Hello! And advice needed on metal cased TKL board...

[AndyGarton]

Hi all, my first post, despite lurking here for a while as a guest. This looks like a great community and I'm glad to be part of it. I have a few boards, some lightly customised, but nothing too exciting compared to most here.

I've come to realise that my favourite form factor is "standard" TKL, rather than anything more cramped or reduced. I also like a "non-floating" design, i.e. where there is a proper case top which covers the keyboard switches (I like Cherry blues btw), up to the base of the keycaps. As such I have Filco and Ducky TKLs which I'm pleased with, with one exception - I'd much prefer to have a metal case (not just metal base plate). It seems really difficult to find anything which fulfils all these criteria! Is anybody aware of anything currently available, or soon to be available? I've actually ordered an aluminium case for my Filco from China, which may or may not work out (I've heard some bad things about these!). I'd prefer an "all in" solution if possible, albeit I will be changing the keycaps, so a standard key layout is important too.

(I live in the UK by the way, but don't mind ordering from far away!)

Cheers,
Andy

[AndyGarton]

I forgot to say, in case it helps - my ideal is something like the Varmilo VA68/69M, but in a TKL/87/88 format. The VA87/88M only comes in a plastic case for some reason (there is a MassDrop for a metal case for it open now, but it's a floating key design unfortunately).

[Zombimuncha]

Try contacting Varmilo directly, details here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84796.0
...to see if they have the high profile Alu cases in stock, or if not, when.

[AndyGarton]

Thanks, they don't make metal cases for their larger boards though. I don't suppose anybody else has any ideas? I don't think my requirements are particularly obscure, but it does look like I'm out of luck!

[gogusrl]

How about this one : https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=212

[AndyGarton]

Thanks, yes that would be worth trying, but it's been out of stock for a while unfortunately.

[gogusrl]

Ups, didn't notice it's out of stock. Put up some WTB post on the big 3 (DT/GH/Reddit) and see if you find anything. Your chances increase proportionally with your wallet size

[Zed]

MK.com also has some TEX cases in stock and they seem to be regularly stocked if the current color choices are not appealing. I have one for a Phantom build I am working on and it is well made. Filco compatible as per MK listings too. These cases seem to be designed for a plate with bent edges so you may have to work out something to get the board at the correct height if the Filco is not built that way BTW.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=283

[AndyGarton]

I've actually ordered an aluminium case for my Filco from China, which may or may not work out (I've heard some bad things about these!).

Not sure anybody cares, but this actually worked out really well. The case was much higher quality than I expected, and I'm very pleased with it as a result. It also provided a removable Mini USB cable solution as well which is a nice bonus. This is the one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Qu ... 0.0.ZZsOOH

... now, if only I could get something similar for my FC660C!

[AdrianMan]

I've actually ordered an aluminium case for my Filco from China, which may or may not work out (I've heard some bad things about these!).

Not sure anybody cares, but this actually worked out really well. The case was much higher quality than I expected, and I'm very pleased with it as a result. It also provided a removable Mini USB cable solution as well which is a nice bonus. This is the one:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Qu ... 0.0.ZZsOOH

... now, if only I could get something similar for my FC660C!

I care ! I ordered one also It's currently being shipped.

Can you please post some pictures and describe your experience with that case ?

Thanks !

[AndyGarton]

Picture here, but there isn't much to see: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90 ... msg2443268