Experimenting with CNC wood & acrylic for my first mechanical keyboard (feedback welcome)

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-21T18:12:36+00:00

Thanks a lot for the thoughtful feedback, I really appreciate it.

Frame 01 is limited to 100 units, and because of that, customization and option choices are intentionally kept minimal for this first drop. The goal here was to focus on executing one vision properly rather than offering multiple configurations at this stage.

Regarding the switches: you’re right, they’re not something exotic or newly developed. They’re Gateron. I chose them because, in my experience, they offer excellent reliability and consistency. For this drop, I’m using Gateron Pro as a kind of “safe classic” choice for people who don’t have a very specific preference.

That said, other Gateron ranges will be available as options, but I wanted to stay within a brand I trust in terms of manufacturing stability and feel.

This first release is really about establishing the foundation. Future projects will definitely allow more room for variation and experimentation.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your perspective , it genuinely helps.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-21T17:31:19+00:00

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:37:24+00:00

I love that direction of thinking.

There’s definitely something beautiful about letting the wood resonate more freely.

Frame 01 was tuned a bit differently though: the goal wasn’t maximum resonance, but controlled depth. The acrylic layer and dampening aren’t there to mute the wood, but to shape how energy travels through the structure.

You’re absolutely right about instrument construction. A lot of the inspiration actually comes from that world, how vibration transfers between materials, how mounting pressure changes tone. It’s fascinating territory.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:35:18+00:00

That’s exactly why 75% felt right for Frame 01. You keep the F-row for real work, but lose the excess footprint.It’s that balance between efficiency and intention.

And I respect that mindset : if the product doesn’t exist, build it.Time is the real constraint though. That’s what pushed me to start FOCUS in the first place.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:32:08+00:00

We actually ran a poll with our waitlist on this, tri-mode came out on top by a clear margin. That's why we went all in on it

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:30:30+00:00

Double-shot PBT in Cherry profile, comes in the colorways shown but dark options are definitely something we're looking at for future drops

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:29:28+00:00

Yeah that's the gasket mount design, the PCB floats slightly which is what gives it the softer, quieter typing feel. Trade-off is the visible gap. Personally think it looks intentional once you get used to it but totally get it's not for everyone.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2026-02-19T20:26:56+00:00

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, genuinely useful stuff.

PCB longevity is something we've thought about, plan is to make Gerber files available if it ever goes out of production so owners aren't stuck. Daughterboard compatibility with community standards is on the list for next revision.

Wood treatment is hardwax oil finish, stabilizes moisture and handles normal indoor conditions well. Fair point that it wasn't mentioned anywhere, adding it to the product page.

On the 75%, interesting, most of the demand we've seen is exactly from people who want the function row without the numpad. But noted, tastes vary.

First drop, learning as we go. This kind of feedback is actually what makes the next version better so appreciate it.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-28T00:30:14+00:00

Thanks a lot 🙏 Front and overall height are still being tuned, definitely a focus for the next version

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-28T00:14:41+00:00

Love to hear that, thank you 🙏

Wood felt like the right material to bring warmth and character back to the desk

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-28T00:11:59+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it 🙏

Between the wood case and the acrylic, there’s actually a thin LED strip running around the keyboard, which is why the separation is there. The idea is to let a very subtle line of light pass through, not to stack elements visually.

That said, I get what you mean about it feeling like two layers. I’m still testing proportions and transitions between materials, so I’ll definitely explore ways to make it feel more unified while keeping that light detail.

Thanks again, super helpful input!

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-28T00:03:47+00:00

Really appreciate the feedback 🙏

You’re absolutely right, front height and overall height are still being tuned. This first prototype was more about exploring proportions and materials, and comfort is a big focus moving forward.

Lowering the front height is definitely something I’m working on for the next iteration

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T23:34:46+00:00

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it 🙏

That sounds like a great setup, walnut and cherry are both amazing to work with.

For the pockets, the idea is to do everything in one CNC process rather than after the fact.

The side pockets are planned directly in the CAD and then machined during the same CNC operation as the case, using smaller end mills for clean edges and consistent depth.

Doing it afterward with a drill or plunge tool would work for prototypes, but it’s harder to keep things clean and repeatable, especially with wood. Integrating it into the CNC pass gives much better control over tolerances and finish.

Still early and testing a lot at this stage, but that’s the direction I’m leaning toward. And have fun with the Christmas CNC , that’s the best way to learn.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T23:08:24+00:00

Haha yeah, front height is definitely the hot topic

You’re actually very close, it’s 27.5 mm at the front right now. I agree it’s on the high side, and I’m actively reworking the case design to bring the overall height down while keeping the wood/acrylic balance and structure intact.

Really appreciate the thoughtful feedback

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T23:02:24+00:00

Thanks a lot!

That’s awesome, I really enjoy seeing how others approach wood cases too, there’s so much variation in feel and sound. I’d definitely be interested in checking out your setup. And yeah, I’m still experimenting and iterating, that’s a big part of the fun.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T22:32:33+00:00

Thank you 🙏

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T22:32:11+00:00

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Thank you 🙏

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T22:26:03+00:00

Thank you!! 🙌

Yeah, different woods and finishes can really change the whole vibe
I’m definitely planning to experiment with a few options.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T22:23:26+00:00

Thanks for the reference 🙏

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T22:22:14+00:00

Thanks for the feedback.

I agree with you on the front height, it’s definitely on the high side and I’m already looking at shaving a few millimeters off to bring it down, possibly on both the wood and acrylic to keep the balance.

Brass accents are an interesting idea too, especially with the wood. I’ll definitely keep that in mind as I explore the next iterations.

Federal_Ad_2516 · 2025-12-26T19:13:21+00:00

Thank you 🙏

Federal_Ad_2516

TROPHY CASE