I’ve been designing a keyboard and case for the zorchpad.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/all_parts_color1-664x1024.png)
There are four pieces in the first iteration.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bottom_shell-1-1024x418.png)
A top bottom base, to enclose the keyboard electronics.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/keyboard_plate_green-1024x990.png)
A keyboard plate. The keys fit into the holes here. You type on the top, electronics go in the bottom.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/top_plate_green-1024x966.png)
A top plate. You see the screens, and switches through the cutouts. Otherwise, it keeps the behind-the-scenes wiring out of sight.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/top_clamshell_v2-1024x410.png)
And finally, the top piece.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/printed_assembly.jpg)
Here are the pieces in correct position. In the top will be the screens and battery. The bottom is a keyboard you type on. The whole things is meant to fold on a hinge, much like a laptop.
![](https://blog.za3k.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/printed_parts.jpg)
The same pieces, spread out.
There were many, many problems with the first design and the first print. I’ll talk about them (and my fixes) in my next post.