Hey Geekhack!
Another 60% build. We've seen tons of these but this time I've got SKCM Blue ALPS in an Aluminum case.
Parts:
Using a Duck 1.5 PCB (not DUCKY), Duck Plate, SKCM Blue ALPS, caps from multiple ALPS boards, and an aluminium case off MD.
Switches:
SKCM Blue ALPS are considered superior to SKCM White ALPS. As an owner of both, I will say that SKCM Blue ALPS definitely feel better (smoother and less hollow), but they are probably not worth the massive premium.
How Much of a Premium?
My Focus FK 2001 with White ALPS cost around $20 shipped (it's heavy)
My Siig Suntouch Jr. cost about $45 shipped and it has mostly unused high quality "pine" SKCM White ALPS.
SKCM Blue Alps cost about $1.30 per loose switch, or $110+ for a donor board.
Caps
My biggest issue with ALPS is that there is no support for them.
Despite having a superior clicky switch (btw MATIAS makes great clones), they just never caught on. So it's near impossible to find cap sets. And forget about thick doubleshots or wonky colors. Your ALPS come in beige or white (black for MATIAS)
Cap Donors:
Most caps are from the Focus FK2001, but it has an ISO enter, short right shift, non-stepped capslock, and no \| key.
For those keys, I had to go out and buy a Dell AT101-W...just for caps (until I make resin modifiers)
What's Left?
A few things left to really make this board "endgame"
I am in the process of molding my own custom resin Keycaps for ALPS. Using "Greenstuff" sculpting resin and clay, I am making thick ALPS caps similar to a Click Clack Blank. The first batch came out great, but only includes the QWERTY row.
Thanks for Stopping By!
Turning it over to you guys if you have any suggestions/recommendations or if you have any questions.
-Defect