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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: devalli on Wed, 18 June 2014, 14:44:00

Title: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Wed, 18 June 2014, 14:44:00
Hi there, geekhackers!
I just placed an order for a Poker II with brown cherries and PBT caps (whites), and just wanted to know your thoughts on what custom case is best (and where to get them) for the poker.
I'm particularly interested in thick aluminum/alloy or durable resin/plastic materials for the case. I don't mind if it's heavy as it will be on my desk most of the time.

Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 18 June 2014, 14:46:33
"Best" is a subjective term, but the following are highly sought after:

Hammer alu case
FMJ alu case
Duck alu case
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: dustinhxc on Wed, 18 June 2014, 14:47:04
My favorite is the case from a Vortex Pure Limited Edition. I have one on both of my 60% boards. Both black aluminum. I also like TEX cases.

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44 (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)

Those are at MK.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: Signature on Wed, 18 June 2014, 14:49:06
Hi there, geekhackers!
I just placed an order for a Poker II with brown cherries and PBT caps (whites), and just wanted to know your thoughts on what custom case is best (and where to get them) for the poker.
I'm particularly interested in thick aluminum/alloy or durable resin/plastic materials for the case. I don't mind if it's heavy as it will be on my desk most of the time.

Thanks!  :)
Personal preference but I really like the looks of the hammer case! Welcome to Geekhack btw!
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 18 June 2014, 15:02:11
The FMJ premium case is probably the sexiest case that I have seen (across everything)
Although, I think that those kinds of cases are way too flashy for me. I prefer more minimalistic looks. (aside from my extra gaudy Miami cable)
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Wed, 18 June 2014, 15:25:56
Thanks for the suggestions guys. They all look stunning!   :thumb:
I forgot to mention, I also prefer the minimalist design. I'm looking for a flat and simple design (something like a bento box). So far I like the Tex model.  :p
Just curious though, are there FMJ premiums still available for sale?
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: mashby on Wed, 18 June 2014, 15:38:10
Thanks for the suggestions guys. They all look stunning!   :thumb:
I forgot to mention, I also prefer the minimalist design. I'm looking for a flat and simple design (something like a bento box). So far I like the Tex model.  :p
Just curious though, are there FMJ premiums still available for sale?

If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:

1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?

2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.

As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.

Hoper that helps!
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 18 June 2014, 16:23:12
Thanks for the suggestions guys. They all look stunning!   :thumb:
I forgot to mention, I also prefer the minimalist design. I'm looking for a flat and simple design (something like a bento box). So far I like the Tex model.  :p
Just curious though, are there FMJ premiums still available for sale?

If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:

1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?

2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.

As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.

Hoper that helps!

Hehe, I have both  ;D
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Wed, 18 June 2014, 16:24:52

If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:

1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?

2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.

As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.

Hoper that helps!

Thanks for the very useful info  :thumb: The acrylic is definitely on my list.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: Signature on Wed, 18 June 2014, 16:44:31
Thanks for the suggestions guys. They all look stunning!   :thumb:
I forgot to mention, I also prefer the minimalist design. I'm looking for a flat and simple design (something like a bento box). So far I like the Tex model.  :p
Just curious though, are there FMJ premiums still available for sale?

If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:

1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?

2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.

As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.

Hoper that helps!
Didn't pexon have leftovers from his GB?
Anyway I think they had the same design as the tex ones though they where only 60$
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: sdiearly on Thu, 19 June 2014, 02:28:03
If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:
1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?
2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.
As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.
Hoper that helps!

I can show some pics for TEX acrylic CNC case.
(http://i.imgur.com/QBjwudR.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DsrkfqA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UqxpvyY.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/d1E1Wex.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CQXX98d.jpg)

about 2nd, this GB case isn't the same as Pure LE. the original Pure LE case is CNC, and this is molded by die casting.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 19 June 2014, 02:49:48
Thanks for the suggestions guys. They all look stunning!   :thumb:
I forgot to mention, I also prefer the minimalist design. I'm looking for a flat and simple design (something like a bento box). So far I like the Tex model.  :p
Just curious though, are there FMJ premiums still available for sale?

If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:

1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?

2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.

As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.

Hoper that helps!
Didn't pexon have leftovers from his GB?
Anyway I think they had the same design as the tex ones though they where only 60$

I have a Pure Limited and I really love the case. The edges and finishing could well have been done better (especially considering the cost of the board), but it looks and feels awesome (and is surprisingly heavy, since the bottom is really thick near the back edge). The case pexon is selling is made by Vortex, but differs from the original Pure case in a few areas.

1. The detail and finish look better than the Pure case.
2. The back edge is thicker, the bottom is thinner and the plug hole is nicer. It probably weighs a little less.
3. It doesn't come with rubber feet attached.

The Tex case has a thicker front edge and doesn't have the built in tilt angle of the Vortex cases. In general it looks a little better made, though.

To be honest, I like them all. The Tex acrylic and aluminium, Vortex Pure Limited and newer Vortex cases are all great low profile case options. Best value right now is Pexon's GB for the black Vortex case.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Thu, 19 June 2014, 02:59:09
If you're into the low profile look then there are basically two options:
1) TEX 60% case
This comes in aluminum (MK.com (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44)) and acrylic (Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)). You'll have to wait until someone sells their acrylic case on the classifieds since the buy on MassDrop is over. Or perhaps they'll run the buy again?
2) Vortex Pure Case
This case original came with the Limited Edition Pure (more here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-acrylic-cnc-keyboard-case)), but there's a Vortex GB running that Pexon is running (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47776.0) and there are some extras.
As for the FMJ cases, until they do another run, the only way to find them is on the classifieds.
Hoper that helps!

I can show some pics for TEX acrylic CNC case.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/QBjwudR.jpg)

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

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

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/d1E1Wex.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/CQXX98d.jpg)


about 2nd, this GB case isn't the same as Pure LE. the original Pure LE case is CNC, and this is molded by die casting.
:thumb:
That's a nice looking acrylic you have there . Thanks for sharing. Just curious, do they flex?
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Thu, 19 June 2014, 13:45:24
I really like the TEX design... how I wish the side walls have uniform thickness (at least 5mm)  :-\
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 19 June 2014, 14:41:25
I really like the TEX design... how I wish the side walls have uniform thickness (at least 5mm)  :-\

If you're referring to the slightly larger bottom bezel on the TEX case and how you don't like it, then the Aluminum KBT Pure case would be perfect.
The Pure case has that same minimalist, low profile design and the sides on my poker with its plate are flush which is a really nice effect.
I have one in my hands right now! (although I'm not gonna sell it)
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Thu, 19 June 2014, 23:55:29
I really like the TEX design... how I wish the side walls have uniform thickness (at least 5mm)  :-\

If you're referring to the slightly larger bottom bezel on the TEX case and how you don't like it, then the Aluminum KBT Pure case would be perfect.
The Pure case has that same minimalist, low profile design and the sides on my poker with its plate are flush which is a really nice effect.
I have one in my hands right now! (although I'm not gonna sell it)

I like the thick bezel on the TEX, if only all the sides have the same thickness....
Hey, if you don't mind, could you please post a picture of your Aluminum KBP Pure case, I just wanted to use it as a reference  ;D TYA!
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: bazh on Fri, 20 June 2014, 00:06:53
imsto R3 (Hammer) case is my favorite, too bad I didn't get it
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: sdiearly on Fri, 20 June 2014, 01:06:13
I can show you these:

Left is TEX 60% case, right is Pure LE case
(http://i.imgur.com/KmTwhJr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WWp7unQ.jpg)

My bonus, with metal feets
(http://i.imgur.com/PnzwGhv.png)
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Fri, 20 June 2014, 03:38:45
I can show you these:

Left is TEX 60% case, right is Pure LE case
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/KmTwhJr.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/WWp7unQ.jpg)


My bonus, with metal feets
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PnzwGhv.png)


Wow these are nice alu cases. Thanks for sharing. Looks like the TEX has the better/smoother build quality?
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: bahamot on Fri, 20 June 2014, 04:47:54
I can show you these:

Left is TEX 60% case, right is Pure LE case
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/KmTwhJr.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/WWp7unQ.jpg)


My bonus, with metal feets
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/PnzwGhv.png)


Wow these are nice alu cases. Thanks for sharing. Looks like the TEX has the better/smoother build quality?
For sure! Tex is milled aluminium while pure is casting.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: sdiearly on Fri, 20 June 2014, 08:16:13
For sure! Tex is milled aluminium while pure is casting.

Nope, Pure LE and TEX case are both milled aluminium.
But Pure LE is old one, and the factory isn't good enough.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: margo baggins on Fri, 20 June 2014, 08:33:54
I have me a hammer case that I love, and also one of my pokers is in a Acrylic case, with an acrylic and a steel plate, and I like this also.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: mauri on Fri, 20 June 2014, 08:56:59
Hammer is pretty cool, but pricy. I've seen some some beautiful acrylic cases around here. There was also some guy who designed his own case here and posted pics, it was white and had a housing for the cable to fold in, it looked pretty dope but I don't think he sells em. GON makes pretty *****in' cases.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: okwchin on Fri, 20 June 2014, 10:51:21
What would be the closest case to a original poker/pure case, but in aluminium, that is not low-profile.

Looking for - Thin walls, lowest height (meaning keycaps are as close to the table as possible), while having full height walls to cover up the switches.

Taobao has this case that looks neat, simple and fits the description. Might be what your after, but I don't know how to go about obtaining this.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.169.6a5164&id=20250730167

There was thread on these too http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48748.0
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: mashby on Fri, 20 June 2014, 11:02:05
In that link the red case looks like the a Round 1 IMSTO case, or the MKC 60% (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44651.0). Without feet, that case will be completely flat. Pictures of mine can be found here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/compactkey/sets/72157636409457214/).
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: combataran on Fri, 20 June 2014, 11:07:33
What would be the closest case to a original poker/pure case, but in aluminium, that is not low-profile.

Looking for - Thin walls, lowest height (meaning keycaps are as close to the table as possible), while having full height walls to cover up the switches.

Taobao has this case that looks neat, simple and fits the description. Might be what your after, but I don't know how to go about obtaining this.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.169.6a5164&id=20250730167

There was thread on these too http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48748.0
The one from Taobao is the Hammer case, sold out a long time ago.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Fri, 20 June 2014, 19:16:37
What would be the closest case to a original poker/pure case, but in aluminium, that is not low-profile.

Looking for - Thin walls, lowest height (meaning keycaps are as close to the table as possible), while having full height walls to cover up the switches.

Taobao has this case that looks neat, simple and fits the description. Might be what your after, but I don't know how to go about obtaining this.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.169.6a5164&id=20250730167

There was thread on these too http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48748.0

THe one from taobao looks interesting... the one next to the red case picture. (dark grey ti?)
I wonder if there is a real titanium version  :eek:
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Fri, 20 June 2014, 20:05:05
What would be the closest case to a original poker/pure case, but in aluminium, that is not low-profile.

Looking for - Thin walls, lowest height (meaning keycaps are as close to the table as possible), while having full height walls to cover up the switches.

Taobao has this case that looks neat, simple and fits the description. Might be what your after, but I don't know how to go about obtaining this.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.169.6a5164&id=20250730167

There was thread on these too http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48748.0

The one from Taobao is the Hammer case, sold out a long time ago.

Anyone selling their hammer?   ;D
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 20 June 2014, 20:06:09
I like Duck's case
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: combataran on Fri, 20 June 2014, 22:17:42

What would be the closest case to a original poker/pure case, but in aluminium, that is not low-profile.

Looking for - Thin walls, lowest height (meaning keycaps are as close to the table as possible), while having full height walls to cover up the switches.

Taobao has this case that looks neat, simple and fits the description. Might be what your after, but I don't know how to go about obtaining this.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.169.6a5164&id=20250730167

There was thread on these too http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48748.0

The one from Taobao is the Hammer case, sold out a long time ago.

Anyone selling their hammer?   ;D
I doubt you'll be able to find one. You could try lurking around Elton's duck viper and eagle ic thread. Apparently he's bringing in some duck mini v2s and light pads. Those have more heft if I'm correct.
Title: Re: Best custom case for Poker II?
Post by: devalli on Mon, 23 June 2014, 02:46:29
Ok, I think I'm going with the TEX case...
I've sent a message to mk.com last week asking if they do int'l shipping (to Philippines), but didn't get a reply.
I would also be interested if someone here in geekhack wants to sell their Tex case  ;D