[IC] Hubble Mira Custom TKL (GB is 3... 2... 1... launched!)

[njbair]

Perhaps a silly question but would it be possible to have a test piece of just the cutout in something like black acrylic (to mimic the aluminum) + frosted acrylic (to serve as our insert)?
You would get a much better idea of the limitations of the machinery and give people something to discuss.
Perhaps it doesn't even look half bad.

And that should not be that expensive. Perhaps $50 or so? Hell, I'd even be willing to throw DrHubblePhD a couple of dollars to get it made and have him shoot some pictures of it.

Edit:
I just pulled out my book on materials and cutting and I can see how it might be very difficult to cut these areas to the desired exactness with round bits.

Show Image

You could probably do it by lasercutting (provided it's less than 20mm thick) but the anodizing could make it difficult to design the inserts to make them fit...
Would the materials of our resident capmakers provide an option? As in fill it up with liquid?

EDIT2:
Can you show us what the underside of the insert currently looks like? It doesn't have to be as thick as the rest of the top plate does it? Would that make it easier for your machine guy?

I thought about all this too. Thinning that area so it doesn't have to be as deep, and you could even use EDM instead of milling or laser cutting. But it's still a whole separate setup/operation which adds a ton of cost. I thought about casting in-place with resin instead of an acrylic cutout. But resins are all polyester-based, not acrylic, which means they don't transmit light as well.

Unfortunately, I just don't think there's a good way to make this happen and still have this be an affordable board.

[JaccoW]

Perhaps a silly question but would it be possible to have a test piece of just the cutout in something like black acrylic (to mimic the aluminum) + frosted acrylic (to serve as our insert)?
You would get a much better idea of the limitations of the machinery and give people something to discuss.
Perhaps it doesn't even look half bad.

And that should not be that expensive. Perhaps $50 or so? Hell, I'd even be willing to throw DrHubblePhD a couple of dollars to get it made and have him shoot some pictures of it.

Edit:
I just pulled out my book on materials and cutting and I can see how it might be very difficult to cut these areas to the desired exactness with round bits.

Show Image

You could probably do it by lasercutting (provided it's less than 20mm thick) but the anodizing could make it difficult to design the inserts to make them fit...
Would the materials of our resident capmakers provide an option? As in fill it up with liquid?

EDIT2:
Can you show us what the underside of the insert currently looks like? It doesn't have to be as thick as the rest of the top plate does it? Would that make it easier for your machine guy?

I thought about all this too. Thinning that area so it doesn't have to be as deep, and you could even use EDM instead of milling or laser cutting. But it's still a whole separate setup/operation which adds a ton of cost. I thought about casting in-place with resin instead of an acrylic cutout. But resins are all polyester-based, not acrylic, which means they don't transmit light as well.

Unfortunately, I just don't think there's a good way to make this happen and still have this be an affordable board.

:(

[DrHubblePhD]

Here's whats up boys...

The cost of the Mira will likely be above a bit above $400 for the full package. This includes: the full alu case, a custom engraved SS weight, a SS plate, gold stabs, and the b.mira pcb with controller pre soldered. That said we are working on options that allow for a lower price and make it more accessible to more people.

Here is the important part. Why the cost is what it is. And most importantly why you should buy a Mira:

• The design is an obviously difficult one to mill since it utilizes curves on many surfaces, something that makes this board unique but costly.
• It will be completely produced in America, from design to manufacturing. You will be supporting a project that brings design and innovation back to our community instead of relying on other communities to do the dirty work. This of course is not cheep, and manufacturing costs will always be higher here than what can be found overseas.
• This board still has a great range of features, even without the insert that will make it a truly unique piece of hardware for your desk. It has a truly unique side profile, a custom engraved weight, a custom pcb with full back lighting support, and don't forget about those gold stabs that will ship as part of the package!
• We are still working hard to provide you as many options for anodization as possible, even a potential for a custom option where you can choose anything you would like!

Remember also that shipping from me to the rest of the US will be considerably cheaper than shipping for other kustoms. So factor that into what you plan on spending.

I hope with some of this information you will support this project when the GB starts. Since the Orion GB has started, I will allow adequate time for your wallets to recover as I acquire a prototype. I am looking into options for alternate plate materials such as polycarbonate that as an option for the buy could bring the mark below $400. In the meantime, continue to voice your support and with your help we can make this the first all out GeekHack custom!

[radio_killah]

Here's whats up boys...

The cost of the Mira will likely be above a bit above $400 for the full package. This includes: the full alu case, a custom engraved SS weight, a SS plate, gold stabs, and the b.mira pcb with controller pre soldered. That said we are working on options that allow for a lower price and make it more accessible to more people.

Here is the important part. Why the cost is what it is. And most importantly why you should buy a Mira:

• The design is an obviously difficult one to mill since it utilizes curves on many surfaces, something that makes this board unique but costly.
• It will be completely produced in America, from design to manufacturing. You will be supporting a project that brings design and innovation back to our community instead of relying on other communities to do the dirty work. This of course is not cheep, and manufacturing costs will always be higher here than what can be found overseas.
• This board still has a great range of features, even without the insert that will make it a truly unique piece of hardware for your desk. It has a truly unique side profile, a custom engraved weight, a custom pcb with full back lighting support, and don't forget about those gold stabs that will ship as part of the package!
• We are still working hard to provide you as many options for anodization as possible, even a potential for a custom option where you can choose anything you would like!

Remember also that shipping from me to the rest of the US will be considerably cheaper than shipping for other kustoms. So factor that into what you plan on spending.

I hope with some of this information you will support this project when the GB starts. Since the Orion GB has started, I will allow adequate time for your wallets to recover as I acquire a prototype. I am looking into options for alternate plate materials such as polycarbonate that as an option for the buy could bring the mark below $400. In the meantime, continue to voice your support and with your help we can make this the first all out GeekHack custom!

Well I'm sold for sure. 

[Zeroo]

IF I can afford it when it's being released, I'll most definitely get one, love the look of the case

[monotagary]

Here's whats up boys...

The cost of the Mira will likely be above a bit above $400 for the full package. This includes: the full alu case, a custom engraved SS weight, a SS plate, gold stabs, and the b.mira pcb with controller pre soldered. That said we are working on options that allow for a lower price and make it more accessible to more people.

Here is the important part. Why the cost is what it is. And most importantly why you should buy a Mira:

• The design is an obviously difficult one to mill since it utilizes curves on many surfaces, something that makes this board unique but costly.
• It will be completely produced in America, from design to manufacturing. You will be supporting a project that brings design and innovation back to our community instead of relying on other communities to do the dirty work. This of course is not cheep, and manufacturing costs will always be higher here than what can be found overseas.
• This board still has a great range of features, even without the insert that will make it a truly unique piece of hardware for your desk. It has a truly unique side profile, a custom engraved weight, a custom pcb with full back lighting support, and don't forget about those gold stabs that will ship as part of the package!
• We are still working hard to provide you as many options for anodization as possible, even a potential for a custom option where you can choose anything you would like!

Remember also that shipping from me to the rest of the US will be considerably cheaper than shipping for other kustoms. So factor that into what you plan on spending.

I hope with some of this information you will support this project when the GB starts. Since the Orion GB has started, I will allow adequate time for your wallets to recover as I acquire a prototype. I am looking into options for alternate plate materials such as polycarbonate that as an option for the buy could bring the mark below $400. In the meantime, continue to voice your support and with your help we can make this the first all out GeekHack custom!

I'm sold on this as well! Having a glorious all-American keyboard is really such a treat.

[radio_killah]

Will it be split right shift compatible?

[DrHubblePhD]

Will it be split right shift compatible?

yup

[radio_killah]

Will it be split right shift compatible?

yup

 

[Data]

North of $400?  Really?

I thought we were shooting for a keyboard considerably cheaper than the Orion V2.  That's not cheaper at all.  This makes the decision much harder for me.  Disappointing...

[DrHubblePhD]

North of $400?  Really?

I thought we were shooting for a keyboard considerably cheaper than the Orion V2.  That's not cheaper at all.  This makes the decision much harder for me.  Disappointing...

Well im sorry that your disappointing, so am I, no need to be rude.

[hwood34]

North of $400?  Really?

I thought we were shooting for a keyboard considerably cheaper than the Orion V2.  That's not cheaper at all.  This makes the decision much harder for me.  Disappointing...

[FrostyToast]

Because custom boards with curves made in America are going to be sub 400.

[ATXTider]

North of $400?  Really?

I thought we were shooting for a keyboard considerably cheaper than the Orion V2.  That's not cheaper at all.  This makes the decision much harder for me.  Disappointing...

u must not love 'murica then...

[Data]

North of $400?  Really?

I thought we were shooting for a keyboard considerably cheaper than the Orion V2.  That's not cheaper at all.  This makes the decision much harder for me.  Disappointing...

u must not love 'murica then...

That's what makes it so hard. 

Edit: Elton is helping make the decision for me.  He just closed orders on Orion V2 after less than 13 hours.

[Alex92]

I'm not quite sure what the expectations for the price were. $400 was my estimate for what this was going to cost from the start, and it would have been surprising to me if it had cost less. Great update! 

[cmadrid]

Any possibility of a cheaper option with a simpler case? After this one is done I suppose

[DrHubblePhD]

Any possibility of a cheaper option with a simpler case? After this one is done I suppose

Well as I said, if you opt for a polycarb plate the cost will likely be under $400. I dont plan to do another tkl for a while after this, however I have some other projects in the pipe that you might enjoy!

[derezzed]

I ask this not as a potential customer, but as someone who really wants to see the original concept realized as it was designed.  How feasible would it be to cast the top of the case with the Mira logo extending the full thickness of the material to allow for the original acrylic insert? 

[cmadrid]

Any possibility of a cheaper option with a simpler case? After this one is done I suppose

Well as I said, if you opt for a polycarb plate the cost will likely be under $400. I dont plan to do another tkl for a while after this, however I have some other projects in the pipe that you might enjoy!

I look forward to seeing what else you have coming up, but I really just want a simple TKL keyboard that is solid and not $5000000000000000.. everyone makes 60% boards >_<

[HTN47]

how about this, since it's impossible to cater to the majority and keep the prices low, we go all out! Cater to the few! Original design, brass weights at the bottom with some sort of NASA engraving on it, then a small cutout for a circular insert on the side (also brass) with the # engraving on it. The price will be expensive and only a few will have access to them, put limit at 57 orders. In a few years, this will be like the GeekHack version of the 356cl with market value of $3000.00 

[cmadrid]

That sounds like a really cool keyboard

[DrHubblePhD]

Any possibility of a cheaper option with a simpler case? After this one is done I suppose

Well as I said, if you opt for a polycarb plate the cost will likely be under $400. I dont plan to do another tkl for a while after this, however I have some other projects in the pipe that you might enjoy!

I look forward to seeing what else you have coming up, but I really just want a simple TKL keyboard that is solid and not $5000000000000000.. everyone makes 60% boards >_<

Well I have no plans of making anything "simple," synonymous with boring  I think that what the market needs is something new not more Kmac rehashes 

[DrHubblePhD]

how about this, since it's impossible to cater to the majority and keep the prices low, we go all out! Cater to the few! Original design, brass weights at the bottom with some sort of NASA engraving on it, then a small cutout for a circular insert on the side (also brass) with the # engraving on it. The price will be expensive and only a few will have access to them, put limit at 57 orders. In a few years, this will be like the GeekHack version of the 356cl with market value of $3000.00 

I don't want to make something that is unobtainable. Right now there haven't been any attempts on GH to make something as complete and complex as Mira so baby steps. If however you want something one off and over the top and are willing to pay for it yourself, I have no problem designing it for you, I just couldn't justify a GB 

[Photoelectric]

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Those teal colors.... mmmmm    I'd still love to see a copper version in a TKL.

[cryptowillem]

Well, north of $400 US, along with the ****ty Canadian dollar, makes this go from an expensive keyboard to a "maybe I'll skip my vacation this year" keyboard.

But this is epic, and closes in on end-game for me, so I'll count my pennies and maybe skip that vacation.

[DrHubblePhD]

Hope everyone is ready... we will be announcing a special offer on a very special day...

[FrostyToast]

Hype

[trizkut]

Cinco de mayo hype?

[elton5354]

Cool. Do you have a prototype done? If so, let's see!

[Cottonsox]

just in time for my busy weekend !!

looking forward to seeing what the announcement is none the less!

[sethk_]

May 5th hype!

[CommonCurt]

Cool. Do you have a prototype done? If so, let's see!

+1  Thought that had to be done before the orders started.

[DrHubblePhD]

Cool. Do you have a prototype done? If so, let's see!

+1  Thought that had to be done before the orders started.

Just await the announcement, we understand all your concerns 

[DrHubblePhD]

Perhaps what I should say is that you will get a chance to see the prototype before purchasing.

[loud_asian]

Perhaps what I should say is that you will get a chance to see the prototype before purchasing.

You're gonna send the prototype to each of us before we buy?!? Sign me up! 

[derezzed]

Hope everyone is ready... we will be announcing a special offer on a very special day...

June 6, the 29th anniversary of the release of Disney's Space Camp; one of Disney's worst movies and an affront to space exploration.   Will DrHubblePhD settle the score by producing one of the best custom TKLs with a space theme?  *fingers crossed*

[cryptowillem]

Hope everyone is ready... we will be announcing a special offer on a very special day...

I was reading this on my mobile, and the picture was really small. I didn't get it at first, thinking, "But Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space on April 12th, 1961. It's already past April 12th."

Zoomed in and the picture (literally) became clearer. May 5th, then. I'm hyped. It's in my calendar!

[njbair]

Hope everyone is ready... we will be announcing a special offer on a very special day...

June 6, the 29th anniversary of the release of Disney's Space Camp; one of Disney's worst movies and an affront to space exploration.   Will DrHubblePhD settle the score by producing one of the best custom TKLs with a space theme?  *fingers crossed*

Or even better, a ship date of October 10, the 18th anniversary of the release of Rocketman, one of Disney's funniest movies and Harland Williams' first leading role.

[techmattr]

24 Apr. 1990 Launch of the Hubble Space Telescope


(yes I know that's not what the pictures are from)

[sethk_]

What program did you use to design the case?

[CPTBadAss]

Did someone say....MADE IN AMERICA?

What program did you use to design the case?

If you're thinking about getting into CAD, I *highly* suggest going with Pro Engineer or SolidWorks.

[sethk_]

Did someone say....MADE IN AMERICA?

What program did you use to design the case?

If you're thinking about getting into CAD, I *highly* suggest going with Pro Engineer or SolidWorks.

Thanks! I know how to use AutoCAD, and I also have a student license, so that is what I plan on sticking with for 2d drawings, but I know SolidWorks has 3d modeling,  hopefully neither don't take too long to get good at.

[DrHubblePhD]

What program did you use to design the case?

Designed in Inventor but it's a silly program. I would recommend following CPT's advice and getting started in solidworks.

[CPTBadAss]

AutoCAD is wonderful for plates though. That's what jd uses for his plates.

[sethk_]

What program did you use to design the case?

Designed in Inventor but it's a silly program. I would recommend following CPT's advice and getting started in solidworks.

Ok, thanks. I have student licenses for a couple different CAD programs, so I should be able to find one that I like.

[sethk_]

What program did you use to design the case?

Designed in Inventor but it's a silly program. I would recommend following CPT's advice and getting started in solidworks.

If you don't mind me asking, what thickness did you make your plate and top case? I know for plate its around 1.5mm, but no clue where to go for top case thickness.

[DrHubblePhD]

What program did you use to design the case?

Designed in Inventor but it's a silly program. I would recommend following CPT's advice and getting started in solidworks.

If you don't mind me asking, what thickness did you make your plate and top case? I know for plate its around 1.5mm, but no clue where to go for top case thickness.

The plate is 1.5mm. The top of the case has two different thicknesses so I can't give you a number. I am away from my computer right now, but  I can give you more details later.

[sethk_]

What program did you use to design the case?

Designed in Inventor but it's a silly program. I would recommend following CPT's advice and getting started in solidworks.

If you don't mind me asking, what thickness did you make your plate and top case? I know for plate its around 1.5mm, but no clue where to go for top case thickness.

The plate is 1.5mm. The top of the case has two different thicknesses so I can't give you a number. I am away from my computer right now, but  I can give you more details later.

Thanks!

[Sifo]

Looks like I won't have funds in time for this but I hope people pick up some blue and #GOLD