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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: skullydazed on Tue, 21 June 2016, 02:38:43

Title: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Tue, 21 June 2016, 02:38:43
(http://i.imgur.com/CSe6T6b.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/o2xIaYU.jpg)

Imgur Album: http://imgur.com/gallery/YOwqL

This is two of the Clueboard Aluminum Case prototypes. The case is two solid pieces of Aluminum that have been CNC milled.

(http://i.imgur.com/xalSQ26.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TVViTpj.jpg)

The plate is integrated into the case for an extremely sturdy and rigid design. There is no flex or pinging on these cases.

We made several changes and improvements to the design based on the prototypes. Most are not visible changes (like increasing the amount of room inside for the PCB through several tweaks) but one of the prominent changes is increasing the lip around the edge. From most angles switches will no longer be visible, while still allowing for even the largest SA caps.

Interest Form

To gauge interest and figure out what colors should be produced I've put together this form, please fill it out if you want to buy a case: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16bAnQ7ygDPMfOg0luyiKC4aZFabileAtbzfDeoJfK-M/viewform
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: henz on Tue, 21 June 2016, 02:44:33
looks dope!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: loud_asian on Tue, 21 June 2016, 03:07:19
My interest is piqued, might pick up a case if the price is right :D
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: joey on Tue, 21 June 2016, 03:25:32
Dope! :thumb: Almost tempting.. :P
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: smart5088 on Tue, 21 June 2016, 04:09:39
interest. keyboard is what pcb ?

this is leopold 660 lay out ? and leopold 660 pcb ?


Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: joey on Tue, 21 June 2016, 04:15:15
interest. keyboard is what pcb ?

this is leopold 660 lay out ? and leopold 660 pcb ?
The PCB would be a clueboard PCB (designed by skully), http://clueboard.co
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Jokrik on Tue, 21 June 2016, 04:19:56
Can I assume this will support the alps pcb? :)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: kiwi99 on Tue, 21 June 2016, 04:26:59
Good stuff skully, it looks amazing and unique :)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Auxo on Tue, 21 June 2016, 07:02:29
hng
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 21 June 2016, 07:14:02
That's a very a nice looking case, I'm not into the Clueboard layout, but if I ever design a case for my own projects, sure will take a few cues from this.

Well done!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: xondat on Tue, 21 June 2016, 07:22:53
Interested to try the layout but the cases never did it for me - this one does. I love the idea of combining the plate and top piece, it looks amazing.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: chuckdee on Tue, 21 June 2016, 10:49:48
Interested.  would like to see the color for purple... and black if you decide to make it available.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: SixtyLife on Tue, 21 June 2016, 10:53:20
this looks slick
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: eyedrop on Tue, 21 June 2016, 11:40:17
That looks really good.  Will keep an eye out for sure.  I filled out the IC form also.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Data on Tue, 21 June 2016, 12:19:36
Very clean.  I like the bevel around the top edge.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: theXavier89 on Tue, 21 June 2016, 14:58:16
I'd totally buy these.

One in black and one in red. I have to have options for my Deadpool build.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Tue, 21 June 2016, 17:50:35
Really cool looking case. If only I had a clueboard... and wasn't about to start 3 other projects.

It'd be awesome to see this case design on another form factor like a 60%.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: murkey on Sat, 25 June 2016, 00:27:46
Interested!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: SBJ on Sun, 26 June 2016, 08:45:40
Filled out the form, and am definitely interested. I was disapointed to find it it wasn't a Leopold FC660C that it was for, but I guess a Clueboard with Zealios will do  :p
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: braidn on Tue, 28 June 2016, 18:52:10
Filled out and co platelets psyched for this. Love it Skully
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: misconceit on Wed, 29 June 2016, 11:05:39
Filled out the form, and am definitely interested. I was disapointed to find it it wasn't a Leopold FC660C that it was for, but I guess a Clueboard with Zealios will do  :p
Makes me want to build one with Zealios 62g as well :p
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: duynguyenle on Fri, 01 July 2016, 12:03:28
I'm in! Extra credits if it can support Alps too!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: braidn on Tue, 19 July 2016, 22:49:52
Any updates here Skully? Super excited about this!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Chedda7 on Thu, 21 July 2016, 01:09:03
The renders look great!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Erysichthon on Wed, 03 August 2016, 21:35:56
I'd love one if blue is a chosen color!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: sony on Wed, 10 August 2016, 23:48:21
I'm in if it supports alps. One for my white and one for my blue alps.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: romevi on Thu, 11 August 2016, 00:09:27
Any updates on progress? Specifically, if Alps are supported?  ;)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Wannabe on Thu, 11 August 2016, 09:27:37
Interested in a purple one.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Bucky on Fri, 26 August 2016, 11:40:39
Depending on when this comes out I may be interested.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: KHAANNN on Fri, 26 August 2016, 14:21:31
Wow. Amazing

Out of curiosity, why are the inner borders rounded, while the keyboard design itself is pretty sharp

On the pro side, it's a lot like Cherry keycaps, where they have sharp bottoms, yet the top of the keycaps are rounded, similarly this keyboard has pretty sharp bottoms, but the gaps are rounded

I just wonder whether an all-sharp keyboard could look more appealing, with GMK keycaps (or other Cherry keycaps)

Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:15:06
Wow. Amazing

Out of curiosity, why are the inner borders rounded, while the keyboard design itself is pretty sharp

On the pro side, it's a lot like Cherry keycaps, where they have sharp bottoms, yet the top of the keycaps are rounded, similarly this keyboard has pretty sharp bottoms, but the gaps are rounded

I just wonder whether an all-sharp keyboard could look more appealing, with GMK keycaps (or other Cherry keycaps)

Mostly that has to do with CNC tooling. The smallest corner you can make is the radius of your cutting tool, and it would be prohibitively expensive to cut those with sharp corners.

Production costs aside, I think you have an interesting idea. It could look pretty good to have sharp GMK caps with nice crisp corners.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:16:56
New Renders!

(http://i.imgur.com/6SHVXD0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/75tcNbg.jpg)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: xondat on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:25:01
New Renders!

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/6SHVXD0.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/75tcNbg.jpg)

Still pretty. I need those caps in my library soon though.

How many screw holes now?
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: KHAANNN on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:35:03
Mostly that has to do with CNC tooling. The smallest corner you can make is the radius of your cutting tool, and it would be prohibitively expensive to cut those with sharp corners.

Production costs aside, I think you have an interesting idea. It could look pretty good to have sharp GMK caps with nice crisp corners.

Thanks, It's like a dream/obsession of mine :]

I thought about designing a keyboard that's just drilled into a solid block of aluminium, so keyboard's frame and plate would be one, but it requires too much dedication and time

------

In the meantime, this version of the Clueboard is just incredible

I really like the looks of the WASD keyboard, apart from the plastics, they are just spectacular, the sides of the Clueboard has the same vibe

When the time comes, I would love to own one or two of these
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: xondat on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:39:46
I thought about designing a keyboard that's just drilled into a solid block of aluminium, so keyboard's frame and plate would be one, but it requires too much dedication and time
Not possible unless you had a hole somewhere to slot the PCB in :-* wouldn't be too hard to design imo (with previous experience).
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: jchan94 on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:40:54
New Renders!

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/6SHVXD0.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/75tcNbg.jpg)


New Renders!

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/6SHVXD0.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/75tcNbg.jpg)


Love it! The edgy look matches my 2016 Prius (no regrets with 55 smiles per gallon)

(http://pictures.dealer.com/l/longotoyota/0215/69b4349ba0cdc1c978e59ab6f7355403x.jpg)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: KHAANNN on Fri, 26 August 2016, 18:47:55
I thought about designing a keyboard that's just drilled into a solid block of aluminium, so keyboard's frame and plate would be one, but it requires too much dedication and time
Not possible unless you had a hole somewhere to slot the PCB in :-* wouldn't be too hard to design imo (with previous experience).

I don't know the limitations of the CNC processes, so first I would need to learn these processes

But basically, the bottom is empty, when the build is completed, you close the bottom part of the keyboard with a plate (which has the feet attached) - so unless you flip the keyboard, all you see is a block of aluminium

Not sure how good it would look tho, I personally prefer the looks of the Clueboard (this case) style keyboards, where the switches are recessed, however, since my layout is: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/e981a31e8654ca60b7c8 - and all my layouts have gaps, It seems like the best option for me
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Bucky on Fri, 26 August 2016, 20:56:01
Was there ever a discussion of a diffuser to utilize the under mounted LEDs?
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Jumie on Sat, 27 August 2016, 01:51:46
Will this be compatible with fc660m pcb?
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Sat, 27 August 2016, 14:00:16
Will this be compatible with fc660m pcb?

No, we had to add a second mounting post on the left that the fc660m pcb doesn't have. It makes the board really strong and only a few people would do that anyway.

Was there ever a discussion of a diffuser to utilize the under mounted LEDs?

I've looked into it, but for now that's not an option.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Bucky on Sat, 27 August 2016, 21:47:11
Alright, well maybe just a thought as an add on for the future. Looking good!
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: KHAANNN on Sat, 27 August 2016, 21:53:02
Filled the form, Dark Grey, Silver, Dark Grey.

When are we going to have this beauty by the way?

A rough ETA would be nice :)
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: B1G_B1RD on Tue, 06 September 2016, 14:34:51
Thats a great looking case. I wish i had a clueboard now.
Title: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: nateth on Thu, 08 September 2016, 02:19:44
I'm all in for the Alps model down the pipe.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: romevi on Mon, 12 September 2016, 21:27:57
I'm all in for the Alps model down the pipe.

Same.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Tue, 13 September 2016, 14:14:59
What kind of ballpark pricing would we be looking at for a case like this?
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: ntw on Tue, 13 September 2016, 14:26:17
What kind of ballpark pricing would we be looking at for a case like this?
^ asking the important question
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: MandrewDavis on Sat, 17 September 2016, 22:13:34
Maybe this is asking too much, but I would buy two if there was a future case revision to support some type of an AEK-esque Alps layout.
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Fri, 23 September 2016, 00:26:01
We got the manufacturing samples back! The grey needs to be reworked (it didn't match the first sample,) but the Silver and the Orange look fantastic! They fit together well and everything feels nice and solid.

http://imgur.com/gallery/YOwqL (http://imgur.com/gallery/YOwqL)

If you're gonna be at the KiiboHD meetup on Saturday you'll have a chance to handle one of these yourself. They're pretty hefty boards, and very solid.

We've decided on pricing. Retail price for this will be $149.99 for the case alone. I've been talking to Massdrop about running this, and depending on the number of people in the drop we should be able to get the price down quite a lot from there.

I've also been working on acrylic inserts for the case. The underlight reflects pretty well on the silver case (less well on the orange) and so far I really like either clear or transparent cobalt blue. You can see the cobalt blue on my instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKrZ8z0h790/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/BKrZ8z0h790/)

I can't say anything about timing this update, but we're drawing ever closer!
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: loud_asian on Fri, 23 September 2016, 00:36:17
unf.. thanks for the update
gonna need more pics tho
Title: Re: Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: jal on Fri, 23 September 2016, 00:38:48
We got the manufacturing samples back! The grey needs to be reworked (it didn't match the first sample,) but the Silver and the Orange look fantastic! They fit together well and everything feels nice and solid.

http://imgur.com/gallery/YOwqL (http://imgur.com/gallery/YOwqL)

If you're gonna be at the KiiboHD meetup on Saturday you'll have a chance to handle one of these yourself. They're pretty hefty boards, and very solid.

Very nice! And looking forward to seeing them this weekend.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Wed, 28 September 2016, 09:02:40
Looks great. I don't see the acrylic spacer in the new renders and hope that will be an option. This sure beats the hell out of the cases with the blue jean button sized rivets, that is what kept me away from this board in the first place.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: KHAANNN on Wed, 28 September 2016, 09:09:19
Looks great. I don't see the acrylic spacer in the new renders and hope that will be an option. This sure beats the hell out of the cases with the blue jean button sized rivets, that is what kept me away from this board in the first place.

Just checked to see what you were talking about, found this: https://shop.clueboard.co/clueboard-66-acrylic-case-for-mx.html

Indeed those are super huge :)
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Fictiouz on Wed, 28 September 2016, 09:09:44
Looks great. I don't see the acrylic spacer in the new renders and hope that will be an option. This sure beats the hell out of the cases with the blue jean button sized rivets, that is what kept me away from this board in the first place.

With you on that one. You can definitely expect me to pick one up when these become available.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Wed, 28 September 2016, 09:14:55
If the drop is successful and it does go live on MD are you going to offer the PCB, switches and stabs along with the case? I'm sure you could greatly increase your success if this is available as an all in one buy or pick and choose what pieces you want! Would love to see a kit offered. Also, would like to know if this will be an option so I can snag one off your site before they go out of stock if not!

Edit: I know there are MOQs but still one can hope :) I do not own any clueboard parts because of the previous acrylic case and this would get me 100% on board with you all. I would even pass up the RAMA & Jchan collaboration on their 65% for this beaut. Their price point is also around $150 I believe :)

I would pay around $250 easy for a kit.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: chuckdee on Wed, 28 September 2016, 09:58:08
If the drop is successful and it does go live on MD are you going to offer the PCB, switches and stabs along with the case? I'm sure you could greatly increase your success if this is available as an all in one buy or pick and choose what pieces you want! Would love to see a kit offered. Also, would like to know if this will be an option so I can snag one off your site before they go out of stock if not!

Edit: I know there are MOQs but still one can hope :) I do not own any clueboard parts because of the previous acrylic case and this would get me 100% on board with you all. I would even pass up the RAMA & Jchan collaboration on their 65% for this beaut. Their price point is also around $150 I believe :)

I would pay around $250 easy for a kit.

Seconded!  I've been holding off on my clueboard- and the ability to get the whole thing in one go would be very appealing.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Wed, 28 September 2016, 12:11:44
Looks great. I don't see the acrylic spacer in the new renders and hope that will be an option. This sure beats the hell out of the cases with the blue jean button sized rivets, that is what kept me away from this board in the first place.

I actually have switched to flat top screws and I'm countersinking the top plate now. I have pictures and a new store in the works where I'll announce it, but for now if you order an acrylic case that's what you get. The big ugly screws are gone. :)

If the drop is successful and it does go live on MD are you going to offer the PCB, switches and stabs along with the case? I'm sure you could greatly increase your success if this is available as an all in one buy or pick and choose what pieces you want! Would love to see a kit offered. Also, would like to know if this will be an option so I can snag one off your site before they go out of stock if not!

Yes, when the buy is live you'll be able to pick up everything you need.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 28 September 2016, 12:48:54
Looks great. I don't see the acrylic spacer in the new renders and hope that will be an option. This sure beats the hell out of the cases with the blue jean button sized rivets, that is what kept me away from this board in the first place.

I actually have switched to flat top screws and I'm countersinking the top plate now. I have pictures and a new store in the works where I'll announce it, but for now if you order an acrylic case that's what you get. The big ugly screws are gone. :)

If the drop is successful and it does go live on MD are you going to offer the PCB, switches and stabs along with the case? I'm sure you could greatly increase your success if this is available as an all in one buy or pick and choose what pieces you want! Would love to see a kit offered. Also, would like to know if this will be an option so I can snag one off your site before they go out of stock if not!

Yes, when the buy is live you'll be able to pick up everything you need.

Hi Skully, is it confirmed that this will be happening via Massdrop or will you handle it via your webstore? Is the GB the only way to get one of these cases or will you be looking to stock some for your webstore later? I don't think I can spare enough for a case in the near future  :(
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Bucky on Wed, 28 September 2016, 16:17:50
If I had known there was going to be an acrylic spacer I may have waited for this instead of the Mech27. Depending on pricing I might jump on this in addition though, it does look good.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: William_S_Jones on Wed, 28 September 2016, 22:37:58
Good evening everyone, I'm currently in the MD gb for the Red Scarf 68 which ends tomorrow. Can anyone provide me details on why it'd be better to go w/ a Clueboard? I hope I can receive responses before the MD gb ends tomorrow. Thanks to anyone that can help me.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: chuckdee on Thu, 29 September 2016, 08:58:32
Good evening everyone, I'm currently in the MD gb for the Red Scarf 68 which ends tomorrow. Can anyone provide me details on why it'd be better to go w/ a Clueboard? I hope I can receive responses before the MD gb ends tomorrow. Thanks to anyone that can help me.

I have the same concerns- but chose to go clueboard based on research.  I think that the extra space is worth the loss in keys on the right side- the air gap will help to hit those two keys, and I can program them to what I want.  I'm not interested in the lighting, so that's a lot of complexity for something I don't need.  In addition, I have the advantage of having a Red Scarf II+ Ver.b coming, so it didn't make sense for me.  And I want to support Skully, and he gives a lot of support on the build from what I've seen, and has excellent customer service and a solid product.  He's a small business owner, with the ups and downs, but I think the pros outweigh the cons.

That was my reasoning, in any case.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: William_S_Jones on Thu, 29 September 2016, 09:06:29
Good evening everyone, I'm currently in the MD gb for the Red Scarf 68 which ends tomorrow. Can anyone provide me details on why it'd be better to go w/ a Clueboard? I hope I can receive responses before the MD gb ends tomorrow. Thanks to anyone that can help me.

I have the same concerns- but chose to go clueboard based on research.  I think that the extra space is worth the loss in keys on the right side- the air gap will help to hit those two keys, and I can program them to what I want.  I'm not interested in the lighting, so that's a lot of complexity for something I don't need.  In addition, I have the advantage of having a Red Scarf II+ Ver.b coming, so it didn't make sense for me.  And I want to support Skully, and he gives a lot of support on the build from what I've seen, and has excellent customer service and a solid product.  He's a small business owner, with the ups and downs, but I think the pros outweigh the cons.

That was my reasoning, in any case.
Thanks Chuckdee, I'll walk away from MD gb & go w/ w/ the Clueboard & new case as soon as it's available. It's that Skully will be easy to get in contact w/ if I run into any type of issue. Plus, I've talked w/ you on Reddit before, so I trust your word too. Again, thanks ChuckDee.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: JaccoW on Thu, 29 September 2016, 09:22:50
Damn nice looking board.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Rafa_n on Tue, 15 November 2016, 20:07:03
any news on this?
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: Erysichthon on Tue, 15 November 2016, 20:20:10
any news on this?

I believe Skully said on Reddit that it would happen before 2017 on Massdrop.
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: merlin64 on Tue, 15 November 2016, 20:26:32
I'd love to see this with an Alps plate as well!
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 16 November 2016, 08:11:14
any news on this?

Apparently the GB is hapenning right now on Massdrop
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: merlin64 on Wed, 16 November 2016, 08:14:07
Anyone know if the PCB has been updated from 2.0?
Title: Re: [IC] Clueboard CNC'd Aluminum Case
Post by: skullydazed on Wed, 16 November 2016, 10:41:13
This buy is now live!

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=85856.0

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/clueboard-keyboard-kit?mode=guest_open