy more efficiently. I don't consider myself a shop operator.

Q: Will you have HMKBs in stock?
A: No, I'm not planning to hold stock, definitely not!

Q: Where is it made?
A: The keyboard case is entirely made in Germany. Only the PCBs are made in China.

Q: How can I help?
A: Use the banner in your signature or show your support with a post to let me know you like it. That makes me happy.

Q: Where are you from?
A: Frankfurt, Germany. GUDE!

Group Buy
HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
(among the first 100 orders, seven of the prototypes will be raffled)

Discord
JOIN

Oblotzky, huge thanks for your help!

If you like this project, please add the following to your signature:
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[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.0][img width=470 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/LNCvDiF.jpg[/img][/url]
« Last Edit: Tue, 31 October 2023, 12:35:42 by PlastikSchnittstelle »

Offline HoffmanMyster

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 00:07:44 »
Approved :thumb:

PS, love the bent/industrial design!

Offline Idod

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 00:33:01 »
GB is finally here! Made a account and gonna wait for my early bird coupon before placing a order

Offline wgsunrise

  • Posts: 31
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 00:56:46 »
Very unique and beautiful boards which I have been following for quite some time.
I jumped in immediately once I saw the GB started.

Everyone can tell how responsible, dedicated and passionate PlastikSchnittstelle is by the frequency of his detailed reply in the IC thread.
I am glad that there is still a relatively affordable but special board on the market for people to choose.

I am sure that this GB is going to be very successful and the final product will be a gem to possess.
« Last Edit: Sat, 02 May 2020, 08:37:57 by wgsunrise »

Offline steezkeez

  • Posts: 259
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 01:02:13 »
GB is finally here! Made a account and gonna wait for my early bird coupon before placing a order

I'm in the same boat, early bird participant ready to join (just waiting for coupon).

Offline Harnak

  • Posts: 8
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 01:05:34 »
So glad to finally see this group buy here! I love the aesthetic of the bent sheet metal! In for 1 beige 75% full right cluster. Thanks for running this and I hope you get a lot of orders!

Offline Rew23

  • Posts: 42
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 01:06:38 »
Board looks great. Very novel design with so many form factors and a great price. Definitely interested in grabbing one. One small typo in the about section "which" instead of "wich". Much respect and GLWS.

Offline pott

  • Posts: 56
  • Location: Seattle
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 01:46:06 »
Purchased a Beige 65% (for WoB) and a yellow 60% (for Nautilus).

Heavy Metal Keyboard is an awesome same for a huge metalhead like me. I'm very much looking forward to these, good luck!

Offline nasp

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 02:00:23 »
What's happening with the 40%? There's brief mention of it but nothing more.


Offline vaf1en

  • Posts: 89
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 02:06:48 »
What's happening with the 40%? There's brief mention of it but nothing more.
It is such a superior layout that it needs not fight for more attention than it already has. ;)
That being set, here is a direct link to it.

Offline beekey

  • Posts: 434
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 03:11:29 »
Any pics from the inside? How about some typing video? How does it sound?

Update: found the IC https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.0
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 May 2020, 03:16:51 by beekey »

Offline Hell-es

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 03:36:45 »
Nice shop, waiting for coupon to place order  :thumb:

Offline Senor Coconut

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 04:02:02 »
Yeah, really complete GB. And the shop is very impressive too. Congratulations Plastik!
I'm also waiting for the coupon to place order.
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:31:07 by Senor Coconut »
,,,

Offline Streep

  • Posts: 1
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 04:43:54 »
ordered one HMKB-60 HHKB stainless steel :D can't wait to have it  :thumb: :p

Offline bryanwafu

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 05:07:47 »
can we order extra grommets and bolts?

Offline voelzmo

  • Posts: 12
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 05:30:47 »
Wow, I have to say this is one of the most well-done ICs and group-buys I have ever seen! Awesome interaction in the IC thread, comprehensive information and constant updates in the OP. Great shop page showing all relevant things at a glance.

On top, this is a great keyboard at a very compelling price point. Definitely getting a 75% for GMK taro, this will be so nice 😍.

Thanks Plastik!

Offline Surefoot

  • Posts: 454
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:16:03 »
Fantastic IC, flawless execution for the shop experience, well done. Grabbed a stainless 75% :)

Offline catbus

  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Canada
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:17:14 »
This was a great IC! Placed an order for a 60s Boardwalk-A and a 40. Now just to wait for Q3 :D

Offline rinkaan

  • Posts: 135
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:31:00 »
ordered a stainless with brass plate! second board of the month... ouch hahaha

Offline SihTzu

  • Posts: 5
  • Location: Germany
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:31:42 »
This is the second GB I have participated. This GB is well prepared and professional. It was a pleasure to place an order. Grabbed a black 95.  ;D

Thank you, Plastikschnittstelle!

Offline Djmm

  • Posts: 38
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:32:22 »
Help - would a 1800 Matt3o kit compatible with 65% with 2 blockers?

https://drop.com/buy/drop-matt3o-mt3-dev-tty-keycap-set




Offline zhnu

  • Posts: 1
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:36:17 »
Nice shop got a tkl banana.

Offline Rexcramer

  • Posts: 43
  • Location: Hamburg, Germany
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:40:50 »
Got me a 75% stainless and 95% yellow (for GMK Nautilus of course). Impressed by the variety and also huge props for having such a clean website set up for the GB. Probably the best customer experience I have had in any GB so far.

Offline Azurewrath

  • Posts: 37
  • Location: Munich, Germany
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:45:49 »
Yay, finally!  ;D

Just placed my order. :)

Offline Mekberg

  • Posts: 87
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:49:50 »
I was already set to buy a stainless WKL TKL, but seeing the prices I jumped onboard for a beige 60 HHKB as well! :D

Also, it feels so great supporting a EU designer and EU production! Really looking forward both to this and to future products to come.

Offline Bl4ck

  • Posts: 174
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 06:52:08 »
Just waiting for early bird discount and then... maybe I even  get a 65 and 75 :)

Offline rabbbit

  • Posts: 13
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 07:11:54 »
already in love 75

通过我的 OXF-AN10 上的 Tapatalk发言


Offline kekstee

  • Posts: 314
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 07:15:54 »
The new rubber mounting and plate looks excellent. Also nice switch to full steel to avoid the bending issues alu had.

So curious for one, but I already got a build with the first SKB here :D
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:38:01 by kekstee »

Offline rondg

  • Posts: 500
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 07:24:30 »
Any news for the early birds? Though I don't use 40%, some combinations already ran out of stock  :(

Offline benfrain

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 07:42:57 »
Finally, I'm going to own some precision German engineering :)

As soon as that early bird voucher hits my inbox I'm going to be all over this! Well done PlastikSchnittstelle!

Offline LilSmithers

  • Posts: 2
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 07:50:51 »
Will this support the dz60 hotswap? For the 60% wkl case?
With the price tag, easily thinking this over the kbd67v2 that's about to he restocked!!

Offline magicrobots

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 08:35:16 »
Ah crumbs I'd totally order this if it came in white. :|

Offline Nim

  • Posts: 21
  • Location: Belgium
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 08:42:22 »
I very much approve of the new naming you went for! I'll be patiently waiting for this

Offline honoka

  • Posts: 344
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 08:47:55 »
Any news for the early birds? Though I don't use 40%, some combinations already ran out of stock  :(
they are not out of stock, they just aren't enabled just yet. Plastik thought the interest was going to be low for 40%. if more people order them he will unlock the possibility to have it in stainless steel and probably also brass plate.

Offline ChitownM2

  • Posts: 326
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 09:23:49 »
I'm a little confused by the Yas62 options. I have a Yas62 PCB that I still never assembled.

I see that you say that you have some left, but if I choose the yas version of the HHKB-60, the price is the same as if i get any other 60%. Is there somewhere else I should be looking to indicate that I don't need a PCB that drops the price a little?

Offline azzipa

  • Posts: 485
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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 09:27:42 »
Prices appear to be inclusive of VAT. Will this be deducted from final price for shipments outside the EU?

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 09:30:39 »
Joined for 75% case and checked out but then remembered I needed the PCB and had to check out again.  Any chance I could get some of that shipping money back?  I sent you an email through the store with my order #

Offline DasGnome

  • Posts: 160
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #37 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 09:38:01 »
Excellent price. Super happy to have grabbed a YAS layout. Most underrated 60% layout!

Offline honoka

  • Posts: 344
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #38 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 09:40:48 »
Joined for 75% case and checked out but then remembered I needed the PCB and had to check out again.  Any chance I could get some of that shipping money back?  I sent you an email through the store with my order #
dude all 75% kits come with pcb.

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 10:12:28 »
Joined for 75% case and checked out but then remembered I needed the PCB and had to check out again.  Any chance I could get some of that shipping money back?  I sent you an email through the store with my order #
dude all 75% kits come with pcb.

Yeah but I always get a backup in case I need to rebuild and things go awry

Offline 2003987

  • Posts: 23
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 10:19:02 »
At risk of going unemployed... will join if can keep my job

Offline treeleaf64

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #41 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 10:22:33 »
At risk of going unemployed... will join if can keep my job

Good luck with your job.  :( Hope everything goes well.
As for me, I'm definitely buying this.
treeleaf64: https://discord.gg/rbUjtsRG6P

This is the cat and pat!!!!!!!!

Offline kiyoboard

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 10:35:00 »
When I woke up today, I wasn't planning on buying a keyboard  :) But such a unique project at this price, I got a WKL stainless steel  :thumb:

Offline 2003987

  • Posts: 23
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 11:13:54 »
At risk of going unemployed... will join if can keep my job

Good luck with your job.  :( Hope everything goes well.
As for me, I'm definitely buying this.

Thanks man, hope this corona thing goes away.... pretty stressful time

Offline clik_clak

  • Posts: 423
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 11:49:19 »
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?

Offline Iamsosmrt

  • Posts: 4
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #45 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:00:15 »
95% yellow (for GMK Nautilus of course)

I'm planning to do the same. The yellow fits so well with the nautilus look. And the 95% form factor is perfect to show of a lot of keys.

Currently I have an old cherry g80 1800 as a 95% board and have been looking for an affordable but more premium option in that form factor and this is it. After taxes and shipping it's even cheaper than the tkc1800 that I considered but didn't buy because it's really expensive for a painted plastic case.

Offline norb

  • Posts: 287
  • Location: ger
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:17:18 »
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?

Offline KZzzz

  • Posts: 35
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:35:25 »
Hi, can you post some dimensions of the 95% version (overall length/width etc.), as well as the size of the rectangular gap between the function cluster and number clusters? I am planning to make some custom vinyl stickers, and If I know the dimensions I can design around it. You don't have to disclose too much, but it would be nice to have some diagrams showing the general dimensions of the different cases. I would also appreciate if you can take a picture of the bottom of the case. Thanks, good luck with your GB!

Offline catamscott

  • Posts: 297
  • Location: Oregon
Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:35:30 »
have already got an SKB75, but for that price i might grab an HMKB60 too......  :p
site looks really great as well

Offline PlastikSchnittstelle

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Re: [GB] HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 01 May 2020, 12:41:57 »
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577

screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.