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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 00:46:03

Title: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 00:46:03
Hey guys! I am desperately in the market for a Universal TKL Plate, and depending on the price, PCB.
I can't even find the last time a GB was done for this, but it seems to have been a few months. Nobody is stepping up to sell me one, so I figure I'll gauge interest in doing another GB on this.

To be clear. I'm new here, I don't know where to go to get plates and PCBs, and shipping to me, and from me, would add extra -weeks- to the GB as a whole.
that being said, I don't want to lead this group buy. I'm happy to if nobody else wants to step up, and people actually want me to run it. I can do the leg work no problem, but my running the GB adds more problems than it solves, so I figure somebody out there already have the info and contacts, and should be able to step up.

So, this is an interest check only from me, and a call for someone to lead a GB.

Are there enough people interested in getting this set up? Anyone have an idea of how many people we should be looking at before we try and proceed with a buy?

There aren't many universal TKLs plates out there, from what I can see, so let's add some more to the pool.

I'm down for one of each.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jonathanyu on Sat, 17 August 2013, 01:11:02
 :D Interested in this. I like TKL
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 17 August 2013, 01:15:47
Phantom GB has been run twice. Universal TKL plate was run, then WFD did a smaller run quite recently. I don't see another Phantom GB happening any time soon, if ever, but I wouldn't doubt WFD making more Universal TKL plates.

Also, don't expect people to 'step up' and sell you one. They're very useful items, and most of the time people would like to keep them.

You can have a plate made for yourself by a laser cutter. Find one online, or locally. I'm sure WFD would give you the files needed.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 01:22:49
Hmm. Maybe I'll give WFD a shout, see if he wants to do another GB
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 17 August 2013, 01:25:19
Hmm. Maybe I'll give WFD a shout, see if he wants to do another GB
I wouldn't ask him to do another GB. He's a busy guy.. However, he may have some spare plates. Also, I edited my previous post.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 01:28:56
Well, too late. I just sent him a PM asking if he'd be interested. If he says no, no harm done right?
And I asked, failing that, if he could point me in the right direction for sourcing plates and PCBs so I could try and run the GB on my end (preferrably with a CONUS proxy)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: nickr on Sat, 17 August 2013, 11:28:36
Well, too late. I just sent him a PM asking if he'd be interested. If he says no, no harm done right?
And I asked, failing that, if he could point me in the right direction for sourcing plates and PCBs so I could try and run the GB on my end (preferrably with a CONUS proxy)

If you wouldn't mind, let me know what you find out about this.  I am definitely interested in this but missed the group buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 11:39:32
If there's enough feedback, even if I track down a plate for myself I'll at least try to facilitate a GB, even if I'm not running it.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 17 August 2013, 11:52:48
I thought WFD was selling the "leftover" Universal TKL plates still?

Also, if the PCB you mean in the Phantom, you'll need to contact bpiphany. It's his design, and he can have more made at PCBwing for a reasonable cost. But I'm not sure he would want to do another round so soon. So you may be out of luck there. Not sure.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 17 August 2013, 12:17:15
Are there any other TKL PCBs out there? In the universal/Filco/QFR style? Or is Phantom the only one?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jonathanyu on Sat, 17 August 2013, 13:11:32
Are there any other TKL PCBs out there? In the universal/Filco/QFR style? Or is Phantom the only one?
if you are talking about pcb, i think PS2AVR87 can be count as one. but PS2AVR87 can buy from GON.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Sat, 17 August 2013, 21:17:17
Also looking to get my hands on a universal plate :D  Would be sick if another GB happened.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 17 August 2013, 21:56:54
Are there any other TKL PCBs out there? In the universal/Filco/QFR style? Or is Phantom the only one?
There are others, but the Phantom is the only one that fits the QFR/Filco etc.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: oaklandishh on Sun, 18 August 2013, 15:09:31
I am interested. In the plate and possibly a PCB depending on price.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: lcs on Sun, 18 August 2013, 15:14:44
also interested. us new members are having a quite hard time finding these items.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: terran5992 on Mon, 19 August 2013, 03:45:42
+Intrest from me , I Need One to build my custom keyboard :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: BliTzKiN on Mon, 19 August 2013, 20:14:32
I'd be interested in roughly 2 pieces as well if this goes through :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 20 August 2013, 00:34:47
Nobody interested in taking the reigns on this one? Seems like we've got plenty of buyers, we just need a recognized forum member to stand up and take the lead on the GB.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 20 August 2013, 01:19:30
Nobody interested in taking the reigns on this one? Seems like we've got plenty of buyers, we just need a recognized forum member to stand up and take the lead on the GB.

  Right now a lot of people are in line for the GH60. There are already plans on future GH60/75 boards as well as ALPS projects coming.

And there are quite a few who are still waiting on their phantoms.

How many orders do you think are enough?

Also if your looking for some newly designed tkl PCB that's a huge request.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Moosecraft on Tue, 20 August 2013, 02:12:21
Nobody interested in taking the reigns on this one? Seems like we've got plenty of buyers, we just need a recognized forum member to stand up and take the lead on the GB.
With everything going on atm I don't think this would be possible until atleast next year.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 20 August 2013, 02:16:05
I'd be interested in this as well, and willing to run the GB as I may get acrylic cut at cheap where I'm located, but not for atleast 2-3 months once my current projects are finished.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 20 August 2013, 03:34:40
Nobody interested in taking the reigns on this one? Seems like we've got plenty of buyers, we just need a recognized forum member to stand up and take the lead on the GB.
Why not run it yourself?
I'd be interested in this as well, and willing to run the GB as I may get acrylic cut at cheap where I'm located, but not for atleast 2-3 months once my current projects are finished.
I wouldn't recommend acrylic plates.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 20 August 2013, 03:38:10
I wouldn't recommend acrylic plates.
Why not?

Edit: OP, checked this: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44896.0
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 20 August 2013, 03:41:43
I wouldn't recommend acrylic plates.
Why not?

Edit: OP, checked this: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44896.0
Because acrylic, especially at 1.5mm (cherry spec thickness), is very flimsy.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 20 August 2013, 03:57:23
Nobody interested in taking the reigns on this one? Seems like we've got plenty of buyers, we just need a recognized forum member to stand up and take the lead on the GB.
Why not run it yourself?

I have the time, but not the connections. I don't know who to go to for a good price, and I know there's people out there who have done the GB before. If anyone wants to let me know who they've gone to in the past, I'd be happy to set this up. But I personally feel less comfortable sending hundreds of dollars to a member who was new on the boards, and wasn't a proven, trustworthy member.

Additionally, even though I can send out conus shipping, shipping to me, and back from me, would add a total of 2-3 weeks shipping time.

I feel like my running the GB would create more problems than it would solve.

However, if people want me to go forward with it, and I can get some info on who's run GBs like it in the past, with info on who to talk to for quotes, and a proxy set up stateside for shipping, yeah, I can do it.

So, that being said. Who's run past GBs for plates? And does anybody know who manufactured them?

Anybody have a link to the blueprint for the plate, and who created/owns the details so I can get permission?

There's a lot of information I need to gather for this, but I'll happily seek it. If nobody steps up, I'll probably put up the GB next week for it, and start contacting manufacturers.

Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 20 August 2013, 04:07:25
I have the time, but not the connections. I don't know who to go to for a good price, and I know there's people out there who have done the GB before. If anyone wants to let me know who they've gone to in the past, I'd be happy to set this up. But I personally feel less comfortable sending hundreds of dollars to a member who was new on the boards, and wasn't a proven, trustworthy member.

Additionally, even though I can send out conus shipping, shipping to me, and back from me, would add a total of 2-3 weeks shipping time.

I feel like my running the GB would create more problems than it would solve.

However, if people want me to go forward with it, and I can get some info on who's run GBs like it in the past, with info on who to talk to for quotes, and a proxy set up stateside for shipping, yeah, I can do it.

So, that being said. Who's run past GBs for plates? And does anybody know who manufactured them?

Anybody have a link to the blueprint for the plate, and who created/owns the details so I can get permission?

There's a lot of information I need to gather for this, but I'll happily seek it. If nobody steps up, I'll probably put up the GB next week for it, and start contacting manufacturers.
That's fair enough. If you do want to try and run it yourself :

-User Whitefiredragon made the universal tkl plate.
-You'll need to find a laser cutter who can do the plates. Since prices change as quantities increase you should maybe ask for a tiered price for quantities between say 10 and 50 units.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 20 August 2013, 14:56:54
There's a lot of information I need to gather for this, but I'll happily seek it. If nobody steps up, I'll probably put up the GB next week for it, and start contacting manufacturers.

setting up a GB without a manufacture, price tiers, test plates... is a setup for disaster
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 20 August 2013, 22:33:43
There's a lot of information I need to gather for this, but I'll happily seek it. If nobody steps up, I'll probably put up the GB next week for it, and start contacting manufacturers.

setting up a GB without a manufacture, price tiers, test plates... is a setup for disaster

That's why I haven't set anything up yet, and don't plan to until I have all the information I need, and can give a clear, concise, and well executed GB. I might be new to GBing, but it seems as long as I keep my head on straight and do it right, there's no reason it should be difficult.

If I can get in contact with the people I need to for this info.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Wed, 21 August 2013, 00:15:20
Sweet man. Excited to see if you pull it off!
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:30:47
What material do you plan on getting these made from?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:37:56
What material do you plan on getting these made from?

Aluminum is the standard, no? Inexpensive, lightweight (though I like weight), and relatively strong.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:42:55
What material do you plan on getting these made from?

Aluminum is the standard, no? Inexpensive, lightweight (though I like weight), and relatively strong.

Most of the recent plates have been stainless steel.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:50:02
Oh! That's cool.

I'm fine either way, but wouldn't mind getting it anodized, and I figure Au would be cheaper to source and work.

Any input? What do you guys prefer?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:55:13
Oh! That's cool.

I'm fine either way, but wouldn't mind getting it anodized, and I figure Au would be cheaper to source and work.

Any input? What do you guys prefer?

Just for reference the original phantom group buy did use anodized aluminum plates.

I believe the trick is making sure the final plate thickness works with the stabilizers.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:57:27
I like acrylic, there are some questions over its strength, which I am looking answers for.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 04:15:11
I'm definitely leaning a metal for the plate, but I'm flexible on what kind.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:00:44
The plate needs to be exactly 0.060" in thickness in order for the switches and stabilizers to mount correctly. Recent plates have been made from 16-gauge stainless steel, which is 0.0625" thick, and it works fairly well, but sometimes you have to file the plate for the stabilizers to mount properly, etc. Stainless steel has the weight advantage over aluminum, as most people like heavy plate-mounted keyboards.

The original Phantom plates were made from 16-gauge aluminum, which was then sanded to spec, and then anodized black. Very nicely done, if you ask me.

Edit: As others have said, acrylic at that thickness is just too fragile. While installing the stabilizers onto my Epsilon's acrylic plate, I cracked the plate in a few locations.

Edit 2: Also, thicker acrylic plates won't work, as there are no PCB mounting holes for stabilizers on the Phantom PCB. Other PCBs (Korean) may be less of a concern.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:03:00
The plate needs to be exactly 0.060" in thickness in order for the switches and stabilizers to mount correctly. Recent plates have been made from 16-gauge stainless steel, which is 0.0625" thick, and it works fairly well, but sometimes you have to file the plate for the stabilizers to mount properly, etc. Stainless steel has the weight advantage over aluminum, as most people like heavy plate-mounted keyboards.

The original Phantom plates were made from 16-gauge aluminum, which was then sanded to spec, and then anodized black. Very nicely done, if you ask me.

Edit: As others have said, acrylic at that thickness is just too fragile. While installing the stabilizers onto my Epsilon's acrylic plate, I cracked the plate in a few locations.

I like the finish of the anodized black aluminum R1 plates that I have!
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:04:15
Being that there HAVE been so many SS plates, I'd really like to see some plates in anodized aluminum. That would be the only thing that would make me buy some at this point. Also, custom designs, so I could grab some UTKL as well as a couple Phantom ones, possibly. There have been promise of anodized aluminum, but sadly, it has yet to come to fruition...
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:07:46
I like acrylic, there are some questions over its strength, which I am looking answers for.

I also have an Epsilon acrylic plate that is extremely flimsy. I would not buy acrylic plates unless they were very thick and reinforced. I have some for my Alixinzhai case and I'm not interested in using it. Going to hunt down a metal plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:13:42
I like acrylic, there are some questions over its strength, which I am looking answers for.

I also have an Epsilon acrylic plate that is extremely flimsy. I would not buy acrylic plates unless they were very thick and reinforced. I have some for my Alixinzhai case and I'm not interested in using it. Going to hunt down a metal plate.


Can those Alixinzhai cases be used as a tray? Or do you have to us the included plate?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:18:16
I wouldn't. The bottom part isn't that thick. You would really need the whole sandwich to get proper stability imo.

But anyways, I'd be interested in a TKL plate. I'm definitely not interested in running a group buy though.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 09:20:48
Well, if aluminum isn't as common, let's do aluminum.

I'd love to get a blue one, personally, and I'll see if we can figure out some available colors.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Moosecraft on Wed, 21 August 2013, 11:33:15
If this actually gets going for aluminum plates, especially with a pcb I would buy atleast one.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 15:56:52
I was thinking, since I know absolutely nothing about PCBs, I would save that for another GB, but if WFD doesn't mind us using his Phantom, then I guess I don't need to know anything about PCBs to set up the GB.

We'll see once I start hearing back from people, I know WFD is just coming off of vacation today.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:06:07
I was thinking, since I know absolutely nothing about PCBs, I would save that for another GB, but if WFD doesn't mind us using his Phantom, then I guess I don't need to know anything about PCBs to set up the GB.

We'll see once I start hearing back from people, I know WFD is just coming off of vacation today.

WFD isn't set to be back until the 27th. And WFD did the R2 plates not the PCB for the phantom.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:17:09
The Phantom is bpiphany's baby. He has everything set up with PCBwing, so if another GB round were to be done for the Phantom PCB, it would need to go through him. No sense in paying setup costs, when future orders of the same PCB don't charge for it. You can find his email address silkscreened on the front of the Phantom PCB.

For the universal TKL plate, WFD has the drawing files, so he can probably coordinate things through his laser cutter. However, as you know, he is on vacation, and also very busy. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:21:10
Alright, I'll try and get in touch with BPap today at work, and you're right about setup fees.

Everyone is cool doing Phantom PCB and Ano Alum UTKL plate?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:25:28
The Phantom is bpiphany's baby. He has everything set up with PCBwing, so if another GB round were to be done for the Phantom PCB, it would need to go through him. No sense in paying setup costs, when future orders of the same PCB don't charge for it. You can find his email address silkscreened on the front of the Phantom PCB.

For the universal TKL plate, WFD has the drawing files, so he can probably coordinate things through his laser cutter. However, as you know, he is on vacation, and also very busy. :)

A little off-topic.

Jd do you know why for R2 the holes in the extra holes for pcb style switches were removed from the PCB? I'm sure I've asked before but I can't remember.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:31:59
The Phantom is bpiphany's baby. He has everything set up with PCBwing, so if another GB round were to be done for the Phantom PCB, it would need to go through him. No sense in paying setup costs, when future orders of the same PCB don't charge for it. You can find his email address silkscreened on the front of the Phantom PCB.

For the universal TKL plate, WFD has the drawing files, so he can probably coordinate things through his laser cutter. However, as you know, he is on vacation, and also very busy. :)

A little off-topic.

Jd do you know why for R2 the holes in the extra holes for pcb style switches were removed from the PCB? I'm sure I've asked before but I can't remember.

Phantom PCB never had PCB mounting holes for switches. It originally did have holes so that you could release the switch housing top clips from the bottom of the PCB, but bpiphany removed those in the new revision PCBs, because they aren't necessary at all. He also changed some stuff on the silkscreen. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 16:33:16
The Phantom is bpiphany's baby. He has everything set up with PCBwing, so if another GB round were to be done for the Phantom PCB, it would need to go through him. No sense in paying setup costs, when future orders of the same PCB don't charge for it. You can find his email address silkscreened on the front of the Phantom PCB.

For the universal TKL plate, WFD has the drawing files, so he can probably coordinate things through his laser cutter. However, as you know, he is on vacation, and also very busy. :)

A little off-topic.

Jd do you know why for R2 the holes in the extra holes for pcb style switches were removed from the PCB? I'm sure I've asked before but I can't remember.

Phantom PCB never had PCB mounting holes for switches. It originally did have holes so that you could release the switch housing top clips from the bottom of the PCB, but bpiphany removed those in the new revision PCBs, because they aren't necessary at all. He also changed some stuff on the silkscreen. :)

Doh! I just saw extra holes....didn't actually attempt to do anything with them haha. I thought had read in R1 they were for PCB switches somewhere..hmmm....missinformation strikes again. And yeah I noticed differencesin the text sizes etc.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 22 August 2013, 11:58:43
A few things I want to mention. OP, you mentioned PCB a few times, and the only TKL PCB we can get are phantoms, which I have no ties to. bphiphany designed it and controls the production of them. Teensy you can just buy on your own.

The plates however, I can help with those. I designed and ran the GB for all universal TKL plates, and all phantom R2 plates.

Cost between raw material is not much (only a few bucks). Majority of the cost in the plate is the laser machine time and programming fees. I had batches of aluminum and stainless steel plates before, and I personally like the steel one better for the weight and rigidity. Quality of the cuts on aluminum is a tad lower because they're more prone to local warping from high temps. Stainless steel is more resistant to temperature warping, so the edges turn out a little sharper and cleaner. As for color, anodizing adds a big chunk to cost and is only available for aluminum. Powder coating is also an option, but costs even more than anodizing, but it can be done for both aluminum or steel.

As for sourcing manufacturers, you'll have to source a company that has a laser cutter with at least 3kw with tolerances of 0.002" or better, otherwise switch and stabilizer holes will be too loose. I sourced about 15 different local places around me, price and quality varies between different companies/machines, so prototype is a must. You might be able to source cheaper places that are further, but shipping these heavy plates around is not cheap (hence why I did everything local, and picked them up myself).

I can help you get these made, or give you contact info for the local company. But just letting you know ahead of time that they do not deal with individuals, and you must send official blueprints (not just a raw DXF file) before they go through quoting process. If you want to do it through my account, then it'll be a few weeks before I have time to run another batch.

I have some left after shipping out the preorders, but there were more people that wanted plates than the numbers of extras I have. Not sure what the fairest way to sell them would be.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 22 August 2013, 12:01:13
But just letting you know ahead of time that they do not deal with individuals, and you must send official blueprints (not just a raw DXF file) before they go through quoting process.

If anyone ends up CAD modeling their own plates and needs someone to check the drawing/blueprint, please let me know. I'd be happy to look it over for free.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 22 August 2013, 14:59:12
A few things I want to mention. OP, you mentioned PCB a few times, and the only TKL PCB we can get are phantoms, which I have no ties to. bphiphany designed it and controls the production of them. Teensy you can just buy on your own.

The plates however, I can help with those. I designed and ran the GB for all universal TKL plates, and all phantom R2 plates.

Cost between raw material is not much (only a few bucks). Majority of the cost in the plate is the laser machine time and programming fees. I had batches of aluminum and stainless steel plates before, and I personally like the steel one better for the weight and rigidity. Quality of the cuts on aluminum is a tad lower because they're more prone to local warping from high temps. Stainless steel is more resistant to temperature warping, so the edges turn out a little sharper and cleaner. As for color, anodizing adds a big chunk to cost and is only available for aluminum. Powder coating is also an option, but costs even more than anodizing, but it can be done for both aluminum or steel.

As for sourcing manufacturers, you'll have to source a company that has a laser cutter with at least 3kw with tolerances of 0.002" or better, otherwise switch and stabilizer holes will be too loose. I sourced about 15 different local places around me, price and quality varies between different companies/machines, so prototype is a must. You might be able to source cheaper places that are further, but shipping these heavy plates around is not cheap (hence why I did everything local, and picked them up myself).

I can help you get these made, or give you contact info for the local company. But just letting you know ahead of time that they do not deal with individuals, and you must send official blueprints (not just a raw DXF file) before they go through quoting process. If you want to do it through my account, then it'll be a few weeks before I have time to run another batch.

I have some left after shipping out the preorders, but there were more people that wanted plates than the numbers of extras I have. Not sure what the fairest way to sell them would be.

Thanks for laying some info down, WFD. Unfortunately, being in Korea, local isn't an option for me simply because I don't speak Hongul. And I can see why working local would significantly reduce the cost on this.

Question. stainless steel harder to work, so does that leave it on the machine longer? Therefore adding more time and cost to the production per plate?

If there is any way to go through the same machinists that you've gone through in the past, I'd rather do that opposed to trying to prototype a bunch of plates from manufacturers we're not familiar with. If we've got a tried and true machinist on hand, I don't see any reason not to try and use them.

I know you're busy, as was one of the first things mentioned in this forum, but if you're willing to take over the plate part of the GB, maybe I can work the PCB side. Work all of the admin over here, get all of the GH side together, and in the end just give you a number, and the money to move forward with it. Or if you'd rather take the plate GB as a whole, I'd be down for that as well.

I'm very curious how much anodizing would add to production costs, do your machinist do anodizing, or would we need to send it someplace else, adding even more to the costs involved?


Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Thu, 22 August 2013, 15:06:23
Hey WFD,  if you don't mind,  send me the plate drawings and I'll get quotes from the local manufacturers here.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Thu, 22 August 2013, 15:49:25
I have some left after shipping out the preorders, but there were more people that wanted plates than the numbers of extras I have. Not sure what the fairest way to sell them would be.

I have a suggestion. If you have kept up with who has asked for one, have a lottery.

Of course I am sure you have received a million PMs about them, not to mention people posting to request one also, so it might be overly burdensome to figure out who has asked. Just an idea.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Mon, 26 August 2013, 23:43:41
Hmmmm... I was in favor of anodized aluminum but after WFD's wise words I think stainless steel may be the way to go. It's higher quality (even though i like the idea of a lighter but still solid keyboard) and still looks pretty nice. Since anodizing will likely add a lot to the overall cost... we may be better off letting everyone get plain stainless and paint it if they wish. I have seen some users do some really cool stuff with paint and it would probably be cheaper and less limited in terms of color/finish choice.


Just my two cents :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: badboybry9000 on Wed, 28 August 2013, 12:18:20
I'd be interested in another group buy. I got into mechanical keyboards just a little too late and missed the first group buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: randompony on Wed, 28 August 2013, 14:55:50
maybe i should contact bpiphnay about it but would it be possible to have holes for pcb mounted cherry stabs so we could use universal plates?

I really want the 7bit bottom row but I really don't want to cut up the f-row of my case.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 28 August 2013, 15:13:35
In the interest of transparency, I'll admit that I've done nothing with this GB. I bit off a bit much and already am spearheading two groupbuys that are moving ahead. This is still something I would like to, and wholeheartedly plan to, move ahead with. But, it is not a priority. Once I get the other two GBs under way, I'll be looking at making moves on this one, but I'm sending emails back and forth all day long already, and I'd rather not have several group buys finish all at once and end up with thousands of dollars of stuff in my barracks to figure out shipping for, so I'm trying to stagger it a bit.

Patience is what I'm asking on this one.

Did anyone have any luck nailing down a machinist for the plates?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 28 August 2013, 15:29:01
I'm still waiting for WFD to respond, once I have the designs, I can look to work something put for the plates as well as a case.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 28 August 2013, 15:52:14
Cool. Once things settle down on my end, I'll PM Epipany
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 28 August 2013, 16:18:02
Cool. Once things settle down on my end, I'll PM Epipany

Ahead of you, already PMed.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 28 August 2013, 16:43:40
Cool. Once things settle down on my end, I'll PM Epipany

Ahead of you, already PMed.

Well, damn.

What am I even doing here? You want to take this one?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 28 August 2013, 16:45:52
Cool. Once things settle down on my end, I'll PM Epipany

Ahead of you, already PMed.

Well, damn.

What am I even doing here? You want to take this one?

Nope. We can do this together, I'm just collecting information. :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: McWilloughby on Wed, 28 August 2013, 16:49:15
Interested.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: argyakrivos on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:24:53
Really interested as well! Want at least 2 plates for future filco projects ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: AndyCapets on Sun, 01 September 2013, 05:27:34
I'd be really interested in a PCB GB, but if you're doing a plate GB, I'll most likely take one too.

Any news about the cost for making the plate ? I'd be willing to help, unfortunatly where I live, I'd have to drive 70km to find a good machinist..
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: kenmai9 on Sun, 01 September 2013, 06:37:37
Call me interested.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 01 September 2013, 09:03:54
Phantom PCB is now available for purchase from MechanicalKeyboards.com here (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sun, 01 September 2013, 09:10:14
Well, I guess we're doing a uTKL plate GB now.

Waiting to hear how the plate search goes on MOZ's side.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Jrwestcoast on Sun, 01 September 2013, 09:32:45
Interested in both a plate and a PCB
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 01 September 2013, 16:04:07
I could help on plates that is, but it won't be a GB and I wouldn't be able to ship until after Thanksgiving
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: AndyCapets on Sun, 01 September 2013, 16:19:11
Phantom PCB is now available for purchase from MechanicalKeyboards.com here (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536)
Oh, ok thanks for the info JD, I was looking for one for a long time!
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sun, 01 September 2013, 17:02:36
I could help on plates that is, but it won't be a GB and I wouldn't be able to ship until after Thanksgiving

Would this be more expensive than doing a GB, then? What material and cutting method are we talking about? Any chance to get it anodized if it's alum?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 01 September 2013, 17:06:18
I could help on plates that is, but it won't be a GB and I wouldn't be able to ship until after Thanksgiving

Would this be more expensive than doing a GB, then? What material and cutting method are we talking about? Any chance to get it anodized if it's alum?

Yes, I would be charging money to run the buy. I was thinking laser cut stainless but aluminum could be done if a lot of people want it

I don't have a local anodizing place, so I would have to ship them out, anodize them, have them shipped back to me and then shipped out to everyone in the buy. Also, I've never had anything done from them, but I have gotten samples from them. Here are some pictures from another thread where I showed them:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39787.msg821179#msg821179
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sun, 01 September 2013, 17:08:14
Any idea how much more expensive we'd be looking at, getting it done in ones and twos as opposed to a GB?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 01 September 2013, 17:09:39
Any idea how much more expensive we'd be looking at, getting it done in ones and twos as opposed to a GB?

They wouldn't be bought in ones and twos. It would be a pre-order like the tools I just ran
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 01 September 2013, 17:11:01
I think he just means that as a vendor, he will be making a profit of the sales. As opposed to someone who organizes a not for profit community group buy.


Which I have no problem with. :)


Also, if anyone needs one or more Teensys for their Phantom PCB, I have a GB going for them here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47728.0).
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 01 September 2013, 21:07:40
Haven't had time to go to the vendors, also waiting on CAD files for the uTKL plate from WFD, if anyone else has them, please PM me.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sun, 01 September 2013, 21:41:43
Any idea how much more expensive we'd be looking at, getting it done in ones and twos as opposed to a GB?

They wouldn't be bought in ones and twos. It would be a pre-order like the tools I just ran

Oh, when you said you wouldn't be doing a GB, I has assumed you mean it wouldn't be in a group. I understand now, you were defining group buy as not-for-profit, which is not where I draw the distinction.

Very curious what sort of pricing we'd be looking at, especially anodized.
If you're doing this anyways, I'd be happy waiting and letting you take the reigns. I'm not trying to step on your toes, as a vendor, and there's no need for us both to be doing the work and cutting each other's numbers.

Personally, I think vendors should be able to do GBs, because it's still a group buy. As long as the vendor is upfront about what it is, and that they're taking a cut, because they're a respectable vendor, and you're not just throwing your money into the wind. You're paying for that reliability. But hey, I'm just talking aloud here.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 01 September 2013, 21:56:25
I agree with calm, someone with exowrience want to do it go ahead, I would srill be doing acrylic cases and plates I think.

I want to make acrylic and vinyl sort of the moz thing  :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 02 September 2013, 17:51:34
Any idea how much more expensive we'd be looking at, getting it done in ones and twos as opposed to a GB?

They wouldn't be bought in ones and twos. It would be a pre-order like the tools I just ran

Oh, when you said you wouldn't be doing a GB, I has assumed you mean it wouldn't be in a group. I understand now, you were defining group buy as not-for-profit, which is not where I draw the distinction.

Very curious what sort of pricing we'd be looking at, especially anodized.
If you're doing this anyways, I'd be happy waiting and letting you take the reigns. I'm not trying to step on your toes, as a vendor, and there's no need for us both to be doing the work and cutting each other's numbers.

Personally, I think vendors should be able to do GBs, because it's still a group buy. As long as the vendor is upfront about what it is, and that they're taking a cut, because they're a respectable vendor, and you're not just throwing your money into the wind. You're paying for that reliability. But hey, I'm just talking aloud here.

I have no interest in doing a GB since I don't want one myself and I just don't have the time to be doing this for free. A profit would be my motivation to get it done. I love GH to death, but I just don't have the time to do stuff for free anymore.


If you do want to do a GB, go ahead, I was just saying that if you can't get everything together, I would be willing to run a buy for them.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Moosecraft on Tue, 03 September 2013, 08:31:41
I don't have a problem with anyone that runs a gb taking a bit of profit, after all that time invested you could have done something else completely with.
I especially don't  have a problem when it's a vendor or otherwise known salesperson.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: BliTzKiN on Tue, 03 September 2013, 09:04:12
I don't have a problem with anyone that runs a gb taking a bit of profit, after all that time invested you could have done something else completely with.
I especially don't  have a problem when it's a vendor or otherwise known salesperson.

I agree as well, running a GB takes a lot of time. I'm totally fine if you would like to make a profit from running this as well.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 03 September 2013, 11:36:28
Alright, unless there are some major objections, I start looking to anodized aluminum plates sometime next week.

If I recall correctly, the anodizing plate could fit 30 60% plates on a rack. So I would assume that would be the same for a TKL sized plate since the tank they have should be deep enough for TKL plates and they charge per rack, not per plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Tue, 03 September 2013, 11:53:16
Beast, do you have a ballpark guess for cost per plate?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:32:46
Beast, do you have a ballpark guess for cost per plate?

If we get 30 plates, that is pretty cheap for the cutter and it's fills a rack on the anodize entirely so that's going to be the cheapest. 60, 90, 120 also work since they fill the entire rack. So say a rack is $30 to anodize. If it's 30 plates, it's going to be $1 a plate. If it's only 1 plate on the rack, it's $30 just for that single plate....

My guess would be mid $30's without shipping. But again, it's just a guess because the anodizing place was just an estimate and I haven't actually run anything through them yet. Would we want to test a plate first?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:37:34
Don't know if this has been posted yet but MechanicalKeyboards.com is now carrying Phantom PCBs. Just an FYI.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:48:49
Thanks Beast. That seems to be reasonable.

I am guessing the aluminum is cheaper to source and have cut than stainless? It doesn't sound like the anodizing would add much to the cost if done in bulk like that.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:50:59
Thanks Beast. That seems to be reasonable.

I am guessing the aluminum is cheaper to source and have cut than stainless? It doesn't sound like the anodizing would add much to the cost if done in bulk like that.

Aluminum is cheaper but not by a whole lot. My cutter actually prefers SS for some reason.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: domoaligato on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:56:11
Fyi the_beast and white fire dragon are listed in my professional services directory sticky thread under the classifieds for plate fabrication.
It also has a ton of other service providers listed for other things as well.

If you are looking for a phantom pcb you can buy them on mechanical keyboards.com now also. You will have to source the remaining parts... but it is a place to start.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:01:17
Remaining parts? Is there anything else needed to get a phantom up and running beside a teensy?

PCB, Teensy, Cable, Plate, Switches, Case?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:04:55
Thanks Beast. That seems to be reasonable.

I am guessing the aluminum is cheaper to source and have cut than stainless? It doesn't sound like the anodizing would add much to the cost if done in bulk like that.

Aluminum is cheaper but not by a whole lot. My cutter actually prefers SS for some reason.

I'm not surprised. Working with chainmaille, I would take SS over Aluminum any day. SS has a durability that can be held up through the production process, and from what I hear some cutting methods have a tendency to warp alum boards.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:06:54
Remaining parts? Is there anything else needed to get a phantom up and running beside a teensy?

PCB, Teensy, Cable, Plate, Switches, Case?

Diodes, Stabilizers, led's, resistors, keycaps
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:16:46
Stabs be expensive
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: domoaligato on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:17:26
There is a complete list of items on mk's product page.

There is also a phantom parts thread here.

I am at lunch so I can't post links atm.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: domoaligato on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:18:26
Stabs be expensive

I hope ur joking :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:45:02
Okay. Well as I personally am not doing LEDs on this board, that leaves me with 100 diodes to purchase. Plus making sure I get a teensy with header pins.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Tue, 03 September 2013, 15:21:28
Aluminum is cheaper but not by a whole lot. My cutter actually prefers SS for some reason.

I prefer SS as well for a plate, but people in this thread seem to be talking about aluminum. I could go either way. I guess since my phantom plate is SS, aluminum would be something different.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Winther on Tue, 03 September 2013, 15:24:22
I might also be interested.. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 03 September 2013, 18:29:29
Aluminum is cheaper but not by a whole lot. My cutter actually prefers SS for some reason.

I prefer SS as well for a plate, but people in this thread seem to be talking about aluminum. I could go either way. I guess since my phantom plate is SS, aluminum would be something different.

The original Phantom plates were black anodized aluminum. I ran the round 1 of poker plates in stainless and everyone seems to like it so WFD did the phantom plates in stainless....
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Tue, 03 September 2013, 18:49:16
I personally prefer SS as well. I'd probably paint it.

But if we went with Alum, I would hope we do a color other than black for the anodization. Maybe white (if that's even possible) or silver/gray...
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 03 September 2013, 18:52:21
I personally prefer SS as well. I'd probably paint it.

But if we went with Alum, I would hope we do a color other than black for the anodization. Maybe white (if that's even possible) or silver/gray...

You can't anodize white.


Here's a pretty good explanation as to why you can't:
http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/2011/09/no-white-anodized-aluminum/
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Tue, 03 September 2013, 18:59:16
Huuuh... interesting.

Still no black alum please! :p
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 03 September 2013, 21:21:06
Stabs be expensive

I hope ur joking :D

how much are cherry pcb mount stabs? including the stem and wire
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Glod on Tue, 03 September 2013, 21:36:32
Stabs be expensive

I hope ur joking :D

how much are cherry pcb mount stabs? including the stem and wire

pretty cheap at least inside the usa, especially if you buy over 25
PCB Mount http://www.onlinecomponents.com/cherry-electrical-g990742.html?p=11075025
Plate Mount http://www.onlinecomponents.com/cherry-electrical-g990224.html?p=11075022

the problem comes when you get to the spacebar wire which you cant buy you have to make or have someone on geekhack make; cherry is thicker than costar so the materials for the wire cost more.

there are other threads on this, dont want to derail especially because i hope a new round of plates happens because phantom pcbs are up on mk.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Tue, 03 September 2013, 21:37:38
moz, if you're building off a Phantom PCB then you cannot use pcb stabs, must use plate mount, either cherry or costar. Costar can be found cheaply on wasd. Plate mount cherry can be found on mouser I think or people sell them as parts from old boards from time to time, usually for about $5 per set, but you generally have to bend your own space bar wire. Cherry wires are easy enough to bend. Costar are not easy
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 03 September 2013, 21:42:01
thanks for the  info guys.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Tue, 03 September 2013, 22:19:57
It seems people tend to agree that SS is a better option overall, and I am definitely interested in having the weight (I like heavy things in general) but I'm so very interested in having a colored plate that I'm willing to give up the reliability and weight of SS. If we can find an inexpensive and reliable place for powdercoating, I would happily rather go that way, but most are saying that SS plates are already pretty available on the market, if you take the time and look, but Aluminum is almost non-existent.

I don't care which way we go, and it's not even my GB anymore, but if we can get SS plates powdercoated without spending say, 15 bucks more than it's anodized aluminum brother, I'd happily go that route.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 04 September 2013, 06:18:56
My lack of sleep showed my the price of each component of stabs as $6 on WASD. LOL

I just saw the prices, now it makes sense.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 04 September 2013, 06:20:59
moz, if you're building off a Phantom PCB then you cannot use pcb stabs, must use plate mount, either cherry or costar. Costar can be found cheaply on wasd. Plate mount cherry can be found on mouser I think or people sell them as parts from old boards from time to time, usually for about $5 per set, but you generally have to bend your own space bar wire. Cherry wires are easy enough to bend. Costar are not easy

If the Phantom PCB doesn't support PCB stabs, then what do those using acrylic cases with acrylic plates on the Phantom PCB use?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 04 September 2013, 06:23:06
moz, if you're building off a Phantom PCB then you cannot use pcb stabs, must use plate mount, either cherry or costar. Costar can be found cheaply on wasd. Plate mount cherry can be found on mouser I think or people sell them as parts from old boards from time to time, usually for about $5 per set, but you generally have to bend your own space bar wire. Cherry wires are easy enough to bend. Costar are not easy

If the Phantom PCB doesn't support PCB stabs, then what do those using acrylic cases with acrylic plates on the Phantom PCB use?

Most likely Costar stabs.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 04 September 2013, 06:37:12
moz, if you're building off a Phantom PCB then you cannot use pcb stabs, must use plate mount, either cherry or costar. Costar can be found cheaply on wasd. Plate mount cherry can be found on mouser I think or people sell them as parts from old boards from time to time, usually for about $5 per set, but you generally have to bend your own space bar wire. Cherry wires are easy enough to bend. Costar are not easy

If the Phantom PCB doesn't support PCB stabs, then what do those using acrylic cases with acrylic plates on the Phantom PCB use?

Most likely Costar stabs.

How thick do the costar stabs allow for plate to be?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 04 September 2013, 08:13:49
moz, if you're building off a Phantom PCB then you cannot use pcb stabs, must use plate mount, either cherry or costar. Costar can be found cheaply on wasd. Plate mount cherry can be found on mouser I think or people sell them as parts from old boards from time to time, usually for about $5 per set, but you generally have to bend your own space bar wire. Cherry wires are easy enough to bend. Costar are not easy

If the Phantom PCB doesn't support PCB stabs, then what do those using acrylic cases with acrylic plates on the Phantom PCB use?

Most likely Costar stabs.

How thick do the costar stabs allow for plate to be?

Only 1.5mm, but if you have say a 2mm acrylic plate, you can force the Costar inserts into the holes and glue them in place.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Wed, 04 September 2013, 08:37:33
Which TKL case has an acrylic plate? I was under the impression that all the TKL sized acrylic cases only allow you to drop in your own metal plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 04 September 2013, 08:42:29
Which TKL case has an acrylic plate? I was under the impression that all the TKL sized acrylic cases only allow you to drop in your own metal plate.

Probably the upcoming 100% Open Source TKL layered acrylic/steel/whatever case project. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 04 September 2013, 08:45:54
Also the one by letsiter, and the one feng sold, I might be wrong though.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Wed, 04 September 2013, 08:52:02
Ohhhh, I see. Well, I will keep my metal plates, thanks. I like the weight if nothing else. As Boris the Blade says, weight is a sign of reliability...

Although I guess aluminum plates are not very heavy compared to steel. I would be ok with it though if some new universal TKL plates come out in aluminum. I just want to mod this QFR but I want to wait until I can get a universal plate to swap in if I can, #1 so it will have cutouts for switch top removal and #2 so I can use cherry plate mount stabs. I hate changing keycaps on costar stabs.

Also the one by letsiter, and the one feng sold, I might be wrong though.

I am like 99% sure those did not have acrylic plates. I thought they were designed so that you could take a Filco TKL (or QFR or Phantom PCB+plate) and just drop the whole plate and PCB into a new case without having to desolder.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: BliTzKiN on Wed, 04 September 2013, 09:23:10
I've heard that the plates need to be rather thin in order for the stabs to fit, and that thickness needed in the form of acrylic going to be too fragile.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Larken on Wed, 04 September 2013, 09:36:46

I am like 99% sure those did not have acrylic plates. I thought they were designed so that you could take a Filco TKL (or QFR or Phantom PCB+plate) and just drop the whole plate and PCB into a new case without having to desolder.

you're right. I don't know about feng's, but litster's TKL case was definitely a drop in solution.

if we take the ergodox's plate design as a reference (also done by litster), he had mentioned on occasion that acrylic needs to be rather thick to be reasonably sturdy for use as a plate, which was why he specified it as a 4.5mm layer, which precludes the use of costar stabs. It might be possible to use cherry pcb mounted stabs with the proper cut out, but you'd need the pcb have the mounting holes for the pcb-mounted stabs too.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 04 September 2013, 09:45:04
I've heard that the plates need to be rather thin in order for the stabs to fit, and that thickness needed in the form of acrylic going to be too fragile.

Yes, 3mm is bare minimum in my opinion when using acrylic plates, I would suggest 5mm though.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 04 September 2013, 10:01:42
I've heard that the plates need to be rather thin in order for the stabs to fit, and that thickness needed in the form of acrylic going to be too fragile.

Yes, 3mm is bear minimum in my opinion when using acrylic plates, I would suggest 5mm though.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkW-nt6GYWU/UZmdLGdWrTI/AAAAAAAAARc/sGxm8-qJfs4/s1600/bear+essentials.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 04 September 2013, 10:50:13
It seems people tend to agree that SS is a better option overall, and I am definitely interested in having the weight (I like heavy things in general) but I'm so very interested in having a colored plate that I'm willing to give up the reliability and weight of SS. If we can find an inexpensive and reliable place for powdercoating, I would happily rather go that way, but most are saying that SS plates are already pretty available on the market, if you take the time and look, but Aluminum is almost non-existent.

I don't care which way we go, and it's not even my GB anymore, but if we can get SS plates powdercoated without spending say, 15 bucks more than it's anodized aluminum brother, I'd happily go that route.

You would have to powder coat before cutting otherwise the powder coat will make the switch cutouts smaller than they need to be and you won't be able to fit your switch in the plate. The only problem with powder coating before is, the sheet of steel is 4' x 8' and not exactly light in weight as you can imagine. So powder coating is kinda out in terms of options. Painting might work
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 04 September 2013, 10:58:16
It seems people tend to agree that SS is a better option overall, and I am definitely interested in having the weight (I like heavy things in general) but I'm so very interested in having a colored plate that I'm willing to give up the reliability and weight of SS. If we can find an inexpensive and reliable place for powdercoating, I would happily rather go that way, but most are saying that SS plates are already pretty available on the market, if you take the time and look, but Aluminum is almost non-existent.

I don't care which way we go, and it's not even my GB anymore, but if we can get SS plates powdercoated without spending say, 15 bucks more than it's anodized aluminum brother, I'd happily go that route.

You would have to powder coat before cutting otherwise the powder coat will make the switch cutouts smaller than they need to be and you won't be able to fit your switch in the plate. The only problem with powder coating before is, the sheet of steel is 4' x 8' and not exactly light in weight as you can imagine. So powder coating is kinda out in terms of options. Painting might work

I almost always paint my stainless steel plates. I think it looks nice. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:52:48
It seems people tend to agree that SS is a better option overall, and I am definitely interested in having the weight (I like heavy things in general) but I'm so very interested in having a colored plate that I'm willing to give up the reliability and weight of SS. If we can find an inexpensive and reliable place for powdercoating, I would happily rather go that way, but most are saying that SS plates are already pretty available on the market, if you take the time and look, but Aluminum is almost non-existent.

I don't care which way we go, and it's not even my GB anymore, but if we can get SS plates powdercoated without spending say, 15 bucks more than it's anodized aluminum brother, I'd happily go that route.

You would have to powder coat before cutting otherwise the powder coat will make the switch cutouts smaller than they need to be and you won't be able to fit your switch in the plate. The only problem with powder coating before is, the sheet of steel is 4' x 8' and not exactly light in weight as you can imagine. So powder coating is kinda out in terms of options. Painting might work

I almost always paint my stainless steel plates. I think it looks nice. :)

Yeah I have seen some really nice painted SS plates from WFD's GB. Saw one that actually looked a lot like anodized aluminium too. I would do this for sure if we got standard SS plates.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: BliTzKiN on Thu, 05 September 2013, 00:11:07
I think if its SS we could probably just do them raw? And let the owners decide for themselves how they want to paint it. If we're going to take colour ways,  I think there might be too many different colour choices to meet MOQ, or we could poll and do it all the same colour.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 00:35:27
Well, it sounds like he would be getting them raw from his machinist, and be looking into color (either anodizing or powder coating) from there. Sending it off to another person for the service.

So if anyone wanted color, and was willing to pay the extra cost, it shouldn't count against MOQ for people wanting raw SS. Also, you'd get the plate significantly earlier, not having to wait for powder coating or anodizing services.

Honestly, I'm fine with anything, and assuming powder coating isn't an absurd price, would pay for anyof them. If you guys want to do another SS run, I'll buy it.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: gnubag on Thu, 05 September 2013, 00:38:29
Well, it sounds like he would be getting them raw from his machinist, and be looking into color (either anodizing or powder coating) from there. Sending it off to another person for the service.

So if anyone wanted color, and was willing to pay the extra cost, it shouldn't count against MOQ for people wanting raw SS. Also, you'd get the plate significantly earlier, not having to wait for powder coating or anodizing services.

Honestly, I'm fine with anything, and assuming powder coating isn't an absurd price, would pay for anyof them. If you guys want to do another SS run, I'll buy it.

i think raw SS is better than raw Al. I have both of WFD's plates here and the SS feels much better and wasn't that much more expensive (it was not from a GB)
I would definetly get a SS universal plate and maybe let Beast or whoever is going to make them make me a custom phantom plate as well.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: dragonxx21 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 00:50:16
I'd be interested in both the plate as well as the PCB.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 01:40:09
I'd be interested in both the plate as well as the PCB.

PCB is for sale at MechanicalKeyboards
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: dragonxx21 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 01:48:22
I'd be interested in both the plate as well as the PCB.

PCB is for sale at MechanicalKeyboards

Oh, thank you, I didn't notice that. What about the plate, is there any place that sells TKL plates?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 03:02:37
I'd be interested in both the plate as well as the PCB.

PCB is for sale at MechanicalKeyboards

Oh, thank you, I didn't notice that. What about the plate, is there any place that sells TKL plates?

Not currently, but keep an eye on the beast. As we're talking about currently in this thread, The_Beast is looking at doing a buy in the coming couple months.

Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:42:29
Well, it sounds like he would be getting them raw from his machinist, and be looking into color (either anodizing or powder coating) from there. Sending it off to another person for the service.

So if anyone wanted color, and was willing to pay the extra cost, it shouldn't count against MOQ for people wanting raw SS. Also, you'd get the plate significantly earlier, not having to wait for powder coating or anodizing services.

Honestly, I'm fine with anything, and assuming powder coating isn't an absurd price, would pay for anyof them. If you guys want to do another SS run, I'll buy it.

You can't anodize SS and powder coating is a bad option since it's going to mess up the tolerance of the switch cutouts
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:46:42
Well, it sounds like he would be getting them raw from his machinist, and be looking into color (either anodizing or powder coating) from there. Sending it off to another person for the service.

So if anyone wanted color, and was willing to pay the extra cost, it shouldn't count against MOQ for people wanting raw SS. Also, you'd get the plate significantly earlier, not having to wait for powder coating or anodizing services.

Honestly, I'm fine with anything, and assuming powder coating isn't an absurd price, would pay for anyof them. If you guys want to do another SS run, I'll buy it.

You can't anodize SS and powder coating is a bad option since it's going to mess up the tolerance of the switch cutouts

I was under the impression that powder coating gave an even and predictable thickness.

If it's predictable, then can we not account for it in the size of the cutouts?
Also, I wasn't implying that we should anodize SS. I am aware of the limitations on that side.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:50:47
Well, it sounds like he would be getting them raw from his machinist, and be looking into color (either anodizing or powder coating) from there. Sending it off to another person for the service.

So if anyone wanted color, and was willing to pay the extra cost, it shouldn't count against MOQ for people wanting raw SS. Also, you'd get the plate significantly earlier, not having to wait for powder coating or anodizing services.

Honestly, I'm fine with anything, and assuming powder coating isn't an absurd price, would pay for anyof them. If you guys want to do another SS run, I'll buy it.

You can't anodize SS and powder coating is a bad option since it's going to mess up the tolerance of the switch cutouts

I was under the impression that powder coating gave an even and predictable thickness.

If it's predictable, then can we not account for it in the size of the cutouts?
Also, I wasn't implying that we should anodize SS. I am aware of the limitations on that side.

Not everyone will want to powder coat there's, so subtracting the thickness of the powder coat, will leave you with loose switch cutouts for people that don't want to powder coat.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:52:36
It's really pretty easy to paint a steel plate. Just prep the surface (sanding), apply several thin coats of paint, and let dry. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:53:44
You're right, it would affect MOQ on that side, then. I'd be curious to see if there's enough interested in a powder coating option to warrant a GB, though. Also, since dyes tend to be different sizes, I wonder if the thickness would change by color for powder coating.

If all powder coats are created equal, however, I think we'd get enough people interested to put up a GB, if the price is reasonable.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:54:41
It's really pretty easy to paint a steel plate. Just prep the surface (sanding), apply several thin coats of paint, and let dry. :)

Can't get Aerosols through customs. Painting my own plate isn't much of an option for me here in Korea.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:55:36
I'm thinking of using WFDs universal plate but modding it to allow ANSI125 and ANSI150 cutouts for the bottom. That should work with a ANSI125, ANSI150 phantom as well as a QFR or Filco board right?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 16:56:33
It's really pretty easy to paint a steel plate. Just prep the surface (sanding), apply several thin coats of paint, and let dry. :)

Can't get Aerosols through customs. Painting my own plate isn't much of an option for me here in Korea.

They don't sell spray paint in Korea? What kind of sick, twisted country is that?? :P
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:01:15
It's really pretty easy to paint a steel plate. Just prep the surface (sanding), apply several thin coats of paint, and let dry. :)

Can't get Aerosols through customs. Painting my own plate isn't much of an option for me here in Korea.

They don't sell spray paint in Korea? What kind of sick, twisted country is that?? :P

It's not that they don't sell it. They probably do, but I don't speak Hongul, or read the language (which prevents me from really using the train), I am not authorized a car (and couldn't read the street signs if I were), and I don't have any friends, or know anybody in the area that could help me out. And even if I have a viable way to travel, I have no idea where to go to get high quality spray paint.

For all intents and purposed, I'm living on an island of a military post, with a tiny post exchange and no good options for spray paint.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:03:41
It's really pretty easy to paint a steel plate. Just prep the surface (sanding), apply several thin coats of paint, and let dry. :)

Can't get Aerosols through customs. Painting my own plate isn't much of an option for me here in Korea.

They don't sell spray paint in Korea? What kind of sick, twisted country is that?? :P

It's not that they don't sell it. They probably do, but I don't speak Hongul, or read the language (which prevents me from really using the train), I am not authorized a car (and couldn't read the street signs if I were), and I don't have any friends, or know anybody in the area that could help me out. And even if I have a viable way to travel, I have no idea where to go to get high quality spray paint.

For all intents and purposed, I'm living on an island of a military post, with a tiny post exchange and no good options for spray paint.

Surely someone here could talk to someone in korea to get you hooked up with some spray paint!!
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:09:59
Surely someone here could talk to someone in korea to get you hooked up with some spray paint!!

And then how do I link up with them? Unless they're willing to drive or take a train and commute to the front gate, I have no way to get it from them. And even then they can't mail it to me, because the way APO works, it physically travels to California to be taken the rest of the way to Korea, even if the country of origin if from korea.

At this point I'm either spending more, or asking someone to spend more, in getting a plate to me than it would cost to get a board powder coated. The logistics ****ing suck, and it's not enough that I'm half of the world away from my wife and daughter, but I'm ****ing trapped here, too. Things like realizing that I can't even buy a can of spray paint without jumping through hoops and waiting days or weeks to figure out logistics just solidify in my mind the fact that I can't do this anymore. I can't live this life any more. I'm ****ing done with the Army. I just want to go home to my family, where I live 3 minutes from home depot.

And the electronics and computer shops off post don't even have mechanical keyboards! There's like three outside of post here, and they all carry cheap logitech knock-offs and ****. So what's the point of being in Korea if I can't even get cheap Mech boards?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:11:55
Sorry. I'm having a bad day.

Arya said "Dada" for the first time without being prompted. She pulled a picture of me off the fridge and stared at it, then said "dada"

I ****ing hate being here.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:12:13
Surely someone here could talk to someone in korea to get you hooked up with some spray paint!!

And then how do I link up with them? Unless they're willing to drive or take a train and commute to the front gate, I have no way to get it from them. And even then they can't mail it to me, because the way APO works, it physically travels to California to be taken the rest of the way to Korea, even if the country of origin if from korea.

At this point I'm either spending more, or asking someone to spend more, in getting a plate to me than it would cost to get a board powder coated. The logistics ****ing suck, and it's not enough that I'm half of the world away from my wife and daughter, but I'm ****ing trapped here, too. Things like realizing that I can't even buy a can of spray paint without jumping through hoops and waiting days or weeks to figure out logistics just solidify in my mind the fact that I can't do this anymore. I can't live this life any more. I'm ****ing done with the Army. I just want to go home to my family, where I live 3 minutes from home depot.

And the electronics and computer shops off post don't even have mechanical keyboards! There's like three outside of post here, and they all carry cheap logitech knock-offs and ****. So what's the point of being in Korea if I can't even get cheap Mech boards?

 :eek: thats rough...

Well I might be down for a powder coat plate because I bet it would look pretty sick and be really durable. But im not sure because I don't think I could justify spending over $45-$50 on a plate alone and I have a feeling that we would need a decent MOQ per color, meaning we would need to settle on 1 or 2 different finishes to be offered. I have a few colors in my mind that I would be down for, but I'm interested I'd want to get a price quote first before being certain.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:17:05
$50's about what I was hoping we could work out. I'd be willing to pay up to about $70 on it, though.

I'm not sure if MOQ for powder coating would be per color or not, but I'm sure we could find out. Let me see if I can get a handle on any powder coating services.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: argyakrivos on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:32:53
IMHO, 70$ for a plate is A LOT! Even 50$ is a bit expensive :(
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: gnubag on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:35:43
Quote
US - $46.35 shipped

was from WFD second run which was not a GB.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:38:28
sorry, fat fingered that. Meant to say $60 was my tops.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:43:58
Yeah $50 is expensive for sure... but I do admit powder coat is quite nice. And if a SS plate was like $35 (I think the WFD GB was around there) it would not be THAT much more if you subtract the cost of the spray paint. But maybe I am just grasping at straws :p

Maybe a unique finish like "wrinkle" would help differentiate the coating more from a regular paint job....
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 18:53:49
I actually still like the idea of anodized aluminum. I would definitely be in for a couple of those.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 05 September 2013, 19:56:19
I actually still like the idea of anodized aluminum. I would definitely be in for a couple of those.

Anodized aluminum is really nice, and as plain as it is, I really like the black. having now experienced an R1 anodized aluminum plate i really like it.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 20:42:56
I like anodized as well but I hope we would have options for more colors. I saw an LZ plate in cyan-ish an I though it looked really good.

I guess anodize might be the best option. Probably way cheaper than powder coat.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 20:47:54
I like anodized as well but I hope we would have options for more colors. I saw an LZ plate in cyan-ish an I though it looked really good.

The only problem with doing colors like blue, etc. is that they don't look good with certain cases and/or keycaps. Colors like grey and black match pretty well with anything.

If we offered more than one color, each color would have a cost per rack.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 20:52:41
Yeah true... but I even think a dark grey would be better than black.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:00:08
I agree. I'd rather do Ano Alum. If we offered a select number of colors (Graphite, Cyan, Gold, Maroon and Forest Green) then they would all be select, nearly unique colors never seen before, and I'm certain we'd find enough to fill a rack with each color (though honestly, with each rack costing 30 bucks, I'd be happy to take a rack by myself if it gets me my dream color)

It's only like 15 plates to a rack, right?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:07:01
I thought Beast said 30. Not sure if that many people would be interested in a color like that... but might as well try :) Maybe a vote to see what colors were most popular would be smart.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:12:29
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:18:38
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.

What plate design were you wanting, Calm? Just the Universal TKL, which is ANSI 125 only? If you're willing to pay for the rack, maybe we can be the test case for some plates from The_Beast. I would get a test plate or two in cyan, and pay the shipping to and from the anodizer.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:35:55
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.

What plate design were you wanting, Calm? Just the Universal TKL, which is ANSI 125 only? If you're willing to pay for the rack, maybe we can be the test case for some plates from The_Beast. I would get a test plate or two in cyan, and pay the shipping to and from the anodizer.


Honestly, I'm not picky. I've got a uTKL plate on the way to use with my QFR, and a Phantom plate on the way. So I'm up for a phantom plate, or uTKL ANSI.

Doesn't matter. I'll go with whatever.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 21:46:50
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.

What plate design were you wanting, Calm? Just the Universal TKL, which is ANSI 125 only? If you're willing to pay for the rack, maybe we can be the test case for some plates from The_Beast. I would get a test plate or two in cyan, and pay the shipping to and from the anodizer.


Honestly, I'm not picky. I've got a uTKL plate on the way to use with my QFR, and a Phantom plate on the way. So I'm up for a phantom plate, or uTKL ANSI.

Doesn't matter. I'll go with whatever.


Do you like the 86-key layout with 1.50 mods on the bottom row? Care for an HHKB-style alphanumeric section? If you could use any layout that the PCB supported, which would be your ideal?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 22:35:48
HHKB style would be nice. Or ANSI winkeyless.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:00:42
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.

xD Hell yeah!

BTW, what are you guys using for a Phantom case? Was thinking of picking one up but undecided because of the limited case options for TKL boards :/ Gonna get either that or mod a QFR (cheaper option).
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: dragonxx21 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:03:54
How much was it per rack? I thought it was $30 per rack, and if that's the case, shipping is the most expensive part of getting these anodized. If we get 30 cyans, awesome, but if we only get 5, that's a difference of each person paying 1 dollar, and each person paying 6 dollars. I'd still put up 6 bucks to get my ano.

In fact! I will go as far as to say, if it is 30 dollars, I will buy ano for the rack. I will pay 30 dollars to get MY board ano, and anyone else that wants to jump on my rack with me gets a free Cyan ano on their Aluminum board.

Bam, MOQ met. Let's do this.

xD Hell yeah!

BTW, what are you guys using for a Phantom case? Was thinking of picking one up but undecided because of the limited case options for TKL boards :/ Gonna get either that of mod a QFR (cheaper option).
One guy who's building a phantom linked to this (http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/keyboard-accessory/colorful-replace-case-filco-an/lid=31051008). Others seem to just use Filco cases or other TKL cases.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:04:06
I'm hoping to pick up one of Takaki's acrylic cases in his round 2, assuming there is one, assuming round 1 goes well.

In the mean time, I've got one of Feng's cases.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:09:20
Hmmm.. thanks.

Will ponder whether that's worth the extra cost. Kinda feel like if I wanna go all out custom keyboard I would want a tricked out case to go with it. :)

Anyway, this GB is getting exciting. Cyan ano looks sooo good!



Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:29:37
I'm thinking of using WFDs universal plate but modding it to allow ANSI125 and ANSI150 cutouts for the bottom. That should work with a ANSI125, ANSI150 phantom as well as a QFR or Filco board right?

You mean make the switch holes universal on the bottom row like the universal gh60 plate? I like that idea.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:49:41
I'm thinking of using WFDs universal plate but modding it to allow ANSI125 and ANSI150 cutouts for the bottom. That should work with a ANSI125, ANSI150 phantom as well as a QFR or Filco board right?

You mean make the switch holes universal on the bottom row like the universal gh60 plate? I like that idea.

yes please
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: MOZ on Thu, 05 September 2013, 23:52:00
Once the case design on my open source TKL is complete, I might hold a GB.

I'm mostly done, if you want to get it done ASAP, help me complete it :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Moosecraft on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:26:14
ANSI winkeyless with anodized plate, I'm down for atleast one :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 06:24:55
I'm thinking of using WFDs universal plate but modding it to allow ANSI125 and ANSI150 cutouts for the bottom. That should work with a ANSI125, ANSI150 phantom as well as a QFR or Filco board right?

You mean make the switch holes universal on the bottom row like the universal gh60 plate? I like that idea.

The problem with doing that for the Phantom is that there are no holes in the PCB for mounting stabilizers. That leaves us using plate mount stabilizers only, which eliminates the possibility of using a "Universal" style plate with slots for the switch holes where the stabilizer cutouts would normally be.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Fri, 06 September 2013, 12:23:07
Damn you guys are all flippy floppy!

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj9j2mCdtb1qcluifo1_400.gif)


So is this for phantom plates or uTKLs plate? SS or aluminum?

I guess I'll start another thread with a poll to get things cleared up


Also, these are the only colors I have available:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39787.msg821179#msg821179
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: argyakrivos on Fri, 06 September 2013, 12:31:43
Damn you guys are all flippy floppy!

Show Image
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj9j2mCdtb1qcluifo1_400.gif)



So is this for phantom plates or uTKLs plate? SS or aluminum?

I guess I'll start another thread with a poll to get things cleared up


Also, these are the only colors I have available:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39787.msg821179#msg821179

I'm guessing a universal TKL plate (e.g. ANSI) will work with phantom as well.

I personally want it for my phantom  ^-^
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: The_Beast on Fri, 06 September 2013, 12:42:25
I'm thinking of using WFDs universal plate but modding it to allow ANSI125 and ANSI150 cutouts for the bottom. That should work with a ANSI125, ANSI150 phantom as well as a QFR or Filco board right?

You mean make the switch holes universal on the bottom row like the universal gh60 plate? I like that idea.

The problem with doing that for the Phantom is that there are no holes in the PCB for mounting stabilizers. That leaves us using plate mount stabilizers only, which eliminates the possibility of using a "Universal" style plate with slots for the switch holes where the stabilizer cutouts would normally be.

I did a quick drawing and see what you mean now. We could have a uTKL 125/150, but it wouldn't work with the Phantom since you can't PCB mount stabilizers on it.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Fri, 06 September 2013, 13:01:16
aww no Cyan alu :(

I guess dark grey and blue look pretty good though... hmmm even the purple.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 16:32:52
Okay, so do we have to decide on a single layout then? Or will your machinist MOQ for a few varying cuts?

And those are absolutely the only colors your machinist can do, or just what they advertised? I love the blue but it's a little darker than I was hoping. Some variation on blue would have a place in my heart eternally. Cyan, Teal, anything that isn't Crayola Blue.

Either way, I'm still up for covering the prototype rack, in blue. So anyone that wants to jump on that rack with me, speak up.

From the sample chips, it looks like a very clean even anodizing, so I have no reason to doubt it'll come out nicely.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 16:39:23
Well, I think esoomenona wants one of these, but I'm not sure he wants blue:

(http://i.imgur.com/jIPof.png)

I want the same plate, but with a standard F-row. I will redesign the drawing for what I want in the next few days.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 16:55:53
I can't decide if I want the 5 above the arrow cluster open like that. Great if I want add in a function layer numpad, or even take out the nav cluster and introduce a base layer numpad AND arrow cluster. IDEAS

but if I get a plate which allows for that option, it'll limit the cases I can get. I don't think it looks good to have a translucent/parent acrylic case top and have the PCB revealed there.

Maybe I need to get two plates until I decide.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 16:58:52
I can't decide if I want the 5 above the arrow cluster open like that. Great if I want add in a function layer numpad, or even take out the nav cluster and introduce a base layer numpad AND arrow cluster. IDEAS

but if I get a plate which allows for that option, it'll limit the cases I can get. I don't think it looks good to have a translucent/parent acrylic case top and have the PCB revealed there.

Maybe I need to get two plates until I decide.

Okay, well I can design yours with the 5 holes omitted. I think I'm going to make mine with the bottom corners omitted, like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/yLPSnTH.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 17:13:07
Something about it is not calling my name.

I think I'd like it better if the omitted corners were the same size. It looks very off balanced there.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 17:25:22
Something about it is not calling my name.

I think I'd like it better if the omitted corners were the same size. It looks very off balanced there.

Well, that plate is a bit different in that it uses a 6-unit spacebar, the same as the HHKB does. But I won't make another one like that. I prefer the symmetry of using the 7-unit space, even if it's not 100% true to the HHKB.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Glod on Fri, 06 September 2013, 17:28:53
im wondering if a new universal plate run could have a separate plate for the arrow cluster so that you can have a mini plate for phantom users who want a 92-key and a different mini plate for filco/qfr users. i bet you could also make a universal caps lock and right shift as well.......

edit and when i say mini plate i mean the entire 3 columns of keys on the right side of the filco/phantom/qfr
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 17:43:44
Something about it is not calling my name.

I think I'd like it better if the omitted corners were the same size. It looks very off balanced there.

Well, that plate is a bit different in that it uses a 6-unit spacebar, the same as the HHKB does. But I won't make another one like that. I prefer the symmetry of using the 7-unit space, even if it's not 100% true to the HHKB.

Oh, so with a 7u spacebar, it would be symmetrical? I'm all about that business.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:07:39
Okay, we could do a run of any or all of these. I will get the files to The_Beast.

HHK150
HHK150mod
JDC150

(http://i.imgur.com/giTPSXT.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:09:42
Umph. That last one is sexy for sure.

Now I need a case to match.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:10:33
Are these going to have the notches for switch modding?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:14:10
Are these going to have the notches for switch modding?

They are there, it's just subtle. They are a newer design without the little tabs in the middle. You can see if you zoom in that the switch holes aren't just squares.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: dragonxx21 on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:15:14
I second what Calmb4tehPwn said. The last one looks nice to me as well.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:20:50
im wondering if a new universal plate run could have a separate plate for the arrow cluster so that you can have a mini plate for phantom users who want a 92-key and a different mini plate for filco/qfr users. i bet you could also make a universal caps lock and right shift as well.......

edit and when i say mini plate i mean the entire 3 columns of keys on the right side of the filco/phantom/qfr

The problem with splitting off the right 3 columns is that the screw hole to attach the plate to the bottom of the Filco housing is right in the middle of where the cut would be. :(
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Glod on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:24:33
im wondering if a new universal plate run could have a separate plate for the arrow cluster so that you can have a mini plate for phantom users who want a 92-key and a different mini plate for filco/qfr users. i bet you could also make a universal caps lock and right shift as well.......

edit and when i say mini plate i mean the entire 3 columns of keys on the right side of the filco/phantom/qfr

The problem with splitting off the right 3 columns is that the screw hole to attach the plate to the bottom of the Filco housing is right in the middle of where the cut would be. :(

hmm what about just cutting off the last 3 rows of the 3 columns (arrow cluster) or would that be costly or unstable)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:25:04
im wondering if a new universal plate run could have a separate plate for the arrow cluster so that you can have a mini plate for phantom users who want a 92-key and a different mini plate for filco/qfr users. i bet you could also make a universal caps lock and right shift as well.......

edit and when i say mini plate i mean the entire 3 columns of keys on the right side of the filco/phantom/qfr

The problem with splitting off the right 3 columns is that the screw hole to attach the plate to the bottom of the Filco housing is right in the middle of where the cut would be. :(

hmm what about just cutting off the last 3 rows of the 3 columns (arrow cluster) or would that be costly or unstable)

I have an idea I will try. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Glod on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:26:07
so it's not a dumb idea?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:26:39
Are these going to have the notches for switch modding?

They are there, it's just subtle. They are a newer design without the little tabs in the middle. You can see if you zoom in that the switch holes aren't just squares.

Hey, I've yet to take a switch apart, so I still don't wholly understand the mechanism involved, or what's required. So I trust you when you say I can take a switch apart with this board.

I'm ALL in.

Though I'm flip flopping on color choice here. I can't decide if I want to go blue, green (that green is gorgeous) or brown.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: dragonxx21 on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:34:35
Any idea how much the plates will cost you each, or have you not gotten to that step yet?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Vintage on Fri, 06 September 2013, 20:49:35
Im down for a uTKL in blue for sure if others are interested. Also interested if there is any possibility of a cyan color.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: argyakrivos on Fri, 06 September 2013, 21:09:02
I'm interested in black or grey or white (if there is such an option - would be cool!)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jonathanyu on Fri, 06 September 2013, 21:12:23
Okay, we could do a run of any or all of these. I will get the files to The_Beast.

HHK150
HHK150mod
JDC150

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/giTPSXT.jpg)

So there won't be 1.25 mod?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 21:18:08
Okay, we could do a run of any or all of these. I will get the files to The_Beast.

HHK150
HHK150mod
JDC150

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/giTPSXT.jpg)

So there won't be 1.25 mod?

When The_Beast runs the TKL plate GB, I'm sure there will be all kinds of options. I'm just playing with some oddball designs for a test run at the anodizing. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Fri, 06 September 2013, 21:37:26
I'm interested in black or grey or white (if there is such an option - would be cool!)

White anodizing is not an option, in any form of anodization.
Unfortunately, it requires dye to be sort of injected into the aluminum, and the molecules that make up white die are too large to be injected. Can't happen.
Sorry.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: argyakrivos on Sat, 07 September 2013, 07:07:23
I'm interested in black or grey or white (if there is such an option - would be cool!)

White anodizing is not an option, in any form of anodization.
Unfortunately, it requires dye to be sort of injected into the aluminum, and the molecules that make up white die are too large to be injected. Can't happen.
Sorry.
Hmmm I see. At least we can have black or grey :D
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Sat, 07 September 2013, 07:08:45
Or Silver!
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: whiskytango on Sat, 07 September 2013, 23:34:58

Okay, we could do a run of any or all of these. I will get the files to The_Beast.

HHK150
HHK150mod
JDC150


Any chance you could draw up the first one but with a normal 2x backspace? I like the full function row and split right shift but not the split backspace...
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: lucifurburch on Mon, 07 October 2013, 02:17:02
brushed stainless steel would look amazing...
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: Proc31 on Mon, 07 October 2013, 06:07:56
I love the look of this, count me in.
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: redskull on Mon, 07 October 2013, 07:06:13
will these plates fit ducky 9087 tkl boards?
Title: Re: [IC] Another Universal TKL plate / PCB GB
Post by: IonutZ on Tue, 08 October 2013, 20:38:35
I want one!!!!