[IC] CNC Anodized Aluminum case for CM Novatouch, Rapid-i, and Masterkeys TKL!

[thel]

actually the sound does come from the bottom out and the upstoke-when you move the finger fast from the key. Thats why the hhkb Type-S and Hyperspheres rings silence the upstroke.

This aside, the video idea is great! - when you are on it, maybe you could show the assembly of the board?
highly appreciated.
Cheers

I'm considering joining this project depending on the price. When you receive the prototype would it be possible to make a sound test with the standard case and the prototype case?

Sure, I'll be happy to shoot a typing video with the pre-prod sample quickly before sending it off to MassDrop for photos. My experience with the prototype in the video you saw was that it didn't really affect the sound much either way compared to the stock case. The sound on Topre boards mostly just comes from the bottom out of the keys as the dome collapses, which is all on the front side of the PCB and largely exposed to the surface no matter what the case. If it sounded louder than the normal case, it was probably just because I amplified the audio a bit in Premiere to make the sounds audible at all.

Personally, I actually kind of like the "thocky" sounds of the Novatouch and all Topre keyboards. It is much lower pitch and thus less shrill to me compared to un-dampened MX Reds (my second favorite switch).

[SpikeBolt]

I'm considering joining this project depending on the price. When you receive the prototype would it be possible to make a sound test with the standard case and the prototype case?

Sure, I'll be happy to shoot a typing video with the pre-prod sample quickly before sending it off to MassDrop for photos. My experience with the prototype in the video you saw was that it didn't really affect the sound much either way compared to the stock case. The sound on Topre boards mostly just comes from the bottom out of the keys as the dome collapses, which is all on the front side of the PCB and largely exposed to the surface no matter what the case. If it sounded louder than the normal case, it was probably just because I amplified the audio a bit in Premiere to make the sounds audible at all.

Personally, I actually kind of like the "thocky" sounds of the Novatouch and all Topre keyboards. It is much lower pitch and thus less shrill to me compared to un-dampened MX Reds (my second favorite switch).

I actually love the topre sound, especially the one from the my HHKB. The stabilized keys on the Novatouch, though, those are just terrible! The hypersphere rings did wonders for the alphas, they sound and feel great but the stabilized keys continue to sound way too loud. I was actually scared that the alu case made it even worse than it already is but hopefully that's not the case.

Thanks a lot!

[norbauer]

The stabilized keys on the Novatouch, though, those are just terrible!

Interesting. I had never considered that the different stabilizers might cause a different sound, but that makes sense. I honestly think I'm just less sensitive to minor sound variations than some of you guys. lol. So I'll just try to get some good audio of it for you.

[norbauer]

Here is the bead-blasted pre-production sample before it went off to anodizing.

[SpikeBolt]

That looks so hot o.o

[r5d]

I like the Novatouch so much now that I'm seriously considering buying another one for my Girlfriend. Then I could get both anodizing colors too... 

[mrkevint]

Here is the bead-blasted pre-production sample before it went off to anodizing.

Show Image

The sample looks great! Thanks for keeping us updated. What colours will the case be anodized in?

[elcubismo]

This looks amazing. Just got my Novatouch second-hand with dental bands, bought some new keycaps, and love it so much. A dark grey aluminum case would look amazing. Even black would be fine. What does "blue gray" look like?

[JDragon]

Very interested in this, hoping to see some more pics soon.

[breitling]

Man that looks awesome. Can't wait!

[diqkiq]

Here is the bead-blasted pre-production sample before it went off to anodizing.

Show Image

I'd take that bead blast finish and clear coat it. Looks good!

[diqkiq]

Where is the best place to get a barebones novatouch?

[techmattr]

Where is the best place to get a barebones novatouch?

I'd be surprised if massdrop doesn't run a barebones novatouch drop at the same time as this.

[Phenix]

But I assume an ANSI novatouch drop.
Damn it, I need ISO

[henz]

But I assume an ANSI novatouch drop.
Damn it, I need ISO

Cooler Master has a euro shop,  you should be able to get bb nt from there

[norbauer]

Hi everyone. I have some updates for us all!

• Barring any surprises from the manufacturer, I believe that we're looking at $199.99 per case (+ shipping), assuming we hit a quantity of 50, which based on the strong Reddit and GeekHack interest seems totally plausible to me. There will be further price drops at higher volumes.
• Barebones Novatouch keyboards will be available through MassDrop at the same time as the cases.
• I'm working hard to try to provide an interesting second color option, either in anodizing or powder, hopefully with pics to show at the time of the drop. My current thinking is that the second option can be in powder so that we cover a wide range of options and finishes even though we'll only be able to offer two choices.

Also regarding finishes: the black pre-production sample came back from anodizing, but the finish had a few blemishes that weren't up to my expectations. I'm having the parts re-made and anodized again, this time by another vendor. Unfortunately, this means adding probably another week or two to the timeline (I'm waiting for specifics on a lead time). I'm with you all in wanting this drop to happen ASAP, but I'm also personally committed to getting it to come out super nice, so I'm happy to wait a bit longer to make sure process is worked out and we can be assured a really nice finish on these. After all, at least as far as I'm concerned, making something unusually nice is the whole thing that makes this project fun and worth the trouble. :) Everyone's patience is, in any case, appreciated. As I've said before, better to work all this stuff out before the orders are placed than after. ;)

[ramnes]

Keep up the good work. Better late than soon with a bad anodizing.

[r5d]

Hi everyone. I have some updates for us all!

• Barring any surprises from the manufacturer, I believe that we're looking at $199.99 per case (+ shipping), assuming we hit a quantity of 50, which based on the strong Reddit and GeekHack interest seems totally plausible to me. There will be further price drops at higher volumes.
• Barebones Novatouch keyboards will be available through MassDrop at the same time as the cases.
• I'm working hard to try to provide an interesting second color option, either in anodizing or powder, hopefully with pics to show at the time of the drop. My current thinking is that the second option can be in powder so that we cover a wide range of options and finishes even though we'll only be able to offer two choices.

Also regarding finishes: the black pre-production sample came back from anodizing, but the finish had a few blemishes that weren't up to my expectations. I'm having the parts re-made and anodized again, this time by another vendor. Unfortunately, this means adding probably another week or two to the timeline (I'm waiting for specifics on a lead time). I'm with you all in wanting this drop to happen ASAP, but I'm also personally committed to getting it to come out super nice, so I'm happy to wait a bit longer to make sure process is worked out and we can be assured a really nice finish on these. After all, at least as far as I'm concerned, making something unusually nice is the whole thing that makes this project fun and worth the trouble. Everyone's patience is, in any case, appreciated. As I've said before, better to work all this stuff out before the orders are placed than after.

More time for me to save up for the two cases I will be ordering!

[Butter]

Hi everyone. I have some updates for us all!

• Barring any surprises from the manufacturer, I believe that we're looking at $199.99 per case (+ shipping), assuming we hit a quantity of 50, which based on the strong Reddit and GeekHack interest seems totally plausible to me. There will be further price drops at higher volumes.
• Barebones Novatouch keyboards will be available through MassDrop at the same time as the cases.
• I'm working hard to try to provide an interesting second color option, either in anodizing or powder, hopefully with pics to show at the time of the drop. My current thinking is that the second option can be in powder so that we cover a wide range of options and finishes even though we'll only be able to offer two choices.

Also regarding finishes: the black pre-production sample came back from anodizing, but the finish had a few blemishes that weren't up to my expectations. I'm having the parts re-made and anodized again, this time by another vendor. Unfortunately, this means adding probably another week or two to the timeline (I'm waiting for specifics on a lead time). I'm with you all in wanting this drop to happen ASAP, but I'm also personally committed to getting it to come out super nice, so I'm happy to wait a bit longer to make sure process is worked out and we can be assured a really nice finish on these. After all, at least as far as I'm concerned, making something unusually nice is the whole thing that makes this project fun and worth the trouble. Everyone's patience is, in any case, appreciated. As I've said before, better to work all this stuff out before the orders are placed than after.

I might be able to get VE.A and the AMJ keyboard them

[thel]

great to hear you are looking after the quality a lot.
Also that 2nd option with power coating seems like a great idea. keep up the good work & thanks for doing this.

[Mrs. Butter]

Had troubles with black... it's a sign. Anodized (deep) dark grey is the way to go.

[ramnes]

I'm all on dark grey too!

[Phenix]

blue grey/black sounded way better!

[guy12]

Awh, is blu grey out of the picture 

[fine_italian_leather]

would have loved one of those if it supported filco tkl

[exitfire401]

would have loved one of those if it supported filco tkl

Mechanicalkeyboards.com has the tex cases in stock currently that fit filcos

[fine_italian_leather]

would have loved one of those if it supported filco tkl

Mechanicalkeyboards.com has the tex cases in stock currently that fit filcos

I know. But those don't seem as well built and they do no longer feature a usb port daughterboard.

[norbauer]

Hey everybody. Just a quick update. Sorry for the delay, but we've been experimenting with various finishing options that will give us the best color flexibility, durability, and cosmetic quality without having to increase the price beyond the numbers I quoted before. I hope to have photos to show by next week and a more in-depth technical explanation of the pros and cons of the various options.

The good news is that the machine shop is now turning out the cases consistently at very high quality; the last piece of the puzzle is the finishes and colors. We're currently getting multiple sample cases finished using various methods from various finishing shops and I'll go with what turns out best! I was hoping it would be super easy and obvious and we could get away with just one sample, but in the end I think it'll be better having tried multiple methods. (The first sample that came back from the ano shop we were planning on using had a somewhat uneven finish, so I used it as an excuse to explore some more options in addition to getting a sample from a different ano shop. Currently I'm looking at ano, powder, and Duracoat.)

[Mrs. Butter]

Hey everybody. Just a quick update. Sorry for the delay, but we've been experimenting with various finishing options that will give us the best color flexibility, durability, and cosmetic quality without having to increase the price beyond the numbers I quoted before. I hope to have photos to show by next week and a more in-depth technical explanation of the pros and cons of the various options.

The good news is that the machine shop is now turning out the cases consistently at very high quality; the last piece of the puzzle is the finishes and colors. We're currently getting multiple sample cases finished using various methods from various finishing shops and I'll go with what turns out best! I was hoping it would be super easy and obvious and we could get away with just one sample, but in the end I think it'll be better having tried multiple methods. (The first sample that came back from the ano shop we were planning on using had a somewhat uneven finish, so I used it as an excuse to explore some more options in addition to getting a sample from a different ano shop. Currently I'm looking at ano, powder, and Duracoat.)

You are thorough. I like thorough.

Thorough means you're also spending a lot of time, money and energy on this project. I hope people realize this.

Thank you for doing this right.

[guy12]

Will blue grey be a thing

[norbauer]

You are thorough. I like thorough.

Thorough means you're also spending a lot of time, money and energy on this project. I hope people realize this.

Thank you for doing this right.

Why, thank you. That means a lot. I've been a bit stressed that some details are taking longer to work out than I had hoped, so it's good to know that at least some folks don't mind the delay in favor of my being thorough.

I'm doing this project because I and a bunch of my keyboard friends actually want this case for ourselves, and we want it to be awesome. So, yeah, it has been crazy expensive and time-consuming, but I'm more than OK with that though if it means we get something cool in the end that wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Thanks again for your patience. Hopefully I'll have some more nailed-down details in our finishing options in this coming week. As soon as I know something solid, you guys will all know too.

[Jedi]

I'm doing this project because I and a bunch of my keyboard friends actually want this case for ourselves, and we want it to be awesome.

We need your attention fever on a few other cases too.  Have you any thoughts on working on other keyboard case projects after this one?

[norbauer]

I'm doing this project because I and a bunch of my keyboard friends actually want this case for ourselves, and we want it to be awesome.

We need your attention fever on a few other cases too.  Have you any thoughts on working on other keyboard case projects after this one?

This project has been a lot of fun so far, so yeah, I'd totally be interested in doing some other cases. However, for now I just want to focus on getting this one as perfect as can be and out the door. After that, if all goes well, I'd be delighted to tackle another such project. I've learned so much in this process that a second project would be so much easier. Seems a shame to let all that hard-won experience go to waste. ;)

[Phenix]

maybe next is HHKB full metal case? )

[need]

Hey brother, please make blue grey happen...

[Phenix]

Yea, please!

[size=85]typos due to my touch screen are possible[size]

[whmeltonjr]

I bought a Novatouch tonight for this case specifically.

[Trev]

I'm also going to be buying a Novatouch specifically for this case. Love your work.

It would be awesome to see a pure white option (I'm assuming powdercoat is best?). It's not something you see as often in custom keyboard builds. I'd love to try a white case with thick pure white PBT caps, or POM white caps.

[JDragon]

This looks great! I'm definitely in for one - was just going to plastidip or hydrodip my Novatouch but this is on another level.

[Trev]

Novatouch has arrived, very impressed with this board. Looking forward to giving it a proper case.

[fine_italian_leather]

Will be buying a novatouch for this case also. How hard would it be to swap the micro usb port for a mini usb?

[Auxo]

the more i see this thread come up in the corner of my eye..........................

[Z4KJ0N3S]

Registering my interest! Not super stoked on pricing so far, but that's what custom stuff costs, so oh well.

I'd like either dark gray anodized, or bare aluminum for custom anodizing. Very excited.

[bred]

I've been waiting for a metal case just like this. The build quality looks incredible and I would love to have a silver / raw metallic (Metallica?) finish. Eagerly anticipating these to become available.

Thanks for your work so far!

[norbauer]

Slowly but surely we're making progress. The new ano shop has now made a sample in black that looks good, but I'm having them refine their process a bit more to verify that they can do so repeatably in production. I don't want to be seeing just a purely "golden sample," as it is called in industry; I want to know everybody is going to get one of similar quality and finish. So they're doing a second sample that will be ready on Wednesday and to me by Friday. I didn't figure a delay of a couple of days matters very much in the grand scheme. The upside of these delays in figuring out the finishing options is that it has given more people time to learn about the project, so hopefully we can get some higher numbers and hit a good price tier so we can all get our cases cheaper.

Duracoat is still an option for the second color, but the spray shop hasn't yet given me a final quote, so we may end up going with a second anodizing color just to get this show on the road. We'll see what I can nail down by the end of the week. Basically, whatever options I can be confident of by then are the ones I'm likely to go with and then we can sort out doing something cool or weird in terms of finish (which will probably end up being more expensive) for a subsequent project. :) Someday I want a chrome-plated keyboard case. :D

[Butter]

Slowly but surely we're making progress. The new ano shop has now made a sample in black that looks good, but I'm having them refine their process a bit more to verify that they can do so repeatably in production. I don't want to be seeing just a purely "golden sample," as it is called in industry; I want to know everybody is going to get one of similar quality and finish. So they're doing a second sample that will be ready on Wednesday and to me by Friday. I didn't figure a delay of a couple of days matters very much in the grand scheme. The upside of these delays in figuring out the finishing options is that it has given more people time to learn about the project, so hopefully we can get some higher numbers and hit a good price tier so we can all get our cases cheaper.

Duracoat is still an option for the second color, but the spray shop hasn't yet given me a final quote, so we may end up going with a second anodizing color just to get this show on the road. We'll see what I can nail down by the end of the week. Basically, whatever options I can be confident of by then are the ones I'm likely to go with and then we can sort out doing something cool or weird in terms of finish (which will probably end up being more expensive) for a subsequent project. Someday I want a chrome-plated keyboard case.

When you get a chrome plated keyboard case made count me in for one lol. 

[RexS]

I'm certainly interested.  I swear I followed an earlier build log and your attention to detail was impressive. Did you use SolidWorks for the 3D modeling?

Keep up the fantastic design work.

[norbauer]

I'm certainly interested.  I swear I followed an earlier build log and your attention to detail was impressive. Did you use SolidWorks for the 3D modeling?

Keep up the fantastic design work.

Thanks!

I use Autodesk Fusion 360. I find it suits my workflow way better than SolidWorks.

[codywanks]

The upside of these delays in figuring out the finishing options is that it has given more people time to learn about the project

and also given more time to others to squirrel the requisite funds aside 

[Troif]

... I will wait the time you need to get that awesome case...