Alps Appreciation Thread

[DALExSNAIL]

Oh well, i at least got some unboxing pictures, sorry for the spam haha

[Delirious]

Oh well, i at least got some unboxing pictures, sorry for the spam haha

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Did you restart your computer after you plug in the keyboard?

[DALExSNAIL]

Oh well, i at least got some unboxing pictures, sorry for the spam haha

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Did you restart your computer after you plug in the keyboard?

Yes, rerstarted after every change in the dip switches.

[nurupism]

Yes, rerstarted after every change in the dip switches.

I recently got a Switchboard myself, one of the NIB models on Ebay that were sold without a cable. I was able to get it to work fine with an ADB cable and Mac mode, so perhaps that is something you could try.

[kultra]

I bought an Acer keyboard with ALPS switches, but the keys exhibit key chatter. I use two adapters to connect the keyboard to my laptop DIN->PS/2 and PS/2->USB. The latter adapter was tested with other PS/2 keyboards and it works, but I don't have other DIN keyboard to test the other adapter. This is the adapter used:
https://www.amazon.it/Lindy-0-15m-AT-interface-adapters/dp/B0000934IC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1511791197&sr=8-8&keywords=din+ps%2F2

Is the adapter defect? Or the keyboard? Any idea on how to fix the key chatter?

Thanks.

[Applet]

Got a case today, so decided to take a pic.

alps64 w. click modded oranges (ulrasonic cleaned). Keycaps from AEK1 and M0116. Had to select the best switches from the board, some were very worn out.

Maybe not the prettiest, but it's a fun board.

[E3E]

Looks good! I always want to see people do a little dyeing up with AEK/M0116 caps for a bit more contrast, but it does look nice as is.

[_rubik]

Looks good! I always want to see people do a little dyeing up with AEK/M0116 caps for a bit more contrast, but it does look nice as is.

I've been wondering about that myself. I'm about to build my second AEK build (this time a 60), and was wondering how I could switch it up a little. I'm curious how a charcoal gray dye would look.

[E3E]

Looks good! I always want to see people do a little dyeing up with AEK/M0116 caps for a bit more contrast, but it does look nice as is.

I've been wondering about that myself. I'm about to build my second AEK build (this time a 60), and was wondering how I could switch it up a little. I'm curious how a charcoal gray dye would look.

That's exactly the same color I was considering. I think it'd look nice as a mod color or for the whole set.

[_rubik]

Looks good! I always want to see people do a little dyeing up with AEK/M0116 caps for a bit more contrast, but it does look nice as is.

I've been wondering about that myself. I'm about to build my second AEK build (this time a 60), and was wondering how I could switch it up a little. I'm curious how a charcoal gray dye would look.

That's exactly the same color I was considering. I think it'd look nice as a mod color or for the whole set.

Or even go with a fun color like purple or turquoise for the mods, and charcoal for the alphas.
I sadly have no dye experience. So I'd have to get my hands on some AEK cap knowing full well I could mess them up.. Has anyone done something similar before?

[tristinDLC]

I'm curious how a charcoal gray dye would look.

Here is a friend's M0110 with charcoal grey caps for a bit of reference to what a little color contrast might look like:

[clickstops]

That M0110 is deluxe.

[tristinDLC]

It's super custom with a beta version of a fully programmable Bluetooth PCB and it uses a laser cut acrylic adapter plate to mount the PCB without modifying the case at all.

[_rubik]

It's super custom with a beta version of a fully programmable Bluetooth PCB and it uses a laser cut acrylic adapter plate to mount the PCB without modifying the case at all.

Ummm... can we get a build thread about this thing? It sounds amazing!

[tristinDLC]

Ummm... can we get a build thread about this thing? It sounds amazing!

Here is an Imgur album with more pictures and a bit of info https://imgur.com/a/KZPgD The build is done by a buddy and the programming was a combined effort between him and another guy who initially wrote some BT firmware for some really interesting wireless projects he's developing. Still kinda all a beta project, but he says he really digs using it.

[badziew]

I expect M-tek K108 to appear on Wednesday, according to seller it has white complicated Alps. I'm looking forward to doing some appreciation myself

 Nice man! It probably has the four-tab ALPS clone below but it should be a good alps experience nonetheless! Clicky ALPS are a lot of fun:)

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps.tw_Type_T1

Oh snap, I should have seen this reply sooner.
It actually has white Alps of the "pine" variety.
https://imgur.com/a/aac43
About a dozen switches had the issue with upstroke click, but gently squeezing the clickleaf and switchplate contacts of each switch did the job.

[sncbraxsc2]

I expect M-tek K108 to appear on Wednesday, according to seller it has white complicated Alps. I'm looking forward to doing some appreciation myself

 Nice man! It probably has the four-tab ALPS clone below but it should be a good alps experience nonetheless! Clicky ALPS are a lot of fun:)

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps.tw_Type_T1

Oh snap, I should have seen this reply sooner.
It actually has white Alps of the "pine" variety.
https://imgur.com/a/aac43
About a dozen switches had the issue with upstroke click, but gently squeezing the clickleaf and switchplate contacts of each switch did the job.

Dude, nice! The DT wiki for the K108 could maybe use a little updating with this information then! Thats a lovely board!

[rich1051414]

Nice man! It probably has the four-tab ALPS clone below but it should be a good alps experience nonetheless! Clicky ALPS are a lot of fun:)

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps.tw_Type_T1

I had a siig minitouch with this switch. I hated it so much I had the switches pulled within 24 hours. The switch was unbelievably stiff before actuation began. However, the switch SOUNDS amazing, and the feel is good, but the extreme stiffness was next level, and there was no way I could handle it. Just wanted to put my opinion out there.

[sncbraxsc2]

Nice man! It probably has the four-tab ALPS clone below but it should be a good alps experience nonetheless! Clicky ALPS are a lot of fun:)

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps.tw_Type_T1

I had a siig minitouch with this switch. I hated it so much I had the switches pulled within 24 hours. The switch was unbelievably stiff before actuation began. However, the switch SOUNDS amazing, and the feel is good, but the extreme stiffness was next level, and there was no way I could handle it. Just wanted to put my opinion out there.

I can't deal with very stiff switches either. Maybe a "good ALPS experience" wasn't the right way to phrase that. I meant more that, as a clone, it should still be a good example of the function of ALPS and what there is to appreciate about them. I've never actually tried those switches before. Alas, he got the real deal anyway!

[rich1051414]

Nice man! It probably has the four-tab ALPS clone below but it should be a good alps experience nonetheless! Clicky ALPS are a lot of fun:)

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps.tw_Type_T1

I had a siig minitouch with this switch. I hated it so much I had the switches pulled within 24 hours. The switch was unbelievably stiff before actuation began. However, the switch SOUNDS amazing, and the feel is good, but the extreme stiffness was next level, and there was no way I could handle it. Just wanted to put my opinion out there.

I can't deal with very stiff switches either. Maybe a "good ALPS experience" wasn't the right way to phrase that. I meant more that, as a clone, it should still be a good example of the function of ALPS and what there is to appreciate about them. I've never actually tried those switches before. Alas, he got the real deal anyway!

Well, because of that switch, I have a siig minitouch with orange alps now, which is my favorite keyboard. In fact, I like it so much, I have a hard time actually using it, out of fear I will wear out the switches. xD

[eksuen]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

[_rubik]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

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Whattttt. Now that's a fabulous switch to stumble on. Any plans for it? Keep it as is for harvesting for some big build?

[eksuen]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

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Whattttt. Now that's a fabulous switch to stumble on. Any plans for it? Keep it as is for harvesting for some big build?

I need an adapter to see if it work. Regardless of functionality, I will most likely keep it as is since it's in such good condition and it has some family history to it.

I just acquired an AEK layout Alps64 that has Greens modded to be clicky, so I have something to scratch that typing itch when it comes to regular usage.

[Kevadu]

I had a siig minitouch with this switch. I hated it so much I had the switches pulled within 24 hours. The switch was unbelievably stiff before actuation began. However, the switch SOUNDS amazing, and the feel is good, but the extreme stiffness was next level, and there was no way I could handle it. Just wanted to put my opinion out there.

I've got those awful clones in my MiniTouch too.  I was really hoping somebody here at some suggestions for what to do with them...unfortunately replacing them with another Alps switch isn't really an option for me since I don't have any others on hand.

The board is basically unusable in its current state.  Lost the MiniTouch lottery I guess (I was really hoping for Monterey switches but it was a new in box keyboard so I didn't know what I was getting...).

[rich1051414]

I had a siig minitouch with this switch. I hated it so much I had the switches pulled within 24 hours. The switch was unbelievably stiff before actuation began. However, the switch SOUNDS amazing, and the feel is good, but the extreme stiffness was next level, and there was no way I could handle it. Just wanted to put my opinion out there.

I've got those awful clones in my MiniTouch too.  I was really hoping somebody here at some suggestions for what to do with them...unfortunately replacing them with another Alps switch isn't really an option for me since I don't have any others on hand.

The board is basically unusable in its current state.  Lost the MiniTouch lottery I guess (I was really hoping for Monterey switches but it was a new in box keyboard so I didn't know what I was getting...).

You could salvage them with lighter springs, but it is a massive pain, especially since the cut down switch plate on those clone switches like to catch on the housing, ruining them. They are easy to get apart but a nightmare to reassemble. Cherry springs will not work though.

[chyros]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

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I suppose that's an Ortek OEM product, but I've never heard of that model before Oo . Regardless, that's quite a find, congratulations!

[MandrewDavis]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

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If you cannot get the keyboard converted and want to keep the keyboard in it's current case, I have a PCB that supports the layout and uses a teensy 2++.

[eksuen]

This was sitting in my garage. I was talking to my dad about old keyboards yesterday morning and when I came home, he told me he remembered he still has one very old keyboard. It was his first keyboard that he got with his first PC, which he still has as well. He gave the board to me as an early birthday present.

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If you cannot get the keyboard converted and want to keep the keyboard in it's current case, I have a PCB that supports the layout and uses a teensy 2++.

Noted. Thank you. The converter should arrive in a couple days so we'll soon find out.

[rich1051414]

Question, my matias quiet pro showed up today, but there is something weird about the feel, or perhaps I am spoiled by oranges. After the tactile bump, it feels like there is a second smaller build up in pressure, which releases again, and this is consistent across all switches. Is this just friction I am feeling, or is there something different about the new switches.

I have heard people compare the feel of typing on one as splashing into a pool of water, and I totally understand what they mean by that now, but I can't help but notice the friction. The high tactility that gives way a lot is exactly why I like oranges, but the friction or whatever after that just feels strange. Can that be helped with lube? I thought these switches came factory lubed.

Also some of the switches rattle badly, and are louder than some of my clicky switches. Not very 'quiet'. Even my zealios board is quieter than this one due to tactile leaf clicking.

Edit: The later was due to the switch being cold as I just pulled it from outside. As it has warmed up, the clicking has stopped. I guess the switches were never actuated after assembled and the lube froze. However, there is still a bit of tactile leaf rattle going on, more than my oranges. I will see if that stops with use. However, it could be the sound of the stem slamming into the base that masks the sound of the tactile leaf rattling on orange switches, not too sure about that.

Good switches, better than any cherry tactile switch in feel, even zealios, but no match for oranges, that is for sure. Just trying to figure out if there is something 'off' about my batch of quiet switches, so I don't have a false opinion of them.

[chyros]

This second bump is normal on Matias switches, it's caused by the metal contacts.

[rich1051414]

This second bump is normal on Matias switches, it's caused by the metal contacts.

Oh I see. That makes sense. I am slowly no longer even noticing it, and I started questioning my initial reaction. It is definitely subtle, but noticeable if you come from a switch that does not have this.

[jnav]

Question, my matias quiet pro showed up today, but there is something weird about the feel, or perhaps I am spoiled by oranges. After the tactile bump, it feels like there is a second smaller build up in pressure, which releases again, and this is consistent across all switches. Is this just friction I am feeling, or is there something different about the new switches.

I have heard people compare the feel of typing on one as splashing into a pool of water, and I totally understand what they mean by that now, but I can't help but notice the friction. The high tactility that gives way a lot is exactly why I like oranges, but the friction or whatever after that just feels strange. Can that be helped with lube? I thought these switches came factory lubed.

Also some of the switches rattle badly, and are louder than some of my clicky switches. Not very 'quiet'. Even my zealios board is quieter than this one due to tactile leaf clicking.

Edit: The later was due to the switch being cold as I just pulled it from outside. As it has warmed up, the clicking has stopped. I guess the switches were never actuated after assembled and the lube froze. However, there is still a bit of tactile leaf rattle going on, more than my oranges. I will see if that stops with use. However, it could be the sound of the stem slamming into the base that masks the sound of the tactile leaf rattling on orange switches, not too sure about that.

Good switches, better than any cherry tactile switch in feel, even zealios, but no match for oranges, that is for sure. Just trying to figure out if there is something 'off' about my batch of quiet switches, so I don't have a false opinion of them.

I can't speak to the older Matias Quiet Click switches because I've never opened one up but I can confirm that the new ones are factory lubed. Also, if you like Alps Orange switches, my recommendation is to remove the rubber "dampeners" from Matias' QC switches. While not as smooth as Alps Oranges (my personal favorites), it remedies that odd rubbery sensation the dampeners create. Also, the quiet clicks are just too quiet IMO.

[klennkellon]

The Matias switches still have some of the clunkiness that all simplified Alps do which might explain that weird "second bump"

[rich1051414]

The Matias switches still have some of the clunkiness that all simplified Alps do which might explain that weird "second bump"

Clunkiness is a good word. It feels a bit chaotic compared to older alps that I am used to. It is still good, but it feels sloppy in comparison. As I said, it probably is just me spoiled by vintage alps. On older alps, once you overcome the bump, it feels like the bottom falls out and you don't really feel much resistance until you bottom out the slider, but on matias, you can definitely feel extra resistance before the rubber bumper bottoms out, which adds a third type of resistance. This adds up to a press feeling chaotic to me, like you get too many different forms of tactility overlapping sloppily.

This, of course, is simply in comparison. For a modern switch, they are still very nice, and I am not trying to convince anyone to not get them a try. It is just not the same as the old alps.

They also feel more bindy as well, but I forgive it for that. Alps have always been a bit bindy in comparison to cherry, regardless of the manufacturer. I have come to actually kind of like it in a strange way.

[rich1051414]

The Matias switches still have some of the clunkiness that all simplified Alps do which might explain that weird "second bump"

Clunkiness is a good word. It feels a bit chaotic compared to older alps that I am used to. It is still good, but it feels sloppy in comparison. As I said, it probably is just me spoiled by vintage alps. On older alps, once you overcome the bump, it feels like the bottom falls out and you don't really feel much resistance until you bottom out the slider, but on matias, you can definitely feel extra resistance before the rubber bumper bottoms out, which adds a third type of resistance. This adds up to a press feeling chaotic to me, like you get too many different forms of tactility overlapping sloppily.

This, of course, is simply in comparison. For a modern switch, they are still very nice, and I am not trying to convince anyone to not get them a try. It is just not the same as the old alps.

They also feel more bindy as well, but I forgive it for that. Alps have always been a bit bindy in comparison to cherry, regardless of the manufacturer. I have come to actually kind of like it in a strange way.

FYI, I ended up pulling the quiet pro switches, and putting in vintage SKCM white switches(archetypal with slits). Ah... much better.

The quiet pro switches aren't bad, but I feel too much is sacrificed in the name of silence.I assume the tactile pro would be more up my alley, but that was not the switch I chose.

[badziew]

Dude, nice! The DT wiki for the K108 could maybe use a little updating with this information then! Thats a lovely board!

It's done. I'll take a top picture of it later and add to the wiki page.
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Monterey_K108

[N6NG]

Here are some fun Alps keycaps:

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Sorry to dig up such an old post, but does anyone know if these are SKCC or SKCL/SKCM?

[E3E]

Here are some fun Alps keycaps:

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Sorry to dig up such an old post, but does anyone know if these are SKCC or SKCL/SKCM?

They're SKEW, or Alps integrated domes.

[N6NG]

Here are some fun Alps keycaps:

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Sorry to dig up such an old post, but does anyone know if these are SKCC or SKCL/SKCM?

They're SKEW, or Alps integrated domes.

Great! Looks like I've finally found a keycap donor!
I've been hunting for spherical alps caps since Multistation boards seem impossible to find. With Yamaha MSX keycaps I'll only be missing a 1.75u shift, 1.5 backslash key (most likely a second tab key), and an ansi enter.
Or, if I could find a spherical bigass enter I could kill two birds with one stone, but that's even more impossible.

[E3E]

Here are some fun Alps keycaps:

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Sorry to dig up such an old post, but does anyone know if these are SKCC or SKCL/SKCM?

They're SKEW, or Alps integrated domes.

Great! Looks like I've finally found a keycap donor!
I've been hunting for spherical alps caps since Multistation boards seem impossible to find. With Yamaha MSX keycaps I'll only be missing a 1.75u shift, 1.5 backslash key (most likely a second tab key), and an ansi enter.
Or, if I could find a spherical bigass enter I could kill two birds with one stone, but that's even more impossible.

Yeah, these boards have lovely caps, but I have to inform you that they are not deeply scooped. The "MSX sculpted profile," as I call it, is actually rather flat on the top of the keys, whereas the Multistation's keys, while very similar in profile sculpt, have deep and noticeable scooping, the deepest of any of the Alps spherical profiles, from my experience.

Still, if you're after a good looking set, the MSX sets are amazing aesthetically.

[EscapeVelocity]

Just took delivery of the Matias Quiet Pro for PC keyboard today.

I LOVE IT!  It's like a modern version of my Apple Extended Keyboard II.  Im a fan of Dampened Alps.

I hope Matias develops more switches and starts making gaming keyboards.

[jnav]

Congrats it really is a solid keyboard. If you remove the rubber dampeners it's more reminiscent of the AEK with Orange Alps.

[N6NG]

Here are some fun Alps keycaps:

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Sorry to dig up such an old post, but does anyone know if these are SKCC or SKCL/SKCM?

They're SKEW, or Alps integrated domes.

Great! Looks like I've finally found a keycap donor!
I've been hunting for spherical alps caps since Multistation boards seem impossible to find. With Yamaha MSX keycaps I'll only be missing a 1.75u shift, 1.5 backslash key (most likely a second tab key), and an ansi enter.
Or, if I could find a spherical bigass enter I could kill two birds with one stone, but that's even more impossible.

Yeah, these boards have lovely caps, but I have to inform you that they are not deeply scooped. The "MSX sculpted profile," as I call it, is actually rather flat on the top of the keys, whereas the Multistation's keys, while very similar in profile sculpt, have deep and noticeable scooping, the deepest of any of the Alps spherical profiles, from my experience.

Still, if you're after a good looking set, the MSX sets are amazing aesthetically.

While Multistation caps are the holy grail, period, I just can't find em anywhere. The MSX caps do look very good, but I still worry about not having a full set for a traditional ansi layout. Of course, that hasn't stopped me  I've already been outbid on two arabic MSX machines.

[_rubik]

I may post photos in the future, but I just built myself an AEK64 with the oranges I've had sitting on my desk for over a year. I washed and lubed them, and holy hell.... why didn't I do that sooner??

I love my blues and oranges; I think I'll have to complete the trifecta with a linear green.

[smithyithy]

Refurbing the SKCM Browns boyos...







Stripped, ultrasonic cleaned, dry-lubed the stems, swapped for the springs -- 70cN and 85cN for the space.

Sadly only managed to source 58 of these, but need 60 for my planned build / layout. Fortunately I have a locking switch for Caps Lock that I've been eager to use, and I'm subbing-in an SKCM Orange in a lesser used key.

The board should be finished soon, just soldering the PCB, so will post more photos soon.

[Delirious]

Refurbing the SKCM Browns boyos...

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Stripped, ultrasonic cleaned, dry-lubed the stems, swapped for the springs -- 70cN and 85cN for the space.

Sadly only managed to source 58 of these, but need 60 for my planned build / layout. Fortunately I have a locking switch for Caps Lock that I've been eager to use, and I'm subbing-in an SKCM Orange in a lesser used key.

The board should be finished soon, just soldering the PCB, so will post more photos soon.

That's some mighty finger strength you got there. Most of SKCM Browns' resistance are from the bumps, now on top of that you add spring resistance.

Cant wait to see the end product. Keep us posted.

[fohat.digs]

That's some mighty finger strength you got there.

Aren't replacement springs measured at bottom-out rather than actuation?

And where did you get those? I would love to have some myself.

[sncbraxsc2]

That's some mighty finger strength you got there.

Aren't replacement springs measured at bottom-out rather than actuation?

And where did you get those? I would love to have some myself.

Yes they are and you can find replacement springs in Sprit's storefront on ebay here

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SPRiT-24K-Gold-Springs-Cherry-ALPS-DIY-GH60-MX-Vintage-Keyboard-2-Sets/222772521124?

[Delirious]

That's some mighty finger strength you got there.

Aren't replacement springs measured at bottom-out rather than actuation?

And where did you get those? I would love to have some myself.

I believe sprit still sells them on ebay, search for "alps springs" I think.

[smithyithy]

^^ What they said

Yep, they're rated at bottom-out weight I believe, as they don't really feel any heavier than stock, apart from the space bar, but I'm using a 7u space on this build so wanted a little big more weight. The switches were in decent condition when they arrived but I do like to use new gold spring whenever I'm cleaning and rebuilding.