Plans for a Kishsaver-inspired 60% case

[njbair]

I'm sad because I don't own a Kishsaver. So to cheer myself up, I'm working on a solid aluminum 60% case which takes design cues from the IBM Model F/Kishsaver case. My goal is to create a rock-solid compact case which breaks away from the low-profile look of most 60% cases.

EDIT: As of right now, this will be a one-off. If all goes well I may open this up to an interest check, but baby steps for now. Thank you all for your kind words.

Update 2015-05-16: HQ renders







More renders to come soon. The case is currently in the initial design phase.

Case dimensions will be 325mm x 160mm x 35mm (12-3/4" x 6-1/4" x 1-3/8"). The original Kishsaver is about 370mm x 180mm x 35mm (14-1/2" x 7" x 1-3/8"). If this seems tall, keep in mind that the case bottom is only 7mm thick. Add to that 5mm standoffs and about 23mm total for a cherry MX switch with an R1 cherry-profile keycap on it, and you've got 35mm, which is within a few millimeters of a low-profile TEX aluminum case. The difference with this case is the way the keycaps sit below the bezel, as shown in this original Kishsaver photo:



I really tried to carry over the most unique and appealing design elements of the Kishsaver. The rear bezel is much wider than the others and includes the famous Model F "pencil holder" bar. The front bezel is recessed to the same level as the keycap bottoms, 5mm below the top surface. The fillets along the front and rear edges are close to the original.

The main pocket has a few extra millimeters than most 60% cases on the length and width to accommodate keycap pullers.

I'm still finalizing details as far as cutout/hole locations for USB & DIP switches, as well as standoffs etc., but I would love to hear your feedback so far.

[Badwrench]

Looks really good.   

[HPE1000]

I tried a IC like this a while back, there wasn't much interest sadly. A huge 60% case would be cool though. Maybe this time there will be more interest 

[Wilba]

VERY interesting! I like the keycaps sitting below the bezel... I'm doing something similar with my TKL case design.

I think you can play with the dimensions a bit and get the Kishsaver feeling without it being higher off the desk than other keyboards. I know it's initial design phase so I won't pick on your dimensions but 7mm+5mm figures seem a bit high. You could make it more like other tray cases and use 3mm base + 3mm standoffs, and still keep the high walls. 35mm seems good, though... that's only a touch higher than bottom row keycaps on a Filco, so maybe I am being fussy.

Let me know if you need a custom 60% PCB to go with it

[DrHubblePhD]

Tip from the Koreans.... add more weight  )

For real though, this would be sweet with a weight in the bottom, just make it a 10 lb 60% 

[njbair]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

I tried a IC like this a while back, there wasn't much interest sadly. A huge 60% case would be cool though. Maybe this time there will be more interest 

No plans for an IC/GB yet...just doing a one-off for now. I should mention I worked for 8 years as a CNC machinist so I have good connections for hobby stuff.

VERY interesting! I like the keycaps sitting below the bezel... I'm doing something similar with my TKL case design.

I think you can play with the dimensions a bit and get the Kishsaver feeling without it being higher off the desk than other keyboards. I know it's initial design phase so I won't pick on your dimensions but 7mm+5mm figures seem a bit high. You could make it more like other tray cases and use 3mm base + 3mm standoffs, and still keep the high walls. 35mm seems good, though... that's only a touch higher than bottom row keycaps on a Filco, so maybe I am being fussy.

Let me know if you need a custom 60% PCB to go with it

My tradeoff is a few millimeters of height in exchange for a more rigid frame overall. We'll see how it works. But the 35mm height includes the pencil holder bar, which is at the same height as the row-1 keycaps so it might not be as tall as you think.

Tip from the Koreans.... add more weight  )

For real though, this would be sweet with a weight in the bottom, just make it a 10 lb 60% 

I'm hoping the extra bezel being made of solid aluminum will add enough extra weight to make sure this thing means business. I'll think it over, though.

[JPG]

Make it Stainless steel or brass then no need to add weight!


Very nice design btw!

[Charger]

I was thinking about doing the same thing after I saw the thread over on desktority where a guy stripped down and polished his IBM 107 keyboard

[The_Beast]

Make sure it fits the GH60....

[njbair]

Make sure it fits the GH60....

I'm going to borrow the mounting hole pattern from a TEX aluminum case. Can you confirm that the GH60 works with that?

[njbair]

Added some placeholder standoffs and a USB cutout. Here are some quick renders:







I'm going to let these render overnight and I'll update the OP with the high-quality versions in the morning.

[Joey Quinn]

I'm going to powder coat this if I get one, I think it'd be awesome to have this for the 60% blue alps I'm planning.

[njbair]

I'm going to powder coat this if I get one, I think it'd be awesome to have this for the 60% blue alps I'm planning.

I'm probably going to have it anodized.

Again, right now I've got no plans for this to go beyond a one-off. Definitely not before I get one in my hands to test. If not, I will definitely share all relevant plans, drawings, etc. so that anyone interested can make their own.

[Yoe]

I'm going to powder coat this if I get one, I think it'd be awesome to have this for the 60% blue alps I'm planning.

Now that's a dream right there! Blue Alps Kish-ish... want!

[cooldiscretion]

Yikes I'm excited. Very cool stuff here. Great idea + design looks solid.

[bueller]

Me likey.

[njbair]

I tried a IC like this a while back, there wasn't much interest sadly. A huge 60% case would be cool though. Maybe this time there will be more interest 

Do you have any pics/plans? I'd love to see them.

[jdcarpe]

I was thinking of this exact thing the other day, but with a curved and bent sheet metal housing. I like your idea better.

[njbair]

It's looking like having this milled is going to be pretty expensive. The material alone will be well over $50. Then, the nature of the design requires at least a 4-axis milling setup, which is more expensive than a traditional 3-axis.

I think I can get costs down if I split the case into parts. I'm not sure exactly how yet--I'll want to play with the model to determine the best way--but I think if I do this smartly I can greatly reduce the overall cost. If it doesn't look to wonky, this may end up being the way to go. I'll keep posting updates here as I try out different designs.