Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:13:30
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/render.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/rf.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/blackplate.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/riser.png)
Interested?
Please make your voice count in this survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XKBPS82) to make sure it happens.
Background info
Proceeding from many lessons, tweaks, and improvements learned from my two rounds of Novatouch cases, I decided it was time to tackle something more ambitious: the beast that is the Realforce TKL keyboard (perhaps my personal favorite all-time board, keycaps notwithstanding).
I have arrived at a core case design that I think will work and I'm currently getting prototypes made in various materials and experimenting with some other cool features.
Material
The main innovation I'm currently working on is that I want to try to make the case available in...STONE. Or, more precisely, a ceramic composite that is made to feel like stone but that has superior technical properties: namely, Dupont Corian (or similar). It's a non-porous material that is used in laboratory countertops, store displays, architectural features, and high-end artistic furniture. It is rarely used in consumer products, but with some care, the material is machinable. It is remarkably heavy and feels cool to the touch, similar to natural stone, but not nearly as brittle. Also unlike natural stone, it is impervious to staining due to its lack of porosity.
It comes in all kinds of faux-marble patterns, but am mostly interested in white and black. Though it's hard to find examples of Corian used outside of architectural applications, here are a couple examples of consumer products made in Corian.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/whitecorian.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/corianwhite2.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/blackcorian.png)
If Corian doesn't work out, there is always good old anodized aluminum, in various colors. :cool:
Case features:
- No side seam line (there is a hidden plate at back)
- Magsafe-style cable on the outside (with USB type A on the other end). For those who prefer a regular cable, the magsafe head can be pulled out and a USB-C cable used.
- The kit includes a custom internal cable and sub-PCB to replace the stock Topre cable that goes inside the case.
- Internal surge and line noise protection on the sub-PCB.
- Can be used flat (0 degree angle) or with (included) risers
PCB overhang
A quirky feature of RealForce keyboards is the wonky keyboard overhang at the top. I've contemplated various ways of perhaps using that dead space to a decorative end. If we do end up going with decorative plates, I'm thinking of making them magnetically interchangeable.
Brushed metal
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/brushedmetal.png)
Wood
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/rfwood.png)
We could maybe even add grooves for writing instruments
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/rfpencil2.png)
Quilted leather (sorry for the crappy rendering, the real thing would look a lot nicer and not have those vertical lines) Sort of like something you'd see on the interior of an old Bentley or something.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/rfleather.png)
Pricing: honestly, I have no idea since this case's overall profile is significantly larger than the Novatouch, and if we end up using Corian, it's a rather expensive material. But let's assume, depending on finish and material, that we have at least one option around $250, with some upgrade options offered.
Update
Here is my prototype in aluminum, which is an alternate backup material if Corian doesn't work out
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
Next steps
As I mentioned, it's currently in prototyping to verify the fit of the plate, etc. And I'm doing some experiments to see about the viability of Corian for this geometry and purpose.
If you're interested and haven't already, please join my email list (http://eepurl.com/cnnEwr) for announcements whenever something is actually available as a group buy. :)
And, of course, thoughts, feedback, questions, and tomato-throwing are all welcome below.
Post by: scwoopz on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:16:58
I really hoped that this was an HHKB case, how long till that one 😥 (I know you don't love 60%s)?
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:21:48
I really hoped that this was an HHKB case, how long till that one 😥 (I know you don't love 60%s)?
I have never actually even used an HHKB base, but my understanding is that there are significant design challenges—based on prior attempts I've read about. If I were to do a sub-TKL case, it would be more likely the Leopold FC660C, but again I would feel like a bit of a charlatan doing so, since it's not a keyboard I personally use. (Even though I try to do everything to a professional standard, this is still just a hobby for me, so I tend to let my passions lead me to projects.) That being said, I've been meaning to give the Leopold a try, so perhaps I'll come around on that one. ;)
Post by: xondat on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:29:45
Post by: megaforce on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:44:58
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:47:22
My suggestion for the top portion of the case was either blank, or possible a brass insert similar to a weight like in MX customs. An engraving on a brass weight with a logo or something similar would make it an instant buy for me.
Post by: cynviloq on Tue, 09 May 2017, 15:50:05
Is a corian insert possible on a corian case?
Post by: zslane on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:05:15
The Revo Peach project suggests that CNC aluminum is suitable for full-size boards like the RealForce RGB, but if you'd prefer to work with Corian, then I'd certainly be game.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:06:10
Put my vote in, and I'm down to try one for sure.
My suggestion for the top portion of the case was either blank, or possible a brass insert similar to a weight like in MX customs. An engraving on a brass weight with a logo or something similar would make it an instant buy for me.
Interesting. Brass is really expensive to machine (and the raw material itself), but I'll investigate. :)
Blank is still a leading contender.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:09:38
If Corian does work out, would it be a suitable material for making a replacement case for the RealForce RGB in the future?
The Revo Peach project suggests that CNC aluminum is suitable for full-size boards like the RealForce RGB, but if you'd prefer to work with Corian, then I'd certainly be game.
My main concern about Corian, which is what I'm currently wanting to prototype and test, is that across the long thin stretch where the keycap openings are, it may prove susceptible to breaking. It is quite a strong and resilient material (it has properties similar to both metal and stone from a functional perspective), but I just want to be sure. It seems that on a 100% case, the risk would be higher of that being an issue, but only some testing will confirm this. If it looks like enough people are interested in Corian, I'll definitely be getting prototypes made. If not, aluminum is always there for us. :)
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:10:35
Is a corian insert possible on a corian case?
Yes, absolutely. It can actually be fused in an almost seamless way. For example, a white Corian case with a light gray insert in Corian might be cool!
Post by: autobot on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:15:32
When you said Corian, I envisioned something a little more soft and pillow-like, almost like the picture of that black product.
I think something like that product would reflect more of Topre, which has a "softer" feel and sound. Almost cloud-like when compared to the stock non-silenced MX switches.
The tabs of the bottom plate also seem a little disconnected from the sophistication of your last case. I get why the tabs are there, but that detail can benefit from a more sophisticated execution. :thumb:
As for filling in that space on the top, maybe a machined "Norbauer" badge/logo?
Post by: Panzerhawx on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:18:28
First of all, great work. Been onboard with your cases since R1 Novatouch. Any chance of a version with Winkey blockers? Similar to the RF 10th AE edition.
Pic for reference: http://imgur.com/pNBsChm (http://imgur.com/pNBsChm)
It would really complete the custom look.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:21:26
When you said Corian, I envisioned something a little more soft and pillow-like, almost like the picture of that black product.
I think something like that product would reflect more of Topre, which has a "softer" feel and sound. Almost cloud-like when compared to the stock non-silenced MX switches.
Maybe it's hard to tell in the renderings, but I intentionally designed this case with softer lines and lot more radii to reflect the exact sort of idea you're alluding to. :)
The tabs of the bottom plate also seem a little disconnected from the sophistication of your last case. I get why the tabs are there, but that detail can benefit from a more sophisticated execution. :thumb:
That was an intentional trade-off. I wanted to hide the utilitarian bits on the underside of the case where nobody will see them. It comes at the slight cost of the tabs at the bottom, but it buys us a seam-free case from the front, which in my view is much preferable.
As for filling in that space on the top, maybe a machined "Norbauer" badge/logo?
I'd be open to that, but I hadn't considered it it seemed to me me maybe a little vain to put my little emblem (borrowed from an old software company that I founded years ago) in such a prominent place. But if people are in favor of it (someone suggested similar above), I'm quite content to do so.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 09 May 2017, 16:22:54
Hey Norbauer!
First of all, great work. Been onboard with your cases since R1 Novatouch. Any chance of a version with Winkey blockers? Similar to the RF 10th AE edition.
Pic for reference: http://imgur.com/pNBsChm (http://imgur.com/pNBsChm)
It would really complete the custom look.
Interesting. Maybe we could do two versions, since it's a very minor change to the geometry. Solid would be nicer than inserts, I feel.
Forgive my ignorance, but what's the idea with winkey blockers? Is it that some countries don't use winkeys?
Post by: nsmechkb on Tue, 09 May 2017, 17:17:55
Post by: ntw on Tue, 09 May 2017, 17:52:05
Post by: Panzerhawx on Tue, 09 May 2017, 21:35:28
Hey Norbauer!
First of all, great work. Been onboard with your cases since R1 Novatouch. Any chance of a version with Winkey blockers? Similar to the RF 10th AE edition.
Pic for reference: http://imgur.com/pNBsChm (http://imgur.com/pNBsChm)
It would really complete the custom look.
Interesting. Maybe we could do two versions, since it's a very minor change to the geometry. Solid would be nicer than inserts, I feel.
Forgive my ignorance, but what's the idea with winkey blockers? Is it that some countries don't use winkeys?
I definitely agree, and that was what I was implying - in the vein of the insert blockers of the 10th AE case, but as solid extrusions that are part of the top case.
The idea with winkey blockers is not because of a regional difference. It is an aesthetic choice carried from vintage boards - back in the day, a lot of keyboards did not feature Winkeys because operating systems simply did not use them. Here is a link about layouts for reference: https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/ (https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/)
Realforce boards carry the same "retro aesthetic" (with the exception of the RF RGB), and feature the same key spacings for a winkeyless design to be plausible, which is why I want to see this happen. I'm sure many others in this community (especially our retro-loving friends at Deskthority!) would love to see a winkeyless version of your case. In fact, the winkeyless design has been prominent recently, with almost every Korean custom board I've seen.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 00:12:37
Hey Norbauer!
First of all, great work. Been onboard with your cases since R1 Novatouch. Any chance of a version with Winkey blockers? Similar to the RF 10th AE edition.
Pic for reference: http://imgur.com/pNBsChm (http://imgur.com/pNBsChm)
It would really complete the custom look.
Interesting. Maybe we could do two versions, since it's a very minor change to the geometry. Solid would be nicer than inserts, I feel.
Forgive my ignorance, but what's the idea with winkey blockers? Is it that some countries don't use winkeys?
I definitely agree, and that was what I was implying - in the vein of the insert blockers of the 10th AE case, but as solid extrusions that are part of the top case.
The idea with winkey blockers is not because of a regional difference. It is an aesthetic choice carried from vintage boards - back in the day, a lot of keyboards did not feature Winkeys because operating systems simply did not use them. Here is a link about layouts for reference: https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/ (https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/)
Realforce boards carry the same "retro aesthetic" (with the exception of the RF RGB), and feature the same key spacings for a winkeyless design to be plausible, which is why I want to see this happen. I'm sure many others in this community (especially our retro-loving friends at Deskthority!) would love to see a winkeyless version of your case. In fact, the winkeyless design has been prominent recently, with almost every Korean custom board I've seen.
Ah, ok. Cool. Thanks for clarifying! This will be an issue to explore once I'm further along with negotiating with a factory (i.e., asking them to do two variant designs), but I'll bear it in mind. If anybody else would like this option, please speak up so I have a sense of how interested folks would be. :)
Post by: nmur on Wed, 10 May 2017, 00:31:20
that being said, i'm still partial to having the case in aluminium, and without a decorative overhang
i also think that an engraving might be cool, but only if it was an actual RF logo
all the best with this one, will be following closely
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 00:45:29
have been jealously looking over at the novatouch case build/GB threads for a while now, very pleased to see that a case might be made for the RF, considering the digilog cases are so difficult to get a hold of
that being said, i'm still partial to having the case in aluminium, and without a decorative overhang
i also think that an engraving might be cool, but only if it was an actual RF logo
all the best with this one, will be following closely
Might still do aluminum, or both. And, yes, it looks like the general consensus is to leave the PCB overhang blank, which I'm totally fine with because it makes my life easier. :)
Post by: richard912 on Wed, 10 May 2017, 01:58:39
have been jealously looking over at the novatouch case build/GB threads for a while now, very pleased to see that a case might be made for the RF, considering the digilog cases are so difficult to get a hold ofMaybe a strip of alu in contrasting color for the pcb overhang area? No special effects, just a strip of alu. Better think about potential legal issues if an RF logo was used without consent.
that being said, i'm still partial to having the case in aluminium, and without a decorative overhang
i also think that an engraving might be cool, but only if it was an actual RF logo
all the best with this one, will be following closely
Might still do aluminum, or both. And, yes, it looks like the general consensus is to leave the PCB overhang blank, which I'm totally fine with because it makes my life easier. :)
Post by: FSund on Wed, 10 May 2017, 02:59:17
Please, pretty please, try to make this compatible with the 88UB (http://imgur.com/a/w5UFJ) as well as the 87U.
I would think that the PCB and everything else is the same between those two boards, but I haven't seen any real comparisons.
Corian looks very interesting!
I wouldn't mind a white Corian case, depending on the price of course.
Will the Corian come in a polished finish?
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Wed, 10 May 2017, 07:16:36
Put my vote in, and I'm down to try one for sure.
My suggestion for the top portion of the case was either blank, or possible a brass insert similar to a weight like in MX customs. An engraving on a brass weight with a logo or something similar would make it an instant buy for me.
Interesting. Brass is really expensive to machine (and the raw material itself), but I'll investigate. :)
Blank is still a leading contender.
If it's not a possibility that's understandable, I just really like the look and feel of a big brass weight haha.
Any plans on a logo engrave where the realforce logo would normally be? Not sure how others would like it, but I think it would look pretty good.
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Wed, 10 May 2017, 07:25:41
Post by: afrokobe on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:03:50
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:07:23
FWIW my preference is feet that run the length of the case vs a couple risers for the back.
Post by: poolside on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:31:42
Can we see the inside shape of the case without that "hidden" gray plate shown in the CAD renders? I can't see where it attaches to the case.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:45:23
Please, pretty please, try to make this compatible with the 88UB (http://imgur.com/a/w5UFJ) as well as the 87U.
I'm almost certain it would be compatible. As we get further along, I'll be able to confirm for sure, however.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:52:15
Reading the description, the underside of the case would remain exposed, right?
Can we see the inside shape of the case without that "hidden" gray plate shown in the CAD renders? I can't see where it attaches to the case.
My apologies, but I don't understand your question. Maybe we've got our wires crossed on terminology. So, the the thing that comes out of the original Realforce keyboard I'm calling the plate (which also incidentally has a PCB attached to it). The Corian/aluminum thing we're putting it into, we'll call the case. The there is another "plate" (which is to say a contoured piece of sheet metal) which we can call the back cover; it attached to the underside of the case with little tabs and chamfered screws that hold it down into a recessed groove at the bottom of the case. So, no, the underside of the case isn't exposed except for that back cover; it faces down toward the table but you'll never it when the keyboard is resting on a table. Is that what you mean by the plate being "hidden?" Sorry for my confusion. Please clarify. :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:53:32
Definitely interested, as long as the typing angle remains the same.
With the risers attached, it is roughly the same as the 87U case without its own flip-out feet deployed.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:54:52
Not in love with the top, feels like some of the boards identify is lost. A blank top with a small engraving or interchangeable badges would be more appealing for me.
When you say the "top," do you mean my design in general or just the PCB overhang area?
Post by: DribbelDog on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:55:39
Personally I quite like the quilted leather option, as I feel it amplifies the idea of a 'professional office' keyboard, which I feel suits the 87U best.
I find it somewhat difficult to envision the case in Corian. It definitely sounds interesting and I can't say I oppose it, but black/white does sound slightly dull to me. If this were to be an option I would probably prefer a more 'marble style' look.
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:55:57
Definitely interested, as long as the typing angle remains the same.
With the risers attached, it is roughly the same as the 87U case without its own flip-out feet deployed.
Excellent, color me interested :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 09:57:42
Better think about potential legal issues if an RF logo was used without consent.
Might still do aluminum, or both. And, yes, it looks like the general consensus is to leave the PCB overhang blank, which I'm totally fine with because it makes my life easier. :)
Agreed about the legal issues, so I won't be doing that. If we end up doing Corian, maybe I could do my own little cast metal logo in silver that we inset into a small pocket at the center of the PCB overhang area.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 10:01:06
what relatively would the weight difference be between corian and aluminium?
Hey afrokobe! :)
Density of Corian is 1.7g/mL and Aluminum is 2.7g/mL
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 10:02:36
FWIW my preference is feet that run the length of the case vs a couple risers for the back.
I don't know if you noticed above, but my design does precisely that. This is one of the improvements I wanted to make over the last cases I designed. I feels more intentional and sleek to me, though obviously much more expensive to fabricate.
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 10 May 2017, 10:03:23
FWIW my preference is feet that run the length of the case vs a couple risers for the back.
I don't know if you noticed above, but my design does precisely that.
oh wow I don't know how I missed that one, doubly interested now
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 10:05:03
FWIW my preference is feet that run the length of the case vs a couple risers for the back.
I don't know if you noticed above, but my design does precisely that.
oh wow I don't know how I missed that one, doubly interested now
No worries. It's kind of subtle. But this pic shows it best.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/riser.png)
Post by: DribbelDog on Wed, 10 May 2017, 10:13:45
Better think about potential legal issues if an RF logo was used without consent.
Might still do aluminum, or both. And, yes, it looks like the general consensus is to leave the PCB overhang blank, which I'm totally fine with because it makes my life easier. :)
Agreed about the legal issues, so I won't be doing that. If we end up doing Corian, maybe I could do my own little cast metal logo in silver that we inset into a small pocket at the center of the PCB overhang area.
Even though that does sounds subtle, I would personally prefer no logos at all. On the Novatouch I really like how the keyboard now feels like something custom by not having any branding, instead of something off the shelf. While I respect you wanting to leave your mark, and while this would probably not be a deal breaker to me, I would prefer a case without branding.
Post by: poolside on Wed, 10 May 2017, 11:05:07
Reading the description, the underside of the case would remain exposed, right?
Can we see the inside shape of the case without that "hidden" gray plate shown in the CAD renders? I can't see where it attaches to the case.
My apologies, but I don't understand your question. Maybe we've got our wires crossed on terminology. So, the the thing that comes out of the original Realforce keyboard I'm calling the plate (which also incidentally has a PCB attached to it). The Corian/aluminum thing we're putting it into, we'll call the case. The there is another "plate" (which is to say a contoured piece of sheet metal) which we can call the back cover; it attached to the underside of the case with little tabs and chamfered screws that hold it down into a recessed groove at the bottom of the case. So, no, the underside of the case isn't exposed except for that back cover; it faces down toward the table but you'll never it when the keyboard is resting on a table. Is that what you mean by the plate being "hidden?" Sorry for my confusion. Please clarify. :)
Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks for clarifying.
When screwed into position, will that back cover be flush with the underside of the case? I mean, the case and the back cover will then be one smooth surface?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 11:19:34
While I respect you wanting to leave your mark, and while this would probably not be a deal breaker to me, I would prefer a case without branding.
I actually prefer not to leave my mark. There are exceptions to this were branding can add some beautiful ornamentation to products (the snow caps on Mont Blanc products, for example), but generally speaking I don't like branding for its own sake unless it add something aesthetically to the product. I was mainly responding to requests by others above, but generally speaking I tend to have a strong anti-branding bias and prefer to let the product speak for itself. :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 11:36:16
Reading the description, the underside of the case would remain exposed, right?
Can we see the inside shape of the case without that "hidden" gray plate shown in the CAD renders? I can't see where it attaches to the case.
My apologies, but I don't understand your question. Maybe we've got our wires crossed on terminology. So, the the thing that comes out of the original Realforce keyboard I'm calling the plate (which also incidentally has a PCB attached to it). The Corian/aluminum thing we're putting it into, we'll call the case. The there is another "plate" (which is to say a contoured piece of sheet metal) which we can call the back cover; it attached to the underside of the case with little tabs and chamfered screws that hold it down into a recessed groove at the bottom of the case. So, no, the underside of the case isn't exposed except for that back cover; it faces down toward the table but you'll never it when the keyboard is resting on a table. Is that what you mean by the plate being "hidden?" Sorry for my confusion. Please clarify. :)
Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks for clarifying.
When screwed into position, will that back cover be flush with the underside of the case? I mean, the case and the back cover will then be one smooth surface?
You've got it. The back cover may be ever so slightly recessed (like 0.25mm or something) for a little technical safety margin, but effectively it will be flush.
Post by: vulup on Wed, 10 May 2017, 12:39:13
Post by: axtran on Wed, 10 May 2017, 12:57:27
Post by: clorex on Wed, 10 May 2017, 13:44:16
Please, pretty please, try to make this compatible with the 88UB (http://imgur.com/a/w5UFJ) as well as the 87U.
I'm almost certain it would be compatible. As we get further along, I'll be able to confirm for sure, however.
If it works for ISO, will it also be compatible with the TKL JIS 91u? From the thread title I'd assumed it was ANSI only.
Post by: nya on Wed, 10 May 2017, 13:45:33
I really hoped that this was an HHKB case, how long till that one 😥 (I know you don't love 60%s)?
I have never actually even used an HHKB base, but my understanding is that there are significant design challenges—based on prior attempts I've read about. If I were to do a sub-TKL case, it would be more likely the Leopold FC660C, but again I would feel like a bit of a charlatan doing so, since it's not a keyboard I personally use. (Even though I try to do everything to a professional standard, this is still just a hobby for me, so I tend to let my passions lead me to projects.) That being said, I've been meaning to give the Leopold a try, so perhaps I'll come around on that one. ;)
yes please!! :p
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 14:17:44
Please, pretty please, try to make this compatible with the 88UB (http://imgur.com/a/w5UFJ) as well as the 87U.
I'm almost certain it would be compatible. As we get further along, I'll be able to confirm for sure, however.
If it works for ISO, will it also be compatible with the TKL JIS 91u? From the thread title I'd assumed it was ANSI only.
I think it should fit the 91U as well. They all have the same overall key through-holes, as I understand it. The differences are only how the keys are arranged within those openings. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, however. :)
If anybody can post pics of those boards taken apart (i.e., the metal plates inside), I should be able to confirm with greater confidence. I have owned a 91U in the past, but I didn't keep the plate. I used it to dome-swap 30g onto my daily driver 87U.
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 10 May 2017, 14:56:33
Post by: child on Wed, 10 May 2017, 16:01:28
Also, do I read it correctly that the weight of Corian case would be about 2/3 of aluminum one? Doesn't it make the Corian one a bit on the "light" side?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 16:31:52
Corian option seems very interesting and unique, but I'm a little concerned about durability, especially during shipping. I understand cleaning should not be a problem given the smooth surface?
Also, do I read it correctly that the weight of Corian case would be about 2/3 of aluminum one? Doesn't it make the Corian one a bit on the "light" side?
Not really, because the case has more volume than a normal aluminum case due to the design. I figure therefore that the weight will be similar to the Cooler Master cases I made recently in aluminum, which had a smaller overall material volume. Corian is definitely not a lightweight material.
Post by: cynviloq on Wed, 10 May 2017, 17:25:31
Corian option seems very interesting and unique, but I'm a little concerned about durability, especially during shipping. I understand cleaning should not be a problem given the smooth surface?
Also, do I read it correctly that the weight of Corian case would be about 2/3 of aluminum one? Doesn't it make the Corian one a bit on the "light" side?
Not really, because the case has more volume than a normal aluminum case due to the design. I figure therefore that the weight will be similar to the Cooler Master cases I made recently in aluminum, which had a smaller overall material volume. Corian is definitely not a lightweight material.
Also, they make kitchen countertops out of Corian so based on normal use case, it should be pretty durable! If packaging is similar to the NT case GB, then I would believe that damage during shipping should not be an issue.
Post by: MMKB on Wed, 10 May 2017, 18:56:33
Post by: IonutZ on Wed, 10 May 2017, 19:24:35
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: pr0ximity on Wed, 10 May 2017, 20:20:50
Post by: alienman82 on Wed, 10 May 2017, 20:47:50
Post by: afrokobe on Wed, 10 May 2017, 21:45:50
Hey Ryan!what relatively would the weight difference be between corian and aluminium?
Hey afrokobe! :)
Density of Corian is 1.7g/mL and Aluminum is 2.7g/mL
Is there some consumer product, preferably relatively cheap, that I could buy to kind of get the feel of corian? Pretty sure I have felt corian countertops, but kind of hard to imagine a case made out of it haha. Really excited for the case though!
Post by: Trente on Wed, 10 May 2017, 21:47:16
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 10 May 2017, 22:24:06
Hey Ryan!what relatively would the weight difference be between corian and aluminium?
Hey afrokobe! :)
Density of Corian is 1.7g/mL and Aluminum is 2.7g/mL
Is there some consumer product, preferably relatively cheap, that I could buy to kind of get the feel of corian? Pretty sure I have felt corian countertops, but kind of hard to imagine a case made out of it haha. Really excited for the case though!
When I have a sample, I'll do good pics and maybe a video, so I think that should give you a good sense. They use it a lot in newer/nicer Starbucks locations as countertop material, if that helps. :)
Post by: Panzerhawx on Thu, 11 May 2017, 00:56:41
Hey Norbauer!
First of all, great work. Been onboard with your cases since R1 Novatouch. Any chance of a version with Winkey blockers? Similar to the RF 10th AE edition.
Pic for reference: http://imgur.com/pNBsChm (http://imgur.com/pNBsChm)
It would really complete the custom look.
Interesting. Maybe we could do two versions, since it's a very minor change to the geometry. Solid would be nicer than inserts, I feel.
Forgive my ignorance, but what's the idea with winkey blockers? Is it that some countries don't use winkeys?
I definitely agree, and that was what I was implying - in the vein of the insert blockers of the 10th AE case, but as solid extrusions that are part of the top case.
The idea with winkey blockers is not because of a regional difference. It is an aesthetic choice carried from vintage boards - back in the day, a lot of keyboards did not feature Winkeys because operating systems simply did not use them. Here is a link about layouts for reference: https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/ (https://www.keychatter.com/form-factors-and-layouts/)
Realforce boards carry the same "retro aesthetic" (with the exception of the RF RGB), and feature the same key spacings for a winkeyless design to be plausible, which is why I want to see this happen. I'm sure many others in this community (especially our retro-loving friends at Deskthority!) would love to see a winkeyless version of your case. In fact, the winkeyless design has been prominent recently, with almost every Korean custom board I've seen.
Ah, ok. Cool. Thanks for clarifying! This will be an issue to explore once I'm further along with negotiating with a factory (i.e., asking them to do two variant designs), but I'll bear it in mind. If anybody else would like this option, please speak up so I have a sense of how interested folks would be. :)
Awesome. Hopefully if there's enough interest, perhaps you could add it as a checkbox on the IC form (alongside other suggestions people have made?) :D
Post by: K.Mak on Thu, 11 May 2017, 02:45:57
Post by: jorgenslee on Thu, 11 May 2017, 05:07:32
Post by: poolside on Thu, 11 May 2017, 05:19:58
Reading the description, the underside of the case would remain exposed, right?
Can we see the inside shape of the case without that "hidden" gray plate shown in the CAD renders? I can't see where it attaches to the case.
My apologies, but I don't understand your question. Maybe we've got our wires crossed on terminology. So, the the thing that comes out of the original Realforce keyboard I'm calling the plate (which also incidentally has a PCB attached to it). The Corian/aluminum thing we're putting it into, we'll call the case. The there is another "plate" (which is to say a contoured piece of sheet metal) which we can call the back cover; it attached to the underside of the case with little tabs and chamfered screws that hold it down into a recessed groove at the bottom of the case. So, no, the underside of the case isn't exposed except for that back cover; it faces down toward the table but you'll never it when the keyboard is resting on a table. Is that what you mean by the plate being "hidden?" Sorry for my confusion. Please clarify. :)
Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks for clarifying.
When screwed into position, will that back cover be flush with the underside of the case? I mean, the case and the back cover will then be one smooth surface?
You've got it. The back cover may be ever so slightly recessed (like 0.25mm or something) for a little technical safety margin, but effectively it will be flush.
Will the back cover be made out of steel or aluminum? Could it even be Corian?
Post by: WarCommand on Thu, 11 May 2017, 05:37:21
Post by: Troif on Thu, 11 May 2017, 11:10:11
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 11 May 2017, 12:00:26
I agree that the top bezel could be away totally if possible. Anyway I am IN again in your business! Count on me.
Not unless you're OK sawing your PCB into two with a hacksaw. ;P
This may void one's warranty.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 11 May 2017, 12:01:53
Will the back cover be made out of steel or aluminum? Could it even be Corian?
I hadn't yet decided. I was going to get prototypes made in both materials. If aluminum can work, it's preferable, but I was worried about bowing since it's thin, so steel might provide better physical characteristics.
I hadn't thought about Corian, actually! That would be super cool, if the case ends up being in Corian. I shall investigate!
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 11 May 2017, 12:08:51
I put "hard" in quotes above because it's not actually actually markedly harder than "soft" (Type II) anodizing; the main difference is that the oxide layer is thicker.
In case there is a notion out there that "hard" ano is just a nicer version of "soft," I just wanted to point out that a cursory inspection of the terms doesn't tell the whole story.
Post by: pr0ximity on Thu, 11 May 2017, 15:18:59
All you folks asking about "hard" (Type III) anodizing: you do know that means you can't get your case in colors, right? All hard ano coatings are a dark olive color and can't be dyed, other than black.
I put "hard" in quotes above because it's not actually actually markedly harder than "soft" (Type II) anodizing; the main difference is that the oxide layer is thicker.
In case there is a notion out there that "hard" ano is just a nicer version of "soft," I just wanted to point out that a cursory inspection of the terms doesn't tell the whole story.
Yes.
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 11 May 2017, 18:26:08
Post by: nastrovje on Thu, 11 May 2017, 18:32:50
Looks very nice and I have waited for a custom case for my favourite board a long time now.
So definitely interested!
I also love the idea of using Corian. I think it feels quite exquisite.
Is there a problem with using more than those two colours as a material? Or how many orders would you need, so it would make sense to offer another? I would be really interested in "Hot" or "Royal Red" for example, which I found after looking through DuPont's color catalogue. But I guess they must have more than shown here.
Link: http://www.dupont.de/produkte-und-dienstleistungen/construction-materials/surface-design-materials/marken/corian-mineralwerkstoff/produkte/corian-all-colors.html (http://www.dupont.de/produkte-und-dienstleistungen/construction-materials/surface-design-materials/marken/corian-mineralwerkstoff/produkte/corian-all-colors.html)
I am also one of the guys heavily interested in the WKL version with blockers.
e/ Altough then there is the question which key you block, because you would need to block where the "Menu" key on the 87u is, to achieve a real WKL on a 86u, which I would prefer. Besides being useless for a 86u, it would also look weird blocking the right windows key on the 87u and keeping Menu key and Ctrl. Wouldn't it?
pic showing difference between 86u/87u: https://i.imgur.com/tqzcosT.jpg
The idea of a USB Hub like in the digilog case, sounds awesome aswell. Good idea alienman.
Optically I'm actually a fan of the standard top bezel. No need to try to make it smaller. It only looks so dominant on pictures but in real life and especially from the angle you normally look at it, I think it even adds to the case.
e2/ under me: I love the show too man!
Post by: alienman82 on Thu, 11 May 2017, 19:11:10
Post by: nmur on Thu, 11 May 2017, 20:44:47
it's part of what makes a RF a RF
Post by: eksuen on Fri, 12 May 2017, 00:33:30
all you guys wanting to take away the top bezel need to embrace the forehead
it's part of what makes a RF a RF
forehead?! more like fivehead.
Post by: jorgenslee on Fri, 12 May 2017, 05:42:21
All you folks asking about "hard" (Type III) anodizing: you do know that means you can't get your case in colors, right? All hard ano coatings are a dark olive color and can't be dyed, other than black.
I put "hard" in quotes above because it's not actually actually markedly harder than "soft" (Type II) anodizing; the main difference is that the oxide layer is thicker.
In case there is a notion out there that "hard" ano is just a nicer version of "soft," I just wanted to point out that a cursory inspection of the terms doesn't tell the whole story.
Yeah, I'm fine with black. Is the factory supporting hard anod?
Post by: mrkevint on Sat, 13 May 2017, 12:19:34
I've always wanted a Digilog case but they're impossible to find nowadays. It looks like this design will be a nice improvement.
Quick question: Will this case work on a Realforce TKL with a JIS layout? I assume that it will but I just want to confirm.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 13 May 2017, 12:56:26
I'm in! Glad that this is happening.
I've always wanted a Digilog case but they're impossible to find nowadays. It looks like this design will be a nice improvement.
Quick question: Will this case work on a Realforce TKL with a JIS layout? I assume that it will but I just want to confirm.
I'm also assuming this, but without having test it yet. :)
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 13 May 2017, 13:00:55
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/IMG_3438.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/IMG_3437.jpg)
Post by: FSund on Mon, 15 May 2017, 00:34:58
Will the Corian come in a polished finish?
Post by: axtran on Mon, 15 May 2017, 13:36:34
I'm in! Glad that this is happening.
I've always wanted a Digilog case but they're impossible to find nowadays. It looks like this design will be a nice improvement.
Quick question: Will this case work on a Realforce TKL with a JIS layout? I assume that it will but I just want to confirm.
A Norbauer™ will be much better quality than a Digilog. ;)
Post by: mrkevint on Mon, 15 May 2017, 16:06:27
I'm in! Glad that this is happening.
I've always wanted a Digilog case but they're impossible to find nowadays. It looks like this design will be a nice improvement.
Quick question: Will this case work on a Realforce TKL with a JIS layout? I assume that it will but I just want to confirm.
A Norbauer™ will be much better quality than a Digilog. ;)
Yeah I've read some mixed things about the Digilog case. I'm glad that there is an alternative.
I have a Norbatouch case so I have no doubts :thumb:.
Post by: cynviloq on Tue, 16 May 2017, 14:39:05
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 16 May 2017, 15:21:17
Besides the marble and solid white/black finishes - is Corian able to be produced in solid colors?
Yes, it comes in all manner of different colors, actually—both solid and patterned (though the survey numbers so far don't suggest to me that we'd hit quantities sufficient to do more than one or two colors at most).
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 16 May 2017, 15:27:02
I've an 86u and have been hunting for a WKL case for a while (this one in specific (http://i.imgur.com/PJhR7RN.jpg)).
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 16 May 2017, 15:28:33
Just curious, what are the chances of getting a WKL one off? :)
I've an 86u and have been hunting for a WKL case for a while (this one in specific (http://i.imgur.com/PJhR7RN.jpg)).
If and when a GB happens, I'm seriously considering offering a Winkeyless option—if the economics make it feasible to do two designs.
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 16 May 2017, 15:32:37
Just curious, what are the chances of getting a WKL one off? :)
I've an 86u and have been hunting for a WKL case for a while (this one in specific (http://i.imgur.com/PJhR7RN.jpg)).
If and when a GB happens, I'm seriously considering offering a Winkeyless option—if the economics make it feasible to do two designs.
That's what I like to hear! Very intrigued
Post by: avid on Tue, 16 May 2017, 16:44:35
You clearly need to be a guest on top clack and talk about awesome cases.
One thing i enjoy with my realforce is actually the realforce logo. Is this something that will be incorporated in the case?
I think the idea of using quilted leather is pretty cool and something like a quilted wrist rest would be fantastic.
Post by: nmur on Tue, 16 May 2017, 19:33:27
Norbauer, you should clearly quit your job and do cases fulltime. Super hyped about this. Realforce are one of my favourite keyboards.
You clearly need to be a guest on top clack and talk about awesome cases.
One thing i enjoy with my realforce is actually the realforce logo. Is this something that will be incorporated in the case?
I think the idea of using quilted leather is pretty cool and something like a quilted wrist rest would be fantastic.
i think it was mentioned earlier in the thread that there could be legal issues with something like that
i'd love it too though. i wonder if i could take it to a shop afterwards and get it machined myself...
Post by: romevi on Tue, 16 May 2017, 19:39:55
Come to me.
Post by: Jokrik on Tue, 16 May 2017, 22:40:34
Just curious, what are the chances of getting a WKL one off? :)
I've an 86u and have been hunting for a WKL case for a while (this one in specific (http://i.imgur.com/PJhR7RN.jpg)).
If and when a GB happens, I'm seriously considering offering a Winkeyless option—if the economics make it feasible to do two designs.
That's what I like to hear! Very intrigued
and you know we are on the same page @dgneo :)
Post by: avid on Wed, 17 May 2017, 05:29:50
Post by: elcubismo on Wed, 17 May 2017, 15:31:27
I really hoped that this was an HHKB case, how long till that one 😥 (I know you don't love 60%s)?
If I were to do a sub-TKL case, it would be more likely the Leopold FC660C
An FC660C case would be phenomenal! I'm still jealous of the mx version that came out on massdrop.
Post by: adamcobabe on Wed, 17 May 2017, 16:53:23
Is it just me or is this triggering other people too? Norbauer, I'm sure you've thought about this, but what about just continuing that line to the end? Why does the riser need to end here? Love the Corian concept, btw.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 17 May 2017, 17:30:41
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/fnXgmIc.png)
Is it just me or is this triggering other people too? Norbauer, I'm sure you've thought about this, but what about just continuing that line to the end? Why does the riser need to end here? Love the Corian concept, btw.
This is an issue of manufacturability. If we brought the material to such a narrow point, it would be very brittle and prone to breaking (if Corian), or bending (if aluminum).
Post by: B1G_B1RD on Wed, 17 May 2017, 17:35:12
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 17 May 2017, 17:42:33
Sounds like a cool idea but as someone who worked at a countertop manufacturing company I can say that Corian is quite brittle when you machine it too thin. I doubt that the case could be machined without breaking on the bed unless it is done in several passes at a low speed. I would think you wouldn't want to mill it any thinner than 3/16" at any point. Its a very dense material but has poor tensile strength. With the thin parts on the TKL case it would be very susceptible to breaking with moderate impact. You can, however, use threaded inserts as long as there is enough thickness around it.
I may be coming around to a similar view myself. Based on my tests so far, it can definitely be machined in this geometry if correct feeds and speeds are used, but I share your concern about brittleness of the end product. That being said, I have notes and examples of a number of consumer products being machined from Corian (including even an electronics housing), so I don't want to give up too early. I'm continuing to experiment.
FWIW, the survey data also suggests that people are at best ambivalent and maybe even prefer the idea of good old aluminum, so I'm exploring that avenue in parallel right now. I feel like aluminum calls for a slightly different design, so I'm working on that right now and then will get a prototype—maybe with hard ano (in black) as an option as some have suggested/requested.
Post by: B1G_B1RD on Wed, 17 May 2017, 17:51:12
I may be coming around to a similar view myself. Based on my tests so far, it can definitely be machined in this geometry if correct feeds and speeds are used, but I share your concern about brittleness of the end product. That being said, I have notes and examples of a number of consumer products being machined from Corian (including even an electronics housing), so I don't want to give up too early. I'm continuing to experiment.
FWIW, the survey data also suggests that people are at best ambivalent and maybe even prefer the idea of good old aluminum, so I'm exploring that avenue in parallel right now. I feel like aluminum calls for a slightly different design, so I'm working on that right now and then will get a prototype—maybe with hard ano (in black) as an option as some have suggested/requested.
If you can find a company that can machine it properly then you should give a prototype a shot but i think it would be a lot more expensive than aluminum since the finishing process is more delicate. If you did have a successful prototype I might suggest some level of drop tests to test its durability. I think Corian would be a very sweet keyboard case but in a more simple and robust form.
Post by: eksuen on Wed, 17 May 2017, 17:56:18
I may be coming around to a similar view myself. Based on my tests so far, it can definitely be machined in this geometry if correct feeds and speeds are used, but I share your concern about brittleness of the end product. That being said, I have notes and examples of a number of consumer products being machined from Corian (including even an electronics housing), so I don't want to give up too early. I'm continuing to experiment.
FWIW, the survey data also suggests that people are at best ambivalent and maybe even prefer the idea of good old aluminum, so I'm exploring that avenue in parallel right now. I feel like aluminum calls for a slightly different design, so I'm working on that right now and then will get a prototype—maybe with hard ano (in black) as an option as some have suggested/requested.
If you can find a company that can machine it properly then you should give a prototype a shot but i think it would be a lot more expensive than aluminum since the finishing process is more delicate. If you did have a successful prototype I might suggest some level of drop tests to test its durability. I think Corian would be a very sweet keyboard case but in a more simple and robust form.
Like a 60% case?
Post by: B1G_B1RD on Wed, 17 May 2017, 18:04:33
I may be coming around to a similar view myself. Based on my tests so far, it can definitely be machined in this geometry if correct feeds and speeds are used, but I share your concern about brittleness of the end product. That being said, I have notes and examples of a number of consumer products being machined from Corian (including even an electronics housing), so I don't want to give up too early. I'm continuing to experiment.
FWIW, the survey data also suggests that people are at best ambivalent and maybe even prefer the idea of good old aluminum, so I'm exploring that avenue in parallel right now. I feel like aluminum calls for a slightly different design, so I'm working on that right now and then will get a prototype—maybe with hard ano (in black) as an option as some have suggested/requested.
If you can find a company that can machine it properly then you should give a prototype a shot but i think it would be a lot more expensive than aluminum since the finishing process is more delicate. If you did have a successful prototype I might suggest some level of drop tests to test its durability. I think Corian would be a very sweet keyboard case but in a more simple and robust form.
Like a 60% case?
Ya, any case that would only have an outer boundary with some beefy bezels. 40%, 60%, 75%. Corian comes in sheets of 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" so any depth more than that would require extra man hours to glue together. Glue joints are typically invisible on lighter colors. You would see it on black.
Post by: need on Wed, 17 May 2017, 18:14:14
While I respect you wanting to leave your mark, and while this would probably not be a deal breaker to me, I would prefer a case without branding.
I actually prefer not to leave my mark. There are exceptions to this were branding can add some beautiful ornamentation to products (the snow caps on Mont Blanc products, for example), but generally speaking I don't like branding for its own sake unless it add something aesthetically to the product. I was mainly responding to requests by others above, but generally speaking I tend to have a strong anti-branding bias and prefer to let the product speak for itself. :)
As much as I like plain designs, a maker's mark makes total sense to me for anything that has a sense of craftsmanship to it. When it's overdone though, it gets distasteful quickly.
Post by: need on Wed, 17 May 2017, 18:14:41
While I respect you wanting to leave your mark, and while this would probably not be a deal breaker to me, I would prefer a case without branding.
I actually prefer not to leave my mark. There are exceptions to this were branding can add some beautiful ornamentation to products (the snow caps on Mont Blanc products, for example), but generally speaking I don't like branding for its own sake unless it add something aesthetically to the product. I was mainly responding to requests by others above, but generally speaking I tend to have a strong anti-branding bias and prefer to let the product speak for itself. :)
As much as I like plain designs, a maker's mark makes total sense to me. Especially for anything that has a sense of craftsmanship to it. When it's overdone though, it gets distasteful quickly.
I think a good rule of thumb would be put it at a place where the user needs to actually try to look for it. There's no point to make it louder than it needs to be. I would prefer a hidden logo to an object that feels anonymous.
Maybe even a date/year would work too. A lot of vintage keyboards have their dates, and it feels really good to be able to have some kind of traceable reference and perspective of when it's made.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 17 May 2017, 18:50:07
I may be coming around to a similar view myself. Based on my tests so far, it can definitely be machined in this geometry if correct feeds and speeds are used, but I share your concern about brittleness of the end product. That being said, I have notes and examples of a number of consumer products being machined from Corian (including even an electronics housing), so I don't want to give up too early. I'm continuing to experiment.
FWIW, the survey data also suggests that people are at best ambivalent and maybe even prefer the idea of good old aluminum, so I'm exploring that avenue in parallel right now. I feel like aluminum calls for a slightly different design, so I'm working on that right now and then will get a prototype—maybe with hard ano (in black) as an option as some have suggested/requested.
If you can find a company that can machine it properly then you should give a prototype a shot but i think it would be a lot more expensive than aluminum since the finishing process is more delicate. If you did have a successful prototype I might suggest some level of drop tests to test its durability. I think Corian would be a very sweet keyboard case but in a more simple and robust form.
Like a 60% case?
Ya, any case that would only have an outer boundary with some beefy bezels. 40%, 60%, 75%. Corian comes in sheets of 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" so any depth more than that would require extra man hours to glue together. Glue joints are typically invisible on lighter colors. You would see it on black.
I am able to source solid surface in greater thicknesses that aren't laminated together, but it wouldn't be "Dupont" brand—not that this probably matters at all.
You know, that's a really good point about the 60% case. If my 87U tests don't work out, maybe we'll defer this Corian idea to a smaller more robust design such as a 60%. I really do want to make a case in Corian eventually, though. It has been a longstanding dream of mine, though I realize what a huge dork that makes me.
Post by: B1G_B1RD on Wed, 17 May 2017, 19:43:59
I am able to source solid surface in greater thicknesses that aren't laminated together, but it wouldn't be "Dupont" brand—not that this probably matters at all.
You know, that's a really good point about the 60% case. If my 87U tests don't work out, maybe we'll defer this Corian idea to a smaller more robust design such as a 60%. I really do want to make a case in Corian eventually, though. It has been a longstanding dream of mine, though I realize what a huge dork that makes me.
I haven't seen anything thicker than that. Just check with your local solid surface shop to see what they are able to source from their manufacturers. The glue joint isnt necessarily a deal breaker. The two part epoxy that is used it color matched to the corian color, its just a little visible with darker colors, solid black being the worst.
If you did a design for a 60% case, any kind of angled case might be a challenge for a typical shop that only does countertops. Milling out in flat planes and holes for threaded inserts should be no problem.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 17 May 2017, 20:08:48
I am able to source solid surface in greater thicknesses that aren't laminated together, but it wouldn't be "Dupont" brand—not that this probably matters at all.
You know, that's a really good point about the 60% case. If my 87U tests don't work out, maybe we'll defer this Corian idea to a smaller more robust design such as a 60%. I really do want to make a case in Corian eventually, though. It has been a longstanding dream of mine, though I realize what a huge dork that makes me.
I haven't seen anything thicker than that. Just check with your local solid surface shop to see what they are able to source from their manufacturers. The glue joint isnt necessarily a deal breaker. The two part epoxy that is used it color matched to the corian color, its just a little visible with darker colors, solid black being the worst.
If you did a design for a 60% case, any kind of angled case might be a challenge for a typical shop that only does countertops. Milling out in flat planes and holes for threaded inserts should be no problem.
Yes, these would be made in Asia by a plastic machining shop with a lot of experience across a wide range of materials. A wider variety of thicknesses of solid surface are available to these vendors beyond what is normally used for countertop work. I have seen sheets available in 30mm thicknesses and above.
Post by: UnFocused on Thu, 18 May 2017, 18:45:15
I've been wanting a metal case for my RF ever since I built my Phantom with TEX aluminum case.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 18 May 2017, 19:06:31
Post by: nmur on Thu, 18 May 2017, 19:19:00
I discussed the concerns about Corian machinability and durability today, and they suggest that we withhold judgement until we've seen some samples—that is may turn out better than we're supposing if done properly. Ideally, I'd love to do an option in both materials. That's what this exploration/experimentation thread is for. I'll keep everyone posted once I have some solid info and samples with photos. :)
i'd feel safe and cozy with good ol aluminium, but corian is intriguing
mostly curious about the feel of the surface finish, and it would be cool to have a white/off-white colour
Post by: ns90 on Thu, 18 May 2017, 21:13:04
Post by: richard912 on Thu, 18 May 2017, 21:58:11
Dammit. Now I need to buy a Realforce.Don't forget to think about getting some MX sliders too :p
Post by: ns90 on Thu, 18 May 2017, 22:08:13
Dammit. Now I need to buy a Realforce.Don't forget to think about getting some MX sliders too :p
Well, luckily I already have about 20, AND 4 stabilizer housings. ;D
Post by: sodiumjoe on Fri, 19 May 2017, 19:02:42
She had them CNC milled, but their was a labor-intensive (for both of us) polishing process once they came back from the the shop. I'd be happy to relay/answer any questions if you have any.
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 19 May 2017, 19:52:16
I think I would actually prefer dark aluminum, but my wife made some contact lens cases out of corian, it's a lovely material: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mooncases/moon-contact-lens-case
She had them CNC milled, but their was a labor-intensive (for both of us) polishing process once they came back from the the shop. I'd be happy to relay/answer any questions if you have any.
Awesome! That's exactly the sort of thing I had in mind. :D
Post by: sodiumjoe on Sat, 20 May 2017, 23:30:16
I think I would actually prefer dark aluminum, but my wife made some contact lens cases out of corian, it's a lovely material: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mooncases/moon-contact-lens-case
She had them CNC milled, but their was a labor-intensive (for both of us) polishing process once they came back from the the shop. I'd be happy to relay/answer any questions if you have any.
Awesome! That's exactly the sort of thing I had in mind. :D
Btw, I already took the survey, but I'd be most interested in an fc660c case!
Post by: dailyherold on Sun, 21 May 2017, 13:40:06
Post by: axtran on Thu, 25 May 2017, 00:10:53
Post by: avid on Thu, 25 May 2017, 09:48:35
I already have a rf 45g, but this makes me hurry up to pick up a 2nd one in the 55g version.
Post by: donhonk on Tue, 30 May 2017, 00:34:58
The exotic material sounds good too.
Post by: FSund on Wed, 31 May 2017, 03:32:41
Also, will the case come in a polished finish?
I'm curious what the finish would look like straight from the machine vs. polished.
Post by: Asbrodeus on Wed, 31 May 2017, 06:39:23
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 31 May 2017, 11:16:58
I don't even like TKLs but I feel like I would have to buy this :(
Ha. I don't need another TKL (have 3 I don't use) and I don't like topre (already sold off one) but I'm going to buy this!
Post by: roostrc0gburn on Wed, 31 May 2017, 11:25:19
Post by: Atredl on Wed, 31 May 2017, 12:07:32
... and I don't like topre ...
When did that happen? I thought I remembered you advocating topre is the best tactile switch. (Totally not stalking)
Post by: PerniciousPony on Tue, 06 June 2017, 12:37:37
Here is my 87u with blockers. (http://i.imgur.com/JLKFXez.jpg) It doesn't carry the same aesthetic as a true winkeyless bottom row, but is fully functional.
Here is my 86u with blockers. (http://i.imgur.com/6TxW7kr.jpg)
In my experience, all of the cases have been completely interchangeable between boards, with one exception. The 10th AE JIS board(the one with blockers) did not have the dip switch cutout as that pcb doesn't have a dip switch. I simply used a dremel to cut out this recess and now I can swap cases between any tkl realforce whenever I want.
To use your board with blockers on the winkeys, you'd need to take the board apart and remove the domes, springs, sliders, and slider housings from those switches as seen here. (http://i.imgur.com/2WXmRv3.jpg)
Post by: consolation on Wed, 07 June 2017, 23:45:14
Post by: PerniciousPony on Fri, 09 June 2017, 18:32:41
Sorry if this has already been proposed, but regarding the top inset, make it interchangeable; put 4 holes in the case and make the inset with four legs to fit them, secure with screws from the inside. That way, people can buy more than one insert.
That'd work if the case does have the different tops, but I'm pretty sure the general consensus at this point is for no insert(blank top).
Post by: poolside on Sat, 10 June 2017, 14:16:38
I've been quietly stalking this thread, and thought I'd share a few pictures that might be useful to some. I've got an 86u, 87u, and 89u. I am also interested in a case with blockers, and have pictures of both my 87u and 86u in the 10th AE 89u case.
Here is my 87u with blockers. (http://i.imgur.com/JLKFXez.jpg) It doesn't carry the same aesthetic as a true winkeyless bottom row, but is fully functional.
Here is my 86u with blockers. (http://i.imgur.com/6TxW7kr.jpg)
In my experience, all of the cases have been completely interchangeable between boards, with one exception. The 10th AE JIS board(the one with blockers) did not have the dip switch cutout as that pcb doesn't have a dip switch. I simply used a dremel to cut out this recess and now I can swap cases between any tkl realforce whenever I want.
To use your board with blockers on the winkeys, you'd need to take the board apart and remove the domes, springs, sliders, and slider housings from those switches as seen here. (http://i.imgur.com/2WXmRv3.jpg)
Nice pictures, the Stormtrooper one looks very clean :thumb:
Thanks for pointing out that detail about the DIP switches.
Post by: consolation on Sun, 11 June 2017, 08:19:37
Sorry if this has already been proposed, but regarding the top inset, make it interchangeable; put 4 holes in the case and make the inset with four legs to fit them, secure with screws from the inside. That way, people can buy more than one insert.
Oops, I got too excited and missed the magnetic part when reading the top post - I do have one concern with that, do you really want magnets around computer stuff? If it's going to be strong enough to hold on to the plate, what happens when you leave a floppy disk or USB thumb drive on top? OK, I jest about the floppy... But, I do think that a mechanical attachment is a better idea; perhaps a lip above the keys where you can slide one edge of the plate, and have it overhang the back for some bolt attachment - I suggest 5.5mm | 7/32" hex heads... ;) The advantage is that you get a slight lip so you can use it as a tray without the plate (or with a tray insert) and you get a back plate that will give the illusion of the top being a more substantial feature / solid object. It's a trick used by designers in vintage cars a fair bit.
Post by: TelFiRE on Sun, 11 June 2017, 17:15:55
Sorry if this has already been proposed, but regarding the top inset, make it interchangeable; put 4 holes in the case and make the inset with four legs to fit them, secure with screws from the inside. That way, people can buy more than one insert.
Oops, I got too excited and missed the magnetic part when reading the top post - I do have one concern with that, do you really want magnets around computer stuff? If it's going to be strong enough to hold on to the plate, what happens when you leave a floppy disk or USB thumb drive on top? OK, I jest about the floppy... But, I do think that a mechanical attachment is a better idea; perhaps a lip above the keys where you can slide one edge of the plate, and have it overhang the back for some bolt attachment - I suggest 5.5mm | 7/32" hex heads... ;) The advantage is that you get a slight lip so you can use it as a tray without the plate (or with a tray insert) and you get a back plate that will give the illusion of the top being a more substantial feature / solid object. It's a trick used by designers in vintage cars a fair bit.
USB drives use flash storage. Only hard drive storage is vulnerable to magnets, and even then you have to go completely overboard to actually damage it.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 15 June 2017, 22:09:12
Post by: nmur on Thu, 15 June 2017, 22:10:06
Just wanted to offer a quick update that the PCB design (required due to the fact that we want a detachable cable) is now done, so I was able to finish my CAD model with the PCB standoffs. It is currently being made by my trusty prototyping buddies in Shenzhen in aluminum. Once the design is verified to fit the plate properly (should arrive to me in about a week), we'll try it in Corian. This way if Corian doesn't work, we'll at least have aluminum to fall back on. :) Progress, slowly but surely.
awesome
thx for the update
Post by: The_Boom_Boy on Thu, 15 June 2017, 23:07:45
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Fri, 16 June 2017, 03:41:22
Just wanted to offer a quick update that the PCB design (required due to the fact that we want a detachable cable) is now done, so I was able to finish my CAD model with the PCB standoffs. It is currently being made by my trusty prototyping buddies in Shenzhen in aluminum. Once the design is verified to fit the plate properly (should arrive to me in about a week), we'll try it in Corian. This way if Corian doesn't work, we'll at least have aluminum to fall back on. :) Progress, slowly but surely.
Would love to get more details on the detachable cable. Will it be possible for us to use mini/micro cables or is it just magnetic fullsize or usb c?
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 16 June 2017, 11:21:48
Just wanted to offer a quick update that the PCB design (required due to the fact that we want a detachable cable) is now done, so I was able to finish my CAD model with the PCB standoffs. It is currently being made by my trusty prototyping buddies in Shenzhen in aluminum. Once the design is verified to fit the plate properly (should arrive to me in about a week), we'll try it in Corian. This way if Corian doesn't work, we'll at least have aluminum to fall back on. :) Progress, slowly but surely.
Would love to get more details on the detachable cable. Will it be possible for us to use mini/micro cables or is it just magnetic fullsize or usb c?
The way it is designed now is that it's a USB C socket, into which a plug fits that gives it the magnetic functionality. The plus sits inside a recess, so it's pretty subtle. But if you want to forgo the magnet, it's easy to do so.
Post by: moh18one on Fri, 16 June 2017, 18:24:53
As a future owner of an Realforce 10th anniversary edition, I'm definitely interested in your case. Nevertheless, I've something that bother me because I haven't any informations about that.
Will the Realforce case be as bulky as the one from the Leopold FC660C or FC980C ( see the picture below)? or probably bulkier?
(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/39560)
Do you have in mind the dimensions of your aluminium/corian case?
Thanks! :)
Post by: consolation on Sat, 17 June 2017, 07:53:58
USB drives use flash storage. Only hard drive storage is vulnerable to magnets, and even then you have to go completely overboard to actually damage it.
My experience with flash drives near MRI machines (as in room next door "near") says otherwise :-[
Edit: OK, so the dork that I am, I began to worry that all the dead flash drives were due to other reasons and moving the coat hanger to the other side of the room didn't "fix" anything. After way too much reading: magnetic fields won't damage your nand storage, BUT, changes in magnetic fields will induce a current that can corrupt your data. So, going back to the magnetic snaps, probably not a problem - but potentially you could make it one. I still don't like the idea, but guess having to tell my supervisor that "the MRI machine ate my homework," has made me hyper-sensitive...
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 17 June 2017, 10:26:14
USB drives use flash storage. Only hard drive storage is vulnerable to magnets, and even then you have to go completely overboard to actually damage it.
My experience with flash drives near MRI machines (as in room next door "near") says otherwise :-[
Edit: OK, so the dork that I am, I began to worry that all the dead flash drives were due to other reasons and moving the coat hanger to the other side of the room didn't "fix" anything. After way too much reading: magnetic fields won't damage your nand storage, BUT, changes in magnetic fields will induce a current that can corrupt your data. So, going back to the magnetic snaps, probably not a problem - but potentially you could make it one. I still don't like the idea, but guess having to tell my supervisor that "the MRI machine ate my homework," has made me hyper-sensitive...
Not to be too cheeky, but I'm pretty sure that MRIs generate slightly more powerful magnetic fields than tiny magsafe connections. ;) Remember that Apple has used these for like a decade, including back in the days of magnetic hard drives (which, actually, I think they still sell). Maybe don't press your thumb drives right against the cable termination to see what happens, but otherwise, I don't think it's an issue of major concern.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 17 June 2017, 10:31:15
Hi there,
As a future owner of an Realforce 10th anniversary edition, I'm definitely interested in your case. Nevertheless, I've something that bother me because I haven't any informations about that.
Will the Realforce case be as bulky as the one from the Leopold FC660C or FC980C ( see the picture below)? or probably bulkier?Show Image(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/39560)
Do you have in mind the dimensions of your aluminium/corian case?
Thanks! :)
Much bulkier. It's just part of the RealForce aesthetic, especially the huge PCB overhang at the back. I'm limited by the profile of the keyboard itself with respect to how small I can make it, unfortunately. If you want a slimmer profile, I'd recommend finding a Novatouch and pairing that with one of my aluminum cases.
I'll wait until I've got the prototype back to pronounce on the final dimensions, as I might slim down the front-to-back dimension a bit if it seems too deep. Currently the area below the spacebar is about 1mm thicker than I'd ideally like, but again this is due to design constraints of the plate, which has to tabs that stick out at the bottom for some reason. If it seems OK in person, I'll leave it as is. If it feels to me to be too thick in that area, I'll have to get a bit "creative" with a design solution.
Post by: FSund on Tue, 20 June 2017, 03:01:01
Can't wait for an alu (or hopefully a Corian) case for the Realforce.
Post by: elcubismo on Tue, 20 June 2017, 08:39:24
Hi there,
As a future owner of an Realforce 10th anniversary edition, I'm definitely interested in your case. Nevertheless, I've something that bother me because I haven't any informations about that.
Will the Realforce case be as bulky as the one from the Leopold FC660C or FC980C ( see the picture below)? or probably bulkier?Show Image(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/39560)
Do you have in mind the dimensions of your aluminium/corian case?
Thanks! :)
When I think of the Leopold FC660C case, "bulky" has never come to mind.
Post by: m1kehonch0 on Thu, 22 June 2017, 06:04:45
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: stillzman on Fri, 23 June 2017, 09:31:52
Post by: consolation on Sun, 25 June 2017, 01:46:44
...If it feels to me to be too thick in that area, I'll have to get a bit "creative" with a design solution.
If Corian is uncertain due to unknown material properties; perhaps a, small, trial run of cases for the topre numpads (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-numpad-bundle?mode=guest_open) would be worthwhile?
Totally not trying to con you into making a case for my numpad........
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 25 June 2017, 07:59:49
...If it feels to me to be too thick in that area, I'll have to get a bit "creative" with a design solution.
If Corian is uncertain due to unknown material properties; perhaps a, small, trial run of cases for the topre numpads (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-numpad-bundle?mode=guest_open) would be worthwhile?
Totally not trying to con you into making a case for my numpad........
[attachimg=1]
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 26 June 2017, 00:09:46
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/prototype-1/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
Post by: elcubismo on Mon, 26 June 2017, 00:21:33
Post by: romevi on Mon, 26 June 2017, 00:24:05
The Digilog case is out of my reach, and I wasn't too impressed by the colors. I am so ecstatic for this GB, however, because of the options and more-updated design.
Sorry if I missed it, but will there be options for the top of the case? I remember there was a poll and you asked for options on what to put up there. I remember entering a wood finish with grooves for writing utensils, etc.
Post by: ___q on Mon, 26 June 2017, 00:29:46
Post by: nmur on Mon, 26 June 2017, 01:07:51
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :D
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
dude that is MINT
you've outdone yourself here, i'm so hyped for this
Post by: exitfire401 on Mon, 26 June 2017, 01:11:43
I cannot believe I'm seeing something like this so soon. The 55g is my daily work horse. To give it something to make it stand out is a delightful dream of mine.
The Digilog case is out of my reach, and I wasn't too impressed by the colors. I am so ecstatic for this GB, however, because of the options and more-updated design.
Sorry if I missed it, but will there be options for the top of the case? I remember there was a poll and you asked for options on what to put up there. I remember entering a wood finish with grooves for writing utensils, etc.
As someone who owned a digilog for a very long time, you aren't missing out. The quality of the breakout board was sub-par, the anodizing scratched if you looked at it funny, and the feet were awkward as hell. This looks amazing though. I'm super excited for this design. It's gorgeous.
Post by: lasermild on Mon, 26 June 2017, 03:30:22
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :D
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
WOW :eek:
Perfect for my RF55g..
Post by: dgneo on Mon, 26 June 2017, 05:14:48
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :D
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
This looks phenomenal, really hoping a WKL version works out :D
Also absolutely loving the bottom of it
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Mon, 26 June 2017, 07:35:24
Post by: neon_tom on Mon, 26 June 2017, 07:47:31
Post by: redbanshee on Mon, 26 June 2017, 08:27:38
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :D
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
Wow! Some of the other cases trying to do this have been awkward to say the least, this has nice aesthetics! Also thank god your not utilizing the nova touch with this one! Most likely in for one! Would be amazing to get black anno (or other interesting colors) to match my EK edition!
Post by: romevi on Mon, 26 June 2017, 08:28:00
I cannot believe I'm seeing something like this so soon. The 55g is my daily work horse. To give it something to make it stand out is a delightful dream of mine.
The Digilog case is out of my reach, and I wasn't too impressed by the colors. I am so ecstatic for this GB, however, because of the options and more-updated design.
Sorry if I missed it, but will there be options for the top of the case? I remember there was a poll and you asked for options on what to put up there. I remember entering a wood finish with grooves for writing utensils, etc.
As someone who owned a digilog for a very long time, you aren't missing out. The quality of the breakout board was sub-par, the anodizing scratched if you looked at it funny, and the feet were awkward as hell. This looks amazing though. I'm super excited for this design. It's gorgeous.
I've heard mixed feelings about it. Like, people would want it because it was one of two alu cases made for the Realforce, but after receiving it it seems like people weren't impressed.
Post by: dblack on Mon, 26 June 2017, 10:33:24
Prototype looks great, hope WKL is possible.
Would also love WKL, not sure if it would make that 84U build easier, need to find out.
Post by: Troif on Mon, 26 June 2017, 15:36:35
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: xondat on Mon, 26 June 2017, 17:49:09
Post by: Burt Macklin on Mon, 26 June 2017, 18:04:26
Post by: sodiumjoe on Mon, 26 June 2017, 22:09:59
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :Dwow, I've mostly been lurking for more news on an fc660c case, but that looks great, I think I'm going to have to get one for my 87u.
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Post by: bciamny on Mon, 26 June 2017, 22:20:33
is the portion of the case that gives it a slope removable or is that part of the frame greater?
Post by: Blek on Mon, 26 June 2017, 22:49:25
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 27 June 2017, 00:57:10
is the portion of the case that gives it a slope removable or is that part of the frame greater?
Yes, absolutely. It can be used completely flat, unlike the RF itself.
Is it at all possible for us to use our existing cables instead of the pcb?
You can use an existing USB-C cable rather than the one that will be included, but you'll still have to go via the PCB included with the case.
Post by: Blek on Tue, 27 June 2017, 01:01:27
Post by: Darknight00z on Tue, 27 June 2017, 05:12:59
Post by: madindehead on Tue, 27 June 2017, 08:17:49
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 27 June 2017, 11:25:14
Looks great, but I feel the bezels are a hair too thick on the sides (left right bottom). What do you guys think? I am buying either way... he hehe
Unfortunately, due to the way the plate is designed, I don't have much wiggle room there, so I decided to embrace the technical constraint—"a feature not a bug"—and go for the bold sort of design with a formidable bezel that you see. If I decrease the thickness of the bezel at the bottom at all, we get a super thin wall in one area near the corner where I have to give clearance for the plate hold-down screws. It's already pretty thin in that area as it is.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/bezel-thickness.png)
A thinner wall there would make the case more likely to be damaged, both in transit and an use. This was an issue I encountered on early prototypes of my Novatouch case, and one I'm keen to avoid in future, as you'd imagine. I could technically decrease the bezel on the left and right sides, but then it starts to look weird and imbalanced.
So, yeah, what you see above is the result of lots of technical compromise and experimentation and my best attempt at balancing all the constraints of minimal bezels, no seam line on the sides, fitting the plate snugly, etc. If I were designing the plate and PCB from scratch, we'd have a lot more design freedom. Maybe someday. :)
Post by: roostrc0gburn on Tue, 27 June 2017, 12:45:09
Post by: Troif on Tue, 27 June 2017, 15:52:28
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: FSund on Wed, 28 June 2017, 05:59:50
What color is the anodizing on the prototype?
Post by: nurupism on Wed, 28 June 2017, 09:11:29
Simultaneously, I'd love to have my Realforce feel as heavy as some of the Korean customs. I noticed talks of a brass weight on the first page, is that something that can still be considered?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 28 June 2017, 11:45:15
Holy hell that looks amazing.
What color is the anodizing on the prototype?
Thanks!
The color is just clear anodizing, which could be considered "silver," but the color is really just the color of aluminum with a clear oxide layer on it. :)
Post by: Jumie on Fri, 30 June 2017, 10:24:25
Post by: axtran on Fri, 30 June 2017, 23:20:49
Post by: Username? on Sat, 01 July 2017, 03:24:34
I have your warm gray Novatouch case and I love it.
It seems that I need to buy me a realforce 88U to complement my realforce 105U. Otherwise I do not have anything to put in your new case. :)
Post by: vulup on Sat, 01 July 2017, 13:26:56
Post by: ihalatch on Sun, 02 July 2017, 04:41:38
Post by: Username? on Sun, 02 July 2017, 05:15:07
Looks fantastic. I don't know it's just my working class aesthetics I'd like to see something on that big ass top bezel - metallic sticker .. badge?
I imagined more of a recessed discrete logo on it.
Although a recessed metal badge would look awesome.
Post by: avid on Sun, 02 July 2017, 11:35:20
How heavy is the case? As someone said, brass/SS weights would be incredible.
Are you still toying around with the wood/quilted overhangs?
Now i need to get a white RF.
Post by: axtran on Sun, 02 July 2017, 16:13:15
Probably the most beautiful case ive ever seen. Rather than someone who wanted thinner borders, i say this looks much better and adds to the uniformity of the board.
How heavy is the case? As someone said, brass/SS weights would be incredible.
Are you still toying around with the wood/quilted overhangs?
Now i need to get a white RF.
I like how you're asking about weight when this is about to be made of Corian. ;)
Post by: avid on Sun, 02 July 2017, 16:21:09
Probably the most beautiful case ive ever seen. Rather than someone who wanted thinner borders, i say this looks much better and adds to the uniformity of the board.
How heavy is the case? As someone said, brass/SS weights would be incredible.
Are you still toying around with the wood/quilted overhangs?
Now i need to get a white RF.
I like how you're asking about weight when this is about to be made of Corian. ;)
Assuming corian works out, i thought it would be availible in both aluminum and corian and thus the interest in weight (for alu version)
Post by: axtran on Sun, 02 July 2017, 16:27:47
Assuming corian works out, i thought it would be availible in both aluminum and corian and thus the interest in weight (for alu version)
I dunno, if stone works out, I'm in for a granite or obsidian weight. norbauer can make anything happen at this rate!
Post by: thebabyparrot on Sun, 02 July 2017, 21:06:38
Post by: consolation on Mon, 03 July 2017, 02:19:59
Looks fantastic. I don't know it's just my working class aesthetics I'd like to see something on that big ass top bezel - metallic sticker .. badge?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..........................................
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 03 July 2017, 18:59:16
How much are we looking for an approximation of cost? I'm definitely interested and I have a pretty good idea for a keyboard I'd love to do. The only issue is trying to decide between Corian , Aluminum , and the colors :).
Given the increased significantly weight and machining complexity, along with the custom PCB and cable, all I can confidently say is that it'll be more than my last round of Novatouch cases, but I can't be more specific than that because I haven't yet gotten quotes for volumes any higher than one-off prototypes. I wanted to make sure that the design was finalized before approaching factories about production quotes—and I'm still waiting for the PCB prototype to arrive. =\
Post by: nmur on Mon, 03 July 2017, 19:46:39
How much are we looking for an approximation of cost? I'm definitely interested and I have a pretty good idea for a keyboard I'd love to do. The only issue is trying to decide between Corian , Aluminum , and the colors :).
Given the increased significantly weight and machining complexity, along with the custom PCB and cable, all I can confidently say is that it'll be more than my last round of Novatouch cases, but I can't be more specific than that because I haven't yet gotten quotes for volumes any higher than one-off prototypes. I wanted to make sure that the design was finalized before approaching factories about production quotes—and I'm still waiting for the PCB prototype to arrive. =\
I can't speak for everyone, but considering how long I've been waiting for a Digilog case to be available and considering how much I would have been willing to pay for it before this thread came along, definitely don't stress about this taking too long or being too expensive.
Post by: FSund on Tue, 04 July 2017, 02:45:43
How much are we looking for an approximation of cost? I'm definitely interested and I have a pretty good idea for a keyboard I'd love to do. The only issue is trying to decide between Corian , Aluminum , and the colors :).
Given the increased significantly weight and machining complexity, along with the custom PCB and cable, all I can confidently say is that it'll be more than my last round of Novatouch cases, but I can't be more specific than that because I haven't yet gotten quotes for volumes any higher than one-off prototypes. I wanted to make sure that the design was finalized before approaching factories about production quotes—and I'm still waiting for the PCB prototype to arrive. =\
Any idea how Corian will compare to aluminium in terms of final price?
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 July 2017, 10:07:53
Post by: nathanrosspowell on Sat, 08 July 2017, 14:08:08
Post by: romevi on Sun, 09 July 2017, 16:05:59
Exciting stuff! I keep checking this thread to see if there are more updates regarding the Corian option or any GB news!
Post by: exitfire401 on Sun, 09 July 2017, 16:25:16
Post by: jonathanyu on Sun, 09 July 2017, 17:06:39
Post by: Devkey on Sun, 09 July 2017, 19:59:48
I now have the anodized aluminum case prototype in hand, and I couldn't possibly be happier. This is also the first time I've made a design for something involving substantial amounts of reverse engineering where I managed to nail all the details on the first try. Everything lines up and fits perfectly. :D
Frankly: I really, really like how this turned out. Radii everywhere, and no visible seam! Totally worth the fuss.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-1_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-2_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-3_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-4_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-5_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-6_.jpg)Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Realforce%2087U%20case/Prototype%201/RealForce%20anodized%20CNC%20case%20-7_.jpg)
I'm now sending the verified design to the Corian manufacturer to see if they can pull off this design in that material. If that falls through, however, I'm delighted to observe that aluminum makes for a fantastic option. In that latter scenario, we could have a group buy rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Note that this doesn't have the PCB and magsafe cable. Those are on the way soon hopefully.
Also I've shown it here with the risers installed. Unlike the original RF itself, It can also be used dead flat (my own preferred orientation).
I look forward to hearing what you all think!
This looks fantastic. How does it sound?
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 10 July 2017, 06:15:22
Post by: romevi on Mon, 10 July 2017, 10:48:47
Just curious, what are the chances of getting a WKL one off? :)
I've an 86u and have been hunting for a WKL case for a while (this one in specific (http://i.imgur.com/PJhR7RN.jpg)).
If and when a GB happens, I'm seriously considering offering a Winkeyless option—if the economics make it feasible to do two designs.
I just noticed this. Please make this happen!
If I have an 87u, I don't need anything else, right? It's just the case that makes the difference? I guess space bar, too. Where do I get a longer Topre space bar?
Post by: PerniciousPony on Mon, 10 July 2017, 15:34:49
I just noticed this. Please make this happen!
If I have an 87u, I don't need anything else, right? It's just the case that makes the difference? I guess space bar, too. Where do I get a longer Topre space bar?
You can use an 87u with blockers. It'd look like this. (http://i.imgur.com/JLKFXez.jpg) It's not symmetrical, but it works.
Post by: romevi on Mon, 10 July 2017, 15:36:49
I just noticed this. Please make this happen!
If I have an 87u, I don't need anything else, right? It's just the case that makes the difference? I guess space bar, too. Where do I get a longer Topre space bar?
You can use an 87u with blockers. It'd look like this. (http://i.imgur.com/JLKFXez.jpg) It's not symmetrical, but it works.
What would you use?
Post by: Stresemann on Fri, 14 July 2017, 08:00:42
Post by: Auk on Fri, 14 July 2017, 08:12:36
- available 14th - 21st July
- uniform 55g or variable weight
- black or white case
- PBT spacebars pack included (dark gray, light gray, blue & red)
- $205, free shipping within USA
Post by: stillzman on Fri, 14 July 2017, 09:08:16
Realforce 87u on Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-87u?mode=guest_open)
- available 14th - 21st July
- uniform 55g or variable weight
- black or white case
- PBT spacebars pack included (dark gray, light gray, blue & red)
- $205, free shipping within USA
Man, really considering getting another one in white since I already have it in black, but do I really need to spend the money?? Because that means I'll have to buy 2 corian cases...
Btw how durable is corian? Obviously not at the same level as Alu, but if the case is dropped in some freak accident does that mean RIPieces?
Post by: romevi on Fri, 14 July 2017, 09:22:58
I'm super pumped about this case, so I look forward to any and all of your updates!
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 14 July 2017, 09:41:26
norbauer, do you have an ETA on when you should get the Corian prototype?
I'm super pumped about this case, so I look forward to any and all of your updates!
+1 ^ Bump "What he said"
Post by: dgneo on Fri, 14 July 2017, 09:55:53
Corian is looking pretty good :)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 14 July 2017, 10:22:58
Corian is looking pretty good :)
The thing I'm stuck on is whether Corian will retain or add to Topre's "plastic" feel, whereas aluminium may or may not take away from it. To me, Topre switches hold hands well with a more plastic sound, so I wonder if the aluminum case will make it any "worse."
Post by: stillzman on Fri, 14 July 2017, 14:38:37
Corian is looking pretty good :)
thanks for sharing this!
Interested in the sound as well, but regardless the case looks so good that I probably won't care unless it is obnoxious. I guess we'll find out for sure once norbauer gets the sample
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 14 July 2017, 20:17:25
norbauer, do you have an ETA on when you should get the Corian prototype?
I'm super pumped about this case, so I look forward to any and all of your updates!
I keep bugging them about it. This is sort of an "experimental" project for this shop relative to the type of work they normally do, so I'm trying not to push too hard, lest they should decide it's more trouble than it's worth. ;) Of course, as soon as I know anything you guys will too. :)
Post by: Ramiel on Sat, 15 July 2017, 20:12:40
Post by: durainello on Sat, 15 July 2017, 21:32:30
Post by: ewwgin on Sat, 15 July 2017, 22:16:02
Post by: romevi on Sun, 16 July 2017, 11:15:28
norbauer, do you have an ETA on when you should get the Corian prototype?
I'm super pumped about this case, so I look forward to any and all of your updates!
I keep bugging them about it. This is sort of an "experimental" project for this shop relative to the type of work they normally do, so I'm trying not to push too hard, lest they should decide it's more trouble than it's worth. ;) Of course, as soon as I know anything you guys will too. :)
Ha, I gotcha!
Excited!
Post by: thebabyparrot on Wed, 19 July 2017, 11:36:55
Post by: Atredl on Thu, 20 July 2017, 21:41:25
Maybe this is a pipe dream to ask but I've been thinking about doing a Realforce Bluetooth mod :) - would there be enough space inside the case to put a battery internally?
If this keyboard ends up being aluminum, I wonder if bluetooth would have connection issues. I'm pretty sure that's why aluminum phones usually have plastic bands around the back or sides.
Post by: Stresemann on Sat, 22 July 2017, 11:23:24
Post by: mypainishurt on Sat, 22 July 2017, 11:51:46
Post by: hayt on Sun, 23 July 2017, 01:21:11
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: sodiumjoe on Sun, 23 July 2017, 01:59:52
I've been considering selling my FC660C for a Realforce and this is the catalyst I needed to make up my mind.
If it happens to be an NB (blank keycaps) I'd be interested in buying it.
Post by: romevi on Sun, 23 July 2017, 06:54:11
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 23 July 2017, 09:50:32
Is the large white base for the watches in Apple stores also made of Corian?
Very probably. Or at least a similar "solid surface" material.
Post by: elcubismo on Sun, 23 July 2017, 10:17:36
Gonna have to start hunting for a 55g RF. I've been considering selling my FC660C for a Realforce and this is the catalyst I needed to make up my mind. That case is snazzy. I'm in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk4
Not trying to out too much pressure on the Norbmeister but he did mention he might work on a case for the FC660C...
Post by: hayt on Sun, 23 July 2017, 11:19:45
Gonna have to start hunting for a 55g RF. I've been considering selling my FC660C for a Realforce and this is the catalyst I needed to make up my mind. That case is snazzy. I'm in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk4
Not trying to out too much pressure on the Norbmeister but he did mention he might work on a case for the FC660C...
Haha yeah :D, saw that. Either way, I'm a little tired of the FC660C and have been eyeing the lovely TKL layout of the Realforce for some time. This case design is speaking to me.
Post by: Stresemann on Sun, 23 July 2017, 11:28:03
Gonna have to start hunting for a 55g RF. I've been considering selling my FC660C for a Realforce and this is the catalyst I needed to make up my mind. That case is snazzy. I'm in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk4
Not trying to out too much pressure on the Norbmeister but he did mention he might work on a case for the FC660C...
Haha yeah :D, saw that. Either way, I'm a little tired of the FC660C and have been eyeing the lovely TKL layout of the Realforce for some time. This case design is speaking to me.
Yeah, this case is screaming.
BTW I love 660c although I don't own one
Post by: hayt on Sun, 23 July 2017, 11:30:45
Gonna have to start hunting for a 55g RF. I've been considering selling my FC660C for a Realforce and this is the catalyst I needed to make up my mind. That case is snazzy. I'm in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk4
Not trying to out too much pressure on the Norbmeister but he did mention he might work on a case for the FC660C...
Haha yeah :D, saw that. Either way, I'm a little tired of the FC660C and have been eyeing the lovely TKL layout of the Realforce for some time. This case design is speaking to me.
Yeah, this case is screaming.
BTW I love 660c although I don't own one
I love it too. I'm just missing a few keys that I'd like to have back that TKL will provide. Also, since picking up the 980C I somehow prefer it to the 660C. The 980 actually has a different, slightly louder and more clacky sound than the 660C. I can't explain why but I prefer it :)
Anyways, as soon as I can locate a 55G RF I'll pull the trigger and will throw the 660 on MM in anticipation of this case.
Post by: hayt on Tue, 25 July 2017, 10:11:38
What was your decision making behind choosing the tight radius around the top perimeter edge of the case? One feature on the Realforce 87U that I think helps make it iconic, is the generous radius used along that perimeter. Perhaps somewhere in the range of 3/8" ? I'm not saying your version should match the original radius, however, I would be curious to see how the edge looks with a slightly softer radius, maybe 3/16" ?
Thanks either way! Eagerly anticipating more updates.
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Tue, 25 July 2017, 12:40:10
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 25 July 2017, 23:11:06
Hi norbauer, I have one question about the design that is sticking in my brain since first witnessing the lovely prototype images.
What was your decision making behind choosing the tight radius around the top perimeter edge of the case? One feature on the Realforce 87U that I think helps make it iconic, is the generous radius used along that perimeter. Perhaps somewhere in the range of 3/8" ? I'm not saying your version should match the original radius, however, I would be curious to see how the edge looks with a slightly softer radius, maybe 3/16" ?
Thanks either way! Eagerly anticipating more updates.
It was really just a subjective aesthetic choice. My intention wasn't to copy the 87U case too closely, but rather to create a design that would have a unique look to it in the sort of clean, shall we say, "retro-futurism" that drives a lot of my design tastes. :)
By way of an update: I'm still waiting on those PCB prototypes to arrive from the manufacturer—trying my best to be patient. :rolleyes:
Post by: hayt on Wed, 26 July 2017, 08:24:51
Hi norbauer, I have one question about the design that is sticking in my brain since first witnessing the lovely prototype images.
What was your decision making behind choosing the tight radius around the top perimeter edge of the case? One feature on the Realforce 87U that I think helps make it iconic, is the generous radius used along that perimeter. Perhaps somewhere in the range of 3/8" ? I'm not saying your version should match the original radius, however, I would be curious to see how the edge looks with a slightly softer radius, maybe 3/16" ?
Thanks either way! Eagerly anticipating more updates.
It was really just a subjective aesthetic choice. My intention wasn't to copy the 87U case too closely, but rather to create a design that would have a unique look to it in the sort of clean, shall we say, "retro-futurism" that drives a lot of my design tastes. :)
By way of an update: I'm still waiting on those PCB prototypes to arrive from the manufacturer—trying my best to be patient. :rolleyes:
Thank you for elaborating! I respect your decision making and totally dig the 'retro-futurism' aesthetic. One of my favorite Industrial Designers is Marc Newson who gives that vibe as well.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 26 July 2017, 09:54:03
Hi norbauer, I have one question about the design that is sticking in my brain since first witnessing the lovely prototype images.
What was your decision making behind choosing the tight radius around the top perimeter edge of the case? One feature on the Realforce 87U that I think helps make it iconic, is the generous radius used along that perimeter. Perhaps somewhere in the range of 3/8" ? I'm not saying your version should match the original radius, however, I would be curious to see how the edge looks with a slightly softer radius, maybe 3/16" ?
Thanks either way! Eagerly anticipating more updates.
It was really just a subjective aesthetic choice. My intention wasn't to copy the 87U case too closely, but rather to create a design that would have a unique look to it in the sort of clean, shall we say, "retro-futurism" that drives a lot of my design tastes. :)
By way of an update: I'm still waiting on those PCB prototypes to arrive from the manufacturer—trying my best to be patient. :rolleyes:
Thank you for elaborating! I respect your decision making and totally dig the 'retro-futurism' aesthetic. One of my favorite Industrial Designers is Marc Newson who gives that vibe as well.
I love his work as well! I'm a particular fan of the design of the Montblanc M (http://marc-newson.com/montblanc-m/).
Post by: hayt on Wed, 26 July 2017, 09:56:22
Hi norbauer, I have one question about the design that is sticking in my brain since first witnessing the lovely prototype images.
What was your decision making behind choosing the tight radius around the top perimeter edge of the case? One feature on the Realforce 87U that I think helps make it iconic, is the generous radius used along that perimeter. Perhaps somewhere in the range of 3/8" ? I'm not saying your version should match the original radius, however, I would be curious to see how the edge looks with a slightly softer radius, maybe 3/16" ?
Thanks either way! Eagerly anticipating more updates.
It was really just a subjective aesthetic choice. My intention wasn't to copy the 87U case too closely, but rather to create a design that would have a unique look to it in the sort of clean, shall we say, "retro-futurism" that drives a lot of my design tastes. :)
By way of an update: I'm still waiting on those PCB prototypes to arrive from the manufacturer—trying my best to be patient. :rolleyes:
Thank you for elaborating! I respect your decision making and totally dig the 'retro-futurism' aesthetic. One of my favorite Industrial Designers is Marc Newson who gives that vibe as well.
I love his work as well! I'm a particular fan of the design of the Montblanc M (http://marc-newson.com/montblanc-m/).
Holy crap I hadn't seen that one! Man, his stuff is clean.
Post by: Stresemann on Tue, 08 August 2017, 00:44:36
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 08 August 2017, 10:54:11
Any updates with this amazing project? :D
Actually, yes!
I think I've decided to bail on the Corian idea for this particular project and kick that down the road to a different upcoming case I'm working on. The issue is that the RealForce has this huge-ass PCB and footprint, so I've had to engineer everything pretty tightly around that in order to keep things from getting awkwardly out of proportion. However, the Corian manufacturer isn't used to machining really tiny features to tight tolerances. (They say their min cutter diameter is 4.3mm, which strikes me as a bit wacky; I'm still waiting for an answer on why that is the case.) I've seen some phone camera pics of the Corian sample, and the physical one is on its way to me, at which time I'll take some better photos and post them here. However, that sample isn't usable since some small pocket features had to be increased to 4.3mm. There's still a chance I'll be able to work something out with the manufacturer to do the Corian, but at this point I'm just leaning towards doing this design in aluminum and then designing something next with the Corian manufacturing limitations in mind from the beginning. I'm also going to use the throwaway sample to conduct some drop tests, as Rama suggested to me recently at Originative meet-up in LA, so I'll see how durable the material is.
Anyway, I really wanted to do something special in terms of material/finish on this project--because the RF is my favorite keyboard--so, with Corian likely out, I'm planning on offering an option for hard (Type III) anodizing. This creates a color similar to Apple's "space gray" and it is much more resistant to scratching than normal anodizing. So I'll probably offer two finishes: clear Type II (silver color) and clear Type III (dark gray). The hard anodizing is considerably more expensive, so that'll have to be an "upgrade" option. I'm meeting with the manufacturer today about doing it in aluminum and am going to ask them to do a sample in hard anodizing so I'll have pics of it in that finish too.
For this one, I'm looking at manufacturers right here in Silicon Valley and also abroad. Since this design is a bit more fussy than ones I've produced in the past, I'd love to work with a local manufacturer so I can do on-site QC personally, but it may be a challenge to get them down to a price that we can all stomach. :rolleyes:
Post by: hayt on Tue, 08 August 2017, 11:36:58
Any updates with this amazing project? :D
Actually, yes!
I think I've decided to bail on the Corian idea for this particular project and kick that down the road to a different upcoming case I'm working on. The issue is that the RealForce has this huge-ass PCB and footprint, so I've had to engineer everything pretty tightly around that in order to keep things from getting awkwardly out of proportion. However, the Corian manufacturer isn't used to machining really tiny features to tight tolerances. (They say their min cutter diameter is 4.3mm, which strikes me as a bit wacky; I'm still waiting for an answer on why that is the case.) I've seen some phone camera pics of the Corian sample, and the physical one is on its way to me, at which time I'll take some better photos and post them here. However, that sample isn't usable since some small pocket features had to be increased to 4.3mm. There's still a chance I'll be able to work something out with the manufacturer to do the Corian, but at this point I'm just leaning towards doing this design in aluminum and then designing something next with the Corian manufacturing limitations in mind from the beginning. I'm also going to use the throwaway sample to conduct some drop tests, as Rama suggested to me recently at Originative meet-up in LA, so I'll see how durable the material is.
Anyway, I really wanted to do something special in terms of material/finish on this project--because the RF is my favorite keyboard--so, with Corian likely out, I'm planning on offering an option for hard (Type III) anodizing. This creates a color similar to Apple's "space gray" and it is much more resistant to scratching than normal anodizing. So I'll probably offer two finishes: clear Type II (silver color) and clear Type III (dark gray). The hard anodizing is considerably more expensive, so that'll have to be an "upgrade" option. I'm meeting with the manufacturer today about doing it in aluminum and am going to ask them to do a sample in hard anodizing so I'll have pics of it in that finish too.
For this one, I'm looking at manufacturers right here in Silicon Valley and also abroad. Since this design is a bit more fussy than ones I've produced in the past, I'd love to work with a local manufacturer so I can do on-site QC personally, but it may be a challenge to get them down to a price that we can all stomach. :rolleyes:
Thank you for the update! Count me in for a Type II and a Type III ! Love the idea of locally made, eagerly awaiting some pricing estimates as I need to start budgeting for these bad boys :D
Post by: romevi on Tue, 08 August 2017, 11:47:51
Count me in for Type III, space gray. Realforce is my favorite and I want to stick to a darker color for the board, so count me in for the upgrade!
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 08 August 2017, 11:56:49
Post by: stillzman on Tue, 08 August 2017, 13:48:05
Post by: Wetherbee on Tue, 08 August 2017, 15:50:51
Not really interested in yet another aluminum keyboard.
I had never been more excited than I was at the idea of using Corian. I've seen artists in brooklyn do amazingly intricate art with Corian and 3d printers. It is a human friendly material and has the perfect properties for a desktop keyboard in terms of how it feels and how you interact with it, as opposed to the hard, cold, unyielding aluminum which is a completely different a s t h e t i c . The aluminum keyboards I use today tend to be cold and are dust and fingerprint magnets.
Having an aluminum keyboard and a space-grey keyboard is meh. However, if you did Corian I'd buy every color available.
Hard anodizing is fine but I'd also combine it with a dip to turn it black.
https://www.anoplate.com/capabilities/anoblack-ec-1/
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:11:29
This is the third shop that I've paid to make prototypes, and none has yet been usable. This is a particularly challenging and intricate design (which I also happen to like a lot, aesthetically), so I just feel like if I start from scratch designing for the material on my next case--FC660C, most likely--it'll be more likely to be a success. Making an everyday-use product in Corian is a long-held dream of mine, so I'll keep at it, I promise. I just don't want to keep the RF case from ever happening by pursuing a path too far that may never pan out.
Post by: romevi on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:32:35
Thanks for your persistence anyway, and I for one am SUPER excited for the alu case.
Post by: nmur on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:40:22
This is the third shop that I've paid to make prototypes
well no one can say that you didn't try! thanks for your efforts
aluminum should be a sure-fire success though, can't wait
Post by: elcubismo on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:46:21
my next case--FC660C, most likely
(https://media.giphy.com/media/5GoVLqeAOo6PK/giphy.gif)
Post by: sodiumjoe on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:46:58
--FC660C, most likely--
Do you have an fc660c to work with already? I have an extra one I could loan you or trade for a case, depending on what the price ends up looking like.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:48:02
--FC660C, most likely--
Do you have an fc660c to work with already? I have an extra one I could loan you or trade for a case, depending on what the price ends up looking like.
Thank you very much for the offer, but I do indeed have one. It sits on my desk as a reminder to start working on a new design for it soon. :)
Post by: sodiumjoe on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:48:57
--FC660C, most likely--
Do you have an fc660c to work with already? I have an extra one I could loan you or trade for a case, depending on what the price ends up looking like.
Thank you very much for the offer, but I do indeed have one. It sits on my desk as a reminder to start working on a new design for it soon. :)
Awesome, can't wait!
Post by: avid on Tue, 08 August 2017, 18:58:15
Anyway, looking forward to following the process.
Post by: Wetherbee on Tue, 08 August 2017, 19:01:42
Regarding Corian, is the tight fit an issue in only the bottom or also the top case? Something like aluminum base with corian top would be pretty awesome.
Anyway, looking forward to following the process.
Now there is an amazing idea, especially with the seamless top. Aluminum to interface the desk and Corian to interface the human. Would definitely get behind that, especially with a black corian / anoblack anodized 6000 grade aluminum.
Post by: romevi on Tue, 08 August 2017, 19:20:18
Post by: Stresemann on Wed, 09 August 2017, 00:53:11
Any updates with this amazing project? :D
Actually, yes!
I think I've decided to bail on the Corian idea for this particular project and kick that down the road to a different upcoming case I'm working on. The issue is that the RealForce has this huge-ass PCB and footprint, so I've had to engineer everything pretty tightly around that in order to keep things from getting awkwardly out of proportion. However, the Corian manufacturer isn't used to machining really tiny features to tight tolerances. (They say their min cutter diameter is 4.3mm, which strikes me as a bit wacky; I'm still waiting for an answer on why that is the case.) I've seen some phone camera pics of the Corian sample, and the physical one is on its way to me, at which time I'll take some better photos and post them here. However, that sample isn't usable since some small pocket features had to be increased to 4.3mm. There's still a chance I'll be able to work something out with the manufacturer to do the Corian, but at this point I'm just leaning towards doing this design in aluminum and then designing something next with the Corian manufacturing limitations in mind from the beginning. I'm also going to use the throwaway sample to conduct some drop tests, as Rama suggested to me recently at Originative meet-up in LA, so I'll see how durable the material is.
Anyway, I really wanted to do something special in terms of material/finish on this project--because the RF is my favorite keyboard--so, with Corian likely out, I'm planning on offering an option for hard (Type III) anodizing. This creates a color similar to Apple's "space gray" and it is much more resistant to scratching than normal anodizing. So I'll probably offer two finishes: clear Type II (silver color) and clear Type III (dark gray). The hard anodizing is considerably more expensive, so that'll have to be an "upgrade" option. I'm meeting with the manufacturer today about doing it in aluminum and am going to ask them to do a sample in hard anodizing so I'll have pics of it in that finish too.
For this one, I'm looking at manufacturers right here in Silicon Valley and also abroad. Since this design is a bit more fussy than ones I've produced in the past, I'd love to work with a local manufacturer so I can do on-site QC personally, but it may be a challenge to get them down to a price that we can all stomach. :rolleyes:
Thank you for all the effort you are putting in to this project. I am in for both Type II and Type III and ofcourse your next project. Hope Corian works out well in the near future.
Post by: bbmathlvr on Thu, 10 August 2017, 22:02:03
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Sun, 13 August 2017, 06:45:48
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: HighNoon on Sun, 13 August 2017, 21:55:15
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Mon, 14 August 2017, 07:11:26
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Mon, 14 August 2017, 09:20:07
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!sent you an email, have one for sale
Post by: kmba on Mon, 14 August 2017, 10:04:54
I'd just ask you to make it sleek and slim, and I'm in for two.
Post by: HighNoon on Mon, 14 August 2017, 11:21:11
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
Yea for $253. I was hoping to pay more around $200. There was a recent sale on Massdrop for the 87u 55g for $205 shipped including 4 PBT spacebars but it sold out instantly.
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!sent you an email, have one for sale
Got the email, thanks. I'll think about it.
Post by: Blazestorm on Mon, 14 August 2017, 18:58:22
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
Yea for $253. I was hoping to pay more around $200. There was a recent sale on Massdrop for the 87u 55g for $205 shipped including 4 PBT spacebars but it sold out instantly.
You can set a reminder to get in on the massdrop deal, they do it continuously (after the lasts GB ships, they start another one), at least that was the pattern before. It didn't sell out super fast when I got in, but they do limit the quantity.
Post by: HighNoon on Mon, 14 August 2017, 19:19:45
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
Yea for $253. I was hoping to pay more around $200. There was a recent sale on Massdrop for the 87u 55g for $205 shipped including 4 PBT spacebars but it sold out instantly.
You can set a reminder to get in on the massdrop deal, they do it continuously (after the lasts GB ships, they start another one), at least that was the pattern before. It didn't sell out super fast when I got in, but they do limit the quantity.
I do have a reminder set, thanks. Seems like most if not all of the buyers from the round I missed have their boards but I haven't heard anything yet about another round. AFAIK Massdrop has only run the 87u once ever although they've had the 104u several times.
Post by: Blazestorm on Tue, 15 August 2017, 10:22:03
Post by: HighNoon on Fri, 18 August 2017, 13:44:05
Post by: Stresemann on Fri, 18 August 2017, 21:36:14
Welp I just bought a RF87u 55g. Bring on the case!
Congrats man Nice !! I have 45 ek but I feel like I should buy 55 white as well . I think I don't care much for black keycaps any more but love the feeling of ek edition.
Post by: Our_Benefactors on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:18:00
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
And mechanicalkeyboards.com, and ebay, and the classifieds here, and on /r/mechmarket ...
They aren't particularly hard to find.
Post by: hayt on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:22:14
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
And mechanicalkeyboards.com, and ebay, and the classifieds here, and on /r/mechmarket ...
They aren't particularly hard to find.
Sorry bud, they are not available on mechanicalkeyboards.com
Unless you are willing to wait for the next round from Massdrop, as the previous comments suggests, you will need to drop a $60 premium via amazon.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: HighNoon on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:36:25
Might have to buy a RF87u 55g for this... if I'm ever able to find one. Looking forward to this design and especially the upcoming FC660C!
They're available on Amazon iirc
And mechanicalkeyboards.com, and ebay, and the classifieds here, and on /r/mechmarket ...
They aren't particularly hard to find.
Sorry bud, they are not available on mechanicalkeyboards.com
Unless you are willing to wait for the next round from Massdrop, as the previous comments suggests, you will need to drop a $60 premium via amazon.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Big premium on eBay and Amazon. Not as easy to find on GH classifieds or r/mechmarket as you might think but there are some around.
Post by: nathanchere on Mon, 21 August 2017, 09:38:10
http://casf.com.au/colours
I voted white case + wood top, but it would really depend on what kind of wood finishes are available, and only white because the more interesting finishes weren't an option.
Post by: romevi on Mon, 21 August 2017, 09:43:47
Signed up just to say the Corian option is an incredibly exciting idea, but please don't limit to black and white! There are some really neat options and their 'faux marble' as you call it looks a lot more like authentic stone in real life than the photos give credit to. Some of the options are here:
http://casf.com.au/colours
I voted white case + wood top, but it would really depend on what kind of wood finishes are available, and only white because the more interesting finishes weren't an option.
Any updates with this amazing project? :D
Actually, yes!
I think I've decided to bail on the Corian idea for this particular project and kick that down the road to a different upcoming case I'm working on. The issue is that the RealForce has this huge-ass PCB and footprint, so I've had to engineer everything pretty tightly around that in order to keep things from getting awkwardly out of proportion. However, the Corian manufacturer isn't used to machining really tiny features to tight tolerances. (They say their min cutter diameter is 4.3mm, which strikes me as a bit wacky; I'm still waiting for an answer on why that is the case.) I've seen some phone camera pics of the Corian sample, and the physical one is on its way to me, at which time I'll take some better photos and post them here. However, that sample isn't usable since some small pocket features had to be increased to 4.3mm. There's still a chance I'll be able to work something out with the manufacturer to do the Corian, but at this point I'm just leaning towards doing this design in aluminum and then designing something next with the Corian manufacturing limitations in mind from the beginning. I'm also going to use the throwaway sample to conduct some drop tests, as Rama suggested to me recently at Originative meet-up in LA, so I'll see how durable the material is.
Anyway, I really wanted to do something special in terms of material/finish on this project--because the RF is my favorite keyboard--so, with Corian likely out, I'm planning on offering an option for hard (Type III) anodizing. This creates a color similar to Apple's "space gray" and it is much more resistant to scratching than normal anodizing. So I'll probably offer two finishes: clear Type II (silver color) and clear Type III (dark gray). The hard anodizing is considerably more expensive, so that'll have to be an "upgrade" option. I'm meeting with the manufacturer today about doing it in aluminum and am going to ask them to do a sample in hard anodizing so I'll have pics of it in that finish too.
For this one, I'm looking at manufacturers right here in Silicon Valley and also abroad. Since this design is a bit more fussy than ones I've produced in the past, I'd love to work with a local manufacturer so I can do on-site QC personally, but it may be a challenge to get them down to a price that we can all stomach. :rolleyes:
Post by: nathanchere on Mon, 21 August 2017, 16:55:31
Thanks for bringing me down to earth sooner rather than later!
Post by: Darknight00z on Tue, 22 August 2017, 07:05:54
Post by: kmba on Thu, 24 August 2017, 11:29:24
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 24 August 2017, 11:35:45
The more I look at the prototype, the more tempted I am to pick up an 87u-55. I'm like this close "_"
(http://i.imgur.com/9JNEw0T.gif)
Post by: romevi on Thu, 24 August 2017, 12:33:32
The more I look at the prototype, the more tempted I am to pick up an 87u-55. I'm like this close "_"
Just do it and never look back. I keep an MX board to house my pretty keysets, but Realforce 55g all day, every day.
Post by: kmba on Thu, 24 August 2017, 13:12:21
Post by: hayt on Thu, 24 August 2017, 13:19:21
No regrets
Post by: kmba on Thu, 24 August 2017, 13:49:58
Post by: Stresemann on Fri, 25 August 2017, 14:28:48
Post by: gaunt on Sat, 26 August 2017, 03:35:03
Gorgeous case by the way, will be very excited for news about the FC660C project.
Post by: kmba on Sat, 26 August 2017, 12:38:29
Post by: pixelpusher on Sat, 26 August 2017, 13:28:02
Well the thock is produced by the switches, slider housings, and plate, with the RF being plastic slider housing in a metal plate. A majority of the sound is just coming up from the face of the plate to your ears, so the case material surrounding and below the plate shouldn't matter *that* much. I would assume the overall decibel level and pitch will be altered somewhat, but probably imperceptible levels. Maybe someone with the novatouch case can comment on how it changed the sound.
I'm not sure that would be a good comparison bc that case mounted in such a way that without proper dampening, the aluminum had quite a bit of reverberated sound. I put shelf liner under the edges of both of mine to help. I don't think this new case mounts the same way. I will say the SOUND is the same, but not the feeling. It feels more rigid, and maybe not in a good way.
I think the aluminum alone does take away from the feel of the switch without proper dampening. I hope Ryan can figure out a way to add vibration dampening into this new board.
Post by: consolation on Sat, 26 August 2017, 19:14:23
Post by: elcubismo on Mon, 28 August 2017, 09:05:38
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 28 August 2017, 10:41:24
Post by: romevi on Mon, 28 August 2017, 10:43:37
I still need to get purple sliders, but those and this case will make my 55g endgame.
Post by: kmba on Mon, 28 August 2017, 11:53:27
Post by: Blazestorm on Mon, 28 August 2017, 12:49:23
EDIT: Just ordered my second one, and I'll probably end up w/ 2 of these cases now. And w/ silencing rings and colored Topre sets, I'm all set...
Post by: kmba on Mon, 28 August 2017, 13:13:25
Post by: skcheng on Mon, 28 August 2017, 13:14:13
Post by: kmba on Mon, 28 August 2017, 16:46:52
Post by: consolation on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:09:45
PS. Apologies, didn't realise their share button took you to sign up page, instead product page: if you're not signed in, mod fixed the link - thanks.
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:18:16
Massdrop @ 63/140 units for the 87u drop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-87u?mode=guest_open) I would get in quick if you are tempted.
Gross. Please don't use this person's link, anybody.
Mod Note: It's been edited to remove the referral link.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:52:17
The shop also promised me samples of the production CNC case around this week (but that was three weeks ago), so it's time to go give them a nudge soon. I'm hoping to shoot some video of these being machined from the sample run.
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 28 August 2017, 23:28:26
The PCB prototypes arrived today! I've been too busy with other stuff today to test (namely shipping out what seems like mountains of keyboard boxes), but I should have some updates soon.
The shop also promised me samples of the production CNC case around this week (but that was three weeks ago), so it's time to go give them a nudge soon. I'm hoping to shoot some video of these being machined from the sample run.
That's awesome. Can't wait to see the real deal.
Post by: stevits on Tue, 29 August 2017, 00:11:02
Post by: kmba on Tue, 29 August 2017, 17:59:40
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 29 August 2017, 20:27:47
So are you only planning two colors? The silver and space gray? Just trying to plan my build in advance. Thanks
Yes, my current plan is:
-Type II clear anodized (results in a silver color) [least expensive]
-Type III ("hard") clear anodized (results in a dark gray color) [more expensive]
-Various powder coat options similar to what's on offer in my Cooler Master cases r2.5 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91292.0) [more expensive]
Post by: kmba on Tue, 29 August 2017, 21:15:34
Post by: avid on Wed, 30 August 2017, 11:24:39
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 30 August 2017, 14:41:46
Is there any pictures of the darker grey case? Probably going to grab at least a silver version.
Not yet. The pre-production sample is actually just being milled today, and I'm going over to the shop to shoot some video footage of it being made. :) When it's done, we'll send it over to the anodizing shop and then I'll have pics to show.
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 30 August 2017, 15:12:08
[attachimg=1]
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 30 August 2017, 15:19:01
Quick question. Is there a particular reason why the bottom of the case looks like A vs. B? (pardon my sloppy photoshop)
(Attachment Link)
Yes. It's clearance for screws that reside below those cutouts. It effectively creates cylindrical access areas so you can get the screws into place to hold the plate up against the interior of the case.
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 30 August 2017, 15:42:02
Quick question. Is there a particular reason why the bottom of the case looks like A vs. B? (pardon my sloppy photoshop)
(Attachment Link)
Yes. It's clearance for screws that reside below those cutouts. It effectively creates cylindrical access areas so you can get the screws into place to hold the plate up against the interior of the case.
hmm... not sure I follow, but if you say "yes," I trust it's all good. :thumb:
Post by: kmba on Wed, 30 August 2017, 17:30:10
Quick question. Is there a particular reason why the bottom of the case looks like A vs. B? (pardon my sloppy photoshop)
(Attachment Link)
Yes. It's clearance for screws that reside below those cutouts. It effectively creates cylindrical access areas so you can get the screws into place to hold the plate up against the interior of the case.
hmm... not sure I follow, but if you say "yes," I trust it's all good. :thumb:
there's stuff inside there, and your Photoshop wouldn't give room for that stuff. :p
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 30 August 2017, 17:50:14
Quick question. Is there a particular reason why the bottom of the case looks like A vs. B? (pardon my sloppy photoshop)
(Attachment Link)
Yes. It's clearance for screws that reside below those cutouts. It effectively creates cylindrical access areas so you can get the screws into place to hold the plate up against the interior of the case.
hmm... not sure I follow, but if you say "yes," I trust it's all good. :thumb:
there's stuff inside there, and your Photoshop wouldn't give room for that stuff. :p
This. ;D
Post by: vinzlr on Fri, 01 September 2017, 10:06:18
Post by: avid on Fri, 01 September 2017, 10:12:40
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Fri, 01 September 2017, 10:49:16
Would european proxies be a consideration? Either mykeyboard.eu or candykeys.com
The people at mykeyboard.eu are really nice and they've been proxies for keyclack group buys, I bet they'd be up for it.
Post by: bello2185 on Fri, 01 September 2017, 16:29:15
Post by: Burt Macklin on Sat, 02 September 2017, 05:59:48
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 02 September 2017, 19:07:52
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Sat, 02 September 2017, 20:40:32
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 02 September 2017, 20:43:14
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
I think these will probably be made in the USA, though. Does that change the calculus?
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Sat, 02 September 2017, 20:53:11
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
I think these will probably be made in the USA, though. Does that change the calculus?
Owner is necromanx on reddit and r/mk discord, talk to him and do the math.
Post by: chakku on Sun, 03 September 2017, 00:33:13
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 03 September 2017, 11:40:16
Are you able to rehost the photos of the prototype? 404 on Dropbox.
I'm working on fixing the issue. I had been using Dropbox for all my forum photos, and that horrible, horrible company just decided the other day to drop support for their "Public" folder, breaking millions of links to images hosted all around the web. I'm switching to hosting these on my own web server. It'll just take me a day or two to find and update all my old links. :S
Sorry for the trouble.
Post by: necromanx on Sun, 03 September 2017, 13:16:33
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
I think these will probably be made in the USA, though. Does that change the calculus?
Owner is necromanx on reddit and r/mk discord, talk to him and do the math.
Hi. I am also here on GH ;-) Items made in the US will have import taxes and VAT applied when shipped over to us. However, a proxy might still be be beneficial for EU countries. Besides the price agreement we would work out, grouping all EU orders will remove a part of the import duties and have cheaper shipping to the customer.
Post by: xondat on Sun, 03 September 2017, 13:18:19
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
A buyer based in the EU will always pay VAT on an item. The only savings from an EU proxy will simply be shipping.
Post by: necromanx on Sun, 03 September 2017, 13:25:22
1) Product price
2) Import fees
3) Import administration fee
4) VAT
5) shipping
A couple of those costs can be cut with a proxy. It also avoids import hassles like items being stuck at customs etc.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 03 September 2017, 15:53:48
How would that work exactly? These guys have an address in the USA to which I would ship? If so, I'd be happy to do that rather than shipping internationally. Several people used proxy shipping services in my last group buy by just entering the address of the proxy service when checking out.
Basic idea would be: ship EU orders to them from manufacturer, have them ship to EU customers. They are based in Belgium. It would mean cheaper shipping for EU buyers and probably no VAT.
I think these will probably be made in the USA, though. Does that change the calculus?
Owner is necromanx on reddit and r/mk discord, talk to him and do the math.
Hi. I am also here on GH ;-) Items made in the US will have import taxes and VAT applied when shipped over to us. However, a proxy might still be be beneficial for EU countries. Besides the price agreement we would work out, grouping all EU orders will remove a part of the import duties and have cheaper shipping to the customer.
Cool. Feel free to PM or email me and maybe we can figure something out! :)
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 03 September 2017, 16:09:51
I want one
Post by: necromanx on Sun, 03 September 2017, 17:02:04
Cool. Feel free to PM or email me and maybe we can figure something out! :)
Done :-)
Post by: CandyKeys on Sun, 03 September 2017, 17:42:19
Would european proxies be a consideration? Either mykeyboard.eu or candykeys.com
Would be also down, but seems a bit too late.
Still here if required.
Post by: panzermuffin on Mon, 04 September 2017, 08:38:45
Would european proxies be a consideration? Either mykeyboard.eu or candykeys.com
Would be also down, but seems a bit too late.
Still here if required.
Having too many EU Proxies. What a time to be alive! :D
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 04 September 2017, 11:49:51
Are we closer to a timeline on these RF cases?
I want one
I was hoping a GB in the next month or less. I'm supposed to get final pre-production samples and pricing in the next week or so. Then I want to try powder-coating it. But that should be all I need to take some nice pics and get a pre-order rolling.
Confirmed with the workshop, btw, that winkey blockers will be possible, so I plan on doing that as an option.
Post by: hayt on Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:01:02
Are we closer to a timeline on these RF cases?
I want one
I was hoping a GB in the next month or less. I'm supposed to get final pre-production samples and pricing in the next week or so. Then I want to try powder-coating it. But that should be all I need to take some nice pics and get a pre-order rolling.
Confirmed with the workshop, btw, that winkey blockers will be possible, so I plan on doing that as an option.
Thank you for the update! Definitely going to be going with the WKL option :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ewwgin on Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:04:30
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: avid on Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:04:59
Post by: Damonskv on Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:20:07
Will WKL only work with realforce 86? Or how will it be implemented on 87? Considering how the topre spacebar is 6.0 it would be nice if it was possible to do a 1.5 block 1.5 spacebar (7) 1.5 block 1.5 layout.It, will work only with realforce 86 pcb
Post by: jkmac1 on Mon, 04 September 2017, 16:17:51
Post by: romevi on Mon, 04 September 2017, 19:57:43
You said PCBs will be available too, right? For the WKL?
Or maybe I'm thinking of something else.
Post by: clasicks on Mon, 04 September 2017, 20:57:28
The PCB prototypes arrived today! I've been too busy with other stuff today to test (namely shipping out what seems like mountains of keyboard boxes), but I should have some updates soon.
The shop also promised me samples of the production CNC case around this week (but that was three weeks ago), so it's time to go give them a nudge soon. I'm hoping to shoot some video of these being machined from the sample run.
he did say this above mr romevi - not sure if that means wkl pcbs
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 04 September 2017, 21:00:55
Magsafe-style cable on the outside (with USB type A on the other end). For those who prefer a regular cable, the magsafe head can be pulled out and a USB-C cable used.
The kit includes a custom internal cable and sub-PCB to replace the stock Topre cable that goes inside the case.
Post by: consolation on Mon, 04 September 2017, 22:59:28
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 14:19:06
The pcb he is referencing is the custom daughter board to convert it to USB-c. It's part of the kit
Magsafe-style cable on the outside (with USB type A on the other end). For those who prefer a regular cable, the magsafe head can be pulled out and a USB-C cable used.
The kit includes a custom internal cable and sub-PCB to replace the stock Topre cable that goes inside the case.
confirmed. :) reece has it right.
WKL just means popping off your windows keys and having blockers there instead. Doing that apparently is, like, a thing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 14:39:18
The pcb he is referencing is the custom daughter board to convert it to USB-c. It's part of the kit
Magsafe-style cable on the outside (with USB type A on the other end). For those who prefer a regular cable, the magsafe head can be pulled out and a USB-C cable used.
The kit includes a custom internal cable and sub-PCB to replace the stock Topre cable that goes inside the case.
confirmed. :) reece has it right.
WKL just means popping off your windows keys and having blockers there instead. Doing that apparently is, like, a thing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Do you know if there is any way to get this to work with realforce 87? I would love a WKL realforce, but the RF86 is quite rare.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 14:41:27
The pcb he is referencing is the custom daughter board to convert it to USB-c. It's part of the kit
Magsafe-style cable on the outside (with USB type A on the other end). For those who prefer a regular cable, the magsafe head can be pulled out and a USB-C cable used.
The kit includes a custom internal cable and sub-PCB to replace the stock Topre cable that goes inside the case.
confirmed. :) reece has it right.
WKL just means popping off your windows keys and having blockers there instead. Doing that apparently is, like, a thing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Do you know if there is any way to get this to work with realforce 87? I would love a WKL realforce, but the RF86 is quite rare.
I designed the case around the 87U, actually.
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 14:45:01
I designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:14:07
I designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Oh, good point. Clearly, I am unlearned in the ways of winkeylessness. Can you guys help me understand which models would be suited to a WKL version and which wouldn't? I only have an 87U and 91U on hand. I need to figure out how wide to make and where to position the blockers.
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:43:38
I designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Oh, good point. Clearly, I am unlearned in the ways of winkeylessness. Can you guys help me understand which models would be suited to a WKL version and which wouldn't? I only have an 87U and 91U on hand. I need to figure out how wide to make and where to position the blockers.
Basically all WKL are using this layout:
(1.5) block (1.5) (7 space) (1.5) block (1.5)
Where the block size is =1.
realforce 86 has this layout, so it will fit like a glove. Problem is this model is not for sale, and is quite rare. Much more so than novatouch i'd guess.
Realforce 87: Use (1.5) (1) (1.5) (6 space) (1.5) (1) (1) (1.5)
On left side, would work. On right side it would be a problem.
If there was a fix, this need to get done:
-get a 7 spacebar. (which is easily fixed)
-remove one (1) spacer.
-move all right side modifiers 1 step to the right.
So the question is if the PCB could be fixed to do this, basically if it allows the 1 movement to the right. It's easy to remove sliders, but if there is holes that support this layout is the question.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:57:20
I designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Oh, good point. Clearly, I am unlearned in the ways of winkeylessness. Can you guys help me understand which models would be suited to a WKL version and which wouldn't? I only have an 87U and 91U on hand. I need to figure out how wide to make and where to position the blockers.
Basically all WKL are using this layout:
(1.5) block (1.5) (7 space) (1.5) block (1.5)
Where the block size is =1.
realforce 86 has this layout, so it will fit like a glove. Problem is this model is not for sale, and is quite rare. Much more so than novatouch i'd guess.
Realforce 87: Use (1.5) (1) (1.5) (6 space) (1.5) (1) (1) (1.5)
On left side, would work. On right side it would be a problem.
If there was a fix, this need to get done:
-get a 7 spacebar. (which is easily fixed)
-remove one (1) spacer.
-move all right side modifiers 1 step to the right.
So the question is if the PCB could be fixed to do this, basically if it allows the 1 movement to the right. It's easy to remove sliders, but if there is holes that support this layout is the question.
OK, this makes sense to me. 1u blockers on each side of a 7u spacebar, where the keys to the right of the spacebar number three rather than four. Thanks, avid.
So my question for the folks who wanted WKL would be: did you guys plan to use it with an RF 86 keyboard, or to make a modification to your plate/PCB in some manner as discussed above? If the former, does anybody have an 86U that they could loan me for a week or so to take measurements?
Post by: Damonskv on Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:58:15
Only 86u pcb will be compatible with the Wkl case, there is also a model 89u which has built-in blockers, I know at least 2 guys here on geekhack who put 86uI designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Oh, good point. Clearly, I am unlearned in the ways of winkeylessness. Can you guys help me understand which models would be suited to a WKL version and which wouldn't? I only have an 87U and 91U on hand. I need to figure out how wide to make and where to position the blockers.
Into 89u case, having a real 84u realforce. Details you can find here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88485.msg2393427#msg2393427 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88485.msg2393427#msg2393427)
Also you can find stunning jokrik's photos.
I personally find the idea of creating wkl version absolutely wonderful.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:05:02
Only 86u pcb will be compatible with the Wkl case, there is also a model 89u which has built-in blockers, I know at least 2 guys here on geekhack who put 86uI designed the case around the 87U, actually.
I mean the blockers in WKL version. Problem with 87 is that it has 2 "1" keys on the right side and the lack of symmetry might look weird if going WKL.
Oh, good point. Clearly, I am unlearned in the ways of winkeylessness. Can you guys help me understand which models would be suited to a WKL version and which wouldn't? I only have an 87U and 91U on hand. I need to figure out how wide to make and where to position the blockers.
Into 89u case, having a real 84u realforce. Details you can find here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88485.msg2393427#msg2393427 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88485.msg2393427#msg2393427)
Also you can find stunning jokrik's photos.
I personally find the idea of creating wkl version absolutely wonderful.
Maybe I'm missing an important part of the premise, but given the limited availability of the 84, 89, etc., why couldn't we just block 1u winkey on the left and both the 1u winkey + 1u context menu key on the right to make it for the 86u instead? Is is the asymmetry that would bother people?
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:10:09
Maybe I'm missing an important part of the premise, but given the limited availability of the 84, 89, etc., why couldn't we just block 1u winkey on the left and both the 1u winkey + 1u context menu key on the right to make it for the 86u instead? Is is the asymmetry that would bother people?
Can anyone who know photoshop/random editing program maybe mockup a RF87 with the different versions norbauer is suggesting. You don't happend to have a top-down picture of the RF-aluminum case?
I really like WKL design and i think using a 2u blocker on right side would look great.
Did a fast pair of blockers. I think it would look fantastic!
(http://i.imgur.com/vdWG9Y3.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ph1ZUWY.png)
Post by: hayt on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:21:01
If not, I have 87u and would most likely not go with a WKL if it is only specifically for 86U, or if it blocks off two keys on the right side of the spacebar (which I find odd)
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:35:18
Would it be possible to offer (2) WKL versions? One for 87u and one for 86u?
I think that would be asking a bit much of the machine shop, and it would certainly become quite expensive. If we're going to go with a WKL option (which actually seems a bit more questionable to me given this new info), we should try to figure out which of the two it's going to be, I'm afraid. I had originally assumed that folks were talking about 1u blockers on the 87U just over the winkeys, leaving the context menu key intact, but that's not even an option anyone has yet proposed. It seems there are more subtleties to the issue than I had initially appreciated. :confused:
Post by: hayt on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:36:22
[attachimg=1]
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:38:30
The question now is what does looks best:
1u - 1u blocker
or
1u - 2u blocker
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:49:04
This is what I had in mind, biased towards 87u
(Attachment Link)
if you're doing blockers, this makes the most sense to me. also looks the best
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:54:59
(http://i.imgur.com/FCaqPWF.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Bi8My5H.jpg)
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=89451.0;attach=177542;image)
Post by: usopia on Tue, 05 September 2017, 17:08:45
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Tue, 05 September 2017, 17:22:55
(https://i.imgur.com/o4MBMyJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qRdeYfX.jpg)
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 17:33:25
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 05 September 2017, 17:57:32
Post by: clasicks on Tue, 05 September 2017, 17:59:31
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
86u or bust, the WKL option for 87u is just kinda ghetto IMO
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:09:59
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
Perhaps this might be a compromise solution. It provides that WKL look for 87U users, would have a nice symmetry (1u blockers, each the same distance from their closest key boundary), and would be compatible with both models. (This is all assuming that the 86u even has the same plate as the 87u and is thus compatible with my case in the first place, of course.)
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:10:30
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
Perhaps this might be a compromise solution. It provides that WKL look for 87U users, would have a nice symmetry (1u blockers, each the same distance from their closest key boundary), and would be compatible with both models.
Would be absolutely amazing
Mockup:
(http://i.imgur.com/HBL8B3H.jpg)
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:12:23
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
Perhaps this might be a compromise solution. It provides that WKL look for 87U users, would have a nice symmetry (1u blockers, each the same distance from their closest key boundary), and would be compatible with both models.
Would be absolutely amazing
Mockup:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/HBL8B3H.jpg)
87U folks could also swap that right winkey with their context menu button if they preferred.
Post by: hayt on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:13:05
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
Perhaps this might be a compromise solution. It provides that WKL look for 87U users, would have a nice symmetry (1u blockers, each the same distance from their closest key boundary), and would be compatible with both models.
Would be absolutely amazing
Mockup:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/HBL8B3H.jpg)
+1 thx DG
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:17:13
This way everyone can config it the way they want.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:30:31
One idea is to sell single unit blockers, like Duck has done with the Lightsaver 2.
This way everyone can config it the way they want.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
I would also be totally open to something like this. Let me know what you guys think.
Post by: mkarlsson on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:32:39
Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:34:34
Post by: Auk on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:35:07
Also, more color matching issues with anodizing?
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:36:19
Does anyone know if UK model 88U would fit this case?
I would assume so based on how the keys are configured, but I could say with greater certainty if you could send me a pic of the plate.
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:36:53
Blockers integrated into the case are much prettier...
Also, more color matching issues with anodizing?
If everyone had a RF86 that would be a better idea, but the reality is most people got the 87 version. This way everyone can config the way they want.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:37:02
Blockers integrated into the case are much prettier...
Also, more color matching issues with anodizing?
I agree with your first statement but we may have to compromise if everybody wants different things. Yes, absolutely, anodizing would be much trickier with the blockers as separate parts. It would be slightly better since I'll only be offering clear Type II and Type III colors, which don't use dye.
Post by: fine_italian_leather on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:45:03
Post by: mkarlsson on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:47:28
Does anyone know if UK model 88U would fit this case?
I would assume so based on how the keys are configured, but I could say with greater certainty if you could send me a pic of the plate.
Thanks Ryan, don't own one... yet, but thinking on it just because of this case. Checking Keyboardco but it's so expensive... By now I only have a novatouch waiting for your R2 case 🤤
Does anyone own a 88U?
Thanks!
Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
Post by: Auk on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:53:24
I can certainly see the need to compromise somewhere, and some people will be disappointed for sure, but as I see it this case is exceptional, so 'cheap' solutions are maybe not the way to go.
Noted the comments on popularity of 86u, is it even available to buy new anywhere? I think if the 91u doesn't line up with the 86u, then I would maybe lean toward building the WKL design around the 87u/88u as those are the keyboards that are available.
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 05 September 2017, 18:56:06
Please block the right menu key, not the right winkey, as makes it impossible to use with an 86u.
Perhaps this might be a compromise solution. It provides that WKL look for 87U users, would have a nice symmetry (1u blockers, each the same distance from their closest key boundary), and would be compatible with both models. (This is all assuming that the 86u even has the same plate as the 87u and is thus compatible with my case in the first place, of course.)
I can snap some pics of the PCB tomorrow (86u) if you'd like, just let me know.
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 19:06:14
re 91u JIS layout: are the Win keys on that model in the same place as the 86u?
I can certainly see the need to compromise somewhere, and some people will be disappointed for sure, but as I see it this case is exceptional, so 'cheap' solutions are maybe not the way to go.
Noted the comments on popularity of 86u, is it even available to buy new anywhere? I think if the 91u doesn't line up with the 86u, then I would maybe lean toward building the WKL design around the 87u/88u as those are the keyboards that are available.
86 was last sold in dec 2013. 91u seems to have the same layout as 86 for the three keys on each side.
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 05 September 2017, 19:50:44
One idea is to sell single unit blockers, like Duck has done with the Lightsaver 2.
This way everyone can config it the way they want.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
I would also be totally open to something like this. Let me know what you guys think.
I hate single unit blockers with a passion.
Post by: clasicks on Tue, 05 September 2017, 19:52:20
One idea is to sell single unit blockers, like Duck has done with the Lightsaver 2.
This way everyone can config it the way they want.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
I would also be totally open to something like this. Let me know what you guys think.
I hate single unit blockers with a passion.
Agreed, its either all in or all out. I think that the method DGNEO provided, that accommodates both the 86u and 87u is the most logical thing to do.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 19:55:02
One idea is to sell single unit blockers, like Duck has done with the Lightsaver 2.
This way everyone can config it the way they want.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
I would also be totally open to something like this. Let me know what you guys think.
I hate single unit blockers with a passion.
Agreed, its either all in or all out. I think that the method DGNEO provided, that accommodates both the 86u and 87u is the most logical thing to do.
I would say that option remains my favorite as well. Is there anyone who doesn't like that solution (i.e., 1u blockers each spaced 1.5u from the bottom-right and bottom-left of the QWERTY region)?
Post by: Auk on Tue, 05 September 2017, 20:35:56
I would say that option remains my favorite as well. Is there anyone who doesn't like that solution (i.e., 1u blockers each spaced 1.5u from the bottom-right and bottom-left of the QWERTY region)?
This is an interesting solution, I don't hate it,* but symmetry around the spacebar is more attractive.
[attach=1]
Before making a final decision I'd very much want to know with high confidence how many people want winkeyless for the 86u/91u. If serious demand isn't there I would accommodate the 87u/88u with the best possible version for those layouts.
EDIT: *I don't hate it, but I don't think I'd buy it either.
Post by: avid on Tue, 05 September 2017, 20:43:57
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 05 September 2017, 20:58:03
Post by: romevi on Tue, 05 September 2017, 21:07:37
Post by: kmba on Tue, 05 September 2017, 22:32:42
Post by: cynviloq on Tue, 05 September 2017, 23:15:31
I generally still prefer 3 keys to the right of Space to give myself options (generally used as a couple FN keys and an Apps/Menu key).
Post by: FSund on Wed, 06 September 2017, 00:22:02
Does anyone know if UK model 88U would fit this case?
I would assume so based on how the keys are configured, but I could say with greater certainty if you could send me a pic of the plate.
Thanks Ryan, don't own one... yet, but thinking on it just because of this case. Checking Keyboardco but it's so expensive... By now I only have a novatouch waiting for your R2 case 🤤
Does anyone own a 88U?
Thanks!
I have a 88UB, I could try to get some photos of the PCB, if I can coerce my wife to get her to bring it back from her office..!
How do I go about opening up the case? I've never done it, but I guess I should start practicing for when the Norbauer case is ready.
Post by: FSund on Wed, 06 September 2017, 07:26:41
Does anyone know if UK model 88U would fit this case?
I would assume so based on how the keys are configured, but I could say with greater certainty if you could send me a pic of the plate.
Thanks Ryan, don't own one... yet, but thinking on it just because of this case. Checking Keyboardco but it's so expensive... By now I only have a novatouch waiting for your R2 case 🤤
Does anyone own a 88U?
Thanks!
I have a 88UB, I could try to get some photos of the PCB, if I can coerce my wife to get her to bring it back from her office..!
How do I go about opening up the case? I've never done it, but I guess I should start practicing for when the Norbauer case is ready.
I found some images in an old GH thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44692.0), and there are some (off-angle) shots of the PCB in the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPoei-HteM). Does that help? If not I'll try to get some pictures of the PCB this weekend.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Wed, 06 September 2017, 08:59:41
Even though I prefer wkl centered around spacebar visually, I voted for centered on qwerty because I actually use Windows key for shortcuts and this board idmt programmable to swap it to menu key. And I'd rather not map is in the os since I use multiple boards and don't want menu as win in all.
Same here, I need just one Winkey for shortcuts - but also like the integrated blockers.
Centered on qwerty is ideal.
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 06 September 2017, 09:38:22
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 06 September 2017, 09:53:32
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:06:12
Post by: avid on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:10:02
I went to fill out the survey and then realized I really don't want to sway it one way or the other b/c I'm not sure I'll do WKL in the end. On the fence :(
If you're on the fence - wouldn't single blocker units be the best idea? That way you can config it as you want and run WKL or WK as you like.
This also makes production easier - since he just has to do one version (WK) + single unit blockers as separates.
Post by: hayt on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:13:48
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:15:39
This is only my opinion but I find the single blocker units to be quite hideous.
Don't you dare lad
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:23:16
I went to fill out the survey and then realized I really don't want to sway it one way or the other b/c I'm not sure I'll do WKL in the end. On the fence :(
If you're on the fence - wouldn't single blocker units be the best idea? That way you can config it as you want and run WKL or WK as you like.
This also makes production easier - since he just has to do one version (WK) + single unit blockers as separates.
I understand you would like removable blockers, but TBH how would this even be implemented? a plastic clip on to the plate with an aluminum cover? something mounted on the side wall of the case?
I for one would not like a case with holes ( if he does one universal design to accomadate removable blockers and none ) if was to purchace a traditional layout.
Why are you so into removable blockers, seems ghetto.
Post by: kmba on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:26:24
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:37:20
Removable blockers are hideous.
Shut ur **** mouth
Post by: xondat on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:39:01
Removable blockers are hideous.
+1
Traditional blocker placement should be the only option, anything else is just a compromise not worth taking.
Post by: avid on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:46:52
I understand you would like removable blockers, but TBH how would this even be implemented? a plastic clip on to the plate with an aluminum cover? something mounted on the side wall of the case?
I for one would not like a case with holes ( if he does one universal design to accomadate removable blockers and none ) if was to purchace a traditional layout.
Why are you so into removable blockers, seems ghetto.
Haha, it's a small trade-of in terms of look, but a huge step up overall.
You remove the Sliders and there is a screw from the bottom holding the blocker in place.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:49:36
I understand you would like removable blockers, but TBH how would this even be implemented? a plastic clip on to the plate with an aluminum cover? something mounted on the side wall of the case?
I for one would not like a case with holes ( if he does one universal design to accomadate removable blockers and none ) if was to purchace a traditional layout.
Why are you so into removable blockers, seems ghetto.
Haha, it's a small trade-of in terms of look, but a huge step up overall.
You remove the Sliders and there is a screw from the bottom holding the blocker in place.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
Is there an image in that link I am not seeing of the mounting style? looks bad tbh
Post by: kmba on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:49:51
I understand you would like removable blockers, but TBH how would this even be implemented? a plastic clip on to the plate with an aluminum cover? something mounted on the side wall of the case?
I for one would not like a case with holes ( if he does one universal design to accomadate removable blockers and none ) if was to purchace a traditional layout.
Why are you so into removable blockers, seems ghetto.
Haha, it's a small trade-of in terms of look, but a huge step up overall.
You remove the Sliders and there is a screw from the bottom holding the blocker in place.
http://duck0113.tistory.com/68
Yup those look gross.
Post by: nmur on Wed, 06 September 2017, 10:52:14
Removable blockers are hideous.
+1
Traditional blocker placement should be the only option, anything else is just a compromise not worth taking.
(https://i.imgur.com/NOvjfiH.jpg)
yeah it's honestly looks like too much of a cost cut for something premium like this
fwiw, i wouldn't personally be opting for a WKL in any form with a RF except in the case of an 86U. otherwise the non-parallelism just looks wonky
Post by: Lansky on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:34:58
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 06 September 2017, 11:47:23
Does anyone know if UK model 88U would fit this case?
I would assume so based on how the keys are configured, but I could say with greater certainty if you could send me a pic of the plate.
Thanks Ryan, don't own one... yet, but thinking on it just because of this case. Checking Keyboardco but it's so expensive... By now I only have a novatouch waiting for your R2 case 🤤
Does anyone own a 88U?
Thanks!
I have a 88UB, I could try to get some photos of the PCB, if I can coerce my wife to get her to bring it back from her office..!
How do I go about opening up the case? I've never done it, but I guess I should start practicing for when the Norbauer case is ready.
I found some images in an old GH thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44692.0), and there are some (off-angle) shots of the PCB in the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPoei-HteM). Does that help? If not I'll try to get some pictures of the PCB this weekend.
Thanks for finding these links. The overall PCB and plate profile look identical to me, so I would assume the 88 would fit in the same case as an 87. If anybody wants to loan me one for a day or two to test, I'm happy to confirm for certain.
Post by: FSund on Thu, 07 September 2017, 01:34:38
Thanks for finding these links. The overall PCB and plate profile look identical to me, so I would assume the 88 would fit in the same case as an 87. If anybody wants to loan me one for a day or two to test, I'm happy to confirm for certain.Here are some pictures I shot yesterday (with my phone, sorry!), although I'm not sure if they are of any further help. http://imgur.com/a/cLCWR
I hope you're able to borrow a keyboard to confirm, although I'm probably ordering a case even if you are unable to confirm beforehand.
Post by: Lansky on Thu, 07 September 2017, 03:55:39
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 07 September 2017, 14:27:53
Post by: PerniciousPony on Fri, 08 September 2017, 17:10:03
Here's an 87u with blockers
(https://i.imgur.com/JLKFXez.jpg)
and here is an 86u with blockers.
(https://i.imgur.com/6TxW7kr.jpg)
An 89u and 91u JIS board will work with blockers as well as I pulled this case from a JIS 89u, and should be viable on the 88u as well.
Post by: Wetherbee on Fri, 08 September 2017, 19:19:54
Post by: Blazestorm on Fri, 08 September 2017, 19:48:47
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 08 September 2017, 19:51:34
Post by: Wetherbee on Fri, 08 September 2017, 19:56:38
I have no problem with blockers, but people are also proposing building them into the case which would require completely different machining. Is there really that much of a market to make that profitable?
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 08 September 2017, 20:55:03
I'm not trying to be critical, I just want to understand the reasoning or thought process.
I have no problem with blockers, but people are also proposing building them into the case which would require completely different machining. Is there really that much of a market to make that profitable?
The extra top option (and to be truthful, I do not wish to have the blockers) shouldn't effect the cost of the case for anyone who wants the regular version. It will be a more expensive option. Similar to how he ran the buys for the cm cases, where the premium finishes cost a lot more.
Post by: romevi on Fri, 08 September 2017, 21:40:09
Post by: Wetherbee on Fri, 08 September 2017, 21:46:28
Post by: kmba on Fri, 08 September 2017, 22:48:18
Post by: Wetherbee on Fri, 08 September 2017, 23:02:32
It's not about not getting 1u blockers if you don't want them. It's about voicing an opinion that build in wkl blockers are our preference. I doubt he's going to offer both options, so we're just voicing an opinion.
Can I ask why you like winkeyless? That's really my question. Is it because you've owned similar keyboards? Is is a functional preference or an aesthetic one? Is there a unix vs. windows aspect to it? Or is it a gamer thing? I do remember hating accidentally hitting the winkey when I was playing old games.
Post by: nightsense on Sat, 09 September 2017, 00:32:45
Post by: Lansky on Sat, 09 September 2017, 05:08:03
I do like the look of having them blocked though, especially centered around the spacebar for symmetry.
Post by: nastrovje on Sat, 09 September 2017, 07:34:55
I remap my boards so that Ctrl is where Capslock is normally and Windows key moves to the place where Ctrl was. So I am not losing any functionality.
Do we have here so many cholerics who need Capslock readily available at any second? :))
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 09 September 2017, 13:36:56
Whenever I'm puzzled by some form of human behavior, I find it helpful to think of it in evolutionary terms: perhaps winkey blockers are like the peacock's tail, a resource-costly form of masculine signaling--as if to say, "I'm so reproductively fit, I can get work done without even needing two of my modifier keys."
Thought of another way, it's also like riding one's bike without touching the handlebars: not strictly speaking a good idea, but still kind of cool anyway. :D
Post by: MAR82 on Sun, 10 September 2017, 11:13:57
Are you really trying to take all my money? ;D
Post by: clappingcactus on Tue, 12 September 2017, 19:51:05
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 12 September 2017, 20:05:36
So was the final answer centered on QWERTY? Because I'm soon an owner of an 89U.
Alas, the survey data showed a toss-up between centered on spacebar and centered on alpha borders. I think I'm probably going with the latter, merely because it ensures most universal compatibility, but I'm still doing a bit of R&D on the subject and will report back. :)
Post by: clappingcactus on Tue, 12 September 2017, 20:13:46
So was the final answer centered on QWERTY? Because I'm soon an owner of an 89U.
Alas, the survey data showed a toss-up between centered on spacebar and centered on alpha borders. I think I'm probably going with the latter, merely because it ensures most universal compatibility, but I'm still doing a bit of R&D on the subject and will report back. :)
Haha, I actually think centered on spacebar isn't compatible with the 89U at all. Where the blockers already exist would cause me to have a completely borked bottom row, so you may be right RE: compatability.
BTW, I was hoping to get a really textured white on this upcoming realforce case. Something like enigma black but white? Is that possible at your current shop, Ryan? If not, what white textures can they make?
Post by: vinzlr on Wed, 13 September 2017, 09:17:29
Post by: dgneo on Wed, 13 September 2017, 09:17:44
So was the final answer centered on QWERTY? Because I'm soon an owner of an 89U.
Alas, the survey data showed a toss-up between centered on spacebar and centered on alpha borders. I think I'm probably going with the latter, merely because it ensures most universal compatibility, but I'm still doing a bit of R&D on the subject and will report back. :)
Aww yisssssssss
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 25 September 2017, 16:00:57
It's starting to look close to Christmas time so maybe letting us know in advance that Christmas season will be a few hundred dollars more expensive would be a cool idea. :P
Post by: pvd on Mon, 25 September 2017, 21:46:20
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 25 September 2017, 22:43:26
(https://i.imgur.com/ebIxmM4.jpg)
But they don't have a plate cutout for the missing key (so blockers not centered on qwerty would actually cause a complete misalignment of the bottom row.
(https://i.imgur.com/A2uSDJR.jpg)
Post by: consolation on Tue, 26 September 2017, 22:52:01
My b if this was answered earlier in the thread, but would this case fit a 91U JIS realforce?
Yes, all RF TKLs use same PCB (as far as is known), just the plate has different holes cut out. My 87u had a PCB that could accommodate JIS switches in theory. So, should work with all RF TKLs of the old design, I'm not sure about the new RGB ones.
Post by: romevi on Tue, 26 September 2017, 22:55:23
Phew! You're some consolation!My b if this was answered earlier in the thread, but would this case fit a 91U JIS realforce?
Yes, all RF TKLs use same PCB (as far as is known), just the plate has different holes cut out. My 87u had a PCB that could accommodate JIS switches in theory. So, should work with all RF TKLs of the old design, I'm not sure about the new RGB ones.
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:47:43
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:49:06
Any chance for a nameplate on these? We have such a big bezel and would love to be able to have a little customization.
As in: a customized plate with the engraved name of the owner?
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:51:09
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:56:17
Yessir! maybe where the orig realforce logo is, or above the prtscrn cluster - a little plaque type thing?
I had previously thought about adding some kind of optional branding plate (as an aesthetic nod to the awesome IBM branding plates that used to be on their mainframes), but I think doing custom nameplates would be more one-off work than this particular machine shop is willing to arrange. Still, there is nothing to prevent someone getting his or her own made and gluing it in place.
I decided against the branding plate too, because a) it just seems vain to put my name/"brand" on something so prominently and b) I think I'd prefer to preserve the clean futuristic lines of the case itself without cluttering it up with anything else.
Post by: salvanipour on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:57:50
Any chance for a nameplate on these? We have such a big bezel and would love to be able to have a little customization.
As in: a customized plate with the engraved name of the owner?
Now THIS is an excellent idea.
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 10:58:27
Yessir! maybe where the orig realforce logo is, or above the prtscrn cluster - a little plaque type thing?
I had previously thought about adding some kind of optional branding plate (as an aesthetic nod to the awesome IBM branding plates that used to be on their mainframes), but I think doing custom nameplates would be more one-off work than this particular machine shop is willing to arrange. Still, there is nothing to prevent someone getting his or her own made and gluing it in place.
I decided against the branding plate too, because a) it just seems vain to put my name/"brand" on something so prominently and b) I think I'd prefer to preserve the clean futuristic lines of the case itself without cluttering it up with anything else.
Great answer, and not a disappointment - still v excited for this to come into GB status :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:00:44
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:07:27
I got samples back from the California factory yesterday. Overall, they look fantastic, but I noticed a couple of areas where the tooling marks were still slightly visible. They seemed reassuringly mortified when I pointed this out and are re-working the samples right now to fix that issue. They have also promised that there will not be any such marks in production. (They're actually ordering some huge custom-made chamfer end mills to avoid it.) I figure I'll wait until the fixed samples are back before doing proper photos of them, but in general they look fantastic, and I especially like the color and look of the hard anodized cases. They have more of a matte look than I've seen on anodized parts in the past, which I think suits the design very well. In the right light, the Type II anodized case can even almost pass for white Corian. ;)
Assuming we get these final production issues ironed out, there's really not anything stopping me from proceeding with the group buy within the next 2-3 weeks. (It should only take that long because I want to get a sample powder coated too.) Because we have to get PCBs, cables, connectors, and aluminum parts with two kinds of anodizing and powder coat options, this one will probably take a bit longer to manufacture than your average case, but in terms of what we need for me to feel comfortable starting a GB, I think we're almost there. :)
Post by: romevi on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:23:58
Post by: xondat on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:29:04
It would be cool to have the Realforce plaque thing at the top though. And then it leaves the option for people to create their own silly nameplates if they really want them.
Like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/xYM7Dl2.png)
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:31:36
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91697.0;topicseen
Post by: xondat on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:36:43
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:37:44
The sooner the better. Gotta beat the competition to the market! ;D
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91697.0;topicseen
I mean, i already wrote that off, no way i am getting into a 30 spot sale...
Post by: salvanipour on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:38:30
Also will the name be Norbaforce or Realbauer? ;)
This literally made me lol. I'm game for either and I can't believe this is coming to fruition so soon.
Post by: hayt on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:44:08
Oh, incidentally, by way of an UPDATE. :)
I got samples back from the California factory yesterday. Overall, they look fantastic, but I noticed a couple of areas where the tooling marks were still slightly visible. They seemed reassuringly mortified when I pointed this out and are re-working the samples right now to fix that issue. They have also promised that there will not be any such marks in production. (They're actually ordering some huge custom-made chamfer end mills to avoid it.) I figure I'll wait until the fixed samples are back before doing proper photos of them, but in general they look fantastic, and I especially like the color and look of the hard anodized cases. They have more of a matte look than I've seen on anodized parts in the past, which I think suits the design very well. In the right light, the Type II anodized case can even almost pass for white Corian. ;)
Assuming we get these final production issues ironed out, there's really not anything stopping me from proceeding with the group buy within the next 2-3 weeks. (It should only take that long because I want to get a sample powder coated too.) Because we have to get PCBs, cables, connectors, and aluminum parts with two kinds of anodizing and powder coat options, this one will probably take a bit longer to manufacture than your average case, but in terms of what we need for me to feel comfortable starting a GB, I think we're almost there. :)
Thank you for the update!! I love the fact that they are purchasing custom chamfer tooling specifically for these cases. Sounds baller :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:46:02
Also will the name be Norbaforce or Realbauer? ;)
I was actually thinking of calling it the CaliForce case, since it's made right here in Silicon Valley. :) The company that's machining them does work for places like NASA and Tesla.
Post by: Techno Trousers on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:47:24
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 11:47:37
Also will the name be Norbaforce or Realbauer? ;)
I was actually thinking of calling it the CaliForce case, since it's made right here in Silicon Valley. :) The company that's machining them does work for places like NASA and Tesla.
CaliForce has a great ring to it. 'murica
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 12:15:49
Do we know yet what the cost will be for these?
I've seen some ballpark numbers, but actually still haven't gotten the final quote so I'm hesitant to give any specific numbers yet for fear of being wrong. I expect to have the final factory quote within the next week or so. The reason I did a short sample run with the workshop is that we're looking for ways to optimize the machining to bring the cost down, and they said they couldn't give me an absolutely definite best price until they'd actually gone through the process of making a few. They've now collected those data, and I'm currently reducing the number of tabs on the back plate and the rubber foot pockets and making some other changes that won't have any affect on the look of the case, but which should help shave costs a bit.
Making it in America rather than China certainly makes things more non-trivially more expensive, but I wanted to experiment with doing a sort of "premium" case since this design is for my all-time favorite keyboard. While more expensive, it allows me to keep a closer eye on QC by doing in-person visits to the factory. They'll also be fabricated using a much higher-tech toolchain, better CNC machines, etc., than were used on my Novatouch cases.
Heh. So, yeah, that's a long way of saying I don't yet know what the price is going to be but my general feeling can probably be summed up as "kind of expensive, but better than you'd guess for something made in the high-tech capital of the US where real estate and cost-of-living are higher than almost anywhere else in the world." ;) And I'm doing my best to try to chisel the price down with the factory right now.
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Wed, 27 September 2017, 12:18:09
Been dreaming of a day this would happen. THANK YOU!!!
Post by: Techno Trousers on Wed, 27 September 2017, 12:19:20
Post by: Lansky on Wed, 27 September 2017, 13:21:12
I can't wait for this! :-X
Post by: avid on Wed, 27 September 2017, 13:34:09
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 27 September 2017, 13:34:33
Post by: Techno Trousers on Wed, 27 September 2017, 14:54:38
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 17:22:53
Forcy McForceface
Now that's a good option.
Post by: Blazestorm on Wed, 27 September 2017, 18:01:58
Post by: robotsokk on Wed, 27 September 2017, 18:38:20
The company that's machining them does work for places like NASA and Tesla.
(✧⌄✧ʃƪ)⁎⁺˳✧༚
Post by: codywanks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 18:40:36
Post by: romevi on Wed, 27 September 2017, 19:14:53
Post by: Techno Trousers on Wed, 27 September 2017, 20:01:06
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 27 September 2017, 20:01:53
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 27 September 2017, 20:04:07
What? It’s made in California, right?
Post by: K.Mak on Wed, 27 September 2017, 20:15:24
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 20:18:19
Is the ETA on delivery going to be a bit sooner due to the US manufacturing?
I doubt that would have much effect. The shipping time from China to me here is usually only about a week.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Wed, 27 September 2017, 21:06:10
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 27 September 2017, 21:11:44
Those EU proxy talks from a few pages back - anything happened?
We discussed it a bit, but I'm not entirely convinced that it really saves anybody a significant amount of money or trouble. I'm still open to it, however. The plan is to revisit once I have an actual price.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Thu, 28 September 2017, 10:43:48
I'm not exactly sure how complicated it is to set up a proxy in the first place, so I understand if that's too much trouble on your side -
but if it's at all possible, it would be appreciated :thumb:
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 28 September 2017, 10:55:37
Fair enough, thanks.
I'm not exactly sure how complicated it is to set up a proxy in the first place, so I understand if that's too much trouble on your side -
but if it's at all possible, it would be appreciated :thumb:
I think it would certainly save me some trouble in terms of shipping effort but it would also create some communication and coordination work with the proxy, probably basically a wash. But I'm not really concerned about that. I'm not just sure it would save you guys any meaningful money. Somebody would have to pay the import duties either way. (If the proxy pays them, they would just pass them along to you, even if effectively hidden in the price.) Batching the US-to-EU shipment would save a little bit of money, but in a way that would a) introduce additional delay, 2) probably be largely nullified by the cut the proxy would need to take plus the additional shipping cost of having to pack and ship the product twice.
As far as I can see, it just introduces a middle man, doesn't cut any significant costs, and introduces some slight delay. The only plausible case I've heard so far is that maybe it makes importation easier by outsourcing the task of dealing with customs to the proxy company. It is on this last question of convenience that I think the case to be made for it, if any, rests.
As I say, I'm not averse to it; I just haven't yet been made a strong case as so why it's obviously to anyone's advantage. Am I missing something about the advantage of having a proxy? Please enlighten me. :)
Post by: avid on Thu, 28 September 2017, 11:20:34
If it take longer, that's irrelevant.
Some important factors
1. In some countries, customs are a nightmare and it can be delayed for a long time.
2. Random element of customs. Customs usually has extra fees. So they basically charge you a fee for writing you a ticket :D
3. I know the price 100% advance.
4. Shipping is much cheaper inside europe
5. I also think you will get more orders. Many people will feel more comfortable ordering from a european store.
The same debate has been iterated with GMK drops. EU people will always prefer the stability of a eu proxy running stuff. I would probably not bought solarized dark if mykeyboard didnt proxied it. I skipped oblivion for the same reason.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Thu, 28 September 2017, 11:30:34
I absolutely hate dealing with my customs because it's incredibly annoying process,
and on top of everything else, you never know how much you'll have to pay until the very moment you receive the customs' invoice.
Post by: redbanshee on Thu, 28 September 2017, 12:09:13
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 28 September 2017, 16:46:35
Yep, avid summed it up nicely, and I agree on all points ;D
I absolutely hate dealing with my customs because it's incredibly annoying process,
and on top of everything else, you never know how much you'll have to pay until the very moment you receive the customs' invoice.
OK, so I think I must have been understanding the premise of why folks wanted a proxy. This makes total sense to me and I'm on board.
Post by: directheatedtriode on Fri, 29 September 2017, 15:13:22
How resilient will the Type II ano finish be with everyday use when it comes to scratches? ie stationary and not transported, but fingernails, etc coming into contact with it.
How easy will it be to do the transplant, is it just desoldering the internal hardwired cable connection (or is this attached with a connector?) and soldering in the USB type C?
What do people think of silver case- go with white or black keycap version of the RF? I am leaning towards white since the prototype pictures look so good with this combination.
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 29 September 2017, 15:52:04
How resilient will the Type II ano finish be with everyday use when it comes to scratches? ie stationary and not transported, but fingernails, etc coming into contact with it.
it's fairly good, i have other things with type II and it's no worse than any other ano finish
Quote
How easy will it be to do the transplant, is it just desoldering the internal hardwired cable connection (or is this attached with a connector?) and soldering in the USB type C?
not too hard, i think it's just a connector
Quote
What do people think of silver case- go with white or black keycap version of the RF? I am leaning towards white since the prototype pictures look so good with this combination.
silver looks good with nearly everything
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 29 September 2017, 16:56:10
Post by: clappingcactus on Fri, 29 September 2017, 17:00:43
Something about a case machined in a Tesla/NASA outsourcing factory, and powder coated like a Ferrari engine sounds the right amount of badass to me.
Post by: plazma9 on Fri, 29 September 2017, 20:11:28
Post by: Johnee on Sun, 01 October 2017, 02:15:07
Post by: Latin00032 on Sun, 01 October 2017, 04:16:29
Post by: kmba on Sun, 01 October 2017, 07:31:53
Fc660c? There still isn't an aftermarket case for this board.
He said he's making a 660c case next.
Post by: xondat on Sun, 01 October 2017, 07:35:48
This case looks fantastic! I’m curious if it will fit my ISO Realforce tho. It’s got a fairly new model number, YA7100, and it does not appear to share the same PCB as other Realforces which makes me a bit worried. Please let me know if I can help out by taking more detailed photos.
Yes it will.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 01 October 2017, 11:28:06
This case looks fantastic! I’m curious if it will fit my ISO Realforce tho. It’s got a fairly new model number, YA7100, and it does not appear to share the same PCB as other Realforces which makes me a bit worried. Please let me know if I can help out by taking more detailed photos.
Yes it will.
Yes, it looks to have the same overall plate and PCB profile as the other TKL boards I've seen, so you should be good.
In fact, PerniciousPony just lent me a couple of his Topre boards for testing, a JIS 89u (same as a 91u but without the winkeys because of the blockers) and his 86u, and I can confirm that both fit perfectly inside the case.
My suspicion is that pretty much every Topre TKL board has the same plate and outer PCB profile.
Post by: FSund on Mon, 02 October 2017, 03:46:04
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Mon, 02 October 2017, 05:32:42
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: Burt Macklin on Mon, 02 October 2017, 07:54:38
Post by: FSund on Mon, 02 October 2017, 14:52:08
Translated article: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fgame.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2Fnews%2F1082087.html&edit-text=
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Mon, 02 October 2017, 14:55:53
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Fri, 06 October 2017, 11:40:23
Post by: elcubismo on Fri, 06 October 2017, 16:43:44
Everyone calls the other one for CoolerMaster cases the "Norbatouch" case, could go with "Norbaforce"I'm not getting one of these as I don't have a realforce and my wife thinks I have too many keyboards already, but I would like to say Norbaforce gets my vote. Not sure what the hell we're going to do when it comes time to name the FC660C case. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue as it is.
Post by: vinzlr on Sat, 07 October 2017, 13:16:44
Everyone calls the other one for CoolerMaster cases the "Norbatouch" case, could go with "Norbaforce"I'm not getting one of these as I don't have a realforce and my wife thinks I have too many keyboards already, but I would like to say Norbaforce gets my vote. Not sure what the hell we're going to do when it comes time to name the FC660C case. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue as it is.
Maybe FC660CN or NFC660C just to add on 1 letter instead of trying to do something like Norba660c which doesn't quite flow
Post by: kmba on Sat, 07 October 2017, 15:40:43
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 09 October 2017, 09:16:01
:)
Post by: Vigrith on Mon, 09 October 2017, 09:54:06
OK, so I think I must have been understanding the premise of why folks wanted a proxy. This makes total sense to me and I'm on board.
I too think Avid summed it up fairly nicely - it's more of a quality of life thing rather than money related - in Portugal for example, unless I go to the customs office myself and wait 5 hours in line to pick it up, it can literally take between 4 to 6 weeks for the item to be released. Unless DHL/UPS/FedEx premium express service is used that is (then it's like a week instead, since they call you and resolve everything for you), which it usually is not since the costs are ridiculous.
That's usually not a huge deal when you buy a key set or something but if we're talking about a $350 case it becomes a lot more frustrating.
All in all, if you do set up a European proxy that'd be great - I personally do not own a Realforce but if you run Novatouch cases again and/or Leopold ones I'm definitely going to be participating.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 09 October 2017, 10:27:21
Post by: Johnee on Mon, 09 October 2017, 12:42:13
This case looks fantastic! I’m curious if it will fit my ISO Realforce tho. It’s got a fairly new model number, YA7100, and it does not appear to share the same PCB as other Realforces which makes me a bit worried. Please let me know if I can help out by taking more detailed photos.
Yes it will.
Yes, it looks to have the same overall plate and PCB profile as the other TKL boards I've seen, so you should be good.
In fact, PerniciousPony just lent me a couple of his Topre boards for testing, a JIS 89u (same as a 91u but without the winkeys because of the blockers) and his 86u, and I can confirm that both fit perfectly inside the case.
My suspicion is that pretty much every Topre TKL board has the same plate and outer PCB profile.
Great!
So I've spent the last few days of my free time getting QMK to work on Hasu's USB-USB Converter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651). This works perfectly with my Realforce 89u. Since people here are planning Realforce endgames, I thought some may be interested in getting QMK working with them.
:)
This is something I've been wondering about as well, really great to see somebody looking into it. Would the converter be able fit inside the case Norbauer?
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 09 October 2017, 13:02:00
So I've spent the last few days of my free time getting QMK to work on Hasu's USB-USB Converter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651). This works perfectly with my Realforce 89u. Since people here are planning Realforce endgames, I thought some may be interested in getting QMK working with them.
:)
This is something I've been wondering about as well, really great to see somebody looking into it. Would the converter be able fit inside the case Norbauer?
[/quote]
Can you tell me more about what would be required for it to be compatible? What is its size, where does it go, and with what does it interface?
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 09 October 2017, 13:15:13
Can you tell me more about what would be required for it to be compatible? What is its size, where does it go, and with what does it interface?So I've spent the last few days of my free time getting QMK to work on Hasu's USB-USB Converter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651). This works perfectly with my Realforce 89u. Since people here are planning Realforce endgames, I thought some may be interested in getting QMK working with them.
:)
This is something I've been wondering about as well, really great to see somebody looking into it. Would the converter be able fit inside the case Norbauer?
Here is a picture of the converter relative to some part of my Realforce (https://i.imgur.com/q3IQqUY.jpg).
On the left hand side is a USB A male header. On the right hand side is a USB A female header. Usually a usb from the realforce goes into the right side, and the left side goes out towards the computer with another USB cable.
When I got my case I was planning on trying to jig it all together so that I have a magnetic cable coming out of my computer and my realforce just has a bolted down magnetically detachable insert from Volta or something. From my experience with the Novatouch case, there should be enough space to include the converter inside the case.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 09 October 2017, 13:34:19
Can you tell me more about what would be required for it to be compatible? What is its size, where does it go, and with what does it interface?So I've spent the last few days of my free time getting QMK to work on Hasu's USB-USB Converter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651). This works perfectly with my Realforce 89u. Since people here are planning Realforce endgames, I thought some may be interested in getting QMK working with them.
:)
This is something I've been wondering about as well, really great to see somebody looking into it. Would the converter be able fit inside the case Norbauer?
Here is a picture of the converter relative to some part of my Realforce (https://i.imgur.com/q3IQqUY.jpg).
On the left hand side is a USB A male header. On the right hand side is a USB A female header. Usually a usb from the realforce goes into the right side, and the left side goes out towards the computer with another USB cable.
When I got my case I was planning on trying to jig it all together so that I have a magnetic cable coming out of my computer and my realforce just has a bolted down magnetically detachable insert from Volta or something. From my experience with the Novatouch case, there should be enough space to include the converter inside the case.
Unfortunately, there wouldn't be room for something like this because of the PCB breakout I have to add, which occupies the space to which I think you are referring. The breakout is there to make a detachable (USB C) cable possible. However, maybe this device can be added downstream of the cable and still add the same functionality?
Post by: clappingcactus on Mon, 09 October 2017, 13:40:19
Can you tell me more about what would be required for it to be compatible? What is its size, where does it go, and with what does it interface?So I've spent the last few days of my free time getting QMK to work on Hasu's USB-USB Converter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.msg2503651#msg2503651). This works perfectly with my Realforce 89u. Since people here are planning Realforce endgames, I thought some may be interested in getting QMK working with them.
:)
This is something I've been wondering about as well, really great to see somebody looking into it. Would the converter be able fit inside the case Norbauer?
Here is a picture of the converter relative to some part of my Realforce (https://i.imgur.com/q3IQqUY.jpg).
On the left hand side is a USB A male header. On the right hand side is a USB A female header. Usually a usb from the realforce goes into the right side, and the left side goes out towards the computer with another USB cable.
When I got my case I was planning on trying to jig it all together so that I have a magnetic cable coming out of my computer and my realforce just has a bolted down magnetically detachable insert from Volta or something. From my experience with the Novatouch case, there should be enough space to include the converter inside the case.
Unfortunately, there wouldn't be room for something like this because of the PCB breakout I have to add, which occupies the space to which I think you are referring. The breakout is there to make a detachable (USB C) cable possible. However, maybe this device can be added downstream of the cable and still add the same functionality?
*nods*
I'm not too fussy about that ideal, ideal scenario of how it all gets put together because part of the great typing experience on the Norbatouch is how tight all the clearances are. Usually USB-USB converters are actually external to the case and having them internally both adds and removes convenience (launching into bootloader mode becomes impossible without opening up the case).
Now that I know this, though, your carrying case better have a pocket for a cable haha.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 09 October 2017, 13:51:57
Now that I know this, though, your carrying case better have a pocket for a cable haha.
It does, it does! :)
Post by: regionfree on Wed, 11 October 2017, 02:42:05
Now that I know this, though, your carrying case better have a pocket for a cable haha.
It does, it does! :)
big enough for coiled cables, please!
Post by: avid on Wed, 11 October 2017, 02:42:53
Now that I know this, though, your carrying case better have a pocket for a cable haha.
It does, it does! :)
big enough for coiled cables, please!
And GMK tray in case you need to carry an extra keyset! :D
Post by: hayt on Wed, 11 October 2017, 07:45:59
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 11 October 2017, 14:19:40
So excited to see these new prototype photos!!!
me2 guy
Post by: DillonHightower on Thu, 12 October 2017, 20:49:06
Post by: kmba on Thu, 12 October 2017, 21:44:14
Post by: child on Fri, 13 October 2017, 01:52:17
Im in, hopefully it will drop just in time for Christmas. I already picked up a novatouch to harvest from specifically when this drop happens.. Lets GO!!!! **Excited**
You must be joking. It's 6 months since Norbatouch r2 started and still some cases did not arrive (like mine, although this one is admittedly very close).
Post by: Doluded on Fri, 13 October 2017, 02:16:47
Lmao there's always next year amirightIm in, hopefully it will drop just in time for Christmas. I already picked up a novatouch to harvest from specifically when this drop happens.. Lets GO!!!! **Excited**
You must be joking. It's 6 months since Norbatouch r2 started and still some cases did not arrive (like mine, although this one is admittedly very close).
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 13 October 2017, 15:27:38
Im in, hopefully it will drop just in time for Christmas. I already picked up a novatouch to harvest from specifically when this drop happens.. Lets GO!!!! **Excited**
You must be joking. It's 6 months since Norbatouch r2 started and still some cases did not arrive (like mine, although this one is admittedly very close).
Yes, DillonHighsmith, did you mean the drop would start in time for Christmas, or the case would be delivered by then? If the former, that's very likely, if the latter, considerably less so. :D This project is more complex and has more components than my Novatouch cases, so I plan to set a longer expected manufacturing time on it.
However, I would have to say that child's comment is maybe not entirely relevant since Norbatouch r2 was dogged by several anodizing issues around the gray and blue Pantone matches, problems I will be avoiding like the plague for the RealForce case project by offering only silver (Type II) and black (Type III) anodized finishes. But Norbatouch r1, which didn't have the exotic anodizing colors, actually was produced and shipped in under 2 months, as I recall. And even in r2, the vast majority of cases shipped some time ago. The delay to which child refers is that I recently arranged powder-coated upgrades for people who were affected by the anodizing problems (rather than ship them cases that I didn't feel were up to my standards), and the powder coating shop, though doing excellent work, proceeds at a glacial pace. =\
Post by: hayt on Fri, 13 October 2017, 15:31:18
Im in, hopefully it will drop just in time for Christmas. I already picked up a novatouch to harvest from specifically when this drop happens.. Lets GO!!!! **Excited**
You must be joking. It's 6 months since Norbatouch r2 started and still some cases did not arrive (like mine, although this one is admittedly very close).
Yes, DillonHighsmith, did you mean the drop would start in time for Christmas, or the case would be delivered by then? If the former, that's very likely, if the latter, considerably less so. :D This project is more complex and has more components than my Novatouch cases, so I plan to set a longer expected manufacturing time on it.
However, I would have to say that child's comment is maybe not entirely relevant since Norbatouch r2 was dogged by several anodizing issues around the gray and blue Pantone matches, problems I will be avoiding like the plague for the RealForce case project by offering only silver (Type II) and black (Type III) anodized finishes. But Norbatouch r1, which didn't have the exotic anodizing colors, actually was produced and shipped in under 2 months, as I recall. And even in r2, the vast majority of cases shipped some time ago. The delay to which child refers is that I recently arranged powder-coated upgrades for people who were affected by the anodizing problems (rather than ship them cases that I didn't feel were up to my standards), and the powder coating shop, though doing excellent work, proceeds at a glacial pace. =\
Take your time on this one, Sir! Gives me something to look forward to :D
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 13 October 2017, 15:32:04
Assuming the new prototype(s) is good, are we looking as the gb starting very soon?
It is indeed time for an update.
I got the reworked cases from the California machine shop yesterday, and unfortunately I'm still not happy with the finish on them. The anodizing has a sort of powdery/chalky quality to it, which is all wrong. It's a bit of a frustration for me, because I was really hoping to work with a shop that was local to me so I could do the initial QC in person. While the machine shop does amazing work, the third-party finishing providers here locally just aren't accustomed to doing work on consumer products, instead focusing primarily on industrial semi-conductor and aerospace applications. The thing is: I've seen this movie before, when I initially tried to get the Norbatouch cases made in the USA (as some of you will remember). I lost a good 8 months on that project trying to find a way to get the parts anodized to my specs in the US (in that case, it was in South Carolina), always being promised that we were on the verge of getting a perfect case back "next week," to no avail. I then switched to one of the providers in China that I use for my non-keyboard-related industrial design work, and they had a finished, cosmetically-perfect finished sample ready to me within two weeks. I've had anodizing issues in China too, but at least there is a big market there for factories accustomed to providing consumer-grade cosmetic finishes, so I know it's possible to get good parts—I just have to watch them like a hawk and get everything rigorously inspected. I was hoping to avoid some of that annoyance by doing it here in the USA, but I'm increasingly beginning to think that's just a false dream.
After the experience with the South Carolina vendor on the Norbatouches, I vowed never again to let remorse over sunk costs to lead me down a fruitless path for months and months. So I think I should bail on my efforts to get this made entirely here in California. I'm giving the California shop one more chance, but starting today, I'm also exploring China options in parallel and I consider that now the more likely scenario. The beautiful prototype of which you guys have seen photos was actually made by one of those shops.
So, alas, it'll likely be a few more weeks before I'm ready to do a group buy for these, but the upside is it's likely to be a bit less expensive than it was going to be, and at least we should be able to have some good anodizing options. I already know some good sourcing options/partners in China, so it shouldn't take me too long to pivot in this direction, as those vendors tend to work at break-neck speed.
Take your time on this one, Sir! Gives me something to look forward to :D
That's good to hear. :) I always prefer to take my time to get stuff right than to rush it out the door. This is all just hobby fun for me, and there is no satisfaction in ending up sending people stuff that I'm not happy about, or where the production process is going to cause me a bunch of headaches and stress. Much better to work everything out in advance when possible.
Post by: Stresemann on Fri, 13 October 2017, 20:23:15
Post by: vinzlr on Sat, 14 October 2017, 17:23:06
Post by: robotsokk on Sat, 14 October 2017, 17:36:48
MoreAssuming the new prototype(s) is good, are we looking as the gb starting very soon?
It is indeed time for an update.
I got the reworked cases from the California machine shop yesterday, and unfortunately I'm still not happy with the finish on them. The anodizing has a sort of powdery/chalky quality to it, which is all wrong. It's a bit of a frustration for me, because I was really hoping to work with a shop that was local to me so I could do the initial QC in person. While the machine shop does amazing work, the third-party finishing providers here locally just aren't accustomed to doing work on consumer products, instead focusing primarily on industrial semi-conductor and aerospace applications. The thing is: I've seen this movie before, when I initially tried to get the Norbatouch cases made in the USA (as some of you will remember). I lost a good 8 months on that project trying to find a way to get the parts anodized to my specs in the US (in that case, it was in South Carolina), always being promised that we were on the verge of getting a perfect case back "next week," to no avail. I then switched to one of the providers in China that I use for my non-keyboard-related industrial design work, and they had a finished, cosmetically-perfect finished sample ready to me within two weeks. I've had anodizing issues in China too, but at least there is a big market there for factories accustomed to providing consumer-grade cosmetic finishes, so I know it's possible to get good parts—I just have to watch them like a hawk and get everything rigorously inspected. I was hoping to avoid some of that annoyance by doing it here in the USA, but I'm increasingly beginning to think that's just a false dream.
After the experience with the South Carolina vendor on the Norbatouches, I vowed never again to let remorse over sunk costs to lead me down a fruitless path for months and months. So I think I should bail on my efforts to get this made entirely here in California. I'm giving the California shop one more chance, but starting today, I'm also exploring China options in parallel and I consider that now the more likely scenario. The beautiful prototype of which you guys have seen photos was actually made by one of those shops.
So, alas, it'll likely be a few more weeks before I'm ready to do a group buy for these, but the upside is it's likely to be a bit less expensive than it was going to be, and at least we should be able to have some good anodizing options. I already know some good sourcing options/partners in China, so it shouldn't take me too long to pivot in this direction, as those vendors tend to work at break-neck speed.Take your time on this one, Sir! Gives me something to look forward to :D
That's good to hear. :) I always prefer to take my time to get stuff right than to rush it out the door. This is all just hobby fun for me, and there is no satisfaction in ending up sending people stuff that I'm not happy about, or where the production process is going to cause me a bunch of headaches and stress. Much better to work everything out in advance when possible.
Thanks for the detailed update and additional background. Totally understand the desire to get all of the work done locally, but glad to hear you're exploring other options to continue to move forward. I'm definitely willing to wait for a high-quality case that I'll use for a long time.
Post by: FSund on Mon, 16 October 2017, 00:43:43
[...]
However, I would have to say that child's comment is maybe not entirely relevant since Norbatouch r2 was dogged by several anodizing issues around the gray and blue Pantone matches, problems I will be avoiding like the plague for the RealForce case project by offering only silver (Type II) and black (Type III) anodized finishes. [...]
Will you offer powder coating options as well? I was seriously considering the Monte Carlo red, or one of the other wrinkle coats.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 17 October 2017, 15:09:56
[...]
However, I would have to say that child's comment is maybe not entirely relevant since Norbatouch r2 was dogged by several anodizing issues around the gray and blue Pantone matches, problems I will be avoiding like the plague for the RealForce case project by offering only silver (Type II) and black (Type III) anodized finishes. [...]
Will you offer powder coating options as well? I was seriously considering the Monte Carlo red, or one of the other wrinkle coats.
Yes, that's my plan. If we end up with a China supplier for the machining (probably likely at this point), it's a bit more fuss for me to get the powder coating done, but I've sort of worked out the process now as a result of my Novatouch cases runs, so I'm happy to do it. Using this vendor for powder coating is expensive and takes a long time, but the end result is stunning.
Post by: bluesclera on Thu, 19 October 2017, 11:36:34
Post by: DillonHightower on Fri, 20 October 2017, 23:47:40
Im in, hopefully it will drop just in time for Christmas. I already picked up a novatouch to harvest from specifically when this drop happens.. Lets GO!!!! **Excited**
You must be joking. It's 6 months since Norbatouch r2 started and still some cases did not arrive (like mine, although this one is admittedly very close).
Yes, DillonHighsmith, did you mean the drop would start in time for Christmas, or the case would be delivered by then? If the former, that's very likely, if the latter, considerably less so. :D This project is more complex and has more components than my Novatouch cases, so I plan to set a longer expected manufacturing time on it.
However, I would have to say that child's comment is maybe not entirely relevant since Norbatouch r2 was dogged by several anodizing issues around the gray and blue Pantone matches, problems I will be avoiding like the plague for the RealForce case project by offering only silver (Type II) and black (Type III) anodized finishes. But Norbatouch r1, which didn't have the exotic anodizing colors, actually was produced and shipped in under 2 months, as I recall. And even in r2, the vast majority of cases shipped some time ago. The delay to which child refers is that I recently arranged powder-coated upgrades for people who were affected by the anodizing problems (rather than ship them cases that I didn't feel were up to my standards), and the powder coating shop, though doing excellent work, proceeds at a glacial pace. =\
I dont mind waiting for the new year, Just hoping the drop was going on soon is all! Which has been answered .Thank god!
I love the idea of powder coat. I saw the end result of one in person and I fell in love for sure! Now I just need to deiced on what color..
On a side note, You shold offer a bare case with no color for a discounted price so the buyer can choose to go local powder coat or pain them selfe or what ever they choose. Could be a neat idea. Looking forward to this bad boy in the near future sir! Keep us posted please!
Post by: hyp36rmax on Sat, 21 October 2017, 15:39:18
Post by: moonmaster on Sat, 21 October 2017, 15:55:38
OMFG! When can I get my hands on one of these? Sorry i definitely missed it and the thread is loooong:)Group buy soon (TM). Norbauer has said that GB going before Christmas is likely, and being delivered by Christmas is substantially less likely.
Post by: braidn on Sat, 21 October 2017, 16:30:47
Post by: Stresemann on Sun, 22 October 2017, 01:12:43
Post by: DillonHightower on Sun, 22 October 2017, 01:15:06
I am definetly going to buy this case. But I am also wondering if Norbauer has any plans on making a case for realforce rgb TKL which is likely to be released next year. I am willing to buy one even though I already have my hands on aluminum novatouch.
I second this. The rgb tkl should hit sometime in january at that time Ill sell my 87u and go that direction. Hell Even if he made a fullsize case for the big RGB I would be in. I love the Novatouch case but hate the novatouch.. So Anything for realforce will be gold IMO
Post by: braidn on Sun, 22 October 2017, 09:17:17
I am definetly going to buy this case. But I am also wondering if Norbauer has any plans on making a case for realforce rgb TKL which is likely to be released next year. I am willing to buy one even though I already have my hands on aluminum novatouch.
Will the TKL come with true Topre compatibility or wil it be only MX compatible like the 108? I like lubed and silenced novatouches over the lubed and silenced RGB. Realforce boards imho should all be Topre compatible.
Post by: jnav on Sun, 22 October 2017, 09:39:11
Post by: hyp36rmax on Sun, 22 October 2017, 19:32:04
OMFG! When can I get my hands on one of these? Sorry i definitely missed it and the thread is loooong:)Group buy soon (TM). Norbauer has said that GB going before Christmas is likely, and being delivered by Christmas is substantially less likely.
Perfect! Currently have an 87JIS and this will push me to pick up an 87U
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 11:30:26
On a side note, You shold offer a bare case with no color for a discounted price so the buyer can choose to go local powder coat or pain them selfe or what ever they choose. Could be a neat idea. Looking forward to this bad boy in the near future sir! Keep us posted please!
I am always happy to do that, but unfortunately it wouldn't reduce the price much compared to Type II clear anodizing, which adds a trivial cost to the unit price when doing a big batch (like less than $2).
Post by: g_ken92 on Sun, 29 October 2017, 01:57:28
Anyway, great job Mr Norbauer. Really love the aesthetics of your case design. Very elegant :)
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 29 October 2017, 10:33:10
Can we expect extra units to be sold from your website once the GB is over? Really interested in it but i doubt i can come out with the extra fund when the GB opens by the end of the year :/
Anyway, great job Mr Norbauer. Really love the aesthetics of your case design. Very elegant :)
Thanks!
I'd like to avoid my hobby turning into a job, so I don't want to get into the business of fulfilling orders every day, but I'll try to order some extras for the inevitable folks who find out too late. It may not be many, however; I'll just have to see what the numbers look like—and how much spare cash I have on hand at the time. ;) I've thought about maybe hiring a fulfillment company and carrying more regular inventory on stuff I make that could be shipped regularly, but I don't think I'm quite there yet. (It's quite expensive.)
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 31 October 2017, 22:18:18
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 31 October 2017, 22:19:47
I cant wait For this to have a picture and pricing and date !! Hype is real!!
Soon! New sample being made by my buddies in China in black hard ano with WKL (blockers) as we speak.
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 31 October 2017, 22:23:10
I cant wait For this to have a picture and pricing and date !! Hype is real!!
Soon! New sample being made by my buddies in China in black hard ano with WKL (blockers) as we speak.
Very nice. Exactly what ill be ordering! Cant wait!
Post by: Ramiel on Wed, 01 November 2017, 08:16:48
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Thu, 02 November 2017, 16:23:37
Have you considered to design alu cases for Plum 87 keyboard (https://www.nizkeyboard.com/product/plum-87-rgb-or-non-rgb/)? They are electro-capacitive keyboards just like Topre ones, with much lower price if you get them directly from the Chinese vendor.That's like pimping out a minivan. You can do it, but why not pimp out a Cadillac......
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 02 November 2017, 16:25:08
Have you considered to design alu cases for Plum 87 keyboard (https://www.nizkeyboard.com/product/plum-87-rgb-or-non-rgb/)? They are electro-capacitive keyboards just like Topre ones, with much lower price if you get them directly from the Chinese vendor.That's like pimping out a minivan. You can do it, but why not pimp out a Cadillac......
I'm sorry to say that I concur with this analysis.
Post by: afrokobe on Thu, 02 November 2017, 16:51:50
thought you were talking about minivan keyboard at firstHave you considered to design alu cases for Plum 87 keyboard (https://www.nizkeyboard.com/product/plum-87-rgb-or-non-rgb/)? They are electro-capacitive keyboards just like Topre ones, with much lower price if you get them directly from the Chinese vendor.That's like pimping out a minivan. You can do it, but why not pimp out a Cadillac......
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 02 November 2017, 16:54:27
Post by: ihalatch on Thu, 02 November 2017, 19:37:47
Post by: xondat on Thu, 02 November 2017, 19:46:23
Does Realforce tkl come with mx sliders preinstalled?
No.
Post by: Stresemann on Thu, 02 November 2017, 20:26:28
Post by: braidn on Sat, 04 November 2017, 06:44:31
For anybody going to the NorCal meetup at Nest/Google next weekend, incidentally, I plan to have at least one of the prototypes with me on display. I'm also hoping to have the latest prototype with Winkey blockers and black hard anodizing, and maybe a powder coated one too. But we'll see if the vendors get them to me in time.
Post by: g_ken92 on Sun, 05 November 2017, 09:19:06
For anybody going to the NorCal meetup at Nest/Google next weekend, incidentally, I plan to have at least one of the prototypes with me on display. I'm also hoping to have the latest prototype with Winkey blockers and black hard anodizing, and maybe a powder coated one too. But we'll see if the vendors get them to me in time.
looking forward for some tasty pics :p
Post by: funkybeat7 on Sun, 05 November 2017, 14:17:20
Post by: kmba on Sun, 05 November 2017, 19:24:00
Post by: funkybeat7 on Sun, 05 November 2017, 19:29:17
Just aluminum. Manufacturer wasn't able to meet the tolerances necessary for this case while using Corian. He's saving it for another project where tolerances aren't as important.Ahh gotcha, thanks for clearing it up for me!
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 05 November 2017, 23:27:40
Just aluminum. Manufacturer wasn't able to meet the tolerances necessary for this case while using Corian. He's saving it for another project where tolerances aren't as important.
I'm impressed folks pay such attention to all these posts I make. :D
Post by: megaforce on Mon, 06 November 2017, 00:23:30
For anybody going to the NorCal meetup at Nest/Google next weekend, incidentally, I plan to have at least one of the prototypes with me on display. I'm also hoping to have the latest prototype with Winkey blockers and black hard anodizing, and maybe a powder coated one too. But we'll see if the vendors get them to me in time.
YES YES YES.
Post by: DillonHightower on Mon, 06 November 2017, 00:36:47
Post by: sozo on Sat, 11 November 2017, 23:03:41
Post by: clappingcactus on Sun, 12 November 2017, 07:05:01
(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Post by: DillonHightower on Sun, 12 November 2017, 09:41:13
Post by: braidn on Sun, 12 November 2017, 11:49:18
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
The finish on the Retro Refrigerator is mad shiny!
Post by: kmba on Sun, 12 November 2017, 12:48:12
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 16:26:09
So those cases appear to be different. The top one looks like the silver prototype posted before, but the retro one looks rounder and bigger.
It’s just lens distortion. The design is the same.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: celta on Sun, 12 November 2017, 18:16:16
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 20:13:05
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?
And a GMK keyset! The guts are on loan from perniciouspony.
Post by: regionfree on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:03:22
Post by: celta on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:15:49
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?
And a GMK keyset! The guts are on loan from perniciouspony.
Is this still an 87u? I thought only the 86u had that size of spacebar, or can you actually add a 7u spacebar to a 87u?
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:35:38
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Is that a 7u Spacebar on the winkeyless version I see?
And a GMK keyset! The guts are on loan from perniciouspony.
Is this still an 87u? I thought only the 86u had that size of spacebar, or can you actually add a 7u spacebar to a 87u?
I believe it’s an 86u with swapped Novatouch sliders.
Post by: avid on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:40:06
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:46:36
The cases looks very nice!
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Yes, the design is complete now that I got the WKL prototype back last week and verified it. The only remaining thing is vetting a couple of alternate machine shops, as I’m hoping to bring the price down a bit from the quotes I’ve gotten so far. So, yes, I would say “close,” but I’m always hesitant to make any specific promises until I have a rock-hard date. :) for whatever it’s worth, however, I plan to have this GB open a bit longer than my past ones since my 1-2 week windows in the past seem to cause a lot of people to miss out.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 21:47:57
The cases looks very nice!
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?
More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.
Post by: DillonHightower on Sun, 12 November 2017, 22:03:56
The cases looks very nice!
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?
More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.
Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 12 November 2017, 22:37:40
The cases looks very nice!
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?
More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.
Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !
Will do! Just got back from DesignerCon in LA and will be focusing on keyboard stuff this coming week.
Post by: DillonHightower on Sun, 12 November 2017, 23:06:08
The cases looks very nice!
Is a GB close or do you still have to do more tuning to them?
Also curious how heavy the case is and if there is more pictures?
More info and pics soon! I just got these samples Friday.
Cant wait!! Keep us posted buddy !
Will do! Just got back from DesignerCon in LA and will be focusing on keyboard stuff this coming week.
WHOOP WHOOP
I have my hipro, heavy domes and hopefully this Awesome case coming in soon For buy, Topre life is looking good right now!
Post by: DillonHightower on Sun, 12 November 2017, 23:20:50
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 12 November 2017, 23:32:04
Post by: FSund on Mon, 13 November 2017, 03:55:59
Picture from the NorCal meetup:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/TsU459M.jpg)
via https://www.reddit.com/user/jetpacktuxedo
Is it just me/the photo angle, or has the design of the case changed a bit since the original designs? The angled sides seem to have disappeared.
At last, the time has come. :DShow Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/render.png)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/califorce-case/rf.png)
[...]
Post by: Troif on Mon, 13 November 2017, 06:37:34
I may sell the RF that is coming and buy a RGB RF that have mx sliders
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: avid on Mon, 13 November 2017, 06:48:47
The case is also suitable with the RGB Realforce? I mean I have a Massdrop Realforce 87U 55g coming... but no mx sliders...
I may sell the RF that is coming and buy a RGB RF that have mx sliders
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
no.
If you want sliders, just buy from kbdfans, theyre good.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 13 November 2017, 11:17:32
Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad? That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..
I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types. :)
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 13 November 2017, 11:18:24
Is it just me/the photo angle, or has the design of the case changed a bit since the original designs? The angled sides seem to have disappeared.
It is just the photo angle. Proper photos coming soon. :cool:
Post by: Darknight00z on Mon, 13 November 2017, 14:24:46
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 13 November 2017, 16:52:28
Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.
Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.
Post by: Darknight00z on Mon, 13 November 2017, 19:03:27
Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.
Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.
Thats a shame really, a white with a leather top would have been sublime. I hope this feature makes it into R2.
Post by: DillonHightower on Mon, 13 November 2017, 19:25:14
Love the photos!! Is the decorative top piece of leather still on the table? I really excited to see the photos but was surprised that the top piece was missing.
Not for this run at least. As I recall, survey data suggested people overwhelmingly just preferred straight up old-school blank.
Thats a shame really, a white with a leather top would have been sublime. I hope this feature makes it into R2.
Carbon fiber ftw
Post by: nickheller on Mon, 13 November 2017, 19:27:27
Post by: nmur on Mon, 13 November 2017, 20:19:49
Saw these cases Saturday, they look really, really good :thumb:
did you get a chance to type on it? how did it feel?
Post by: pshofosho on Tue, 14 November 2017, 07:17:59
Saw these cases Saturday, they look really, really good :thumb:
Feed the thirst, where’s your picture?!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 14 November 2017, 15:19:16
Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad? That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..
I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types. :)
We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down, it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 15 November 2017, 11:17:39
Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad? That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..
I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types. :)
We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down, it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)
OK, you convinced me. :) I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.
Post by: salvanipour on Wed, 15 November 2017, 11:23:47
Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad? That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..
I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types. :)
We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down, it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)
OK, you convinced me. :) I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.
Don't forget the 10 of us that own an FC980c!
Post by: LDobler on Wed, 15 November 2017, 11:26:05
Post by: DillonHightower on Wed, 15 November 2017, 12:10:01
Side note with a question , Have you ever considered a custom case for the RF topre number pad? That is the only thing I am going to have issues with. Loosing the pad is detrimental.. I would love A custom something from you to go with it in matching form..
I have indeed, but I don't currently own one myself. When looking for them in the past, I had the impression they were hard to obtain. I currently use an old "Korean custom" numpad I got years ago alongside my Realforce. Since I use the numpad rarely (but am glad I have it when I do), I figured having MX switches for that was no big deal. But I like the conceptual purity of two matching cases and switch types. :)
We are on the same page. I have a (very expinsive) revo number pad, But would love to have the same feeling and looking type of pad to go next to this bad boy. Hands down, it would be the best combo available.
AND now you can get the Real Force number pad pretty easily on amazon. It always has stock If you want to consider this for the future ;-) ;-)
OK, you convinced me. :) I've added this to my (ever-growing) to-do list, as it were, right after FC660.
Norbauer for president!! You are the man. My topre quest has been saved. #In for the long wait
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 15 November 2017, 12:11:47
#In for the long wait
Haha. ^Well yes, definitely this at least. ;)
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Thu, 16 November 2017, 13:45:24
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: Lansky on Fri, 17 November 2017, 06:12:47
Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Try looking up JTK sliders
Post by: mkarlsson on Fri, 17 November 2017, 07:31:13
Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Kbdfans maybe?
https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/keyboard-part/products/kbdfans-topre-to-mx-adapter-topre-change-into-mx-switch-20pcs
Post by: Burt Macklin on Fri, 17 November 2017, 09:16:48
Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
As for that weird Ctrl slider - you'll have to get creative,
as MX sliders won't work.
What I did was use a Novatouch housing,
and sand it down on the side until it fit
(otherwise the plate would need some cutting,
which wasn't an option as I didn't have tools).
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Fri, 17 November 2017, 09:18:20
Great idea. I'll give that a shot. ThanksWhere do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
As for that weird Ctrl slider - you'll have to get creative,
as MX sliders won't work.
What I did was use a Novatouch housing,
and sand it down on the side until it fit
(otherwise the plate would need some cutting,
which wasn't an option as I didn't have tools).
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: Burt Macklin on Fri, 17 November 2017, 09:31:43
Not the most elegant solution, but it serves the purpose
of holding the key in place
(I've swapped the CapsLock with Ctrl, so that lower one isn't ever used).
Post by: hpfalcon on Fri, 17 November 2017, 09:36:30
Where do you guys get (cherry mx compatible) sliders for your 87u's?
Especially looking for a solution to the LEFT CONTROL Slider. Anyone make that little guy?
Thanks in advance.
I'd love to have my SA keycap sets work on my Norbalicious87u
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
you can just mod the slider itself
https://imgur.com/a/oWFYN
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 18 November 2017, 14:07:29
I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.
I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)
My other task this weekend: take pictures!
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 18 November 2017, 14:35:49
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Sat, 18 November 2017, 14:38:26
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: DillonHightower on Sat, 18 November 2017, 15:40:03
OK guys and gals. This is happening.
I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.
I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)
My other task this weekend: take pictures!
In for the white powder coated wkl version ! Prices and link, and I’m ready!! Can’t wait good sir.
Post by: Troif on Sat, 18 November 2017, 17:18:15
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: strigif0rm3s on Sat, 18 November 2017, 18:11:36
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: Peiweisgreat on Sat, 18 November 2017, 22:37:11
OK guys and gals. This is happening.
I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.
I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)
My other task this weekend: take pictures!
I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 18 November 2017, 22:43:27
OK guys and gals. This is happening.
I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.
I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)
My other task this weekend: take pictures!
I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.
It wouldn’t be two group buys but rather two shipments from the orders in this single GB.
For those who are pressed with financial demands of the season, my Shopify store is set up to take PayPal, which makes PayPal Credit available. Usually for purchases over $99, PP credit gives six months with no interest if you pay it off within the six months. For whatever that’s worth. (I use this when buying stuff all the time myself when I don’t have all the cash on hand at the moment.)
Post by: FSund on Sun, 19 November 2017, 03:27:02
Have you got a list of available coatings and colors ready yet?
I'm eyeing the Monte Carlo red coating from the CM cases, but the Royal Wrinkle also looks very interesting.
Post by: exitfire401 on Sun, 19 November 2017, 04:03:55
OK guys and gals. This is happening.
I'm still working out some final production details like the packaging, etc., but I realized that there's no reason to hold up the GB for that. I've got the WKL thing worked out, the hard anodizing, the PCB, and the cable, which I think are the things that really matter. So I'm going to try to get the GB up sometime this coming week.
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas), but if the numbers are enough and the factory is amenable, I may do two batches—so there is definitely reason to order earlier rather than later if you can. Same applies to the powder coat finishes. The shop is amazing but super slow and does everything in batches, so ordering powder finishes early is particularly advantageous, as where possible with them I do finishes on a first-come-first-served basis.
I've also got all the info now that I need to figure out the pricing; I just need to do some number-crunching in Excel. I'll share that info as soon as I come up with it. :)
My other task this weekend: take pictures!
I would love if you could do two batches. I know for a fact that I'm going to be spending most of my expendable funds on things like gifts for my family and friends. I would love to get in on this GB, but some things have to take priority over spending more money on myself.
It wouldn’t be two group buys but rather two shipments from the orders in this single GB.
For those who are pressed with financial demands of the season, my Shopify store is set up to take PayPal, which makes PayPal Credit available. Usually for purchases over $99, PP credit gives six months with no interest if you pay it off within the six months. For whatever that’s worth. (I use this when buying stuff all the time myself when I don’t have all the cash on hand at the moment.)
Alright, I officially love you for this.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Sun, 19 November 2017, 07:09:21
Finally.
Kinda afraid to ask -
anything happened on EU proxy front ..? :-X
Post by: clappingcactus on Sun, 19 November 2017, 08:28:55
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas)
I think this is the best news of the post. :P
Christmas is also hitting me hard so I want to be reasonable about my expenditures these next 20 or so days.
Post by: Lansky on Sun, 19 November 2017, 09:13:26
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 10:32:10
I'm going to leave it open for a decently long time (like, through Christmas)
I think this is the best news of the post. :P
Christmas is also hitting me hard so I want to be reasonable about my expenditures these next 20 or so days.
Yeah, this is a big part of my idea of why to leave it open for longer than my previous GBs. In previous runs of my Novatouch case, I had lots of people who said they just missed out due to paycheck timing, not hearing about it too late, etc., so I had the impression I was maybe doing GBs that were too short. And, with Christmas and Black Friday noise going on, a longer window makes extra sense, I think. I just didn't want to hold this until January, since I and everybody else have been waiting a long time to get this thing rolling. :cool: So this seems like a good compromise.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 15:50:51
Kinda afraid to ask -
anything happened on EU proxy front ..? :-X
Oh, right! That. :D I just followed up with the guy and I'll see if we can work something out.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:07:23
All aboard the hype train!
Have you got a list of available coatings and colors ready yet?
I'm eyeing the Monte Carlo red coating from the CM cases, but the Royal Wrinkle also looks very interesting.
Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out. :)
Post by: clickityClackity on Sun, 19 November 2017, 16:14:15
Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out. :)
If there is a keyset that will make my keyboard look like this:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171119/8a9810c09cf58c1b7b8a2e942f19718e.jpg)
then yes.
Post by: Hawkfriend on Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:02:35
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:19:18
All aboard the hype train!
Have you got a list of available coatings and colors ready yet?
I'm eyeing the Monte Carlo red coating from the CM cases, but the Royal Wrinkle also looks very interesting.
Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out. :)
i would have ordered it if i had the money
red bull is my F1 team, but a red bull themed keyboard would look ****
then again, i already have schumiboard
Post by: Burt Macklin on Sun, 19 November 2017, 19:45:37
Oh, right! That. :D I just followed up with the guy and I'll see if we can work something out.
Cool beans, fingers crossed ;D
Post by: Jedi on Sun, 19 November 2017, 23:07:57
Post by: nguyenhimself on Mon, 20 November 2017, 00:09:28
That said, if this has a bunch of colors other than black and silver, it would be magnificent.
(https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/87UB_side1000_th0x0.jpg)
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 20 November 2017, 02:12:10
To be honest, a bit bummed that this does not have the curves of the original plastic case. I consider it one of the Realforce 87U's distinct feratures and actually what made me interested in this keyboard in the first place.
That said, if this has a bunch of colors other than black and silver, it would be magnificent.Show Image(https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/87UB_side1000_th0x0.jpg)
It is actually intentionally fairly curvaceous; I just didn’t want to copy the plastic case but preferred to make a design that I feel suits metal better.
Many colors will be available in powder finishes, but unfortunately the powder coat options take longer to ship and will be non-trivially more expensive.
Post by: FSund on Mon, 20 November 2017, 03:55:40
All aboard the hype train!
Have you got a list of available coatings and colors ready yet?
I'm eyeing the Monte Carlo red coating from the CM cases, but the Royal Wrinkle also looks very interesting.
Since nobody ordered it last time and it's a lot of overhead tracking all these different color options with the powder shop, I was thinking of not offering Monte Carlo red this time. If this makes anyone really sad, however, let me know and I'll figure something out. :)
This probably mostly comes down to cost in my case. If the powder-coated options are a lot more expensive than hard ano, I might have to reconsider. I guess we'll see soon :)
Post by: Stresemann on Mon, 20 November 2017, 23:46:23
Post by: Burt Macklin on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:15:03
sweeeet :eek:
Post by: Lansky on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:18:38
Before ordering I'd like to know about the EU proxy, though.
Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?
Post by: clappingcactus on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:45:35
Post by: Murrellz on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:48:59
Awesome, just received the email as well! ;D
Before ordering I'd like to know about the EU proxy, though.
Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?
Agreed, I would really like to put in an order but will wait until news about the EU proxy.
Post by: nguyenhimself on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:54:19
And now, to decide whether Enigma Black or Enigma Gray or Royal Wrinklt would fit my black RF keycaps better... :-X
Post by: salvanipour on Tue, 21 November 2017, 10:55:55
Post by: dallman5 on Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:00:47
Post by: vinzlr on Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:07:46
Post by: Darknight00z on Tue, 21 November 2017, 11:37:00
1. Roughly how heavy is the case?
2. Its a 2 piece case? Top and bottom piece, easy assembly just like the Novatouch?
3. Are we going with the Chinese factory then?
Hype! Can't wait, 6months ......
Post by: Our_Benefactors on Tue, 21 November 2017, 12:44:08
Post by: bello2185 on Tue, 21 November 2017, 13:29:06
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 16:44:26
I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list (http://eepurl.com/daK7Cb) and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.
Oh my, got the email. It looks sublime. I've got some final questions.
1. Roughly how heavy is the case?
2. Its a 2 piece case? Top and bottom piece, easy assembly just like the Novatouch?
3. Are we going with the Chinese factory then?
Hype! Can't wait, 6months ......
1. I'm currently away from my office, but the weight is similar to the Novatouch case I made, which was around 4 pounds. In short, your final assembled keyboard will be HEAVY.
2. Two piece case except that it's seamless this time, with the back plate hidden underneath the housing. Very easy assembly, no soldering. Plug and unplug two cables and then screw in some fasteners.
3. Yes, absolutely—in Shenzhen. I keep trying to source cases in the US so I can do on-site inspection, but American shops just can't get their **** together when it comes to consumer-grade finishes. I can't tell you how much money I've wasted fruitlessly trying to get stuff like this made here; it's a nice idea but simply not practicable. It includes many extra logistical annoyances for me to be working overseas, so honestly I'd prefer to work with someone local, but the shops in Shenzhen (contrary to the somewhat-outdated cliches about Chinese manufacturing) simply do better work.
Re the lead time: TBH I've somewhat over-estimated the timelines given me by vendors to give some wiggle room when things go wrong (as they inevitably do!), so there is a fair chance these will ship well ahead of schedule. I've just learned from hard-won experience never to trust vendor promises when it comes to timelines. Also, I wanted to leave the GB open for a longer period this time since people a) inevitably miss out when I do short GBs and then sadly email me when it's too late b) will be distracted by the holidays.
Post by: typischt on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:10:57
I bought into the 9009 GB and so far, everything was good with MyKeyboard.eu. Of course, that‘s not really a lot of experience with them, but I have a good feeling about them!
Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
Post by: consolation on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:29:18
Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!
If Norbauer offers it this drop; take the Enigma Black, it's sublime... Plus, the 40s industrial aesthetic matches the heft of these cases perfectly. This is my Norbatouch in monochrome industrial guise. The shrink powder coat gives it a nice touch of retro-modernism; like a finely polished concrete wall.
[attachimg=1]
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:29:51
Can‘t believe this is finally happening! :)
I bought into the 9009 GB and so far, everything was good with MyKeyboard.eu. Of course, that‘s not really a lot of experience with them, but I have a good feeling about them!
Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
I don't have any pics of a RealForce case in Galaxy Console but it's the same finish used on this case (https://shop.norbauer.com/products/custom-tan-keyboard-and-housing).
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/tan_1_of_1_-3_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509419491)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/tan_2_of_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509419491)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/tan_1_of_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509419491)
To answer the other question about it above, it's of of a beige/cream/tan color than pink.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:30:40
Is there a full picture of a finished Galaxy Console case? I really like the look of it, but the „standard“ Aerospace Aluminium also just looks so damn good!
If Norbauer offers it this drop; take the Enigma Black, it's sublime... Plus, the 40s industrial aesthetic matches the heft of these cases perfectly. This is my Norbatouch in monochrome industrial guise. The shrink powder coat gives it a nice touch of retro-modernism; like a finely polished concrete wall.
(Attachment Link)
Thanks for the endorsement! :D Enigma Black is indeed available on this round as well.
Post by: Hawkfriend on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:32:01
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:36:37
Also, I don't know if it's been mentioned in the thread but how long is the included USB cable?
Sorry about that. Just added the into to the listing. It's 1m.
Post by: Burt Macklin on Tue, 21 November 2017, 17:46:57
I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list (http://eepurl.com/daK7Cb) and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.
They're trustworthy, no worries :thumb:
If it falls through for whatever reason, though,
there are a couple of other places that were acting as proxies for various groupbuys,
so it's not the only option.
Post by: xondat on Tue, 21 November 2017, 18:41:05
I'm still exploring the proxy thing right now. EU people who prefer to use a proxy can sign up on this one-off email list (http://eepurl.com/daK7Cb) and I'll let you know when I've made a final decision either way. Do you guys have any experience with MyKeyboard.eu? Those are the folks to whom I'm speaking. Several folks had good things to say earlier in the thread.
Them or David @ Mechboards :thumb:
Post by: ipley on Tue, 21 November 2017, 19:01:50
Silver : Aerospace ??
Corian White : ????
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:41:29
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 20:48:05
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.
Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message
Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.
SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!
Post by: Burt Macklin on Tue, 21 November 2017, 21:03:13
Post by: nmur on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:40:18
should i just wait for the GB thread to be approved?
Post by: avid on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:54:27
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.
Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message
Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.
SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!
Post by: Captain Shwah on Tue, 21 November 2017, 22:56:04
o damn i must not have been signed up to this mailing list. does it actually have pictures + ordering form?
should i just wait for the GB thread to be approved?
It's up on his website https://shop.norbauer.com/products/the-norbaforce-cnc-aluminum-housing-for-realforce-keyboards (https://shop.norbauer.com/products/the-norbaforce-cnc-aluminum-housing-for-realforce-keyboards)
Post by: DillonHightower on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:00:16
Did you see picture I provided ? Different rows but I think it just has one more key to make the difference still allowing it to work.Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.
Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message
Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.
SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!
WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.
Post by: dallman5 on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:01:22
WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.
Actually on a realforce 87u the bottom row is 1.5-1-1.5-6-1.5-1-1-1.5 and the 86u is 1.5-1-1.5-7-1.5-1-1.5. So since the winkey blockers are each 1.5 units from the edge and 1 unit wide it should fit both models. The main difference being that the 86u will look more symmetric.
Post by: avid on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:11:29
Did you see picture I provided ? Different rows but I think it just has one more key to make the difference still allowing it to work.Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.
Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message
Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.
SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!
WKL should only work for 86. They have totally different bottom rows where 86 use 1.5 mods and 87 1.25.
Ignore my post, seems like 87 use a non-standard bottom row. Seems like it will be working.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:17:45
Pm Norbauer Need info before I place order.
Edit/ SO im blocked form sending you a message
Edit/ NM I see all pm are blocked.
SO this is the question @Norbauer Will the WKL version work with the 87 u ? Any renders with it on that board other than the 86? Trying to picture it but having a hard time.I imagine it would look something like this ?? Anyone have any input ?? Trying to order this tonight before I go to bed in about a half hour!
That mock-up is correct. On the 87u, the right menu key is blocked. Sorry about the PMs but GH PMs slip through the cracks all the time and I don’t want people not get replies for me by accident. :|
Post by: sodiumjoe on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:39:00
Post by: jkmac1 on Wed, 22 November 2017, 04:22:58
Post by: bello2185 on Wed, 22 November 2017, 06:13:02
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:32:45
Like others have said, I can confirm MyKeyboard is a good shop, also didn’t give me any trouble when I wanted to return a keyboard for one with other switches. :)
ok, great. Yeah, I think I've almost got a plan worked out with them. Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:34:48
Are there any more photos of the different finishes? I'm trying to decide between tactical black and enigma black, and it's a little hard to tell from the powder coat thumbnails.
I need to make better thumbnails for the powder colors, I think. In the meantime, here is a more high-res pic of a Novatouch case with the same finish:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/enigma-black-1_dd6b341c-7444-48e0-9f2f-8d0a35428bb3_1024x1024.jpg?v=1504735708)
This is under a pretty bright studio light, which is why at first glance it might look gray, but it's definitely black; I just wanted to light it well in order to show the texture, which is quite fine-grained and subtle.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:38:28
I'll close this thread now to avoid confusion/duplication, but we can just move the discussion over there. If, in all the flurry of yesterday, I missed any questions above, please feel free to re-post in the new thread or, as always, email me directly. Thanks everyone!