Hello mechanical keyboard enthusiasts!
This is an interest check for a leather sleeve that I made for my own keyboard, that I would like to bring to the community.
Imgur album of the prototypeImgur album of the cable prototypeInterest Check formReddit post
First look at the sleeve with a KBD67 keyboard partially out, with the magnetic fixture visibleI am both an amateur leatherworker and mechanical keyboard hobbyist, and as I was bringing my keyboard to and from work, I wanted to make a leather sleeve to keep the keeb safe in transit. I made this in January, and having used it for the past few months, I now feel assured with the quality of this sleeve. It turned out better than I expected, so now I wanted to see if anyone would be interested in having one of their own!
Features:The sleeve pictured was made with quality vegetable-tanned leather, specifically
medium brown English Bridle from Wickett and Craig, one of two tanneries located in the US. From their website: "English Bridle is a traditional leather with a variety of uses, from classic equestrian gear to high-end leather goods. Drum dyed and hot stuffed, English Bridle is smooth, flexible yet durable. Beautifully crafted with a flawless, even surface." The sleeve features saddle-stitching by hand throughout the sleeve, in Ritza Tiger 0.6mm waxed polyester thread. The edges are burnished with saddle soap and beeswax, and the leather is conditioned, both of which will increase the sleeve's longevity. The flap features a magnetic clasp.
Changelog: October 19th: Initial Post
October 26th:
- Added matching cable pouch option
- Added inner lining options
November 2nd:
- Finalized GB start: Nov 6th, 12pm CST
- Finalized size: 10 brown, 10 black, 5 custom
November 6th:
- Added GB details
GB DetailsGB Form:
The group buy will be limited to ten brown, ten black, and five custom sleeves. Orders will be fulfilled in the order of signup, and invoices will be delivered to the next person as each sleeve is made. When it is your turn, I will deliver the invoice, and after payment, I will start on the sleeve.
The
order queue will be displayed in a public spreadsheet with a username and the order details.
Customization Options: - The prototype is medium brown, and that will be the default colorway available. If there is enough interest (please fill out the IC form!) then a black colorway will also be available.
- Additionally, the sleeve will be made-to-order and made-to-measure according to the dimensions of your keyboard, whether you own a Planck 40% or a Rama 60% or a TKL, the sleeve's size will be totally customized.
- There will be different thread colors available for a pop of color: brown, white, blue, or yellow (you can see the colors available at my Etsy shop link down below)
- Matching cable pouch available
-
Inner lining options: plaid fabric, natural and dark green canvas duck cloth, and black felt
Thread Colors: White, Maize, Duke Blue, Black, BrownThe prototype has functioned well, and the final product would be very similar except for the use of a thicker leather - the leather in the prototype is a good thickness for a wallet, but a little thin for a sleeve. The current thickness used is 3oz, while the final product would have a doubled thickness of 6oz. The difference in appearance between the final product and the prototype will be minimal, except the sleeve will retain it's shape better instead of forming indentations as seen in the first and second photos below.
Estimated cost:The sleeve and shipping is estimated to be around ~$120 total for US, and ~$130 for international.
Final thoughts:To see photos of other products I've made, please take a look at my posts in the leatherworking subreddit or view my
etsy shop.
More photos of the prototype:
