Understanding the Grid System & Case Sizes

Your design journey in the Yaeltex Factory begins with a single, crucial decision: choosing your canvas. The case size and the modular grid system it contains are the fundamental building blocks of your custom MIDI controller.

This guide will walk you through the different case options and explain the grid system, giving you the core knowledge you need to start your design with confidence.

The Immutable Choice: Choosing Your Case

The first step you'll take in the Factory is selecting a case. This choice is the most important one you'll make, as it defines the total available space for your design and is the one aspect that cannot be changed once you begin.

We offer four standard case sizes, each crafted from beautiful, sustainable Lenga wood with a robust 2mm aluminum faceplate.

Small Case

A compact and portable option, perfect for focused control surfaces, travel rigs, or complementing an existing setup.

• Physical Dimensions: 240mm x 210mm x 34mm
• Grid Dimensions: 16 x 28 Grid Units (GU)

Medium Case

A versatile, all-around size that offers a great balance between component space and a manageable footprint on your desk.

• Physical Dimensions: 310mm x 240mm x 34mm
• Grid Dimensions: 32 x 24 Grid Units (GU)

Long Case

With its wide aspect ratio, this case is ideal for creating layouts with long-throw faders, expansive step-sequencers, or a large number of horizontal controls.

• Physical Dimensions: 450mm x 210mm x 34mm
• Grid Dimensions: 16 x 48 Grid Units (GU)

Big Case

Our largest canvas, providing maximum space for complex, all-in-one controllers with a high density of faders, buttons, and knobs.

• Physical Dimensions: 450mm x 345mm x 34mm
• Grid Dimensions: 36 x 48 Grid Units (GU)

The Language of Design: The Grid Unit (GU)

The Yaeltex Modular Grid System is the "language" of your controller's layout. It ensures that every component you place is perfectly aligned and organized.

• The Grid Unit (GU) Defined: The entire design space is built upon a fundamental building block: the Grid Unit (GU). Each GU is a precise square measuring 8.75mm x 8.75mm.

• Perfect Alignment: All our "Elements" (buttons, faders, knobs, etc.) are designed to snap perfectly to this grid. This guarantees a clean, professional, and symmetrical layout, no matter how you arrange your components.

• Efficient Spacing: The grid allows for intelligent, space-efficient design. For example:
• • Our Mini Potentiometers have a compact shaft distance of 17.5mm, which is exactly 2 Grid Units.
  • Our Classic Potentiometers have a wider spacing of 35mm, which is exactly 4 Grid Units.

By understanding this grid, you can plan your layout with precision, ensuring every millimeter of your custom controller is used exactly as you intend.

What Happens Next?

Once you've chosen your case and arranged your elements on the grid within the Factory, the next step is to use our Kilowhat software to program the function of every single component after your controller has been built and delivered.

Understanding the case and grid system is the first and most important step to creating a powerful, personal, and long-lasting instrument that is perfectly tailored to you.

Happy designing

Updated on: 26/06/2025