Dsi Ask-6600

[gn022566767]

hi i am new to this forum. i am looking for a new keyboard recently and i am am tired of the membrane kind and want a Mechanical Switch keyboard. I read about all those cherry or alps switches, and did some reseach on some famous Mechanical Switch keyboards mentioned in this forums and other forums. i know i can get one from ebay for a fairly low price, but i dont want it used. and i found this Full Size Alps Mechanical Switch Keyboard ASK-6600: (link) and i am wondering if anyone has this same keyboard

and what do you guys think about this keyboard?

[iMav]

I'm not aware of anyone on this forum owning that specific keyboard.

The specs mention it has Alps switches and has a "click". So, I'm guessing either black or white Alps keyswitches.

I'd give them (DSI) a call to confirm if I was you.

[gn022566767]

i read that the new das is coming out, but i dont want to spend too much money on a keyboard i hope someone can tell me the quality of this dsi keyboard

[ashort]

I almost want to buy one of those.  $49 is a great price for a nice tactile keyboard.

[Waves77]

i read that the new das is coming out, but i dont want to spend too much money on a keyboard i hope someone can tell me the quality of this dsi keyboard

A Das is only $30 more... worth it for something that you'd probably spend a lot of hours a day on - if not ask to HHKB Pro 2 owners around here, they spend around $300 on one

Why not used? If you have a bit of patience, a used IBM model M can be had for quite cheap on ebay (I bought one a while back for $0.99+shipping that I cleaned up for a friend) - it'll be a nice introduction to an excellent quality keyboard.

That way you'll know if keyboards is something you want to spend money on.

[Jaydoublem]

I don't own the DSI, but I have been eyeing it for quite a while because I love ALPS. However, the shape of the delete key is the reason I never bought it, and that I probably will never buy it.

[gn022566767]

i ve been paying real close attention on those IBM keyboards on ebay lately but what really draw me back from buying a used keyboard are because the fact that it might has defected keys and i dont like the look

i think i will wait for the new das and then i will decide!

thank you for the comment guys!

[xsphat]

However, the shape of the delete key is the reason I never bought it, and that I probably will never buy it.

Me too, exactly.

[nrp]

I bought 3 Model Ms on ebay. One labeled as new (got it for $7). I have no reason to believe it was not new. It came pristine in the original box.

I also got an used M and a Space Saver M. They all came in great conditions, working perfectly. These things are so cheap that it's worth to try. If they don't work, you don't loose much.

Go for it. The Model Ms are the benchmark. I tried Alps, Cherry, and all. At the end, I always go back to my old Ms.

And if you want a new Model M, there is a company that still produces them. Search the forum and you will find it.

Good luck.

[George]

There are many mechanical switch keyboard offered by DSI and it is available at http://www.notestation.com/mechswitch.htm.

DSI has produced mechanical switch keyboards since 1990 and we are working on a modular keyboard with Cherry mechanical switch for PC/Mac.  This keyboard was featured in the Taipei Computex 2008 and it can be viewed at this link:

This modular keyboard can be pre-ordered at this link:  http://www.notestation.com/kb-modmac-u.htm

I be happy to reply any questions about DSI mechanical switch keyboard.  My email address is george@dsi-usa.com

[ashort]

I'd pay good money for an old style (both rows of apple specific keys on the right) SMK-88 with blue or brown cherry switches.  

=-D

[iMav]

There are many mechanical switch keyboard offered by DSI and it is available at http://www.notestation.com/mechswitch.htm.

The big question is...are any of them available with blue Cherry keyswitches.  Black Cherry keyswitches just don't cut it (AFAIC).

For the most part, I don't like linear switches.  Tactile is a must, clicky is desired.

[George]

We produce mechanical switch keyboard and it can be viewed at http://www.notestation.com/mechswitch.htm

We also introduced a newly designed modular keyboard at Taipei Computex and it has been evaluated by Engadget at http://chinese.engadget.com/2008/06/05/computex-2008-dsi/

Grett product DSI.  Keep up the good design.

[iMav]

Let's put it this way . . .

Hey George.  What keyboards do DSI sell that have tactile (and/or clicky) keyswitches.

Black, linear Cherry switches are neither clicky nor tactile...

[ashort]

I think what iMav was getting at:

Vendors don't like to distinguish between "mechanical switches" and "tactile switches".  Cherry MX blacks are mechnical, but not very tactile.

Cherry MX blues and browns, and CLICKY ALPS are what most of us are after.  So what we want to know is, a lot of boards use Cherry blacks and that is disguised behind the term "mechanical keyswitch".  Most of us wouldn't buy a board using Cherry blacks unless we loved the layout and were desperate for a board.

We like mechanical, but what we are looking for is Tactile.  Witness the adoration that the non-mechanical capactive switches (Topre, HHKB Pro) get on here.  YOu can say "mechanical" all day long, but you'll only be telling half the story.

[xsphat]

I like the modular design, but the only way I'd buy one is if it had clicky Cherry blue stemmed switches. If it comes with that switch, I think many of us here would buy one.