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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:23:31

Title: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:23:31
Hello Everyone

My name is Arek and I am completely new in the field of custom keyboards.
My day to day job is CNC Designer and Programmer looking for new challenges. 

After checking out this forum I found out that lots of you are designing electronics, key layouts and keyboard programming. However I could not find many custom designs of the keyboard casings machined on CNC, which I think would be a cherry on top for many of your designs.

As a person who is passionate about CNC and my knowledge about keyboards is close to zero, but I would love to design and machine a case for your projects.

Please check the pictures.
[attachimg=2]

This is an early render design of a keyboard which could be machined from metal (brass and carbon fibre in this case), carbon fibre, wood or plastic or simply any other machinable material. I am able to customise this keyboard case by adding true 3d shapes and engravings, material collage. I can also machine an electronic PCB according to the your/ forum community design.

These are my old designs that I'm serious about it.


Also I have a channel on YouTube which I started about month ago, so if are interested you can check out my work
http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI (http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI)

Future owner will have a custom product and also a video how it has been made.

Please let me know if you are interested.
Regards Arek
Work progress:

MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
(http://i.imgur.com/Qg7gBjq.jpg)


https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:24:49
Very interested! Always wanted to learn more about CNC milling, one day I would love to build my own mill for the shed at home.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:29:33
Four minutes into that video and you're already my favourite new user, very excited to see what you have in store for the future!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:31:57
Hi can we be forum BFFs? Your first post and you've told us you're a CNC machinist. AND you included machining porn :D

Just FYI, your pictures didn't show up :(
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:33:08
i CANT PUT PICTURES. I have 500 Internal Server Error
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:35:41
The attachments server is down :(. Try loading the pictures to imgur or another picture uploading service then posting that link.

Edit: Your picture attached finally. :)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:41:21
Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:54:04
Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!
Great that you like it. I should have "alfa version made from aluminium (only small keyboard part) at the and of the week. And there will be video of course  :p
Comments like that give me power to do what I do.
Regards Arek
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Thu, 06 November 2014, 06:56:32
Photos are up. My god, I'm so damned excited now. That is some total keyboard porn!
Great that you like it. I should have "alfa version made from aluminium (only small keyboard part) at the and of the week. And there will be video of course  :p
Comments like that give me power to do what I do.
Regards Arek

Looking forward to it mate!

:thumb:
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 06 November 2014, 07:07:23
Once I start building my custom board, I will definitely go to you for milling my stuff. Your designs look great as well!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: berserkfan on Thu, 06 November 2014, 12:35:14
Let see some cost estimates. I think it will not be cheap to do such a beautiful job.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Michael on Thu, 06 November 2014, 12:51:22
Any way you can place these images on imgur so they load? :P
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 06 November 2014, 12:57:12
Any way you can place these images on imgur so they load? :P

Yes. Please do this. Thanks.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: trizkut on Thu, 06 November 2014, 12:59:13
I hope you don't mind, I posted them on imgur (except for the last one, i couldn't get that one to load):

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

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

(http://i.imgur.com/gwGFD9j.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/I08QxCu.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/OaZdSKL.jpg)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: yicaoyimu on Thu, 06 November 2014, 13:04:35
Very interesting work!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Michael on Thu, 06 November 2014, 13:14:23
I hope you don't mind, I posted them on imgur (except for the last one, i couldn't get that one to load):

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


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


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/gwGFD9j.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/I08QxCu.jpg)


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


Cool, thanks!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Melvang on Thu, 06 November 2014, 14:54:19
DAMN nice looking work here.  You will def have tons of interest with the only thing that would hold people back will be the price tag.

I am not sure how much research you have done on how people get switch plates made or specs for cherry switches and such.

Just to provide some info so you know where and how to attack these things. 

http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm

Down towards the bottom of the page they list the specs for cherry cutouts.  In the CAD resources thread there is cut outs for stabilizer holes that will accept cherry and costar stabilizers as well.

The biggest thing that holds back milling switch plates is the inside radius on the switches.  Cherry's spec calls for .012" max radius.  This is a mighty fine drill bit for the corners especially for stainless plates.  The vast majority of switch plates are either laser cut or water jet.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 15:09:41
Let see some cost estimates. I think it will not be cheap to do such a beautiful job.

I'm so pleased with your response. Thank You 
About cost.
First I want make sample design to show what I can do, and see if you will like it.

Regards Arek

 





Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 06 November 2014, 16:02:53
DAMN nice looking work here.  You will def have tons of interest with the only thing that would hold people back will be the price tag.

I am not sure how much research you have done on how people get switch plates made or specs for cherry switches and such.

Just to provide some info so you know where and how to attack these things. 

http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm

Down towards the bottom of the page they list the specs for cherry cutouts.  In the CAD resources thread there is cut outs for stabilizer holes that will accept cherry and costar stabilizers as well.

The biggest thing that holds back milling switch plates is the inside radius on the switches.  Cherry's spec calls for .012" max radius.  This is a mighty fine drill bit for the corners especially for stainless plates.  The vast majority of switch plates are either laser cut or water jet.

That is my big concern :)
I do understand that switch is located in this way: 2 opposite sides of switch  are located in corners, and 2 other on side wall.
Is that correct ??

Second picture show concept cut for switch . I want finish corners with 1 mm (0.039") dia cutter witch will give 0.5mm (0.019")undercut only on one side.

picture 3 - corners look bigger then 0.3 rad spec.. (might be wrong)

(http://i.imgur.com/uKz9k5u.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/uOsSnSx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BJlZWsI.jpg)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Sun, 09 November 2014, 16:14:53
Hi

As promised I am giving you some keyboard sample.  ;D
This is just sample of how final product will look. It's made from aluminium 5082 which is "marine class" aluminium.
Wiki: "5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals."
It has also one more feature: after machining it has beautiful shiny finish :) as I hope you can see on pictures.

Pictures show keypad keyboard case. I didn't do any additional work on finish. No deburing, polishing, nothing.

I did write the program, so machining will leave interesting pattern which I personally love.
By the end of this week I will upload on my YouTube channel a video of machining process. So if you are interested please subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc (https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc)

Let me know what you thing about it.
Regards Arek

(http://i.imgur.com/TIyS5JP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OtHMycq.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Z3vCZKN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4NMB2IV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hn1JGKB.jpg)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: ConscienceDrop on Sun, 09 November 2014, 16:26:42
^ this looks absolutely amazing.
perhaps the center of the pattern could use a slight touch up, it does not seems to be as clean as the rest of the pattern?

but this is a very minor criticism it looks very nice.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Photekq on Sun, 09 November 2014, 16:31:36
That looks superb. Great machining job. How much would you charge to have something of similar complexity custom made?
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Charger on Sun, 09 November 2014, 17:03:28
oh a new youtube account to subscribe to nice.

Looks good, keep up the good work
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: 0100010 on Sun, 09 November 2014, 18:38:41
Hi

As promised I am giving you some keyboard sample.  ;D
This is just sample of how final product will look. It's made from aluminium 5082 which is "marine class" aluminium.
Wiki: "5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals."
It has also one more feature: after machining it has beautiful shiny finish :) as I hope you can see on pictures.

Pictures show keypad keyboard case. I didn't do any additional work on finish. No deburing, polishing, nothing.

I did write the program, so machining will leave interesting pattern which I personally love.
By the end of this week I will upload on my YouTube channel a video of machining process. So if you are interested please subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc (https://www.youtube.com/user/NUDEcnc)

Let me know what you thing about it.
Regards Arek

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TIyS5JP.jpg)

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

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Z3vCZKN.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/4NMB2IV.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hn1JGKB.jpg)


Willing to ship a prototype to someone to see how well it mounts switches?
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 09 November 2014, 19:46:27
That would be awesome.  That is an incredibly clean looking case.  I'd love to volunteer, I have a numpad PCB needing a home and that would let me try it out.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 12 November 2014, 07:13:00

Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

Also have you tested the hole sizes to ensure the switches will fit? Is there enough clearance for a PCB and/or controller such as a Teensy?

The pattern is quite nice, and I love the finish you got. And that slow motion clip of chips flying? I could watch that *ALL* ****ing day.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: blackbox on Wed, 12 November 2014, 07:46:23
Very nice work! That numpad looks gorgeous.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Wed, 12 November 2014, 08:24:30
Excellent work man. I would totally rock one of those for my GHpad once I get it soldered.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: berserkfan on Wed, 12 November 2014, 08:26:14
Now I'm just waiting to hear about the price and his ability to do different layouts. Sounds like a great opportunity for me to get some plates cut for my matrix keyboards.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: feizor on Wed, 12 November 2014, 08:33:28
Looks great!  UK customs!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 12 November 2014, 09:31:05
Really good work, looking real nice!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: LechnerDE on Wed, 12 November 2014, 09:33:38
Wow, so nice!

I will keep an eye on this thread and your progress  :thumb:
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: JackMills on Wed, 12 November 2014, 09:41:07
This is a great project, looking really nice.

You make some nice videos as well, love to watch the slow-mos   :thumb:
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: margo baggins on Wed, 12 November 2014, 11:07:09
Hello,

We need to hook up bro

we are very close. We could make magic happen :D

If you want me to build a prototype with any of your cases I can do so, if you build it around a pcb design I can sort and build it - or if you just want to build a crazy case I can hand wire it and we can get you a working keyboard :)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 13 November 2014, 11:07:58
This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.
http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI (http://youtu.be/tGHu7mWPKQI)

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: JackMills on Thu, 13 November 2014, 13:14:53
This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.
More

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.

If we want to get a quote, what sort of files would you need of us? I mainly do CAD in ProE/Creo/Cocreate Modeling , but I would think that you require either step or dxf to make your CNC routes (I have no experience with CNC hence the newby question).

And yeah for you being located in UK, it is still overseas but as much overseas as the US (I didn't have a look at your location until Margo asked to hook up because your close, distance wise)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 13 November 2014, 15:39:20
This is my new video in which I am showing a prototype of a new keyboard.
More

Many of you asked about the price.
The rules of this forum don’t allow me to put any offers here. However, all I can say is that the price of such a project can vary depending on customization and can be determined only individually.
I have recently begun a project of a new keyboard. I will keep you informed about the progress, send some pictures and make a video of the whole process as well.

If we want to get a quote, what sort of files would you need of us? I mainly do CAD in ProE/Creo/Cocreate Modeling , but I would think that you require either step or dxf to make your CNC routes (I have no experience with CNC hence the newby question).

And yeah for you being located in UK, it is still overseas but as much overseas as the US (I didn't have a look at your location until Margo asked to hook up because your close, distance wise)

U can send me really any CAD file like dxf, dwg atc.
I need a layout of the keyboard, materials and idea. I will design the case according to your spec. and present visualization of the project.
U have to provide basic informations like where you place the controller, what type of a connection do you want, (cable, usb) will this be on pcb atc.
About price, I'll try not to exceed price of Korean "custom" keyboards (really I think there is only one aluminium, and it's not really full custom) like KMAC 2 :)

I don't see a problem to send this to any country. Parcel will be recorded and insured of course.

Regards Arek

Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Thu, 13 November 2014, 15:48:04
Quote
Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

I do not plan to put any corrosion coating. Why use high quality materials and cover them?
I want use aluminium 5083 which ages similar to brass.  U can give a nice polish to your Jewellery once a year :).

Quote
Also have you tested the hole sizes to ensure the switches will fit? Is there enough clearance for a PCB and/or controller such as a Teensy?
No, I haven't done that yet, but will do very soon.
Quote
The pattern is quite nice, and I love the finish you got. And that slow motion clip of chips flying? I could watch that *ALL* ****ing day.
Yes, I love this colours and that's why I'm not planing to put any coating. I will try to improve slow motion next time, I just need something like 1000w light.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 14 November 2014, 04:58:23
Quote
Are you planning on finishing it at all or are you trusting that the base material is resistant enough? Many times, customized keyboards are anodized or powdercoated for both color and wear/corrosion resistance.

I do not plan to put any corrosion coating. Why use high quality materials and cover them?
I want use aluminium 5083 which ages similar to brass.  U can give a nice polish to your Jewellery once a year :).

Oh...I don't like patina. I also work in the aerospace industry so coatings and overengineering in general is something I like :P.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Evo_Spec on Fri, 14 November 2014, 05:19:47
This is awesome man, thanks for coming into the community and offering this.
I won't be able to afford it but i look forward to seeing your work!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Fri, 14 November 2014, 09:52:36
Quick progress update :)

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

Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 14 November 2014, 10:05:54
Quick progress update :)

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


Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??

Most 60% keyboards have the exact same dimensions and holes for screws so the designing around the GH60 pcb should work just fine.
Don't know if that is what you were asking
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Fri, 14 November 2014, 10:46:30
Quick progress update :)

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


Keyboard will be fully designed, and ergonomically tested before machining.

Now I need very important information?

Do you need decide which PCB will be base for design.
Should it be GH60 or something else??


If you need something ready to order I'd suggest getting in contact with GON for a Nerd60, the GH60 is going to be hard to come by any time in the near future.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Fri, 14 November 2014, 13:30:40
Idea was to have ultra custom pcb like gh60 plus custom case.

My question is:
What is most common base to make custom keyboard on this forum?
is there one like that?
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Freebird on Fri, 14 November 2014, 13:39:03
Definitely loving what you are doing good sir!

Do you use Solidworks or Catia? Or something else?

I would personally love a 60% case. For me though the ultimate would be pre preg carbon fibre casing. Don't suppose you have access to an autoclave etc?

Designing a mould for a proper CF case would be something you could quite easily produce from the looks of your setup. I realise I have gone off at a tangent to your thread which I apologise for :P
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 14 November 2014, 13:39:22
Idea was to have ultra custom pcb like gh60 plus custom case.

My question is:
What is most common base to make custom keyboard on this forum?
is there one like that?

It would be the GH60, but that group buy got bogged down and stalled.

Other viable 60% alternatives are the GON NerD 60 (available at www.gonskeyboardworks.com) and the SPRiT 60% (another stalled? buy).
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: byker on Sun, 16 November 2014, 22:41:00
Wow that numpad looks really good!  :)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: hydrospell on Mon, 17 November 2014, 00:21:24
Hi can we be forum BFFs? Your first post and you've told us you're a CNC machinist. AND you included machining porn :D

Feelin' a bit left out here Captain
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: do_Og@n on Mon, 17 November 2014, 00:55:10
(http://i.imgur.com/cIkXZom.jpg) ... well done good sir!!!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:36:22
Topic: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65747.0)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: bueller on Mon, 08 December 2014, 04:40:48
Looking forward to more updates man, that numpad has really impressed me!
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:32:40
THX
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Melvang on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:34:57
Looks amazing.  Any chance you have tried using these small cutters in stainless?
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: FrostyToast on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:39:01
This almost makes me want to use MX instead of ALPS for my custom board....
Absolutely phenomenal.
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: NUDEcnc on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:45:58
Looks amazing.  Any chance you have tried using these small cutters in stainless?
No I do not intend to use stainless. It is very demanding material to machine. machining it on CNC would be $$$$$$$$$$.
And really I cant see reason to use stainless?? Can you give me one, please. Maybe I'm missing something  ;)
Title: Re: CNC machined KEYBOARD
Post by: Melvang on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:48:38
Looks amazing.  Any chance you have tried using these small cutters in stainless?
No I do not intend to use stainless. It is very demanding material to machine. machining it on CNC would be $$$$$$$$$$.
And really I cant see reason to use stainless?? Can you give me one, please. Maybe I'm missing something  ;)

My personal reasons would be aesthetics, harder to scratch, heavier, stiffer, and I already have a couple plates of 304 stainless for the rest of my case.  I work in industrial maintenance/construction so I understand the difficulties in machining it.  I was just curious.