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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Matt3o on Fri, 12 April 2013, 06:57:12

Title: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Fri, 12 April 2013, 06:57:12
Here I present you with my precious! Industrial looking, stainless steel, 65% layout waiting for the DSA Retro keys of course! Now to the soldering (a looong way to go)

Weight 1kg / 2.2 pounds
(http://i.imgur.com/narQVW4.jpg)

Side by side with a Filco TKL
(http://i.imgur.com/vaagoq3.jpg)

3 layers + plate. 13mm total height (1.5 + 5 + 5 + 1.5):
(http://i.imgur.com/AYTfyLO.jpg)

MX Blues ready! But I'm going to change the spacebar one with an MX Green and the arrows with MX brown or grey... will see.
(http://i.imgur.com/jjPYSUC.jpg)

Test with keycaps
(http://i.imgur.com/zOzWodE.jpg)

It turned out really well, I'm totally in love with it... and it didn't cost that much (approx $60, the 5mm layers are costy but the plate itself is pretty inexpensive)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:12:31
That's awesome.  Now get those keys!  :p
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Sai on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:13:40
Yes. it truly is a beauty.  :'(
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:15:08
The jelly, I has them ;)

Seriously, that looks amazing and I cant wait to see it with your caps/ all built up :D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:18:46
Wait, wait wait.  Where's the stabilizers?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: codyeatworld on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:22:04
Wait, wait wait.  Where's the stabilizers?

I thought the same thing, but I think he only needs one for the spacebar.

Cannot wait to see this thing with retro, any plans to plate the steel? like gold or bronze?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:36:03
Wait, wait wait.  Where's the stabilizers?

what stabilizers?! All keys are <1.75 :P except for the spacebar of course :)

Cannot wait to see this thing with retro, any plans to plate the steel? like gold or bronze?

I'm looking for a very industrial look... but maybe bronze... mmmh
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 07:55:42
It's looks really good, Matt3o. Congratulations.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: boost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 08:14:39
That's one nice case! CAN I HAS!!!!!!!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:32:28
Wait, wait wait.  Where's the stabilizers?

what stabilizers?! All keys are <1.75 :P except for the spacebar of course :)


The spacebar stabilizers.  It obviously isn't plate mount and the holes aren't big enough to fit the PCB mount through...
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:35:26
Wait, wait wait.  Where's the stabilizers?

what stabilizers?! All keys are <1.75 :P except for the spacebar of course :)


The spacebar stabilizers.  It obviously isn't plate mount and the holes aren't big enough to fit the PCB mount through...

Costar :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:36:30
Costar :)

FTW!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:01:36
The 5mm plates were also laser cut? Those inside edges look really clean, I can even see the semi reflection. I wish the US had 1.5mm thick sheets available. The closest we have here is 16gauge.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:03:54
Was the price of 2x 5mm plates the same, cheaper, or more expensive than 5x 2mm plates? :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:11:10
The 5mm plates were also laser cut? Those inside edges look really clean, I can even see the semi reflection. I wish the US had 1.5mm thick sheets available. The closest we have here is 16gauge.

yes, they are all laser cut and pretty good quality. I can have them cut at 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 ... up to 10mm I guess.

Also I chose the no finish sheet, just a bare SS, but there are many options (satin, mirror-gloss, ...)

Was the price of 2x 5mm plates the same, cheaper, or more expensive than 5x 2mm plates? :)

probably it's going to cost more because you use more man-power and more machine-time
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: rurushu on Fri, 12 April 2013, 14:18:44
nice case matt3o!!!! it looks like it meant "business"  :p :p
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 20:50:51
Awesome case!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: rurushu on Fri, 12 April 2013, 23:48:46
oh yea, i just realized one thing....
is this what the koreans called "vicki" style case? the switches are "naked"  ;D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 13 April 2013, 00:16:18
oh yea, i just realized one thing....
is this what the koreans called "vicki" style case? the switches are "naked"  ;D

vicki style, eh?  Never heard that.  I like (http://i.imgur.com/tOfTLFk.jpg) it though, very geek chic.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: rurushu on Sat, 13 April 2013, 00:37:31
oh yea, i just realized one thing....
is this what the koreans called "vicki" style case? the switches are "naked"  ;D

vicki style, eh?  Never heard that.  I like (http://i.imgur.com/tOfTLFk.jpg) it though, very geek chic.
well, to be honest, initially i also didnt know what "Vicki" meant, though i often saw the word in KBD
then, when zenuty showed his two-some case (in the media section), which had a similar appearance on the top...
the switches are exposed, or say, naked  :p :p "Vicki style" is what he used to describe them  :D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 13 April 2013, 02:29:39
yes the switches are naked, so geeky for a full metal case :) It would be perfect with SA family keycaps, but it should be fine with DSA too.

at OTD they did this a while back
(http://i.imgur.com/KOy0jwY.jpg)

never heard of "vicki", but in the picture metalliqaz linked the keyboard is naked on the sides (mine is not)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: TDub on Mon, 15 April 2013, 03:28:23
Man that looks hot. I was always intrigued by the corsair keyboards for leaving the switches exposed like that. Didn't really want to buy one of those though, but I would really love to have a case like that. Great work Matt3o!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Fri, 19 April 2013, 12:07:45
there you go

(http://i.imgur.com/TdpK9lh.jpg)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 19 April 2013, 12:14:28
That is a thing of beauty. :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Fri, 19 April 2013, 16:02:58
Awesome keys!!!
Congrats!!!
I would paint the case to black or brown ...
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Mugen on Sat, 20 April 2013, 02:08:59
What insides are you using? what pcb?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 20 April 2013, 02:15:14
What insides are you using? what pcb?

everything's custom (teensy based). I'm working on it this weekend. I'll post pictures.

As a side note, the sound and feel of the keys is really great. The full steel body gives this beauty such a steadiness that all you hear is the switch sound. It makes a Filco feel cheap.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: calavera on Sat, 20 April 2013, 02:22:51
So it's not functional yet?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 20 April 2013, 02:32:35
So it's not functional yet?

lots of soldering awaits me today :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 20 April 2013, 09:52:06
Are you using lowpoly's method, or did you have a PCB made?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 20 April 2013, 10:13:42
lowpoly (soldering right now)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: mashby on Sat, 20 April 2013, 10:21:45
This is a beautiful board. Super impressed Matt3o. Nice job.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 20 April 2013, 10:24:58
Matt30, that board is gorgegous. Makes me regret not getting in on the Retro buy but it's all good. These pics will whet my appetite :D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: daerid on Sat, 20 April 2013, 23:41:39
Jesus that's nice. The DIY stuff is definitely tempting me back to the land of Cherry.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: n0rvig on Sun, 21 April 2013, 00:07:33
Wow! Seriously impressed at the level of custom DIY-ness. Those retro caps are awesome too.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Kayliss on Sun, 21 April 2013, 03:03:03
Nice job. Those keys suit it perfectly, a little jealous.  :D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sun, 21 April 2013, 03:41:13
thank you guys... it has been a looong way. Today I'll post more pictures of the (hopefully) working prototype
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: hargon on Sun, 21 April 2013, 04:17:00
I'm looking forward to this. Please include information about controller programming too.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Mugen on Sun, 21 April 2013, 07:39:51
It looks f***ing sick, cant stop drooling. did you design and draw the plate and layers yourself?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Sun, 21 April 2013, 08:01:31
It looks f***ing sick, cant stop drooling. did you design and draw the plate and layers yourself?

yes indeed!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 21 April 2013, 08:09:44
Awesome!  :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: stoic-lemon on Mon, 22 April 2013, 05:16:20
Superb. I really like this style of board. I think it should become a 'thing'.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Mon, 22 April 2013, 06:04:59
yesterday was big soldering day

(http://i.imgur.com/dyVinIl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/UTkW0eu.jpg)

unfortunately due to space constraints I couldn't find a pretty way to put wires... but it works. Now to the software.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: phetto on Mon, 22 April 2013, 06:07:13
You are such a pro! Nice job. Really like it :]
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Broadmonkey on Mon, 22 April 2013, 14:54:13
That is just beautiful!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Tue, 23 April 2013, 13:24:51
Geeeeeeeeeeeeee, so many wires!
Awesome work man!
I'm kinda paranoiac with exposed wires and short circuits though ...
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Tue, 23 April 2013, 13:37:01
Geeeeeeeeeeeeee, so many wires!
Awesome work man!
I'm kinda paranoiac with exposed wires and short circuits though ...

you took too much time to design the PCB :) I had to be creative :P
Title: R: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: nfc on Tue, 23 April 2013, 13:57:34
Ahh... you wasn't desoldering the usb port on the teensy ;D
Title: Re: R: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Tue, 23 April 2013, 14:47:11
Ahh... you wasn't desoldering the usb port on the teensy ;D

I tried, and fried a teensy
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: JPG on Tue, 23 April 2013, 14:51:31
I think you forgot to add wire for full backlit!  :p
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Tue, 23 April 2013, 22:30:07
Geeeeeeeeeeeeee, so many wires!
Awesome work man!
I'm kinda paranoiac with exposed wires and short circuits though ...

you took too much time to design the PCB :) I had to be creative :P
Easy, I think I'll finish it up to this sunday ...
And sorry for your lost (the teensy)
 :)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 25 April 2013, 09:27:07
FINISHED! And 100% working!

(http://i.imgur.com/iEx1cSE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/OFgCheo.jpg)

My gratitude goes to Hasu and his exceptional work with the keyboard firmwares!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Broadmonkey on Thu, 25 April 2013, 09:55:39
I honestly would rather buy this than most standardized keyboard. It's looking really good, just change the phillips screws ;)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Tarzan on Thu, 25 April 2013, 10:01:18
I honestly would rather buy this than most standardized keyboard. It's looking really good, just change the phillips screws ;)

I've been considering using something like these for a keyboard project:

[attachimg=1]

Bought some custom cap-head stainless steel screws for a motorcycle restoration project, those were neat but the tops were too tall.

Edit: Source is http://www.trfastenings.com/pages/Metric+Socket+Countersunk+Head+Screws
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 25 April 2013, 10:10:48
I tried many screws but at the end the phillips are those that give me the most perestroika feeling :)

The ones suggested by broadmonkey are a bit problematic on my case because I don't have enough clearance to completely inset them into the case top (which is also the plate).

also consider it's 100% stainless steel... a hell to work with (I broke 3 threading bits)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 25 April 2013, 10:15:23
I tried many screws but at the end the phillips are those that give me the most perestroika feeling :)

The ones suggested by broadmonkey are a bit problematic on my case because I don't have enough clearance to completely inset them into the case top (which is also the plate).

also consider it's 100% stainless steel... a hell to work with (I broke 3 threading bits)

Threading bits? Y U NO USE NUTS?? :P
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 25 April 2013, 10:18:29
Threading bits? Y U NO USE NUTS?? :P

yes, next time I'll use nuts for sure!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: hasu on Thu, 25 April 2013, 10:30:32
Congrats! Great job. It looks lovely.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Broadmonkey on Thu, 25 April 2013, 13:45:24
I was thinking more about something like this
(http://www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk/Images/Main_Images/BZP-10.9_ScrewBolt_SHBtn_M.jpg)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Thu, 25 April 2013, 14:10:10
You could use something like this...

[attachimg=1]

It has a thread inside to insert a screw from the back

- No thread tapping, just drilling
- Flat and minimalistic at the faceplate
- Screw head hidden on the underside
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Tarzan on Thu, 25 April 2013, 14:43:18
There are a variety of fastening options, some more difficult to source than others.  I have a lot of respect for anyone tackling a project like this, I'm just hoping I can borrow (copy shamelessly) some of the ideas when I finally muster up the nerve to start a similar project!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 25 April 2013, 16:24:36
You could use something like this...

(Attachment Link)

It has a thread inside to insert a screw from the back

- No thread tapping, just drilling
- Flat and minimalistic at the faceplate
- Screw head hidden on the underside

this is a nice idea! I'll use these for my next project (alps 60%)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Sun, 28 April 2013, 22:16:03
For those wiling to build one keyboard like this one posted by Matt3o here comes my 5 cents:

Complete PCB:
https://github.com/agodinhost/KiCad/tree/master/Matt3o

The same PCB with a Teensy board attached:
https://github.com/agodinhost/KiCad/tree/master/Matt3o-Teensy2

There is no USB connector in these boards - only the 2.54mm header to connect and plug the USB wherever you like.

Right now Matt3o Matt3o is trying to find a way to attach the USB connector into his case. Any idea is welcome ...
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Mon, 29 April 2013, 01:27:38
Thanks agodinhost for working and posting this! You did and exceptional work.

I don't think there's enough interest for the SMD version but the teensy is tempting if we find a way to fit the usb cable.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Mon, 29 April 2013, 06:41:54
Thanks agodinhost for working and posting this! You did and exceptional work.

I don't think there's enough interest for the SMD version but the teensy is tempting if we find a way to fit the usb cable.
Okay, let me know.
It would be sad to trash it away so soon ...

I'm working on a 60% board based on this same idea (Cherry and Alps into the same board). Any interest, please, note me or open one new topic.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 02 May 2013, 10:56:20
I know somewhere I saw a link to the wiki page you created based on your work with hard wiring but I can not seem to find it now?

I want to create a alps gh60 hard wired but I am basically stuck planning and understanding the wiring matrices and how this all ties to the teensy controller.

would someone mind giving a brief explanation of how the wiring connects together?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 02 May 2013, 11:13:05
I know somewhere I saw a link to the wiki page you created based on your work with hard wiring but I can not seem to find it now?

I want to create a alps gh60 hard wired but I am basically stuck planning and understanding the wiring matrices and how this all ties to the teensy controller.

would someone mind giving a brief explanation of how the wiring connects together?

Check this out: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20898.0
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:20:30
I think I'll soon start a "group build" (not "buy") for a 60% alps keyboard (hard wire+teensy) code named whitefox :) stay tuned.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:23:16
I know somewhere I saw a link to the wiki page you created based on your work with hard wiring but I can not seem to find it now?

I want to create a alps gh60 hard wired but I am basically stuck planning and understanding the wiring matrices and how this all ties to the teensy controller.

would someone mind giving a brief explanation of how the wiring connects together?

Check this out: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20898.0

I have looked at that thread and this one a lot in the last few weeks.

(http://www.lowpoly.com/keyboard/m0110/m0110_130.jpg)

the switches I am harvesting are yellow omron alps and are all mounted upside down in the existing board.
which side +/- do the diodes attach to and how do I tell which side is positive and which is negative?

once I get the board to a point when I have it laid out like lowpoly does how do I determine which wires connect to which pins on the teensy to be compatible with the default gh60 poker layout firmware?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:32:37
I think I'll soon start a "group build" (not "buy") for a 60% alps keyboard (hard wire+teensy) code named whitefox :) stay tuned.

Awesome job on the MX one. Very interested to see how the "whitefox" goes.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:43:03
I think I'll soon start a "group build" (not "buy") for a 60% alps keyboard (hard wire+teensy) code named whitefox :) stay tuned.

Thanks! I look forward to seeing your progress. I am getting married in a little over 2 weeks and I have to pay for the gh60 GB so it may be some time before I can get started.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Thu, 02 May 2013, 13:18:11
I think I'll soon start a "group build" (not "buy") for a 60% alps keyboard (hard wire+teensy) code named whitefox :) stay tuned.
Seems that the PCB I designed for you is going to be trashed away ...
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 02 May 2013, 13:57:41
hope not. these things just take some time. don't be negative!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: agodinhost on Thu, 02 May 2013, 15:30:54
hope not. these things just take some time. don't be negative!
Sorry, 8-)

Anyway I'm using that same board as base to create another PCB for one 60% keyboard design (same idea, cherry and alps into the same board).
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 02 May 2013, 15:38:11
If you have a PCB use it for goodness sake!  The one and only reason to direct wire is to avoid having to fab a board
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: domoaligato on Sat, 04 May 2013, 12:49:10
If you have a PCB use it for goodness sake!  The one and only reason to direct wire is to avoid having to fab a board

I am doing it to get good at soldering again because I haven't done it in 10 years.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Paranoid on Wed, 31 July 2013, 04:30:23
You could use something like this...

(Attachment Link)

It has a thread inside to insert a screw from the back

- No thread tapping, just drilling
- Flat and minimalistic at the faceplate
- Screw head hidden on the underside

Any idea what the official name for this part is in English? If I translate it I get bolt bus assuming that the name I have for it is even correct, but that just gives me an actual bus as result :D I'm prototyping my own Dell AT102W case and this could come in handy to replace the nut I have at the bottom :)

*Found it! In English it's called a blind nut. The only downside is that the outside diameter is ~5mm so those are some big holes ^^
You can have them very short: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8227__blind_nut_m3_10pcs_.html
Or longer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/25PC-M3-METRIC-NUT-RIVET-BLIND-NUTS-INSERTS-ALUMINUM-/280707253169

Btw, hobbyking has really cool screws, bolts and nuts in nylon and different colors of metal.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: yasuo on Wed, 31 July 2013, 05:25:36
nice :p
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: yasuo on Wed, 31 July 2013, 05:37:55
(http://i.imgur.com/dyVinIl.jpg)
Whether it is inside the copper (black cable)?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Wed, 31 July 2013, 05:39:44
You could use something like this...

(Attachment Link)

It has a thread inside to insert a screw from the back

- No thread tapping, just drilling
- Flat and minimalistic at the faceplate
- Screw head hidden on the underside

Any idea what the official name for this part is in English? If I translate it I get bolt bus assuming that the name I have for it is even correct, but that just gives me an actual bus as result :D I'm prototyping my own Dell AT102W case and this could come in handy to replace the nut I have at the bottom :)

*Found it! In English it's called a blind nut. The only downside is that the outside diameter is ~5mm so those are some big holes ^^
You can have them very short: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8227__blind_nut_m3_10pcs_.html
Or longer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/25PC-M3-METRIC-NUT-RIVET-BLIND-NUTS-INSERTS-ALUMINUM-/280707253169

Btw, hobbyking has really cool screws, bolts and nuts in nylon and different colors of metal.

in the second link they are just rivet inserts, they are not threaded.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Paranoid on Wed, 31 July 2013, 06:38:43
in the second link they are just rivet inserts, they are not threaded.

Ah good that you noticed :) Gotta be more thorough next search ^^
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 31 July 2013, 08:36:10
in the second link they are just rivet inserts, they are not threaded.

Not true, they are rivet style nut inserts w/ M3 threads.  The are attached just like rivets with a special rivet nut insert tool that squashes them down, but there are some threads in there.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Wed, 31 July 2013, 10:18:38
in the second link they are just rivet inserts, they are not threaded.

Not true, they are rivet style nut inserts w/ M3 threads.  The are attached just like rivets with a special rivet nut insert tool that squashes them down, but there are some threads in there.

you sure they are threaded? I can't see threads from the pics.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 31 July 2013, 10:20:06
"minimum 6 turns"  so very few of them, and they don't show the end where they are, they show the end that gets squished.  ed:  ok they do show them, but the fidelity is absolute crap.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Wed, 31 July 2013, 16:44:02
Wasn't thinking of blind-rivet-nuts as these usually don't have a "head" and are meant to expand...
What I meant is "Innengewindehülse mit Linsenkopf/Flachkopf" which translates to "Inside threaded bushing/bolt with pan-head/flat-head":

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 01 August 2013, 01:31:59
where the hell do you get those?! :D
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: bueller on Thu, 01 August 2013, 02:11:30
where the hell do you get those?! :D

I've been looking at getting something like that for my build but I'm a little bit worried that if overtightened you'd never get the screw out again.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Binge on Thu, 01 August 2013, 09:23:51
Kailet, who made my 2TU, had used clear polycarb for the center of his "vicki" style case, and it's had some great aesthetic applications like case LEDs.

(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/13574727/2TU/DSC04442.jpg)
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Tarzan on Thu, 01 August 2013, 09:32:38
where the hell do you get those?! :D

They look similar to the blind fasteners I ordered from McMaster-Carr:

[attachimg=1]

Nice domed surface on the blank side, though!  I don't have pics of the ones I ordered, they're still on the way.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: yasuo on Mon, 05 August 2013, 10:51:28
any recomen controller besides TEENSY 2.0 beacuse  in my country no one sells TEENSY :confused: if buy at pjrc will be time consuming and expensive that shipping :(
but i see on my country any seller Arduino Fio ATmega328P Microcontroller what recomended? qute big >:D
or other suggestions

This shop
Which good controller
http://kam-kits.blogspot.com/search/label/Arduino%20Mikrokontrollerhttp://kedairobot.com/
http://kedairobot.com/
Thanks :thumb:
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: alaricljs on Mon, 05 August 2013, 10:53:08
Just ebay search atmega32u4 and pick something that works for you.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: yasuo on Mon, 05 August 2013, 10:56:45
Just ebay search atmega32u4 and pick something that works for you.
shipping to my country sure expensive and time consuming :-\
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: bueller on Mon, 05 August 2013, 11:03:48
any recomen controller besides TEENSY 2.0 beacuse  in my country no one sells TEENSY :confused: if buy at pjrc will be time consuming and expensive that shipping :(
but i see on my country any seller Arduino Fio ATmega328P Microcontroller what recomended? qute big >:D
or other suggestions

This shop
Which good
http://kam-kits.blogspot.com/search/label/Arduino%20Mikrokontroller

Thanks :thumb:

Avoid the Arduino micro-controllers, the bootloader is incompatible with a lot of the firmware's people are using. You can get around it by reloading another bootloader but you need an ISP box and that's just more money down the tube. I'm using a board from MattairTech (http://www.mattairtech.com/index.php/development-boards/atmega32u4-usb-development-board-arduino-compatible.html) with the same AVR chip, fair bit larger than the Teensy but it also has a lot more pinout's for things like external USB connectors. Very configurable as well, they will load it with whichever bootloader you request and will add headers if requested too.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: alaricljs on Mon, 05 August 2013, 11:08:46
I use a teensy as an ISP, typically cheaper than an actual ISP.  Any other similar MCU board can do the same.  http://dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/teensy_2_0_as_avr_isp_programmer

yasuo:  We don't know what country you're in if you don't tell us... we also can't fix the realities of prices/shipping.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Neebio on Thu, 05 September 2013, 14:55:52
where the hell do you get those?! :D

Here: http://www.jakob.ch/1279/metagroup=G39192

Smallest is 6mm head diameter, 4mm barrel diameter, 6.5mm barrel length, that takes a 3m bolt.
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: RabRhee on Thu, 05 September 2013, 14:59:51
Really superb looking keyboard.

With a full stainless steel body, could this be the Delorean of keyboards? What happens when it hits 88 wpm?
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:52:22
Really superb looking keyboard.

With a full stainless steel body, could this be the Delorean of keyboards? What happens when it hits 88 wpm?

LOL... dunno... let me try... LOL... dunno... let me try... LOL dunno... let me try...

GREAT SCOTT! It works!
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 24 February 2014, 00:40:55
hope not. these things just take some time. don't be negative!
Sorry, 8-)

Anyway I'm using that same board as base to create another PCB for one 60% keyboard design (same idea, cherry and alps into the same board).

I'd love to see that, in this "65%" design
Title: Re: SteelBeauty: Laser Cut, StainlessSteel, 65%
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 24 February 2014, 01:20:37
hope not. these things just take some time. don't be negative!
Sorry, 8-)

Anyway I'm using that same board as base to create another PCB for one 60% keyboard design (same idea, cherry and alps into the same board).

I'd love to see that, in this "65%" design

I gotta say Matt3o, that is one sexy beast.  What can I say though I am a sucker for raw stainless.