So...I'll post a review of this...
Disclaimer: I've bought into keycap group buys, but this is my first mechanical aluminum keyboard/case group buy purchase. I bought this with my own money. And pardon my potato pics!
Norbauer's CM TKL Case is functional art. Period.
The user experience of this product, from unboxing, to assembly, to typing this review is nothing short of stellar.
Packaging alone had passers-by at work stopping in their tracks to ask what it is. Very premium. The case fits so well in the tray carrier, there's a slight vacuum effect, and whistles when you pull the case out. So satisfying!!!
Aluminum texture is slightly rougher than on an Apple product, and the finish is bright, lively, and clean.
The fit of the plate/PCB is amazing. The fit of the USB port is fantastic. The design for assembly even allows me to really dial in how the two halves align for sticklers like myself. Stick some foam in this, and you'd swear the keys just go into a solid block of aluminum (because it is!!!). No pinging, everything is just S O L I D & T H I C K.
Wow, wow, wow. Just wow. THIS is how luxury keyboard products should be.
My only nitpick (and this is me reaching for something) is the riser feet grind the case a bit on the last bit of turn. Maybe include a die cut clear plastic/film (think transparency sheet) washer for run 2.5?
So, if you are a Mechanical Keyboard enthusiast and you don't have one of these, and are contemplating... buy one. Or two. Or three. Norbauer is running GB 2.5 for this, and I don't think he wants to run another round after this, so buy one, or risk paying through the nose for one, if anybody even wants to part with theirs. You won't get any of mine!
Overall: 9.9/10
Bravo Norbauer, you have a lifelong customer.