Concrete Keyboard?

[Blitzschnitzel]

What do you guys think? Should be relatively simple to make with a silicon cast. Will definitely not slide around on your desk.

EDIT: Updated the picture

[Techno Trousers]

Interesting. If it was colored and polished it could look quite nice. But it would chip or break easily if dropped, and might discolor under finger oils and other contaminants (food, etc.). Thinking of how motor oil can easily stain concrete.

[pixelpusher]

Show Image

What do you guys think? Should be relatively simple to make with a silicon cast. Will definitely not slide around on your desk. :D

It looks really hard to pick up or move around with those straight sides.   Not my cup of tea, but the idea is interesting.

[wishful_cynic]

It has been done:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a23084/concrete-keyboard-diy-build/

[pixelpusher]

true, but the OP's design seems far more elegant

[AuthenticDanger]

Idea 23 has some 60% cases made of concrete, so it's certainly doable.

[Blitzschnitzel]

Interesting. If it was colored and polished it could look quite nice. But it would chip or break easily if dropped, and might discolor under finger oils and other contaminants (food, etc.). Thinking of how motor oil can easily stain concrete.

Well, if I color and polish it there would be little point to concrete. I kind of like the gritty texture and maybe some random bubbles in there.
I could put some chicken wire into the cast for strength and some clear matte varnish should help against decoloration.

It looks really hard to pick up or move around with those straight sides.   Not my cup of tea, but the idea is interesting.

It would weigh around 2.5 kilos. Maybe some high rubberfeet would make it easier to pick up.

Idea 23 has some 60% cases made of concrete, so it's certainly doable.

I can't find it do you have a link?

[ErgoMacros]

Maybe this?
    https://imgur.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards/y6Ujw

[Blitzschnitzel]

Thanks thats cool. Althoug, I think I would put less gravel in the mix.
I've made a new version. I think if I make a silicone mold I can get away with a small undercut at the front.

EDIT: Put the new Rendering in the first post.

[ErgoMacros]

Yes, like the new one better!

[kriminal]

What about porcelain?

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[FoC_Tow]

Absolutely love it!

Only issues I can see is finding a good way to mount plate/pcb.
One option would be fixing threaded inserts in the mold, wich will become enclosed in concrete when pouring the case.

Another option to consider would be cutting plates with an concrete anchoring/reinforcing frame around the actual plate.
This way the hole plate could be enclosed in concrete when pouring, creating a single piece case/plate combo.

The case would have to be open on the bottom, but this would make for a very solid case as the plate is locked into place and even adds reinforcement to the case.


really loving the raw concrete look and shape of the case and will be closely watching where this is going!

[Blitzschnitzel]

Yes, I think the easiest way would be using the same brass thread inlays like they are used in plastic cases. Then they get moulded in and they case could still be closed at the bottom.

[fpazos]

That's one of the craziest and better ideas I have seen around in GH. I searched if someone did the same using resin but I couldn't find anything.

What about porcelain?

The problem of porcelain is that you have to bake it at a really high temperature and, despite you can use it with a mould, it isn't as liquid as concrete.

EDIT: I found it but I didn't realised that you need a preasure pot as big as the case for doing it. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88062.0

[kriminal]

Cool, resin looks good though

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[DiodeHead]

EDIT: I found it but I didn't realised that you need a preasure pot as big as the case for doing it. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88062.0

oh man those resin cases look good, the big pressure pot probably isn't that big of a problem, Max (from this forum and from youtube make'n'modify) makes one with PVC and since the pressure needed is low, to scale it up from keycaps to keyboard case should be easy. I've seen videos of people doing chambers big enough for a keyboard case and using wood so the tube would not roll off the desk.

I could put some chicken wire into the cast for strength and some clear matte varnish should help against decoloration.

glass fiber reinforcement is another option. I hope you like this video.

[nevin]

Very interesting.
- Finishing.... patina is the new paint.
- Rubber/silicone mat fixed to bottom or large rubber feet to protect desks.
I do like a heavy case, it makes a world of difference. The case for my GH60/pure is one of the cast ones, good weight & dosen't move. A lot of our smaller boards don't have the material to be heavy enough not to move at the slightest bump.

[Findecanor]

Should be relatively simple to make with a silicon cast.

But do be sure to use a sturdy mother-mould to minimise the risk of deformation from the sheer weight of the concrete.
I think a vibrating table could be used to reduce bubbles in a cast before it starts to set.

[nevin]

Excellent point.

[Blitzschnitzel]

I just got my 3D printer so as soon as i've figured the thing out I can print the first positive form. 

But do be sure to use a sturdy mother-mould to minimise the risk of deformation from the sheer weight of the concrete.
I think a vibrating table could be used to reduce bubbles in a cast before it starts to set.

Good point. I'm sure Kaupo will sell something that is flexible but not too squishy.

[rachel]

This is such an interesting project/idea. Looking forward for more updates from you 

[0100010]

I've been contemplating a concrete "case" to finish up my GH122 (rev 1).  Right now it is just plate with standoffs.  Functional, just not finished.  One of these years...

[Darknight00z]

Updates?

[rinkaan]

just a tot,maybe you can use the cheap plastic case thats comes with the chinese kits for gh60 and make a positive and negative mould around the case so the cement moulds around the plastic as a "form" ... that you you get the mounting holes already in place (provided they dont get clogged up)..

[JoltFX]

Concret60 for sale currently on zFrontier lol


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