Just as the title says.
Hi,
My name is David, and I'm a student. I'm also newly-found keyboard enthusiast. I recently stumbled across a HHKB type-s jp (see:
http://imgur.com/EDwJuX9) and I fell in love. as such, I wanted to make my keyboard as perfect as possible, and I think that while the off-white abs plastic case provides a nice classic look, I find the stock vertical difference between the rows to be less-than ideal.
I'm playing around with a few designs in my head. These include (but are certainly not limited to): Purple Heart wood that I'll make a nice dark purple using a UV-light treatment, Wooden plate fastened at a slightly DOWNWARD tilting angle-- I was also planning on having the plate attached to the case in such a way that optimizes resonance. The reason being? Wood. In addition to its natural, timeless, and robust qualities..I hate the plasticy, rattling sounds that almost every keyboard makes, and I want to go to every effort necessary to eradicate that. I will have thought over every cubic inch of this one-of-a-kind case. Additionally, I plan on possibly having other wood options included, possible zebra wood, snake wood, birds-eye maple, paudauk, or my favorite aromatic cedar! I was even thinking of making part of the plate out of this, or at least adding a thin, vinear-like layer. The reason for this one? Your keyboard will smell AMAZING. If you haven't had the luxury of smelling, say, an aromatic cedar-lined chest or jewelry box.. then you are missing out. Im still thinking of options for feet, overall case design (my board is a jp, however I would like to have the option for standard HHKB layout as well, of course). If I had more time I would share some more of my ideas.. but I don't want to reveal them all yet.
Still thinking about feet, custom milled metal plate, exotic inlays and much more.
To my limited knowledge, this would be one of the only aftermarket HHKB cases ever produced... and the ONLY aftermarket HHKB case produced for custom order (and WOOD).
Being each case will have my blood, sweat, tears, and hours of work poured into it, not to mention coordinating interest among buyers and locating a reliable supply source that can tailor to a customizable interest. That said, I'll be home from college on winter break in just a couple of weeks. I plan to do a prototype case(es) featuring a lot of the designs I have in mind. I'll have access to 2 fully-equipped woodworking shops, and I have a buddy who is the manager of engineers at an aerospace engineering/parts lab... with this comes the potential for many features...including the aforementioned metal plate AND case. I'm looking for exact blueprints of both the HHKB and HHKB jp layouts (not sure if/how type-s in each of these variants would differ), and any help would be appreciated.
All of which I have discussed above is quick sample of the plans I have to bring the term ENDGAME a new meaning. The HHKB community has been deprived of customization for too long.. I want to bring my ideas to life and offer others the chance to own a timeless case which aims to fill current stock production shortcomings. PLEASE let me know if this sounds like something you guys would be interested in purchasing. Also please share any information about the board you think may be of use to my endeavors, as well as suggestions for what you would like to have specifically. I'm also open to producing one-off cases for some fully-pocketed folks. Ex: currently in talks to produe a custom bird's eye ATREUS keyboard case. Being a custom made project, that will require each working be done by hand and with precision, these are likely to be on the more expensive side. But in my opinion, such a timeless and exclusive piece that brings your topre keyboard to it's crescendo is well worthy of warranting a bit more cash.
I plan to have these cases done by mid Jan-before I return to school. The number of which is largely undecided considering I have the variables of lumber selection and supply, purchase interest, design, etc. to consider. I'm open to producing anywhere from just a few cases for myself, 5 for a select bunch who want customization until the end of days, 50 for the cult, or 200+ for the revolution.
Experience: 5 years high-school shop class (2nd place in the state competition for a desk my dad wanted me to make him lol, i'll post pics later to showcase some of my skill in the 2nd or 3rd year of woodworking) 2 of which I spent teaching, intermittent carpentry.
Let's get this thing going. no more failed/bailed drops by vendors... I really want this thing to be a godcase. endgame in a box, if you will. I realize that my timeline leaves little time for waste, but I do have a few connections that may help the process along. Again, if anybody is willing to help me on this, it would be much appreciated and I'd definitely consider it. In any case (pun intended) if I don't finish all the custom spec'd boards by mid-jan's return to school, I wood-finish (oh god) them at a later date if you would be willing to wait, or refund your purchase until you're ready to order again
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Post your ideas below... sorry for the rambling
Thanks,
David