[IC] Aluminum top cases for CM Novatouch and Rapid-i

[c137]

Hi there!

Today we (the crew from the German community blog "Mecha-Blog.de" on mechanical keyboards) started an interest check: https://www.mecha-blog.de/interest-check-aluoberseite/
It is about aluminum top cases for the CoolerMaster Novatouch and Rapid-i.

We already found a potential manufacturer in Germany with appropriate CNC equipment. An original Novatouch top case has already been laser scanned and the CAD is being worked on. More information can be found on the blog page.

So here is our plan: instead of the plastic top case we want to create one from aluminum, which would be compatible with the Novatouch and the Rapid-i.
On both keyboards that new case would mean all-aluminum clad top, front, left and right side plus a large section on the back. The bottom would stay as it is.
The original part has already been laser-scanned, the CAD is in the works and a potential manufacturer with the proper CNC equipment in Germany has been found.
It won't be really cheap as quality is never cheap. However, we anticipate it to be less expensive than other case group buys, as only a top case is made instead of two parts. Worldwide shipping is actually possible per se, but as you certainly know that can get a little expensive itself.

So, who would be interested?

Feel free to ask away. You are very welcome to comment on the Mecha-Blog.de site

[Blackhawk]

I would definitely be interested in a top case for my novatouch. Are you guys looking into different color options  (and possibly anodizing)?

[naokira]

Definitely interested for rapid-i. Also would like to know the anodizing options.

[c137]

Are you guys looking into different color options  (and possibly anodizing)?

Yes, we are looking into that. That's part of the reason why we are doing an interest check, to get a picture of what options people actually want.
I cannot guarantee anything atm however. My guess is that the 1-3 most popular options (depending on total interest number) can be produced.

Definitely interested for rapid-i.

Just to make it clear (you probably already know that, at least from the start post here): it will be one product to fit both the Rapid-i and the Novatouch.

[Blackhawk]

Are you guys looking into different color options  (and possibly anodizing)?

Yes, we are looking into that. That's part of the reason why we are doing an interest check, to get a picture of what options people actually want.
I cannot guarantee anything atm however. My guess is that the 1-3 most popular options (depending on total interest number) can be produced.

Awesome to hear

[awhitedev]

Very interested in this! What's the anticipated price range?

[naokira]

Definitely interested for rapid-i.

Just to make it clear (you probably already know that, at least from the start post here): it will be one product to fit both the Rapid-i and the Novatouch.

Yes, I know
Just saying that I'm coming from the rapid-i, not Novatouch.

On the anodizing, I'd like to go titanium color. That's just me maybe, but red is pretty popular too.

[Invaderevan]

I know I want to build a Novatouch at some point in the not to distant future, so I would probably be interested!

[Latin00032]

Would you ever consider a top case (Or full case) for the hhkb or the Leopold fc660c?

[c137]

Well, the idea started because I have a Novatouch and had a Rapid-i.
Also, we chose the top case to keep price and complexity relatively low. (The Radpid-i/Novatouch top case is screwed fast, but on both of mine you wouldn't need the screws to properly keep it in place btw.) Also, the thought was that having something for 2 popular models is a good thing.

So, you see, basically anything is possible if a) you find enough people and b) enough money. A laser-scan, CAD and CNC can almost produce anything in terms of keyboard cases. But I would need the original part first for the scan and then my guy could work on the CAD.
Another person from Mecha-Blog.de has a HHKB, so that wouldn't be the problem. However, the current project is taking some effort and doing a second (or third, when counting the MSTG Mk.II) at the same time just doesn't seem feasible.

tl;dr: Not now, maybe later.

What's the anticipated price range?

Great question!
The truth is, this largely depends on the number of people ordering, and also on the finish options. The manufacturer will inform me on prices (and MOQs for reduced prices) once they have the final CAD.

We definitely want to be lower than 200€, as for that sum you can get full metal cases as other GBs have shown. I personally would like to be around 100-150€, but as I said, more orders can bring down the price per piece quickly.

[awhitedev]

Well, the idea started because I have a Novatouch and had a Rapid-i.
Also, we chose the top case to keep price and complexity relatively low. (The Radpid-i/Novatouch top case is screwed fast, but on both of mine you wouldn't need the screws to properly keep it in place btw.) Also, the thought was that having something for 2 popular models is a good thing.

So, you see, basically anything is possible if a) you find enough people and b) enough money. A laser-scan, CAD and CNC can almost produce anything in terms of keyboard cases. But I would need the original part first for the scan and then my guy could work on the CAD.
Another person from Mecha-Blog.de has a HHKB, so that wouldn't be the problem. However, the current project is taking some effort and doing a second (or third, when counting the MSTG Mk.II) at the same time just doesn't seem feasible.

tl;dr: Not now, maybe later.

What's the anticipated price range?

Great question!
The truth is, this largely depends on the number of people ordering, and also on the finish options. The manufacturer will inform me on prices (and MOQs for reduced prices) once they have the final CAD.

We definitely want to be lower than 200€, as for that sum you can get full metal cases as other GBs have shown. I personally would like to be around 100-150€, but as I said, more orders can bring down the price per piece quickly.

Thanks for the reply. Sounds good! I will be following this IC closely

[jackiecanev2]

Novatouch interest +1. Following thread. Excited to see where this goes.

[LechnerDE]

Posting to not miss any updates

[SK9Wolf7]

Yea im interested also, know you from Germany would be possible to ship in EU, to Croatia.

[c137]

Shipping to Croatia would be possible. However, I cannot specify a price yet.

[SK9Wolf7]

No problem, sign me up for one )

[pr1me]

interested

[Ngt]

That could be the last piece to my already modded Novatouch. I'm following this GB as well.

[FunkMasterJ]

Heck yeah

[jerr]

Sign me up!

[Ngt]

Too many guys with the same avatar!

[pickyaxe]

I'm definitely interested in a (half) metal Novatouch. Any chance you could post a picture of a prototype?

[c137]

I will post pictures of a prototype as soon as there is one

[Ngt]

I will post pictures of a prototype as soon as there is one

What would be the possible MOQ for this? Do you know the different threshold for the price tag?

[c137]

A prototype is going to be made, no matter what.
The MOQs for the price tags can only be fixed when the CAD is final, which in turn can only be confirmed when the prototype is done.

However, our partners in production have a pretty tight schedule and are squeezing in the Novatouch project whenever possible. So I am afraid it's going to take some more time until we see the prototype. Stay tuned!

[Ngt]

A prototype is going to be made, no matter what.
The MOQs for the price tags can only be fixed when the CAD is final, which in turn can only be confirmed when the prototype is done.

However, our partners in production have a pretty tight schedule and are squeezing in the Novatouch project whenever possible. So I am afraid it's going to take some more time until we see the prototype. Stay tuned!

Fair enough. I'll be looking forward to the news you'll have.

[twk]

I am also interested!

[toxicdrift]

im definitely interested in the rapid i model

[livingspeedbump]

interested in Novatouch case, and following.

[wholphin]

Interested in the Novatouch top case

[raymogi]

Interested for Novatouch as well.

[dario]

Yea im interested also, know you from Germany would be possible to ship in EU, to Croatia.

Hehe, who would have thought I would bump into another Croat Novatouch lover here, considering how small this country is and that the keyboard at the moment is not even sold here, as far as I know.

Since we are probably going to be the only ones from here ordering this, maybe we can keep the shipping price down by ordering it in the same package (if you're living in the capital)?

Anyway... consider me interested, as far as I like the design and the colors. Maybe I'll give up if the price tag is too high, but then again, I registered just to show up in this thread... so yeah...

Man, this whole keyboard thing is really somehow getting out of control. All I wanted is a Topre keyboard, and then I ended up modding the whole thing with foam silencing rings, custom DSA PBT keycaps, soldering blue SMD LEDs in there... and now this metal case shows up...

It's like I'm click-clacking the whole time between my normal mindset and this keyboard insanity. In the end, this will probably be the most expensive piece of hardware I have ever bought. 

This hobby is a form of mental illness really.

I wonder how would metal case impact the thock sound of the keyboard. When the preproduction sample is done, it would be nice to show us some ABS-aluminium comparison video.

Also, what are the chances of a case being around 100€ or below? How many people should order to accomplish that?

[Hypersphere]

Possibly interested for the Novatouch.

[ramnes]

I'd be interested!

[nocturalowl]

Interested for the NT.

[c137]

When the preproduction sample is done, it would be nice to show us some ABS-aluminium comparison video

Will do.

Unfortunately I have to say that "when" is still unclear.

[bred]

I am absolutely down! I'm looking at hydro dipping or this as an alternative aesthetic for this beautiful board. I presume the TKL variant will fit the Quickfire TKL too.

[PrinsPils]

any news?

[OrcsInSpace]

Would this work on the Novatouch TKL as well?

I am new to this site and everything, can someone tell me what this is, is this an aluminum replacement for the top plastic casing?

If so it sounds awesome and how do I sign up?

[ramnes]

You can't sign up yet. This is an "interest check" (IC),  to see approximately how many people would be interested.

[s3vv4]

Would a QFR fit inside those cases?
I heard the rapid-i and QFR are very similar except for the LEDs.

[chiefgrillz]

+1 interested in novatouch

[ramnes]

Meanwhile... http://imgur.com/a/lg0MQ

[LXXXIX]

+1 Novatouch.

[Lepidus]

I would, depending on the price.

Would a QFR fit inside those cases?
I heard the rapid-i and QFR are very similar except for the LEDs.

I dont think so, as the case design is different. Probably only Rapid-i and Rapid-Si.

[bl1nk]

I'm in for a novatouch top case.

[mobbo]

+1 for Novatouch.

[alexjd99]

Don't have a Novatouch, but would definitely get one for an aluminum case 

[Joebroniee]

+one for nova

[mrgoldenzombie]

This item will be pretty expensive and + shipping from Germany might just be enough for me not to join