Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 13 April 2020, 18:56:08
(https://i.imgur.com/XjXSGSo.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/NwFT8FG.jpg)
Hi everyone. I am back with Rev 2 of the PLA75. Let me get you a changelog:
Here are some things I am experimenting with for this coming GB:
I plan on running this in the next month or so. Everything I need for PCBs, plates and cases is up and running, so things should go smoothly with a very fast turnaround time. I am printing the cases here in Canada this round, with some help from smyjpmu of protocases.com. I am sure that the quality will be on par with keyboardbelles from Rev 1 😊.
FAQ
Album
https://imgur.com/a/7vAN7bK (https://imgur.com/a/7vAN7bK)
Thanks to Hiney, Soft, Alas, protocases, and saltrocklamp for all the help.
Let me know your questions/suggestions!
(https://i.imgur.com/4MT5nCX.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/WNmkpw1.jpg)
Hi everyone. I am back with Rev 2 of the PLA75. Let me get you a changelog:
- Raised front height by 1 mm – to allow for more flex on the bottom row, and prevent screw in stabilizers from banging the bottom case. As a consequence, it changed the typing angle ever so slightly from 4.94 to 5.35 degrees. This should be a welcome change as it seems that people enjoy something closer to 6-7 degrees.
- Increased the relief cut around the plate – this is just more insurance that the plate is completely isolated from the case.
- Raised edge height (with respect to keycaps) – on Rev 1 I could see the keycap bottoms if I looked at it from certain angles and I didn’t like that. Moved it from 7.25 mm from the top of the plate to 8 mm. I also reduced the chamfer as that as adding to the adverse visual effect.
- Backed the bezel off from the keycaps a bit more. There were no issues with keycaps rubbing on the case sides, but it was a little too close for comfort, and having a little more experience with 3D printing now I decided to add just a tiny bit of wiggle room. Flipped spacebar folks rejoice.
- Made the f****** screw holes bigger. Not sure what happened on Rev 1, but sometimes printers undersize holes. (For those interested in why, imagine if you had to approximate a circle with a pentagon, and then drew the biggest circle you could within said pentagon. That is how CAD files are converted to 3D printing files, as they are just a collection of points in space that connect to one another, and you are going to want to approximate circles to save on points/data.) TL;DR, oversize your holes even more than you already did.
- Made the f****** nut slots smaller. The nuts friction fit now. No more glue/tedious assembly. Just give em a good shove and forget about them.
- Fixed plates. KBDfans had the wrong layout specified for the split space on the KBD75 PCB, and I made the plates according to that ☹. I also discovered a new weird split space layout that isn’t documented. See the KLE below for all supported layouts. I also made them white for better RBG brightness.
More
(https://i.imgur.com/YscjGwz.png)
Here are some things I am experimenting with for this coming GB:
- Back cut to make the case sleeker and less blocky. Let me know if you like it
- The option for a weight. Target is 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) which would make the whole board around 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) kg, and 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) built.
- I am experimenting with flat sheet gaskets instead of cord. Got some ordered today and we will see if they make any difference. I suspect they will be a pain because you cannot get them to stay without glue, unlike the cord which just snaps in and out of the wells.
I plan on running this in the next month or so. Everything I need for PCBs, plates and cases is up and running, so things should go smoothly with a very fast turnaround time. I am printing the cases here in Canada this round, with some help from smyjpmu of protocases.com. I am sure that the quality will be on par with keyboardbelles from Rev 1 😊.
FAQ
More
Ne spots avail?
He has no problem doing a fulfillment of 75 units, so there should be more spots this time than previous.
Cost?
I am aiming for the target of $185 for a full kit, which is what Rev 1 was, however keyboardbelle had a larger operation which allowed for lower printing prices, so the change in case maker may result in a small price bump.
When?
After a final round of prototypes and some administrative stuff I should be good to go. Call it a month.
How fast do I need to be?
Rev 1 was 50 spots, and sold out in 8 hours in Oct 2019, for your reference.
He has no problem doing a fulfillment of 75 units, so there should be more spots this time than previous.
Cost?
I am aiming for the target of $185 for a full kit, which is what Rev 1 was, however keyboardbelle had a larger operation which allowed for lower printing prices, so the change in case maker may result in a small price bump.
When?
After a final round of prototypes and some administrative stuff I should be good to go. Call it a month.
How fast do I need to be?
Rev 1 was 50 spots, and sold out in 8 hours in Oct 2019, for your reference.
Album
https://imgur.com/a/7vAN7bK (https://imgur.com/a/7vAN7bK)
Thanks to Hiney, Soft, Alas, protocases, and saltrocklamp for all the help.
Let me know your questions/suggestions!
(https://i.imgur.com/4MT5nCX.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/WNmkpw1.jpg)
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 13 April 2020, 19:01:20
Post by: CrazyAssMonkey on Mon, 13 April 2020, 19:08:31
<3
Post by: Adelscott on Mon, 13 April 2020, 19:10:47
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 13 April 2020, 19:13:30
That ISO Enter in KLE is wrong
ISO itself is wrong.
Post by: Hell-es on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:48:03
Post by: Rob27shred on Tue, 14 April 2020, 16:37:38
Post by: anatworkaccount on Tue, 14 April 2020, 20:38:14
Post by: The Equals D on Tue, 14 April 2020, 20:42:25
Glad you are gonna do another round
Post by: Freeaboo on Tue, 14 April 2020, 22:06:47
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Post by: i luv chuletas on Tue, 14 April 2020, 23:59:45
Post by: Electronic_Abyss on Wed, 15 April 2020, 00:11:51
Post by: kawhi on Wed, 15 April 2020, 00:15:47
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 15 April 2020, 00:40:11
Veeeeeeeeeeery interesting.. so these are actually PLA? Kind of impressive due to the look of the finish man.
Yep, other than the plate (fr4) these are all PLA!
Post by: bow3i on Wed, 15 April 2020, 02:08:59
Post by: cheataq on Wed, 15 April 2020, 04:41:25
stay or have option the block case like r1 as you can XD
Post by: BigBabyJesus on Wed, 15 April 2020, 05:03:10
Post by: digitalbob on Wed, 15 April 2020, 05:28:27
Post by: Pocafe on Wed, 15 April 2020, 14:30:33
PLEASE remain the case design.
Post by: Pocafe on Wed, 15 April 2020, 17:10:51
Is that replacable?
Sent from my HWV33 using Tapatalk
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 15 April 2020, 19:48:40
Post by: Pocafe on Thu, 16 April 2020, 01:07:17
R2 prototypes have been paid for and are being made this week. Assuming all is well, I will get a final GB price nailed down, and decide on the options available. I'd like to offer as much as I can, but it is ultimately up to how many colors and variations that the printer is comfortable ordering/handling. I will not be offering the 30+ colors I did last time, but rather a collection of the most popular ones from the last GB, and some fresh ones I think will be nice. I might also have an option to have a one off color printed for a small fee.
nice idea :)
thank you
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 17 April 2020, 09:49:02
IC form is here, and also at the very top of the OP. Please fill it out if you want a notification as soon as the GB goes live.
Post by: diddykang on Fri, 17 April 2020, 13:53:15
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 17 April 2020, 17:24:10
Any considerations for adding a blocker?
(https://i.imgur.com/UlNEUL3.png)
Been talking with some other people about how to best add it, and because of the compact bottom row, there is no way to get it "perfect"... Either way you have 2 different sized blockers, or you have the spacebar without an alt key next to it on the left end.
Those who want blockers feel free to weigh in on what seems best - the model is easy to update, so I should be able to accommodate whatever layouts.
Post by: Motte on Fri, 17 April 2020, 19:14:58
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 17 April 2020, 19:16:45
Hey I like your approuch very much. What about ISO support? If that would be an option, I'd fill out the IC form!
Yeah, this has had ISO since R1. KLE is in the OP of this thread.
Post by: Motte on Fri, 17 April 2020, 19:20:08
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sat, 18 April 2020, 09:41:16
Oh I'm blind pleas pardon me :( But that... enter .. it's turned?
Yeah KLE was being difficult. It is all correct don't worry :)
Post by: Pocafe on Sun, 19 April 2020, 16:01:16
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sun, 19 April 2020, 16:08:24
About when can i get it?
I need to get my prototypes made, and iron out any kinks. 2-3 weeks until the group buy opens if no delays appear.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 20 April 2020, 04:46:36
So, just a small update - we tried some filament from a local Canadian supplier, and it just didn't give the shine through effect like my R1 cases (pictured). I want to make sure that my cases look as good as ever, so I have reached out to the American supplier of the clear filament from R1. This may add a week to the prototyping time, and shouldn't effect the cost too much, as bulk pricing should offset the price of shipping 50 kg of filament across the border. I'm going to try and get a sample to the printer ASAP so we can double check the translucency, and then the GB should be ready to begin :)
Post by: Pocafe on Mon, 20 April 2020, 13:56:09
Post by: whitemamba on Mon, 20 April 2020, 14:01:33
Post by: bow3i on Tue, 21 April 2020, 12:04:51
Post by: Pocafe on Wed, 22 April 2020, 16:08:18
That's actually upside right corner of HHKB layout.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 22 April 2020, 17:13:14
how many gaskets?
Can i replace "|(pipe)"key to "Backspace"key?
That's actually upside right corner of HHKB layout.
12 Gaskets, and yes, it is a QMK PCB so everything is fully remappable.
Post by: Pocafe on Thu, 23 April 2020, 08:19:11
Post by: JustFluxz on Thu, 23 April 2020, 11:57:41
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 23 April 2020, 12:40:57
Will there be a hotswap pcb option?
There are not hotswap 75% PCBs AFAIK, plus i just like solder.
Post by: Motte on Fri, 24 April 2020, 13:30:46
Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/YyywpQq.jpg)
So, just a small update - we tried some filament from a local Canadian supplier, and it just didn't give the shine through effect like my R1 cases (pictured). I want to make sure that my cases look as good as ever, so I have reached out to the American supplier of the clear filament from R1. This may add a week to the prototyping time, and shouldn't effect the cost too much, as bulk pricing should offset the price of shipping 50 kg of filament across the border. I'm going to try and get a sample to the printer ASAP so we can double check the translucency, and then the GB should be ready to begin :)
Hey to be honest, I liked the less transparent version in your first post a bit more, but I still like it.
Those notches on the side, will they be in the second version as well?
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 24 April 2020, 14:16:29
Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/YyywpQq.jpg)
So, just a small update - we tried some filament from a local Canadian supplier, and it just didn't give the shine through effect like my R1 cases (pictured). I want to make sure that my cases look as good as ever, so I have reached out to the American supplier of the clear filament from R1. This may add a week to the prototyping time, and shouldn't effect the cost too much, as bulk pricing should offset the price of shipping 50 kg of filament across the border. I'm going to try and get a sample to the printer ASAP so we can double check the translucency, and then the GB should be ready to begin :)
Hey to be honest, I liked the less transparent version in your first post a bit more, but I still like it.
Those notches on the side, will they be in the second version as well?
I think I will include some variation on the top case, so yes to the side vents. These are all the same plastic, I'm just guessing differences in lighting and cameras have made the shine thru effect look different.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Tue, 28 April 2020, 22:18:55
We use a certain brand of clear PLA that outperforms every other clear PLA in terms of LED diffusivity, and they are having shortages due to COVID-19. I managed to get some, but not enough for 100 clear units. I am exploring a few options:
- Leaving the clear spots as is for FCFS
- Raffling off the clear cases
- Combining a white bottom and clear top (will test this in the coming days)
- Printing the whole thing in clear PETG - this is the most likely option, as PETG offers even clearer prints than PLA, is readily available, is stronger, denser, and will last longer. I just need to test the LED diffusivity, and make sure we can print a whole bunch of these in a great quality finish, as PETG is a little less cooperative than PLA
So yeah, stuff is still moving behind the scenes, and I should have some prototypes in a week or two. Ragan of SpaceCables (http://spacecables.com) is going to be doing a build stream of a PLA75 in the near future, and I will link that here.
Finally, I am considering increasing the number of units beyond the initial 75 to 100, which is double the first GB so that more people can get one of these. I am solely limited by my manufacturing/sanity capacity, and want to get as many of these out there for people to enjoy, so I think that is a fair balance for my 4th group buy.
Thanks!
Post by: Pocafe on Tue, 28 April 2020, 23:27:33
BTW, is pcb leaf spring?
Post by: Motte on Wed, 29 April 2020, 14:56:04
You asked for opinions on other colours. How's the feedback on that end?
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 29 April 2020, 17:32:15
Sounds alright to me. As long as the quality stays on point, that is :)
You asked for opinions on other colours. How's the feedback on that end?
I'm going to get a list of colors I will "stock" so I can bulk order and keep costs down, and then we will allow one offs - i.e. pick a filament we can get from a Canadian site and we will do a one off for a small price bump. That way we can have a decent choice of colors, and give people the chance at extra customization.
Post by: Motte on Thu, 30 April 2020, 13:32:36
Still, a version without the vents, like the red render version, would be awesome!
Do you have any clue how high costs are for shipment and customs to Germany? Otherwise if you could give me package weight and size I could look it up.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 04 May 2020, 14:45:23
Sounds like a plan to me.
Still, a version without the vents, like the red render version, would be awesome!
Do you have any clue how high costs are for shipment and customs to Germany? Otherwise if you could give me package weight and size I could look it up.
950g, 36 cm x 18 cm x 8 cm. That is the dimensions of a PLA75, so find a reasonable box size and use that info to find a rate. Would be using canada post or some private courier in Canada.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 04 May 2020, 15:10:01
Please have a look, there should be a lot there to satisfy your tastes. I will let you know what we are doing about clear filament closer to the group buy, but we do have enough for ~20 cases on hand.
And we will be going ahead with one off PLA, so if you find a 750g or 1kg roll of filament you like on digitmakers.ca, filaments.ca, spool3d.ca, amazon.ca, or any other Canadian filament supplier (as long as they ship to Montreal), then you will be able to have your custom color.
Post by: rymnd6c28 on Tue, 05 May 2020, 23:38:25
Post by: pott on Wed, 06 May 2020, 20:23:32
I think I may have missed this; does this COME with the KBD75 PCB, or does it need to be procured separately?
And does the fixed plate support split backspace? It IS in the layout shown above, I just want to make sure that wasn't a reference to the issue with the fixed plate design based on incorrect documentation.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 07 May 2020, 06:37:39
Awesome stuff, thank you!
I think I may have missed this; does this COME with the KBD75 PCB, or does it need to be procured separately?
And does the fixed plate support split backspace? It IS in the layout shown above, I just want to make sure that wasn't a reference to the issue with the fixed plate design based on incorrect documentation.
KBD75 comes with the kit, and yes, the plate supports split backspace. The fixed plate from the old thread only had an issue with split spacebar.
Post by: pott on Thu, 07 May 2020, 17:50:24
I had PMed you about a spare from the original, but that new run seems even better.
About the chambered back: I have that on my Sirius, and it causes the board to occasionally tip back. It's not s HUGE deal or anything, but I personally prefer a more squared design there. More friction = less moving about, and the lack of beveling here means the board won't tip.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 07 May 2020, 20:35:44
Awesome!
I had PMed you about a spare from the original, but that new run seems even better.
About the chambered back: I have that on my Sirius, and it causes the board to occasionally tip back. It's not s HUGE deal or anything, but I personally prefer a more squared design there. More friction = less moving about, and the lack of beveling here means the board won't tip.
No, it doesnt do that. The base is still touching the ground along the axis of the switch press, so you wouldn't have any leverage to tip the board by hitting the back. Either you are straight up smashing those keys, or the sirius designer didn't take that into account and was too aggressive with the angle.
There should be an option for the classic version though, so worry not either way.
Post by: diddykang on Wed, 13 May 2020, 16:12:02
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 13 May 2020, 23:33:49
any updates?
Prototypes got ****ed up in the mail. Never had an issue with Canada Post before, but of course it happens with this one. Protocases be printing new ones and getting them to me ASAP. So sorry for the delay, but there is not much I can do about that.
Post by: whitemamba on Wed, 13 May 2020, 23:38:20
Post by: anatworkaccount on Sat, 16 May 2020, 19:20:52
"The option for a weight. Target is 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) which would make the whole board around 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) kg, and 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) built."
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sat, 16 May 2020, 21:26:05
I know the protos got 86ed in the mail but any word on this part
"The option for a weight. Target is 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) which would make the whole board around 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) kg, and 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) built."
Not for this run. I wanna keep it simple as COVID is making things hard to get and really expensive. Once things calm down a bit I will look at implementing a weight, but I don't plan to for this run.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 20 May 2020, 12:38:59
Post by: whitemamba on Wed, 20 May 2020, 15:09:32
Second round of protos is almost done. Will ensure stuff is packed a little better and we should be in business!
Packaging well is always a good idea. Cannot wait for the gb to open
Post by: Seoulcialite on Wed, 27 May 2020, 02:42:39
I've been putting off making a guide for it but there's really not much to it. Here is my second sticker bomb build with a different top.
I HIGHLY suggest choosing the boxy top with all 90 degree corners. Otherwise, it'll be much more difficult to cleanly cover the edges and corners.
First part of the housing you want to cover are the corners.
(https://imgur.com/neOv9UZ.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/2rIIW07.jpg)
Also, maybe choose something fitting for the USB cutout and use a box cutter or stationary knife to cut around the port.
(https://imgur.com/1yR8DEZ.jpg)
After tackling the corners and USB port, cover the rest of the housing. The stickers will need to be partially layered to get full coverage (unless all the stickers are rectangular). I would try to avoid having more than 2 layers.
(https://imgur.com/w2VlcbM.jpg)
Cut out the excess parts of the stickers at the edge of the housing. Be sure use an appropriate surface for cutting like a cutting mat.
(https://imgur.com/vQgYrMO.jpg)
And voila, you should hopefully have an awesome sticker bombed keyboard!
(https://imgur.com/abryqYh.jpg)
For longevity, you can get apply some clear coat spray from your local craft store. I have considered it but I think I will go for a naturally worn look.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 27 May 2020, 14:20:18
It's nice to see my stickerbomb build in the album!
I've been putting off making a guide for it but there's really not much to it. Here is my second sticker bomb build with a different top.
I HIGHLY suggest choosing the boxy top with all 90 degree corners. Otherwise, it'll be much more difficult cleanly covering the entirety of the top with stickers.
First part of the housing you want to cover are the corners.Show Image(https://imgur.com/neOv9UZ.jpg)Show Image(https://imgur.com/2rIIW07.jpg)
Also, maybe choose something fitting for the USB cutout and use a box cutter or stationary knife to cut around the port.Show Image(https://imgur.com/1yR8DEZ.jpg)
After tackling the corners and USB port, cover the rest of the housing. The stickers will need to be partially layered to get full coverage (unless all the stickers are rectangular. I would try to avoid having more than 2 layers in one spot.Show Image(https://imgur.com/w2VlcbM.jpg)
Cut out the excess parts of the stickers at the edge of the housing. Be sure use an appropriate surface for cutting like a cutting mat.Show Image(https://imgur.com/vQgYrMO.jpg)
And voila, you should hopefully have an awesome sticker bombed keyboard!Show Image(https://imgur.com/abryqYh.jpg)
For longevity, you can get apply some clear coat spray from your local craft store. I have considered this but I think I will go for a naturally worn look.
Amazing, thank you for this! I may even stickerbomb my own now.
Also, continuous apologies for the delay in prototypes and GB, Montreal is getting rekt by covid right now and Mr. Protocases is having issues getting a few of the materials in.
Post by: kawhi on Wed, 27 May 2020, 16:04:51
Post by: Seoulcialite on Thu, 28 May 2020, 01:36:16
seoulcialite - the sticker bomb looks way too good. this may be a silly question but where do you get all these stickers from? i'd love to do this but i don't have any stickers
Not sure where locally. Maybe at a craft or stationary store. I got mine from Amazon. Just search "category" + sticker pack. So I just searched for "star wars sticker pack" and a bunch of listings popped up.
Post by: kwhilden on Sun, 07 June 2020, 15:56:23
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sun, 07 June 2020, 17:58:06
Is there any news on the status of the group buy? Tracking this one closely...
(https://i.imgur.com/Zm6io1A.png)
Montreal Canada Post is still having a hard time with their COVID situation, so we are getting a little more filament from a private courier to facilitate the second round of prototypes to make sure the changes are good.
I appreciate everyone's patience here, I want to get this train rolling as bad as you do.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 17 June 2020, 18:03:19
Post by: dyka.tran on Wed, 17 June 2020, 21:17:01
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 19 June 2020, 15:34:07
Are the layout of pcb and plate the same as Winkeyless' B.mini? I have a spare acrylic case and plate of B.mini but cannot buy a new pcb because winkeyless went out of business.
b.mini needs the b.mini PCB, kbd75 will not work. I tried myself.
I think if you have a friend in Korea you can still order from winkeyless.
Post by: A3DRA on Thu, 02 July 2020, 00:37:33
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 02 July 2020, 12:02:50
do you happen to have a discord channel?
I don't. Feel free to ask questions in the thread or DM me though.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 02 July 2020, 12:05:47
Post by: geekit on Mon, 06 July 2020, 20:35:59
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 08 July 2020, 09:50:54
I'm not an expert, but resin is kinda brittle right?
There is stuff that is slightly more elastic that I would use, some brands call it "tough" resin or whatever. And if it ends up being too brittle, I just won't offer it. Still waiting for samples to come in :confused: it's just been really slow.
Post by: ExpensiveDinner on Thu, 16 July 2020, 05:51:03
Post by: HungerMechanic on Thu, 16 July 2020, 07:13:42
Do you think that the PLA75 would be a good basis for a Silent Alpaca board as seen in this video:
That is a regular KBD75, but it turned out pretty good. How do you think the PLA75 would compare in sound and feel?
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 16 July 2020, 09:22:54
Hello. Just a question, will the pcb be used for the board be the v2 version of the kbd75? The board is looking good :)
Yes, the kbd75v2 will be used. No need for a custom PCB.
Looks nice!
Do you think that the PLA75 would be a good basis for a Silent Alpaca board as seen in this video:
That is a regular KBD75, but it turned out pretty good. How do you think the PLA75 would compare in sound and feel?
I think the PLA75 would play very nice with silent linears. Silent alpacas on an fr4 plate would sound nice and stealthy, and if you aren't looking for underglow, stick a nice piece of foam in the bottom to damp out any reverb.
Post by: HungerMechanic on Thu, 16 July 2020, 17:18:02
Are there any renders of the gray/black and maybe green colour cases you can post so people who have the recent 9009 and Honeywell sets can get an idea of the board's appearance?
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 17 July 2020, 14:05:21
Okay, that's what I'm looking for.
Are there any renders of the gray/black and maybe green colour cases you can post so people who have the recent 9009 and Honeywell sets can get an idea of the board's appearance?
Renders don't really represent the finish well, but place take a look in the R1 thread to see some images https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102633.0
Post by: HungerMechanic on Fri, 17 July 2020, 16:50:12
Although this gray one is pretty nice:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102633.msg2855606#msg2855606
Do you know which colour listing this is?
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Tue, 21 July 2020, 09:39:42
Thanks! The black CF looks alright to me. I've always wanted a black KBD75.
Although this gray one is pretty nice:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102633.msg2855606#msg2855606
Do you know which colour listing this is?
That's the black CF. It comes out a little greyish.
Post by: kwhilden on Wed, 29 July 2020, 19:51:00
Post by: hammerbrotha on Wed, 29 July 2020, 20:03:54
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 31 July 2020, 13:17:06
How's the progress coming on the resin printing? I'm frothing on the possibility of having amazing underglow on my KBD75.
We tried a hollow resin and it failed. Fully solid is printing now.
I know this wasn't an option in R1, would you consider an option for buyers to purchase the kit, minus the pcb? for those who might already have multiple kbd75 pcb's like myself.
Yeah, you'll have to personally email me, and I want to encourage getting a PCB so we can bulk order and give everyone a price break.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Fri, 31 July 2020, 13:21:52
The shop mainly manufactures high tech oilfield equipment, so I trust the quality and finish will exceed what we can expect from Chinese manufacturers. Will get quotes for steel and aluminium as well.
Last question, should I rebrand the case, or just call it PLA75 metal edition?
Post by: anatworkaccount on Fri, 31 July 2020, 16:13:31
Getting a quote for metal PLA75s from the shop I work next to. The delays in the 3D printing are getting absolutely insane, so I will explore new options. If the price is right, we will get rolling with this ASAP.
The shop mainly manufactures high tech oilfield equipment, so I trust the quality and finish will exceed what we can expect from Chinese manufacturers. Will get quotes for steel and aluminium as well.
Last question, should I rebrand the case, or just call it PLA75 metal edition?
PLA 75 HEAVY ****ING METAL, but yea, I'd stick with the PLA75 moniker since it's largely the same board no? Still the same plate layout and whatnot, just a different shell.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sat, 01 August 2020, 17:48:29
Getting a quote for metal PLA75s from the shop I work next to. The delays in the 3D printing are getting absolutely insane, so I will explore new options. If the price is right, we will get rolling with this ASAP.
The shop mainly manufactures high tech oilfield equipment, so I trust the quality and finish will exceed what we can expect from Chinese manufacturers. Will get quotes for steel and aluminium as well.
Last question, should I rebrand the case, or just call it PLA75 metal edition?
PLA 75 HEAVY ****ING METAL, but yea, I'd stick with the PLA75 moniker since it's largely the same board no? Still the same plate layout and whatnot, just a different shell.
Identical shape, just different material. And no more of those somewhat annoying square nuts :D
I spoke with my cerakote guys today, and I think I may consider a steel edition that is cerakoted, and then have anodized aluminum units.
Post by: diddykang on Sat, 15 August 2020, 13:01:48
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 19 August 2020, 11:16:12
Quotes should be in by the end of the week for the metal options as well. Would there be any interest in a hybrid metal/printed case, i.e. an aluminium base and a printed top or vise versa?
Post by: wgsunrise on Thu, 20 August 2020, 03:37:04
Would there be any interest in a hybrid metal/printed case, i.e. an aluminium base and a printed top or vise versa?
I think that hybrid case with printed part for the bottom in translucent/matte would be a perfect match for KDB75 PCB's RGB underglow.
In fact I was gonna call it an endgame and stopped buying more MK related stuff after having participated a couple of 75% keyboard GB earlier this year.
But if the above mentioned combination will be an option in the final GB I would probably not be able to resist to snag one.
AND if E-White / White being one of the color option I would definitely in for one. :)
Post by: diddykang on Fri, 28 August 2020, 09:31:46
Post by: hrco999 on Sun, 30 August 2020, 06:53:19
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 31 August 2020, 11:28:11
Which are the renders for the metal version?
I don't have metal renders made, but I should have some real life prototype pictures to show you in a few weeks. Still waiting to hear back from some of the local shops about a prototype, everyone takes vacations in the last week of August around these parts.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 16 September 2020, 00:35:30
Considering just buying myself some larger printers and cutting out the middleman. Would like to offer the PLA75 as a made to order in stock 3-day-turnaround type of arrangement rather than trying to coordinate all these separate parties during this madness, so that may be an option in the future as well.
My apologies that this is taking so flipping long to get moving...
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 24 September 2020, 13:53:47
I've had a busy week of calibrating and modding (linear rails, direct drive extruder, bed levelling hardware, pei sheets, 32 bit motherboards, cutting edge Marlin versions) one of these big boys, but the first few PLA75 pieces coming off of it are really nice.
(https://i.imgur.com/fqwzdLz.jpg)
Give me a little more time to get this dialed in, and I'll open a small group buy. A larger one to follow after that when I get more printers souped up and ready to produce.
So yeah, ya boi can now produce boards without a 3rd party :D
Post by: HungerMechanic on Thu, 24 September 2020, 18:22:37
Post by: hammerbrotha on Fri, 25 September 2020, 01:45:51
If these are going to be made to order, hope you consider the option of not buying the pcb for those who already have a kbd75 and just wanna swap cases.
Post by: kowalski92 on Fri, 25 September 2020, 18:50:53
Post by: kwhilden on Fri, 25 September 2020, 20:54:42
Post by: a_turd on Wed, 30 September 2020, 15:34:56
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sun, 04 October 2020, 15:24:37
(https://i.imgur.com/PXXxDdA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aZzDqwx.jpg)
Album: https://imgur.com/gallery/mUImXS7
Printer is getting nice and tuned. Making a few prototypes to send out to my friends, and then we will be in business for a group buy. Due to my limited capacity to produce at the moment, I will be taking 10 orders at a time, which should take about 2 weeks to produce. I'll fulfill those, and repeat, ad-naseum. Everyone who wants one can get one, you've just gotta be lucky on the raffles I guess. I wish I could do more, but I'm working with what I've got right now.
I will be getting a shopify site made as well, so no more ghetto google forms or ordering via email conversation.
Thanks for sticking with me through all of this, and I am really happy to finally be able to be involved in EVERY step of the making of these keyboards, from design to manufacturing to fulfillment :)
- typed on the first PLA75 R2 Proto
Post by: hammerbrotha on Sun, 04 October 2020, 17:50:22
Post by: kowalski92 on Mon, 05 October 2020, 10:36:07
Post by: wgsunrise on Tue, 06 October 2020, 04:53:56
Since you are producing by yourself in small batch at a time would not buying KBD75 PCB from you be an option now in the future GB?
Nevertheless I will definitely be in when it's available.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Tue, 06 October 2020, 15:02:54
Oh these are not the acrylic cases. Just to be sure, you're still manufacturing and selling the Pla75 that comes with acrylic cases?
I've never made acrylic cases. R1 was also PLA.
I am so thrilled for the prototype and so ready to test my luck on the raffle.
Since you are producing by yourself in small batch at a time would not buying KBD75 PCB from you be an option now in the future GB?
Nevertheless I will definitely be in when it's available.
Maybe. I buy them in bulk so I can get a better price for the majority of the people that do want, so I highly encourage getting them with the kit as it saves you on the cost of the PCB + China shipping.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Tue, 06 October 2020, 15:07:37
Expect prices to be quite similar to R1, some (read: all) things got expensiver (pcbs, plates, and filament), but I think I can manage to keep it close to the original price. Note that these will be shipping from Canada (looking into a US distributor), so it may be a couple bucks more on the shipping side of things. I profusely apologise for being Canadian :p
Post by: lush_bunny on Tue, 06 October 2020, 22:25:50
coughTADA68Procough
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 08 October 2020, 12:24:53
I'm not a fan of the KBD75, but I really like the work you've done on both rounds of the PLA75. Will you be designing PLA cases for other existing boards/PCBs in the future?
coughTADA68Procough
Absolutely. I've already implemented my PLA75 style mounting for the adk64v2, and will be doing more designs in the future. Just focusing on getting these 75s made for the time being however.
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Wed, 14 October 2020, 12:48:19
Let me know what you think. This week I'll be printing off bases so that the first batch of 10 will be out the door very quickly when I open the first slots next week! Get ready!
And don't panic, the prices on the site are CAD, and are faithful to the ~185 USD per kit of the first GB.
Post by: horrorshow93 on Wed, 14 October 2020, 20:55:22
Checking on mobile and it worked well for me. Mobile is how I browse 90% of the time, so I hate when I can't see detail in product images. I like that I can really see the texture in the photos.
I can't believe it's only a week away! Excitement
Post by: Electronic_Abyss on Sat, 17 October 2020, 17:13:40
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Sun, 18 October 2020, 02:52:23
Lookin' good. You got any plans for that numpad that's in the image on the first page? I didn't notice it before, and now I want one.
Search up the ADK18. That was ran last year as a small one. I'm trying to get a handful of PCBs made so I can stock a few extra. DM me if you want one.
Post by: FellTattooArtist on Sun, 18 October 2020, 20:41:44
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Mon, 19 October 2020, 11:27:36
the sticker bombed one, what colour the case is it? got more photos?
Go to page 2 of this thread. The user posted a full guide with lots of pics.
Post by: Datastream on Mon, 19 October 2020, 15:17:01
Post by: ReDsNoTDeAd on Thu, 22 October 2020, 12:22:49
Raffle is up for one more day and then I will make the draws for the first mini round tomorrow at 4 PM PST
Post by: nevin on Tue, 27 October 2020, 06:02:19
..... positive future i see.... Yes
will try to keep an eye on all things @ReDsNoTDeAd
interested in the ADK64v2