4) modular top cover that can be chosen to support standard layouts, winkeyless, or HHKB.
am i missing something? pure has 4 modifiers to the right of space, and i see only 3 holes here? also, pure has '~' key right of the RSHIFT, and there is no hole for it on this pic
Think he's only posted a pic of what a winkeyless top would look like. I'm sure other case tops would be available WHEN this comes to production.Let me fix that for you.....I hope :p
Nice Job! Those winkeyless blocks look huge in the picture haha.
Now, the added bonus to doing all this work, is that it might be adapted to work with the GHpad (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38963.0) :D )
Honestly I don't know. This is still in design phase, so notice how it's not in the IC or GB subforum yet. The simple imsto/oneproduct aluminum trays were $100, and the duck poker case was $280. The design of this is a tad more complicated than duck poker, but I don't think it should be higher than $280.
I'm looking down at my Pure and I just don't see how the top of the case would fit, but I love the idea. This is fantastic work.
4) modular top cover that can be chosen to support standard layouts, winkeyless, or HHKB.
Then you probably missed this part:Quote4) modular top cover that can be chosen to support standard layouts, winkeyless, or HHKB.
Poker and pure can only fit in a top cover without the winkeyless block. The one in the current picture can only fit a plate for 1.5x modifiers, which only a GH60 PCB can support. The end design will have different top covers and plates available (hence why it's "modular"), but the bottom case will be the same for all keyboards.
Looks nice WFD. The Winkeyless blocks look a bit thick, but nonetheless good. :)
Looks nice WFD. The Winkeyless blocks look a bit thick, but nonetheless good. :)
How does the plate screw in? Can't see how that connects to either the top or bottom.
Here is the same case with a different top cover, this is the Happy Hacking Keyboard style.
How does the plate screw in? Can't see how that connects to either the top or bottom.
I'd like to know this as well. Seems like the bezel is too thin for tabs on the plate to screw into the base.
Also, is the base at the same angle as the stock poker/pure cases? Any possibility for standoffs?
Circular cuts for brass disc inserts to add weight. Kinda looks like a DJ table :D
[image removed]
A thick rectangular plate/bar made of brass can fit a larger volume, but I think they're much more expensive than the same amount of volume manufactured in discs. That's why I did circle cuts instead of one long rectangular cut. I think the machining time to do round cuts is also less than a straight rectangular one. Does anyone actually know?
Rectangular brass: link (http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1599&step=4&showunits=inches&id=1116&top_cat=79)
No idea where to get off the shelf discs.
I was actually looking at that same site. I was thinking of getting a long bar with 2" and 1.25" diameters and having the metal shop cut them into discs. Buying individual discs might be too expensive.
The GH60 case is pretty much done, and the GHpad is still in concept phase until the PCB is planned out. Both of the cases are a matching pair and can be placed side-by-side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH60withGHpad_4.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/?action=view¤t=GH60withGHpad_4.png)
Indeed, just a shame I probably can't afford it.The GH60 case is pretty much done, and the GHpad is still in concept phase until the PCB is planned out. Both of the cases are a matching pair and can be placed side-by-side.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH60withGHpad_4.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/?action=view¤t=GH60withGHpad_4.png)
WFD, this is fantastic!!
Or maybe someone might organize a little donation in the form of a WFD case to the person who did all the hard work in designing the very basis for this AWESOME case's existence? I think that might be arranged...
Or maybe someone might organize a little donation in the form of a WFD case to the person who did all the hard work in designing the very basis for this AWESOME case's existence? I think that might be arranged...
Count me in for that.
A thick rectangular plate/bar made of brass can fit a larger volume, but I think they're much more expensive than the same amount of volume manufactured in discs. That's why I did circle cuts instead of one long rectangular cut. I think the machining time to do round cuts is also less than a straight rectangular one. Does anyone actually know?
No idea where to get off the shelf discs.
Wow, thanks!Or maybe someone might organize a little donation in the form of a WFD case to the person who did all the hard work in designing the very basis for this AWESOME case's existence? I think that might be arranged...
Count me in for that.
I'll donate to that cause ^_^
Or maybe someone might organize a little donation in the form of a WFD case to the person who did all the hard work in designing the very basis for this AWESOME case's existence? I think that might be arranged...
Hmm, funny thing is I was looking for round bars, and completely skipped over "Round Bar" wth? Anyhow, these guys do cutting, and you can special request better tolerances, however they don't go through any effort to machine cut, it's just a chop-saw. ~$2.50/pc in material for 2" x .25" discs out of a 1ft raw bar.
Why go with the round holes? Make it a rectangle, so folks can easily fill them in with strips of lead or whatever material they decide... although probably most folks wouldn't bother to add weight to the keyboard, it still will be heavier than a stock poker or pure.
i wonder if this is made on solidworks, and if it is, could it be possible for me to get the .str file ?
i have a CNC mill and a charlyrobot that i can use, so i could get the prototype in little time =)
( i have acess to the machines thanks to my studies, i work on a thecnical school.
I may take you up on this, although you're all the way in Switzerland makes things a little harder. And also I don't want to sound like an elitist or anything, but you're still a relatively new member and all....
The GH60 case is pretty much done, and the GHpad is still in concept phase until the PCB is planned out. Both of the cases are a matching pair and can be placed side-by-side. I'll put this pic in the OP as well. It's color coded by parts for easier viewing:
blue = main bottom piece
red = plate
purple = top cover
yellow = brass weights
green = standoffs
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH60withGHpad_4.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/?action=view¤t=GH60withGHpad_4.png)
Rectangular brass: link (http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1599&step=4&showunits=inches&id=1116&top_cat=79)
No idea where to get off the shelf discs.
Or maybe someone might organize a little donation in the form of a WFD case to the person who did all the hard work in designing the very basis for this AWESOME case's existence? I think that might be arranged...
I think they are about 7 degrees. At least that's what Beast uses for his rests, IIRC.
WFD, I plan to use Cherry plate mount stabilizers with my GH60 plate, so could you include the opening all the way across the spacebar area between the inserts so I can insert the stabilizer bar when assembling.shouldn't the bar go under the plate or have I gotten everything wrong?
Thanks!
With Cherry plate mount stabilizers, if there is no horizontal opening, you can't fit the bar under the plate to fit in the stabilizer inserts. I didn't understand it at first, but if you try it a few times, you can see how the stab inserts tilt into their openings. If there is no opening for the spacebar wire, you have to use either PCB mount Cherry stabs or Costar stabs.OK
i think G H 6 0 is better than nomal circles.
it same as duck poker case. lol.
WFD, I plan to use Cherry plate mount stabilizers with my GH60 plate, so could you include the opening all the way across the spacebar area between the inserts so I can insert the stabilizer bar when assembling.
With Cherry plate mount stabilizers, if there is no horizontal opening, you can't fit the bar under the plate to fit in the stabilizer inserts. I didn't understand it at first, but if you try it a few times, you can see how the stab inserts tilt into their openings. If there is no opening for the spacebar wire, you have to use either PCB mount Cherry stabs or Costar stabs.
Oh, i see.That's what I was just about to suggest. It wouldn't make any sense to hide those nice brass weights on the inside. If they are styled as such, they should be on the bottom so they can be admired from time to time.
Except 60, GH is good too for brass weight.
It will be cool when brassweight is in outside of case(bottom) like 356mini.
Its just personal wish ;)
Ok I haven't touched this stuff for almost 2 weeks because I got too busy, but finally got a chance to design this based on what lyson suggested. This one only took a couple hours since it's just a modified version of the GH60 bottom piece. It's basically a joined GH60 and GHpad, with an area in the middle divider for a wire to connect the two PCBs together. Then only one USB cable going to communicate with the computer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH70-ASMBL_4.png) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH70-ASMBL_4.png)
How would this case compare to a tenkeyless keyboard in size?
Ok I haven't touched this stuff for almost 2 weeks because I got too busy, but finally got a chance to design this based on what lyson suggested. This one only took a couple hours since it's just a modified version of the GH60 bottom piece. It's basically a joined GH60 and GHpad, with an area in the middle divider for a wire to connect the two PCBs together. Then only one USB cable going to communicate with the computer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH70-ASMBL_4.png) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH70-ASMBL_4.png)
Just take my money. Also I assume it'll be possible to switch from a numpad to the regular arrows/modifier cluster much like the TK does, right?
How would this case compare to a tenkeyless keyboard in size?
Well, lets compare to a KMAC. Since WFD's design has smaller "margins" around the edge and is so compact, I would guess it is wider than the TKL by a little less than one key row, or perhaps 0.7 inches. It is also missing a function row, so it would be shorter by perhaps 1 inch. Thickness is probably about the same.
Overall a very compact and attractive design. Function row on left side anyone? :p
I'd buy this case, the GH 60, plus the tenkey in a heartbeat. I've become more accustomed to navigating with the tenkey than with the arrow cluster anyways.
Just take my money. Also I assume it'll be possible to switch from a numpad to the regular arrows/modifier cluster much like the TK does, right?
I'd buy this case, the GH 60, plus the tenkey in a heartbeat. I've become more accustomed to navigating with the tenkey than with the arrow cluster anyways.
How do you know you're going to buy all 3 already without knowing the price? :))
Would it be possible to have them be connectable via the top piece, but actually be two separate pieces, in case we wished to use them separately at will?
Would it be possible to have them be connectable via the top piece, but actually be two separate pieces, in case we wished to use them separately at will?
Genius!
4) The rounded fillet corners in the separate bottom piece force you to also make a rounded cut at the corresponding top cover if you want it to look nice. Even then, that rounded cut in the top cover looks a bit weird when the chamfers are also added. I actually don't think it's even possible to machine that rounded cut.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH70-ASMBL_7.png) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH70-ASMBL_7.png)
Yeah, here it is without the chamfer or rounded fillet to match the two bottom pieces.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/th_GH70-ASMBL_8.png) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH70-ASMBL_8.png)
I guess it won't bother most people. But little "imperfections" like that, that won't match the bottom will catch my attention. If this were a final production piece, I think I would keep staring at it not knowing what to do haha
Soon hopefully. I want to finish up GB obligations first before spending time with getting this made.
Yeah I can work with you guys to tweak it a tad to fit the extra components. But you'll have to finalize dimensions and exact location first. It's not cheap to mill out those areas only to find out the extra cost was for nothing.
Yup, it would be way easier for me with the cad files (I don't have any compatible case).
Any chance?
I'll probably start sending out request for prototype quotes sometimes next week, and may revise it based on the quotes I get back. First one is grey/titanium-anodized aluminum case, red-anodized aluminum plates, and brass discs. Second one is red-anodized aluminum case, stainless steel plate, and brass discs.
Depending on how fast you guys can finalize GH60 prototype round2, I might be able to wait to add those dimensions in.It will take a while, I'm still wiring all modules together to run a concept test ...
About how much space could you give us in this area to house expansion boards? Approximately under the keys IOPKL.
As for the modular top cover, will there be a standard rectangle without winkey covers? Not sure if HHKB is that or something else
About how much space could you give us in this area to house expansion boards? Approximately under the keys IOPKL.
There will be a brass plate there, so if that rectable is milled out, the hole for the brass plate won't look as nice. This might require a slightly different bottom piece design. If there are no brass plate, then you have roughly 0.30" thickness than can be milled out in the middle, and around 0.40" thick around the top edge. The case is at an angle, so you have a tad more room near the top.
The large hole diameter is 2" (+tolerance factored in) for the large disc, and 1.30" for the smaller disc. They're all 1/4" thick. Hopefully you can make use of that space. I can increase the diameter more, but that would mean it can't be as deep because the bottom edge will be milled through the angled case.
The large hole diameter is 2" (+tolerance factored in) for the large disc, and 1.30" for the smaller disc. They're all 1/4" thick. Hopefully you can make use of that space. I can increase the diameter more, but that would mean it can't be as deep because the bottom edge will be milled through the angled case.
6mm should be enough Z height depending on what surface mount components we end up needing.
I don't feel like doing the calculus to figure out the size of the rectangle we can fit inside a 2" diameter circle, but it will most likely give us enough room to work.
Will the case and ghpad be synchronized with the new Bluetooth/led/usbport/etc?We didn't thought about the gh60 and ghpad integration yet.
It would seem quite innovative if we could incorporate ghpad with Bluetooth connection to gh60 or something.
The GHPad will be designed in such a way, that it won't require any electronics (except switches and diodes) if connected as an extension to GH60.Hmmm, don't know ...
However this requires the expansion pins, which are also used to talk to the BT module.
But it should be possible to communicate with BT between matrix scans. Electrically there's no problem. If the BT module doesn't send anything without notice, everything should be ok.
Then you solder the controller and everything and you use it.It works, sure.
4) modular top cover - The top cover has 3 different designs, allows you to choose a winkeyless cover, HHKB style, or standard full keys
4) modular top cover - The top cover has 3 different designs, allows you to choose a winkeyless cover, HHKB style, or standard full keys
Would be awesome if this can fit the topre HHKB....
If so, I'd definitely be in
4) modular top cover - The top cover has 3 different designs, allows you to choose a winkeyless cover, HHKB style, or standard full keys
Would be awesome if this can fit the topre HHKB....
If so, I'd definitely be in
Yeah not a fan of the colours you've picked(red and grey? - i think), no chance for all black or just a raw milled case for we can get it painted ourselves?
What is the estimated price for a case for HHKB Pro2 ansi layout with the GH60 PCB, switches, Plate, Switches Lube, Stabilizer Lube and etc.?
May I have a quotation for all the above? and the estimated price to finish all stated above?
What is the estimated price for a case for HHKB Pro2 ansi layout with the GH60 PCB, switches, Plate, Switches Lube, Stabilizer Lube and etc.?
May I have a quotation for all the above? and the estimated price to finish all stated above?
A semi-wild guess:
$140 for the GH60
$200-$250 for the case
What is the estimated price for a case for HHKB Pro2 ansi layout with the GH60 PCB, switches, Plate, Switches Lube, Stabilizer Lube and etc.?
May I have a quotation for all the above? and the estimated price to finish all stated above?
A semi-wild guess:
$140 for the GH60
$200-$250 for the case
:eek:
What is the estimated price for a case for HHKB Pro2 ansi layout with the GH60 PCB, switches, Plate, Switches Lube, Stabilizer Lube and etc.?
May I have a quotation for all the above? and the estimated price to finish all stated above?
A semi-wild guess:
$140 for the GH60
$200-$250 for the case
:eek:
It's a custom milled case
Give the man time before before jumping him with these questions; these things take time. Also consider that the GH60 wont be ready until summer (hopefully).
I honestly feel bad i'm not contributing to these projects. WFD and GH60 team are heros.
I would prefer not to name things after myself. I don't need THAT much credit. I'm open to suggestions, but here are some of my own:
- Magnus 60
- Esprit 60
- Aldebaran 60
- Legend 60
For those waiting and still PMing me about details of this case, this is not completely on hold, but there are just other priorities, like finishing up the phantom parts. I scrapped the current drawings of this case and started from scratch again during the past few weeks. The angle before was a 5° tilt, I increased it to 6.25°. For reference, stock poker is 6°, and Filco with the extended feet I measured at 10°. I also had to slightly increase the thickness of the front and back wall so that the screw head does not show through. And the current height was designed for 0.15" standoffs, which does not exist so I had to change to total gap between the case and PCB.
I think Magnus really better and my favorite is Legend 60.
You should make a quick poll.
My votes for Legend 60 :D
Stop allowing WFD to be so modest lol
Make him keep it WFD60 imo :)
Stop allowing WFD to be so modest lol
Make him keep it WFD60 imo :)
Don't even act like we won't call it that anyways. Of course we're going to call it that regardless of what the OP title is :P
Stop allowing WFD to be so modest lol
Make him keep it WFD60 imo :)
WFD60 or Dragon60
Or you could call it the Moose Case! :D
DAC60 or DC60 : dragon (aluminium) case
WAC60 : whitefiredragon's aluminium case
I have no creativity.
Loong 60
MINI-GH
or maybe MX-GH
so it goes along with my LZ GH :D
The truth is cases are always identified by who made them. How many times do you see posts or pictures or classifieds and you see this: imsto case; oneproduct case; treble case. There is no doubt in my mind that without a name, people won't forget who made these cases.
Was duck poker case a person or just a name?
(Sorry double post, on me phone)
Well the Duck Poker Case is called that because Duck0113 designed it/ran the GB. So by that rationale, would that make this the WFD 60?
Is there a price listed for this yet? I can't seem to find it. Being on my phone doesn't help either.Not that I've seen either.
Jeeez why does a chunk of metal cost so dang much lolBecause it's a sexy piece of WFD metal :P
Estimated between $150-200, I believe. Probably more toward the high end of that range.i see.... thanks for the info....
Do we know about colors yet? i am deciding between the_ beast's case and WFD's based on color at this pointI want sky blue :D
Do we know about colors yet? i am deciding between the_ beast's case and WFD's based on color at this pointI want sky blue :D
So sexy IMO.
Ok this is the first time I'm asking help in this thread: I looked for a while and can't find any standoffs that are 1/8" tall (around 3.25mm). I've looked on mouser, digikey, mcmaster, ebay, and other smaller stores with no luck. Male and female screw threads can be metric or US inches. I know these exist somewhere because KMAC2 has some. I need one just like the KMAC2 standoffs, or one very similar to it.
This is the very last piece to the case I'm trying to source. Sooner I can find it, sooner I can send in for quotes. I'll upload a pic of the standoff when I get home in the evening.
SPACER/STANDOFF, ROUND, AL 6.4MM X 3.2MM
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/2036/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790900
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/4258/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790699
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/3403/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/2301368
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/1934/spacer-standoff-round-brass-6-4mmx3/dp/2301356
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/3403/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790730
That's an awfully short standoff. The thread depth would be miniscule. You sure that's what the KMAC2 parts are?
SPACER/STANDOFF, ROUND, AL 6.4MM X 3.2MM
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/2036/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790900
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/4258/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790699
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/3403/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/2301368
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/1934/spacer-standoff-round-brass-6-4mmx3/dp/2301356
http://uk.farnell.com/keystone/3403/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/1790730
http://www.newark.com/keystone/3403/spacer-standoff-round-al-6-4mm/dp/62W5630
is this the same one?
That's an awfully short standoff. The thread depth would be miniscule. You sure that's what the KMAC2 parts are?Yes, both standoff length and male thread lengths are pretty short, and that's more than enough clearance you need to raise the PCB high enough so the switch pins do not touch the case bottom. Thread length does not need to be long, it's not holding down much force like Beast said.
So many awesome cases and only on can give shelter to my precious GH60 PCB :D
So many awesome cases and only on can give shelter to my precious GH60 PCB :D
I have a GH60 on order with the Pure plate and switch placement. Will that plate fit in this case? Sorry if this is an obvious question. I'm kind of a newb at this.
Looking at the designs i'd say that the case is only compatible with the custom plate that WFD will supply. However, if he gets his standoffs sorted out then it will support the GH60 plate.I have a GH60 on order with the Pure plate and switch placement. Will that plate fit in this case? Sorry if this is an obvious question. I'm kind of a newb at this.
Yeah it should.. This case was made for the GH60 :)
So when i use a plate, the standoffs become optional?
(sorry if there was a detail discussion about standoff heights, i missed it)
I just saw this and I instantly thought of your design
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43536.msg902039#msg902039 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43536.msg902039#msg902039)
Out of curiosity why do you choose those circular brass weights instead of a single big one?
There are standoffs, so 1 large disc will interfere with at least one or more standoffs. Also, the larger the diameter, the thinner it must be, otherwise milling out the area for the disc will make it go all the way through the case at the front (the thinner side).Never understood why people don't just get the standoffs machined out of the piece of brass. Brass is a better material for threaded holes and it means you don't need to be making angled standoffs. You can simply mount the brass at an angle. However, if it'll go through the front then fair enough.
When can we see real pictures?
So many cases GB going on right now it's so hard to choose.
I've been working on this for the past few months and this is what I have so far. It's nearly done but I still have to refine some stuff.
top view with some edge linesShow Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/assembly.png)
bottom view without any reference edge linesShow Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/assembly2.png)
Color-coded by parts, and next to a matching concept GHkeyadShow Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH60withGHpad_4.png)
Color-coded by parts, concept GH70 (GH60 + GHkeypad)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/keyboard/case/GH70-ASMBL_2.png)
What this design allows:
1) compatibility with all 60% layout - includes poker, pure, and upcoming GH60
2) integrated plate - there will be a plate that screws into the bottom piece of the main case.
3) removable switches - the plate allows for removal of the top switch housing without desoldering. The plate design also allows for rotated switches to be removed. You'll also have the option to choose between costar stabilizers, PCB-mounted stabilizers, or plate-mounted stabilizers. Refer to HERE (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34959.msg773845#msg773845) for more info.
4) modular top cover - The top cover has 3 different designs, allows you to choose a winkeyless cover, HHKB style, or standard full keys
5) optional plate - The PCB can be mounted into the case without a plate, made possible by the 5 screw-in standoffs. This was for people that prefer PCB bottom-out feeling.
6) compatibility with the older poker plate - The PCB/plate combo is a direct drop-in without any mods. The old plate won't be able to screw into the case, but you can still screw this PCB/plate combo down to the standoffs.
7) (maybe) optional brass discs - You can add different numbers of brass discs at the bottom to make the case heavier, or take them all off for a lighter case. Any amount up to 4.
more details and description later....
Read through the entire thread and it would seem my order for a GH60 and plate (with the soldering option) would mean I have to use the standoffs with this case :(
Unless of course I desolder everything and use the plate that comes with this case - something I would loathe to do as I don't even own a soldering iron - plus the fact I've already paid for the soldering option /sigh.
Any chance this case can accommodate the plates that are coming with the GH60 GB? :D
Really want one of these, best looking case with HHKB blockers I have seen.Wait, reading this post made me wonder, I could use this case if I ordered the gh60 assembled on a 1.25 iso plate right?
Any chance of ISO plates?
Really want one of these, best looking case with HHKB blockers I have seen.Wait, reading this post made me wonder, I could use this case if I ordered the gh60 assembled on a 1.25 iso plate right?
Any chance of ISO plates?
5) optional plate - The PCB can be mounted into the case without a plate, made possible by the 5 screw-in standoffs. This was for people that prefer PCB bottom-out feeling.
6) compatibility with the older poker plate - The PCB/plate combo is a direct drop-in without any mods. The old plate won't be able to screw into the case, but you can still screw this PCB/plate combo down to the standoffs.
5) optional plate - The PCB can be mounted into the case without a plate, made possible by the 5 screw-in standoffs. This was for people that prefer PCB bottom-out feeling.
6) compatibility with the older poker plate - The PCB/plate combo is a direct drop-in without any mods. The old plate won't be able to screw into the case, but you can still screw this PCB/plate combo down to the standoffs.
This isn't dead - is it?