Ok, it's about time I posted this worklog. This will probably be the shortest worklog I've done, as I only had about 5 weeks to complete this project lol. This was a case I built for Thermaltake, to be displayed in their suite at CES this year. Due to the extremely tight deadline, I didn't have any time to take very many pics during its construction, much less post them in a worklog. So I am now finally catching up on things.
The idea of this case mod was inspired by Thermaltake's latest gaming mouse, the Level10 M.
I absolutely love this mouse. Designed by BMW Designworks, it has a free-flowing, open design that looks amazing, and it's functional too. It was a real challenge to integrate its design elements into the Level 10 GTS case and not end up with an oversized mouse lol.
So here are the concept images. I was actually developing this design while I was at PDXLAN in November.
The first thing I tackled was the button bar on the front. I got some 1/4" thick aluminum bar, and transferred the I/O ports and power/reset button holes using a piece of tape.
Drilled pilot holes...
...and proceeded to widen the holes out to the marked lines using a file.
After a few test fits, I then drew the shape along the edge that would mimic the side button area on the mouse.
After a few cuts, more filing, and a little bending on the top, we have the final piece.
Due to the proximity of the top USB port to the bend, I had to modify the I/O port circuit board a little to conform to the bend of the bar. I shaved the corner of the pcb down, and rotated the top USB port just a hair so it mated with the hole better.
Luckily, there were no traces in those areas. But I did have to de-solder the mounting pins, drill new holes and re-solder them in.
Now it conforms to the bend.
A front shot.
And with a USB cable plugged in.
Next thing I had to do was fashion a cover for the side, to hide any unsightly cables and circuitry since the whole front of the case will be replaced with mesh. I took a piece of black alu sheet, bent it to match the bar, then cut the edge down to fit.
It will be mounted to the I/O port bracket using black rivets.
Next update tomorrow! Thanks for reading.