Thoughts on the Digilog Alu case for Realforce

[Harbec]

Looking into buying one. Anyone have some input in regards to the build quality and overall opinions on the case?

[FrostyToast]

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.

[Harbec]

Could you describe the acoustics? Can't find a sound comparison.

[flaming_june]

So what IS the better/best cases for realforce tkl?

[Chromako]

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.

[Harbec]

Any particular vendors you would recommend?

[intelli78]

Any particular vendors you would recommend?

Mine is for sale again, I sent you a PM. I have the fixed USB board btw.

[FrostyToast]

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.

[Chromako]

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.