Author Topic: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)  (Read 19076 times)

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Offline jacobolus

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Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« on: Wed, 13 January 2016, 16:23:12 »
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121864530186

Someone might want to ask the seller to pull a keycap. Also, it’s hard to tell what condition the switches are in. Might be nice or might be super scratchy.

Edit: for posterity, rehosted pictures:

« Last Edit: Fri, 12 February 2016, 03:16:48 by jacobolus »

Offline geniekid

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 13 January 2016, 17:07:37 »
I sent a message to the seller and will report back.  Probably will bid on this if it's blue.  Thanks for the tip! :)

Offline geniekid

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 13 January 2016, 17:16:54 »
They're blue!  Here is the image the seller sent back:


Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 13 January 2016, 17:33:33 »
Judging from that pic it looks like they might be in pretty good condition! Hope someone enjoys this board :) .
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 13 January 2016, 22:58:11 »
Yes, it's not in absolute perfect/mint condition, but the starting price is definitely a lot lower than pretty much any other Blue Alps keyboard on eBay right now. And hopefully it won't get as exorbitantly expensive as that $300 NOS with the trackball I'd never use.

Let the bidding wars begin.

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 00:31:35 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 02:44:58 »
I thought APCs always came with oval switches Oo . You learn something new every day...
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Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 05:42:27 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

Woah That looks great. Looks like I'm going to have to forget about the Matias Switches Board for now. This is way better. Real ALPS!  I'm going to contact the seller just to make sure.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 06:45:03 »
I thought APCs always came with oval switches Oo . You learn something new every day...

I used to have an APC that was a rebranded Cherry.
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Offline geniekid

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #9 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 09:08:48 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 15:37:33 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

I was sleeping and you went and stole it. e-e curse u

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161872163348?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Does anyone know if this one is a Blue Alps as well?
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Offline itzmeluigi

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 16:17:26 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

Congrats, i was going to buy it earlier but decided i didnt want to spend that much just to desolder the switches from a brand new board(cant stand the layout also). Totally going to try and win the one up for bid though.

Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 16:31:06 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

Congrats, i was going to buy it earlier but decided i didnt want to spend that much just to desolder the switches from a brand new board(cant stand the layout also). Totally going to try and win the one up for bid though.


Does the one that I posted a Blue Alps BoarD?
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Offline itzmeluigi

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 16:38:11 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379


The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

Congrats, i was going to buy it earlier but decided i didnt want to spend that much just to desolder the switches from a brand new board(cant stand the layout also). Totally going to try and win the one up for bid though.


Does the one that I posted a Blue Alps BoarD?

Im not sure, it might be NEC switches, for the price its listed at i would hope it has Blue Alps  :)) I sent a message to the seller asking to remove a keycap.

Edit: The seller sent a picture, its NEC switches.
« Last Edit: Fri, 15 January 2016, 11:12:50 by itzmeluigi »

Offline geniekid

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 16:45:09 »
[SNIP]
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161872163348?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Does anyone know if this one is a Blue Alps as well?

Never say never, but every image I've seen of an APC-H410E in that layout with a picture of a switch was an NEC Blue Oval.  Definitely worth checking with the seller though (as itzmeluigi is doing!).  According to the deskthority wiki the NEC ovals are somewhat fragile so hopefully no damage is done in the process.

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 16:49:14 »

Offline Ludovician

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 17:50:08 »
Yep, I would bet it's NEC ovals. If the seller removes a keycap they'll probably destroy the switch.
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Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 14 January 2016, 23:37:28 »
« Last Edit: Thu, 14 January 2016, 23:39:03 by frogthejam19 »
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Offline chyros

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Offline SamirD

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #19 on: Sun, 17 January 2016, 14:32:35 »
They're blue!  Here is the image the seller sent back:

(Attachment Link)
Very cool.  Looks like the key caps are doubleshot too.


Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #20 on: Sun, 17 January 2016, 18:47:50 »
Given that everyone wants Blue Alps (I know I certainly do), and even dirty boards in horrible condition are going for 150-200 dollars, I expect the price on this thing to go up enormously within the last hour of the auction.

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #21 on: Sun, 17 January 2016, 19:01:35 »
even dirty boards in horrible condition are going for 150-200 dollars
Yeah, this is dumb. Nobody should be paying significant amounts for switches in poor condition. Restoring them to a nice state is hours of tedious work, if it succeeds at all. External board cleanliness isn’t the best proxy for switch condition though.

Offline geniekid

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 13:56:31 »
If someone wants an overpriced (probably) blue Alps board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151093015376

I was watching these two others for a while hoping the price would drop. At some point somebody asked the seller to pull a cap and then snatched them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161154033379

The NEC does seem to have a high chance of having blue Alps.  It's priced close to what I expect the SPK-100 to end at so I bought it after getting three offers rejected.  I will report back when I get it.

I received the NEC board yesterday.  It is indeed Blue Alps.  The board seems to be quite clean from a visual inspection and the switches feel quite smooth.  Bear in mind this is my first Blue Alps board so I'm not exactly an authority.  I will probably try to get an external converter working with this keyboard and play around with it for a couple of weeks before deciding whether I want to harvest the switches or resell the board.

I'm unwatching this thread.  If you have any questions regarding the NEC please feel free to PM me!  Good luck to all on this auction!  Thanks for the tips jacobolus :)
« Last Edit: Wed, 20 January 2016, 14:06:09 by geniekid »

Offline itzmeluigi

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 14:51:02 »
Haha wow it ended at $341.58 + $19.90 for shipping, simply crazy  :))  A new account started bidding at the last few minutes and bumped the price up a bunch though.

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 15:30:31 »
Haha wow it ended at $341.58 + $19.90 for shipping, simply crazy  :))  A new account started bidding at the last few minutes and bumped the price up a bunch though.
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Offline Special K

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 15:46:24 »
I'm curious as to how so many people are able to find some of these blue alps boards.  I always thought the Deskthority Wiki was a complete source:

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCM_Blue

Apparently a few boards need to be added to that list.

Are people just searching ebay for generic terms like "clicky keyboard" and just stumbling on these blue alps boards?
« Last Edit: Wed, 20 January 2016, 16:25:46 by Special K »
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Offline Vanilla

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #26 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 17:03:53 »
Assuming the winner is not a shill, I can imagine that seller is quite the happy camper with that final auction price!

I should sell a couple of my blue alps boards...  :-*

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #27 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 17:13:35 »
I'm curious as to how so many people are able to find some of these blue alps boards.
If by “so many people” you’re talking about me, I just spent a lot of time 1–2 years ago looking at ebay keyboards, and now have a pretty good intuition about it.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 19:15:26 »
I know I had little chance given how deep the pocketbooks some of these buyers have, but wow. I can't afford to blow almost $400 on a single keyboard; my SO would kill me, dig me up and then kill me again.

It's pretty disheartening. With the hyper-inflation of the prices on Blue Alps boards these days, it seems impossible to get one for less than half a grand. It's absurd.  :(

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 20:29:50 »
If you cruise around at thrift stores, e-cyclers, flea markets, and similar places, you can find great old keyboards for much cheaper than ebay.

Offline Waateva

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 20:33:00 »
I know I had little chance given how deep the pocketbooks some of these buyers have, but wow. I can't afford to blow almost $400 on a single keyboard; my SO would kill me, dig me up and then kill me again.

It's pretty disheartening. With the hyper-inflation of the prices on Blue Alps boards these days, it seems impossible to get one for less than half a grand. It's absurd.  :(

A wise man once told me, If you want a $300 keyboard, buy your SO something she wants that costs $400.
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Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 21:11:53 »
Assuming the winner is not a shill, I can imagine that seller is quite the happy camper with that final auction price!

I should sell a couple of my blue alps boards...  :-*

Not that I'm interested in buying as I have my own blue Alps collection, but how many blue Alps boards are your rocking, Vanilla?

If you cruise around at thrift stores, e-cyclers, flea markets, and similar places, you can find great old keyboards for much cheaper than ebay.

Yeah, if you live in San Francisco maybe. Not in New Orleans. :P

Well, maybe! ...But I haven't had any luck so far!

Also, I certainly feel as if the price for this was too high, so I wouldn't doubt if there was a troll raising the final auction price. I mean, the Keytrak keyboards at least had some very interesting caps that were very reminiscent of Cherry caps (and yet still way too expensive imo), but this one... That much for a metal backed board with blue Alps?

Hmmm. Doesn't seem legit. :P
« Last Edit: Wed, 20 January 2016, 21:22:34 by E3E »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #32 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 22:42:07 »
On the whole, the thing feels a bit suspicious, yes. For that price I'd have gone with the Keytrak and been incredibly happy, considering its condition and rarity (trackball, Adler-style caps, etc.).

(You also won't find any good keyboards at thrift stores, at least where I live. No e-cyclers nearby, either. And I've looked in two different states, even.)

Honestly, I've been seeing this on several Blue Alps boards that have gone up for auction and it's beginning to feel a little suspicious. Either there's some desperate people with very deep pockets out there, or I don't know...

Offline itzmeluigi

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #33 on: Wed, 20 January 2016, 23:10:23 »
On the whole, the thing feels a bit suspicious, yes. For that price I'd have gone with the Keytrak and been incredibly happy, considering its condition and rarity (trackball, Adler-style caps, etc.).

(You also won't find any good keyboards at thrift stores, at least where I live. No e-cyclers nearby, either. And I've looked in two different states, even.)

Honestly, I've been seeing this on several Blue Alps boards that have gone up for auction and it's beginning to feel a little suspicious. Either there's some desperate people with very deep pockets out there, or I don't know...
There was a new account with 0 feedback who only bid on this listing in the past 30 days. They brought the price up to $178.00 then stopped. Then two other bidders put in snipes at the last few seconds of the auction for $336.58 then $341.58.  It could just be the seller bidding up their own auction.



Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #34 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 00:49:21 »
On the whole, the thing feels a bit suspicious, yes. For that price I'd have gone with the Keytrak and been incredibly happy, considering its condition and rarity (trackball, Adler-style caps, etc.).

(You also won't find any good keyboards at thrift stores, at least where I live. No e-cyclers nearby, either. And I've looked in two different states, even.)

Honestly, I've been seeing this on several Blue Alps boards that have gone up for auction and it's beginning to feel a little suspicious. Either there's some desperate people with very deep pockets out there, or I don't know...

Who knows. It could be a bit of schadenfreude; perhaps there's someone out there who's intentionally racking up the bid amounts on boards like these and the Keytrak, which, despite its interesting features, still seemed a bit excessively priced in the end. It should be noted that both the SPK and Keytrak were shared publicly on the two prominent English-speaking keyboard forums, so that not only bring more attention and potential bids on the item, but also the possibility for someone to take the piss, as they say.

I think there's definitely a bit of desperation there. Though probably a mix of desperation and deep pockets. There's no reason anyone should spend this much just to get blue Alps.

As jacobolus has mentioned, those NEC APC-H410 84 key boards both had blue Alps in them (presumambly; it also seems like the 84 key F AT layouts have a higher instance of blues over the ANSI  H410E versions), and they went for a cool $71, which is VERY cheap for a blue Alps board. These weren't shared so openly either, so there wasn't all that much competition for them (but then again, they were BIN listings).

The cheapest I've gotten blue Alps for was $85 for my Leading Edge DC-2014 and $89 for my Leading Edge DC-3014, I paid $67+56 shipping (thanks TaoBao) for my Monterey K101 with blue Alps, and I paid $100 for my FAME, and $100 for my Focus FK-555, and also $100 for my NTC 6151N, all with blue Alps.

$100 was pretty much around the average price for these. Note that all the straight $100 boards had metal backs, but that's mainly coincidental.

In any case, the point here is that blue Alps boards don't have to be THAT exorbitant in price. Not $200-300+.


Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #35 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 00:55:05 »
On the whole, the thing feels a bit suspicious, yes. For that price I'd have gone with the Keytrak and been incredibly happy, considering its condition and rarity (trackball, Adler-style caps, etc.).

(You also won't find any good keyboards at thrift stores, at least where I live. No e-cyclers nearby, either. And I've looked in two different states, even.)

Honestly, I've been seeing this on several Blue Alps boards that have gone up for auction and it's beginning to feel a little suspicious. Either there's some desperate people with very deep pockets out there, or I don't know...
There was a new account with 0 feedback who only bid on this listing in the past 30 days. They brought the price up to $178.00 then stopped. Then two other bidders put in snipes at the last few seconds of the auction for $336.58 then $341.58.  It could just be the seller bidding up their own auction.

Very true on the possibility of it being some shady going-ons with the seller yoinking up his own prices. :P

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #36 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:00:10 »
True enough. My bad fortune seems to be in finding Blue Alps before they're gone, leaving only the exorbitantly expensive, popular auctions left on eBay.

It seems like a lot of boards are showing up these days that don't have any corresponding entries on the DT wiki, so one can never tell what kind of switch they have. I also tend to weed out boards that show obvious signs of being dirty, as I've had enough problems buying dirty old used boards with scratchy and sticky Alps keys. I'm decent at desoldering/resoldering the switches if needed, but not so much at taking them apart and cleaning them; it's a hassle I'd rather do without.

Someday I'd like to find a nice Acer, like the one Chyros was so fortunate to obtain. But those seem rarer than Model M SSKs. :p

(I definitely feel like something weird was going on with the seller on that auction, though. Probably decided to rack up the bidding once he realized how crazy people are over Blue Alps.)

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #37 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:05:51 »
I found several blue Alps boards on ebay for <$50 shipped 1–2 years ago. You just have to know what you’re looking for, and spend some time doing non-obvious keyword searches.

In any event, blue Alps switches are hardly the end-all of keyboard switches. There are a lot of great parts out there for people willing to take chances on weird keyboards, and willing to do some work building cases and wiring everything together.
« Last Edit: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:11:45 by jacobolus »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #38 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:13:19 »
I’ve found several blue Alps boards on ebay for <$50 shipped 1–2 years ago. You just have to know what you’re looking for, and spend some time doing non-obvious keyword searches.

In any event, blue Alps switches are hardly the end-all of keyboard switches. There’s a lot of great parts out there for people willing to take chances on weird keyboards, and willing to do some work building cases and wiring everything together.

A fine point. I actually wouldn't mind settling for a good set of Complicated White Alps, all things concerned--it's just hard trying to visually identify a keyboard in good condition that has them, and not the many, many Simplified Alps or clones floating around. I have one keyboard with them (the Focus I'm typing on now) and really enjoy it, all the more so because I didn't spend hundreds of dollars for it.

Any particular keyword suggestions for Blue Alps searches that you'd be willing to share?

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #39 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:39:53 »
Here’s an awesome white Alps keyboard:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111878928726

Or there are an unlimited number of cheaper white Alps keyboards on ebay if you just want the switches. Chicony, Focus, Siig, Nan Tan, Adesso, Ortek, Datacomp, Alps, .... not to mention all the wacky rebranded versions of those.

Or find a nice looking Apple M0116 with orange Alps switches and click-modify them.

Or just get some Matias clicky switches.

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #40 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:40:32 »
True enough. My bad fortune seems to be in finding Blue Alps before they're gone, leaving only the exorbitantly expensive, popular auctions left on eBay.

It seems like a lot of boards are showing up these days that don't have any corresponding entries on the DT wiki, so one can never tell what kind of switch they have. I also tend to weed out boards that show obvious signs of being dirty, as I've had enough problems buying dirty old used boards with scratchy and sticky Alps keys. I'm decent at desoldering/resoldering the switches if needed, but not so much at taking them apart and cleaning them; it's a hassle I'd rather do without.

Someday I'd like to find a nice Acer, like the one Chyros was so fortunate to obtain. But those seem rarer than Model M SSKs. :p

(I definitely feel like something weird was going on with the seller on that auction, though. Probably decided to rack up the bidding once he realized how crazy people are over Blue Alps.)

Do think of atypical ways to source boards and such. Ebay isn't always the best way! Search online for the board you want and try to find any outlet for purchase you can find. I've found a lot of my boards through sleuthing and digging far back on forums to find certain things people have missed. Whether it's details or a sale thread that was overlooked, etc.

The Acers pop up from time to time. Comrade Sniper found two of them in his last keyboard haul. Chyros has definitely created a bit of publicity for that board, but do mind that there's also the Aceer 6011 which can sometimes come in the same exact case as the Acer KB101A, yet with white Alps, so if you don't mind white Alps, I'd go for that one.

There's also he Leading Edge DC-3014 which is one to look out for. It's not quite as aesthetically pleasing (subjective) as the Acer KB101A, but it is the only example that I know of that is an ANSI board with blue Alps and NKRO, which means it's very capable of gaming or using for rhythm games or instrument simulator games.

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #41 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 01:43:21 »
Here’s an awesome white Alps keyboard:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111878928726

Or there are an unlimited number of cheaper white Alps keyboards on ebay if you just want the switches. Chicony, Focus, Siig, Nan Tan, Adesso, Ortek, Datacomp, Alps, .... not to mention all the wacky rebranded versions of those.

Or find a nice looking Apple M0116 with orange Alps switches and click-modify them.

Or just get some Matias clicky switches.

How many blue Alps boards do you have at the moment, jacobolus?

Or rather--how many DID you have? I'm sure you must've dismantled quite a few for the switches.

I definitely agree that blue alps aren't the be all, end all of the Alps world. SKCL Greens are fantastic switches, and in my opinion, better switches overall for general use. They are more susceptible to feelings of scratchiness due to their linear nature, but they are incredibly nice when in good condition.

I do love me some blue Alps, and I ironically have far more blue Alps than green, but green Alps are amazing switches, and I need more of them. :P

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #42 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 02:07:36 »
I actually own... two Omnikeys, technically. They're amazing well built Alps chassis, but the 101P I got (which is like the one jacobous listed, but with a Windows key) came with switches which were in such bad condition I ultimately replaced them with Matias Clicky switches. I more recently bought an Ultra TP (which is like the normal Ultra, but again, has a Windows key) in NOS condition from Northgate guru Robert Tibbets for a... very high price, about comparable to what this Datatech ultimately sold for. While I really like the TP, I'm pretty sure (as I've mentioned elsewhere here on GH) that it came with Simplified White Alps, which just don't feel as good, and the sound is a bit more annoying, IMO.

I'm fairly picky and don't like the sound or feel of Simplified or Matias Clicky switches nearly as much as genuine Complicated White Alps.

I have the NOS Focus I mentioned earlier, plus two more 2001s in various used condition. Even a very nice Model F 122 terminal keyboard which was, again, an impulse buy attributed to Chyros' review. He does more to create keyboard hype than anything else, I swear.  :p

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #43 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 03:41:59 »
I call shenanigans. For what it's worth, blue Alps are not $200 better than white Alps, which, in good condition are great switches. Sure, they're not AS good, but in terms of value for money they're way better.

Chyros has definitely created a bit of publicity for that board
an impulse buy attributed to Chyros' review. He does more to create keyboard hype than anything else, I swear.  :p
You've got to be kidding me xD .
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Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #44 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 08:23:45 »
If someone wants some white Alps switches, geniekid has an MTek K104 for $20 that looks to be in pretty nice shape:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=78389


Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #46 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 14:55:29 »
Someone should probably ask the seller to pull a keycap, just to be sure.

Offline xxxkaliboyxxx

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #47 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:11:40 »
Someone should probably ask the seller to pull a keycap, just to be sure.

I did and he sent me a pic but I have no idea how to attach a eBay msg with picture attached through mobile

EDIT: added screenshot =)
« Last Edit: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:15:18 by xxxkaliboyxxx »

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #48 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:26:15 »
I call shenanigans. For what it's worth, blue Alps are not $200 better than white Alps, which, in good condition are great switches. Sure, they're not AS good, but in terms of value for money they're way better.

Chyros has definitely created a bit of publicity for that board
an impulse buy attributed to Chyros' review. He does more to create keyboard hype than anything else, I swear.  :p
You've got to be kidding me xD .

It's true, my friend! I think the Acer KB101A was relatively unknown before your reviews! That said, your reviews are something that's nice to see in the community! They're well-put together and insightful without being too technical or too unstructured.

So yeah, I certainly think your reviews probably upped a lot of antennae toward the Acer KB101A. I don't think it would have as much attention as it does now otherwise! Not that that's a bad thing, per se!

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #49 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:40:24 »
I was quite taken in with the Ortek 142-key 'battleship' someone linked over on DT the other day... but hesitated because I wasn't 100% sure if the switches were Simplified or Complicated White Alps. Evidently someone snatched it up within the past 12 hours, right before I got home and was ready to make my decision.

*Expletive* Story of my life.  :mad:

Edit: Though, E3E is right: I'd say Chyros' YT videos have definitely had some influence on the wider vintage collecting hobby, especially after his Acer review. His videos are informative, but never boring, and everyone seems to enjoy his Dutch-English accent.

Chyros, your videos were what sold me on both the Model F terminal keyboard and the FK-2001. I managed to get one of each that were NOS for quite a reasonable price, and am very happy with them. The terminal keyboard is just too large to fit in the keyboard drawer on my desk, so it mostly goes unused. Like everyone else, though, I've been less lucky locating one of the elusive KB101As.
« Last Edit: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:47:34 by khronokrator »

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #50 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:47:32 »
I was quite taken in with the Ortek 142-key 'battleship' someone linked over on DT the other day... but hesitated because I wasn't 100% sure if the switches were Simplified or Complicated White Alps. Evidently someone snatched it up within the past 12 hours, right before I got home and was ready to make my decision.

*Expletive* Story of my life.  :mad:

Yep, that battleship is something that caught my eye a few months ago myself. The idea of slapping blue Alps in it was tempting, but I don't know. Part of me feels like I'd just be after it for the wrong reasons a nd not very practical ones.

Rest assured, they are not too too rare, so they will crop up again!

The only board I have yet to see another of so far, out of almost every other acclaimed Alps board I've seen (Dell AT101 old logo, Leading Edge DC-3014,  Zenith ZKB-2, Acer KB101A, etc),  is my very own FAME TH-5539. This SPK-100 was one that I never saw another of aside from a old post here on GH, and then one popped up on eBay late last year, and now this one. So it's still pretty damn scarce.

This Fame though, seems to be incredibly and oddly uinique. Not even the guys at Tai Hao have my board in their old vintage collection, so I'm waiting for the day when another one pops up. Kinda cool that I ended up with it, as it is my absolute favorite vintage board.



It's a mantle piece now thanks to those caps, but yeah. :P I lurv it.

If anyone does find it, let me know!

Another board I have yet to see another of is the Focus-FK-767, though I have seen a derivative board in the Phillips PM 3655 Logic Analyzer. The black Focus FK-2001 is also a bit of a unicorn--one just sold on eBay for much cheaper than it should have :P
 
What else... Some of the F AT style Alps boards aside from the Zenith, Leading Edge, and NEC APC-H410 ones are very very seldomly seen. The Chicony 5160AT, the Focus FK-747 and an Ortek board I can't remember the name of. Also a Packard Bell board with brown linear Alps.

I also have not seen many Monterey K101s lately, though they don't seem that rare. I'm unsure though. I see the 104s more often.
« Last Edit: Thu, 21 January 2016, 15:57:32 by E3E »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #51 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 16:18:27 »
Wow, I've never seen one of those before. Is that Cyrillic or Armenian lettering on the caps?

She's definitely a fine piece of keyboarding engineering, that's for sure! I'd make a display case for it.

I'm reasonably proud of my Focus, my Ultra TP, my Model M, and my Model F terminal keyboard. The others were bought used and aren't in as great condition, in my mind. And I can't stand Cherry switches, so I regret buying a K70 RGB with Blues last year, and am hoping to use it as leverage for Blue Alps or something, someday.

I feel pretty much the same about my Ultra TP--even if it does have SKBL Whites, it would almost feel sacrilegious to subject it to my poor soldering skills in an attempt to 'improve' the switches by replacing them with Complicated White or Blue Alps.

And eh, you win some, you lose some. I just came to the abrupt realization today that the programmable features of the Ortek would've been incredibly handy to have, possible Simplified Alps notwithstanding. And it was NOS, a very desirable trait. I almost bought it last night, but decided to sleep on it just one more time...

Ugh, I could kick myself. In fact, I probably will.

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #52 on: Thu, 21 January 2016, 16:24:59 »
It's true, my friend! I think the Acer KB101A was relatively unknown before your reviews! That said, your reviews are something that's nice to see in the community! They're well-put together and insightful without being too technical or too unstructured.

So yeah, I certainly think your reviews probably upped a lot of antennae toward the Acer KB101A. I don't think it would have as much attention as it does now otherwise! Not that that's a bad thing, per se!
Edit: Though, E3E is right: I'd say Chyros' YT videos have definitely had some influence on the wider vintage collecting hobby, especially after his Acer review. His videos are informative, but never boring, and everyone seems to enjoy his Dutch-English accent.

Chyros, your videos were what sold me on both the Model F terminal keyboard and the FK-2001. I managed to get one of each that were NOS for quite a reasonable price, and am very happy with them. The terminal keyboard is just too large to fit in the keyboard drawer on my desk, so it mostly goes unused. Like everyone else, though, I've been less lucky locating one of the elusive KB101As.
Haha thanks guys, I really didn't think my opinion would carry that much weight xD .

In which case khrono, you'll kick yourself even more if you know what I've got planned in the (far) future ;) .
Check my keyboard video reviews:


Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #53 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 18:06:42 »
Looking for someone who is willing to sell their blue alps board to me. I've been camping Ebay everyday have not seen one . The last one there sold for an absurd amount  of money. :p
"All is Well"

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #54 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 18:22:36 »
Looking for someone who is willing to sell their blue alps board to me. I've been camping Ebay everyday have not seen one . The last one there sold for an absurd amount  of money. :p
Definitely ask E3E. He appears to be able to find even impossible blue Alps boards everywhere xD .
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #55 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 19:30:22 »
Likewise, I've been bitten by the Ortek bug since I let that amazing battleship slip through my fingers, so if anyone has one in good condition and is willing to part with it, I'm definitely interested.  :p

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #56 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 19:46:53 »
Likewise, I've been bitten by the Ortek bug since I let that amazing battleship slip through my fingers, so if anyone has one in good condition and is willing to part with it, I'm definitely interested.  :p
The Ortek isn't the only battlecruiser keyboard out there with programmable keys out there tbh :p . It is one of the more overlooked ones, though.
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #57 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 21:18:43 »
It is. I actually own a Model F 122 terminal keyboard much like yours (and inspired by yours, of course) and using Soarer's converter it can be even be programmable on the hardware level; I've just been too lazy to bother beyond the basic functionality built into the converter. :P

My Ultra TP is also theoretically programmable but in practice is no longer so, since Robert Tibbets removes the chip responsible for hardware-level macro programming in the P Omnikey models that come through his shop due to some known defect or something. I also don't like the switches much (especially for the incredible cost of the board), and strongly suspect them to be Simplified Alps (I was never actually able to get them apart using your toothpick method, Chyros; the switchec are apparently lodged in their cases extremely tightly and/or I just need better toothpicks). This was why I hesitated on the Ortek initially because the one on eBay last week had switches in the exact same configuration as my Ultra TP: upside down bold Alps logo with upside down, non-circled numbers in the corners... which I suspect is a hallmark of Simplified switches.

Doesn't make sense they'd be on a board the seller claimed was from the 1980s, so hence the hesitation. In the end I wanted it just because it was such an interesting looking keyboard in NOS condition, which is always something I like to see.

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #58 on: Tue, 26 January 2016, 21:39:02 »
strongly suspect them to be Simplified Alps (I was never actually able to get them apart using your toothpick method, Chyros; the switchec are apparently lodged in their cases extremely tightly and/or I just need better toothpicks).
Take a picture of the outside of a switch and we can tell you what they are.

Also, toothpicks aren’t the best tool. You want something with a wide but flat point, and ideally a bit less breakable than a toothpick. I use two pairs of tweezers, or sometimes some metal right-angle dental picks, but those are also not ideal.

The way the switches are held in the plate has nothing to do with opening them.

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #59 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 02:49:07 »
strongly suspect them to be Simplified Alps (I was never actually able to get them apart using your toothpick method, Chyros; the switchec are apparently lodged in their cases extremely tightly and/or I just need better toothpicks).
Take a picture of the outside of a switch and we can tell you what they are.

Also, toothpicks aren’t the best tool. You want something with a wide but flat point, and ideally a bit less breakable than a toothpick. I use two pairs of tweezers, or sometimes some metal right-angle dental picks, but those are also not ideal.

The way the switches are held in the plate has nothing to do with opening them.
I kinda get what he means though. Some Alps clones have the contact plates retain the upper shell way more. The upper shell has a divider built into it and it clings onto that. It's also why Alps clones are usually harder to reassemble than the genuine article.

As for the toothpick method; I went with that because metal tools damage the plastic. I've since perfected the technique though; if you use the cocktail sticks for long enough the flatten to the point where you don't need the toothpicks anymore. What you then do is stick the cocktail sticks in and rapidly take them out, which dislodges the shell and usually takes it almost all the way off in one swift movement. Takes about half a second.
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Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #60 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 03:54:09 »
As for the toothpick method; I went with that because metal tools damage the plastic.
If you’re careful you can avoid digging into the plastic with metal tweezers or tiny screwdrivers or whatever... or you can just not worry about scratching up the exterior of the top piece of POM housing. It’s not like it has any effect on switch function, and the scratches are going to be hidden between the two pieces of switch housing, where you can’t see them even when you take the keycaps off.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #61 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 19:39:30 »
It's late, but here's what the switches on my Omnikey look like:



I'll really hate myself if these are genuine Complicated Alps, but I'll be damned if they don't feel very different from the ones on my Focus FK-2001, and not in a way that can be entirely explained by the sturdier construction of the Northgate. Honestly, they feel a lot like Matias Clicky switches to me, which is why I was hesitant to get that shiny new Ortek last week, as its switches look almost exactly the same:



I asked on the DT thread where the Ortek was first mentioned if anyone could visually confirm the switches, and even PM'd a guy I knew from r/mk, but got no helpful responses. So I waited it out and some lucky person grabbed it. Likewise, I will doubly kick myself if the Ortek had genuine SKCM switches. :P

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #62 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 22:37:20 »
It's late, but here's what the switches on my Omnikey look like:

Show Image


I'll really hate myself if these are genuine Complicated Alps, but I'll be damned if they don't feel very different from the ones on my Focus FK-2001, and not in a way that can be entirely explained by the sturdier construction of the Northgate. Honestly, they feel a lot like Matias Clicky switches to me, which is why I was hesitant to get that shiny new Ortek last week, as its switches look almost exactly the same:

Show Image


I asked on the DT thread where the Ortek was first mentioned if anyone could visually confirm the switches, and even PM'd a guy I knew from r/mk, but got no helpful responses. So I waited it out and some lucky person grabbed it. Likewise, I will doubly kick myself if the Ortek had genuine SKCM switches. :P

Well the slider looks more dull in the top picture, but that could be a lighting issue. As someone who has no experience with SKCM white or SKBM white, I can't say for sure, but looking at the wiki article for SKBM/fukka, I'd say that they are likely simplified.

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKBM_White

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #63 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 22:42:23 »
Neither of those pictures has the “slits”. Even if they’re SKCM switches, they’re of the inferior ~1995 type. The ones from ~1990–1993 are noticeably nicer.
« Last Edit: Wed, 27 January 2016, 22:44:19 by jacobolus »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #64 on: Wed, 27 January 2016, 23:54:17 »
Yep. The funny thing is my Focus has switches that also feature an upside down Alps logo... but again, feel worlds better to type on, and also sound better.

So in the end, I guess I'm not so sorry I missed this one. Thanks for the input, guys.

As someone who's very picky about the feel of keyswitches... I much prefer the feel of older White Alps over the later ones, and definitely over Simplified and Matias Clicky switches. Imagine my disappointment after paying a fortune for a NOS Omnikey and finding the switches felt nearly identical to the Matias ones I'd soldered into my older Omnikey.  :(

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #65 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 00:07:09 »
Neither of those pictures has the “slits”. Even if they’re SKCM switches, they’re of the inferior ~1995 type. The ones from ~1990–1993 are noticeably nicer.

Oh yeah, pine vs bamboo. I almost forgot about the distinction since all of mine do have slits as well. It's odd how that really does effect feel. So many tiny little nuances that combine to give these switches a really nice feel, at least the earlier ones!

Long contact plate, slits, the symmetrical sliders of the oldest linear varieties and the click and tactile mechanisms. Oh so good.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #66 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 00:47:41 »

Oh yeah, pine vs bamboo. I almost forgot about the distinction since all of mine do have slits as well. It's odd how that really does effect feel. So many tiny little nuances that combine to give these switches a really nice feel, at least the earlier ones!

Long contact plate, slits, the symmetrical sliders of the oldest linear varieties and the click and tactile mechanisms. Oh so good.

When I started down the Alps rabbit hole, I never knew to look for the slits. The DT wiki only mentioned that "later variants lacked the slits," and said nothing about their quality, or decline thereof. And aside from that, it's hard to tell later-generation SKCMs from the SKBMs. And half the time you're taking a gamble buying a used board off eBay and getting something with awful, dirty, gunked-up switches that stick.

Turns out most of my White Alps boards are of the later SKCM or Simplified varieties. Could've saved myself a lot of trouble and money if I'd known. Would've never spent a literal fortune on a NOS Omnikey Ultra TP if I'd known it had SKBMs, for one thing.

Offline jacobolus

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #67 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 01:37:58 »
That Omnikey is a very nice sturdy board if you have some loose Alps switches in need of a good home.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #68 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 01:40:33 »
That Omnikey is a very nice sturdy board if you have some loose Alps switches in need of a good home.

I don't as of yet, but I hope to if a good donor board/nice bag of SKCM switches pops up. Just hope I don't damage the board with my crummy soldering skills like I did with my 101P!  :-\

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #69 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 02:22:12 »
Pretty sure those are simplified Alps (the Alps not made by Alps), they're definitely not as good. Jacobulus is definitely right about the slits on Alps, the slitted ones feel and sound a lot better. However, E3E, it's probably not down to (just) the actual slits but due to several production differences at once; different plastics, different thicknesses, different click leaves, leaf stiffnesses, etc. Even if it's not visually possible to distinguish the different parts ;) .
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Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #70 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 09:42:59 »
Pretty sure those are simplified Alps (the Alps not made by Alps), they're definitely not as good. Jacobulus is definitely right about the slits on Alps, the slitted ones feel and sound a lot better. However, E3E, it's probably not down to (just) the actual slits but due to several production differences at once; different plastics, different thicknesses, different click leaves, leaf stiffnesses, etc. Even if it's not visually possible to distinguish the different parts ;) .

So true, Chyros, so true. That wasn't even a thought when I considered that, but I agree. Have you ever experimented with the differences between white long contact plates and grey plates? I find there to be really no real difference, but the white plates certainly have a more raw appearance. I believe of the SKCL compact switches I have, the "half greens" use black contact plates.

I'd wonder how much the feel would improve if you swap in a "pine" top housing on an otherwise grassy "bamboo" switch.

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #71 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 10:07:35 »
Pretty sure those are simplified Alps (the Alps not made by Alps), they're definitely not as good. Jacobulus is definitely right about the slits on Alps, the slitted ones feel and sound a lot better. However, E3E, it's probably not down to (just) the actual slits but due to several production differences at once; different plastics, different thicknesses, different click leaves, leaf stiffnesses, etc. Even if it's not visually possible to distinguish the different parts ;) .

So true, Chyros, so true. That wasn't even a thought when I considered that, but I agree. Have you ever experimented with the differences between white long contact plates and grey plates? I find there to be really no real difference, but the white plates certainly have a more raw appearance. I believe of the SKCL compact switches I have, the "half greens" use black contact plates.

I'd wonder how much the feel would improve if you swap in a "pine" top housing on an otherwise grassy "bamboo" switch.
Of course that'd be the best way to test this sort of thing, parts swaps etc. But it would be quite hard to test it all objectively, especially considering you'd need a bunch of switches of each type, all in NOS condition, and you'd need to test them side-by-side under identical conditions. Very hard to do all that.

Personally I can't imagine the length or the colour of the switchplate mattering because it's not part of the travel mechanism; the slider in no way feels the length or colour of the switchplate afaik. However, the contact leaf, including thickness, material and grade, finger length and angle, and even its mount stability on the switchplate could be quite significant.

Personally I think it's more due to the slider material changing over time, and possibly the housing. First-gen Alps were lubricated, but later ones weren't. This might suggest they tried out a different slider material (like POM; a low-friction plastic) which didn't need lubricant as much. If I had access to the department TGA and DSC I might've been able to find out which materials and compositions they were, but alas :( .

The click/tactile leaf for sure is also a factor on switch designs. The bottom lip on SKCM White for example might exert more pressure on the leaf as it's being bent, causing it to not be pulled forward as much compared to the lipless SKCM Amber, which is said to be more tactile (which would make sense). Different knocking strip, considerably different shape of tactile teeth, possibly thickness and material type, all play a factor.

There is also a different spring in later Alps compared to early ones. Earlier designs used a gold-tinted spring with fewer windings compared to later Alps switches. Although supposedly similarly weighted, at the very least it would impact the sound I guess.
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #72 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 15:21:47 »
I'm thinking of acquiring an old Chicony or two and seeing if I can harvest the switches for my huge Omnikey Ultra. We need to include a "Look for White Alps with slits if you want the best, authentic Alps experience!" PSA somewhere for people starting out in the Alps world, guys. Ebay is chock full of "White Alps" keyboards that have either simplified or dumbed-down clone switches.  ;)

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #73 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 15:28:10 »
I'm thinking of acquiring an old Chicony or two and seeing if I can harvest the switches for my huge Omnikey Ultra. We need to include a "Look for White Alps with slits if you want the best, authentic Alps experience!" PSA somewhere for people starting out in the Alps world, guys. Ebay is chock full of "White Alps" keyboards that have either simplified or dumbed-down clone switches.  ;)

I think old Acer 6011s might be one of the safest bets for solid white Alps switches, and some variants have the same case as the KB101A and look practically indistinguishable aside from the FCC ID and model number (as does the Acer 6311-K with Acer switches).

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #74 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 15:38:53 »
I think old Acer 6011s might be one of the safest bets for solid white Alps switches, and some variants have the same case as the KB101A and look practically indistinguishable aside from the FCC ID and model number (as does the Acer 6311-K with Acer switches).

Old Acer boards seem pretty rare, though. Almost as much as the KB101A itself! The only ones I've ever seen in the last few months on eBay are things like these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACER-PS-2-AT-STYLE-VINTAGE-PC-COMPUTER-KEYBOARD-5-pin-DIN-6311-/251781340122?hash=item3a9f565bda:g:RHMAAOSwg3FUqcqL

BTW, E3E, do you have any Blue Alps keyboards on your radar? Or cheap White Alps boards that can be harvested? Chyros did recommend asking you to another poster earlier on this page. :p

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #75 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 15:41:12 »
I'm thinking of acquiring an old Chicony or two and seeing if I can harvest the switches for my huge Omnikey Ultra. We need to include a "Look for White Alps with slits if you want the best, authentic Alps experience!" PSA somewhere for people starting out in the Alps world, guys. Ebay is chock full of "White Alps" keyboards that have either simplified or dumbed-down clone switches.  ;)
As far as I know, white Alps (the genuine ones) are really mostly slitted. Some clones, most notably OA2, are really good too, I know at least one person that prefers them to real Alps (they're lighter).

No need to watch for a 6011 specifically, white Alps are common enough ;) .
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Offline frogthejam19

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #76 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 16:07:42 »
:\ still looking for a Blue Alps board.
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #77 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 16:30:00 »
:\ still looking for a Blue Alps board.

You and me both. Right now they're ridiculously rare, and any boards that get spotted on eBay quickly have their prices inflated into the stratosphere. Your best chance is finding a random eBay listing from someone that doesn't know what they have before the rest of GH and DT sees it and the hype train gets going.

But that's hard, because most clueless eBay sellers don't take pictures of the switches and there seem to be very few boards out there that were manufactured specifically with Blue Alps. A lot of boards from that era could come with any number of different switches; only a relatively few were 'guaranteed' to have Blue Alps (the Acer KB101A and Leading Edge 3014 are two obvious examples), and as a consequence they're nearly impossible to find. They get snatched up quickly, because collectors know what to look for. People selling vintage keyboards are also starting to catch on to the mania and are over-inflating their asking prices accordingly. Demand is very high, supply is low, that sort of thing.

Like the guys were saying to me, you kind of have to sleuth out obscure leads on the internet and not always rely on eBay. Which is hard.

But that said, I too that some will turn up someday, and not for a ludicrous $400 price tag.
« Last Edit: Thu, 28 January 2016, 16:34:12 by khronokrator »

Offline chyros

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #78 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 16:58:36 »
:\ still looking for a Blue Alps board.

You and me both. Right now they're ridiculously rare, and any boards that get spotted on eBay quickly have their prices inflated into the stratosphere. Your best chance is finding a random eBay listing from someone that doesn't know what they have before the rest of GH and DT sees it and the hype train gets going.

But that's hard, because most clueless eBay sellers don't take pictures of the switches and there seem to be very few boards out there that were manufactured specifically with Blue Alps. A lot of boards from that era could come with any number of different switches; only a relatively few were 'guaranteed' to have Blue Alps (the Acer KB101A and Leading Edge 3014 are two obvious examples), and as a consequence they're nearly impossible to find. They get snatched up quickly, because collectors know what to look for. People selling vintage keyboards are also starting to catch on to the mania and are over-inflating their asking prices accordingly. Demand is very high, supply is low, that sort of thing.

Like the guys were saying to me, you kind of have to sleuth out obscure leads on the internet and not always rely on eBay. Which is hard.

But that said, I too that some will turn up someday, and not for a ludicrous $400 price tag.
Blue Alps are not that rare, you'll get your board someday, I'm sure ;) .

Also, before you make a potentially horrible mistake; the DC-3014 did NOT always come with blue Alps; in fact, it's much more well-known for being able to come with linear brown Alps (which are far rarer). The one you might be thinking of is the DC-2014 ;) .
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Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #79 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 17:03:25 »
Thanks, Chyros. Yes, I was just reading that on the wiki, in fact.  :)

Really just further illustrates why they're so rare; few keyboards were ever made exclusively with Blue Alps.

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #80 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 17:54:40 »
I think old Acer 6011s might be one of the safest bets for solid white Alps switches, and some variants have the same case as the KB101A and look practically indistinguishable aside from the FCC ID and model number (as does the Acer 6311-K with Acer switches).

Old Acer boards seem pretty rare, though. Almost as much as the KB101A itself! The only ones I've ever seen in the last few months on eBay are things like these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACER-PS-2-AT-STYLE-VINTAGE-PC-COMPUTER-KEYBOARD-5-pin-DIN-6311-/251781340122?hash=item3a9f565bda:g:RHMAAOSwg3FUqcqL

BTW, E3E, do you have any Blue Alps keyboards on your radar? Or cheap White Alps boards that can be harvested? Chyros did recommend asking you to another poster earlier on this page. :p

The last blue Alps board I'm really hankering for to complete my blue Alps dynasty would be an Acer KB101A. I wouldn't mind any blue Alps board I could find though; I just like collecting blue Alps stuff! I was half-hoping the DC-3014 would've come with Brown Linear Alps.  I have my linear Brown Alps thanks to a trade with sth that I've made. Still waiting for a full board with them. I have pondered swapping the blues out of my DC-3014 and adding SKCL brown instead, but eh. It is quite a nice board to type on, especially with the AT101's caps on it.

So pretty much, as far as blue Alps are concerned - KB101A and any little interesting blue Alps board, butt I won't go out of my way for many right now. I'm very much happy with what I have! The only other one would be one of those replacement Apple IIc boards with SKCM blues and Alps branding on the top housing of the switch.

As far as I know, that's the ONLY keyboard that has that contains blues with the Alps branding like that.

Some curiosities I'd like are the Focus FK-767 which also exists in a variant form for the Philips PM 3655 Logic Analyzer, though it seems like that one might only have Omron Cyan. No idea though.

Another would be the variant of the Chicony 5170 with blue Alps.

An Ortek MCK-101 would be neat to have (since it looks so similar to the FAME except all plastic and a few small differences, but more so than the Chicony 5161), but that falls more under the "little interesting blue Alps board" stuff and not really something big for me. This one can come with white Alps too, though, as can the 5170.

Also, before you make a potentially horrible mistake; the DC-3014 did NOT always come with blue Alps; in fact, it's much more well-known for being able to come with linear brown Alps (which are far rarer). The one you might be thinking of is the DC-2014 ;) .

Horrible mistake? Pff, brown linear Alps are fantastic switches and fantastically rare. It wouldn't be a mistake at all! If I were you, buy any DC-3014 you can find. They are fantastic, have NKRO (the only ANSI blue Alps board to have such a feature), and an excellent, incredibly solid build quality. Made by Daewoo in Korea.  :thumb:

Now about blue Alps not being rare--this is true, at least in comparison to SKCM green and SKCL brown. They are less common than the other types. SKCM amber and SKCM brown are always around, it's just hard to find a source with a decent price tag. The main thing about blue Alps that makes them hard to find is that there are hardly any surefire sources for them where you know you'll get them every time.

AFAIK, only the Leading Edge DC-2014 and the NEC APC-H410 (84 key, not the 101 ANSI board, which is the H410E) have blue Alps for sure--that are common-ish anyway.

-

Yeah, right now, they are very VERY desirable, so anything you see on the market will be a flash in the pan in terms of how long it stays there.

As an interesting note, a seller on taobao relisted the very same Monterey K101 I have with the same exact serial number: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.106.I5IAKh&id=41551316167&ns=1&abbucket=20#detail

Be sure to try and buy that paradox of a board! Let's see what happens!

My greatest blue Alps blunder was passing up 100 blue Alps switches + a keyboard thrown in as a bonus for a total of $16 USD before shipping on TaoBao because I was stuck on a technicality and couldn't decide.

:(
« Last Edit: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:05:27 by E3E »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #81 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:31:59 »
Let me be clear on this: you're saying you bought that board already and they just... relisted it again?  :eek:

I've no experience buying stuff on Taobao, though. I wouldn't even know how to begin to search for stuff, let alone whether they ship to the States.

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #82 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:35:32 »
Let me be clear on this: you're saying you bought that board already and they just... relisted it again?  :eek:

I've no experience buying stuff on Taobao, though. I wouldn't even know how to begin to search for stuff, let alone whether they ship to the States.

I use a service called taobaoring as an agent. EMS was still through the rough expensive, sadly. It made what was a $67 keyboard a $123 keyboard after shipping, which is why I was hesitant on that 100 Alps + keyboard purchase I could have made. $123 is the most I've ever paid for any vintage keyboard I own.

I have a board that I've been seeing on eBay for a long time that I heavily considered buying that I think you might like, good sir. It's not blue Alps, but it is certified complicated white Alps with pine slits! I'll PM you.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #83 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:41:05 »

I use a service called taobaoring as an agent. EMS was still through the rough expensive, sadly. It made what was a $67 keyboard a $123 keyboard after shipping, which is why I was hesitant on that 100 Alps + keyboard purchase I could have made. $123 is the most I've ever paid for any vintage keyboard I own.

I have a board that I've been seeing on eBay for a long time that I heavily considered buying that I think you might like, good sir. It's not blue Alps, but it is certified complicated white Alps with pine slits! I'll PM you.

Very interesting. I'd honestly be tempted to snag that K101 if it wasn't the one you already seem to have bought.  :p

And that'd be much appreciated, E3E! I'm on the lookout for any good finds I can get that aren't ludicrously expensive.

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #84 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:43:09 »

I use a service called taobaoring as an agent. EMS was still through the rough expensive, sadly. It made what was a $67 keyboard a $123 keyboard after shipping, which is why I was hesitant on that 100 Alps + keyboard purchase I could have made. $123 is the most I've ever paid for any vintage keyboard I own.

I have a board that I've been seeing on eBay for a long time that I heavily considered buying that I think you might like, good sir. It's not blue Alps, but it is certified complicated white Alps with pine slits! I'll PM you.

Very interesting. I'd honestly be tempted to snag that K1010 if it wasn't the one you already seem to have bought.  :p

And that'd be much appreciated, E3E! I'm on the lookout for any good finds I can get that aren't ludicrously expensive.

Yeah, I don't know what's up with it to be honest. There was a time that I wanted to buy an Silicon Graphics Button Box, a weird sort of controller that had 32 or so keys that were all grey linear Alps. All keys were also windowed, so my mind went to the fun possibilities of using them on my backlit Alps board.

The agent told me that the seller kept the listing up, despite having already sold it, simply because he wanted to show it off to others. So yeah, quirky.
« Last Edit: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:45:25 by E3E »

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #85 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:47:15 »
Weird. But definitely interesting in its own right; this opens up new frontiers in the ongoing search for good Alps boards.

Any particular queries that are useful for searching for old Alps keyboards on Taobao?

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #86 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 18:55:22 »
Also, in the spirit of the thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/42ji5b/usma_h_paypal_blue_alps_w_redscarf_77_or_redscarf/

This guy on r/mechmarket has a KB101A, but it seems he's only looking to use it for a trade, alas.  :(

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #87 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 19:23:01 »
Also, in the spirit of the thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/42ji5b/usma_h_paypal_blue_alps_w_redscarf_77_or_redscarf/

This guy on r/mechmarket has a KB101A, but it seems he's only looking to use it for a trade, alas.  :(

Ahh yeah, itzmeluigi.

We talk a bit! Yeah, no idea where that one's going to go. We were in talks of his possible letting it go in the future, but it seems like the premiums on blue Alps (consarn them) have made him consider using it as a bargaining chip for a nice board. I wouldn't trade a custom for ANY vintage board.

But that's just me.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #88 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 19:34:55 »
Nor I, E3E, nor I.

Would he be willing to let it go for money, or is he set on trying to use it as a bargaining chip?

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #89 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 21:21:54 »
Hahaha yeah, i was pretty much using it as a bargaining chip, although i kinda want to list it on Ebay because of the really high prices. I ended up getting a RedScarf96 and was able to buy it :D

Once i get the Realforce ive been wanting for a while ill be selling it.

Offline E3E

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #90 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 21:31:35 »
Hahaha yeah, i was pretty much using it as a bargaining chip, although i kinda want to list it on Ebay because of the really high prices. I ended up getting a RedScarf96 and was able to buy it :D

Once i get the Realforce ive been wanting for a while ill be selling it.

I still don't know if the Datatrak or the Datatech were isolated instances of hype or insanity, but definitely go for the resale if you want to get the most bang out of your buck, dude!

I certainly couldn't provide an amount close to what those guys paid for their boards (really, a yellowed SPK?), so I mean I definitely understand if you want to optimize profit.

I just kind of chuckle since an SPK-100 went for $99 + shipping a few months ago, and it was in good condition.

Offline khronokrator

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Re: Datatech SPK-100: solid board with metal back, blue alps(?)
« Reply #91 on: Thu, 28 January 2016, 23:25:56 »
Yeah, I can't match those insane prices. More power to you if you go the auction route, though! The demand is getting really high this year.