small caseless keybord sugestions

[loki993]

As I was coming into work today I was thinking Ill need a keyboard for here, cant have a mechanical at home and nothing here at work now can I.

What it would have to be is small to be easily transportable. I like the caseless idea, just the switches on a pcb or plate with that directly mounted to something underneath a piece of acrylic or something like that. Im not sure what that would do to the stability of the keys nor if its even possible honestly. I was originally thinking something custom, I dont mind tinkering and it may be a fun project. The more I look though it seems you can just pull existing keyboards out of their cases and run them caseless...are there any ill effects to doing that? Maybe just a simple poker II and pull the case off is all Im looking for.

It seems that it may be easier to get something existing and mod it than start a whole thing from scratch. The GH60 may have been a candidate but it seems that GB is closed form the time being so thats out too I think. 

[CPTBadAss]

JD40/Smallfry?

[Firebolt1914]

If you're going for the JD40/Smallfry board, you have to act fast; there's <10 left.

Here is a link to the groupbuy: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59203.0

[loki993]

Thats definitely along the lines of what I'm looking for maybe something with some more keys but honestly thats a bit more then I'm looking to spend on this.

[evolveS]

The more I look though it seems you can just pull existing keyboards out of their cases and run them caseless...are there any ill effects to doing that? Maybe just a simple poker II and pull the case off is all Im looking for.

One of my PokerX boards is running caseless right now at home. Because of the circuitry on the back and the soldering points the surface is very uneven, sensitive to static electricity, and can scratch up your desk in serious typing sessions.

I wouldn't recommend the approach. You're much better off having a small board with a case that you can throw in a bag.

[loki993]

The more I look though it seems you can just pull existing keyboards out of their cases and run them caseless...are there any ill effects to doing that? Maybe just a simple poker II and pull the case off is all Im looking for.

One of my PokerX boards is running caseless right now at home. Because of the circuitry on the back and the soldering points the surface is very uneven, sensitive to static electricity, and can scratch up your desk in serious typing sessions.

I wouldn't recommend the approach. You're much better off having a small board with a case that you can throw in a bag.

Right but once I remove it from the case what I would want to do is mount the pcb/plate into a piece of acrylic or something....maybe just top mounted with standoffs or with a bit of a recess in it so the pcb goes in but the switches are still exposed.

[jdcarpe]

The more I look though it seems you can just pull existing keyboards out of their cases and run them caseless...are there any ill effects to doing that? Maybe just a simple poker II and pull the case off is all Im looking for.

One of my PokerX boards is running caseless right now at home. Because of the circuitry on the back and the soldering points the surface is very uneven, sensitive to static electricity, and can scratch up your desk in serious typing sessions.

I wouldn't recommend the approach. You're much better off having a small board with a case that you can throw in a bag.

Right but once I remove it from the case what I would want to do is mount the pcb/plate into a piece of acrylic or something....maybe just top mounted with standoffs or with a bit of a recess in it so the pcb goes in but the switches are still exposed.

If you get a Poker or similar, with the ABS plastic case, you could always cut the sides off the case and leave the bottom with mounting standoffs to mount it on. Someone did this once, but I can't remember now who it was.

Edit: It was dave23. http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35152.msg943505#msg943505

[evolveS]

The more I look though it seems you can just pull existing keyboards out of their cases and run them caseless...are there any ill effects to doing that? Maybe just a simple poker II and pull the case off is all Im looking for.

One of my PokerX boards is running caseless right now at home. Because of the circuitry on the back and the soldering points the surface is very uneven, sensitive to static electricity, and can scratch up your desk in serious typing sessions.

I wouldn't recommend the approach. You're much better off having a small board with a case that you can throw in a bag.

Right but once I remove it from the case what I would want to do is mount the pcb/plate into a piece of acrylic or something....maybe just top mounted with standoffs or with a bit of a recess in it so the pcb goes in but the switches are still exposed.

Right then. That would work fine, if it were me I'd only be worried about having the underside of a keycap or the PCB catch on the inside of whatever I was using to carry it.

[loki993]

If you get a Poker or similar, with the ABS plastic case, you could always cut the sides off the case and leave the bottom with mounting standoffs to mount it on. Someone did this once, but I can't remember now who it was.

Edit: It was dave23. http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35152.msg943505#msg943505

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That looks pretty close to whats Im looking to do.....could work

Right then. That would work fine, if it were me I'd only be worried about having the underside of a keycap or the PCB catch on the inside of whatever I was using to carry it.

Yeah I suppose that could be a problem.....

[mashby]

Swill has been designing some minimal cases as well. You can check them out here.

[qwack]

I've given a try at this design, as I was not satisfied with the stock Pure Pro case, and it's quite easy to make this kind of minimal "case". You can use 3 mm acrylic, and you'll need something to act as a cushion so as not to crush the components between the PCB and the bottom place (I used leftovers fom a 2 mm silicone sheet).







The acrylic plates does not go all the way to the edges so as to avoid the "triple sandwich" look on the sides. I made a few crude cuts for the USB out and the DIP switch, a few holes for the screws and used bolts to secure the keyboard on the plate. The feet are just bumpon material and I used acrylic leftovers to raise slightly the keyboard on the back. Total cost, less than $10. I have a better version in the works made out of aluminium, but since this proto works well I'm not in a rush to do it.

[Oobly]

The stock Poker II case is pretty minimal, so you're not gaining much by removing it.

I'd probably just trim the tops of the edges down to be flush with the plate edge. I like low profile cases. Gives a nice "solid" look to it if the plate and case are the same colour and would still protect everything properly.

[loki993]

Swill has been designing some minimal cases as well. You can check them out here.

That could definitely work Ill keep an eye on that looks like hes close. Too bad the smallfry is so expensive because that plus one of his cases would pretty much be perfect for what Im looking for. 

I've given a try at this design, as I was not satisfied with the stock Pure Pro case, and it's quite easy to make this kind of minimal "case". You can use 3 mm acrylic, and you'll need something to act as a cushion so as not to crush the components between the PCB and the bottom place (I used leftovers fom a 2 mm silicone sheet).

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The acrylic plates does not go all the way to the edges so as to avoid the "triple sandwich" look on the sides. I made a few crude cuts for the USB out and the DIP switch, a few holes for the screws and used bolts to secure the keyboard on the plate. The feet are just bumpon material and I used acrylic leftovers to raise slightly the keyboard on the back. Total cost, less than $10. I have a better version in the works made out of aluminium, but since this proto works well I'm not in a rush to do it.

you know Im pretty sure there is a 1/4 or 1/2 in piece of acrylic at my dads house Ive been looking for something to use it for. Wish I had access to a milling machine so I could make an indentation for a PCB.

The stock Poker II case is pretty minimal, so you're not gaining much by removing it.

I'd probably just trim the tops of the edges down to be flush with the plate edge. I like low profile cases. Gives a nice "solid" look to it if the plate and case are the same colour and would still protect everything properly.

I guess Ill find out when my poker gets here. I got one form the massdrop so its going to be a while. 

[fohat.digs]

Why not just man up and make a large steel caseless keyboard?

[qwack]

But then portability might be a problem 

[heedpantsnow]

Cool!  Why don't you use a piece of 2mil carbon fiber for the bottom plate?  Lighter and stronger than acrylic. I'd love to help you if you go that route. You can check out my custom carbon fiber case in my sig if you like. Pretty minimalist and might interest you.

[fohat.digs]

But then portability might be a problem 

You can't see it, but there is actually a handle in the back. I need to update my guide.

[loki993]

Why not just man up and make a large steel caseless keyboard?

Pretty much the opposite of what Im looking for lol. Pretty cool though I like the extra buttons how did you make all that work?

[berserkfan]

To avoid static electricity and still protect components, what can we use as the bottom for minimal keyboards like these?

I'm thinking of trying out packing foam (which I have a lot of) or styrofoam, which I also have a lot of. And it so happens I don't have silicon sheets like the OP. Are these foam options capable of generating static electricity? Do you guys anticipate any problems from these?

[Sent]

GON Skinny might be another option for you.

I miss mine.

[plainbriny]

caseless ergodox, but it's not small

[fohat.digs]

Pretty cool though I like the extra buttons how did you make all that work?

I did some minor grinding and adding (USB ports at upper left), painted it all pebbled black, and left the top case shell off.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.msg1338079#msg1338079

[loki993]

To avoid static electricity and still protect components, what can we use as the bottom for minimal keyboards like these?

I'm thinking of trying out packing foam (which I have a lot of) or styrofoam, which I also have a lot of. And it so happens I don't have silicon sheets like the OP. Are these foam options capable of generating static electricity? Do you guys anticipate any problems from these?

Wouldn't we just need a way to ground to board and once you plug it in isnt it grounded then? Also doesn't styrofoam create static electricity? Maybe totally offbase but I would think a rubber mat or something may be all thats needed. Are we keeping ESD from the computer or the keyboard?

Pretty cool though I like the extra buttons how did you make all that work?

I did some minor grinding and adding (USB ports at upper left), painted it all pebbled black, and left the top case shell off.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.msg1338079#msg1338079

So it came with all those extra buttons...cool...nice work.

 

GON Skinny might be another option for you.

I miss mine.

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That is pretty nice.

[fohat.digs]

a rubber mat or something may be all thats needed.

Exactly what I would say !

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59308.0

[dorkvader]

To avoid static electricity and still protect components, what can we use as the bottom for minimal keyboards like these?

I'm thinking of trying out packing foam (which I have a lot of) or styrofoam, which I also have a lot of. And it so happens I don't have silicon sheets like the OP. Are these foam options capable of generating static electricity? Do you guys anticipate any problems from these?

I will be using a sheet of EPDM between one of my upcoming KB builds and the aluminium bar stock it'll be bolted to.

It's used in roofing apparantly, and should be available for pretty cheap.

[fohat.digs]

It's used in roofing apparantly, and should be available for pretty cheap.

The supplier that we use sells only huge rolls that require multiple strong men to lift and start at around $600. The whole idea is that you cover the entire roof with as few seams as possible (eg 20-30 pieces to cover an entire Wal-Mart). But yes, hundreds of keyboard mats could be cut from one piece!

I understand that you can buy small cut quantities of much thinner (<half) and inferior material at hardware/gardening stores sold as "pond liner" material.

[Melvang]

Here's my two cents.  JD40 plate, get screws of different lengths for front and back feet, make sure they are fully threaded, they will fit through the holes in the corner of the plate where it would bolt to the bottom plate, insert bolt, run nut to the plate, put plasti-dipped acorn nuts on the bottom of the screws.

[berserkfan]

It's used in roofing apparantly, and should be available for pretty cheap.

The supplier that we use sells only huge rolls that require multiple strong men to lift and start at around $600. The whole idea is that you cover the entire roof with as few seams as possible (eg 20-30 pieces to cover an entire Wal-Mart). But yes, hundreds of keyboard mats could be cut from one piece!

I understand that you can buy small cut quantities of much thinner (<half) and inferior material at hardware/gardening stores sold as "pond liner" material.

For those in the US I think Fohat's option is already excellent.

Me, I'll not only have to pay far more shipping for this heavy thing; the appearance also leaves much to be desired.

And rubber deteriorates in this climate, so I don't have many good options either. I am thinking of gluing plastic legs to my keyboard. Is it ok to put hot glue on the bottom of the PCB where there are components, contacts, solder joints and stuff?

[fohat.digs]

the appearance also leaves much to be desired.

Depending on how it is cut, it is usually not visible anyway.

I would make some sort of cradle affair in preference to possibly damaging a PCB.