If you get a Poker or similar, with the ABS plastic case, you could always cut the sides off the case and leave the bottom with mounting standoffs to mount it on. Someone did this once, but I can't remember now who it was.
Edit: It was dave23. http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35152.msg943505#msg943505
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That looks pretty close to whats Im looking to do.....could work
Right then. That would work fine, if it were me I'd only be worried about having the underside of a keycap or the PCB catch on the inside of whatever I was using to carry it.
Yeah I suppose that could be a problem.....
Swill has been designing some minimal cases as well. You can check them out here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51872.0).
That could definitely work Ill keep an eye on that looks like hes close. Too bad the smallfry is so expensive because that plus one of his cases would pretty much be perfect for what Im looking for.
I've given a try at this design, as I was not satisfied with the stock Pure Pro case, and it's quite easy to make this kind of minimal "case". You can use 3 mm acrylic, and you'll need something to act as a cushion so as not to crush the components between the PCB and the bottom place (I used leftovers fom a 2 mm silicone sheet).
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(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1042331/Keyboard/nocase%20ULP/P7315250.JPG)
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(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1042331/Keyboard/nocase%20ULP/P7315251.JPG)
The acrylic plates does not go all the way to the edges so as to avoid the "triple sandwich" look on the sides. I made a few crude cuts for the USB out and the DIP switch, a few holes for the screws and used bolts to secure the keyboard on the plate. The feet are just bumpon material and I used acrylic leftovers to raise slightly the keyboard on the back. Total cost, less than $10. I have a better version in the works made out of aluminium, but since this proto works well I'm not in a rush to do it.
you know Im pretty sure there is a 1/4 or 1/2 in piece of acrylic at my dads house Ive been looking for something to use it for. Wish I had access to a milling machine so I could make an indentation for a PCB.
The stock Poker II case is pretty minimal, so you're not gaining much by removing it.
I'd probably just trim the tops of the edges down to be flush with the plate edge. I like low profile cases. Gives a nice "solid" look to it if the plate and case are the same colour and would still protect everything properly.
I guess Ill find out when my poker gets here. I got one form the massdrop so its going to be a while.
To avoid static electricity and still protect components, what can we use as the bottom for minimal keyboards like these?
I'm thinking of trying out packing foam (which I have a lot of) or styrofoam, which I also have a lot of. And it so happens I don't have silicon sheets like the OP. Are these foam options capable of generating static electricity? Do you guys anticipate any problems from these?
Wouldn't we just need a way to ground to board and once you plug it in isnt it grounded then? Also doesn't styrofoam create static electricity? Maybe totally offbase but I would think a rubber mat or something may be all thats needed. Are we keeping ESD from the computer or the keyboard?
Pretty cool though I like the extra buttons how did you make all that work?
I did some minor grinding and adding (USB ports at upper left), painted it all pebbled black, and left the top case shell off.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.msg1338079#msg1338079
So it came with all those extra buttons...cool...nice work.
GON Skinny might be another option for you.
I miss mine. :(
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That is pretty nice.