【IC】SKB2 - steel, isolation top mount, powder coated | ETA set!

类型: IC
作者: PlastikSchnittstelle
发布时间: 2019-11-03 17:27:54
更新时间: 2020-04-28 16:11:22
原链接: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.0

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[IC] SKB2
LATEST PICTURE

LATEST UPDATES
- RAL1013 photos
- vote results
- stainless steel photos
- more photos
- beige vote
- SKB2-75 + Nautilus
- SKB2-65 + Taro R2
Hi, I’m Plastikschnittstelle and some of you may know me from my recent SKB GB. Designing bent sheet metal parts is something I really enjoy and after the design of SKB1 was done, I couldn’t stop thinking about improvements, variations and developing it further. I don’t want to write a lot about the concept and design choices, since the core idea is mostly unchanged compared to SKB1 (see IC and GB).
Like with SKB1, my intension is still to offer a more affordable alternative to all the awesome but also expensive cnc aluminum cases. Utilizing an alternative production method but still offering the feeling and features we expect from a solid, top-mounted, cnc case.
So here is the interest check for SKB2 (the name might change, it’s just a working title for now). It is a steel case made of bent sheet metal parts. The angle is still adjustable, though the mechanism has changed. Gasket mounted plates have become a big thing and I think for a good reason. With SKB1 it was already possible to accommodate a dampened mounting of the plate. The SKB2 design more consequently integrates this idea, the plate is now mounted with grommets to isolate it from the case. Screws are still punching through the top. I still like the exposed screw heads, even with a light colored case, I consider it an honest and straight forward approach. It may look very similar to SKB1 but it was not just a matter of switching materials. It’s quite different, though it may not be obvious.
The powder coating finish will allow for a wide choice of colors. I plan two, maybe more options, depending on the interest four color options (beige, gray, black and yellow). Like SKB1, many versions and sizes are possible, again depending on the interest, even TKL and bigger is a possibility this time. I’d like to offer PCBs as well, I’ll work out something, open for suggestions. PCBs from Maartenwut will be available to add.
For the plate (also steel) I’m experimenting with a new kind of finish. SKB1’s plate was “brüniert” (still not sure what the correct translation is). I still want the plate to be matte black to not be reflective and not look bling-bling. Compared to “brünieren” the treatment now has a deeper black and is more resistant and durable. Plate looks a bit smudgy on the pictures due to the lube from the switches (gixies). Tried relief cuts in this plate, will test more with that.
Since this type of case is something new, there is not really a reference. That’s why I plan on sending the next prototypes to independent reviewers. Planned after I’m done with building some prototypes from the 3rd batch and good pictures are taken.
Details

• material: steel and stainless steel

• angles: 6°, 8°, 10° and 12°

• top mount construction

• isolated plate via grommets

• plate with relief cuts

• plate is 8mm deep

• first/lowest key row is kept as low as possible

• weight of case with plate: 1.2kg (60%)

• weight of complete build: 1.5kg (60%), 2.1kg (TKL)

• pricing: TBD

• timeline: quicker than SKB1

• sizes and versions: 40%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80% and 95% all depending on interest (decided)

• still made in Germany but different manufacturer

• Sizes & versions*
  Various sizes and versions will be available. Some are already sure, more will probably be added later (please let me know what you’d like to see) Sizes and versions are final:

• 40% Ortholinear

• 60% Standard, WKL, HHKB, YAS62, Boardwalk

• 65% Standard, 0.5U bottom row blocker, 0.5U bottom row blocker & 2U right column blocker

• 75% (not KBD75-style instead a new custom design, SKB2-75)

• TKL Standard, WKL

• not 1800 but something similar: SKB2-95
  Here is an overview of all sizes and versions:
  

• PCBs*
  You will have the option to add PCBs designed by Maartenwut:

• SKB2-40: Eon40

• SKB2-60: Plain60-C

• SKB2-65: TA65 Eon65 (USB-C)

• SKB2-75: Eon75 (USB-C)

• SKB2-TKL: Eon87 (USB-C)

• SKB2-95: Eon95 (USB-C)
  Here you can see the layouts that the PCBs supports.

• Coatings & colors*
  Two different kind of coatings/finishes will be offered. Powder coating for the steel cases and a stainless steel version which gets bead blasted and nickel coated. In the beginning the only powder coating color I knew I wanted to offer was beige in order to fit OG classic beige cherry keycaps. After a few more colors were discussed, I settled on four different colors for powder coating (beige, gray, black and yellow). The specific RAL color that will be used as beige is jet to be decided, a google form for voting will follow.
  For more details on the powder coating and stainless steel option, please read the various posts regarding this, scattered throughout the thread. The update section at the end of this start post should help you find important posts quickly.
  More

1st prototype
For the first prototype I wanted the color to match classic beige as close as possible. Powder coating colors are RAL and after comparing non-yellowed caps to the sample colors of my RAL book I decided for RAL9001. As it turned out it matches the alpha base color of GMK carbon better that that of classic beige. I’ll try RAL9002 next (update: already done with the 2nd prototype batch, in the upcoming 3rd batch I’m trying RAL1013). Something that fits classic beige is something I personally want. Open for suggestions regarding further color options, I think some dark grey would be nice but it could vey well be something popping (update: colors already decided).
Here are the pictures, all at 12° angle:

2nd prototype batch
Here are some pictures of the 2nd prototype batch, including a different RAL color for beige, gray to fit dolch and stainless steel was introduced (more pictures of them can be found in this post):

1st and 2nd prototypes on the desk
Took some pictures of builds from batch one and two. On a desk. Comparing two different RAL options for beige. Here is the rest of the pictures:

3nd prototype batch
Latest Prototypes. This is just the first build from this batch, more will follow. Here are more pictures of this wob build.

Renderings
Here are some renderings. More can be found throughout the thread. Also linked in the update section below:

In the beginning a lot of color option were on the table. Here are some older renderings that show different sizes in various RAL colors that were discussed (more throughout the thread):
More

Typing demo
Posted here.
**If you are interested, please fill out the IC form:
KLICK
**
Early Bird
If you want to help finance the next round of prototypes and get SKB2 for a lower price, compared to GB later, you can do so by filling out this early bird form:

• was open from 2019/11/22 to 2019/11/22
• was open from 2020/01/19 to 2020/01/20
• was open from 2020/03/16 to 2020/03/17
• currently closed

**KLICK
**
Updates:

• details plate mounting

• first TKL renderings

• first 65% renderings

• answered quite a few questions in one go, see reply /#94 to /#105

• renderings of TKL in RAL7021

• PCB collaboration

• answered a few more questions, see reply /#140 to /#145

• details about the powder coating

• samples of glossy and matte

• this is what a 1800 version would look like

• google form to check which 75% version should be made

• renderings demonstrating more colors

• early bird prototype funding?

• early birds form opened

• early birds form closed / next prototypes funded

• 2nd batch of prototypes / pictures

• added “todo” section, see below

• about the 75% option

• trying more colors, new renderings

• about the RAL option for classic beige

• colors and finishes

• colors almost set

• early bird form reopened for 3rd prototype batch

• early bird form closed, 3rd prototype batch funded

• infos about the TKL PCB from Maarten, Eon87

• new PCB announced for the 65% size, Eon67

• 3rd prototype batch ordered

• about the plates and relief cuts

• some pictures on a desk

• Boardwalk confirmed

• RAL colors and glossy coating

• 3rd prototype batch wob build

• would you like a 40% ortho?

• 75 and 95 will make it into the GB

• What’s taking time?

• early bird form reopened for 4th and last prototype batch

• early bird form closed again

• all PCB layouts

• SKB2 & GMK Taro

• Added FAQ

• Vote for beige

• Todo:*

• present first prototype / start IC

• renderings to demonstrate different versions and colors

• second batch of prototypes

• what is wrong with the glossy powder coating?

• take better pictures of the prototypes (indoor setup)

• third batch of prototypes

• TKL PCB (Eon87) ready

• 65% PCB (Eon65) ready

• 75% PCB (Eon75) and 95% PCB (Eon95) ready

• take more pictures (currently happening)

• send out some prototypes to review

• final decision which colors to offer

• final decision which sizes and versions to offer

• set up a discord channel

• start GB

• FAQ:*
  Q: What is included?
  A: The case, the plate and accessories like nuts.
  Q: What about the PCBs?
  A: For every case a PCB will be available to add. Almost all are designed by Maartenwut, they run QMK, have VIA support and come with USB type C. Scroll up to find more details here in the start post.
  Q: RGB?
  A: Please leave!
  Q: Boardwalk PCB?
  A: The Boardwalk PCB is the only one you’ll have to get elsewhere. It’s sold via MKUltra. Ask Silentreader for a Euro proxy.
  Q: YAS62 PCB?
  A: I have exactly eight left from my last GB. They are the only reason a SKB2 YAS version will be made. There will be not more than eight (Except you already have the PCB and just want the case).
  Q: Hotswap?
  A: No, Maarten’s PCBs don’t support hot swap.
  Q: Can I use another PCB?
  A: Yes, if you prefer a different PCB (maybe because of hot swap capability) you can do so. SKB2 is a top mount construction, so you don’t need to care about screw hole compatibility. Just make sure the USB port is at the correct position.
  Q: How much will it cost?
  A: Prices are not set jet. Too many variables. Rough estimate is that the smallest 40% will land slightly under 100€ and the biggest 95% version will be around 150€. That’s without the PCB and Shipping.
  Q: What colors will be offered?
  A: Four colors and one Stainless Steel version. The colors are beige (RAL…), grey (RAL7039), black (RAL9005) and yellow (RAL1023). Three RAL colors for beige are in discussion, we’ll decide soon via google form.
  Q: Powder coating, what is that?
  A: It’s a durable type of technical coating. It’s like baked into the metal. Google it!
  Q: Which sizes and versions will be available?
  A: Scroll a bit up please, it’s all in this start post. Picture!
  Q: Only this Geekhack IC thread? Am I missing something? Discord, Instagram, anything else?
  A: Yes, for now everything happens here and nowhere else. Once the GroupBuy starts, I’ll have a discord server ready.
  Q: Discord?
  A: Yes, see previous answer. I’ll have a discord server ready when the GroupBuy starts, not just jet.
  Q: Will you offer plates made of other materials than steel?
  A: The only other option I’m currently checking out is brass. I’ll be able to tell soon. Noting else apart from that.
  Q: I want a custom plate.
  A: I’ll make a custom plate file for everyone who wants it. Let’s just wait with that until the GroupBuy has started.
  Q: When will the GroupBuy finally start?
  A: Check out the todo section above. ETA roughly two weeks from now.
  Q: How can I help?
  A: Use the banner in your signature or show your support with a post to let me know you like it. That makes me happy.

• GUDE aus Bornheim!*
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