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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: tbc on Sun, 22 September 2013, 21:59:34

Title: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: tbc on Sun, 22 September 2013, 21:59:34

I'm looking for a TKL metal case that looks something like this:  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47376.0

I was originally planning on getting a ducky mini, but that was before I realized it wasn't a ducky 'shine' mini and ANSI versions would be so far away (if they exist).

now, I'm planning on getting a shine 3 TKL and was wondering what customization options were available to me.

my criteria:
- drop-in compatible with shine 3 TKL (no soldering)
- low z-height
- visible switch housing (like the linked case and corsair K series)
- anodized black*
- as little bezel as possible
- no capslock/scroll lock/etc. led cutouts

*honestly don't really know about coatings...I jsut want the metal to be black and durable

is there anything like what i'm looking for?

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 22 September 2013, 22:00:30

Don't think there's anything drop in compatible with a ducky shine. I mean soldering's pretty important.

Closest you can get is GON's custom TKL

http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/custom-kbds-w-assembly/26-gon-ns-87-w-tuningassembly.html

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sun, 22 September 2013, 22:01:37

^^^

Low Profile TKL cases..GON is yo boy

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: tbc on Sun, 22 September 2013, 22:13:44

Sifo, thanks for the link.  I wish I realized that the $400+ starting price was for a whole keyboard and not just the case lol.  I wouldn't have had to do more laundry lol.

I'm under the impression that alot of the custom poker ii cases just involve screwing and unscrewing a bunch of times (like installing a graphics card).  Is it much more complex that I was told?  or has everything just been standardized for P2 cause of their popularity?

EDIT:

took another look at the GON cases.  form what I can tell, the case top-cover IS the keyboard plate?  therefore I can't reuse the existing ducky plate, therefore I need to do soldering?

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 22 September 2013, 22:16:43

It's because of how their cases are designed. All the pokers and stuff sit in trays stock, and don't have PLATES which is where the soldering comes in (and the ones that do have plates are custom made to fit in specific cases so you have to solder anyway).

You can buy just the case from GON but it only uses Korean PCBs anyway. And yes, top of the keyboard is the plate, that's how it works

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 22 September 2013, 22:29:31

+1 on the GON.  I love mine :D.  You could always get GON or someone else to assemble the board for you.  Either way it will take time before you get it.

Title: Re: Low-profile metal TKL case?
Post by: tbc on Sun, 22 September 2013, 23:37:43

is there a review on the TKL model?

I'm slightly confused about the options and would like to see some more pics.

EDIT:

does the case support 'pcb-mounted' style spring swaps?  as in, I take off keycaps, unscrew top-plate, and then manually open the switch without soldering?