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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: eniigma on Sun, 03 November 2019, 13:49:46

Title: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 03 November 2019, 13:49:46
Link to old IC: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102102.0

Design is almost complete, please vote on the contour of the case here: https://www.strawpoll.me/18887731

Changelog:
11/3: Back in IC Posted
11/9: Design phase completed, contour adjustments poll
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 03 November 2019, 13:50:03
Reserved
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 03 November 2019, 13:50:11
Reserved
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: bisoromi on Sun, 03 November 2019, 16:02:34
Reserved
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: wholypantalones on Sun, 03 November 2019, 16:16:21
Looking through the old IC and group buy threads I have a few suggestions I'll throw out.

First is the name. This is the POM version of Zambumon’s Lubrigante case, not an Alice. I get the Alice recognition and everything, but it's not an Alice.

Second is the screws. This would look better with countersunk flush mount screws and some standoffs instead of bolts sticking out.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191014/5050c1a817c0da2c8da55d86033167ba.jpg)

Third is the POM. It's not a visual appearance product, nor does it sandblast or polish very well. If you can come up with some way to make the appearance of it more appealing instead of leaving it up the purchaser to figure it out it would go a long way.

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103084.0;attach=228745;image)

Fourth is the price. If I were to purchase this, I would expect better appearance, flush mount screws and something that sets it apart from the other acrylic cases you can easily get for $130-$150 minus the pcb that honestly look much better than raw POM.

I think if you work on some of these points you might go somewhere with it.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 03 November 2019, 16:58:06
Looking through the old IC and group buy threads I have a few suggestions I'll throw out.

First is the name. This is the POM version of Zambumon’s Lubrigante case, not an Alice. I get the Alice recognition and everything, but it's not an Alice.

Second is the screws. This would look better with countersunk flush mount screws and some standoffs instead of bolts sticking out.

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191014/5050c1a817c0da2c8da55d86033167ba.jpg)


Third is the POM. It's not a visual appearance product, nor does it sandblast or polish very well. If you can come up with some way to make the appearance of it more appealing instead of leaving it up the purchaser to figure it out it would go a long way.

Show Image
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103084.0;attach=228745;image)


Fourth is the price. If I were to purchase this, I would expect better appearance, flush mount screws and something that sets it apart from the other acrylic cases you can easily get for $130-$150 minus the pcb that honestly look much better than raw POM.

I think if you work on some of these points you might go somewhere with it.


First off, I’d like to thank you for writing out all of your suggestions in such a well written post. This is the best way to give feedback on projects (take notes everyone). I will a dress each of your concerns individually, and I totally agree with what you have said.
1. The naming scheme. I agree with you that the POM Alice name isn’t really fitting, but having a contoured bottom seems to be something a lot of people asked for, and so I think the new version will be more true to the name.

2. The screws. I agree with you when you say that the screws seemed more than a little ugly in the initial model. I will also be changing those to be either countersunk or invisible from the top (The standard screw positioning on most customs).

3. The material itself. POM, logistically speaking, has and will be a nightmare to work with. I’ve been thinking about exactly what makes POM such a desirable material, and I’ve come to the conclusion that the main reason is sound: the deep, thocky sound is something that people, myself included, have come to love. I agree with you when you say POM is not an appearance product, and so I’ve been thinking of ways to keep the actual POM not visible from the outside, with metal on the outside. More details to come, but be rest assured that the final case will be a much more refined product than the original.

4. Pricing. I agree with you that for $140, you guys deserve something that looks better than that. The newer model will undoubtedly be more expensive, but you will be getting something with a much better value proposition.

I hope that addresses your concerns! Thanks again for such a well-written post!
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: Tom_Kazansky on Tue, 05 November 2019, 20:39:35
I suggest you use rivet (http://"https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=543339832778") instead of that nut. (of course you need shorter screw)
you can either put the rivet on top or bottom. Example of rivet on top:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/rniRROI.jpg)

It's better with countersunk mount screw (as wholypantalones's suggestion)

and also I think people will appreciate if you include some bumpons.

Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sat, 09 November 2019, 11:55:35
I suggest you use rivet (http://"https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=543339832778") instead of that nut. (of course you need shorter screw)
you can either put the rivet on top or bottom. Example of rivet on top:
More
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/rniRROI.jpg)

It's better with countersunk mount screw (as wholypantalones's suggestion)

and also I think people will appreciate if you include some bumpons.

I will be using bumpons for this version. the screws will not be visible from the top.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sat, 09 November 2019, 12:07:03
everyone please fill out the poll for the bottom contour of the case!
https://www.strawpoll.me/18887731
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: lakeboredom on Sat, 09 November 2019, 19:29:05
Maybe a dumb question, but its not clear. What is the difference between laser cut and cnc? Stacked layers vs solid case?
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sat, 09 November 2019, 21:47:56
Maybe a dumb question, but its not clear. What is the difference between laser cut and cnc? Stacked layers vs solid case?
yeah, so laser cut means that there is a bunch of layers, while CNC means that the keyboard is being cut from a solid block of material (in this case, aluminum).

laser cut is more economical, but CNC reduced the number of parts and is more premium, IMO.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: jrs on Sun, 10 November 2019, 00:05:10
I'd like to see an alps plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: lakeboredom on Sun, 10 November 2019, 00:12:09
Cool, if cnc POM was an option that'd be sick.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 10 November 2019, 14:44:07
I'd like to see an alps plate.
this is going to be a unibody, so not sure about Alps. maybe a future run though

Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 10 November 2019, 14:56:20
Cool, if cnc POM was an option that'd be sick.
look out for an update, this is something totally different now.

all I can say now is that CNCd POM is an engineering nightmare, and costs would be pretty high if that were to be a thing.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: The Equals D on Sun, 10 November 2019, 15:03:36
I am very interested to see what this turns into
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 10 November 2019, 15:58:17
I am very interested to see what this turns into
join the discord and you might catch some teasers before full update comes up :wink:

https://discord.gg/FbdVJbD
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: Prewitt7 on Sat, 16 November 2019, 00:42:38
I can say now is that CNCd POM is an engineering nightmare, and costs would be pretty high if that were to be a thing.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sat, 16 November 2019, 13:35:25
I can say now is that CNCd POM is an engineering nightmare, and costs would be pretty high if that were to be a thing.
yeah, that's what I said...?

Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: Rayndalf on Sun, 17 November 2019, 02:55:09
You could use POM layers for all but the top layer (which could be acrylic and cut the same as the POM layer under it) which would look nicer while preserving the acoustics.
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: Willhurt2008 on Sun, 17 November 2019, 03:56:15
How does POM compare to acrylic? What are sound and tactile properties?
Title: Re: [IC] Re: POM Alice - Back in IC
Post by: eniigma on Sun, 17 November 2019, 09:40:59
You could use POM layers for all but the top layer (which could be acrylic and cut the same as the POM layer under it) which would look nicer while preserving the acoustics.
Perhaps, but I've come to detest the whole laser cut look. If the laser isn't calibrated perfectly, it just isn't something I'd like to put my name on and sell.

How does POM compare to acrylic? What are sound and tactile properties?
POM sounds a bit deeper in comparison to regular plastic and aluminum. Not sure what you mean by tactile properties. I haven't tried acrylic, so I can't make a proper comparison.