Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2

[guilleguillaume]

Well I'm interested but of course I don't see the point in paying 350$ when I can purchase another HHKB for that price. I showed my interes but forgot to say that not for 350$ :ranger:

[kturnbull]

Better? =)

Well I'm interested but of course I don't see the point in paying 350$ when I can purchase another HHKB for that price. I showed my interes but forgot to say that not for 350$ :ranger:

[tsangan]

I'm cool with the $350 depending on the sample

[guilleguillaume]

Better? =)

Arg! I'm not that good explaining myself in English.

If the only way to get it would be for 350$ then it would depend on the sample as Tsangan says. Not going to commit to something before knowing if I'm going to like it.

I'm cool with the $350 depending on the sample

I know it's a difficult work but the point of my post was that I don't want to pay 350$ just because it seems a "reasonable" price for a product like that when it could be done for around 250$ to say something. I have in mind that I'm overseas and I have to add more money for shipping and then possible taxes which would lead to pay near 400$ if I got lucky enough for 2 pieces of a HHKB case which seems quite step.

The only way to know a price would be that Treble could get a picture of the 2 piece case and make an estimate price before making any sample. I can make a picture of the top case without keycaps so he can figure out how much work has to be done.

[kturnbull]

I understand you now G. Modified my post.

I'll see if I can get the kids to leave me alone long enough tonight to take pics of my HHKB2. Full pics... case separated, both halves, etc.

EDIT: Already done lol. http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6902

[guilleguillaume]

I took some pictures from my HHKB Pro 2. Not as detailed as the ones on the review thread but it shows the USB HUB and DIP switch placement too.













It requires a lot of detailed work.

[snowboarder3]

I took some pictures from my HHKB Pro 2. Not as detailed as the ones on the review thread but it shows the USB HUB and DIP switch placement too.

[IMG]http://i.imguMG]

It requires a lot of detailed work.

Holy crap yes that does. Price makes more sense for something that requires that much intricate work.

[mSSM]

That HHKB HG is just $5,000

That's the the HHKB HG Japan. You can get the normal HHKB HG at the baragain price of half that.

[tsangan]

That's the the HHKB HG Japan. You can get the normal HHKB HG at the baragain price of half that.

Just ¥262,500($3,300 USD), the HG Japan is ¥525,000($6,550 USD) back in 2007

I believe the prices of these have gone up due to rarity of it now, at least that's what I was quoted when I was looking for one, the one I was looking for was the HG and was asking $4,xxx if I remember correctly

[whiskerBox]

Yup and good luck even finding someone who is willing to actually sell it

[lootbag]

Put me down as interested.
Let's see a sample first.
It may be worth 350 if all the details are there, it is not easy to C&C something like this.

[treble318]

yes that is quite some work, crap we need to get our hands on one. Which version is that exactly in the US? lol

[fstop]

HHKB Pro 2. I don't think you're going to find a difference between the HHKB pro 2 and type-s that would affect casing design. And all the other models of HHKB wouldn't be worth designing for... so I wouldn't worry about them.

I've been trying to decide whether or not I need an HHKB, depending on how the prototypes turn out I might be picking one up as well.

[treble318]

The picture where the springs sit through the top piece of the keyboard,  is that the same as the us version? The Picture is the Japanese version right?

[guilleguillaume]

The picture where the springs sit through the top piece of the keyboard,  is that the same as the us version? The Picture is the Japanese version right?

Which picture are you refering to?

None of the pictures shown in this thread are from a Japanese version.

The HHKB Pro JP have a different case without USB hub and different layout design.

[treble318]

Which picture are you refering to?

None of the pictures shown in this thread are from a Japanese version.

The HHKB Pro JP have a different case without USB hub and different layout design.

No worries, I was referring to your pictures.  We will have to purchase one soon, we still need to get the TKL! lol

[guilleguillaume]

No worries, I was referring to your pictures.  We will have to purchase one soon, we still need to get the TKL! lol

Oh! Then my pictures are from the standard ANSI HHKB Pro 2. That spring is for the Spacebar.

[porkchopron]

-interested
-want to see a sample
-better lower the price

[treble318]

-interested
-want to see a sample
-better lower the price

Highly unlikely regarding the price drop.. on the contrary, it might even go up... The top piece is quite complex with each raised square dome for each key.. I can only wonder how many tools we are going to go through to try to get this right... Now i'm beginning to see why there are very few after market cases for the HHKB2

[longweight]

I would be in for one I think, just need to see a sample!

[MMB]

Highly unlikely regarding the price drop.. on the contrary, it might even go up... The top piece is quite complex with each raised square dome for each key.. I can only wonder how many tools we are going to go through to try to get this right... Now i'm beginning to see why there are very few after market cases for the HHKB2

No aluminum case made is worth anything near that. It's your problem to design it in such a way that it becomes affordable. Clean up your mold casting process. It shouldn't be on the buyer to cover your mistakes.

[whiskerBox]

Unfortunately it seems like the only way we get things done here is by throwing money at it [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 51599[/ATTACH]

[MMB]

Unfortunately it seems like the only way we get things done here is by throwing money at it (Attachment Link) 51599[/ATTACH]

I would rather have a second HHKB than paying more for a case for it.

[whiskerBox]

Yea its hard to justify for sure, but since a HHKB HG is like > 4k there isn't many other options.

[longweight]

HG?

[whiskerBox]

HG?

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Limited+Edition+Keyboards+you+cant+buy+afford+or+find

[snowboarder3]

I would rather have a second HHKB than paying more for a case for it.

Then go buy another HHKB and quit being a **** in this thread if you have no interest...

that or find someone else to do this custom, good luck!

[MMB]

Then go buy another HHKB and quit being a **** in this thread if you have no interest...

that or find someone else to do this custom, good luck!

Hey pot, meet kettle.

If you are putting your product out, and want people to buy it... then I can surely question the validity of the cost before making a decision.

Not my fault you feel butthurt about it.

[cactux]

Questions are okay, but negative comments are not tolerated. If people does not like the price nor the product, save your negative comments and do not post. Otherwise it will consider thread crapping.

People are more than welcome to make positive suggestions

[yearn4]

the hhkb casing is a lot more complex than the casing for kbc poker
and also kbc poker cost $100 and the alum case for it sold for $100 as well.
makes sense for the hhkb case to cost $300 imo

[WRXChris]

No aluminum case made is worth anything near that. It's your problem to design it in such a way that it becomes affordable. Clean up your mold casting process. It shouldn't be on the buyer to cover your mistakes.

If you want a fugly cheap cast aluminum HHKB case, you're in the wrong place.  Treble doesn't cast aluminum, he has access to a $100,000+ CNC machine.  He is offering his time, machine wear, and out-of-pocket money to design the prototype, which as he mentioned, is very complex due to the curved shape of the top section of the HHKB case.  Maybe you should go to business school and spend some time in a machine shop before making narcissistic comments next time.

[MMB]

If you want a fugly cheap cast aluminum HHKB case, you're in the wrong place.  Treble doesn't cast aluminum, he has access to a $100,000+ CNC machine.  He is offering his time, machine wear, and out-of-pocket money to design the prototype, which as he mentioned, is very complex due to the curved shape of the top section of the HHKB case.  Maybe you should go to business school and spend some time in a machine shop before making narcissistic comments next time.

Maybe you should spend more time in English class before throwing out insults that have nothing to do with the subject matter. Maybe using big words makes you feel like a big boy? Cute

[cactux]

Guys please time out. If you have any personal issues, make sure to fix it off line

[didjamatic]

How about a rap or haiku battle in the off topic forum? (unless that's against the rules)

[cactux]

^ The off topic has not been created to FIX personal issues. So please stay on topic

[treble318]

Hey pot, meet kettle.

If you are putting your product out, and want people to buy it... then I can surely question the validity of the cost before making a decision.

Not my fault you feel butthurt about it.

Hi MagicMeatball,

Thanks for the comments, definitely noted.  Cost is quite high not to mention machine time and tools required for this complex design.  

Also to clarify, I do not WANT or need people to buy this product. I am trying to provide a service for people here that are interested and do not mind a custom and unique product therefore the pricing in accordance to material cost/time/machine time, etc...

Pricing is quite reasonable with the color options and constant improvements made and a nominal cost for the Custom Poker Aluminum Keyboard Trays on my other post.  I am not price gouging either if that is what you are insinuating, feel free to review the options provided by us in terms of finish and style.  With those options you can compare with other's custom made tray and make your own educated judgement.  

 I am not mass producing these items, literally making a handful at a time and thus again pricing increase.  Our main business is prototyping, not making keyboards and custom trays to sustain our lively hood. I do this on the side as a hobby and wanted to share my interest with other's like minded.  

Again, appreciate your comments and should you have any other questions or concerns please do share them tastefully =)

Regard,
treble318

[longweight]

Treble you are going to make me broke! Please do the Filco case first though!

[treble318]

Treble you are going to make me broke! Please do the Filco case first though!

Control your desires!! =)  We have both The Filco TKL and the Full size, working on the designs.  I'll keep you guys posted and start up a new thread dedicated for FILCO's when they the first prototype is up.

[longweight]

When it comes to keyboards I have no control!

Any idea how much the Filco case will be?

(please make an aluminium space bar and modifier keys)

[treble318]

When it comes to keyboards I have no control!

Any idea how much the Filco case will be?

(please make an aluminium space bar and modifier keys)

I would say end of June at this point.  Pricing will be double the cost of Poker as they are two pieces, top and bottom.  I would have to say around $200, we will have a definite answer when the prototype is up.

Regarding Aluminum keys... That's interesting, we talked about the possibility of doing that... That will just open up a whole new can of worms for us. We don't focus on doing this for a living and investing on new equipment and dedicated tools can be quite expensive to make this happen. As such, pricing will be reflected and people may squirm once again.

I will let you know if that ever materializes!

[i3oilermaker]

I think an aluminum space bar would be crazy popular!

[longweight]

I would say end of June at this point.  Pricing will be double the cost of Poker as they are two pieces, top and bottom.  I would have to say around $200, we will have a definite answer when the prototype is up.

Regarding Aluminum keys... That's interesting, we talked about the possibility of doing that... That will just open up a whole new can of worms for us. We don't focus on doing this for a living and investing on new equipment and dedicated tools can be quite expensive to make this happen. As such, pricing will be reflected and people may squirm once again.

I will let you know if that ever materializes!

If you do a set of aluminium modifiers and a spacebar I will give you everything I own! Been searching for so long now!

[whiskerBox]

I think an aluminum space bar would be crazy popular!

+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).

[longweight]

+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).

And me! I WANT ONE!

I would love to see a bidding war over a titanium one!

[snowboarder3]

+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).

OH ****, I love titanium. Count me in.

I got Ti glasses frames, a Ti nail for an oil dome, a Ti kutvape, would love a Ti spacebar.

[treble318]

You know how difficult it is to cut Titanium right?  Have you tried cutting Nitronic 60? lol poor tools O__________o

[snowboarder3]

You know how difficult it is to cut Titanium right?  Have you tried cutting Nitronic 60? lol poor tools O__________o

Yeah I had a custom "dabber" lathed (kinda like a dental tool.) Machine shop said it wreaked havoc on their cutting bits. That being said, I'm willing to pay top dollar for them . Ti FTW!

[treble318]

Yeah I had a custom "dabber" lathed (kinda like a dental tool.) Machine shop said it wreaked havoc on their cutting bits. That being said, I'm willing to pay top dollar for them . Ti FTW!

With everything lined up as it is, that's is definitely a long haul for us at this time ^_^

[whiskerBox]

I don't know if those were actually made of Titanium or not. They look more like aluminum, but I have never seen one in person.

[treble318]

I don't know if those were actually made of Titanium or not. They look more like aluminum, but I have never seen one in person.

Very small tools are going to be required for keycaps, precision!