[IC] HHKB Style 60% Case

[Dotdash32]

HHKB Style 60% Case

Update: Way too long later, are there 6u HHKB style options?

Basically, there have been a lot of other MX HHKB options that have come out lately, but Ideus posted recently saying there aren't as many 6u variants.  I've been out of the keyboard case game, starting college, and I am wondering if there is interest in 6u or 7u versions of MX HHKB/WKL 60% cases. 

Vote here!



For Poker Mount Style Keyboards



New and super overdue update!

I've been in contact with Massdrop, and the group buy will probably go throught them.  So the quantity caps I was talking about probably won't exist, and it should be a higher quality project than a high schooler can machine.  I'll try to post before it goes up, so you all can hop on the drop.  Thank you all so much for supporting the idea through this long process!

Update that should have happened to the OP a long time ago:

At this point, the prototype is pretty much done, and I'm gearing up for a GB.  The case has evolved to be either HHKB or Winkeyless 60% style, with either an acrylic or aluminum bottom plate. 
Several different powder coating colors are in the mail for testing, and I'll post an update with those different colors.  Right now, it's looking like some red, black, purple, green, orange, blue, and white colors will be options.

One of my big goals with this is to run the production myself, both because I want the experience of working with a machine, and it lets me control the costs more and keep it cheap.  But because of my limited access to machines and their small power, I'm going to be putting a limit on the GB so I don't over promise.  More on that later.

The keys all actuate, and the case uses the standard hole pattern of a Poker.  PCB's are available from several locations.  A plate with either a universal switch mounting pattern or HHKB or winkeyless specific will work. 

Old OP
A Prototype of the case, with some feeback from this redddit thread https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/40w0uk/interest_check_hhkb_style_60_case/.  The goal is to provide a case with similar "lips" to the HHKB.  These cases are designed to have support for standard Poker mounting holes and PCB's, with special compability for the HHKB key cap layout.

The original prototype album is here http://imgur.com/a/s4LKN.  A few changes were made, specifically to make the case more square.  All the colorizations are for ease of part differentiation, and are should be customizable on the final product.  The bottom will either be a sheet of aluminum or acrylic, depending on the desire for case lighting.

Some more pictures:
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" alt="" class="bbc_img" />
" alt="" class="bbc_img" />
" alt="" class="bbc_img" />

This is a relavitly new idea, I got it while talking to dignityhole on reddit.  He suggested a case that had the lips and aesthetics of the HHKB, and I thought it would be fun to design it.  I popped it up on reddit, and was recommended to come here.  Thoughts?

[Latin00032]

This looks really cool. Want!

[switchnollie]

Any chance of a non HHKB version with winkey blockers?

Like this but only the 60% part.



I'd be down for HHKB style as well tho.

[Dotdash32]

I can do other layouts as well.  If you can get me a KLE link, I can start to work on it.  The layout should be pretty similar, and about the same cost too.

[dgneo]

Digging this case for sure, would love something like this!

[Moistgun]

Id be interested if the price issssss right

[kiwi99]

Does the case have any angle to it or is it just a square?
I'd suggest you give it some slant and cut down size however you can but its a great start

[Dotdash32]

The case will probably have holes for feet on the bottom.  Making a slant is a lot more work, and the machines I have access to for prototyping don't have good 4/5th axes.
The size is actually probably a bit under, it gives almost no space around the keys (snug up against the .75" spacing for the walls) and there isn't much else.  There isn't that much more to remove.

[switchnollie]

If you can get me a KLE link,

Sorry, I'm not really sure what that means ahah

[Dotdash32]

Sorry, Keyboard-layout-editor.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/

[switchnollie]

Yeah like this?

http://bit.ly/1P4PGmC

[dndlmx]

A whole case I dunno, but some HHKB layout plates would be sweet.

[livingspeedbump]

Following. Would definitely buy.

[Dotdash32]

Switchnollie:

" alt="" class="bbc_img" />

Here is the prototype of the Winkeyless case.  Compatible with the same bottom case, so that should help MOQ's.

Two follow up questions about plates:
1. 6u or 7u for the HHKB style layout?  There are some 6u spacebars out there, but not a lot.  It looks like a couple other buys are doing it for 7u.
2. Is there an interest for plates at the same time?  I can get some water jet, but PCB's are another matter.  My experience is in mostly mechanic/machining work, and LeandreN has got a great system for the plates/PCB's anyway.

[dndlmx]

I'd be interested in a 6u plate.

[livingspeedbump]

Switchnollie:

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

Here is the prototype of the Winkeyless case.  Compatible with the same bottom case, so that should help MOQ's.

Two follow up questions about plates:
1. 6u or 7u for the HHKB style layout?  There are some 6u spacebars out there, but not a lot.  It looks like a couple other buys are doing it for 7u.
2. Is there an interest for plates at the same time?  I can get some water jet, but PCB's are another matter.  My experience is in mostly mechanic/machining work, and LeandreN has got a great system for the plates/PCB's anyway.

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

[Dotdash32]

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

I can see your point, 6.25u is easier.  I don't use a 60% without the bottom row all that much, and haven't been able to experience the pain of searching for 6u spacebars.

Yes, it is a case with blockers over areas without keys.  The original goal of the project was to fulfill that niche that has those gaps, I'm not really sure if a version without the blockers justifies the complexity of the case.  At this point, it would be rather expensive, and does not seem to do something that existing 60% cases don't already.  There are several other aluminum cases out there, and most (if not all) are one piece, not this roundabout two part construction.  That said, most metal cases probably don't support case lighting, and powder coating is the likely finish for these.  I haven't seen that many powder coated cases.  Is that a concern for people?

[dndlmx]

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

[livingspeedbump]

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

I can see your point, 6.25u is easier.  I don't use a 60% without the bottom row all that much, and haven't been able to experience the pain of searching for 6u spacebars.

Yes, it is a case with blockers over areas without keys.  The original goal of the project was to fulfill that niche that has those gaps, I'm not really sure if a version without the blockers justifies the complexity of the case.  At this point, it would be rather expensive, and does not seem to do something that existing 60% cases don't already.  There are several other aluminum cases out there, and most (if not all) are one piece, not this roundabout two part construction.  That said, most metal cases probably don't support case lighting, and powder coating is the likely finish for these.  I haven't seen that many powder coated cases.  Is that a concern for people?

Ok, good to know.

And yeah, if making a standard case isnt viable, then by all means don't go that route. it isn't like there aren't a ton of choices already for 60% cases, it was just a suggestion if the price and work load were right.

But I do think having that 6.25 space, the 2.5u spacing on either side of it (users can configure 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25 OR 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1, depending on their own preferences), these are the most common and will allow people to use the sets they want. Obviously the Winkeyless should be just as you already seem to have it!

[Dotdash32]

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

I can see your point, 6.25u is easier.  I don't use a 60% without the bottom row all that much, and haven't been able to experience the pain of searching for 6u spacebars.

Yes, it is a case with blockers over areas without keys.  The original goal of the project was to fulfill that niche that has those gaps, I'm not really sure if a version without the blockers justifies the complexity of the case.  At this point, it would be rather expensive, and does not seem to do something that existing 60% cases don't already.  There are several other aluminum cases out there, and most (if not all) are one piece, not this roundabout two part construction.  That said, most metal cases probably don't support case lighting, and powder coating is the likely finish for these.  I haven't seen that many powder coated cases.  Is that a concern for people?

Ok, good to know.

And yeah, if making a standard case isnt viable, then by all means don't go that route. it isn't like there aren't a ton of choices already for 60% cases, it was just a suggestion if the price and work load were right.

But I do think having that 6.25 space, the 2.5u spacing on either side of it (users can configure 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25 OR 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1, depending on their own preferences), these are the most common and will allow people to use the sets they want. Obviously the Winkeyless should be just as you already seem to have it!

I can do the case, the geometry project works out pretty quickly.  If it works out right, the tooling/machine pathing will be the same for the bottom half of the cases, so the other part in multiple variations should be doable.

I was messing with the KLE link, and 2.5u spacing doesn't quite fit on either side.  After the 6.25u spacebar and ~4 x 1.25u mods, there is only 3.75u left over.  I looked at the Spirit PCB on mk.com, but I can't find an exact keymap of what is supported.  Is the spacebar just in the same location as it is normally?  That would give it a shift over slightly.

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

I think the SPirit FaceW does, but I'm not 100% sure.  LeandreN also has a GB/IC thread for a similar layout, just without this case style.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=77342

[braidn]

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

I can see your point, 6.25u is easier.  I don't use a 60% without the bottom row all that much, and haven't been able to experience the pain of searching for 6u spacebars.

Yes, it is a case with blockers over areas without keys.  The original goal of the project was to fulfill that niche that has those gaps, I'm not really sure if a version without the blockers justifies the complexity of the case.  At this point, it would be rather expensive, and does not seem to do something that existing 60% cases don't already.  There are several other aluminum cases out there, and most (if not all) are one piece, not this roundabout two part construction.  That said, most metal cases probably don't support case lighting, and powder coating is the likely finish for these.  I haven't seen that many powder coated cases.  Is that a concern for people?

Ok, good to know.

And yeah, if making a standard case isnt viable, then by all means don't go that route. it isn't like there aren't a ton of choices already for 60% cases, it was just a suggestion if the price and work load were right.

But I do think having that 6.25 space, the 2.5u spacing on either side of it (users can configure 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25 OR 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1, depending on their own preferences), these are the most common and will allow people to use the sets they want. Obviously the Winkeyless should be just as you already seem to have it!

I can do the case, the geometry project works out pretty quickly.  If it works out right, the tooling/machine pathing will be the same for the bottom half of the cases, so the other part in multiple variations should be doable.

I was messing with the KLE link, and 2.5u spacing doesn't quite fit on either side.  After the 6.25u spacebar and ~4 x 1.25u mods, there is only 3.75u left over.  I looked at the Spirit PCB on mk.com, but I can't find an exact keymap of what is supported.  Is the spacebar just in the same location as it is normally?  That would give it a shift over slightly.

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

I think the SPirit FaceW does, but I'm not 100% sure.  LeandreN also has a GB/IC thread for a similar layout, just without this case style.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=77342

LeandreN's GB/IC is for a 7u spacebar though. Are we thinking of making this both winkeyless + hhkb or just hhkb?

[Dotdash32]

I would definitely not make it 6u for the HHKB. While it would be good to cater to the rest of the HHKB layout, making the 6u would kind of negate the whole point of building an MX board in HHKB fashion, because then none of those keycap sets would fit on it either. Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

7u could look a little out of place. I would accomodate for what the popular PCBs out there can handle, SPRiT, Sentrant, etc.

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

As I understand it, this is a case made to fit most 60% keyboards out there, with blockers just allowing the keyboard to look more complete than many builds look now with either PCB showing through the plate, or a simple plate covering the PCB. Right?

Finally, if that is the case, I feel like it would be an obvious addition to simply make a standard 60% case option with no blockers just so people can get a nice case for their existing 60%'s.

I can see your point, 6.25u is easier.  I don't use a 60% without the bottom row all that much, and haven't been able to experience the pain of searching for 6u spacebars.

Yes, it is a case with blockers over areas without keys.  The original goal of the project was to fulfill that niche that has those gaps, I'm not really sure if a version without the blockers justifies the complexity of the case.  At this point, it would be rather expensive, and does not seem to do something that existing 60% cases don't already.  There are several other aluminum cases out there, and most (if not all) are one piece, not this roundabout two part construction.  That said, most metal cases probably don't support case lighting, and powder coating is the likely finish for these.  I haven't seen that many powder coated cases.  Is that a concern for people?

Ok, good to know.

And yeah, if making a standard case isnt viable, then by all means don't go that route. it isn't like there aren't a ton of choices already for 60% cases, it was just a suggestion if the price and work load were right.

But I do think having that 6.25 space, the 2.5u spacing on either side of it (users can configure 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25 OR 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1, depending on their own preferences), these are the most common and will allow people to use the sets they want. Obviously the Winkeyless should be just as you already seem to have it!

I can do the case, the geometry project works out pretty quickly.  If it works out right, the tooling/machine pathing will be the same for the bottom half of the cases, so the other part in multiple variations should be doable.

I was messing with the KLE link, and 2.5u spacing doesn't quite fit on either side.  After the 6.25u spacebar and ~4 x 1.25u mods, there is only 3.75u left over.  I looked at the Spirit PCB on mk.com, but I can't find an exact keymap of what is supported.  Is the spacebar just in the same location as it is normally?  That would give it a shift over slightly.

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

I think the SPirit FaceW does, but I'm not 100% sure.  LeandreN also has a GB/IC thread for a similar layout, just without this case style.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=77342

LeandreN's GB/IC is for a 7u spacebar though. Are we thinking of making this both winkeyless + hhkb or just hhkb?

I have designs for HHKB and winkeyless at this point, I don't think both blockers can be supported on the same case.  As it is, it should be possible to do both, depending on how many people want the winkeyless.  The bottom part of the case and half of the top case would have the same machining, so only the top halves have to have different paths.

[FoC_Tow]

Diggin dat Case! 

+1, Want! 

[briancvrrbs]

Would definitely be interested in this case! However, are those 4 little ears on the sides of the case going to be there?

[Dotdash32]

Would definitely be interested in this case! However, are those 4 little ears on the sides of the case going to be there?

The little rounded corners from the imgur album will not be there.  I've edited the design to add metal around them, making the sides of the case one straight line.  There need to be screw holes for the two part case attachment, so the holes are still there, but the total width of the sides of the case increased.

[switchnollie]

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

I agree with this, mostly since I like PCB mount or acrylic plates but I'd like to see how much the case might be before thinking about other parts )

Plus Leandre has some nice one's already, might as well put your time into just a case first.

[Dotdash32]

As far as plates, there are a whole lot of options out there. I would concentrate on the case first, and just add them if they make sense to add price wise for you and buyers.

I agree with this, mostly since I like PCB mount or acrylic plates but I'd like to see how much the case might be before thinking about other parts )

Plus Leandre has some nice one's already, might as well put your time into just a case first.

Since the standard Poker mount is to the PCB, you don't have to use a plate.  Also, acrylic plates, with their increased thickness, wouldn't fit in the case without a spacer on the bottom.  It's the kind of thing that's easy to design and cut, but only if people are interested in it.

Also, Swillkb and "Project Geometry" are useful tools, so custom multi-layout plates shouldn't be impossible.  But why reinvent the wheel? ^{PCB's are much harder though}

[FrostyToast]

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

There isn't any PCB that allows for that; which is why I was confused when I read that reply.
7u is the only way to go.

[Dotdash32]

Ideal bottom row would probably 1, 1.5, 6.25, 1.5, 1

What PCB allows for that?

There isn't any PCB that allows for that; which is why I was confused when I read that reply.
7u is the only way to go.

I wasn't sure either, thanks for the confirmation to go 7u.  Should work out a lot better for both HHKB and Winkeyless styles.

[Dotdash32]

An update coming right up!

Did some prototyping this week, and got some interesting data. 
" alt="" class="bbc_img" />
Height comparison of different style of caps.  It looks like Cherry/OEMs are just a bit shorter than SP.  The height of the case will be adjusted for that.


Cutout tests for corner radii.  For CNCing, trying to find the largest possible radius, and a .125" endmill should work perfectly for every keycap I could test.  SP has the most "square caps," and need the most clearance.

" alt="" class="bbc_img" />
But I'm an idiot and didn't bring the keycaps for testing at the Laser cutter.  Cut something out with .25" corners, and the keycaps get stuck " alt="" class="bbc_img" /> on the sides.
I'll go back tomorrow and try the case out again with the smaller corners.  Got a real plate so the final measurements are getting close!

Also, the FaceW PCB does support 7u spacebars with both HHKB or Winkeyless mods.

[braidn]

Super excited, glad things are moving forward.

[alexjd99]

An update coming right up!

Did some prototyping this week, and got some interesting data. 

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

Height comparison of different style of caps.  It looks like Cherry/OEMs are just a bit shorter than SP.  The height of the case will be adjusted for that.

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

Cutout tests for corner radii.  For CNCing, trying to find the largest possible radius, and a .125" endmill should work perfectly for every keycap I could test.  SP has the most "square caps," and need the most clearance.

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

But I'm an idiot and didn't bring the keycaps for testing at the Laser cutter.  Cut something out with .25" corners, and the keycaps get stuck

Show Image

(Attachment Link) " alt="" class="bbc_img" />

on the sides.
I'll go back tomorrow and try the case out again with the smaller corners.  Got a real plate so the final measurements are getting close!

Also, the FaceW PCB does support 7u spacebars with both HHKB or Winkeyless mods.

Looking great  :thumb:

[profanum429]

I'd easily be down for one, most likely two of these in HHKB 1-1.5-7-1.5-1 format. Looks exciting!

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Would absolutely love to grab one of these for my next build! Did you account for the short R shift w/ FN key? Or did you just put a regular shift over that spot in the prototype because it's easier to do it that way ?

Also my only suggestion would be to minimize the amount of excess lip, height, and width. It'd help give it the portability we all seek for in these builds but maybe you could add a spot for a brass weight attachment on the underside to give it more weight for people who'd like that?

Also what about rounded corners?

[Diokhan]

Can't wait to see how this turns out. 
Planning to make hhkb layout with zealios.

[zhihuichan]

Just like kmac happy.

[bbrotha]

this would be great for the hhkb plates from LeandreN. I think 7u spacebars should be in order. 1u-1.5-7u-1.5-1u

[Dotdash32]

Would absolutely love to grab one of these for my next build! Did you account for the short R shift w/ FN key? Or did you just put a regular shift over that spot in the prototype because it's easier to do it that way ?

Also my only suggestion would be to minimize the amount of excess lip, height, and width. It'd help give it the portability we all seek for in these builds but maybe you could add a spot for a brass weight attachment on the underside to give it more weight for people who'd like that?

Also what about rounded corners?

The short right shift + fn key combo takes up the same amount of space as the normal shift.  I didn't have a spare 1.75 u key, so I made do with the longer one.  I have an Infinity, and the spacing is the same.

I'm also hoping to minimize the lip, but I didn't have all of my drawings when working on that prototype.  My primary goal with it was to define the internal contours, as those are going to be the most related to the functionality.

The bottom is likely going to be acrylic to let under case lights shine through, but it should be possible to have an option to make the whole bottom metal.  Adding a section for a removable brass weight is a little harder on a transparent material like plastic.  There are only going to be about 10 holes on the bottom, so CNC'ing out those holes for a weighted plate is totally doable.

Rounded external corners are a plan, I just focused on the internal contours, and didn't fillet the outsides.  The current plan is to give it around .125" to .25" corners.

Just like kmac happy.

Show Image

Show Image

I wasn't aware that this existed.  The person who inspired this on Reddit mentioned that he could not find any that had built in lips, and most people just used switch blockers.  At the same time, however, those are designed to work with a special plate that has tabs specifically for the case.  The plan with this case is to have it compatible with all Poker style plates and PCB's, without the need to buy a special plate along with the case.  This should allow more customization (if someone wanted a mostly ortholinear board with blockers perhaps).  It also changes the seam of the case to be lower down, and will have options to show under case lighting.

[zhihuichan]

At the same time, however, those are designed to work with a special plate that has tabs specifically for the case.  The plan with this case is to have it compatible with all Poker style plates and PCB's, without the need to buy a special plate along with the case. 



Kmac happy has full-size 60%pcb and plate.

[Dotdash32]

At the same time, however, those are designed to work with a special plate that has tabs specifically for the case.  The plan with this case is to have it compatible with all Poker style plates and PCB's, without the need to buy a special plate along with the case. 

Show Image

Kmac happy has full-size 60%pcb and plate.

I understand that, but that is one more thing for a GB to have to buy.  LeadreN has a great system going for PCB's and plates, and I have no desire to eat into his sector, nor to make this more complicated.  If it gets a lot of attention, those options may be added, but I have no intention of doing it now.

My goal is to make a case that is as compatible as possible, so that people who are modding their keyboards do not have to purchase a complete package.  If someone wanted an HHKB/Atomic crossover, this case would be compatible, but the KMAC is very limited.  It looks like a fine product, but are there current places to buy it?

[switchnollie]

At the same time, however, those are designed to work with a special plate that has tabs specifically for the case.  The plan with this case is to have it compatible with all Poker style plates and PCB's, without the need to buy a special plate along with the case. 

Show Image

Kmac happy has full-size 60%pcb and plate.

I think what he's trying to say is that he wants it to be like a TEX case for example.

You can put a Poker in & swap it with a V60 if you wanted since their plates have holes & no mounting notches on the sides.

For the KMAC case you can really only use it if you have that special plate with the side mount holes.

[grav3serker]

So this case would work with LeandreNs HHKB plates, yeah?

If so, I'm so in. Especially with an acrylic bottom. Yes please!

[xondat]

I've love to see this happen, but for me the case is looking way too bulky which is off putting for me.

[venyv]

I would love a aluminum case for my hhkb but they need to streamline the case.

[alexjd99]

I would love a aluminum case for my hhkb but they need to streamline the case.

This case isn't for the HHKB, just for HHKB layout boards

[Ludovician]

How much is one of these likely to cost? I'm interested but won't confirm that I will buy one yet.

I will also be getting an hhkb plate from LeandreN.

[nereme]

I would be up for one of these depending on the price

[Dotdash32]

How much is one of these likely to cost? I'm interested but won't confirm that I will buy one yet.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly how much it's going to cost at this point.  The software I use for estimation of machining time is based off of a personal CNC machine, which is much smaller than what I am hoping to use to make these.  There is a limit on the amount of material that can be removed (only about 6 in^3/min when very aggressive) on that machine, where other machines might reach anywhere from 10 to 20 in^3/min.  So at this point it is rather hard to say, I can get more information as the prototypes move along. 

Sorry I can't give a solid cost estimate right now, but I don't want to have to go back on it later.  However, there is a VERY good chance that it will be less than the solid aluminum HHKB (Topre) case.  I'm pretty certain that it will be less than those $400 ish, hopefully a lot more.  I would say the goal here is sub $150, but it will depend.

Thank you for following, I've got some time and measurements to put into the case very soon.

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

So the reason why the Topre aluminum case was so expensive wasn't because of the frame per-say, but actually due to the integration of the plate that is unique to the HHKB. Cutting and milling of something that intricate really pushed the price.

Since this case is literally just that - and doesn't include the plate in case, I'm sure it'll be much much closer to the ~100-ish range given previous cases sold on here.... I could be totally wrong though.

I do absolutely doubt that it would ever be anywhere near 400, let alone 250....

[Dotdash32]

So the reason why the Topre aluminum case was so expensive wasn't because of the frame per-say, but actually due to the integration of the plate that is unique to the HHKB. Cutting and milling of something that intricate really pushed the price.

Since this case is literally just that - and doesn't include the plate in case, I'm sure it'll be much much closer to the ~100-ish range given previous cases sold on here.... I could be totally wrong though.

I do absolutely doubt that it would ever be anywhere near 400, let alone 250....

Pretty much right on the nail. Looking at pictures of that case, it looked like they needed a 5+ axis machine, along with really small bits.  Small bits are a pain to use because the flutes don't allow for very good chip evacuation, and the feed rates become very slow.  And CAD/CAM'ing it would have also been a pain.

I have done some CAM work before, and am in contact with someone who has a very nice shop, so the program will be pretty optimized.  Not to bash on that HHKB case, but it was a massive undertaking that got very complicated from what I can see.