New case/board design - looking for help with a few things

[DALExSNAIL]

So I initially had a much more complicated design planned for the case and this was just one part of the whole case. Anyway here is a rough first sketch. Was looking for some help and advice from people who might have made a case in the past, or just know the ins and outs. Seeing as how this is just an idea, no specifics yet. 



If you have some time to kill, or youre just bored, shoot me a pm

[theoriginal123123]

You might want to look into using Swill's plate builder, it'll give you a plate with the switch cutouts and basic dimensions, then you can build off that.

It think it looks alright so far, are you just going for the bent plate/exposed bottom look?

[DALExSNAIL]

You might want to look into using Swill's plate builder, it'll give you a plate with the switch cutouts and basic dimensions, then you can build off that.

It think it looks alright so far, are you just going for the bent plate/exposed bottom look?

Yeah, just going for bare bones, clear acrylic housing with an aluminum back piece for lift. it was a part that fit into a weighted aluminum bottom piece for the initial idea.

Ill start trying to work the  Swill layout editor tomorrow after some sleep haha. Just need to find someone whos had some acrylic and aluminum stuff made so I can get  some info on that.

[TalkingTree]

What keyboard size would it be for?

[Findecanor]

I have a case that looks completely different on top, but I made the back foot as one long edge that touches the desk at an angle like your design.
I cut a groove in the centre for the USB cable. After plugging the cable, I covered it in U-profile rubber edge trim, specifically this one (The page is in Swedish, but there is an image) from a local store that specialises in rubber products. You should be able to find something similar in your town or on eBay. I also cut a smaller groove in the U-trim - and with the cable in there I think that should prevent the trim from sliding sideways.

Your design looks too flat. If you plan to build the bulk of the case of flat layers with cut holes in them, then you would need at least three layers: one layer for the plate, one layer for giving room inside and one bottom. Don't underestimate the space you will need for the switch pins or the controller.
You could perhaps give the controller even more room by cutting off parts of the top plate that will be covered by the L-bracket.

[DALExSNAIL]

What keyboard size would it be for?

I was thinking tkl, but if it makes to an IC then I will most likely let people decide between 60% or tkl (I kind of want to do a 75% bt I feel like it would look odd on this)

I have a case that looks completely different on top, but I made the back foot as one long edge that touches the desk at an angle like your design.
I cut a groove in the centre for the USB cable. After plugging the cable, I covered it in U-profile rubber edge trim, specifically this one (The page is in Swedish, but there is an image) from a local store that specialises in rubber products. You should be able to find something similar in your town or on eBay. I also cut a smaller groove in the U-trim - and with the cable in there I think that should prevent the trim from sliding sideways.

Your design looks too flat. If you plan to build the bulk of the case of flat layers with cut holes in them, then you would need at least three layers: one layer for the plate, one layer for giving room inside and one bottom. Don't underestimate the space you will need for the switch pins or the controller.
You could perhaps give the controller even more room by cutting off parts of the top plate that will be covered by the L-bracket.

That was the plan, I am just terrible at drawing to scale haha. The acrylic would be similar to something like Gon's crystal cases (short top plate, taller middle peice, and flat acrylic on the bottom).

I like shortening the top plate to make it a bit thinner, so Ill probably go with that.

[TalkingTree]

There's plenty of cheap 60% cases around; 75% would be interesting.

[DALExSNAIL]

There's plenty of cheap 60% cases around; 75% would be interesting.

If I did go 75% I think id try and go full keyboard kit, or at least case + pcb.

[TalkingTree]

If I did go 75% I think id try and go full keyboard kit, or at least case + pcb.

PCB, interesting. What layout do you have in mind for shift keys and bottom row?

[DALExSNAIL]

If I did go 75% I think id try and go full keyboard kit, or at least case + pcb.

PCB, interesting. What layout do you have in mind for shift keys and bottom row?

Nothing set in stone really, Heres one I put together a while ago. Not exactly 75%, but i dont really like having the dedicated FN keys

[DALExSNAIL]

or maybe even this

[user 18]

or maybe even this

Show Image

Looks like a whitefox (vanilla).

[DALExSNAIL]

or maybe even this

Show Image

Looks like a whitefox (vanilla).

I had actally never seen a Whitefox before, now i feel less creative haha

[user 18]

or maybe even this

Show Image

Looks like a whitefox (vanilla).

I had actally never seen a Whitefox before, now i feel less creative haha

Well, you do have a slightly different logical layout. Not saying it as criticism, just making sure you're aware.

Having dedicated function keys would probably make a difference in terms of distinguishing your board from the fox.

[Findecanor]

BTW, in my own very personal subjective opinion, I think that
1. You should make the edge of the keys on the left and right sides be flush with the edge of the plate/case.
2. There should be a raised edge at the front border, like there is at the back.
... Only because I dislike the look of exposed switches with fat borders.

[DALExSNAIL]

BTW, in my own very personal subjective opinion, I think that
1. You should make the edge of the keys on the left and right sides be flush with the edge of the plate/case.
2. There should be a raised edge at the front border, like there is at the back.
... Only because I dislike the look of exposed switches with fat borders.

Well I was thinking no borders at all on the acrylic. But on the front, do you mean like a smaller version of the back or like a lip?

[DALExSNAIL]

or maybe even this

Show Image

Looks like a whitefox (vanilla).

I had actally never seen a Whitefox before, now i feel less creative haha

Well, you do have a slightly different logical layout. Not saying it as criticism, just making sure you're aware.

Having dedicated function keys would probably make a difference in terms of distinguishing your board from the fox.

Maybe something like this?



Guess ill be on the hunt for someone to help with a PCB design soon enough