The Ultimate Framework Keyboard PC! Machined Aluminum Mainboard Enclosure!

[@ElevatedSystems]

I forgot to mention that there is a mounting location for the audio sub board in the enclosure, however the headphone port would need to be drilled into the side of the case to use it. More cost savings.

[@NamelessPassenger]

Hi there! Just have some idea that i think it gonna be useful in your egpu project. You may know hdflex release their 250w gan psu…and the beauty of that psu is it enough to drive a 3060 itx (170w) + this modular single board (65w over all system)…so you could make the smallest portable enclosure still powerful enough to drive modern AaA titles and workflow.

[@X862go]

Wow

[@BigTylt]

I like how you've essentially become the de facto main channel for Framework projects...

[@ElevatedSystems]

It's wierd that my best performing vids are Framework and Mac related. Polar opposites.

[@RonWolfHowl]

@@ElevatedSystems Everyone wants the ultimate setup. Either the most aesthetic software and latest processors (Mac), or fully user-modifiable and -serviceable (Framework). At least, that’s what I come to your channel for 😅

[@Marcus001]

@@ElevatedSystems You know what’s funny? I was seriously debating whether to get the Framework or a MacBook Air. I went with Framework. Disclaimer; I’m pretty deep inside the apple ecosystem, and I am a sucker for OLED screens. That’s why I was considering the MacBook.

[@cipher01]

​@@Marcus001so how're you liking framework

[@replacesoundboard]

There was this other guy who made a portable gaming device/console out of a Framework mainboard with detachable controllers. Kind of a mix between a home made Steam Deck and a Nintendo Switch

[@BarryWaterlow]

Did you ask Framewofk if they’d consider making your Keyboard version as part of its product line?

[@JuanCAraujoS]

Is almost perfect! I'm looking forward to that next-level CJ-64 with an eGPU.

[@qers]

Hell yes. I'd buy a injection moulded plastic case/keyboard combo and run it with a decent eGPU on my desk.

[@duser]

This is such a novel concept that requires the perfect storm of events to occur. CJ this is insane; you really need to make this into some kind of kit! I can totally see this kind of thing becoming super popular in a few years time in the DIY scene! I believe moondrop just announced a keyboard with a HiFi DAC built in while CJ already crammed his PC into there. I'm telling you this is an untapped market!

[@StevenGladney]

OUTSTANDING FINAL PRODUCT, good sir! It’s BEAUTIFUL!!! And I definitely have some feedback I want to provide: 1. Regarding the power button…I think my vote is for the back panel vs. the top. I think the top would be a more convenient placement, but I personally love how slick and clean the top plate currently looks (minus all of the extra screws) and I personally would prefer to keep it that way. Plus how frequently would you need to turn on/off the CJ64 via the power button anyway? So I think “form” over “function” gets my vote here. 2. Regarding getting my own version of the CJ64, I am DEFINITELY interested in contributing to like a low run crowd funded project or something to that effect. I can’t speak for everyone else, though, but while I LOVE the aluminum look and all, I think I’m just happier “seeing” it than needing to have my own version of it (ie, I’m good just seeing the Mona Lisa in the Lovre…don’t really need to have a copy of it hanging up in my house). Frankly, I think I’d personally be more interested in a more practical, durable plastic type model (more of an injection molded type). While I understand this was designed to be made more like a desktop type solution, I think I’d actually like to have the flexibility to be able to throw it into a backpack (with like some type of added cover to protect the keys or something like that) just to have that portability if needed (even if just moving from room to room). Understandably, everyone’s use cases are going to be different, but that’s just my two cents. While I’d be open to budgeting the $400 bucks or so to “support the cause” (NOTE to everyone…if you’re not a Patreon Subscriber…GET SUB’d - I know CJ is going to be WAY too modest to push, but screw modesty…I’m PUSHING for you, dude)…anyway, while I’m all in for the cause, I know I don’t have the necessary hardware or know how to do the additional machining/fabrication to complete any of the final project, so that would count me out of the “Aluminum” option (but again…I’m a big supporter of durable, injection plastic, if that’s at all more feasible cost wise). Anyway, would love to hear how other people feel about this. 3. OMG, dude! I thought I was good with seeing the “final” CJ64 project and was good with you moving on to the next thing. But man, I would LOVE to see you do this as like a mini Razer Core or mini tower like setup that would support like a riser and a GPU! I hadn’t even considered anything like that and that COMPLETELY spoke to my heart when you pitched that setup! That’s definitely the next version I would LOVE to see of this one and another I would DEFINITELY be onboard with the crowd funding type aspect for! As usual, great work, good sir! You continue to impress with engaging and informative content and I just love everything that you do, man! Getting the latest “Elevated System” post notification is generally one of the highlights of my week and you never disappoint! Keep doing what you do, my friend!

[@sheryl3268]

Seconding the durable injection plastic suggestion here.

[@EricLab97]

I completely agree, for me $400 just feels too much for me personally and the aluminum version can still be a possibility but if there is an option of some kind of plastic version for the right price it would make it so much more people would be willing to back this kind of project even outside his own viewerbase. Especially if he can work out the post manufacturing kinks it makes me wonder if there is a possibility of working with Framework directly so they can sell it on their own page, because that would be amazing when you are ordering a new mainboard to upgrade your older Framework that it gives you options on checkout essentially recommending multiple possibilities to use the old mainboard. That would make it so everyday people can order directly from Framework who they would trust and dont have to try to find a place that can 3d print for them in addition to having well made documentation on how to put it together.

[@Jerbz]

OU this post summarizes my thoughts exactly! I would DEFINETLY be interesting in this, small batch ,crowd funded, or otherwise. Aluminum is awesome, but something durable to "daily" as an alternative to a traditional laptop would be excellent

[@zenonzazira]

Definitely seconding the request for an injection molded version

[@nico21p]

You said it all ! This project is marvelous and I especially love the luxury of having a mechanical keyboard on the go as a laptop. Your comment surely doesn’t have enough likes

[@tafsirnahian669]

You should add the internal battery too!

[@HipyoTech]

Howdy Hey I need this in my life... lets talk!

[@ElevatedSystems]

My email is in the about tab. Hit me up.

[@TheLegalCustodian]

HOW DOESNT THIS VIDEO NOT HAVE A MILLION VIEWS ALREADY. THIS IS FANTASTIC!! Gorgeous job!

[@nkozi]

Underrated aspect of this video is the excellent comedic timing.

[@binkuspinkus8400]

super excited to see the next Framework enclosure! I really love that their project is making this sort of thing so doable for relatively normal people.

[@madson-web]

I don't think visible screws are a bad thing. It depends in how are they mounted

[@gabrielb238]

This is awesome! There's something I've been thinking about with framework laptops that I've wanted to work on myself, but lack the equipment to do. Due to the modularity of the ports on the frame work laptop, why not make an enclosure which, on one side has the standard IO (perhaps an HDMI & USB) and the other remains with the plain / unpopulated expansion slots. That way, you can have expension slots on your home theater, on your work desk and you can take the mainboard in its case and just slot it in. The best part of it is when you slot it in, it will quickly populate everything you need- hdmi, storage, mouse, keyboard and etc, reducing having to take things back and forth and have one main computer for multiple different purposes. For me, if I had this solution and perhaps the GPU I mentioned before, I would get it to take to work, use as a console and overall substitute my 2 computers.

[@gabrielb238]

2nd note- just finished the video and saw you mention the GPU attachment. I'm stoked for that!

[@HuMaNiTaRiAn1]

good tip is to put the tap in your drill and hand wind it so you get nice straight threads, can sometimes be quite wobbily on those first few threads when only using your hand.

[@ElevatedSystems]

I usually do but the parts were to big for my drill press vice.

[@sheryl3268]

Love your Framework projects! RE: power button placement: love the retro of placing on top, however recalling problems with that placement in past, so voting agaist placement on top... unless you have an integrated cover to prevent unintentional power button presses (or make it a switch instead of button). ***Would be cool if looked like button (to be retro), but was actually a switch (to prevent unwanted activation)! Always ended up making covers for the button when on top as had problems with the power button getting pressed when I didn't want it to be pressed. It wasn't from stray typing, it was from pets (cats, birds) getting where keyboard was (even briefly) and pressing it. Also, other household members placing things on keyboard or nearby (that fall on it) would happen too.

[@ElevatedSystems]

The C64 power switch was on the right side, the power led was on the top. But I do think I'm going with it on the back panel.

[@henloitsdiego]

This has to be one of the most beautiful reimaginings of old tech I've ever seen. Someday I'll take a crack at it myself!

[@willynilly9954]

Hi CJ, have you considered a full-sized keyboard version? You could fit a 2.5" drive bay or battery under that extra space.

[@kontonce89]

Eltoblem id he’d likely need to extend the ports on one side Definitely doable but a bit more engineering as I don’t believe any usbc ports have a mounting design like some usb a ports

[@Gooberpatrol66]

I had an idea for extra-long framework expansion cards, like long enough to fit an m.2 drive inside. Those might fit a 100% keyboard enclosure

[@nikkoa.3639]

I have no idea why this video didn't get recommended to me, I've been waiting for this for a while

[@Lysol_kb]

epic project, wanted to ask if would be possible to for you to put up the files to the case as a step file as well? stls are cool but I wanted to modify the case and see what could be done to fit my own aesthetic.

[@daveys]

Very nice! A great idea for people who like a smaller but still high performance PC, use separate monitor, keyboard, etc and like mechanical keyboards. As an amateur machinist, I really appreciate the effort that goes into making beautiful things.

[@Jazz3006]

Not sure if you will see this or not, but they make pointed plungers (I can't remember the correct name right now) that can be mounted in your drill press to help keep the tap at 90* angle to the part.

[@eta0carinae]

This is fascinating. I want this, but unfortunately I don't have the skills or the time to invest in such a project right now... Certainly ready to buy something like this if you'll ever come around to producing it.

[@anjikyuzan]

yes I love the design and the idea, I hope our wishes will be granted. reminds me of the raspberry pi keyboard/computer all in one

[@ARGHouse504]

Some very nice quality. It would be good to see the return of the Keyboard PC.

[@zenu903]

Congrats on being featured on the Framework newsletter! Bit late but I just saw it

[@thepuff791]

That looks outstanding. If I could squeeze a little more power into that form factor, I would mill out my own out of black walnut.

[@esra_erimez]

I have those keycaps. Infact, I'm typing on them now. That is a gorgeous piece of engineering. Well done!

[@_modiX]

I'd love to see this with the Keychron K3 Pro and a battery built in. Then you could bring nreal Air AR glasses and have a heavy setup in your bag. The headrest could be an air pillow that you could fill out when you are done and it would be super portable.

[@iceman49-42]

Looks amazing! I would be very interested in this or a wooden version for sure if you were to do a limited run, depending on how difficult the extra steps are!

[@ElevatedSystems]

The extra steps aren't difficult if you have the right tools, just tedious as you have to take your time and be careful not to damage the case or finish.

[@danielstellmon5330]

For the power button, I would put it on the back. As for the files to build your own: keep them on patron.

[@junkdubious]

I'm sure someone told you already, but when drilling small holes, peck and lube anything smaller than .250"! It's a good practice even if your drilling holes larger than that, cheers!

[@ElevatedSystems]

I did oil and peck evey hole, my problem was I should have swapped out the bit after each 8 to 10 holes drilled.

[@PointBlank65]

​@@ElevatedSystems Also looked like you drill rpm was way to low for that small of a drill.

[@Error42_]

Nice project. As soon as I saw those key caps C64 spring to mind and now I know why having watched the rest 🙂

[@partyofobscureheros]

I would love to have one. I'd go for a kickstarter

[@nordithen]

This is so cool! I think the power switch on the back would help preserve the clean look.

[@chadwagner1483]

That turned out amazing. I would put the power switch on the back.

[@knack6157]

I am surprised how this doesn't have more views. This could be perfect for so many use cases. a small NAS and what not... I have been dreaming of something like this for a long time. If Linux hadn't invested in Framework Laptop then we probably would have seen this on his channel too and that would have been great for it to be mass produced.

[@alkeryn1700]

using that kind of stuff with xreal glasses could be cool.

[@PatrickDKing]

That's really cool. With all the hard work and skills you have and quality videos, you should blow up huge. Best of luck! I don't have a framework laptop but I've been looking at them now (really want a 17 inch version). If I did have one, I'd definitely want your invention. Actually, I'd love to have something like you made for all my old semi-retired pcs. I'm using some 20 year old pcs to just run some spare network drives and they keep going but I have to keep them in huge old desktop cases that is very overkill for what I use them for, but it's bought and paid for. Having a small keyboard to run them would be very ideal...unfortunately being desktop motherboards, they're also too big. I think you should try to get your design mass produced with Framework and they can sell them officially on their channel. Work out a licensing deal where you don't have to do anything else except collect a percentage and/or per unit royalty as all passive income.

[@Demopans5990]

Unfortunately, can't really shove them into racks either. Need at least 1.5u cases, and server rackmount cases are pricey in general compared to similarly sized normal tower cases. And considering the cost of custom cases fabbed out of sheet metal, I suspect they would only make sense if you designed something that fits say, 8 ATX boards at once in a 8u space

[@Qopzeep]

Swap out that strip with a laser cut & engraved wooden plate secured by magnets and I would put a chef's kiss on it! Probably not the aesthetic you were going for but a little accent can't hurt :)

[@Nikoline_The_Great]

I want. I very much want one. Gonna have to make one myself.

[@Sam1992xd]

just learned about framework and this video took my atention. i love this so much man, well deserved subscription thanks for sharing!

[@houghwhite411]

It's amazing watching your journey building something you're passionate about. You sure have the coolest keyboard on the hood

[@sangot]

Amazing result! plus now it runs cooler and its as compact as it gets.

[@bryanvandyke]

Hahaha I swear I tried to get a framework for this very idea when they were offering that. I'm so glad someone did it!!

[@dirzz]

Incredible result!

[@KangoV]

Brilliant. I would move the keyboard forward and the PCB backwards like the Amiga 1200. You could fit in a lot more and the keyboard would be low at the front.

[@ElevatedSystems]

The KB cant go back any farther. The space in the rear of the case is the bare minimum needed for the USB connection.

[@KangoV]

@@ElevatedSystems I mean angling the keyboard and the PCB goes under only by about 50%. Of course this would need a deeper case. But you would get more space and a much lower keyboard at the front.

[@nickthaskater]

Can't wait for Framework to release an AMD version w/ RDNA2 graphics. Will be perfect.

[@balfit]

Neat. Sometimes I wonder where you get your enthusiasm from; oddly, every time before watching the entire video. At the end somehow it’s always crystal clear. Nice job! I begin to think (or rather believe), ‘as usual’ (…even ‘always’?).

[@adamorand88]

Power button on the top, saves manufacturing cost. It's intuitive.

[@tylerd4173]

What a well produced video, and an amazing enclosure! Satisfying to see the final product, it really turned out great!

[@JeffJohnson247]

Gorgeous, and the CJ64 ain't too bad neither. For real though it looks amazing!

[@Ardyvee]

This looks really cool and I would definitely be interested in it as a mobile computer! My only concern is the overall thickness, since I definitely prefer thinner keyboards, but I know that there really isn't much that can be done without giving up the very things that make this project worth doing. Perhaps the only other thing I would love to have would be an external battery either in the form of an attachable trackpad or numpad, or perhaps by choosing a TKL/Full sized keyboard instead. It should definitely be possible to plug it all via the existing USB-C interfaces, so making it all also work as an extension wouldn't be too crazy (but probably cost prohibitive).

[@danvarx]

Hope the projects works out and definitely interested to get one.

[@平和-v1z]

Really like this project, turned out awesome!

[@scriptguru8]

Beautiful job, and a fantastic sounding keyboard!

[@CMDRunematti]

you know... thanks to framework's commitment to the same form factor, no matter what, this IS actually a good investment, even if its 800 just for the case.

[@greensleeves8095]

This is super cool lol. This really opens up future ideas for frameworks boards.

[@KaitenKenbu]

Pretty slick really

[@sirromeoj]

The power button should go on top, maybe a sliding switch would be cool. Looking forward to that egpu idea, sounds cool

[@Watchandlearn91]

This is insanely cool. It's such a shame that this video doesn't have millions of views. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites and I only wish you'd gain more popularity rather than some of the big name channels (Linus for example) that use clickbait titles and rarely deliver.

[@MajatekYT]

This anodized aluminium case design simply screams for a set of countersunk hex socket bolts instead of philips screws to give it that next-level industrial design aesthetic. I hope you revisit this project and use hex socket bolts instead!

[@legoplaytime1823]

Connect one usb c wire to a monitor with power output, and it looks like an all-in-one

[@PCJesus0]

If this was a kit I'd buy it

[@inthegaps]

This project is super cool! I can't imagine the time and money invested, but the result is really nice! Maybe someday if us normies are lucky, Framework will offer an official keyboard case for their main board...

[@soucouyant]

AMAZING AMAZING just AMAZING.

[@bakermrad]

This is so amazing, good job.

[@standardbrickproductions3328]

Would to love to see a kickstarter so I can get my hands on one of these! (Or i'll have to learn to build my own ;)

[@Gamundi08]

Damn... I enjoy watching this video. I'm impressed to see this awesome mod!

[@rilijn]

While it might be a niche market, there is definitely a market for something like this, were you able to produce some batches of these! I know I'd love to buy one! I lack the time or patience to build this on my own. This is super cool!

[@Chazmus]

Amazing project! Beautiful job! I'm really keen to get something like this for use with my NReal AR glasses. Would need a battery, perhaps out the side with a trackpad. Then, with USB-C DP alt out going into the glasses, it would be the ultimate portable workstation! Unfortunately, I don't really have the tools to build something like this, am hoping something off the shelf comes along that is similar. Apparently there is a "slabtop" revolution going on at the moment, which means we may see something in the not too distant future.

[@jaysonbunnell8097]

I adore the intro! It looks really good and was a super satisfying watch. Can’t wait to see the rest of the vid :) edit: I finished the video, the quality is amazing and I love it! I don’t have the money right now, but I may in the future!! This is great, awesome work, and best wishes in your youtube journey :)

[@highdesert50]

As I watched your excellent reinterpretation, I regressed to an earlier CP/M era, thinking the Kaypro IV portable computer's keyboard might have made an interesting enclosure.

[@gravmagsuite1788]

This project is amazing, I just wonder if you could design in future videos of this series some extra removing parts like a tiny ultra-wide monitor that can be attached into the keyboard frame... this definitely will transform your project in a complete deck

[@chrismurphy2769]

thats a super nice keyboard

[@nrs91]

would love this with a numpad!

[@wanaan]

Mind totally blown

[@googlesucks6029]

Hopefully framework's business model lasts for the foreseeable future, bit if not hopefully they should try and least keep producing laptop motherboards because it could really open up a whole new diy pc market.

[@numberoneappgames]

It looks lovely. Like Damn, I hope one style pcs makes a comeback with 3d printing becoming widespread.

[@maximgamerboy8216]

Can you also put all the links of the electrical wires and of the keyboard in the description ?

[@c0p0n]

I absolutely love this.

[@riebread13]

I tyink id rather see it deeper rather then taller, amazing build

[@raghavgrover503]

Great work on this one! Just one tip from a Mechanical keyboard guy: you might wanna try doing the force break mod to reduce the weird hollowness.

[@ElevatedSystems]

I think that would leave a gap between the two parts. They fit together perfectly flush with zero tolerance.

[@ailaG]

Good job! I wonder if a cheapo version could help, and then Frameworkers can give libraries in poorer parts of their city or country a decent computer when they upgrade.

[@xade8381]

that's sooo cool, i imagined creating something like this some years ago one missing thing from my imagination is a projector baked in + a pcie extension working as a port for gpu (I've 0 practical knowledge of what I imagined XD)

[@andre0000000007]

this is awesome! congratulations, you did a great job :) in one of the vids you mentioned perhaps making the case longer to allow a hub and a wrist rest at the front. may i add that if the keyboard would be similar in size to the amiga 500 / atari st then you could also place the graphic card at the back (ventilated to the side), the powerbank/psu also at the back, incorporate the hub and please an SD/TF card reader on the right hand side where the old 3.5 used to be. it would be a dream retro pc with possibility to boot into any system :)

[@tristangrobler4950]

This is a cool project!!

[@mikechu01]

that is gorgeous

[@awaisahmed9418]

Awesome job 💯

[@TheAMGReviewers]

The thing is with a true project, it's never done 100%

[@Alissontw]

Something i think would be dope is to make a pc inside a ps2 chassis or even a ps1.

[@ericputney4598]

Great stuff! I think a limited run of the cj64 would have to have some of the small fabrication issues fixed beforehand, but it's a very tempting idea 👀.

[@trowawayacc]

This is brilliant!

[@denvera1g1]

What i'd like to do with these motherboards is get 2 of them, and build a 2U chassis with 6 hot swap 3.5inch drive bays for each node. Use a basic off-the-shelf dock for rear IO on each node. Built in battery backup for both the node, and the drives. 5-40G USB-C connection between the two nodes for syncing without hitting the network Boot from a dual drive connected over USB-C. Break out the two NVMe slots to four 118GB optane drives per node, two as a ZIL and two as L2ARC, note as Optane only has a 2x link the best bandwith would come from breaking the 4X link out into 2*2x links, if i'm wrong about the framework having 2 NVMe slots then cut that in 1/2, and get a corel AI TPU for the wifi slot

[@movax20h]

This is cool project. Any chance you could share more than just STL files. They are triangle based, and not that conducive to remodeling. STEP files would be extremely useful.

[@ElevatedSystems]

I released the .STP files on my Patreon.

[@movax20h]

@@ElevatedSystems Thank you. I will check out!

[@lucapaolini9691]

this is super cool i love it !

[@FR4M3Sharma]

I wonder if Passive cooling might have worked.

[@illuminati229]

Awesome! Such a great video.

[@zsombor_99]

Well, you can replace a plastic cover more easily, so, I suggest to put the power button onto the back into that plastic cover. 😉

[@mistaBorg]

have you considered adding a dac/amp to the build?

[@ElevatedSystems]

Not in this one, every square inch is used.

[@timothyvreeland7477]

How about a metal dock for the keyboard that has a trackpad and screen?

[@NikOutchcunis]

I have been following this project closely and would LOVE to have my own and would commit to buying one. However, I wouldn't be able to fabricate anything myself so I don't know where that leaves me. Hoping there's a way to get one though, excellent work!