Post by: johnatzap on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:16:05
Polycarbonate/Brass Bumper available for pre-order now.
We're offering a limited number (50) of Polycarbonate Bumpers for pre-sale, available now (while quantities last)! A fair amount has changed since our original post, though for the most part the design has remained pretty much the same.
https://zapcables.com/bumper-60-keyboard-case/
Images as well as description of what's included can be seen at the above link. This pre-sale is for the case only, there is no plate or PCB included. Bumper will accommodate a standard 60% PCB.
More
Bumper
Round with age and groaning from the weight of technological advancement, Bumper is a tray-mount 60% keyboard case longing for the good old days.
(https://i.imgur.com/lc1Y8m0.jpg)
Bumper’s main design features are her round, smooth contours and her interchangeable side insert pieces. We refer to them as “flippers.”
Some initial specifications:
Bumper will come with: 1x body, 2x flippers (1 left and 1 right), M2 screws for a PCB (PCB not included), flat black hex M2 screws for the flippers, mini hex wrench for flipper screws, neoprene non-slip footings with pressure-sensitive adhesive, box, sticker, longing.
There will likely be no 60% PCB. Nor plate. Nothing at all but the delicious, sloping curves of a keyboard case that’s been around the block many times, slapping away would-be interlopers as it goes.
However, there will be downloadable files you can use to produce or print your own flippers! There will also be the opportunity to purchase extra sets of flippers in different colors, so you can get the most out of your Bumper. Swap ‘em, trade ‘em, make your own!
She pops, she rolls, she ramps, she pings. She may even light up. And if you can’t already tell, Bumper likes pinball! You could call it her...inspiration.
GB plans:
Initial Prototype & Render Gallery (https://imgur.com/a/NRhzpuZ)
Interest Check Form (https://forms.gle/tptkNK3nD69RnqiA8)
Updates:
June 2, 2019
July 10, 2019
Sorry things have been taking longer than expected, but, hey…things have been taking longer than expected. We have just placed an order for a second round of prototypes (including a polycarbonate keyboard body and a set of brass flippers), which we should have in-hand in about 3 weeks.
Once we get those in, tested for fit, and are feeling good about them, we will be ready to announce an initial small group buy! Details on that will come as soon as we get the round 2 prototypes in the shop and inspected.
Here is a short list of the tweaks we made form the round 1 prototype, based on the feedback we've received over the past several weeks:
We’re really excited to see the new prototypes in person, and think they will yield a pretty sweet, clean (and hefty) board :)
More Discussion in our Discord (https://discord.gg/2EKpKy)
Round with age and groaning from the weight of technological advancement, Bumper is a tray-mount 60% keyboard case longing for the good old days.
(https://i.imgur.com/lc1Y8m0.jpg)
Bumper’s main design features are her round, smooth contours and her interchangeable side insert pieces. We refer to them as “flippers.”
Some initial specifications:
- Measurements: 31 x 13.5 x 3.2 cm / 12.25 x 5.25 x 1.25 in
- Total weight: 1.8 kg / 4 lbs. assembled (with aluminum body and polycarbonate flippers)
- Typing angle: 7°
- Case material options: CNC’d aluminum or polycarbonate
- Side insert (flipper) material options: CNC’d aluminum or polycarbonate or brass
- Coating: Cerakote (various colors)
Bumper will come with: 1x body, 2x flippers (1 left and 1 right), M2 screws for a PCB (PCB not included), flat black hex M2 screws for the flippers, mini hex wrench for flipper screws, neoprene non-slip footings with pressure-sensitive adhesive, box, sticker, longing.
There will likely be no 60% PCB. Nor plate. Nothing at all but the delicious, sloping curves of a keyboard case that’s been around the block many times, slapping away would-be interlopers as it goes.
However, there will be downloadable files you can use to produce or print your own flippers! There will also be the opportunity to purchase extra sets of flippers in different colors, so you can get the most out of your Bumper. Swap ‘em, trade ‘em, make your own!
She pops, she rolls, she ramps, she pings. She may even light up. And if you can’t already tell, Bumper likes pinball! You could call it her...inspiration.
GB plans:
- Date: Will be announced once second round of prototypes is in-hand and confirmed good (which should be the end of July).
- Quantity: MOQ will be low. Probably 50.
- Price: TBD. Likely in the mid-$200s.
Initial Prototype & Render Gallery (https://imgur.com/a/NRhzpuZ)
Interest Check Form (https://forms.gle/tptkNK3nD69RnqiA8)
Updates:
June 2, 2019
- Here's a better look at how the polycarbonate flippers look with the threaded holes tapped and black screws inserted: https://imgur.com/dvYQFYp (https://imgur.com/dvYQFYp)
- There has been a lot of interest in a PCB/plate add-on option, so we are exploring those options
- We've made some small design tweaks to the prototype and are having a new prototype made to share before the GB, so we can communicate clearly how the final Bumper run will look
July 10, 2019
Sorry things have been taking longer than expected, but, hey…things have been taking longer than expected. We have just placed an order for a second round of prototypes (including a polycarbonate keyboard body and a set of brass flippers), which we should have in-hand in about 3 weeks.
Once we get those in, tested for fit, and are feeling good about them, we will be ready to announce an initial small group buy! Details on that will come as soon as we get the round 2 prototypes in the shop and inspected.
Here is a short list of the tweaks we made form the round 1 prototype, based on the feedback we've received over the past several weeks:
- Tightened the gaps around the border of the keycaps
- Made the shine-through cutout holes on the sides of the keyboard body into one large hole (where originally it was two separate holes on each side)
- Slightly tweaked the thickness of flippers and made them flatter on the inside face, which we hope will help the fit and also make it easier to create custom flippers
- Made case slightly higher profile
- Made it a 4-post mounting design instead of the traditional 6-post design
We’re really excited to see the new prototypes in person, and think they will yield a pretty sweet, clean (and hefty) board :)
More Discussion in our Discord (https://discord.gg/2EKpKy)
Post by: cijanzen on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:18:10
Love the shape of the board too. I like them curves!
Post by: audiosl4ve on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:19:35
Post by: fcoury on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:20:21
Post by: KingOfMemes on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:21:36
That last renderThose curves are soooo sexy. I also like the idea of modular side weights.
Love the shape of the board too. I like them curves!
Post by: johnatzap on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:25:42
I really like the design, reminds me of the pingmaster profile. The only thing I am not sold is the side glow. I think it may need more diffusion?May be possible. We can look into some other material options perhaps. Thanks for the note!
Post by: worldspawn on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:51:17
Post by: KingOfMemes on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:53:25
Option for switch installation in the flippers? Wanna get my pinball on ;)ROFL breh...
Post by: lendflat on Thu, 23 May 2019, 08:56:51
Post by: Slash Emperor on Thu, 23 May 2019, 09:01:44
Polycarbonate body with brass flippers......WOW
You read my mind!
Post by: Riba on Thu, 23 May 2019, 09:38:17
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Memotech_MTX500.jpg)
I wish it was something like 75% though. Good luck!
Post by: Fallakin on Thu, 23 May 2019, 10:04:09
Post by: johnatzap on Thu, 23 May 2019, 10:10:42
Option for switch installation in the flippers? Wanna get my pinball on ;)
Now I want this. It'd be cool if the flippers themselves were buttons...paddles, more like. Sounds like a v2 feature ;)
Post by: Cee on Thu, 23 May 2019, 11:58:26
Post by: cjt9000 on Thu, 23 May 2019, 12:33:40
Looks nice, but any plans to reduce that gap between the case and caps?
If you mean the gap between the bottoms of the caps, and the top edge of the case, at least in the renders it looks like it was designed to match the bottoms of GMK caps, I know DSA can tend to have slightly shorter side walls vs GMK, which is why it kinda looks like there's a bit of a gap.
Post by: Cee on Thu, 23 May 2019, 13:57:29
Looks nice, but any plans to reduce that gap between the case and caps?
If you mean the gap between the bottoms of the caps, and the top edge of the case, at least in the renders it looks like it was designed to match the bottoms of GMK caps, I know DSA can tend to have slightly shorter side walls vs GMK, which is why it kinda looks like there's a bit of a gap.
In the renders gallery look at the pics with GMK Olivia, still has that gap.
Post by: johnatzap on Thu, 23 May 2019, 16:22:33
Looks nice, but any plans to reduce that gap between the case and caps?
Sure, I think I understand what you are talking about there. We don't have plans to make any changes in that respect, but if it seems like something that raises concern for people we can certainly look at it. I'll get some better images of the case with some GMK caps on it tomorrow and post some images that show it a little better!
Post by: Vadurr on Thu, 23 May 2019, 16:29:51
1. The spacing could be tighter around the keycaps.
2. Maybe a little higher profile to completely hide the switches?
Either way its a real dope design! :thumb:
Post by: Jkush463 on Thu, 23 May 2019, 17:14:55
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Thu, 23 May 2019, 20:25:34
And that polycarb/brass looks so damn good :eek: :eek:
Post by: Ashardalon on Thu, 23 May 2019, 21:06:17
Post by: Jonathan0903 on Thu, 23 May 2019, 21:45:05
Post by: jariss on Fri, 24 May 2019, 00:04:47
Post by: jyon on Fri, 24 May 2019, 00:47:20
Post by: nguyenhimself on Fri, 24 May 2019, 08:41:48
(https://i.imgur.com/JNexXiV.jpg)
Post by: ideus on Fri, 24 May 2019, 09:05:07
Post by: johnatzap on Fri, 24 May 2019, 14:11:12
Love this! Curious to see how this will compare to a ca66. Will it be as hollow and the sound resonate as much?
We'll get a sound test made soon. It doesn't sound hollow IMO...it is made from a single milled piece of aluminum, so it's solid.
Post by: KingOfMemes on Fri, 24 May 2019, 14:11:59
Thicc boiLove this! Curious to see how this will compare to a ca66. Will it be as hollow and the sound resonate as much?
We'll get a sound test made soon. It doesn't sound hollow IMO...it is made from a single milled piece of aluminum, so it's solid.
Post by: Meursault on Fri, 24 May 2019, 15:01:03
Post by: 1corazon on Fri, 24 May 2019, 19:39:26
I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE
Post by: Rayndalf on Sat, 25 May 2019, 20:32:24
Post by: Fallakin on Tue, 28 May 2019, 06:11:08
Thanks!
Post by: RETURNISO on Tue, 28 May 2019, 07:52:06
+1 for countersunk caps ( A MUST )
Post by: slxdegrees on Thu, 30 May 2019, 04:53:48
Wondering if a layout like this would be possible. Highly interested, especially if I can replicate this layout.
Thanks!
No PCB, no plate. This is just a standard 60% tray mount case.
Post by: Fallakin on Thu, 30 May 2019, 09:31:19
Post by: KingOfMemes on Thu, 30 May 2019, 09:33:42
Post by: Rayndalf on Thu, 30 May 2019, 11:57:10
Post by: johnatzap on Sun, 02 June 2019, 07:39:50
Will there be a limit to how many are made or will it be relatively unrestricted?
There will be a limit, we'll likely cap it at either 50 or 100. We'd like to keep it small at first to help us control the process as best we can, and minimize any impact of unforeseen issues. We'll make sure we communicate the availability when we announce a GB date.
Post by: fer.real on Sun, 02 June 2019, 07:57:22
Post by: slimydog on Sun, 02 June 2019, 17:37:18
Post by: gregoryturtle on Mon, 03 June 2019, 01:54:12
Holy crap, this is a crazy look. I'm probably in just for this.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/JNexXiV.jpg)
+1 I'm in just for this
+1 To ensuring bottom of keycaps are hidden (high profile case)
Loving this design, thanks for the hard work!
Post by: Dreem on Wed, 12 June 2019, 16:48:44
Post by: Rayndalf on Fri, 14 June 2019, 23:57:17
I signed up just to say how hot and bothered this got me.Agreed, this thing is really hot. Despite the apparent lack of interest I still think its going to be tough to get a spot... a lurker barrage seems pretty likely :p
Post by: johnatzap on Wed, 10 July 2019, 16:41:23
Post by: eskimojo on Wed, 10 July 2019, 18:05:20
Post by: Azureshell on Thu, 11 July 2019, 13:03:53
You mentioned interchange flippers. Will there be options it buy multiple colors or is it just an opportunity for future versions?
Post by: johnatzap on Thu, 11 July 2019, 14:58:28
I guess I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I thought it was pretty cool, then I saw the polycarbonate brass and whoa.
You mentioned interchange flippers. Will there be options it buy multiple colors or is it just an opportunity for future versions?
There will be the option for additional sets of flippers, yes!
Post by: lewisflude on Fri, 12 July 2019, 05:17:32
Post by: IvarLJ on Fri, 12 July 2019, 06:10:16
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: hottrout on Fri, 12 July 2019, 07:56:41
Seriously this is an superb design but I will say this again. I don't want any more 60%. Make it 66% at least, 70% or better still give us a full size in this design with ISO included. There are enough 60% around.
If you were to make it 100% or even 100% - FKeys it would look very like the keyboard of the 1980 Memotech 512 computers. You could have a black and red plates.
Post by: lewisflude on Fri, 12 July 2019, 08:01:22
You had me at polycarb + brass.
Seriously this is an superb design but I will say this again. I don't want any more 60%. Make it 66% at least, 70% or better still give us a full size in this design with ISO included. There are enough 60% around.
If you were to make it 100% or even 100% - FKeys it would look very like the keyboard of the 1980 Memotech 512 computers. You could have a black and red plates.
I agree, bigger than 60 would be nice, but on the other hand one of the reasons the format is so popular is that it’s easy to design a tray mount case. Most 60s use the same mounting points based on the Poker, and so it’s easy for beginners to build a board and just upgrade the case, and you don’t need to design a custom PCB etc.
Post by: hottrout on Sun, 14 July 2019, 04:42:43
(http://www.29bit.com/geekhack/memotech-mtx-512.jpg)
Post by: Karni on Fri, 19 July 2019, 10:59:16
Post by: Rayndalf on Tue, 23 July 2019, 22:11:37
Post by: 8six753o9 on Wed, 24 July 2019, 18:49:44
Post by: equalunique on Fri, 23 August 2019, 09:24:14
Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk
Post by: hottrout on Mon, 21 October 2019, 14:32:37
Post by: Rayndalf on Mon, 21 October 2019, 18:17:48
Is this project dead?I hope not, its really cute and well designed but didn't generate very much buzz the first time around. I really hope it still happens.
Post by: beekey on Tue, 22 October 2019, 00:48:08
Me too, want one! With several flippers.Is this project dead?I hope not, its really cute and well designed but didn't generate very much buzz the first time around. I really hope it still happens.
Post by: nasp on Tue, 22 October 2019, 00:54:41
Post by: Rayndalf on Sun, 24 November 2019, 14:28:41
Post by: johnatzap on Mon, 14 September 2020, 12:22:04
Post by: Kokaloo on Mon, 14 September 2020, 12:25:32
Back from the dead, I guess. For a moment, anyway :)sik.
any chance for optional removable middle posts? tryna get on this plateless oring plate mount train
EDIT: didn't even see that it's already 4 posts, my b!
Post by: johnatzap on Mon, 14 September 2020, 12:35:41
https://zapcables.com/bumper-60-keyboard-case/
Post by: Cloods on Sat, 19 September 2020, 02:59:06