[IC] SKBXX Alu Case [60% Std, WKL, HHKB, YAS + 75%] (GOT SAMPLES!)

[yasintahir]

OK, I was informed that I can pick up the samples next Tuesday or Wednesday.
FINALLY!

I smell we are ready for GB next month  )

[ojrask]

Argh, if this and Modern M0110 happen at the same time I'm toast. Would like to get a WKL SKB60.

[Data]

OK, I was informed that I can pick up the samples next Tuesday or Wednesday.
FINALLY!

Excellent.  My PCB should arrive next week.  I am ready! 

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Finally got the samples on Wednesday!

Big relief, everything is fine and fits.

The plan was to only show you the samples after I finished a nice build and took superduper DSLR pictures. But now I feel like I don't wanna let you wait any longer and it might take at least another week until I have DSLR pics. Also someone told me he thinks that quick n dirty mobile pics are more honest and trustworthy. At least I finished the build today.

Though there is one changes I want for GB production. The bead blasting is too fine, I want it to be much rougher. Good thing I made the samples.

So here is one teaser picture:


the rest is on imgur:
https://imgur.com/a/5wfjv

[hansichen]

That prototype is really nice, I'm definitely hyped for the group buy! 

[ihalatch]

What's the timeline for this GB? Please, make it happen. The kit is great.

[Data]

It looks great!

[P1kas]

I quite like how the second prototype turned out.

Would you be willing to weigh this prototype as well?


Also, have you been able to figure out pricing for these?

[Draic]

I like the prototype but really hate that big cutout on the bottom. Just for the reset switch? If there is no way to close that cutout, I think it is kind of stupid :/

[P1kas]

It is for the reset switch, yes.

[duynguyenle]

It is for the reset switch, yes.

Cool sample, good industrial aesthetic, but that massive cutout is really not necessary in my opinion, seeing as you can set a hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader. I'd like to see you go without this cutout. Especially for 75% version where I can't even think of any PCB that has a reset switch (KBD75 PCB does away with it after round 2 IIRC)

[Draic]

but that massive cutout is really not necessary in my opinion, seeing as you can set a hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader. I'd like to see you go without this cutout.

exactly

[Giorgio]

Nice prototype, but I don't like so much the cutout of the usb port. I don't understand why there's the need for the two cutouts to extend to the top. I'd prefer a cleaner look.

One of the nicest example of aluminium is the apple a1243 keyboard.

I hope that this gb will be successful and that we can have a tkl too.

[realxmlforce]

I guess the usb cutout has to be that way to allow for the variable angle. The pcb is top mounted and so the usb port moves with the top half when the angle is changed. I am fine with it the way it is right now.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

What's the timeline for this GB? Please, make it happen. The kit is great.

only little details to sort out, better pictures, shipping options, then preparing the GB thread and go. hopefully starting in less that two weeks from now.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

I quite like how the second prototype turned out.
Would you be willing to weigh this prototype as well?
Also, have you been able to figure out pricing for these?

of course I'll weight it - you know I bought that scale especially for that
will do it tomorrow.
pricing, sorry still not exactly figured out but no change from the last prediction so far, between 130 and 160 euro.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

It is for the reset switch, yes.

Cool sample, good industrial aesthetic, but that massive cutout is really not necessary in my opinion, seeing as you can set a hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader. I'd like to see you go without this cutout. Especially for 75% version where I can't even think of any PCB that has a reset switch (KBD75 PCB does away with it after round 2 IIRC)

I like the prototype but really hate that big cutout on the bottom. Just for the reset switch? If there is no way to close that cutout, I think it is kind of stupid :/

well, it really is quite a big. was just to make sure that PCBs where the switch may be at a slightly different position will be ok with it as well. look at the zeal PCB for example. changing it is no big deal of course. but why would the cutout on the bottom bother you so much? I'll take a look at it.

EDIT:
regarding the hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader - yes, I realised that as well today. what about non qmk PCBs?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Nice prototype, but I don't like so much the cutout of the usb port. I don't understand why there's the need for the two cutouts to extend to the top. I'd prefer a cleaner look.

One of the nicest example of aluminium is the apple a1243 keyboard.

I hope that this gb will be successful and that we can have a tkl too.

I guess the usb cutout has to be that way to allow for the variable angle. The pcb is top mounted and so the usb port moves with the top half when the angle is changed. I am fine with it the way it is right now.

exactly! that's the reason. I'll point these kind of things out in the GB.

[Giorgio]

It is for the reset switch, yes.

Cool sample, good industrial aesthetic, but that massive cutout is really not necessary in my opinion, seeing as you can set a hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader. I'd like to see you go without this cutout. Especially for 75% version where I can't even think of any PCB that has a reset switch (KBD75 PCB does away with it after round 2 IIRC)

I like the prototype but really hate that big cutout on the bottom. Just for the reset switch? If there is no way to close that cutout, I think it is kind of stupid :/

well, it really is quite a big. was just to make sure that PCBs where the switch may be at a slightly different position will be ok with it as well. look at the zeal PCB for example. changing it is no big deal of course. but why would the cutout on the bottom bother you so much? I'll take a look at it.

EDIT:
regarding the hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader - yes, I realised that as well today. what about non qmk PCBs?

It's not the cutout on the bottom, it's the fact that the cutouts continues to the top that is ugly in my opinion

[P1kas]

what about non qmk PCBs?

Very important to consider this. While the cutout may not be a problem for QMK, this may not be the case for every PCB.

[Draic]

well, it really is quite a big. was just to make sure that PCBs where the switch may be at a slightly different position will be ok with it as well. look at the zeal PCB for example. changing it is no big deal of course. but why would the cutout on the bottom bother you so much? I'll take a look at it.

EDIT:
regarding the hotkey in QMK to enter the bootloader - yes, I realised that as well today. what about non qmk PCBs?

frankly, I do not care for non QMK pcbs, but that is just me. I simply want a case that is closed all the way around. I am transporting my keyboards quite a bit and that hole would just annoy me. So at the very least I would like to see it decreased in size. Maybe if it would not be just a giant hole would also help, asI think the round cutout does not fit with the rest of the design. This way it looks more like a mistake, than part of the keyboard. You will never be able to offer 100% compatibility for every PCB that ever was, so a smaller cutout that will serve its function for 90% of the PCBs should be good enough. If you are unwilling to simply scrap the idea and close it completely (would be my preference), I would like to see a screw in plate from the inside, so people can close it for good if they do not need it (QMK is quite popular ). I understand this increases costs, just voicing my wishes.
Maybe put it up to a vote what options people prefer. Always hard to judge if the vocal people are a majority or minority.

[pomk]

what about non qmk PCBs?

Very important to consider this. While the cutout may not be a problem for QMK, this may not be the case for every PCB.

TMK can be configured to go to bootloader mode with a key combo as well. Bootmapper boards have a PCB specific key you need to press while connecting the USB. Authentic Poker PCBs have dip switches at that location, but I would be amazed if someone used an actual Poker PCB to build their board. Nerd PCBs don't have a separate "bootloader mode".

[Shenpai]

This is very interesting, I'm a fan! Good work

[Draic]

what about non qmk PCBs?

Very important to consider this. While the cutout may not be a problem for QMK, this may not be the case for every PCB.

TMK can be configured to go to bootloader mode with a key combo as well. Bootmapper boards have a PCB specific key you need to press while connecting the USB. Authentic Poker PCBs have dip switches at that location, but I would be amazed if someone used an actual Poker PCB to build their board. Nerd PCBs don't have a separate "bootloader mode".

QMK, TMK and Bootmapper are all fine without a cutout then, so I would argue it is really not needed for most people.

[menuhin]

[hidden]

what about non qmk PCBs?

Very important to consider this. While the cutout may not be a problem for QMK, this may not be the case for every PCB.

TMK can be configured to go to bootloader mode with a key combo as well. Bootmapper boards have a PCB specific key you need to press while connecting the USB. Authentic Poker PCBs have dip switches at that location, but I would be amazed if someone used an actual Poker PCB to build their board. Nerd PCBs don't have a separate "bootloader mode".

[/hidden]
QMK, TMK and Bootmapper are all fine without a cutout then, so I would argue it is really not needed for most people.

I agree with a few up that some of the cutouts are a bit out of style, e.g. this huge circular cutout.

But to conclude "most people" (aka > 50% users) do not need that cutout, implying they do not need to access that reset button is a bit far-fetched.
I would say, unless a reset key-combo is set as default for all QMK and TMK and other PCBs, and that such a default reset key-combo is clearly written in easily accessible documentation of the PCB, the reset button is still the most obvious and no-brainer way to reset most PCB equipped with that.

[pomk]

[hidden]

what about non qmk PCBs?

Very important to consider this. While the cutout may not be a problem for QMK, this may not be the case for every PCB.

TMK can be configured to go to bootloader mode with a key combo as well. Bootmapper boards have a PCB specific key you need to press while connecting the USB. Authentic Poker PCBs have dip switches at that location, but I would be amazed if someone used an actual Poker PCB to build their board. Nerd PCBs don't have a separate "bootloader mode".

[/hidden]
QMK, TMK and Bootmapper are all fine without a cutout then, so I would argue it is really not needed for most people.

I agree with a few up that some of the cutouts are a bit out of style, e.g. this huge circular cutout.

But to conclude "most people" (aka > 50% users) do not need that cutout, implying they do not need to access that reset button is a bit far-fetched.
I would say, unless a reset key-combo is set as default for all QMK and TMK and other PCBs, and that such a default reset key-combo is clearly written in easily accessible documentation of the PCB, the reset button is still the most obvious and no-brainer way to reset most PCB equipped with that.

All people can program the PCB with a key combo before screwing on the bottom of the case. "Ruining" all cases because some people do not know how to program their boards is a bit silly.

[Giorgio]

Create big hole.

Sell plugs to close hole.

Profit!

[apejonk]

As someone who is definitely going to buy this case, I wouldn't mind if the cutout would be gone.

[Data]

The hole for reset access doesn't bother me.  It's on the bottom and you should never see it once you've finished building.

Are these the same people who complain about a giant hole for dip switches?  If a PCB has certain features then some accommodation should be made for them no matter how useful you subjectively think they'll be.

[P1kas]

If a PCB has certain features then some accommodation should be made for them no matter how useful you subjectively think they'll be.

I'm inclined to agree with this statement.

[Draic]

That is why I asked for a way to close the cutout (and change the shape). That way everyone would be happy. Otherwise create a vote and let the majority decide if they want that cutout or not.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Regarding the HOLE situation:

The hole for reset access doesn't bother me.  It's on the bottom and you should never see it once you've finished building.

Are these the same people who complain about a giant hole for dip switches?  If a PCB has certain features then some accommodation should be made for them no matter how useful you subjectively think they'll be.

I am 100% in line with this opinion.

But please chillout guys, some don't want it, some don't care but no one desperately needs it. In case someone does, you can still open the case of course. Consider the hole to be gone completely, less work for the LASER.

Beware: if now others come at me screaming to bring back the hole, then I might change my mind about it again

Btw, yesterday I dealt with QMK, made a keymap and flashed it to the board. This tutorial was very helpful. Guess what I used to flash: yes, I pressed that little button through the hole

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Would you be willing to weigh this prototype as well?

The weight is: 0.970 kg
for comparison, my Pok3r weighs 0.802 kg

[P1kas]

Thank you.

[apejonk]

How do the screws feel btw? I showed this to my girlfriend and she brought up the point that they might be uncomfortable.

[Data]

Regarding the HOLE situation:

The hole for reset access doesn't bother me.  It's on the bottom and you should never see it once you've finished building.

Are these the same people who complain about a giant hole for dip switches?  If a PCB has certain features then some accommodation should be made for them no matter how useful you subjectively think they'll be.

I am 100% in line with this opinion.

But please chillout guys, some don't want it, some don't care but no one desperately needs it. In case someone does, you can still open the case of course. Consider the hole to be gone completely, less work for the LASER.

Beware: if now others come at me screaming to bring back the hole, then I might change my mind about it again

Btw, yesterday I dealt with QMK, made a keymap and flashed it to the board. This tutorial was very helpful. Guess what I used to flash: yes, I pressed that little button through the hole

Is it possible to remove a screw from each side and pivot the top enough to access the button without disassembling the entire board?

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

How do the screws feel btw? I showed this to my girlfriend and she brought up the point that they might be uncomfortable.

Good point, I was curious to find out about this. I don't feel the screws at all. When typing you don't come in contact with the frame/bezel anyway, that doesn't happen with any keyboard (at least not when I type). Then there are the situations when you don't type and your fingers rest on the keyboard. Mostly my fingers rest on the keys itself so in this case I don't feel the screws either. Sometimes my fingers wander around the key area and on the bezel/frame and then of course I do feel the screws but not in an obtrusive kind of way. They immediately become a part of the whole body and my fingers instinctively use them as kind of orientation points somewhat like the bumps on the F and J keys.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Is it possible to remove a screw from each side and pivot the top enough to access the button without disassembling the entire board?

You can leave the two front screws in and open it until a certain angle. This angle is about 30°. If your fingers are not huge then they have just enough space to get in and reach the button.

[Data]

Is it possible to remove a screw from each side and pivot the top enough to access the button without disassembling the entire board?

You can leave the two front screws in and open it until a certain angle. This angle is about 30°. If your fingers are not huge then they have just enough space to get in and reach the button.

That's interesting. Thanks.

[need]

The case almost looks like its made for dolch

[ojrask]

How do the screws feel btw? I showed this to my girlfriend and she brought up the point that they might be uncomfortable.

... They immediately become a part of the whole body and my fingers instinctively use them as kind of orientation points somewhat like the bumps on the F and J keys.

I was so thrown off when I switched from a 60% to a wider one as I could not position my right pinky on the edge of the keyboard, kept pressing the wrong keys. The screws sound like a nice homing system.

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Yesterday I made a second build from the samples I got. This time the HHKB version. Wanted this to be a perfect build so it took quite some time, here is the IMGUR album.
And a little teaser again:

[Data]

Vintage blacks?  Sweet Jesus...

OK, stop teasing us and GIVE THE GB. 

[The_Boom_Boy]

cool cool cool!

[PlastikSchnittstelle]

Vintage blacks?  Sweet Jesus...

OK, stop teasing us and GIVE THE GB. 

oh no, they were absolutely not vintage. just got that board for like 5euro and only to harvest the springs and stabs. because the mx-silent-blacks that i wanted to use had mx-red springs inside - yes I know, sound strange, but that really happened. were from a GB recently. since I absolutely don't feel comfortable typing on light springs, I swapped the standard mx-black springs in.

I hope I have the GB ready next week

[mudcakehoney]

I’ve almost decided to get both sizes after looking at the prototype. I just can’t get enough of that industrial toughness

[stoic-lemon]

I need to take a  trip to Germany this summer with the sole purpose of getting a full keyboard of vintage blacks I can bring home.

[thokir]

I need to take a  trip to Germany this summer with the sole purpose of getting a full keyboard of vintage blacks I can bring home.

I am from germany and didn't find a single vintage black keyboard for less than the usual switch price so far...

[stoic-lemon]

Well, I'll come for the keyboards, and stay for the beer while I search. Got to hit up those recycling centres.

[menuhin]

Well, I'll come for the keyboards, and stay for the beer while I search. Got to hit up those recycling centres.

In order to access those recycling centers, one needs an official permit; and in order to have an official permit of such kind, one needs to represent or own a company related to the task of visiting the recycling centers; in order to own or represent a company in Germany ... etc.

Or just contact Wodan when you are in Germany. He has a batch of keyboards with vintage blacks from the US.