60% plates

[pixelpusher]

I've noticed that all 3 60% plates I've purchased in the past (1 off of ebay, and 2 from Sentraq) all seem to perfectly fit 60% PCBs.

However, I also have noticed that most aftermarket 60% cases are actually built around the dimensions of the Pok3r plate.  The plate on the Pok3r has about 1.5mm extra overhang on both the left and right edges.  Because of this, it fits like a glove in most aftermarket cases. Unfortunately, my custom builds with much cooler plates have a gap on both sides.  This isn't a huge issue if the case has taller sides, but for low profile/flush cases it looks a bit wonky.

Does anyone know of a source for plates that are closer in size to the Pok3r so my nice custom builds can have a nicer fit in aftermarket cases?

P.S  I highly recommend this case: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/gh60-poker-keyboard-wood-case-Black-walnut-Wood-Scented-RoseWood-GH60-case-rosewood-zebar-wood/32734682512.html  if you are looking for a wooden 60%.  It's awesome.

[kiwi99]

I think plates are designed around the pcb instead of the case dimensions because there is small variations in after market cases and the people selling those products want to be able to sell to the largest possible audience. Also so they don't have to deal with "my plate doesn't fix in X case".

That being said designing your own plate to get it machined is very easy these days with keyboard layout editor and swills plate building tool.

 Given that you have the case you want to use and something you can measure accurately with you should be able to generate a plate with a more "seamless" fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pixelpusher]

I think plates are designed around the pcb instead of the case dimensions because there is small variations in after market cases and the people selling those products want to be able to sell to the largest possible audience. Also so they don't have to deal with "my plate doesn't fix in X case".

That being said designing your own plate to get it machined is very easy these days with keyboard layout editor and swills plate building tool.

 Given that you have the case you want to use and something you can measure accurately with you should be able to generate a plate with a more "seamless" fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've looked into using the swill online tool, and I think I will at some point, but I'm wanting anodized aluminum for a particular color
I suppose I could have them cut me one and then paint it, but that seems like a lot of money to spend on something that might not have the best finish. 

[kiwi99]

I think plates are designed around the pcb instead of the case dimensions because there is small variations in after market cases and the people selling those products want to be able to sell to the largest possible audience. Also so they don't have to deal with "my plate doesn't fix in X case".

That being said designing your own plate to get it machined is very easy these days with keyboard layout editor and swills plate building tool.

 Given that you have the case you want to use and something you can measure accurately with you should be able to generate a plate with a more "seamless" fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've looked into using the swill online tool, and I think I will at some point, but I'm wanting anodized aluminum for a particular color
I suppose I could have them cut me one and then paint it, but that seems like a lot of money to spend on something that might not have the best finish.

That is true, there is a process I've seen some US users use called Cerakote I've seen used by members before as seen here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75786.msg2120109#msg2120109
depending on location there might be a local shop that does this (usually for guns) I think the coating is stunning but I am unsure of the price.

[pixelpusher]

Wow, those plates look amazing.  I wonder how much thickness the cerakote adds to the plate?  I guess you would have to adjust the switch cutouts to compensate for the added coating

[kiwi99]

Wow, those plates look amazing.  I wonder how much thickness the cerakote adds to the plate?  I guess you would have to adjust the switch cutouts to compensate for the added coating

probably not too much at all since its commonly used on guns I feel like weapons don't have much tolerance on each part

[cribbit]

Trimming the PCB to end inside the dimensions of the plate is a trick that many use to get the smallest possible dimensions, since then the plate can rest on the case.

Swillbuilder is the easiest way to get plate DXF files without knowing CAD, and lasergist is the cheapest way to order plates if you're not doing bulk or don't have a lasercutter/waterjet available to you.

[pixelpusher]

I'm completely frustrated with plates now.  I have 3 plates from 2 different sources and they're all different dimensions.  I have both a silver and an orange plate from sentraq and they are not the same size...  frustrating.  I ordered the orange one for a low profile tex case because i knew the silver one had fairly good spacing on the sides.

I stuck the orange one in there and it looks stupid.  a good 2mm of play on the sides and the PCB even sticks out on the left a little.  Grrr.

[kiwi99]

I'm completely frustrated with plates now.  I have 3 plates from 2 different sources and they're all different dimensions.  I have both a silver and an orange plate from sentraq and they are not the same size...  frustrating.  I ordered the orange one for a low profile tex case because i knew the silver one had fairly good spacing on the sides.

I stuck the orange one in there and it looks stupid.  a good 2mm of play on the sides and the PCB even sticks out on the left a little.  Grrr.

Yep the sentraq plates aren't made by him I don't think.. since you can get ones that look the exact same on taobao with some snooping

[pixelpusher]

I think what I need is someone who has used the swill tool and lasergist

I want to see what the easy method "poker case" option looks like as a final product in some "off-the-shelf" (Ebay aluminum/TEX/Lambo/Royal glam) type cases.

I don't know or have CAD to do it by hand, unfortunately.  Not beyond learning, but surely someone around here has pursued this option.  I'm going to start a new "Lasergist" forum topic to see what I can get from people.   

[cribbit]

I think what I need is someone who has used the swill tool and lasergist

I want to see what the easy method "poker case" option looks like as a final product in some "off-the-shelf" (Ebay aluminum/TEX/Lambo/Royal glam) type cases.

I don't know or have CAD to do it by hand, unfortunately.  Not beyond learning, but surely someone around here has pursued this option.  I'm going to start a new "Lasergist" forum topic to see what I can get from people.   

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/ + http://builder.swillkb.com/ + press "send to Lasergist" = EZ KEEB