Vortex Aluminum Filco Case

[Batmann]

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I loled at the legend!
I don't get how they still have this kind of issues, prototype time is over, they already sold a bunch by now...
Or wait, maybe they have a CNC guy whose job is to push this button:
and got distracted


Also is this a full Alps set? I like the simple and classy look of this board

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I woul like to buy some mathias switches but I don't know where to find alps caps

[calavera]

The easiest source is a Dell AT101W which I got those from. You can replace every key except the capslock (due to off-centered stem) to a filco layout like I did in that pic. Sadly they're laser etched but these are more easy to come by and cheap. There are other alternatives but its freaking hard to find them.

[Batmann]

I looked for those dell on ebay, price range is pretty wide.
Any chance some of them are double shot or pbt dye sub?

[pasph]

This looks promising
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html

[L4yercake]

I got my red case in today.  Looks great.  Luckily all my screws fit just fine, although I only got 2 dots as well.  Will grab something to put on the front part.  Pic quality isn't the best though.  Needs some caps now and the green cord looks a bit silly.

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Any chance of getting a picture in natural light? Thinking about ordering a Red and Grey one to do a two-tone look but I need to get a nice picture before I spend $300.

[Batmann]

This looks promising
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html

sounds good, I hope it works out well
I'm not sure I can source matias switches without buying a board though

[pasph]

http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/matias-alps-switches-taking-pre-orders-t4931.html

[calavera]

Whats so special about the matias switches that I'm missing?

[alaricljs]

Well, I just got a couple hundred of the Matias Quiet switches and stuck some in the battered carcass of a 1087XM.  These are very quiet switches.  In an alu case like a KMAC they'd be dead silent.

They are nicely tactile.  Doing a head to head against blue MX, the blue will move a little at the tactile pint of the Matias, and then not budge again until the Matias is bottomed.  You can fully depress a brown switch before the Matias budges at all.

As someone who really likes MX browns, these may be a little too firm.  I'm going to give it more than a few hours to figure that out.  However, swapping the XM green springs in, it is hard to distinguish from MX ergo clears.

[Batmann]

Thanks pasph!

[laffindude]

As someone who really likes MX browns, these may be a little too firm.  I'm going to give it more than a few hours to figure that out.  However, swapping the XM green springs in, it is hard to distinguish from MX ergo clears.

Do want! I hope they make a lighter version

[Permeability]

I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink 

[OnTheBrink]

I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink 

For $130+ I'd rather get something with less imperfections or from a company without such a bad rep

[tp4tissue]

I really want to pickup the vortex red case, but the red looks kinda pink 

For $130+ I'd rather get something with less imperfections or from a company without such a bad rep

I'm not defending vortex... my case came with several imperfections..

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

SHOW ME!!!!

oh, you can't?

Stop whinin"

[Batmann]

^ true

I just received a tracking number from mechanicalkeyboards.com, are they sending the feet for those who didn't get them?

[alaricljs]

They did say the would as soon as they got them.

[aggiejy]

I got one to, very nice!

[Batmann]

That's a good surprise, I wasn't expecting it tbh

[tp4tissue]

That's a good surprise, I wasn't expecting it tbh

all the "silver" people are supposidly "not getting" the feet.

The colored people will all get them.

[Batmann]

I am "silver"

[jdcarpe]

I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

[tp4tissue]

I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................

[eyesmiles]

Got the case last week. Just been lazy to take any pictures. The screws that came with it didn't grab. I ended up getting purple M3 x 0.5mm x 10mm Allen Bolts. I was thinking of using MDPC M3 Brainwashers in case they were too long but that wasn't necessary. There's a few scratches on the top cover near the arrow keys. You can seem them at specific angles, but its evident in the first picture. There was no sanding down of anything or random holes. Only gripe I have is that I thought the grey would be a bit darker. In certain lighting, it looks really light silver. I'll have it anodized a different color when I get bored of it. 

[tp4tissue]

can't wait to get my feet..... aggg... prob longest wait ever...

hm... feng's aluminum space bars are taking a while too 

[jdcarpe]

I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................

Heh. No color was specified, so I won't call it "silver."

[tp4tissue]

I'm a "first round," but not necessarily a "silver." I got a shipping notice.

^^what did you get first round, if not "silver"... do you mean you got the somewhat "gray" version?

Second batch Silver for me...

Just checked ma' mail... Also got a USPS shipping notice..

EXCITED....................................................

Heh. No color was specified, so I won't call it "silver."

why are you toying wit' ma' mind' 

[Leslieann]

Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Other cases do exist, the MKC is available, however you do have to find it used. Those too had imperfections on many, and the prices on them was bad enough when new, but if you go searching, expect to pay even more. Last one I found, the seller wanted over $400 by the time I got it. It was cheaper, easier and faster to buy a Vortex and clean it up myself. Even if I had to re-anodize it after and make some feet, it was far less.

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

[tp4tissue]

Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Other cases do exist, the MKC is available, however you do have to find it used. Those too had imperfections on many, and the prices on them was bad enough when new, but if you go searching, expect to pay even more. Last one I found, the seller wanted over $400 by the time I got it. It was cheaper, easier and faster to buy a Vortex and clean it up myself. Even if I had to re-anodize it after and make some feet, it was far less.

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......

[Leslieann]

This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......

I agree to a point.

6 months ago I would have agreed with you entirely, but we just had the LZ GH buy, there has been quite a few KMACs up for sale recently and Originative even has them in stock. You no longer have to spend a year hitting refresh hoping to get a KMAC or LZ.

[tp4tissue]

This kind of money is nothing... it's the WAIT... that kills......

I agree to a point.

6 months ago I would have agreed with you entirely, but we just had the LZ GH buy, there has been quite a few KMACs up for sale recently and Originative even has them in stock. You no longer have to spend a year hitting refresh hoping to get a KMAC or LZ.

I was up for a kmac a while ago.. but then i thought... too korean... need something more GH and less KBDmania..

[Permeability]

So from I can gather in this thread, the case uses the Filco plate for support? So if I were to purchase a Universal Plate (from a recent gb) it would not fit correct?

[alaricljs]

Correct, it supports the plate in much the same way as the Filco board, but with zero standoffs for re-inforcing horizontal positioning. 

[tp4tissue]

Correct, it supports the plate in much the same way as the Filco board, but with zero standoffs for re-inforcing horizontal positioning. 

Of which is completely Unnecessary...

[alaricljs]

Of which is completely Unnecessary...

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

[tp4tissue]

Of which is completely Unnecessary...

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

No, with the standoffs, you'd be assuming they're drilled perfectly to match the top, which would defeat the purpose of your "ADJUST" in the first place..

Stand offs are completely useless in a plated keyboard... they're only necessary for pcb mounts

[alaricljs]

I wouldn't be assuming anything, a complete design would include enough leeway in all the necessary locations to adjust for whatever tolerances were specified in the manufacturing of all components.  If for whatever reason the design required that the plate not have ears and be screwed directly to the case (like all the Korean customs) then yes, standoffs would be the way to go.

Have you actually WORKED on any of the stuff you rail on about?  Product design/engineering? 

[WhiteFireDragon]

I stopped checking this thread around page 6, and just started looking at it again and wow, it's already on page 17. Anyways, I came back to say that I randomly got a shipping notification from mechanicalkeyboards, so I'm assuming it's the feet and maybe a some screws that were missing. I was one of the first one from the first batch that received it last year.

[OnTheBrink]

^ true

I just received a tracking number from mechanicalkeyboards.com, are they sending the feet for those who didn't get them?

Then I'd rather not get anything at all. Don't want to knock your purchase, to each is own, but I can't justify a poorly made product with supply and demand.

[Batmann]

I completely understand your concern, I've also been there
This case got a lot of hate (I bashed it too before I got mine), but to be fair the final outcome when assembled is very satisfying and makes me forget about the small imperfections
I couldn't justify adding almost 200$ for an mkc case.
Then again I'm not trying to convince anybody, to each is own 

[metalliqaz]

I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...

[calavera]

Does anyone know if ducky 1087xm internals would fit? From what I know they are plate mounted

[alaricljs]

a 1087XM has a completely different plate design, there is no bend at all and it doesn't extend beyond the PCB on at the top or bottom of the KB.  (Typed on the modded innards to a 1087XM)

[Leslieann]

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.

I completely understand your concern, I've also been there
This case got a lot of hate (I bashed it too before I got mine), but to be fair the final outcome when assembled is very satisfying and makes me forget about the small imperfections

Exactly.
If you want to be fickle, you can clean any imperfections and alignment with a dual action sander in 30 minutes and send it off to be re-anodized and still come out well ahead.

I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...

I've been looking for an easy method as I have a plate I would like to use, but I have so far been stumped. You may be able to find a Filco plate for cheap though.

[alaricljs]

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

[tp4tissue]

... in a perfect case with a perfect PCB.  However, there should be some leeway in the case to adjust the PCB position to match the case top and the easiest way to lock that in is with a couple standoffs that you can screw it down to.

I don't think you understand how the Vortex works.

Filco uses a stiff plate to support a plastic chassis, the standoffs only serve to align it.
Korean keyboards use a more flexible plate and use a stiff chassis and standoffs to support the center of the plate, opposite of a Filco.
Vortex uses the stiff plate that needs no support, and instead of aligning it with a standoff, simply clamps the plate into place. It can't go anywhere once you place it where you want and it doesn't flex.

This is actually less stressful to the pcb and actually allows for more adjustment than a standoff would ever allow. The plate is free to slide where you want, until you tighten the screws, at which point the whole assembly is clamped in place like a vise.

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

dis' guy doesn't get it.. )

Maybe if you bought the case, you'd see that its mounting mechanism is quite genius, contrary to its minor manufacturing blemishes.

[Leslieann]

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

Your right it does go to the plate, meaning the Filco PCB floats in the stock case as well, which is all the more reason to wonder what your complaint is.

[metalliqaz]

I'm considering it for my Phantom. I think I could jam something in there to get the plate mounted correctly...

I've been looking for an easy method as I have a plate I would like to use, but I have so far been stumped. You may be able to find a Filco plate for cheap though.

I would try to tack some wire I use for bending stabilizers to the edges of the plate.

[OnTheBrink]

Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This was my argument. I just didn't want to offend people's purchase.

[alaricljs]

No, I'm quite familiar.  And the Filco's standoffs with screws are to the plate, not the PCB.

Your right it does go to the plate, meaning the Filco PCB floats in the stock case as well, which is all the more reason to wonder what your complaint is.

It's held exactly as the Vortex Alu case does it, just with plastic.

[tp4tissue]

Yep, my feet are on the way as well. YAY!!!!

But be honest... WHERE would you find another aluminum case...

Think about it, after spending $300 for a case and $120 for a Filco... You may as well just get an LZ or KMAC.

This was my argument. I just didn't want to offend people's purchase.

LOL, kids and their "waiting"

not having to wait is worth a whole lot more.