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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 05:26:59

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 05:26:59

is there a way to use a 105 iso chicklet keyboard in a mechanical one like some otd things
the aluminimium board is beautiful on this apple keyboard.

Is there a way ?

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 31 January 2011, 06:39:04

You want to use the aluminum body of the Apple as a case for a mechanical 'board?

Not sure if the Apple can survive disassemby. I've seen pics where the body was completely bent and warped.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 07:09:43

yes

disassemble the apple keyboard to use the aluminium case for a mechanical keyboard.

I have seen some examples of dissambly
It must be a stupid idea though ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benfrantzdale/2160011755/in/photostream/
http://benfrantzdale.livejournal.com/238768.html
http://curiouschap.com/2007/11/curiosity-killed-the-apple-keyboard/

One guy succedd in dissambly, baking the whole keyboard à 220°, and took apart the plastic part from the aluminium one .

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: sam113101 on Mon, 31 January 2011, 07:24:12

Mechanical switches all are thicker than this keyboard itself. Even if you'd be able to do it, it wouldn't look super awesome. Maybe you can find a mechanical keyboard made of aluminum, I don't know.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 08:45:08

yes indeed but with a small case under ...

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: lootbag on Mon, 31 January 2011, 09:03:43

this is interesting.
i happen to have a malfunctioning Apple Wireless Aluminum as well.
it'd be cool to make a mechanical out of it.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 09:48:06

One guy baked the keyboard, then peeled from front to back with a long knife.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 09:51:24

there were a hhkb with aluminium case, ans a lacquered keys one, very expensive. Does anybody has one ?

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 31 January 2011, 13:49:47

That aluminium top does look a bit flimsy. Be careful. Aluminium is one of the softest metals.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 31 January 2011, 13:55:30

Quote from: gilgam;287735

there were a hhkb with aluminium case, ans a lacquered keys one, very expensive. Does anybody has one ?

Not here AFAIK.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: sixty on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:04:31

I use a keyboard with a solid steel case (http://i.imgur.com/6BbIo.jpg). It actually took quite a while to get used to the cold metal when resting your hands on the board.

Of course modding one of the chiclet boards is unlikely to ever work out, much much too thin. Unless you use ML switches... which is kinda questionable to begin with.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: Lethal Squirrel on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:21:53

ML switches would be perfect

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: gilgam on Mon, 31 January 2011, 16:26:06

yes but with a small case under ?
This is pure fantasy of course, just an idea...

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: celery on Mon, 31 January 2011, 17:00:11

Well, since the switches and keycaps will have to go, and you'll need to give up the slim profile, all that's left is the aluminum top. Why not start with a mechanical keyboard and replace the shell with aluminum; that should be a lot easier. I remember someone posted pics here of a Filco mod in that vein.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: Brian8bit on Mon, 31 January 2011, 18:35:15

Guy in the background looks like he's catching a few Z's after being up all night staring at a lathe.

Title: modding a apple chicklet
Post by: Minskleip on Mon, 31 January 2011, 19:29:50

I'd get skleiped after covering my keyboard in aluminum foil too.