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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: treble318 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:37:55

Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:37:55
Hi All!

Trebs here again, wanted to see if there were any interest in a Aluminum HHKB2 case.  Price point is currenlty $350.  I need at least 10 or more serious people to make this happen.

Feel free to ask me any questions or concerns you may have.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:46:13
I'd be all over this. In 100% for 1, assuming it's possible. ;)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: ekw808 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:55:02
350 O_O
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: reaper on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:57:03
Quote from: ekw808;583437
350 O_O

I concur. O_O
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: snowboarder3 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:57:43
Quote from: ekw808;583437
350 O_O


Good thing HHKB owners are used to paying out the ass for everything. Think of it as an elitist tax. :p
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: boost on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:57:47
Quote from: ekw808;583437
350 O_O

Damn...I need to get a hhlb

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: ironman31 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 21:58:23
Quote from: snowboarder3;583440
Good thing HHKB owners are used to paying out the ass for everything. Think of it as an elitist tax. :p

eh, even then. 350 for something not a keyboard is kinda pricey
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:02:35
Imsto's poker tray was what? 170?. This would be 2 pieces I'm assuming, and a lot more complex. After seeing Treble's work on his poker tray group buy, I have no doubt that he could pull it off if it's possible.

It would definitely be unique... no one else has anything like it. ;)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Reptile on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:09:33
Quote from: kturnbull;583444
Imsto's poker tray was what? 170?. This would be 2 pieces I'm assuming, and a lot more complex. After seeing Treble's work on his poker tray group buy, I have no doubt that he could pull it off if it's possible.

It would definitely be unique... no one else has anything like it. ;)

He could do it for sure. But at this price there would be a lot less people buying it. Hopefully a high estimate?

sent from my mobile
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fstop on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:13:47
Just curious, why is it significantly so much more than the poker?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:36:36
Quote from: fstop;583457
Just curious, why is it significantly so much more than the poker?


This haha

I really want to hear what makes this this much more expensive.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:43:57
^ Because Topre buyers are always happy to shell out 2-3x more for something. :P

jdcarpe's Theory of Supply and Demand: treble318 will SUPPLY you with an aluminum case for the HHKB2, but he will DEMAND $350 for it.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: reaper on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:45:30
Quote from: jdcarpe;583487
treble318 will SUPPLY you with an aluminum case for the HHKB2, but he will DEMAND $350 for it.

This made me lol. :rofl:
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:46:44
I hate you and love you at the same time treble. whatever I guess I am down. Off to sell plasma
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:47:37
^ Just make more cables!!! LOL.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 26 April 2012, 22:57:54
I would have to sell 70 more cables at my current prices to make enough money to pay for that and that would take me 35hrs to make lol
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:08:26
Quote from: whiskerBox;583503
I would have to sell 70 more cables at my current prices to make enough money to pay for that and that would take me 35hrs to make lol


I can always work a couple of extra hours. I can't always find someone talented willing to make something like this.

This is why Id jump at this when the chance arises. To each his own.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jil_jil32 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:12:00
$350 :shocked:
Man I love an alumin case for the HHKB but $350???
Zzz...
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:14:50
$350 is really steep when the imsto case was $170 shipped. I would feel better about $200 shipped conus.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Nighted on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:19:28
Quote from: whiskerBox;583520
$350 is really steep when the imsto case was $170 shipped. I would feel better about $200 shipped conus.


When did imsto do a HHKB case? When did ANYONE do a HHKB case?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jrockroll on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:21:08
it would be pretty sick but the price is....meh..
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Nighted on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:21:57
It's getting attention though isn't it. I doubt $350 is the real price. ;)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jrockroll on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:28:42
You can practically buy a new one for $300
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:41:48
Just waiting for answer why it's $350 first, because that's basically a Type S
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: yearn4 on Thu, 26 April 2012, 23:59:19
tsangan reply to my pms!!!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Fri, 27 April 2012, 00:20:30
Quote from: tsangan;583544
Just waiting for answer why it's $350 first, because that's basically a Type S

LOL, yes type S RWD with two turbos!!!  No the reason for the price point was because someone emailed me and asked me to create one at an ever higher price point. I actually reduced the price already =)

We will have to initially buy this keyboard HHKB2 for a design layout.  My goodness, last week we bought Filco Full size keybaord and next week we will purchase the Filco TLK and now this.. ...

This will be a two piece design which will most likely be double the price as it is , bringing the cost to rougly 200 already.  We still need to look into the design and find out what else needs to be done.  Again, this is just to see if there are interest !!!! =)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jrockroll on Fri, 27 April 2012, 00:29:46
$200 and im in
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Fri, 27 April 2012, 00:35:45
Going to need to see a prototype before I can commit to saying yes to $350

Buying a HHKB should not be put towards the cost since the keyboard can be sold after the mold has been done, you have no need for it, unless you want it but if that's the case then...

But either way need to see the product before I can say yes or no, I am interested though
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jrockroll on Fri, 27 April 2012, 00:38:43
i hope it looks like hhkb pro hg
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: mkawa on Fri, 27 April 2012, 00:39:42
secretly i hope you guys all say no so he can focus his efforts on the TKL case :X

oh crap i said that out loud
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kaiserreich on Fri, 27 April 2012, 01:56:09
The top shell of the HHKB might be very hard to make.
Are the individual switches (not the sliders) for the HHKB removable? I tried removing the sliders the other day, it was a very scary and damaging experience.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Fri, 27 April 2012, 02:17:21
Quote from: kaiserreich;583655
The top shell of the HHKB might be very hard to make.
Are the individual switches (not the sliders) for the HHKB removable? I tried removing the sliders the other day, it was a very scary and damaging experience.

We will see, if it takes highly precision tools it may cost more... depends on the complexity of the job and design.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fossala on Fri, 27 April 2012, 02:41:50
Yes but not for $350.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: feng on Fri, 27 April 2012, 02:46:15
Maybe we should think it this way: $150 for a Filco and $150 for the metal case. $300 or $450 for the HHKB, then $350 for the metal case is quite reasonable. :behindsofa:
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fossala on Fri, 27 April 2012, 02:47:36
I wouldn't buy one on principle at that price. $200 is where I'm game.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fstop on Fri, 27 April 2012, 03:38:06
Damn, kind of afraid to see how much the Filco case will cost now. Hopefully things will turn out much lower than the current estimates...

Does seem like you have an interest for them in the price is right.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MyNameIsFinn on Fri, 27 April 2012, 06:34:22
Interested not for 350$
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 27 April 2012, 07:56:18
I don't own a HHKB (yet), but if I did, I think the price for the case is fair. Roughly equivalent to the cost of the keyboard.

And treble318 has said that he hopes his case sales can eventually supplant his business' current model, which is prototyping. For that he will need to turn a profit, not just break even.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Fri, 27 April 2012, 09:55:25
Quote from: treble318;583663
We will see, if it takes highly precision tools it may cost more... depends on the complexity of the job and design.

I'm definetely interested.Please make it happen.

The bottom part may be easy to do but the top part of the shell may require to drill out every single hole for each switch which would increase the price I supose. Have you seen a naked HHKB Pro 2 ?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Fri, 27 April 2012, 10:40:02
Quote from: guilleguillaume;583880
I'm definetely interested.Please make it happen.

The bottom part may be easy to do but the top part of the shell may require to drill out every single hole for each switch which would increase the price I supose. Have you seen a naked HHKB Pro 2 ?

never seen one yet, we will have to purchase the HHKB 2. I was advised by someone that one of them has USB ports?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Nighted on Fri, 27 April 2012, 10:44:56
Are the HHKB 2 and Type S the same chassis?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Fri, 27 April 2012, 11:06:25
They look the same to me from EK's pics. The HHKB1 didn't have the usb hub though... right?

So this would make more sense for the HHKB2 And Type S.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Fri, 27 April 2012, 20:28:07
I am totally down with paying $350 if they look like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]49330[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]49331[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]49332[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]49333[/ATTACH]
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: ekw808 on Fri, 27 April 2012, 21:36:33
That bottom on the first pic looks amazing......dat ass. But I would need to buy some protective 3M film for that. I am possibly considering a HHKB due to those pics ^
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Fri, 27 April 2012, 22:01:36
beautiful indeed!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: chamdoo on Mon, 30 April 2012, 06:16:09
I would like to join this group buy.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: WyldKard on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:28:22
Mark me down as "interested".
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:29:20
Quote from: ekw808;584476
That bottom on the first pic looks amazing......dat ass. But I would need to buy some protective 3M film for that. I am possibly considering a HHKB due to those pics ^

That HHKB HG is just $5,000 :thumb:
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:37:19
.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:37:56
Just for fun. Possibly not entirely accurate, I need another coffee.


In @ 350 (interested, etc):

    kturnbull
    whiskerbox (probably lol)
    chamdoo
    WyldKard

In depending on price (price ranges on seeing samples first):

    tsangan
    guilleguillaume
    lootbag

In @ lower (200+ ish):

    jrockroll
    fossala
    MyNameIsFinn
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:52:31
Well I'm interested but of course I don't see the point in paying 350$ when I can purchase another HHKB for that price. I showed my interes but forgot to say that not for 350$ :ranger:
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:58:49
Better? =)

Quote from: guilleguillaume;587460
Well I'm interested but of course I don't see the point in paying 350$ when I can purchase another HHKB for that price. I showed my interes but forgot to say that not for 350$ :ranger:
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 01 May 2012, 13:59:45
I'm cool with the $350 depending on the sample
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 01 May 2012, 15:00:57
Quote from: kturnbull;587465
Better? =)
Arg! I'm not that good explaining myself in English.

If the only way to get it would be for 350$ then it would depend on the sample as Tsangan says. Not going to commit to something before knowing if I'm going to like it.

Quote from: tsangan;587466
I'm cool with the $350 depending on the sample

I know it's a difficult work but the point of my post was that I don't want to pay 350$ just because it seems a "reasonable" price for a product like that when it could be done for around 250$ to say something. I have in mind that I'm overseas and I have to add more money for shipping and then possible taxes which would lead to pay near 400$ if I got lucky enough for 2 pieces of a HHKB case which seems quite step.

The only way to know a price would be that Treble could get a picture of the 2 piece case and make an estimate price before making any sample. I can make a picture of the top case without keycaps so he can figure out how much work has to be done.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: kturnbull on Tue, 01 May 2012, 15:21:05
I understand you now G. Modified my post.

I'll see if I can get the kids to leave me alone long enough tonight to take pics of my HHKB2. Full pics... case separated, both halves, etc.

EDIT: Already done lol. http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6902 (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6902)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 01 May 2012, 15:52:07
I took some pictures from my HHKB Pro 2. Not as detailed as the ones on the review thread but it shows the USB HUB and DIP switch placement too.

(http://i.imgur.com/MERHJ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1gf3Z.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/iNJwf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/WStUU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/KVJoM.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/cTQix.jpg)

It requires a lot of detailed work.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: snowboarder3 on Tue, 01 May 2012, 18:03:13
Quote from: guilleguillaume;587546
I took some pictures from my HHKB Pro 2. Not as detailed as the ones on the review thread but it shows the USB HUB and DIP switch placement too.

[IMG]http://i.imguMG]

It requires a lot of detailed work.

Holy crap yes that does. Price makes more sense for something that requires that much intricate work.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: mSSM on Tue, 01 May 2012, 18:36:23
Quote from: tsangan;587437
That HHKB HG is just $5,000 :thumb:

That's the the HHKB HG Japan. You can get the normal HHKB HG at the baragain price of half that.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Tue, 01 May 2012, 18:43:29
Quote from: mSSM;587644
That's the the HHKB HG Japan. You can get the normal HHKB HG at the baragain price of half that.

Just ¥262,500($3,300 USD), the HG Japan is ¥525,000($6,550 USD) back in 2007

I believe the prices of these have gone up due to rarity of it now, at least that's what I was quoted when I was looking for one, the one I was looking for was the HG and was asking $4,xxx if I remember correctly
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Tue, 01 May 2012, 19:25:19
Yup and good luck even finding someone who is willing to actually sell it
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: lootbag on Wed, 02 May 2012, 05:38:12
Put me down as interested.
Let's see a sample first.
It may be worth 350 if all the details are there, it is not easy to C&C something like this.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 02 May 2012, 17:16:35
yes that is quite some work, crap we need to get our hands on one. Which version is that exactly in the US? lol
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fstop on Wed, 02 May 2012, 17:19:24
HHKB Pro 2. I don't think you're going to find a difference between the HHKB pro 2 and type-s that would affect casing design. And all the other models of HHKB wouldn't be worth designing for... so I wouldn't worry about them.

I've been trying to decide whether or not I need an HHKB, depending on how the prototypes turn out I might be picking one up as well.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 02 May 2012, 17:28:35
The picture where the springs sit through the top piece of the keyboard,  is that the same as the us version? The Picture is the Japanese version right?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Thu, 03 May 2012, 13:07:11
Quote from: treble318;588472
The picture where the springs sit through the top piece of the keyboard,  is that the same as the us version? The Picture is the Japanese version right?

Which picture are you refering to?

None of the pictures shown in this thread are from a Japanese version.

The HHKB Pro JP have a different case without USB hub and different layout design.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 03 May 2012, 14:24:42
Quote from: guilleguillaume;589203
Which picture are you refering to?

None of the pictures shown in this thread are from a Japanese version.

The HHKB Pro JP have a different case without USB hub and different layout design.

No worries, I was referring to your pictures.  We will have to purchase one soon, we still need to get the TKL! lol
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: guilleguillaume on Thu, 03 May 2012, 15:26:24
Quote from: treble318;589265
No worries, I was referring to your pictures.  We will have to purchase one soon, we still need to get the TKL! lol
Oh! Then my pictures are from the standard ANSI HHKB Pro 2. That spring is for the Spacebar.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: porkchopron on Thu, 03 May 2012, 22:10:30
-interested
-want to see a sample
-better lower the price
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 03 May 2012, 22:43:55
Quote from: porkchopron;589594
-interested
-want to see a sample
-better lower the price

Highly unlikely regarding the price drop.. on the contrary, it might even go up... The top piece is quite complex with each raised square dome for each key.. I can only wonder how many tools we are going to go through to try to get this right... Now i'm beginning to see why there are very few after market cases for the HHKB2
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Sun, 27 May 2012, 08:46:00
I would be in for one I think, just need to see a sample!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:46:39
Quote from: treble318;589620
Highly unlikely regarding the price drop.. on the contrary, it might even go up... The top piece is quite complex with each raised square dome for each key.. I can only wonder how many tools we are going to go through to try to get this right... Now i'm beginning to see why there are very few after market cases for the HHKB2

No aluminum case made is worth anything near that. It's your problem to design it in such a way that it becomes affordable. Clean up your mold casting process. It shouldn't be on the buyer to cover your mistakes.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:51:55
Unfortunately it seems like the only way we get things done here is by throwing money at it [ATTACH=CONFIG]51599[/ATTACH]
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:52:50
Quote from: whiskerBox;601290
Unfortunately it seems like the only way we get things done here is by throwing money at it (Attachment) 51599[/ATTACH]

I would rather have a second HHKB than paying more for a case for it.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:54:38
Yea its hard to justify for sure, but since a HHKB HG is like > 4k there isn't many other options.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:59:58
HG?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 27 May 2012, 10:01:52
Quote from: longweight;601299
HG?


http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Limited+Edition+Keyboards+you+cant+buy+afford+or+find
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: snowboarder3 on Sun, 27 May 2012, 15:04:43
Quote from: MagicMeatball;601293
I would rather have a second HHKB than paying more for a case for it.

Then go buy another HHKB and quit being a **** in this thread if you have no interest...

that or find someone else to do this custom, good luck!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Sun, 27 May 2012, 18:15:50
Quote from: snowboarder3;601476
Then go buy another HHKB and quit being a **** in this thread if you have no interest...

that or find someone else to do this custom, good luck!

Hey pot, meet kettle.

If you are putting your product out, and want people to buy it... then I can surely question the validity of the cost before making a decision.

Not my fault you feel butthurt about it.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: cactux on Sun, 27 May 2012, 18:44:56
Questions are okay, but negative comments are not tolerated. If people does not like the price nor the product, save your negative comments and do not post. Otherwise it will consider thread crapping.

People are more than welcome to make positive suggestions
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: yearn4 on Sun, 27 May 2012, 18:48:17
the hhkb casing is a lot more complex than the casing for kbc poker
and also kbc poker cost $100 and the alum case for it sold for $100 as well.
makes sense for the hhkb case to cost $300 imo
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: WRXChris on Sun, 27 May 2012, 20:43:55
Quote from: MagicMeatball;601288
No aluminum case made is worth anything near that. It's your problem to design it in such a way that it becomes affordable. Clean up your mold casting process. It shouldn't be on the buyer to cover your mistakes.


If you want a fugly cheap cast aluminum HHKB case, you're in the wrong place.  Treble doesn't cast aluminum, he has access to a $100,000+ CNC machine.  He is offering his time, machine wear, and out-of-pocket money to design the prototype, which as he mentioned, is very complex due to the curved shape of the top section of the HHKB case.  Maybe you should go to business school and spend some time in a machine shop before making narcissistic comments next time.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Sun, 27 May 2012, 21:01:00
Quote from: WRXChris;601607
If you want a fugly cheap cast aluminum HHKB case, you're in the wrong place.  Treble doesn't cast aluminum, he has access to a $100,000+ CNC machine.  He is offering his time, machine wear, and out-of-pocket money to design the prototype, which as he mentioned, is very complex due to the curved shape of the top section of the HHKB case.  Maybe you should go to business school and spend some time in a machine shop before making narcissistic comments next time.


Maybe you should spend more time in English class before throwing out insults that have nothing to do with the subject matter. Maybe using big words makes you feel like a big boy? Cute :)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: cactux on Sun, 27 May 2012, 21:11:30
Guys please time out. If you have any personal issues, make sure to fix it off line
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: didjamatic on Sun, 27 May 2012, 21:27:17
How about a rap or haiku battle in the off topic forum? (unless that's against the rules)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: cactux on Sun, 27 May 2012, 21:30:02
^ The off topic has not been created to FIX personal issues. So please stay on topic
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:18:06
Quote from: MagicMeatball;601560
Hey pot, meet kettle.

If you are putting your product out, and want people to buy it... then I can surely question the validity of the cost before making a decision.

Not my fault you feel butthurt about it.

Hi MagicMeatball,

Thanks for the comments, definitely noted.  Cost is quite high not to mention machine time and tools required for this complex design.  

Also to clarify, I do not WANT or need people to buy this product. I am trying to provide a service for people here that are interested and do not mind a custom and unique product therefore the pricing in accordance to material cost/time/machine time, etc...

Pricing is quite reasonable with the color options and constant improvements made and a nominal cost for the Custom Poker Aluminum Keyboard Trays on my other post.  I am not price gouging either if that is what you are insinuating, feel free to review the options provided by us in terms of finish and style.  With those options you can compare with other's custom made tray and make your own educated judgement.  

 I am not mass producing these items, literally making a handful at a time and thus again pricing increase.  Our main business is prototyping, not making keyboards and custom trays to sustain our lively hood. I do this on the side as a hobby and wanted to share my interest with other's like minded.  

Again, appreciate your comments and should you have any other questions or concerns please do share them tastefully =)

Regard,
treble318
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:30:20
Treble you are going to make me broke! Please do the Filco case first though!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:32:49
Quote from: longweight;604096
Treble you are going to make me broke! Please do the Filco case first though!

Control your desires!! =)  We have both The Filco TKL and the Full size, working on the designs.  I'll keep you guys posted and start up a new thread dedicated for FILCO's when they the first prototype is up.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:41:54
When it comes to keyboards I have no control!

Any idea how much the Filco case will be?

(please make an aluminium space bar and modifier keys)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:46:42
Quote from: longweight;604104
When it comes to keyboards I have no control!

Any idea how much the Filco case will be?

(please make an aluminium space bar and modifier keys)

I would say end of June at this point.  Pricing will be double the cost of Poker as they are two pieces, top and bottom.  I would have to say around $200, we will have a definite answer when the prototype is up.

Regarding Aluminum keys... That's interesting, we talked about the possibility of doing that... That will just open up a whole new can of worms for us. We don't focus on doing this for a living and investing on new equipment and dedicated tools can be quite expensive to make this happen. As such, pricing will be reflected and people may squirm once again.

I will let you know if that ever materializes!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: i3oilermaker on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:47:55
I think an aluminum space bar would be crazy popular!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Wed, 30 May 2012, 15:53:24
Quote from: treble318;604105
I would say end of June at this point.  Pricing will be double the cost of Poker as they are two pieces, top and bottom.  I would have to say around $200, we will have a definite answer when the prototype is up.

Regarding Aluminum keys... That's interesting, we talked about the possibility of doing that... That will just open up a whole new can of worms for us. We don't focus on doing this for a living and investing on new equipment and dedicated tools can be quite expensive to make this happen. As such, pricing will be reflected and people may squirm once again.

I will let you know if that ever materializes!


If you do a set of aluminium modifiers and a spacebar I will give you everything I own! Been searching for so long now!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Wed, 30 May 2012, 16:01:40
Quote from: i3oilermaker;604106
I think an aluminum space bar would be crazy popular!


+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Wed, 30 May 2012, 16:09:04
Quote from: whiskerBox;604119
+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).

And me! I WANT ONE!

I would love to see a bidding war over a titanium one!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: snowboarder3 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 20:29:23
Quote from: whiskerBox;604119
+1,

someone offered a titanium one before and it is highly sought after(by me).

OH ****, I love titanium. Count me in.

I got Ti glasses frames, a Ti nail for an oil dome, a Ti kutvape, would love a Ti spacebar.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 21:03:53
You know how difficult it is to cut Titanium right?  Have you tried cutting Nitronic 60? lol poor tools O__________o
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: snowboarder3 on Wed, 30 May 2012, 21:36:29
Quote from: treble318;604317
You know how difficult it is to cut Titanium right?  Have you tried cutting Nitronic 60? lol poor tools O__________o

Yeah I had a custom "dabber" lathed (kinda like a dental tool.) Machine shop said it wreaked havoc on their cutting bits. That being said, I'm willing to pay top dollar for them :). Ti FTW!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 31 May 2012, 11:56:25
Quote from: snowboarder3;604339
Yeah I had a custom "dabber" lathed (kinda like a dental tool.) Machine shop said it wreaked havoc on their cutting bits. That being said, I'm willing to pay top dollar for them :). Ti FTW!

With everything lined up as it is, that's is definitely a long haul for us at this time ^_^
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 31 May 2012, 12:47:40
I don't know if those were actually made of Titanium or not. They look more like aluminum, but I have never seen one in person.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 31 May 2012, 14:33:18
Quote from: whiskerBox;604715
I don't know if those were actually made of Titanium or not. They look more like aluminum, but I have never seen one in person.

Very small tools are going to be required for keycaps, precision!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Thu, 31 May 2012, 14:44:22
Quote from: treble318;604317
You know how difficult it is to cut Titanium right?  Have you tried cutting Nitronic 60? lol poor tools O__________o

You know how much we are willing to pay right? :D
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Thu, 31 May 2012, 14:48:53
Quote from: longweight;604815
You know how much we are willing to pay right? :D

the thought of it just makes me cringe...
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Thu, 31 May 2012, 14:55:21
Quote from: treble318;604818
the thought of it just makes me cringe...

It's good for you! Bad for me but good for you!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 31 May 2012, 16:35:53
I am not willing to pay crazy prices for metal keycaps! HHKB case is different
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: yearn4 on Fri, 01 June 2012, 01:00:09
Quote from: treble318;604818
the thought of it just makes me cringe...

I thibk they were sold for about $90 shipped or something
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Sat, 02 June 2012, 11:13:00
Quote from: 4en;605334
I thibk they were sold for about $90 shipped or something

See! Dooooooo it!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: tsangan on Sat, 02 June 2012, 12:21:16
Quote from: 4en;605334
I thibk they were sold for about $90 shipped or something


When it first came out it was more the space bar was $100 but prices dropped when people didn't buy it at $100 and now no one makes them anymore because the profit is terrible on such a expensive and hard to work with material, instead they rather work with aluminum much cheaper and easier to work with.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Mon, 04 June 2012, 11:11:47
Quote from: tsangan;606243
When it first came out it was more the space bar was $100 but prices dropped when people didn't buy it at $100 and now no one makes them anymore because the profit is terrible on such a expensive and hard to work with material, instead they rather work with aluminum much cheaper and easier to work with.

yes the return on investment is almost nothing, the time and tool spent to do these individually surpasses the ROI by far =)   You can image the time and be better spent making other products that yield better ROI.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Mon, 04 June 2012, 11:17:03
You could name your price though and have a better return on investment :) I would happily pay $100 for an aluminium spacebar, more if that was the price you named.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Tue, 05 June 2012, 11:11:30
haha it's funny how quick this turned into a spacebar interest check post =)  Good to know!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: nntnam on Tue, 05 June 2012, 11:30:36
Yayyyy! Metal spacebar FTW!!!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Wed, 13 June 2012, 13:40:18
Back on topic, I am in for one HHKB case :)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Wildcard on Thu, 14 June 2012, 23:12:41
Put me down as interested. Really would like to see a sample as well!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Index on Fri, 15 June 2012, 17:08:30
Interested. I would like to see pics of an actual prototype (I prefer an actual finished product) beforehand before ripping the guts out of my wallet and throwing it at you.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 16 June 2012, 22:55:54
treble you're much better off milling some spacebars. topres are famous for having damned shiny spacebars :/
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Kellybear on Sat, 23 June 2012, 18:49:18
Interested in seeing a prototype also.. would the same colors of the poker case be used for the HHKB case? ;o
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: treble318 on Mon, 25 June 2012, 11:37:46
Quote from: Kellybear;620481
Interested in seeing a prototype also.. would the same colors of the poker case be used for the HHKB case? ;o

yes the colors currently offered for the pokers/pure will also be available for the HHKB if done.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Mon, 25 June 2012, 12:50:55
Any chance of a coffee colour? If we could get Dolch caps it would look amazing!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Kellybear on Mon, 25 June 2012, 15:17:44
Quote from: treble318;621606
yes the colors currently offered for the pokers/pure will also be available for the HHKB if done.

Waaaaaah I want one now. ;_;
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Sat, 28 July 2012, 20:50:39
Whats up with this?
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Mon, 30 July 2012, 10:01:58
Any update Treble?
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: fartq on Mon, 30 July 2012, 10:08:02
he's busy
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Mon, 30 July 2012, 10:14:14
Nearly everyone that already has a HHKB will be buying this :P Buy the board, use it and then sell it complete with case to someone, that will be snapped up!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: mistakemistake on Sun, 05 August 2012, 02:13:45
also interested in seeing a prototype as well!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: longweight on Sun, 05 August 2012, 02:33:32
Please do this!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: imersa on Thu, 01 November 2012, 11:52:50
I'm 100% in for one, didn't even notice this!
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: HolidaySHRIMP on Thu, 01 November 2012, 13:22:43
I'm in for $250ish range. Why not? My board is already valued at $1000 minimum if I price my clacks at $75ea.  What's another $250?!?!?

^___^
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 01 November 2012, 13:32:01
I believe treble is not operating right now because they are renovating a new facility or something, he mentioned moving in around November so I would assume you should start bugging him around January or February at the earliest. Also if you are really interested in have a case for your HHKB I recommend that you take yours apart and look at the complexity of the case and then re-evaluate how much money you think it would cost to make considering: R&D, Testing, Tooling, Labor, Materials etc. . This is not a poker that just drops into a rectangle by any means. The case is also the top half of the switch housing. Bits will be broken, aluminum will be wasted, time will be lost, and aluminum cases will be freaking expensive so keep that in mind.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: imersa on Thu, 01 November 2012, 16:13:03
Very true, got a good bunch of experience CNCing 3D shapes in wood and the amount of mistakes and time is unreal. The drawing alone.
Wouldn't be offended if the price was $450+
Once you've managed to ruin expensive sheets of oak you start to understand machining a little.

Thanks for the info wisk
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: hasu on Thu, 01 November 2012, 19:03:37
Anyone know that HHKB pro HG has aluminum top housings? or plastic parts Realforce uses?
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 01 November 2012, 19:05:49
Anyone know that HHKB pro HG has aluminum top housings? or plastic parts Realforce uses?

I never thought of that! If the HG has realforce style topre switches then the case would be a lot easier.
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: NKRO on Thu, 01 November 2012, 20:53:07
If this has a professional fit & finish, I would buy one of these for my Type-S.

I do wonder how difficult it would be to transplant the keyboard into a new shell though? Being all aluminum, isn't there a good chance of shorting something out? Would it affect the feel of the keyboard at all?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 01 November 2012, 21:23:29
If this has a professional fit & finish, I would buy one of these for my Type-S.

I do wonder how difficult it would be to transplant the keyboard into a new shell though? Being all aluminum, isn't there a good chance of shorting something out? Would it affect the feel of the keyboard at all?

There is already a lot of aluminum boards out there and shorting won't be an issue. It will feel much better too, I think most people will agree with me there.
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Tue, 15 January 2013, 16:48:34
Necro bump. Make this happen.
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: imersa on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:01:59
Necro bump. Make this happen.

Word
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: reverkiller on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:07:30
Necro bump. Make this happen.

I misread that as necro hump.
Also I'd like to see this happen, but I can't commit to a $700 dollar keyboard atm.
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:11:11
And also, make it just like this ;)

http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprohg/externals.html
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: ironman31 on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:13:36
Someone should design it and we could just get massdrop to do it
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: MMB on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:28:37
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/l_og_hhkb_015_zps7975afb2.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/l_og_hhkb_006_zps811f68a1.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/l_og_hhkb_005_zpsc08fbf1c.jpg)
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: imersa on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:36:11
Would certainly suffice
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: mashby on Tue, 15 January 2013, 17:44:43
And also, make it just like this ;)

http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprohg/externals.html

woah.
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: hasu on Tue, 15 January 2013, 20:48:07
This link already is posted here? It may be also good for your eyes during waiting for this to happen :)
http://www.unnumbered.net/~umeno/al_hhk/
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Glod on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:05:36
^ is that non-functional? i don't see a plug lol

that other one earlier in the thread looks good though
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:07:08
That case looks like a transformer! If a nice aluminum case was available..maybe I would have to get an HHKB sooner...
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:11:24
^ is that non-functional? i don't see a plug lol

that other one earlier in the thread looks good though

Look closer! it is the HHKB HG. They were super expensive and super rare. We used to have a wiki with all the different special editions, now I don't know :/

even the feet come with a special box lol
(http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprohg/images/toku_02_2_l.jpg)
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Glod on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:16:09
^ is that non-functional? i don't see a plug lol

that other one earlier in the thread looks good though

Look closer! it is the HHKB HG. They were super expensive and super rare. We used to have a wiki with all the different special editions, now I don't know :/

even the feet come with a special box lol

not that awesome one one, the one hasu posted with the metal keys and very crude case.
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Tue, 15 January 2013, 21:20:50
^ is that non-functional? i don't see a plug lol

that other one earlier in the thread looks good though

Look closer! it is the HHKB HG. They were super expensive and super rare. We used to have a wiki with all the different special editions, now I don't know :/

even the feet come with a special box lol

not that awesome one one, the one hasu posted with the metal keys and very crude case.

Oh yeah I think that said it didn't have the back panel cut out. Sorry dude. The one hasu posted looks pretty *****in too
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: FabsSpeed on Tue, 15 January 2013, 23:07:52
I would be firm in at 300-350!!! Will this be built?
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: imersa on Wed, 16 January 2013, 13:18:06
In at whatever price really. The thing needs some weight!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: takumi on Thu, 28 March 2013, 06:13:07
Registering my interest in this as well.

Also, Topre TKL aluminum cases are going for $450 on eBay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Silver-/160954729318?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2579a64366&_uhb=1#ht_837wt_1190

Would love to get my hands on a HHKB version!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Carefoot on Wed, 01 May 2013, 23:43:07
Registering my interest in this as well.

Also, Topre TKL aluminum cases are going for $450 on eBay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-Silver-/160954729318?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2579a64366&_uhb=1#ht_837wt_1190

Would love to get my hands on a HHKB version!

Would jizz the pants for HHKB2 version!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 02 May 2013, 17:01:12
I wish necromancing this thread would bring the case into existance
Title: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 02 May 2013, 17:05:14
I wish necromancing this thread would bring the case into existance

By the dark powers within. Bring this case to LIFEEE!
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: Batmann on Thu, 02 May 2013, 17:56:22
I first believed this was a fresh thread because of 26th of april....





.....I then figured it was 2012!  :-[
Title: Re: Interest Check Aluminum Case for HHKB2
Post by: whiskerBox on Thu, 02 May 2013, 20:26:02
(http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Dr__Orpheus_22.JPG)