[IC] CNC Aluminum Case for Topre RealForce TKL keyboards

[celta]

Picture from the NorCal meetup:

Show Image

via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo

Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?

And a GMK keyset! The guts are on loan from perniciouspony.

Is this still an 87u? I thought only the 86u had that size of spacebar, or can you actually add a 7u spacebar to a 87u?

[norbauer]

Picture from the NorCal meetup:

Show Image

via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo

Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?

And a GMK keyset! The guts are on loan from perniciouspony.

Is this still an 87u? I thought only the 86u had that size of spacebar, or can you actually add a 7u spacebar to a 87u?

I believe it’s an 86u with swapped Novatouch sliders.

[avid]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?

[norbauer]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?

Yes, the design is complete now that I got the WKL prototype back last week and verified it. The only remaining thing is vetting a couple of alternate machine shops, as I’m hoping to bring the price down a bit from the quotes I’ve gotten so far. So, yes, I would say “close,” but I’m always hesitant to make any specific promises until I have a rock-hard date. for whatever it’s worth, however, I plan to have this GB open a bit longer than my past ones since my 1-2 week windows in the past seem to cause a lot of people to miss out.

[norbauer]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?

More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.

[DillonHightower]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?

More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.

Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !

[norbauer]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?

More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.

Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !

Will do! Just got back from DesignerCon in LA and will be focusing on keyboard stuff this coming week.

[DillonHightower]

The cases looks very nice!

Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?

More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.

Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !

Will do! Just got back from DesignerCon in LA and will be focusing on keyboard stuff this coming week.

WHOOP WHOOP
I have my hipro, heavy domes and hopefully this Awesome case coming in soon For buy, Topre life is looking good right now!

[DillonHightower]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

[pixelpusher]

Just got notification that my 87u 55g has shipped from Massdrop 2 weeks early.  Stoked for this case 

[FSund]

Picture from the NorCal meetup:

Show Image

via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo

Is it just me/the photo angle, or has the design of the case changed a bit since the original designs? The angled sides seem to have disappeared.

At last, the time has come. :D

Show Image

Show Image

[...]

[Troif]

The case is also suitable with the RGB Realforce? I mean I have a Massdrop Realforce 87U 55g coming... but no mx sliders...
I may sell the RF that is coming and buy a RGB RF that have mx sliders


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[avid]

The case is also suitable with the RGB Realforce? I mean I have a Massdrop Realforce 87U 55g coming... but no mx sliders...
I may sell the RF that is coming and buy a RGB RF that have mx sliders


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

no.

If you want sliders, just buy from kbdfans, theyre good.

[norbauer]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types.

[norbauer]

Is it just me/the photo angle, or has the design of the case changed a bit since the original designs? The angled sides seem to have disappeared.

It is just the photo angle. Proper photos coming soon. 

[Darknight00z]

Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.

[norbauer]

Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.

Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.

[Darknight00z]

Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.

Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.

Thats a shame really, a white with a leather top would have been sublime. I hope this feature makes it into R2.

[DillonHightower]

Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.

Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.

Thats a shame really, a white with a leather top would have been sublime. I hope this feature makes it into R2.

Carbon fiber ftw

[nickheller]

Saw these cases Saturday, they look really, really good 

[nmur]

Saw these cases Saturday, they look really, really good 

did you get a chance to type on it? how did it feel?

[pshofosho]

Saw these cases Saturday, they look really, really good 

Feed the thirst, where’s your picture?!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DillonHightower]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types.

We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down,  it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)

[norbauer]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types.

We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down,  it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)

OK, you convinced me. I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.

[salvanipour]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types.

We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down,  it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)

OK, you convinced me. I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.

Don't forget the 10 of us that own an FC980c!

[LDobler]

Fc980c plsssss

[DillonHightower]

Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad?  That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..

I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types.

We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down,  it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)

OK, you convinced me. I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.

Norbauer for president!!  You are the man. My topre quest has been saved. #In for the long wait

[norbauer]

#In for the long wait

Haha. ^Well yes, definitely this at least.

[strigif0rm3s]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Lansky]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Try looking up JTK sliders

[mkarlsson]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Kbdfans maybe?

https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keyboard-part/products/kbdfans-topre-to-mx-adapter-topre-change-into-mx-switch-20pcs

[Burt Macklin]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

As for that weird Ctrl slider - you'll have to get creative,
as MX sliders won't work.
What I did was use a Novatouch housing,
and sand it down on the side until it fit
(otherwise the plate would need some cutting,
which wasn't an option as I didn't have tools).

[strigif0rm3s]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

As for that weird Ctrl slider - you'll have to get creative,
as MX sliders won't work.
What I did was use a Novatouch housing,
and sand it down on the side until it fit
(otherwise the plate would need some cutting,
which wasn't an option as I didn't have tools).

Great idea. I'll give that a shot. Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Burt Macklin]

Hey, not my idea - saw it somewhere, and it worked.
Not the most elegant solution, but it serves the purpose
of holding the key in place
(I've swapped the CapsLock with Ctrl, so that lower one isn't ever used).

[hpfalcon]

Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

you can just mod the slider itself

https://imgur.com/a/oWFYN

[norbauer]

OK guys and gals. This is happening.

I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.

I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)

My other task this weekend: take pictures!

[Puddsy]

Exciting

[strigif0rm3s]

Woooot

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[DillonHightower]

OK guys and gals. This is happening.

I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.

I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it.

My other task this weekend: take pictures!

In for the white powder coated wkl version !  Prices and link, and I’m ready!! Can’t wait good sir.

[Troif]

One WKL for me!!! Wowww! Now... which color to choose!???


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[strigif0rm3s]

I lovey Windows key!!!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Peiweisgreat]

OK guys and gals. This is happening.

I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.

I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it.

My other task this weekend: take pictures!

I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.

[norbauer]

OK guys and gals. This is happening.

I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.

I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it.

My other task this weekend: take pictures!

I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.

It wouldn’t be two group buys but rather two shipments from the orders in this single GB.

For those who are pressed with financial demands of the season, my Shopify store is set up to take PayPal, which makes PayPal Credit available. Usually for purchases over $99, PP credit gives six months with no interest if you pay it off within the six months. For whatever that’s worth. (I use this when buying stuff all the time myself when I don’t have all the cash on hand at the moment.)

[FSund]

All aboard the hype train!

Have you got a list of available coatings and colors ready yet?
I'm eyeing the Monte Carlo red coating from the CM cases, but the Royal Wrinkle also looks very interesting.

[exitfire401]

OK guys and gals. This is happening.

I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.

I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it.

My other task this weekend: take pictures!

I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.

It wouldn’t be two group buys but rather two shipments from the orders in this single GB.

For those who are pressed with financial demands of the season, my Shopify store is set up to take PayPal, which makes PayPal Credit available. Usually for purchases over $99, PP credit gives six months with no interest if you pay it off within the six months. For whatever that’s worth. (I use this when buying stuff all the time myself when I don’t have all the cash on hand at the moment.)

Alright, I officially love you for this.

[Burt Macklin]

Exciting news!
Finally.

Kinda afraid to ask -
anything happened on EU proxy front ..? 

[clappingcactus]

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas)

I think this is the best news of the post.

Christmas is also hitting me hard so I want to be reasonable about my expenditures these next 20 or so days.

[Lansky]

Here we go!

[norbauer]

I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas)

I think this is the best news of the post.

Christmas is also hitting me hard so I want to be reasonable about my expenditures these next 20 or so days.

Yeah, this is a big part of my idea of why to leave it open for longer than my previous GBs. In previous runs of my Novatouch case, I had lots of people who said they just missed out due to paycheck timing, not hearing about it too late, etc., so I had the impression I was maybe doing GBs that were too short. And, with Christmas and Black Friday noise going on, a longer window makes extra sense, I think. I just didn't want to hold this until January, since I and everybody else have been waiting a long time to get this thing rolling.  So this seems like a good compromise.

[norbauer]

Kinda afraid to ask -
anything happened on EU proxy front ..? 

Oh, right! That. I just followed up with the guy and I'll see if we can work something out.