geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Harbec on Sun, 15 February 2015, 20:58:46

Title: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: Harbec on Sun, 15 February 2015, 20:58:46
Looking into buying one. Anyone have some input in regards to the build quality and overall opinions on the case?
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: FrostyToast on Sun, 15 February 2015, 21:00:41
Thing is heavy. ~6 pounds.
Build quality is pretty acceptable.
The acoustics get worse IMO.
The daughterboard is a bit odd and there are reports of it not working properly, however that can be resolved.
The extra USB slots are cool.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: Harbec on Sun, 15 February 2015, 21:19:41
Could you describe the acoustics? Can't find a sound comparison.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: flaming_june on Sun, 15 February 2015, 21:21:04
So what IS the better/best cases for realforce tkl?
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: Chromako on Sun, 15 February 2015, 22:47:16
I also agree- the acoustics get worse, but the difference is quite minor, IMHO. Slightly less "thock." It "feels" more solid, but that could be psychological.


The two halves of the case are held together by four screws. On mine, the screw thread on one of the holes wasn't deep enough for the provided screws, which meant that I had to trim about 3mm off the tip of one of the provided screws with a dremel to make it fit properly. Ugh. (That's the sound of me being annoyed)


Build quality is quite nice, other than that one problem I mentioned. It feels very solid, and looks classy. The anodising is also well done. The aluminum in the case is actually connected to the USB cable's shield (I checked continuity with a multimeter) which indicates some thought above "let's make it look shiny so we can sell it to people" was put into its design. I appreciate that.


I had no problems with the daughterboard on my unit, but I have heard that some people got defective ones. Hopefully they fixed the issue in one the ones they are selling now.


I'm unaware of any other metal Realforce TKL cases being sold right now.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: Harbec on Sun, 15 February 2015, 23:11:53
Any particular vendors you would recommend?
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 15 February 2015, 23:26:00
Any particular vendors you would recommend?

Mine is for sale again, I sent you a PM. I have the fixed USB board btw.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: FrostyToast on Sun, 15 February 2015, 23:26:56
Could you describe the acoustics? Can't find a sound comparison.

The plastic case give the thock of Topre a much more "open" feel.
The Aluminum for some reason sort of "dampens" that thock.
Title: Re: Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce
Post by: Chromako on Mon, 16 February 2015, 22:43:56
Could you describe the acoustics? Can't find a sound comparison.

The plastic case give the thock of Topre a much more "open" feel.
The Aluminum for some reason sort of "dampens" that thock.


Yes. This. It turns from a "thock thock" to more of a "pitter patter," if that made any sense at all? It's like the plastic case has some pleasant resonance that the heavy, thick aluminum doesn't have. I don't happen to mind the change, for that matter.