Ordered a custom Acrylic plate from Ponoko following the instructions in this thread: Tsangan plate design files
I wasn’t able to modify the DXF file for the mounting and edge cuts. Every time I touched or converted the file to SVG it would mess with the measurements. So I left those cuts out and made with a Dremel tool and a drill. The Dremel worked okay if you went on the slowest speed and really took your time (same with the drill although didn’t have to go quite as slow). I should have drawn a centerline across the plate and used that as a reference point when drilling. (I should have also spent more time on the DXF so I didn’t need to do those cuts by hand).
It is much lighter. I have tire weights and a poured silicon dampener in mine so its still heavy but noticeably lighter. Typing experience it is a softer bottom out which is what I was looking for. Sound wise I recorded a before and after. I am using Boba U4t switches unlubed (waiting on another part to go back and lube them). The plate is a fingerprint magnet.
Overall I am happy with it. PCB stabs are awesome, I was stuck with plate ones before and these are better IMO and easier to tune.
Regarding Heavy-9 case this plate will never be able to handle that mounting system. Its too thin and flimsy compared to the OEM steel one. However, I am hopeful a few 3d printed parts can be made to extend the load to the PCB and it can work (we will see hopefully I have one coming)
OEM Steel Plate
Acrylic Plate
Pictures (my phone couldn’t compensate for basement lighting and the blue mat, I need to stop taking pictures downstairs or get a real camera…)
https://imgur.com/a/AgR7X5u
Holding off on alternate bottom rows for a little bit. I have the designs ready but JLC is out of a couple of parts right now.