So the new F104 and 122 boards have aluminum cases. Are these die-cast or CNC machined? I’m asking hypothetically, because I know you’ve already reasoned this all out, and your choice of aluminum is certainly based on solid reasoning. I’m just wanting to learn about the differences, trade-offs, possibilities, etc. If they are die-cast, would that mean it’d theoretically be possible to create zinc versions of the cases also? Zinc is much heavier, I could imagine some would be interested in that. Would an eventual round of Zinc cases be possible? Would that be silly to even consider? Would you rather retire first? LOL
The M Style cases are die cast for the top parts and CNC milled for the bottom plates (they are just sheets of aluminum that are bent to conform to the design of the case and then powdercoated). The ultra compact F104/FSSK cases are CNC milled.
I went with aluminum instead of zinc for the new M Style cases because the zinc cases would have made these keyboards way too heavy instead of moderately heavy. Unfortunately you can’t die cast zinc and aluminum from the same molds so I could not offer some cases made of zinc. I will not be using zinc for any future designs.
Thanks for answering.
The original F122 was plastic on the top, and steel on the bottom, probably for the same reason you state. They quite heavy even then. The top plastic case are prone to breaking because the F122 was so heavy, if it got thrown around the plastic couldn’t take the impact.