Are There Full-sized Custom Aluminum Cases?

[mashby]

I'm a 60% guy, so I don't pay much attention to anything larger.   Anyway, my mom was in town and she said that she might be interested in a mechanical and she wants a full-sized board.

She seemed to prefer my boards that were in aluminum cases, so I've done a few searches but haven't really turned up anything. Any suggestions?

Note: I'm primarily looking for custom boards/cases since I'm assuming that commercial boards are not going to be that heavy. However, I could be wrong, so don't hesitate to set me straight. 

[Leslieann]

Before you go further, I have to ask, does she have any idea what your keyboards cost... She may think they feel nice, but if she knew how much that feel costs, she may not be interested. I mean, I like art, but I'm not going to buy the Mona Lisa even if I could afford it.

Anyhow, full size is pretty limited.
Corsair has keyboards with an aluminum top cover, combined with the plate probably makes for a pretty stiff keyboard.
Cherry has one, however, like above, it's only the top half (apparently very stiff though): https://www.keychatter.com/2015/09/04/review-cherry-mx-6-0/
There is also the Edge by Hori, but they don't even list what switches, I've never heard of them, and for the cost, I'm betting their aluminum is actually "Aluminum" (I.E. plastic) and I highly doubt it's all aluminum.
 
Anyhow, as usual, why not get a cheap mechanical to see if she likes that first before you dump a few hundred into a something she may not care that much about. Otherwise, I would just grab a Cherry or Corsair and be done with it. At the other end of things, considering her experience, she might simply prefer a Topre, aluminum or not.

[jdcarpe]

Ducky Shine 3 Tuhaojin, if you can find one.

[Jokrik]

This one is semi aluminium

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=955

more affrodable

[Leslieann]

This one is semi aluminium

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=955

more affrodable

I'm not seeing anything saying it's aluminum, and for that price, there is no way it's actually metal.

[FrostyToast]

This one is semi aluminium

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=955

more affrodable

I'm not seeing anything saying it's aluminum, and for that price, there is no way it's actually metal.

Uhm...

Ducky spared no expense to bring you 5mm thick upper case. This adds to the legendary solidity Ducky is known for. This is not just the Ducky's thickest aluminum case top, but the thickest in any mass production keyboard.

[Leslieann]

This one is semi aluminium
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=955
more affrodable

I'm not seeing anything saying it's aluminum, and for that price, there is no way it's actually metal.

Uhm...

Ducky spared no expense to bring you 5mm thick upper case. This adds to the legendary solidity Ducky is known for. This is not just the Ducky's thickest aluminum case top, but the thickest in any mass production keyboard.

That wasn't mentioned on the original link, you would think they would mention it, but they don't. Odd.

[mashby]

Thanks for all the replies! I should have mentioned it in the OP, but I'm looking for something heavy like a custom. The boards that she kept coming back to were either the Duck Poker, or the FMJ. 

@Leslieann -- she doesn't know how much I spend, but she knows they aren't cheap. She also doesn't know that I'm looking into getting her something THIS custom. Also, FANTASTIC to see you Leslieann. 

@jdcarpe -- how heavy is that board?

More Background
We tried every keyboard I could get my hands on. Alps, Model M, Model F., Topre and Topre S, Cherry Red, Black, Brown, Clear, Blue, White and then did a total mix-and-match of key caps as well -- Cherry, OEM, SA, DCS, DSA, ABS, PBT, blanks, doubleshot, etched, etc. It was actually a lot of fun.

I don't have the money to plunk down a ton of cash right now, I'm just trying to get a plan in place on how I want to proceed. Right now it's looking like I should get a Duck TKL with a Lightpad or something similar, but please keep coming with the suggestions.

[Elrick]

This one is semi aluminium

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=955

more affrodable

I'm not seeing anything saying it's aluminum, and for that price, there is no way it's actually metal.

Ducky Corp., do have some of their models Made in China, hence the low costs exhibited in Western Markets.  Don't be depressed about that because some Chinese made keyboards are not bad in quality but again it's the luck of the draw that you receive a keyboard that has no imperfections when seen or used.

Still would recommend the purchase since they (China) have raised their standards when it comes to keyboards.

[fohat.digs]

Ducky spared no expense to bring you 5mm thick upper case.

5mm thick aluminum - now that is impressive. Too bad it is wasted on Cherry switches.

[Steezus]

I saw a full size aluminum on reddit and I believe they got it off taobao, was $400+ though. I'll try to find a link but don't count on it.

[Jokrik]

Ducky spared no expense to bring you 5mm thick upper case.

5mm thick aluminum - now that is impressive. And it's Cherry switches!.

ftfy

[Lepidus]

Well, there is this filco aluminum case on taobao.
As I cant understand the language, im not sure if its actually avalible, in pre-production, or if it will ever be. Its the only fullsize alu case I ever seen tho.

[Melvang]

Well, there is this filco aluminum case on taobao.
As I cant understand the language, im not sure if its actually avalible, in pre-production, or if it will ever be. Its the only fullsize alu case I ever seen tho.

Show Image

That looks very nice.  Very close to being smexy.   :cool:

[Leslieann]

@Leslieann -- she doesn't know how much I spend, but she knows they aren't cheap. She also doesn't know that I'm looking into getting her something THIS custom. Also, FANTASTIC to see you Leslieann. 

 

Ducky Corp., do have some of their models Made in China, hence the low costs exhibited in Western Markets.  Don't be depressed about that because some Chinese made keyboards are not bad in quality but again it's the luck of the draw that you receive a keyboard that has no imperfections when seen or used.

Still would recommend the purchase since they (China) have raised their standards when it comes to keyboards.

That's not why it's cheap, most are made there, and I know about what they pay. It's that cheap because it's a very simple aluminum plate.

China can make good quality, you just need to specify how you want it done and find a reputable company who will do exactly as you ask. Dealing with China is like dealing with the Mafia... You order a dozen large men's shirts, you get the box and find it's children's male shirts.  You never specified adult and you already paid, next time specify you want adult. "Next" 

Sometimes, getting what you want at the price you want, takes drastic measures, but it can be done. I know companies who had to send someone to live there and oversee production, but in the end, they got what they wanted. My company was ripped off, lied to, you name it, it took a while but now we have a list of suppliers we use and trust, but it took some losses to get there.

The sad part is, it's still often easier and faster to get things made there than here.

[Melvang]

@Leslieann -- she doesn't know how much I spend, but she knows they aren't cheap. She also doesn't know that I'm looking into getting her something THIS custom. Also, FANTASTIC to see you Leslieann. 

 

Ducky Corp., do have some of their models Made in China, hence the low costs exhibited in Western Markets.  Don't be depressed about that because some Chinese made keyboards are not bad in quality but again it's the luck of the draw that you receive a keyboard that has no imperfections when seen or used.

Still would recommend the purchase since they (China) have raised their standards when it comes to keyboards.

That's not why it's cheap, most are made there, and I know about what they pay. It's that cheap because it's a very simple aluminum plate.

China can make good quality, you just need to specify how you want it done and find a reputable company who will do exactly as you ask. Dealing with China is like dealing with the Mafia... You order a dozen large men's shirts, you get the box and find it's children's male shirts.  You never specified adult and you already paid, next time specify you want adult. "Next" 

Sometimes, getting what you want at the price you want, takes drastic measures, but it can be done. I know companies who had to send someone to live there and oversee production, but in the end, they got what they wanted. My company was ripped off, lied to, you name it, it took a while but now we have a list of suppliers we use and trust, but it took some losses to get there.

The sad part is, it's still often easier and faster to get things made there than here.

This is why I went to OshPark for my enablers.  Granted I didn't need any real machining or pick and place.  Place the order, pay, wait, and distribute.  One time, boards came out perfect.  Out of over 6,200 pcbs, only 4 were messed up due to the router getting a bit off track.  But they had sent me some extras so no loss on my end.  From order to in my hand was only a couple weeks for free shipping as well.  Price ended up being less than a dollar per square inch, and the customer service was top notch.

[henz]

I'm a 60% guy, so I don't pay much attention to anything larger.   Anyway, my mom was in town and she said that she might be interested in a mechanical and she wants a full-sized board.

She seemed to prefer my boards that were in aluminum cases, so I've done a few searches but haven't really turned up anything. Any suggestions?

Note: I'm primarily looking for custom boards/cases since I'm assuming that commercial boards are not going to be that heavy. However, I could be wrong, so don't hesitate to set me straight. 

not sure if the GON design is alu enough, but he and Kaliet makes full sizes

[mashby]

@Lepidus -- Great find. This is the first custom case I've seen for a full-sized board. Thank you

@fohat.digs -- That is interesting. I might have to make a drive out to MK.com and test it out. My concern is that with a plastic bottom it might sound hollow like the TEX 60% did.

@Steezus -- If you find it, please let me know.

@henz -- Thank you for the suggestion. I considered those, but since they are a sandwich design with space below the board, I fear that they won't feel as solid.

[romevi]

I think iQunix made one recently. I have one of the black 60% versions, and it's nice.

Edit: Can't remember if it was a full board or just the bottom case.

[henz]

There is a reversed fullsize LZ gb Going on right now

[Steezus]

@Steezus -- If you find it, please let me know.

Aha I found it! https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3z9lip/photos_someone_asked_about_fullsized_aluminum/

Sorry for the ****ty reddit link but that's where I first saw it. I'm not sure where it's available or what but it's something.

[mashby]

@henz -- Thank you. I saw that, but I don't think my mom is going to like typing on the 10-key with her left hand unfortunately.

@Steezus -- Boom. Thank you for the link!Found more images.