[IC] Various acrylic cases/lube stations - Express your choices

[MOZ]

This IC is not for cases, as I know there are plenty of you who want to get some acrylic cases for 60%/TKL/Leeku-1800/ErgoDox/etc, I get almost one PM per day asking when I will sell them.

As some of you know, I don't actually own or have direct access to a laser cutter, but laser cutting is very cheap in India, yes the acrylic might not be the best (Sometimes the acrylic warps a little when cutting, or you'll get a wavy pattern on the acrylic, slight tolerance issue), however these are pretty common for even more expensive service, and the defectives can be replaced.

Anywho, the point of this thread is, I'm expecting myself to be quite busy in the coming months and moving out from here until next next year, and would like to dedicate my time more to studies and my "keyboard-time" on designing stuff sitting behind a PC, rather than making trips to the acrylic cutter and post-office. However I would like to atleast once openly provide the service for a limited time via a case GB with some configurable options (Layouts, colors), however I most likely won't be able to sort and ship the stuff, it is a time-sinking task, thus I am looking for assistance, someone I can bulk ship all the acrylic stuff, and they can sort the orders and ship them out.

In doing this, I will not charge the GB fee I intended to earlier as I am not putting in the time either, however since I know many people were looking forward to this, I would hate to disappoint them by not doing this GB. Most buyers are generally CONUS, so there should be negligible price increase as bulk shipping is cheaper, this however is subject to the distributor's fee.

I would also like a EU/Asia distributor as a backup if there are many orders for this region, they can handle it, otherwise, I will do it.

Points to be noted:
-- I will ship all the cut acrylic, bolts, nuts, washers, allen-keys in bulk to the distributor as they can be got cheap here.
-- I will get the brass standoffs I use in my cases and clear silicon feet shipped directly to the distributor as they have to be bought online from China/US.
-- Distributor will get shipping information and case options for all the participants, they will then have to sort the layers for each buyer, repack and ship them.
-- The hardware (Bolts, nuts, feet, etc) will be a universal-one-fits-all set, so it is easy to sort and don't have to make different sets for different kits.
-- It would be beneficial for the GB if the CONUS distributor can collect the money as well (Atleast shipping) as it would save on multiple forex charges.
-- Distributor will decide their fee, I will be doing this non-profit.
-- Once all of the orders reach their buyers, there will a "fix" distribution, for any defective layers.

Color Options:

[SpAmRaY]

 I'd like a lubing station but I'm not sure how this buy would work out and/or how long it might take.

[Sniping]

In for an ErgoDox case!

[mkawa]

geekhackers will be carrying some set of things that moz makes at some point; he just got back into delhi, so give him some time (i know in moz-world that's like 20 minutes, but really..) and we'll get this sorted out.

[SpAmRaY]

geekhackers will be carrying some set of things that moz makes at some point; he just got back into delhi, so give him some time (i know in moz-world that's like 20 minutes, but really..) and we'll get this sorted out.

Who will sell them? I'm guessing there will be a fair bit of markup in price?

[jdcarpe]

geekhackers will be carrying some set of things that moz makes at some point; he just got back into delhi, so give him some time (i know in moz-world that's like 20 minutes, but really..) and we'll get this sorted out.

Who will sell them? I'm guessing there will be a fair bit of markup in price?

He means himself. He likes to talk in the third person, now that he is an LLC. Ha!

[mkawa]

i wanted to say "we here at geekhackers", but it's just me. so lonely (

[SpAmRaY]

i wanted to say "we here at geekhackers", but it's just me. so lonely (

Well I didn't know if you meant you or one of the 'geekhacker' 'partners'

[MOZ]

Okay, since GH will be  carrying these, let's do a limited run first.

What colors and layouts would you guys like to see.

Available:
-- GH60/60%
-- TKL/Phantom
-- Ergodox
-- Leeku 1800
-- GHPad
-- Lube Station

Colors coming soon, but oretty much everything is available, so post ideas, I'll create a  poll based on it. From there we will produce based on demand.

[CommonCurt]

Is there anywhere I can see pictures of what these cases might look like as a final product?

[JPG]

I am interested in a 60% case, ideally green (dark transparent green?), but I won't be too picky on color if it's easier for you in the end.

Question: will there be an acrylic plate included in the case or as an option?

I also wanted to thx you for doing this Moz. It's really appreciated that you do this only to provide us with a cheaper option for cases!

I assume a CONUS distributor will be kind enough to ship to Canada (I know it will cost a little more, but we are used to it!)

[Loligagger]

I'm interested in an ergodox case (specifically the bits needed to work as a full-hand adapter). As for colors matte dark blue or matte grey would be nice.

[justnits]

Okay, since GH will be  carrying these, let's do a limited run first.

What colors and layouts would you guys like to see.

Available:
-- GH60/60%
-- TKL/Phantom
-- Ergodox
-- Leeku 1800
-- GHPad
-- Lube Station

Colors coming soon, but oretty much everything is available, so post ideas, I'll create a  poll based on it. From there we will produce based on demand.

what are the colours available for acrylic?
the colours are transparent type or solid colour type?
matte finishing and frost sides?

[Sniping]

I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the possible acrylic colors. Is there any way you can narrow down the choices a bit or even provide pictures?

[katushkin]

I can put myself forward for an EU distributor. I live in the UK and have a work shipping address that is manned 9-5, 7 days a week.
I know I haven't got a load of posts on here, but I want to see if I can be some help.

[MOZ]

Thank you katushkin.

I do have pictures of the available colors, which include solid and transpaarent as well as matte finish for black, white, clear and smoke.

Once I am at my PC, I'll create a poll and upload pictures of the colors.

[pasph]

Phantom/Filco teal, toxic green, orange all matte

[MOZ]

Just a heads up,  there will be a plate included or as an option at the very least.

[katushkin]

Oh, and I might be interested in some of this if it goes with anything I already own

[lcs]

as you know, i can distribute here in brazil, maybe south america, but i don't think there are many of us

[geniekid]

QFR!  Not sure what the available colors are, but anything red or white 

[SpAmRaY]

Lube station and a case for the GH60 to use the PCB mount hybrid HHKB layout with blockers.

[goobafish]

I am interested in an acrylic Filco/Phantom/QFR case in any colour.

[MOZ]

Looking good.

[strict]

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

If I could get an acrylic case that looks just like that for my Phantom I would pledge my undying devotion you.

[lcs]

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

If I could get an acrylic case that looks just like that for my Phantom I would pledge my undying devotion you.

You can, you just get the layers with the colors. We have to see how many layers MOZ is gonna do for the phantom, but I believe it will have at least 3.

[MOZ]

Phantom is 5 layers with acrylic plate, 6 with steel plate. Each layer being 3mm.

[Fire Brand]

I would very much like a 60% or two for my poker II and a QFR TKL case, which would be super cool

[pasph]

Also full size Filco would be cool

[MOZ]

Also full size Filco would be cool

Full-size, I have not designed any case thus far, as I am unsure of any standards (If they exist), the closest thing to full case is the Phantom/QFR/TKL and GHPad combined case.

[justnits]

i'll be interested in TKL and numpad if only it can fit in other numpads beside ghpad

[MOZ]

i'll be interested in TKL and numpad if only it can fit in other numpads beside ghpad

It should, if dimensions are right

[infiniti]

I can do distribution in the Philippines through local couriers -- LBC, JRS Express, or Xend.

If needed I can also do regional / international through EMS, DHL, or FedEx.

[MOZ]

I can do distribution in the Philippines through local couriers -- LBC, JRS Express, or Xend.

If needed I can also do regional / international through EMS, DHL, or FedEx.

East Asia and below (MY, SG, AU, NZ, KR, CN, VN, etc) possible? I can cover south and west Asia as well as Africa as I don't think there are many there.

[MOZ]

lcs can you do South America if needed.

[infiniti]

I can do distribution in the Philippines through local couriers -- LBC, JRS Express, or Xend.

If needed I can also do regional / international through EMS, DHL, or FedEx.

East Asia and below (MY, SG, AU, NZ, KR, CN, VN, etc) possible? I can cover south and west Asia as well as Africa as I don't think there are many there.

Any regional / international is fine with me provided the buyer covers shipping with tracking via EMS, DHL, or FedEx.

One thing I forgot to consider earlier: taxes and duties.  There would be the doubling of taxes and duties:

• Distributor (me) would pay taxes and duties when I receive the items in the Philippines.
• The buyer will have to pay taxes and duties when they receive the item in their country.

[domesticbark]

Interested in tkl and ghpad.

[whiskytango]

my wish list:

1. Phantom case with WKL blockers
2. gh60 case with WKL blockers
3. gh60 case with HHKB blockers (so bottom row is 1 - 1.5 - 7 - 1.5 - 1)
4. ghpad case 4x5

I want to be able to use a STEEL plate for all of these. No acrylic plate needed, but I suppose if it were included and the extra cost was minimal, that would be ok.

[Vintage]

Very Interested

This would work with the A.87 pcb that sprit is selling, right?

[fart_toast]

Would be interested in a fully transparent case for a ducky shine 3 ISO. I'd also be interested in a fully transparent case for an ISO poker 2.   If either of these are possible let me know!

[Dsan]

I'm interested in a tkl case

[archer]

I'd be all over a clear/frosty case that I could drop a Ducky shine 2 TKL into!

[MOZ]

Colors uploaded

[Ishamael]

I'd be interested in GH60 and Phantom cases. I tend to like darker cases (black, grey, etc.), but a color option to match the upcoming toxic keycap GB would be sweet for a center layer(s) would be sweet.

[Sniping]

How's the transparency on AN-300 blue? I'm doing a PCB mount ErgoDox so I was thinking of alternating between blue and white layers, and having 2x layer 2's because I won't be using layer 3. So, layer 1, 2, 5 in AN-300 and layer 2 and 4 in AN-422 white. Confusing, I know.

[geniekid]

I already mentioned QFR above, but I thought I'd mention I'd probably get a 60% as well.  Also, I think I saw a Phantom based case that opened up the entire right side so you could make a shortened numpad instead of the usual arrow cluster below the 6 key cluster.  Something that would fit a plate like this:

I'd be all over that!

[hwood34]

i'll be interested in TKL and numpad if only it can fit in other numpads beside ghpad

I'm definitely interested in a numpad case too

[stoic-lemon]

I'd love to see some Phantom and GH60 cases.

[jebbs]

That matte clear be lookin good.

[strafe]

1. Phantom case with WKL blockers

Yes Please!

[justnits]

Also full size Filco would be cool

Full-size, I have not designed any case thus far, as I am unsure of any standards (If they exist), the closest thing to full case is the Phantom/QFR/TKL and GHPad combined case.

hey moz, wat are the things you need to design cases if i don't have dwg files for it?
will a scan of the pcb works?

[MOZ]

A scan should work at least as a starting point. Based on the scan I can make judgement on what other dimensions I need.

[JaccoW]

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

If I could get an acrylic case that looks just like that for my Phantom I would pledge my undying devotion you.

I would love a TKL like that as well.

Possibly a numpad too, provided we can design one that will fit the extra row of the Leopold FC 210TP.

[Latin00032]

Interested in a 60 percent case. Hhkb style

[MOZ]

Today, I built my second keyboard ever, a Leeku 1800 PCB inside my custom Magic School Bus case, and I faced a problem which WhiskyTnago had warned me about earlier, the Cherry PCB mount stabs colide with the acrylic plate.

Now, this issue arises due to the thickness of the acrylic plate, which would be much too fragile at the Cherry specified 1.5mm, thus a 2.5-3mm plate is used. Using Cherry Plate munt stabs is just impossible, with modding them and then gluing them. Costar stabs can be used by gluing them to the plate. Cherry PCB mount stabs can be used, however it means elongating he current stab hole further, which will remove compatibility for the costar stabs.

What does this mean? For acrylic palte, one needs two desing,s one supporting Cherry PCB mounted stabs (Recommended), and the other, supporting Costar stabs.

[whiskytango]

Today, I built my second keyboard ever, a Leeku 1800 PCB inside my custom Magic School Bus case, and I faced a problem which WhiskyTnago had warned me about earlier, the Cherry PCB mount stabs colide with the acrylic plate.

Now, this issue arises due to the thickness of the acrylic plate, which would be much too fragile at the Cherry specified 1.5mm, thus a 2.5-3mm plate is used. Using Cherry Plate munt stabs is just impossible, with modding them and then gluing them. Costar stabs can be used by gluing them to the plate. Cherry PCB mount stabs can be used, however it means elongating he current stab hole further, which will remove compatibility for the costar stabs.

What does this mean? For acrylic palte, one needs two desing,s one supporting Cherry PCB mounted stabs (Recommended), and the other, supporting Costar stabs.

MOZ, how hard do you think it would be to remove material on the underside of the plate around the stabilizer hole? Like make the edge beveled? Or engrave it a bit like your laser guy did for the initial ghpad cases?

I agree with you though, i would prefer the plate to only support cherry pcb mount stabs, and thus have bigger holes. Like the holes for the spacebar stabilizer on WYSE plates. That way you could also use the older style PCB stabs that use a screw on the bottom becasue they are actually larger than normal Cherry PCB stabs.

So how does the magic school bus look? I need to finish my leeku and post pics. I still have to mod the switch tops to allow removal with LED in place, install LEDs, install smd diodes and resistors.

[MOZ]

It's looking great, I lost one of the small cosmetic pieces, so I didn't post pics.

For the plate, I did have to file my own plate for the 1800, it took only 1 min per stab, but there is uneven-ness, as for laser etching, I've tried it previously and to get good results, it is much too expensive, perhaps a steel/alu plate would be in close price range, so it doesn't make sense. The Koreans usually just have larger holes for the PCB mount stabs.

[exitfire401]

I'd take a lube station in AN-993Fl Green

[whiskytango]

It's looking great, I lost one of the small cosmetic pieces, so I didn't post pics.

For the plate, I did have to file my own plate for the 1800, it took only 1 min per stab, but there is uneven-ness, as for laser etching, I've tried it previously and to get good results, it is much too expensive, perhaps a steel/alu plate would be in close price range, so it doesn't make sense. The Koreans usually just have larger holes for the PCB mount stabs.

Yeah, the Koreans rally seem to love their PCB stabs. The main issue I see with hem though is that they are difficult to remove or repair if needed without desoldering the whole plate. Looking forward to some pics of the school bus!

[jdcarpe]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

[whiskytango]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

Show Image

Hey, no fair, you got a 4x5 case!?  :p

Looks great.

[SpAmRaY]

Finally assembled this last night. GHpad. I agree about the stabilizer holes, they need to just be bigger and only allow for PCB mount stabs.

Hey, no fair, you got a 4x5 case!? 

Looks great.

Yes I need a case like that

[jdcarpe]

Thanks! I've been holding onto this case for quite some time now, right MOZ? Way before we got those 4x5 PCBs from phatdood9.

[SpAmRaY]

Thanks! I've been holding onto this case for quite some time now, right MOZ? Way before we got those 4x5 PCBs from phatdood9.

We need a reliable source of these things in the USA, no offense to MOZ, just saying

[MOZ]

Yes, I didn't even know what it was for back then, surprised the 4x5 fits in so well.

And ray, no offence taken, I thought this was easy, but it is only until you are getting cases done for yourself, once you start getting a few, things get messy, with all the layouts, colors, thickness, what not.

[jebbs]

Any idea how many layers the case would be?

[MOZ]

Depends on the case, most are 5 3mm layers.


I will most likely not be able to run this for a while, as I just lost $500 worth of acrylic:

Just when I thought that I had a good day (shipped a bunch of stuff, got most of the switch stickers, got my 1800 running without a hitch), I was reminded of how much my life sucked and I was playing it on legendary level. My acrylic workshop's owner got a heart attack while I was in Joburg, and passed away. Thus means they had to shut down shop, and one of the workers there, that I had befriended also went back to his village. I do wish my condolences to the owner, however I had acrylic sheets worth $500 sitting in his shop, which was sold by his next of kin, along with all the stuff inside.

[jebbs]

Depends on the case, most are 5 3mm layers.


I will most likely not be able to run this for a while, as I just lost $500 worth of acrylic:

Just when I thought that I had a good day (shipped a bunch of stuff, got most of the switch stickers, got my 1800 running without a hitch), I was reminded of how much my life sucked and I was playing it on legendary level. My acrylic workshop's owner got a heart attack while I was in Joburg, and passed away. Thus means they had to shut down shop, and one of the workers there, that I had befriended also went back to his village. I do wish my condolences to the owner, however I had acrylic sheets worth $500 sitting in his shop, which was sold by his next of kin, along with all the stuff inside.

Oh my, I'm sorry for your loss. Take your time with whatever you need to do.

[MOZ]

I highly doubt this is going to happen since I am a little busy and by the time I get free, I will run into my exams.

I was however supposed to send someone replacements for a custom order I did, since I will have to buy those acrylic sheets, I will take some orders in the Artisan section for cases cut in those colors only. So keep an eye out.

[geniekid]

Oh I'll be keeping an eye out alright.

[Defect]

Oh I'll be keeping an eye out alright.

(Attachment Link)

And eye as well!

Always interested in acryllic cases!