Introducing Rasti, a retro-futuristic laptop inspired by the iconic GRiD Compass and powered by Framework components. It features a 10.4-inch (1600x720) touchscreen, 3D printed enclosure, custom mechanical keyboard, and keycap set tailor-made for this project.

Enclosure

Blending 80s nostalgia with today's technology, Rasti is not just a statement piece that looks good — it's practical too.

The enclosure, designed for easy printing on a 30x30 cm FDM print bed, captures the essence of the GRiD Compass. After sanding and priming, the surface is finished with Tamiya metallic black paint (TS-40), and a touch of silver dry brushing added the beat-up metal look.

Editable STEP file and 3D printable STL files for the case are available in the case directory.

Keyboard

Rasti packs a custom mechanical keyboard using Choc Low Profile switches. It's a 64-key staggered layout, powered by a Pi Pico – made specifically for this build. Check the demos:

• Typing test: https://twitter.com/penk/status/1752805025099772251
• The "pencil test": https://twitter.com/penk/status/1752823049785573749

The Choc-spacing (18mm x 17mm) keycap set was born out of a need for versatility and style. It addresses the limited options for Choc v1 switch modifiers. Designed for SLA resin printing, this set includes sizes ranging from 1U to 2.25U, and a 4.75U spacebar that is compatible with the 6.25U stabilizer.

We liked the keyboard so much, we made it its own project.

Electronics

A 10.4-inch QLED (1600x720) multitouch display is at the centrepiece. It's powered and connected through a USB-C hub and mounted to the chassis with MacBook Pro (A1278) hinges.

At the heart of Rasti are Framework's mainboard and battery. Four pins from the keyboard's Pi Pico (TP1-TP3 and VBUS) along with two pins from a PC power switch, are directly soldered to the power button shim, then connected to the mainboard. This setup is not only space-efficient, minimizing the overall height, but it also helps in freeing up USB ports for other uses.

The WiFi antenna is attached to the top cover, and then the entire assembly is secured with M3 screws.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Electronic parts

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	Framework 13 Mainboard	link
1	Framework 13 Battery	link
1	Framework WiFi Module	link
1	Framework 13 Antenna Module	link
1	Waveshare 10.4 QLED Display	link
1	PC Power Switch (16 mm)	link
1	USB-C hub	link
1	Framework Mainboard Power Button Shim	link

Keyboard parts

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	keyboard PCB	link for gerbers
1	keyboard plate	link for gerbers, must be 1.2 mm PCB thickness
1	Raspberry Pi Pico
64	Kailh Choc V1 PG1350 switches
64	1N4148 diodes	through hole
1	Kailh Choc Stabilizers	1x2U and 1x6.25U
2	20-Pin Headers or Socket

3D printed parts

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	chassis	FDM print
1	display	FDM print
1	display-bezel	FDM print
1	display-front	FDM print
1	hinge-groove	FDM print
1	keyboard-bracket	FDM print
1	keyboard-plate	FDM print
1	pivot-point-left	FDM print
1	pivot-point-right	FDM print
1	rear-cover	FDM print
1	top-cover	FDM print
5	keycap-set-1U	SLA resin print
2	keycap-set	SLA resin print

Notes:

• Pro Tip: Use a 1.0mm nozzle and 0.5mm layer height for faster printing.
• The parts are designed for a 30x30 cm print bed; however, you can split them up using the provided STEP file and print them on a smaller bed (e.g., 25x25 cm).

Hardware/Fasteners

Quantity	Item	Notes
1	MacBook Pro (A1278) hinges	link
7	M2 threaded insert	M2x4x3.2, link
18	M2.5 threaded insert	M2.5x4x3.5
18	M3 threaded insert	M3x5x5
4	M2.5x7 flat-head	hinges
14	M2.5x4 flat-head	mainboard and keyboard bracket
2	M3x16 flat-head	top cover
5	M3x12 flat-head	rear cover
2	M3x12 flat-head	display
4	M3x8 flat-head	display hinge
5	M3x10 flat-head	pivot point and keyboard plate

Build Instructions

Coming soon!

Copyright and License

Copyright (c) 2024 Penk Chen. All rights reserved.

All files are licensed under the MIT license, see the LICENSE for more information.