Custom CNC Case for HHKB Pro 2

[Index]

Hi all,

I just received my HHKB Pro 2 (dark grey, w/ printed keycaps) about 3 days ago. I love this keyboard. The one thing that bothers me is that it doesn't seem very durable. So, I was wondering if a CNC milled case for the HHKB Pro 2 would be a good idea.

Basically, the entire case would be replaced. The only thing that would be left over from the original HHKB Pro 2 are:

- PCB
- Microcontroller + USB Hub
- Rubber Domes
- Capacitive Springs
- Plungers

What do you guys think? And if this is a good idea, where would I start?

[TheProfosist]

i think it would be great (as long as the case was near the same) but i would probably wait until my warranty is up before doing it.

koreans have done one off keyboards... here and here and here

[HaveANiceDay]

It's not that hard to make one. It's the price that's the deal breaker. Be prepared to pay the same or more just for a CNC milled case as you payed for the HHKB.

[Index]

Assuming im willing to spend around $300 for the case. Would I have to redraw the specifications/dimensions of the case in some sort of modeling program? To me, that seems a bit hard. Or is there an easier way?

[alaricljs]

You would need to either pay someone to create the necessary file(s) or you would need to create them using some form of CAD.  The fun part is that you need the output to get a quote, and frequently you need different output for different shops.

Lots O fun!   However, there are format converters and a good place to start is Google SketchUp.

MeshLab is the free converter I know of.

[noodles256]

new members and their ambitions. goshhh

[Index]

My girlfriend is korean.

[Index]

Doesn't have any experience, and I'll ask her for the recipe.

For the CNC files, anyone know where I should start? Besides, Google.

[alaricljs]

I would suggest starting by narrowing the field of output formats by finding a couple CNC shops.  If you're doing on-line, emachineshop is a possibility.  They have their own design tool, but they accept other formats as well.

Then figure out the cheapest/easiest way to make output in the format accepted by those shops.

Then start designing.

[HaveANiceDay]

Sticking to Autocad formats is a safe bet, pretty much all serious shops should accept it.

[Index]

Oh man, if I have to do the modeling myself, then it's going to take weeks.

I wonder if someone has already done this for the HHKB Pro 2, or perhaps I could contact PFU and see if they can/would supply the files?

Ripster, the HHKB in the picture u submitted, is it a Pro 2?

[The Solutor]

A solid external with a soft heart...

Looks like the ads of an icecream :happy:

[rodya]

Oh man, if I have to do the modeling myself, then it's going to take weeks.

But that's the fun bit!  Even if it takes a long time, you'll have the satisfaction of the learning and experience of doing it yourself.

[cactux]

You need detail drawings (tolerances, aluminum type, harnesses, screw type, lengths, etc). no Drawings no CNC that simple.

I do not think you are going to find them using google ;-)

i think it would be great (as long as the case was near the same) but i would probably wait until my warranty is up before doing it.

koreans have done one off keyboards... here and here and here

Those are completely different boards. Is like comparing a GM truck and a FORD focus. Both are vehicles but 2 different vehicles.

[cactux]

i think it would be great (as long as the case was near the same) but i would probably wait until my warranty is up before doing it.

koreans have done one off keyboards... here and here and here

those are completely different boards. Is like comparing a GM truck and a FORD focus. Both are vehicles but 2 different vehicles

[Index]

Well, I guess I have to start doing the design then. This should be a good learning experience.

[HaveANiceDay]

You need detail drawings (tolerances, aluminum type, harnesses, screw type, lengths, etc). no Drawings no CNC that simple.

I do not think you are going to find them using google ;-)



Those are completely different boards. Is like comparing a GM truck and a FORD focus. Both are vehicles but 2 different vehicles.

Not a lot is required to make a custom case. The most important thing is to measure the PCB and see how it's attached to the case. Then build the case around those limits.

[Input Nirvana]

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 22993[/ATTACH]
WOW.
UBER TRICK.

I've thought of having the Kinesis bowl switch mounting plate milled, then use wood key caps and have spider leg wire frame with everything exposed. May look good, may be an abortion.

[cactux]

Not a lot is required to make a custom case. The most important thing is to measure the PCB and see how it's attached to the case. Then build the case around those limits.

You need good drawing in order to get some quotes and find out which machine shop is capable to do the best job. Without good drawing, you are the only responsible for the end result. Normally the a professional Machine shops  will not provide you a quote if you provide bad drawings (because is a risk for them).

If you or one of your friends own a CNC and you just want to play around and do some try and error you do not need anything ;-)

[HaveANiceDay]

I don't understand what you mean by bad drawings. The file that you output is either valid or a total ****storm, obviously you want to have a valid file that's appropriate for the desired manufacturing process.

[cactux]

I don't understand what you mean by bad drawings. The file that you output is either valid or a total ****storm, obviously you want to have a valid file that's appropriate for the desired manufacturing process.

The good drawings must have at least: Dimensions, Coherent Set of Tolerances, material, material harnesses, screw thread type,  etc. This is the basic kind of information the most of the drawing must have.

[skwan]

Don't forget the hhkb hg is made of metal too may want to check out the design there, though I seriously have no clue how to get access to one even just so that I can brag about being in the same room as one, I remember pfu was having a open house a few weeks ago to let people test out the topre/ type s, and there was the hg japan there

[Rally Man]

The good drawings must have at least: Dimensions, Coherent Set of Tolerances, material, material harnesses, screw thread type,  etc. This is the basic kind of information the most of the drawing must have.

Not if you go with 3D printing.  I made this for my wife a weeks ago...



Made this for my wife a few weeks ago.  This is made out of silver and I thought it turned out good.  I used Shapeways for the manufacturing.  There's different materials you can chose from if you don't want it out of silver :-p.  But be prepared to pay a bit plus it still will have some ridges like you see on the bracelet, but you could always sand it.  BTW, I used Solidworks to render and submit the file.