[IC] the Heavy Grail: a Norbauer housing for the HHKB

[SargentRedbeard]

I am assuming by the HHKB Pro 3 Classic, that is just the Professional Classic with USB-C?

[hofstee]

Thanks. I asked because I have a Pro 2 that I probably won’t want to put in (Hasu BT controller) and I’m trying to figure out the consequences of getting a 2/3 housing. I assume the 2 housing won’t fit a USB-C port if I were to mod one onto a Pro 2 daughterboard?

[norbauer]

@hofstee

I assume the 2 housing won’t fit a USB-C port if I were to mod one onto a Pro 2 daughterboard?

Correct. The port size is different.

[norbauer]

Yes, my understanding is that “classic” just means the USB/non-Bluetooth version.

[Cursed_Rake]

Ugh, looks beautiful. I recently acquired an HHKB Hybrid, and part of the reason I bought that model was because I knew you were not planning on offering support for the housing, so I would not be tempted (the other reason was to get a Type-S HHKB). But alas, here I am tempted anyway.

Just wondering, would your housing work if we don’t need the bluetooth functionality? As in, when migrating the HHKB into the housing, we could just somehow skip the battery bump, rendering it the same as a HHKB Classic?

[Methol]

Does anyone have a pro2 and a pro3? Are the controller PCBs the same size with the same standoff. I would like to get the pro3 housing then switch to an after market USB-C controller and use my pro2. Cause USB-C and stuff…

[norbauer]

@Methol

Does anyone have a pro2 and a pro3? Are the controller PCBs the same size with the same standoff.

They are actually quite different, I’m sorry to say.

[norbauer]

@Cursed_Rake

Just wondering, would your housing work if we don’t need the bluetooth functionality? As in, when migrating the HHKB into the housing, we could just somehow skip the battery bump, rendering it the same as a HHKB Classic?

I haven’t tested whether the bluetooth transmission works (the case might interfere), but I think that it should be OK otherwise. The battery pack is just something that you can disconnect and not use. Otherwise, the bluetooth model uses the same breakout PCB as the Classic, just with some extra components soldered on. And I would imagine that if you do plug the board into USB that the battery pack isn’t needed.

[Cursed_Rake]

Ok thanks! If you are interested in testing it, I would be more than happy to lend a Hybrid to you via mail.

I am guessing though that most of your customers will be using an HHKB Pro 2 though, given how many of those are in the wild. The Hybrid/Classic models are quite nice though, for anyone on the fence!

[Goguma]

@norbauer

Previous attempts to solve the problem have tried to re-make the plate from milled aluminum, either fully milling all the slider housings (which is fantastically expensive and reportedly leads to a keyboard with gratingly awful acoustics), or using a metal plate with pop-in sliders harvested from another Topre keyboard, which doesn’t create the same dampened typing feel as the HHKB’s resin plate (and also requires a second sacrificial keyboard).

This is amazing. I can’t thank you enough for making the typing feel and sound as close as possible to the actual OEM product.

@norbauer

Below are some quick renders, simulating the housing in my K2 finish. (Alas, the plate won’t actually be pink–most likely white–but I thought it would be fun to render it this way and help it stand out against the housing)

I would love to see that pink come to life hahahaha! I also hope that’s a finish in your future boards. I really love the pink that you have on your packaging!

@norbauer

Acoustic dampener to minimize internal sound reflections, with clearance for internal electronics

This is a nice inclusion! The foam set up that I have in my case right now is not the prettiest looking.

@norbauer

Retro-futurist Norbauer-style tapered housing geometry (fusion between the Norbaforce and Heavy-6), the compound curves of which can only be cut on a 5-axis CNC mill.

I love this look a lot! The Poly-6 and Heavy-6 (and of course the soon to be released Heavy-9) have a gorgeous subtlety that I adore.

As always Ryan, you’ve taken the custom Topre game to a whole 'nother level! I will definitely be getting this one! Hope to see a Norbauer Pink or a retro refrigerator in the finishes!

[norbauer]

@Goguma

Hope to see a Norbauer Pink or a retro refrigerator in the finishes!

Now that you mention it, I’ve been considering including this finish.

[manzel]

I guess the Pro 2 version would not work with Hasu’s USB-C controller? I have that in my stock case Pro 2 and it works well. But if the size of the cutout or the thickness of the wall in your case are slightly different, it might be a problem, right?

[mrtn]

What a beauty. So in.

[MechaPaul]

I think it looks great and will definitely jump in.

Although you say the pink won’t be on the Plate, I think a Deskmat in that colour with your logo in the bottom right would be a great add on for the GB!

[Eloi]

I think there are slim chances to see a cloth deskpad from norbauer

[mbsurfer]

I guess it’s a good thing I lost the Keycult raffle! Will most likely be in for this one! I’ve been waiting for this patiently for years, and can’t wait

[jacobsmirror]

Any considerations for compatibility with a Pro 1?

[monsieurabecs]

Too expensive

[AdrianMan]

I’m a big fan, owned Norbatouch and Heavy 6 cases. Congrats on all the work and designs, I dig them all.

I feel that with each new model of norba cases the prices went up.

For the HHKB my mind is just not prepared to drop 650$ + shipping + import taxes. I’ve spent lots of cash on keyboards and keysets, had 2 keyboards with nearly 1000$ total costs with parts+keycaps, but a 850-900$ as total costs for a case is hard to swallow.

My feelings are mixed because it’s good that things are pushed further and further and new premium and awesome design and quality stuff are being made, and also the desire to take things further, but feel kind of sad if the trend is for these things to get more expensive and be afforded by only a handfull of people.

[iownyrface]

Need Purple to match my Norbaforce

@norbauer is next project 23U?