I just got mine and it feels nice. Different. And yes, it feels very substantial and strong.
The Pok3r stock case is very solid but the sound reverberates more when one of my keys "ping". Supposedly this is because the Pok3r case actually has standoffs so the PCB is resting (precariously if I may say so) on really high standoffs and not resting on the case itself. For the wood case, it sits flat against the bottom of the case.
It'll depend on your choice of wood, but I'd say mine is the perfect weight. Lightweight but strong. The stock case is way too heavy for a 60% that is supposed to be suitable for travel.
How does the thickness compare to a stock Pok3r case? I wouldn't mind trying wood, but I don't want a thicker case.
How does the thickness compare to a stock Pok3r case? I wouldn't mind trying wood, but I don't want a thicker case.
Thickness from top to bottom is not far off. My case isn't beveled though; the shop will charge you extra for that (the stock case is beveled, mine is flat).
Obviously bezels are thicker (can't have wood as thin as the alu on the stock case), but not by much. I have a case with a fat front lip, but it still takes up a smaller footprint (and a denser, higher quality one) than my Ducky Mini when it still had bezels.
It depends entirely on the case, I've found.
I tried the Pok3r Datamancer case - looks cool, feels alright. I bit too flat for my liking honestly, and too light (even with both pieces together).
Quality/density of wood is important. I bought a 60% Hammer Rosewood Case + Wristrest a while ago though and it feels far superior to my Tex aluminum case. Obviously I can't speak to longevity or any issues maintaining the wood yet, but this thing is heavier than even both halves of the Datamancer case. I love it. It feels like it absorbs all the extra sound like pinging, whereas the other case exacerbated them. Also it is slightly higher and angled.
Can see it here: https://imgur.com/a/2KT8z
It depends entirely on the case, I've found.
I tried the Pok3r Datamancer case - looks cool, feels alright. I bit too flat for my liking honestly, and too light (even with both pieces together).
Quality/density of wood is important. I bought a 60% Hammer Rosewood Case + Wristrest a while ago though and it feels far superior to my Tex aluminum case. Obviously I can't speak to longevity or any issues maintaining the wood yet, but this thing is heavier than even both halves of the Datamancer case. I love it. It feels like it absorbs all the extra sound like pinging, whereas the other case exacerbated them. Also it is slightly higher and angled.
Can see it here: https://imgur.com/a/2KT8z
Oh that is very interesting. Where did you buy that, and did you paint it black yourself?
From another GH member overseas. Made by Hammer - I'm not sure if there was a group buy or anything...but it says "limited edition" on the back of the wrist rest.
Pictures make it look darker than it actually is - but no I did not paint it. It's just naturally a very dark, but rich color.
I wish I had more information on the production of the case. All I know fore sure is that it is Rosewood.
As @mobbo says, it's all about the material.
Wood has a shockingly large range of density, surface texture, and workability.
The Datamancer (and many other cheaper cases) are going to be red oak, which is denser than walnut, but not as dense as hickory or rosewood. Finishes are also going to have a pronounced impact on it as well. Wood that has only been treated with oils are going to be much softer than something that has a lacquer on it.
I am typing on a completely unfinished poplar tray case (it's a prototype) and i personally really like the feel, though it is not durable at all since it's so soft.
From another GH member overseas. Made by Hammer - I'm not sure if there was a group buy or anything...but it says "limited edition" on the back of the wrist rest.
Pictures make it look darker than it actually is - but no I did not paint it. It's just naturally a very dark, but rich color.
I wish I had more information on the production of the case. All I know fore sure is that it is Rosewood.
Ahh okay, thanks.As @mobbo says, it's all about the material.
Wood has a shockingly large range of density, surface texture, and workability.
The Datamancer (and many other cheaper cases) are going to be red oak, which is denser than walnut, but not as dense as hickory or rosewood. Finishes are also going to have a pronounced impact on it as well. Wood that has only been treated with oils are going to be much softer than something that has a lacquer on it.
I am typing on a completely unfinished poplar tray case (it's a prototype) and i personally really like the feel, though it is not durable at all since it's so soft.
Having worked a bit with wood before, I totally agree. The material and finish do make a big difference to anything made of wood. I'll see if I can find any manufacturer who can make it from heavy wood. Seal Woodworking (https://sealwoodworking.com/) seems to have a few exotic heavy woods, and maybe they can make a custom order.
Any other good sellers?
If it's a heavy wood you're looking for, they offer some types of rather heavy wood. I wouldn't go about looking for a heavy species, given that even a moderately heavy wood can exceed your weight expecatations (these things are built rather thick). It looks like you're looking for something dense and durable.
I found the guide: https://sealwoodworking.com/pages/wood-chart
@inanis runs the place, so i think you should probably ask the expert herself.
Anybody ever make a wooden case for HHKB? Seems like, if done right, it would sound/feel amazing.
Sorry to revive a bit of an old thread, but I wanted to get an opinion on a case instead of creating a new thread. SEAL Wood working seems to have the best cases available, but they've been unresponsive for weeks now (even Inanis has not responded to any to PMs) :(
So as an alternative, I came across this case on Aliexpress: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Handcraft-GH60-Solid-Wooden-Case-For-60-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Compatible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/429151_32596058719.html
Seems like a pretty solid choice, especially in rosewood, but I wanted to know if anyone has had experience with this particular case before. Plus, I've never bought from Aliexpress and have heard some bad stories of obscene delays. Any experience buying from them?
P.S. I've been eying the Royal Glam case on massdrop, but I don't like the tilted profile or the color choices much.
Sorry to revive a bit of an old thread, but I wanted to get an opinion on a case instead of creating a new thread. SEAL Wood working seems to have the best cases available, but they've been unresponsive for weeks now (even Inanis has not responded to any to PMs) :(
So as an alternative, I came across this case on Aliexpress: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Handcraft-GH60-Solid-Wooden-Case-For-60-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Compatible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/429151_32596058719.html
Seems like a pretty solid choice, especially in rosewood, but I wanted to know if anyone has had experience with this particular case before. Plus, I've never bought from Aliexpress and have heard some bad stories of obscene delays. Any experience buying from them?
P.S. I've been eying the Royal Glam case on massdrop, but I don't like the tilted profile or the color choices much.
I've purchased many items from them, and I've received my items within 3 weeks. I received some desoldering wick in 11-12 days.
That one seems inspired by the Datamancer 2-part case. I don't know if I could trust it, but it seems like a viable choice if you can't really get a case anywhere else.
I got my lacewood case in just over a week I think. But it was already sitting around, not newly made.
To be honest, I have found the plate makes a bigger difference to typing feel than the plate ever will, poly carbonate and acrylic plates feel much better than steel or aluminium, but that's just my opinion
I've purchased many items from them, and I've received my items within 3 weeks. I received some desoldering wick in 11-12 days.
Oh, great to know! :)That one seems inspired by the Datamancer 2-part case. I don't know if I could trust it, but it seems like a viable choice if you can't really get a case anywhere else.
I got my lacewood case in just over a week I think. But it was already sitting around, not newly made.
Yeah, this one also seems to already be in stock, so I'm considering buying one from them. Thanks :)
I was going to get in on the drop on massdrop for the Royal Glam (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-glam-60-wood-keyboard-case?mode=guest_open), but I saw the posts from seal woodworking, and thought I might be able to get a wood that I really wanted- Wenge. But I never heard back from them after making a request for a quote, so I've ordered the Rosewood case from AliExpress, as it's closer to wenge than anything I've been able to find. I also like the fact that it has a top with it. Delivery is supposed to be in 20 days, so I'll post back here.
I was going to get in on the drop on massdrop for the Royal Glam (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-glam-60-wood-keyboard-case?mode=guest_open), but I saw the posts from seal woodworking, and thought I might be able to get a wood that I really wanted- Wenge. But I never heard back from them after making a request for a quote, so I've ordered the Rosewood case from AliExpress, as it's closer to wenge than anything I've been able to find. I also like the fact that it has a top with it. Delivery is supposed to be in 20 days, so I'll post back here.
Nice. Yeah I was going to order the same Rosewood case, but it's hyper black (the seller showed me the photo), so I don't think it will work for my intended purpose. I wonder why SEAL has been unresponsive, as they seem to have the best design and wood selection I've seen.
I was wondering the same. I'd guessed that they were just backed up, so hopefully I'll hear something. Still would love a wenge case- I've been doing wenge in all of my wooden acquisitions for a while; it's dark without being black, and very dense, and has a very distinct character.
I wonder if it would be possible to make a case like how guitars are made. Over time the lacquer could age to a beautiful finish and there would be a market for wooden keyboard cases
I wonder if it would be possible to make a case like how guitars are made. Over time the lacquer could age to a beautiful finish and there would be a market for wooden keyboard cases
Absolutely. You just need to use a nitrocellulose lacquer finish instead of a polyester finish. However, unlike guitars where you have bright stage lights shining on them as well as sweaty hands of the player, you're unlikely to cause similar wear on a keyboard case. The lacquer will shrink, yellow and crack over time and that may be the effect you want. You would be waiting for a long time for that to happen though as the guitars that are like that are often several decades old.
I just got mine and it feels nice. Different. And yes, it feels very substantial and strong.
The Pok3r stock case is very solid but the sound reverberates more when one of my keys "ping". Supposedly this is because the Pok3r case actually has standoffs so the PCB is resting (precariously if I may say so) on really high standoffs and not resting on the case itself. For the wood case, it sits flat against the bottom of the case.
It'll depend on your choice of wood, but I'd say mine is the perfect weight. Lightweight but strong. The stock case is way too heavy for a 60% that is supposed to be suitable for travel.
I use cork liner in my wood cases, it softens out the noise.
I just got mine and it feels nice. Different. And yes, it feels very substantial and strong.
The Pok3r stock case is very solid but the sound reverberates more when one of my keys "ping". Supposedly this is because the Pok3r case actually has standoffs so the PCB is resting (precariously if I may say so) on really high standoffs and not resting on the case itself. For the wood case, it sits flat against the bottom of the case.
It'll depend on your choice of wood, but I'd say mine is the perfect weight. Lightweight but strong. The stock case is way too heavy for a 60% that is supposed to be suitable for travel.
Interesting. Those Poker pings annoy the hell out of me. Do you think filling this empty space with foam padding as have seen in other threads will reduce these pings?
I just got mine and it feels nice. Different. And yes, it feels very substantial and strong.
The Pok3r stock case is very solid but the sound reverberates more when one of my keys "ping". Supposedly this is because the Pok3r case actually has standoffs so the PCB is resting (precariously if I may say so) on really high standoffs and not resting on the case itself. For the wood case, it sits flat against the bottom of the case.
It'll depend on your choice of wood, but I'd say mine is the perfect weight. Lightweight but strong. The stock case is way too heavy for a 60% that is supposed to be suitable for travel.
Interesting. Those Poker pings annoy the hell out of me. Do you think filling this empty space with foam padding as have seen in other threads will reduce these pings?
There does not appear to be space in my case for a thin layer of sound dampening foam. My FC660M has a layer below the PCB but in this case it might not work for the sake of the mini-USB cutout's fitment. I think the only thing that can be done is acceptance that the Pok3r is a keyboard with issues with way too many overlooked flaws to meet that "sweet" price point.
I'm just curious, what other flaws do you think the board has? Yeah it's a tad overpriced, and most boards with plate mounted switches will ping. I will say the newest pokers being released with the newest firmware suck. Not as easy to program, especially media functions. I'm debating getting a leopold, but I have a poker a KBP, so it's kind of a waste.
I use cork liner in my wood cases, it softens out the noise.
In that case, would the pins at the bottom of the PCB just sort of press into the cork?
I wonder if it would be possible to make a case like how guitars are made. Over time the lacquer could age to a beautiful finish and there would be a market for wooden keyboard cases
Absolutely. You just need to use a nitrocellulose lacquer finish instead of a polyester finish. However, unlike guitars where you have bright stage lights shining on them as well as sweaty hands of the player, you're unlikely to cause similar wear on a keyboard case. The lacquer will shrink, yellow and crack over time and that may be the effect you want. You would be waiting for a long time for that to happen though as the guitars that are like that are often several decades old.
Wouldn't the lacquer also wear differently in this case because of how thick the keyboard case is compared to something like a guitar? How does aged lacquered wood look on dense objects?
On the same subject: has anyone tried a bamboo keyboard case?
I would think the acoustics of a wooden case would add some detail to sound of the switches :)
bamboo sounds so dope ;D
although I found out wood cases are pretty darn expensive, so I would probably be trying to get a novatouch hydrodipped
I've purchased many items from them, and I've received my items within 3 weeks. I received some desoldering wick in 11-12 days.
Oh, great to know! :)That one seems inspired by the Datamancer 2-part case. I don't know if I could trust it, but it seems like a viable choice if you can't really get a case anywhere else.
I got my lacewood case in just over a week I think. But it was already sitting around, not newly made.
Yeah, this one also seems to already be in stock, so I'm considering buying one from them. Thanks :)
I was going to get in on the drop on massdrop for the Royal Glam (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-glam-60-wood-keyboard-case?mode=guest_open), but I saw the posts from seal woodworking, and thought I might be able to get a wood that I really wanted- Wenge. But I never heard back from them after making a request for a quote, so I've ordered the Rosewood case from AliExpress, as it's closer to wenge than anything I've been able to find. I also like the fact that it has a top with it. Delivery is supposed to be in 20 days, so I'll post back here.
bamboo sounds so dope ;D
although I found out wood cases are pretty darn expensive, so I would probably be trying to get a novatouch hydrodipped
Actually, wood cases seem about as expensive or cheaper than aluminum cases. The ubiquitous TEX alu case retails for $120, for example, while most wood cases start around $80.
bamboo sounds so dope ;D
although I found out wood cases are pretty darn expensive, so I would probably be trying to get a novatouch hydrodipped
Actually, wood cases seem about as expensive or cheaper than aluminum cases. The ubiquitous TEX alu case retails for $120, for example, while most wood cases start around $80.
I'd agree. My next is going to be bamboo- I think I've gotten into wood over metal.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Handcraft-GH60-Solid-Wooden-Case-For-60-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Compatible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/32596058719.html
I got my rosewood one at $90. The bamboo is $105.
Whoa, you ordered yours from Aliexpress? This is one of those rare moments when someone confirms an Aliexpress merchant :) The top cover is an impressive incentive!
bamboo sounds so dope ;D
although I found out wood cases are pretty darn expensive, so I would probably be trying to get a novatouch hydrodipped
Actually, wood cases seem about as expensive or cheaper than aluminum cases. The ubiquitous TEX alu case retails for $120, for example, while most wood cases start around $80.
I'd agree. My next is going to be bamboo- I think I've gotten into wood over metal.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Handcraft-GH60-Solid-Wooden-Case-For-60-Mini-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Compatible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/32596058719.html
I got my rosewood one at $90. The bamboo is $105.
Whoa, you ordered yours from Aliexpress? This is one of those rare moments when someone confirms an Aliexpress merchant :) The top cover is an impressive incentive!
here is my wood60. its all wood. plate and body are one piece. it has a nice sound. kinda hollow, and mellow. Me like.
i would guess that the sound would be alot different if the plate wasn't wood as well.
http://imgur.com/a/bEnsH (http://imgur.com/a/bEnsH)
here is my wood60. its all wood. plate and body are one piece. it has a nice sound. kinda hollow, and mellow. Me like.
i would guess that the sound would be alot different if the plate wasn't wood as well.
http://imgur.com/a/bEnsH (http://imgur.com/a/bEnsH)
That looks really nice! Even has a mounting point for the teensy! :)
Just to report in [...] when the top is on, there is a very thin gap.
First image is with flash to highlight it (I have terrible light at my desk), second is without with power on, so you can see the bleed through from leds.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/TgZpRXv.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/mRGcg0y.png)