CNC machined KEYBOARD

[NUDEcnc]

Hello Everyone

My name is Arek and I am completely new in the field of custom keyboards.
My day to day job is CNC Designer and Programmer looking for new challenges. 

After checking out this forum I found out that lots of you are designing electronics, key layouts and keyboard programming. However I could not find many custom designs of the keyboard casings machined on CNC, which I think would be a cherry on top for many of your designs.

As a person who is passionate about CNC and my knowledge about keyboards is close to zero, but I would love to design and machine a case for your projects.

Please check the pictures.


This is an early render design of a keyboard which could be machined from metal (brass and carbon fibre in this case), carbon fibre, wood or plastic or simply any other machinable material. I am able to customise this keyboard case by adding true 3d shapes and engravings, material collage. I can also machine an electronic PCB according to the your/ forum community design.

These are my old designs that I'm serious about it.


Also I have a channel on YouTube which I started about month ago, so if are interested you can check out my work
http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI

Future owner will have a custom product and also a video how it has been made.

Please let me know if you are interested.
Regards Arek
Work progress:

MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE



https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0

[bueller]

Very interested! Always wanted to learn more about CNC milling, one day I would love to build my own mill for the shed at home.

[bueller]

Four minutes into that video and you're already my favourite new user, very excited to see what you have in store for the future!

[CPTBadAss]

Hi can we be forum BFFs? Your first post and you've told us you're a CNC machinist. AND you included machining porn

Just FYI, your pictures didn't show up

[NUDEcnc]

i CANT PUT PICTURES. I have 500 Internal Server Error

[CPTBadAss]

The attachments server is down . Try loading the pictures to imgur or another picture uploading service then posting that link.

Edit: Your picture attached finally.

[bueller]

Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!

[NUDEcnc]

Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!

Great that you like it. I should have "alfa version made from aluminium (only small keyboard part) at the and of the week. And there will be video of course 
Comments like that give me power to do what I do.
Regards Arek

[bueller]

Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!

Great that you like it. I should have "alfa version made from aluminium (only small keyboard part) at the and of the week. And there will be video of course 
Comments like that give me power to do what I do.
Regards Arek

Looking forward to it mate!

[FrostyToast]

Once I start building my custom board, I will definitely go to you for milling my stuff. Your designs look great as well!

[berserkfan]

Let see some cost estimates. I think it will not be cheap to do such a beautiful job.

[Michael]

Any way you can place these images on imgur so they load?

[absyrd]

Any way you can place these images on imgur so they load?

Yes. Please do this. Thanks.

[trizkut]

I hope you don't mind, I posted them on imgur (except for the last one, i couldn't get that one to load):

[yicaoyimu]

Very interesting work!

[Michael]

I hope you don't mind, I posted them on imgur (except for the last one, i couldn't get that one to load):

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Cool, thanks!

[Melvang]

DAMN nice looking work here.  You will def have tons of interest with the only thing that would hold people back will be the price tag.

I am not sure how much research you have done on how people get switch plates made or specs for cherry switches and such.

Just to provide some info so you know where and how to attack these things. 

http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm

Down towards the bottom of the page they list the specs for cherry cutouts.  In the CAD resources thread there is cut outs for stabilizer holes that will accept cherry and costar stabilizers as well.

The biggest thing that holds back milling switch plates is the inside radius on the switches.  Cherry's spec calls for .012" max radius.  This is a mighty fine drill bit for the corners especially for stainless plates.  The vast majority of switch plates are either laser cut or water jet.

[NUDEcnc]

Let see some cost estimates. I think it will not be cheap to do such a beautiful job.

I'm so pleased with your response. Thank You 
About cost.
First I want make sample design to show what I can do, and see if you will like it.

Regards Arek

 

[NUDEcnc]

DAMN nice looking work here.  You will def have tons of interest with the only thing that would hold people back will be the price tag.

I am not sure how much research you have done on how people get switch plates made or specs for cherry switches and such.

Just to provide some info so you know where and how to attack these things. 

http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm

Down towards the bottom of the page they list the specs for cherry cutouts.  In the CAD resources thread there is cut outs for stabilizer holes that will accept cherry and costar stabilizers as well.

The biggest thing that holds back milling switch plates is the inside radius on the switches.  Cherry's spec calls for .012" max radius.  This is a mighty fine drill bit for the corners especially for stainless plates.  The vast majority of switch plates are either laser cut or water jet.

That is my big concern
I do understand that switch is located in this way: 2 opposite sides of switch  are located in corners, and 2 other on side wall.
Is that correct ??

Second picture show concept cut for switch . I want finish corners with 1 mm (0.039") dia cutter witch will give 0.5mm (0.019")undercut only on one side.

picture 3 - corners look bigger then 0.3 rad spec.. (might be wrong)

[NUDEcnc]

Hi

As promised I am giving you some keyboard sample. 
This is just sample of how final product will look. It's made from aluminium 5082 which is "marine class" aluminium.
Wiki: "5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals."
It has also one more feature: after machining it has beautiful shiny finish as I hope you can see on pictures.

Pictures show keypad keyboard case. I didn't do any additional work on finish. No deburing, polishing, nothing.

I did write the program, so machining will leave interesting pattern which I personally love.
By the end of this week I will upload on my YouTube channel a video of machining process. So if you are interested please subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc

Let me know what you thing about it.
Regards Arek

[ConscienceDrop]

^ this looks absolutely amazing.
perhaps the center of the pattern could use a slight touch up, it does not seems to be as clean as the rest of the pattern?

but this is a very minor criticism it looks very nice.

[Photekq]

That looks superb. Great machining job. How much would you charge to have something of similar complexity custom made?

[Charger]

oh a new youtube account to subscribe to nice.

Looks good, keep up the good work

[0100010]

Hi

As promised I am giving you some keyboard sample. 
This is just sample of how final product will look. It's made from aluminium 5082 which is "marine class" aluminium.
Wiki: "5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals."
It has also one more feature: after machining it has beautiful shiny finish as I hope you can see on pictures.

Pictures show keypad keyboard case. I didn't do any additional work on finish. No deburing, polishing, nothing.

I did write the program, so machining will leave interesting pattern which I personally love.
By the end of this week I will upload on my YouTube channel a video of machining process. So if you are interested please subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc

Let me know what you thing about it.
Regards Arek

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Willing to ship a prototype to someone to see how well it mounts switches?

[nubbinator]

That would be awesome.  That is an incredibly clean looking case.  I'd love to volunteer, I have a numpad PCB needing a home and that would let me try it out.

[CPTBadAss]

Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

Also have you tested the hole sizes to ensure the switches will fit? Is there enough clearance for a PCB and/or controller such as a Teensy?

The pattern is quite nice, and I love the finish you got. And that slow motion clip of chips flying? I could watch that *ALL* ****ing day.

[blackbox]

Very nice work! That numpad looks gorgeous.

[bueller]

Excellent work man. I would totally rock one of those for my GHpad once I get it soldered.

[berserkfan]

Now I'm just waiting to hear about the price and his ability to do different layouts. Sounds like a great opportunity for me to get some plates cut for my matrix keyboards.

[feizor]

Looks great!  UK customs!

[MOZ]

Really good work, looking real nice!

[LechnerDE]

Wow, so nice!

I will keep an eye on this thread and your progress 

[JackMills]

This is a great project, looking really nice.

You make some nice videos as well, love to watch the slow-mos   

[margo baggins]

Hello,

We need to hook up bro

we are very close. We could make magic happen

If you want me to build a prototype with any of your cases I can do so, if you build it around a pcb design I can sort and build it - or if you just want to build a crazy case I can hand wire it and we can get you a working keyboard

[NUDEcnc]

This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.

http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.

[JackMills]

This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.

More

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.

If we want to get a quote, what sort of files would you need of us? I mainly do CAD in ProE/Creo/Cocreate Modeling , but I would think that you require either step or dxf to make your CNC routes (I have no experience with CNC hence the newby question).

And yeah for you being located in UK, it is still overseas but as much overseas as the US (I didn't have a look at your location until Margo asked to hook up because your close, distance wise)

[NUDEcnc]

This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.

More

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.

If we want to get a quote, what sort of files would you need of us? I mainly do CAD in ProE/Creo/Cocreate Modeling , but I would think that you require either step or dxf to make your CNC routes (I have no experience with CNC hence the newby question).

And yeah for you being located in UK, it is still overseas but as much overseas as the US (I didn't have a look at your location until Margo asked to hook up because your close, distance wise)

U can send me really any CAD file like dxf, dwg atc.
I need a layout of the keyboard, materials and idea. I will design the case according to your spec. and present visualization of the project.
U have to provide basic informations like where you place the controller, what type of a connection do you want, (cable, usb) will this be on pcb atc.
About price, I'll try not to exceed price of Korean "custom" keyboards (really I think there is only one aluminium, and it's not really full custom) like KMAC 2

I don't see a problem to send this to any country. Parcel will be recorded and insured of course.

Regards Arek

[NUDEcnc]

Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

I do not plan to put any corrosion coating. Why use high quality materials and cover them?
I want use aluminium 5083 which ages similar to brass.  U can give a nice polish to your Jewellery once a year .

Also have you tested the hole sizes to ensure the switches will fit? Is there enough clearance for a PCB and/or controller such as a Teensy?

No, I haven't done that yet, but will do very soon.

The pattern is quite nice, and I love the finish you got. And that slow motion clip of chips flying? I could watch that *ALL* ****ing day.

Yes, I love this colours and that's why I'm not planing to put any coating. I will try to improve slow motion next time, I just need something like 1000w light.

[CPTBadAss]

Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

I do not plan to put any corrosion coating. Why use high quality materials and cover them?
I want use aluminium 5083 which ages similar to brass.  U can give a nice polish to your Jewellery once a year .

Oh...I don't like patina. I also work in the aerospace industry so coatings and overengineering in general is something I like .

[Evo_Spec]

This is awesome man, thanks for coming into the community and offering this.
I won't be able to afford it but i look forward to seeing your work!

[NUDEcnc]

Quick progress update



Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??

[FrostyToast]

Quick progress update

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Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??

Most 60% keyboards have the exact same dimensions and holes for screws so the designing around the GH60 pcb should work just fine.
Don't know if that is what you were asking

[bueller]

Quick progress update

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Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??

If you need something ready to order I'd suggest getting in contact with GON for a Nerd60, the GH60 is going to be hard to come by any time in the near future.

[NUDEcnc]

Idea was to have ultra custom pcb like gh60 plus custom case.

My question is:
What is most common base to make custom keyboard on this forum?
is there one like that?

[Freebird]

Definitely loving what you are doing good sir!

Do you use Solidworks or Catia? Or something else?

I would personally love a 60% case. For me though the ultimate would be pre preg carbon fibre casing. Don't suppose you have access to an autoclave etc?

Designing a mould for a proper CF case would be something you could quite easily produce from the looks of your setup. I realise I have gone off at a tangent to your thread which I apologise for

[jdcarpe]

Idea was to have ultra custom pcb like gh60 plus custom case.

My question is:
What is most common base to make custom keyboard on this forum?
is there one like that?

It would be the GH60, but that group buy got bogged down and stalled.

Other viable 60% alternatives are the GON NerD 60 (available at www.gonskeyboardworks.com) and the SPRiT 60% (another stalled? buy).

[byker]

Wow that numpad looks really good! 

[hydrospell]

Hi can we be forum BFFs? Your first post and you've told us you're a CNC machinist. AND you included machining porn

Feelin' a bit left out here Captain

[do_Og@n]

... well done good sir!!!

[NUDEcnc]

Topic: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0