Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid

[phinix]

My Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid (first edition) started to go weird - the top case/cover rubber coating feels weird, turns on my OCD and think I need to sand it down or something.

Did anyone modded their QFR? I remember like 10-15 years ago we were trying to get extra top cases to mod it, I think there was black version that did not have that rubber coating.
If I sand it down, can I powder coat plastic frame?

[pixelpusher]

My Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid (first edition) started to go weird - the top case/cover rubber coating feels weird, turns on my OCD and think I need to sand it down or something.

Did anyone modded their QFR? I remember like 10-15 years ago we were trying to get extra top cases to mod it, I think there was black version that did not have that rubber coating.
If I sand it down, can I powder coat plastic frame?

I do remember those additional tops, but I haven't seen them in ages.  I don't know about powder coating. You can sand off the rubber coating and spray paint it.  If you do go down that path, make sure you sand carefully and in steps (low to high grit).  I found that any imperfections in the sanding will usually show up through the spray paint.  Get it as smooth as possible before paint, and prepare for 2-4 very light coats of spray with wet sanding if you get debris in between coats.   Probably best to finish with a sealing coat as well, although I didn't do that.

You can also spend a lot to have someone sand and hydro dip it for you.  But you probably aren't looking to spend that much.  Only crazy people like me would think of such a thing.   

[phinix]

My Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid (first edition) started to go weird - the top case/cover rubber coating feels weird, turns on my OCD and think I need to sand it down or something.

Did anyone modded their QFR? I remember like 10-15 years ago we were trying to get extra top cases to mod it, I think there was black version that did not have that rubber coating.
If I sand it down, can I powder coat plastic frame?

I do remember those additional tops, but I haven't seen them in ages.  I don't know about powder coating. You can sand off the rubber coating and spray paint it.  If you do go down that path, make sure you sand carefully and in steps (low to high grit).  I found that any imperfections in the sanding will usually show up through the spray paint.  Get it as smooth as possible before paint, and prepare for 2-4 very light coats of spray with wet sanding if you get debris in between coats.   Probably best to finish with a sealing coat as well, although I didn't do that.

You can also spend a lot to have someone sand and hydro dip it for you.  But you probably aren't looking to spend that much.  Only crazy people like me would think of such a thing.   

how expensive is it?

[pixelpusher]

I paid $144.

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/what-did-you-get-in-the-mail-today-part-2/20502/7?u=pixelpusher

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HTKB5v6Xx/?igsh=MTF3NWVjNzZuNXBiOQ==

[phinix]

I paid $144.

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/what-did-you-get-in-the-mail-today-part-2/20502/7?u=pixelpusher

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HTKB5v6Xx/?igsh=MTF3NWVjNzZuNXBiOQ==

Looks amazing. I think its worth it. I mean for us, not for any other average person who thinks that keyboard is that thing you type and letters come up the screen
How durable is it? I'm worried that dipping plastic frame may make it less durable.

[pixelpusher]

It’s quite resilient from what I’ve experienced. There is a hard protective coating applied on top of the graphic.  I don’t know if he’s currently taking commissions, since it’s been a while, but if you want his info just send me a PM here.

[Findecanor]

I don't know about this specific coating, but I've been able to scrape/rub off sticky rubberised coating from old equipment with the help of some turpentine. Was a bit of work though.

For powdercoating, the item needs to have an electric charge, so first it would need to be spray-painted with conductive paint. I would be careful about the thickness of the paint and coating messing with tolerances.

[phinix]

It’s quite resilient from what I’ve experienced. There is a hard protective coating applied on top of the graphic.  I don’t know if he’s currently taking commissions, since it’s been a while, but if you want his info just send me a PM here.

Thanks, but I'm in Scotland, I need to find some local service to do that.
I tried to paint one myself 12 years ago, but it wasn't result I wanted

[pixelpusher]

It’s quite resilient from what I’ve experienced. There is a hard protective coating applied on top of the graphic.  I don’t know if he’s currently taking commissions, since it’s been a while, but if you want his info just send me a PM here.

Thanks, but I'm in Scotland, I need to find some local service to do that.
I tried to paint one myself 12 years ago, but it wasn't result I wanted

also on the pricey end is the old cnc aluminum cases that were on AliExpress.  They are made for filcos but the rapid fire fit.  There will be two indicator light holes for no reason, but it’s an option 😀

[phinix]

It’s quite resilient from what I’ve experienced. There is a hard protective coating applied on top of the graphic.  I don’t know if he’s currently taking commissions, since it’s been a while, but if you want his info just send me a PM here.

Thanks, but I'm in Scotland, I need to find some local service to do that.
I tried to paint one myself 12 years ago, but it wasn't result I wanted

also on the pricey end is the old cnc aluminum cases that were on AliExpress.  They are made for filcos but the rapid fire fit.  There will be two indicator light holes for no reason, but it’s an option 😀

oh, you're right, those weird ones, I remember, peeps were buyng them for Filco tkl.

Question is - can Filco case be used for QFR? That would be cooool!

[pixelpusher]

I have a few CM boards but not that one or I would test for you

I do see in this old thread that it would probably work, but you wouldn't be able to put the screw in, because it's offset on the QFR vs. centered on Filco.  So you would set the assembly in the bottom of the case and clip the top on, but it wouldn't be screwed together. 

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=23753.0

The metal cases get around this because they screw the assembly to the top 1/2 of the case. 

[phinix]

I have a few CM boards but not that one or I would test for you

I do see in this old thread that it would probably work, but you wouldn't be able to put the screw in, because it's offset on the QFR vs. centered on Filco.  So you would set the assembly in the bottom of the case and clip the top on, but it wouldn't be screwed together. 

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=23753.0

The metal cases get around this because they screw the assembly to the top 1/2 of the case.

Right. Question is, would clipping case together be enough to hold pcb steady inside?