Unclear instructions for cases and switchplates

[YourPsychiatrist]

Hello!

First, thanks a lot for providing the output of your work on this keyboard for free.

I have had the keyboard assembled by JLCPCB, tested it for functionality (checking for shorts, flashed the mcu, checked if it does keyboard stuff), and so far it all looks good.

Now I'll assemble the rest of it, but I keep wondering:

1. The case you provide as step file is completely solid on the bottom, meaning that the LEDs wouldn't be able to shine through. Is that intended?
2. In the build instructions, you mention that a switch plate is required. My question is, what am I supposed to do with these plates?
   • These look again like they are supposed to be ordered from jlcpb, but they aren't actual PCBs. Can these not be 3D-printed?
   • If i were to copy the edge cuts lines to freecad and extrude the surface by 1.6mm for 3d printing, which one would i need for the corne choc 4.1? plate-top-alps? plate-top-alps-ex??
   • The build instructions only show a top plate, but the folder contains a plate-bottom. What is that for?

If it turns out that I'll have to create some models on my own, I'd be happy to share them through a PR if you want.

[foostan]

The case you provide as step file is completely solid on the bottom, meaning that the LEDs wouldn't be able to shine through. Is that intended?

There are no under side LEDs from v4.

These look again like they are supposed to be ordered from jlcpb, but they aren't actual PCBs. Can these not be 3D-printed?

Use can use https://github.com/foostan/crkbd/tree/main/plates/3x6/pcb files to order like other PCB file.

If i were to copy the edge cuts lines to freecad and extrude the surface by 1.6mm for 3d printing, which one would i need for the corne choc 4.1? plate-top-alps? plate-top-alps-ex??

The plate files for cherrymx are compatible with choc versions.

The build instructions only show a top plate, but the folder contains a plate-bottom. What is that for?

It's for sandwitch style https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e618e5e4341fb9f4&udm=2&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeioyp3OhN11EY0n5qfq-zEMZldv_eRjZ2XLYc5GnVnME7glWodDcaQwvGYJtospyF4hao4VocMoniUVvlzzwRcCLYvfsjPeiuln4CZ9mxRNzMJl71rp-WEM_b89yTboF0wE9FSbwRYrSVuB6YHexvLk_d7r_74zDurdYUrhSbdL5TbQGiA&q=crkbd+sandwitch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiChc_Wi8aPAxU0oK8BHZnJJqYQtKgLegQIFRAB&biw=1719&bih=1182&dpr=1#vhid=zKhDf-CNpTrLYM&vssid=mosaic

[YourPsychiatrist]

There are no under side LEDs from v4.

Nvm, I got confused for a second, led's are top facing of course. Forget I asked

Use can use https://github.com/foostan/crkbd/tree/main/plates/3x6/pcb files to order like other PCB file.

i understand that i can use that. My question is if there is a reason this isn't available as STP file for 3d printing. Would that not be sturdy enough?

It's for sandwitch style

ah cool, thanks

[foostan]

I'm not sure if the strength is sufficient. I simply assumed that for something as simple as a flat plate, the SVG or KiCAD data for FR4 would be enough.

[YourPsychiatrist]

I imported the SVG for the cherry switches in freecad and extruded to 1.6mm, will let you know if it's sufficient once all the other parts arrive.

Feel free to close the issue in the meantime or leave it open until I report back. Either way, thanks for the timely support

[SimoOliv]

I imported the SVG for the cherry switches in freecad and extruded to 1.6mm, will let you know if it's sufficient once all the other parts arrive.

Do you perhaps have an update on the correct thickness of the top plate and if 1.6mm was sturdy enough for your build? Or would you rather have gone a little bit thinner (like with 1.2mm)? Many thanks.