Author Topic: [IC] MxSS - Polycarb 65% Kit for MX/SMK [Polycarb Plate option added!] (Read 34009 times)

amnesia0287 · « **Reply #50 on:** Tue, 06 March 2018, 18:15:49 »

TBH, I don't care about the corner blocker 1 way or the other. I dont use that key much anyway. Really I just need the arrows. The rest of that right strip is just wasted space, but it looks ugly to block the whole thing. Single key blocker or no blocker are both workable.

There are plenty of options for 65% without blockers tho. No reason to just do more of the same.

MxBlue · « **Reply #51 on:** Tue, 06 March 2018, 21:22:22 »

What black nickel looks like:

Reflectiveness is more prominent than the pictures show.

MxBlue · « **Reply #52 on:** Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:18:30 »

Added photos of the new prototype, I'll put up some nicer ones later.

amnesia0287 · « **Reply #53 on:** Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:53:50 »

Quote from: MxBlue on Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:18:30

Added photos of the new prototype, I'll put up some nicer ones later.

Looks good.

I am curious tho, was it ever considered to remove the middle screw on the left/right side? Or is that out of concern for too much stress on threads?

lac29 · « **Reply #54 on:** Thu, 08 March 2018, 13:49:38 »

QMK support?

zekkin · « **Reply #55 on:** Thu, 08 March 2018, 15:07:45 »

Quote from: lac29 on Thu, 08 March 2018, 13:49:38

QMK support?

The PCB is QMK.

MxBlue · « **Reply #56 on:** Thu, 08 March 2018, 16:01:13 »

Quote from: Amnesia on Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:53:50

Looks good.

I am curious tho, was it ever considered to remove the middle screw on the left/right side? Or is that out of concern for too much stress on threads?

At first, we did consider them too much stress on the threads yes, but that was considering that the threading would be in the polycarb, not brass inserts. Now they're there because we didn't particularly rethink screw placement after we swapped over to inserts, I'll do some testing and see where we go with it.

Liam · « **Reply #57 on:** Fri, 09 March 2018, 13:09:09 »

My concerns for Polycarbonate after watching some youtube videos:

1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.

2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.

pr0ximity · « **Reply #58 on:** Fri, 09 March 2018, 17:36:08 »

Quote from: Liam on Fri, 09 March 2018, 13:09:09

My concerns for Polycarbonate after watching some youtube videos:

1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.

2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.

Does all polycarbonate yellow? I know older plastics' flame retardant used to cause yellowing but it isn't present anymore, and some cursory Googling suggests that some polycarbonate is UV protected.

MxBlue · « **Reply #59 on:** Fri, 09 March 2018, 19:30:22 »

Quote from: Liam on Fri, 09 March 2018, 13:09:09

My concerns for Polycarbonate after watching some youtube videos:

1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.

2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.

Talked with the factory, yellowing shouldn't happen any time soon the UV coating on it will protect it. As for scratches, yes, it will scratch easier, but the UV paint coating does a really good job of hiding fine scratches. I can't compare it to a good anodising job since my Canoe is unsurprisingly late, but I wouldn't say its that far off.

Liam · « **Reply #60 on:** Fri, 09 March 2018, 20:49:19 »

I like the idea of trying out new materials, but Acrylic seems to be the best if you want trans or semi-transparent case. That's not considering it costs 3 times as much as a acrylic case.

MxBlue · « **Reply #61 on:** Sat, 10 March 2018, 01:02:17 »

Quote from: Liam on Fri, 09 March 2018, 20:49:19

I like the idea of trying out new materials, but Acrylic seems to be the best if you want trans or semi-transparent case. That's not considering it costs 3 times as much as a acrylic case.

As far as price is concerned, you're right. On the topic of suitability, we concluded that polycarbonate wins by only due to its improved impact resistance. While it does scratch easier, there is a coating on top of the polycarbonate to create the texture and appearance, which would be equally difficult to scratch if it were on acrylic. If we ended up going with a abrasive-blasted finish, acrylic might have been better, subject to whether the risk of cracking was small enough, but the finish ended up leaving small particles inside the polycarb with the variety of materials the factory tried, and i suspect it would do similar in acrylic.

So yep, it's a toss up, and our original aim was to see how nice polycarb would be as a case material, and we can say that we're fairly pleased.

MxBlue · « **Reply #62 on:** Mon, 12 March 2018, 03:37:52 »

Added a few more photos for people who wanted to see more angles. Appreciate my beautiful DIY RGB PCB.

dead_pixel_design · « **Reply #63 on:** Mon, 12 March 2018, 14:17:19 »

I am really underwhelmed by the prototypes, I think the poly is too clear, you see too much of the plate and it doesn't look nearly as milky/frosted as it does in the renders. Are you guys planning on getting the poly finished to be more opaque? Not completely opaque, but enough so that the brass inside is more... vague, and so that LED light from inside will diffuse more thoroughly through the poly..?

MxBlue · « **Reply #64 on:** Mon, 12 March 2018, 15:10:01 »

Quote from: dead_pixel_design on Mon, 12 March 2018, 14:17:19

I am really underwhelmed by the prototypes, I think the poly is too clear, you see too much of the plate and it doesn't look nearly as milky/frosted as it does in the renders. Are you guys planning on getting the poly finished to be more opaque? Not completely opaque, but enough so that the brass inside is more... vague, and so that LED light from inside will diffuse more thoroughly through the poly..?

I'm sorry you feel that way, but that was something an unfortunate circumstance that the renders were too transparent, enough that the light from the underglow would not really diffuse much. It is actually quite opaque as it is, and the backlighting diffuses very well as you can see in the video linked in the OP.

As for the way the plate shows through, it is completely preference, not much we are planning to do other than play with dimensions a touch. I'm quite curious about how the black nickel will look in it, but unfortunately, our man with the setup to so photorealistic renders is swamped with work now so this'll be the best I can do for now.

dead_pixel_design · « **Reply #65 on:** Mon, 12 March 2018, 16:25:56 »

Quote from: MxBlue on Mon, 12 March 2018, 15:10:01

I'm sorry you feel that way, but that was something an unfortunate circumstance that the renders were too transparent, enough that the light from the underglow would not really diffuse much. It is actually quite opaque as it is, and the backlighting diffuses very well as you can see in the video linked in the OP.

As for the way the plate shows through, it is completely preference, not much we are planning to do other than play with dimensions a touch. I'm quite curious about how the black nickel will look in it, but unfortunately, our man with the setup to so photorealistic renders is swamped with work now so this'll be the best I can do for now.

Thank you for the response and context

amnesia0287 · « **Reply #66 on:** Mon, 12 March 2018, 16:37:34 »

Do you have any GMK sets you could take pictures with? SA is teh sux.

superdoedoe · « **Reply #67 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:06:13 »

incoming pics

MxBlue · « **Reply #68 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:11:20 »

Quote from: superdoedoe on Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:06:13

Quote from: Amnesia on Mon, 12 March 2018, 16:37:34
Do you have any GMK sets you could take pictures with? SA is teh sux.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Bloody leak it before I get home lmao. But yea, there you have it.

EDIT: sneaky boi editted so here it is:

superdoedoe · « **Reply #69 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:19:10 »

pr0ximity · « **Reply #70 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 06:24:33 »

Looking awesome!! What kind of feet are you planning, or have you said already? I guess clear bunpons would look good and be inexpensive?

dubious · « **Reply #71 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:09:26 »

this looks really nice! I like the clear PC, the brass, and the 910 style layout you went with. I had to take a second look at the renders too, some of the most photorealistic I've seen here

I'm not really into the round corners with a chamfered edge, but that's just IHMO. Also, I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this

bthezebra · « **Reply #72 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:34:11 »

I'm liking the flatness, a little thick on the edges but still smexy!

Kafka · « **Reply #73 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 15:47:30 »

Quote from: dubious on Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:09:26

I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this

That sounds dope

MxBlue · « **Reply #74 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 17:44:49 »

Quote from: pr0ximity on Tue, 13 March 2018, 06:24:33

Looking awesome!! What kind of feet are you planning, or have you said already? I guess clear bunpons would look good and be inexpensive?

We're going for clear rectangular feet.

Also, new IC up, please go will it out everyone! I promise this is probably the last :')

vewy_nice · « **Reply #75 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 18:16:14 »

Quote from: Kafka on Tue, 13 March 2018, 15:47:30

Quote from: dubious on Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:09:26
I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this

That sounds dope

Adding my support for this as well.

MxBlue · « **Reply #76 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 18:17:48 »

Keeping your suggestions in mind! I'd appreciate if you tossed them in the new IC as well

tireddoctor · « **Reply #77 on:** Tue, 13 March 2018, 19:01:01 »

I hope you launch this soon enough. Really want a good 65% kit.

MxBlue · « **Reply #78 on:** Mon, 19 March 2018, 05:50:00 »

Updated blocker design:

vewy_nice · « **Reply #79 on:** Mon, 19 March 2018, 07:20:28 »

There's an LED behind that, right?

Looks awesome

I'm wondering if a piece of opaque white film or something underneath would help it diffuse nice and evenly through all 3 slots?

MxBlue · « **Reply #80 on:** Mon, 19 March 2018, 07:23:56 »

Quote from: vewy_nice on Mon, 19 March 2018, 07:20:28

There's an LED behind that, right?

Looks awesome

I'm wondering if a piece of opaque white film or something underneath would help it diffuse nice and evenly through all 3 slots?

2 LEDs, I doubt much can help it diffuse any better than it does other than changing the design and shifting LEDs.

bthezebra · « **Reply #81 on:** Mon, 19 March 2018, 21:22:49 »

Love the corner design, this board has stayed on my mind.

blacksimon · « **Reply #82 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 06:08:18 »

pixelpusher · « **Reply #83 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:48:03 »

I like the idea of it. Filling up that void with a design. Looks great. But, it doesn't make sense. We're all used to 3 indicator lights on or keyboards. So it looks like that's what it's for. But it's just for looks, and it has 2 LEDs behind 3 slits. I don't know, man. I'm thinking there could be a better solution.

pixelpusher · « **Reply #84 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:51:12 »

This is way out there, but could you do a cut that says MxSS on it instead of the slits and backlight that?

MxBlue · « **Reply #85 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:54:15 »

Quote from: reececonrad on Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:48:03

I like the idea of it. Filling up that void with a design. Looks great. But, it doesn't make sense. We're all used to 3 indicator lights on or keyboards. So it looks like that's what it's for. But it's just for looks, and it has 2 LEDs behind 3 slits. I don't know, man. I'm thinking there could be a better solution.

Of course I wanted to shove in 3 LEDs into the slit to make them seem more practical, but alas, the dimensions don't allow it. I feel that it will still aesthetically look pleasing, but I completely understand where you are coming from.

Quote from: reececonrad on Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:51:12

This is way out there, but could you do a cut that says MxSS on it instead of the slits and backlight that?

That is possible, but we felt it would simply look too tacky and take away from the more minimalist look we are aiming for.

Don't come to conclusions yet though, I am ordering a plate with the cutout to test how it would look, keep an eye out for an update in the thread once I have in about a week.

HardcoreDesk · « **Reply #86 on:** Thu, 22 March 2018, 00:33:07 »

when.

MxBlue · « **Reply #87 on:** Thu, 22 March 2018, 00:37:05 »

Quote from: HardcoreDesk on Thu, 22 March 2018, 00:33:07

when.

No promises, but I'm guessing 1-2wks, I'm on the home stretch.

MxBlue · « **Reply #88 on:** Tue, 27 March 2018, 18:10:40 »

After some talks with SolidSnake, we decided to change the angle to 2.9 degrees, but the change slipped my mind until now.

OP updated to match.

PCB is neaaarly finalised, we will be ordering prototypes today!

lac29 · « **Reply #89 on:** Tue, 27 March 2018, 20:19:43 »

Is the MxSS "logo" on the weight going to look like the photos in the first post? It feels just a bit plain ... font-wise, etc. I don't know if you have thought of a more developed/designed logo but I'd like to put out a few ideas if you're open to it.

MxBlue · « **Reply #90 on:** Tue, 27 March 2018, 20:47:50 »

Quote from: lac29 on Tue, 27 March 2018, 20:19:43

Is the MxSS "logo" on the weight going to look like the photos in the first post? It feels just a bit plain ... font-wise, etc. I don't know if you have thought of a more developed/designed logo but I'd like to put out a few ideas if you're open to it.

Sorry you feel that way, we're unfortunately not changing the design unless there is a defect we identify now. Stylistically, it is finalised, putting aside possibly the blocker cutout once we get our prototype PCBs.

MxBlue · « **Reply #91 on:** Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:03:57 »

After talks with the factory, we decided to give the polycarb plate option a go! As said in the main post, it won't be prototyped like the Black Nickel kit, and will be an extra with a MOQ of 5.

From my test of using acrylic plate, it does have some areas with pretty significant bending, but still usable if you're not heavy handed. More importantly, it looks quite pretty, so I want to give it a try.

Some pics of an acrylic plate with the protective film on:

It costs me what it costs you, $60USD.

pixelpusher · « **Reply #92 on:** Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:11:13 »

That's pretty intriguing. I would think the PCB would cut out most of the flex of the polycarbonate. I'd sure like to try one out.

bthezebra · « **Reply #93 on:** Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:17:16 »

See through on see though, so hawt right now.

MxBlue · « **Reply #94 on:** Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:18:10 »

Quote from: reececonrad on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:11:13

That's pretty intriguing. I would think the PCB would cut out most of the flex of the polycarbonate. I'd sure like to try one out.

I haven't tried with a PCB

SOON! I'm impatiently waiting for my parts as well haha.

Shados · « **Reply #95 on:** Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:53:31 »

I've had a polycarbonate plate before, they pretty much flop about like a dead fish haha. If you don't like the stiffness of metal plates but still want the improved switch alignment, then I guess they're a good option?

hervuli · « **Reply #96 on:** Sun, 01 April 2018, 05:26:39 »

How thick would the polycarb plate be?

Really tempted to try one of each of the plate options haha

MxBlue · « **Reply #97 on:** Sun, 01 April 2018, 05:29:46 »

Quote from: hervuli on Sun, 01 April 2018, 05:26:39

How thick would the polycarb plate be?

Really tempted to try one of each of the plate options haha

1.5mm, I'll have the GB in a day or so

kconfire · « **Reply #98 on:** Sun, 01 April 2018, 10:57:07 »

This is pretty cool- however what is the PCB in use?
Does this support an universal PCB?

Thank you!

Kafka · « **Reply #99 on:** Sun, 01 April 2018, 11:42:56 »

Quote from: kconfire on Sun, 01 April 2018, 10:57:07

This is pretty cool- however what is the PCB in use?
Does this support an universal PCB?

Thank you!

iirc its similar to the qmk replacement pcb for the TGR 910, also not universal ala the 65% layout.

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Author Topic: [IC] MxSS - Polycarb 65% Kit for MX/SMK [Polycarb Plate option added!] (Read 34009 times)