I need a computer to use the keyboard.
As the owner of Greenkeys, I love to use a Mac.
In Japan, Windows users still predominate, but have you noticed that unlike in the past, Mac users are becoming more and more common?
According to the Qbook content, as of May 2024, Windows ranked first in terms of OS market share in Japan with approximately 71%, while MacOSX ranked third with approximately 12%.
KawamuraMacs used to be a minor player, but in addition to their stylishness, the performance and cost-effectiveness of the Arm-based in-house developed CPU-M series, coupled with their recent popularity, seems to be growing.
In such a situation, the “Mac mini m4” appeared with the M4 chip, which has been called the most cost-effective with its outstanding performance.
Available from 94,800 yen (including tax), it is very inexpensive for a desktop computer.
Additionally, at only 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 5 cm, it is the smallest and lightest Mac ever.
The ZEERA MacForge Gen2 case transforms such a cute Mac into a “Mac Pro” look.
It is an excellent case that not only looks good, but is also functional.
This article reviews the ZEERA MacForge Gen2 case.
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
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[Photos] ZEERA MacForge Gen2 – Review of case for Mac mini m4
Let’s take a quick look.
It comes in a cool black special cardboard box.
The inside is filled with cushioning material to prevent damage during transportation.
Contents include the main unit, inner case, lid for SSD enclosure, inner lid for SSD enclosure, rubber feet, silicone pad for cooling Mac mini, instruction manual, and non-woven cloth.
As for the instruction manual, it is a multilingual package, but I see that it is also firmly written in Japanese.
Let’s compare the actual size with the Mac itself.
Thus, since it is quite tall, those who have been placing it horizontally may need to reconsider the installation location.
The total height of the case is approximately 17 cm.
The cylindrical case has no joints because it is made of machined (CNC) aluminum.
This hollowed-out space is also very beautiful.
What’s more, this design also serves as a heat sink, which is wonderful.
As for the power button, it is glued in the form.
There is a space at the top where the SSD can be stored in a way that it can be placed on the Mac mini, and it is like a lid with a magnet on it.
The SSD compartment measures approximately 52mm x 124mm.
Compared to the m2.SSD itself, the size looks like this.
Note, however, that a 40Gbps-compatible case that has a fan behind the SSD will be oversized and will not fit.
Any commercially available Thunderbolt3 (USB 3.2 Gen1 /Gen2 / Gen 2×2) compatible device can be accommodated without problems.
KawamuraIn the near future, ZEERA will be releasing an SSD enclosure specifically designed for this case.
I would like to hope for the best!
Attach rubber feet to the bottom feet.
It is also a very high artistic point that when you put this on, it looks like it is “floating” a bit.
Then the inner case.
The top and bottom are fitted together, and the main body of the Mac is inserted between the top and bottom.
The power button area was a plastic flexure that allowed the protruding part to press the power button.
It is also a nice idea that after pushing, the rigidity of the plastic is left to return to its original position.
How to assemble ZEERA MacForge Gen2
Now let’s assemble it.
What a surprise, it can be assembled without screws.
First, attach a silicone pad for cooling to the engraved area on the bottom.
Next, place the Mac mini unit into the intercase.
The orientation is like this.
Insert the power button so that it aligns with the depression.
Now all that is left is to slind in from above, paying attention to the orientation.
Finally, insert the inner cover for the SSD enclosure.
The one with the cutout should be aligned with the part of the case with the corners.
KawamuraI once misdirected the fit and got a scratch when I pried it off.
Well, it doesn’t bother me at all, so it’s not a problem.
Everyone should pay attention to the orientation.
ZEERA MacForge Gen2 completion diagram
Now, here is the completed drawing.
Hmmm, perfect.
We were able to transform a Mac mini into a “Mac Pro mini” look without blocking any ports.
KawamuraThe presence at the desk is also outstanding in a good way!
(I was a little concerned about the cables, so I erased them with AI)
The good thing about ZEERA MacForge Gen2
- Looks amazing and beautiful.
- Wi-Fi connection strength does not decrease when the case is worn
- Does not block front ports
- Can accommodate m2.SSD-sized enclosures
Looks amazing and beautiful.
After all, the most attractive thing about this case is its “outstanding looks.
The design is very reminiscent of a Mac Pro.
Moreover, this design with many slits also functions as a heat sink.
The decoration on the body of the aluminum enclosure, which has no joints, is very beautiful, and we evaluated its appearance as outstandingly beautiful compared to competing products.
Also, the weight of this product is very heavy.
The outer aluminum case weighs approximately 850 g, and when combined with the internal plastic case, its weight is 1000 g.
Compared to the lightweight cases used by competitors, its weight will give you a sense of “joy of ownership”.
Wi-Fi connection strength does not decrease when the case is worn
As is often the case with mechanical keyboards, the use of metal enclosures has often resulted in the failure of wireless connectivity. (This problem has now been resolved through technological innovation.)
The case is also made of full aluminum, so that issue should be fully considered.
We asked ZEERA about this issue and received the following response
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules in the Mac mini M4 are located at the bottom of the unit, just to the side of the MacForge case. Therefore, we designed the ventilation openings to be large enough to avoid signal interference while still allowing for cooling.
In actual use, the connection was able to communicate without problems in the 5 GHz band, which is vulnerable to shielding due to its frequency characteristics.
Does not block front ports
In fact, these Mac Pro-style competitors do exist, but unfortunately, some of them block the front ports.
In this respect, ZEERA’s cases do not do so, and maintain the same usability as before the case was installed.
KawamuraPersonally, I use the front port to connect my camera and load RAW images, so having this available is very convenient.
Even Mac mini has a limited number of ports, so this kind of consideration is very welcome.
Can accommodate m2.SSD-sized enclosures
The ZEERA MacForge Gen2 also has space available for an m2.SSD-sized enclosure to accommodate an external SSD case.
Although limited in size, it will accommodate approximately any external SSD case up to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (up to 20 Gbps) without a fan.
However, many Thunderbolt4-compatible (40 Gbps) SSD cases are long enough for the fan, and will not fit that shape.
Therefore, if you want to put a Thunderbolt4-compatible case in this space, you must choose one with the fan above the SSD.
KawamuraThis is what the case looks like as a type.
We cannot guarantee the fitting as we have not actually installed it.
Here are the actual results of the super-fast SSD measured on a Mac mini.
It’s wonderful.
I’m a little concerned about ZEERA MacForge Gen2.
- Slightly higher price compared to competing products
- Need to consider where to put Mac mini.
- Severe power button cushion placement.
Slightly higher price compared to competing products
One disadvantage of ZEERA MacForge Gen2 is that it is more expensive than competing products.
Other companies’ products cost about 10,000 yen, but this case costs more than 20,000 yen.
However, with such a massive case made of machined aluminum, the price is acceptable.
If you are looking for premium looks, we definitely recommend the ZEERA MacForge Gen2.
Need to consider where to put Mac mini.
Few people would place a regular Mac mini vertically.
They must have been placed horizontally.
When this case is installed, it can only be placed vertically given the case design.
Therefore, if the previous installation location was under the monitor or some other location with height restrictions, it will be necessary to reconsider the installation location.
Severe power button cushion placement.
The power button is held in place with cushion foam like this.
I thought, “I don’t need this?” I removed it thinking, “I don’t need this.” Apparently, the power button doesn’t click. (I can turn it on and off securely)
Apparently, this form was something that should not have been removed.
When the form is reapplied again, sometimes there is a subtle shift, sometimes there is a click, sometimes there is not.
KawamuraI think the shipping condition is optimal, so please don’t peel it off like I did lol.
summary
This is our review of the ZEERA MacForge Gen2 aluminum case for Mac mini m4.
It is a bit pricey, but considering the heat dissipation performance, the design that does not block Wi-Fi, the advanced cooling performance, and above all, the high quality of the design and the hefty weight of 1000g, it is a product well worth the purchase.
The color lineup includes cool black as well as silver.
If you don’t want to regret your decision on the Mac mini m4 case, I recommend it.
