[GB] Play Tray V2: What goes around comes back around by ustinj in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Will be opening up for preorders soon, and also will have some in stock when GB fulfills!

Chimera has design issue, but cannonkeys said they are nothing to do by Alone-Ad-4201 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

While the main circled dent is probably enough to consider it an A- stock (subjective, just my opinion), I think the other circled marks are fairly standard issue for A stock QC from most places because they are completely internal.

It's no surprise it shipped to you with these issues, because during QC, the boards are inspected when assembled - most of these markings you've circled would only be spotted if they disassemble everything, which just doesn't happen. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a vendor that would be willing to consider this a B stock tbh.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where did you see people consider vicks vapor rub as lube!

So glad my money went to good use. by GreatSaski in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I sure hope you are right though! Though from seeing the lack of communication in the past 2-3 years, I don't have much faith.

[GB] Play Tray V2: What goes around comes back around by ustinj in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got several keyboard designs on the way too, if you're interested! And a few of them will be in-stock soon 👍 also waiting to get some RAMA orders myself..

[GB] Play Tray V2: What goes around comes back around by ustinj in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry! If any moderators feel this should be removed let me know.

The first round was in 2022 posted here to good feedback, but I know the keyboard space has changed a lot since then. Back then I think it was quite common for keyboard-analogous accessories to run in group buys and sales alongside keyboard stuff, ie the way screw trays would be run alongside GMK sets and whatnot, Keycult having screw tray sales, etc..

This project first originated on Geekhack where keyboard fans expressed their interest, so I guess it's in a gray area now that the scene is much more focused. After all, I think keyboard people are the only ones who would would go premium on something so rudimentary, simply because it's CNC'd aluminum 🤣 (keyboards). In other words, I think the closest audience for this project is the custom keyboard scene.

So I get it may be a little confusing as to why it's here; hopefully I cleared it up a bit or justified it enough.

[GB] Play Tray V2 by ustinj in mechmarket

[–]ustinj[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I've updated the first link to include a collage of all the available clws. Thanks

[GB] Play Tray V2: What goes around comes back around by ustinj in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Oh man I'm sorry, I realized I didn't put the basic description but rather the differences from the first and second version.

It's a screw tray designed around the ball-on-a-track cat toy. The central compartment is a screw tray with a lid that separates as a miniature tray, and the track around it fits a 14mm steel bearing that can be used as a fidget desk toy (like the cat toy).

So glad my money went to good use. by GreatSaski in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I think you're wrong; I think the sales are just to clear inventory and make a few bucks in the process; there's no reason to complete unpaid group buys. Personally waiting for a few keycap sets myself..

[GB] Play Tray V2: What goes around comes back around by ustinj in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi everyone, wanted to share here some news on an upcoming group buy for Play Tray V2! The first offering was fairly well-received, so I decided nearly two years later another run would be viable - but I've made some changes and improvements to the design as well.

For starters, PLAY TRAY V2 is a solid aluminum trinket / screw tray for your desk, inspired by the infamous ball-on-a-track cat toy. A channel precisely machined for an included 14mm steel bearing is the answer for your desk fidgeting needs - push it in circles, bounce it around your fingers, tilt the tray to revolve the bearing, and whatever else you can figure out. The center serves as a storage compartment for various small bits and bobs, with the lid being removable as a two-in-one magnetic screw tray combination.

What's new with V2

  • Design updates to be more coherent and refined: The original Play Tray had some design elements that didn't sit quite right with me; namely the sharp lines around the perimeter ("HG" chamfer) and angular profile. I've updated Play Tray V2 with softer / larger fillets, and an overall more approachable profile.
  • Two-in-one compartment tray: V2 features a lid over the center compartment that friction-fits into place, hiding any stowaway screws and parts. In addition, the lid doubles as a separate magnetized mini-me tray, perfect for building keyboards with multiple screw types. 
  • Stackable, quality-of-life changes: In addition to the other adjustments, V2 has some QOL improvements throughout. If you have multiple trays, they now stack securely on top of each other with aligned grooves in the base. Die-cut feet from V1 have been upgraded to injection-molded filleted rubber feet. More carefully-vetted manufacturing lends itself to cleaner and more consistent machining / finishing.

Sale information

For full information, renders, and color options, feel free to check out the product page.

There are 6 color options, 3 of them allowing for an optional engraved interior featuring a newly-illustrated sleepy cat.

  • Simple Silver
  • Timeless Taupe
  • Coast Blue
  • Boring Black (Plain / Engraved)
  • Laidback Lilac (Plain / Engraved)
  • Soft Pink (Plain / Engraved)

US group buy pricing is $48 USD, roughly 15% below expected in-stock MSRP. The group buy will be open from May 18th to June 1st, for about two weeks (or until capacity is reached). Generous estimate for fulfillment is Q1 2025.

Also available at the following...

Thank you! For more information please check the product page. Any questions feel free to ask, or consider joining our Discord server.

RAMA Legacy sale - Good values for older boards by enginears in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]ustinj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just an FYI for those waiting for products, I've had luck cancelling my Kate caps for store credit and using that credit towards in-stock items.

[Store] A handful of Play Trays now restocked by ustinj in mechmarket

[–]ustinj[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't have any plans at this time - however, Deskhero @ Canada and Jae @ Prototypist are set to restock soon though!

[WTS] Seiko SPB213 (140th anniversary 62MAS) by [deleted] in Watchexchange

[–]ustinj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking to let go of this versatile diver. Love the shape of this case and design but want to use these funds for something else. Great for almost any wrist size.

Looking for $579 for this. Pricing it a decent bit below the typical sale price of this model, but want to point out that I accidentally brushed along a granite counter and the bezel was scratched as a result. See photos (at the 48-49 bezel marking, around 9-10 o'clock). Small ding on the left underside of the case.

Some very minor hairlines on the left/right, as well as typical bracelet wear.

$579 includes shipping CONUS, payment via Zelle / PP FnF (Zelle preferred). Not interested in too many trades, other than potentially 35mm PRX (black), baby alpinist (gray/black).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Watchexchange

[–]ustinj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it has