Author Topic: [IC] CNC Aluminum Case for Topre RealForce TKL keyboards (Read 147184 times)

norbauer · « **Reply #600 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:07:23 »

Quote from: FSund on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:27:02

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.

Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out.

clickityClackity · « **Reply #601 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:14:15 »

Quote from: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:07:23

Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out.

If there is a keyset that will make my keyboard look like this:

then yes.

Hawkfriend · « **Reply #602 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:02:35 »

Can't wait for this!

Puddsy · « **Reply #603 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:19:18 »

Quote from: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:07:23

Quote from: FSund on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:27:02
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.

Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out.

i would have ordered it if i had the money

red bull is my F1 team, but a red bull themed keyboard would look ****

then again, i already have schumiboard

Burt Macklin · « **Reply #604 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:45:37 »

Quote from: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 15:50:51

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

Cool beans, fingers crossed

Jedi · « **Reply #605 on:** Sun, 19 November 2017, 23:07:57 »

Finally, I have waited 4 years for this. Can't wait to see the GB.

nguyenhimself · « **Reply #606 on:** Mon, 20 November 2017, 00:09:28 »

To be honest, a bit bummed that this does not have the curves of the original plastic case. I consider it one of the Realforce 87U's distinct feratures and actually what made me interested in this keyboard in the first place.

That said, if this has a bunch of colors other than black and silver, it would be magnificent.

norbauer · « **Reply #607 on:** Mon, 20 November 2017, 02:12:10 »

Quote from: nguyenhimself on Mon, 20 November 2017, 00:09:28

To be honest, a bit bummed that this does not have the curves of the original plastic case. I consider it one of the Realforce 87U's distinct feratures and actually what made me interested in this keyboard in the first place.

That said, if this has a bunch of colors other than black and silver, it would be magnificent.

Show Image

It is actually intentionally fairly curvaceous; I just didn’t want to copy the plastic case but preferred to make a design that I feel suits metal better.

Many colors will be available in powder finishes, but unfortunately the powder coat options take longer to ship and will be non-trivially more expensive.

FSund · « **Reply #608 on:** Mon, 20 November 2017, 03:55:40 »

Quote from: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:07:23

Quote from: FSund on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:27:02
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.

Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out.

This probably mostly comes down to cost in my case. If the powder-coated options are a lot more expensive than hard ano, I might have to reconsider. I guess we'll see soon

Stresemann · « **Reply #609 on:** Mon, 20 November 2017, 23:46:23 »

Is actual photos coming up soon? I thinkI will go with silver caz I have ek witb white keycaps haha

Burt Macklin · « **Reply #610 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:15:03 »

Just got an e-mail -
sweeeet

Lansky · « **Reply #611 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:18:38 »

Awesome, just received the email as well!

Before ordering I'd like to know about the EU proxy, though.

Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?

clappingcactus · « **Reply #612 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:45:35 »

Man the edge chamfering and bottom flaring are gorgeous.

Murrellz · « **Reply #613 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:48:59 »

Quote from: Lansky on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:18:38

Awesome, just received the email as well!

Before ordering I'd like to know about the EU proxy, though.

Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?

Agreed, I would really like to put in an order but will wait until news about the EU proxy.

nguyenhimself · « **Reply #614 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:54:19 »

Oh wow it's here.
And now, to decide whether Enigma Black or Enigma Gray or Royal Wrinklt would fit my black RF keycaps better...

salvanipour · « **Reply #615 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:55:55 »

I'm trying to find a good match for my anniversary edition. Would have liked maybe a hard anodized version of a dark/titanium grey, but silver could work too. Or maybe the grey powdercoat.

dallman5 · « **Reply #616 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:00:47 »

The finish on the hard anodized black looks flawless. The USB cable is a very pleasant surprise too, looks very classy.

vinzlr · « **Reply #617 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:07:46 »

I can't decide between enigma black, royal wrinkle black, or retro refrigerator

Darknight00z · « **Reply #618 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:37:00 »

Oh my, got the email. It looks sublime. I've got some final questions.

1. Roughly how heavy is the case?

2. Its a 2 piece case? Top and bottom piece, easy assembly just like the Novatouch?

3. Are we going with the Chinese factory then?

Hype! Can't wait, 6months ......

Our_Benefactors · « **Reply #619 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 12:44:08 »

Is the galaxy console beige or more pinkish/flesh colored? It's a bit difficult to tell...

bello2185 · « **Reply #620 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 13:29:06 »

As soon as the EU proxy is up I'm in for a black anodised winkeyless one!

norbauer · « **Reply #621 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 16:44:26 »

Hi all. I'm still waiting for moderator approval of the GB thread, but in the meantime I'll be happy to answer questions here.

I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.

Quote from: Darknight00z on Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:37:00

Oh my, got the email. It looks sublime. I've got some final questions.

1. Roughly how heavy is the case?

2. Its a 2 piece case? Top and bottom piece, easy assembly just like the Novatouch?

3. Are we going with the Chinese factory then?

Hype! Can't wait, 6months ......

1. I'm currently away from my office, but the weight is similar to the Novatouch case I made, which was around 4 pounds. In short, your final assembled keyboard will be HEAVY.

2. Two piece case except that it's seamless this time, with the back plate hidden underneath the housing. Very easy assembly, no soldering. Plug and unplug two cables and then screw in some fasteners.

3. Yes, absolutely—in Shenzhen. I keep trying to source cases in the US so I can do on-site inspection, but American shops just can't get their **** together when it comes to consumer-grade finishes. I can't tell you how much money I've wasted fruitlessly trying to get stuff like this made here; it's a nice idea but simply not practicable. It includes many extra logistical annoyances for me to be working overseas, so honestly I'd prefer to work with someone local, but the shops in Shenzhen (contrary to the somewhat-outdated cliches about Chinese manufacturing) simply do better work.

Re the lead time: TBH I've somewhat over-estimated the timelines given me by vendors to give some wiggle room when things go wrong (as they inevitably do!), so there is a fair chance these will ship well ahead of schedule. I've just learned from hard-won experience never to trust vendor promises when it comes to timelines. Also, I wanted to leave the GB open for a longer period this time since people a) inevitably miss out when I do short GBs and then sadly email me when it's too late b) will be distracted by the holidays.

typischt · « **Reply #622 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:10:57 »

Can‘t believe this is finally happening!

I bought into the 9009 GB and so far, everything was good with MyKeyboard.eu. Of course, that‘s not really a lot of experience with them, but I have a good feeling about them!

Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!

Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

consolation · « **Reply #623 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:29:18 »

Quote from: typischt on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:10:57

Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!

If Norbauer offers it this drop; take the Enigma Black, it's sublime... Plus, the 40s industrial aesthetic matches the heft of these cases perfectly. This is my Norbatouch in monochrome industrial guise. The shrink powder coat gives it a nice touch of retro-modernism; like a finely polished concrete wall.

norbauer · « **Reply #624 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:29:51 »

Quote from: typischt on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:10:57

Can‘t believe this is finally happening!

I bought into the 9009 GB and so far, everything was good with MyKeyboard.eu. Of course, that‘s not really a lot of experience with them, but I have a good feeling about them!

Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!

Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

I don't have any pics of a RealForce case in Galaxy Console but it's the same finish used on this case.

To answer the other question about it above, it's of of a beige/cream/tan color than pink.

norbauer · « **Reply #625 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:30:40 »

Quote from: consolation on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:29:18

Quote from: typischt on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:10:57

Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!

If Norbauer offers it this drop; take the Enigma Black, it's sublime... Plus, the 40s industrial aesthetic matches the heft of these cases perfectly. This is my Norbatouch in monochrome industrial guise. The shrink powder coat gives it a nice touch of retro-modernism; like a finely polished concrete wall.

(Attachment Link)

Thanks for the endorsement!

Enigma Black is indeed available on this round as well.

Hawkfriend · « **Reply #626 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:32:01 »

geez, now i can't decide on colour for my black RF keys. Enigma grey? Enigma black? SS white? my brain hurts...

norbauer · « **Reply #627 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:36:37 »

Quote from: Lansky on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:18:38

Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?

Sorry about that. Just added the into to the listing. It's 1m.

Burt Macklin · « **Reply #628 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:46:57 »

Quote from: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 16:44:26

I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.

They're trustworthy, no worries

If it falls through for whatever reason, though,
there are a couple of other places that were acting as proxies for various groupbuys,
so it's not the only option.

xondat · « **Reply #629 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 18:41:05 »

Quote from: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 16:44:26

I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.

Them or David @ Mechboards

ipley · « **Reply #630 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 19:01:50 »

Question Color.

Silver : Aerospace ??
Corian White :

?

DillonHightower · « **Reply #631 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29 »

Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

DillonHightower · « **Reply #632 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05 »

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29

Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message

Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.

SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!

Burt Macklin · « **Reply #633 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 21:03:13 »

nmur · « **Reply #634 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:40:18 »

o damn i must not have been signed up to this mailing list. does it actually have pictures + ordering form?

should i just wait for the GB thread to be approved?

avid · « **Reply #635 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:54:27 »

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message

Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.

SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!

~~WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.~~

Captain Shwah · « **Reply #636 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:56:04 »

Quote from: nmur on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:40:18

o damn i must not have been signed up to this mailing list. does it actually have pictures + ordering form?

should i just wait for the GB thread to be approved?

It's up on his website https://shop.norbauer.com/products/the-norbaforce-cnc-aluminum-housing-for-realforce-keyboards

DillonHightower · « **Reply #637 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:00:16 »

Quote from: avid on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:54:27

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05
Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message

Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.

SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!

WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.

Did you see picture I provided ? Different rows but I think it just has one more key to make the difference still allowing it to work.

dallman5 · « **Reply #638 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:01:22 »

Quote from: avid on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:54:27

WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.

Actually on a realforce 87u the bottom row is 1.5-1-1.5-6-1.5-1-1-1.5 and the 86u is 1.5-1-1.5-7-1.5-1-1.5. So since the winkey blockers are each 1.5 units from the edge and 1 unit wide it should fit both models. The main difference being that the 86u will look more symmetric.

avid · « **Reply #639 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:11:29 »

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:00:16

Quote from: avid on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:54:27
Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05
Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message

Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.

SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!

WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.
Did you see picture I provided ? Different rows but I think it just has one more key to make the difference still allowing it to work.

Ignore my post, seems like 87 use a non-standard bottom row. Seems like it will be working.

norbauer · « **Reply #640 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:17:45 »

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05

Quote from: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.

Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message

Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.

SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!

That mock-up is correct. On the 87u, the right menu key is blocked. Sorry about the PMs but GH PMs slip through the cracks all the time and I don’t want people not get replies for me by accident. :|

sodiumjoe · « **Reply #641 on:** Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:39:00 »

Are there any more photos of the different finishes? I'm trying to decide between tactical black and enigma black, and it's a little hard to tell from the powder coat thumbnails.

jkmac1 · « **Reply #642 on:** Wed, 22 November 2017, 04:22:58 »

Are any of the colors close to the current Macbook Pro space grey?

bello2185 · « **Reply #643 on:** Wed, 22 November 2017, 06:13:02 »

Like others have said, I can confirm MyKeyboard is a good shop, also didn’t give me any trouble when I wanted to return a keyboard for one with other switches.

norbauer · « **Reply #644 on:** Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:32:45 »

Quote from: bello2185 on Wed, 22 November 2017, 06:13:02

Like others have said, I can confirm MyKeyboard is a good shop, also didn’t give me any trouble when I wanted to return a keyboard for one with other switches.

ok, great. Yeah, I think I've almost got a plan worked out with them. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

norbauer · « **Reply #645 on:** Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:34:48 »

Quote from: sodiumjoe on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:39:00

Are there any more photos of the different finishes? I'm trying to decide between tactical black and enigma black, and it's a little hard to tell from the powder coat thumbnails.

I need to make better thumbnails for the powder colors, I think. In the meantime, here is a more high-res pic of a Novatouch case with the same finish:

This is under a pretty bright studio light, which is why at first glance it might look gray, but it's definitely black; I just wanted to light it well in order to show the texture, which is quite fine-grained and subtle.

norbauer · « **Reply #646 on:** Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:38:28 »

OK, we now have an official Group Buy thread.

I'll close this thread now to avoid confusion/duplication, but we can just move the discussion over there. If, in all the flurry of yesterday, I missed any questions above, please feel free to re-post in the new thread or, as always, email me directly. Thanks everyone!

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Author Topic: [IC] CNC Aluminum Case for Topre RealForce TKL keyboards (Read 147184 times)