Alps Appreciation Thread

[klennkellon]

I'm thinking of swapping the white-alps clones from that weird Datadesk keyboard into my V80. I just hope my V80's pads can handle another round of desoldering. They are kind of clunky to use though so I could just linear mod them. I already tried with one switch and they are indeed just as smooth as my SKCL Brown though the second tactile event is somewhat more noticeable.

At the same time the keyboard is so weird it would kind of be a shame to dismantle it.

[_rubik]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA68 con AEK and Alps Blues


https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

[Mattr567]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA78 con AEK and Alps Blues

Show Image

https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

Looks great!

[duyminh211]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA78 con AEK and Alps Blues

Show Image

https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

Looking great. Is the VA78 plate compatible with ALPS? Did you get it from Taobao?

[_rubik]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA78 con AEK and Alps Blues

Show Image

https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

Looking great. Is the VA78 plate compatible with ALPS? Did you get it from Taobao?

It actually isn't a VA68 plate. The whole package has been designed by /u/ca178858 (Scott). Super helpful guy who has designed the pcb, plate, and qmk firmware for his board -- LFK78. http://imgur.com/a/VLKBM

Essentially, it's his creation designed to fit into a VA68 Case (which I still need to buy), but use Alps. I also fully don't know what to call it. VAEK68?

[E3E]

It actually isn't a VA68 plate. The whole package has been designed by /u/ca178858 (Scott). Super helpful guy who has designed the pcb, plate, and qmk firmware for his board -- LFK78. http://imgur.com/a/VLKBM

Essentially, it's his creation designed to fit into a VA68 Case (which I still need to buy), but use Alps. I also fully don't know what to call it. VAEK68?

Speaking of which, does anyone know how he got nav cluster keys of Alpine Winter with legends? As far as I know, those were not part of the group buy:

[menuhin]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA78 con AEK and Alps Blues

Show Image

https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

Looking great. Is the VA78 plate compatible with ALPS? Did you get it from Taobao?

It actually isn't a VA68 plate. The whole package has been designed by /u/ca178858 (Scott). Super helpful guy who has designed the pcb, plate, and qmk firmware for his board -- LFK78. http://imgur.com/a/VLKBM

Essentially, it's his creation designed to fit into a VA68 Case (which I still need to buy), but use Alps. I also fully don't know what to call it. VAEK68?

Legit!

This is going to an Alps board for me in the future (for my caps and switches), have to keep an eye to Scott's group buy first.

[romevi]

It actually isn't a VA68 plate. The whole package has been designed by /u/ca178858 (Scott). Super helpful guy who has designed the pcb, plate, and qmk firmware for his board -- LFK78. http://imgur.com/a/VLKBM

Essentially, it's his creation designed to fit into a VA68 Case (which I still need to buy), but use Alps. I also fully don't know what to call it. VAEK68?

Speaking of which, does anyone know how he got nav cluster keys of Alpine Winter with legends? As far as I know, those were not part of the group buy:

Show Image

Responding here as well in case anyone misses it:

Probably from skullydazed. He sold some Alpine Winter kits which included extra keys to make it compatible for the Clueboard.
I missed the boat on them due to lack of funds at the time so now I have to find the elusive Alpine Winter: Clueboard Edition keysets aftermarket.  :'(

Here's the original link: https://clueboard.co/parts/alpine-winter-alps-dcs-for-60-or-66. But the page seems to have been cleared.

[_rubik]

I am so pleased to finally be able to contribute to this thread. VA78 con AEK and Alps Blues

Show Image

https://i.imgur.com/5Yd1VFm.jpg

Looking great. Is the VA78 plate compatible with ALPS? Did you get it from Taobao?

It actually isn't a VA68 plate. The whole package has been designed by /u/ca178858 (Scott). Super helpful guy who has designed the pcb, plate, and qmk firmware for his board -- LFK78. http://imgur.com/a/VLKBM

Essentially, it's his creation designed to fit into a VA68 Case (which I still need to buy), but use Alps. I also fully don't know what to call it. VAEK68?

Legit!

This is going to an Alps board for me in the future (for my caps and switches), have to keep an eye to Scott's group buy first.

Yeah I couldn't be happier with my first alps board. I love the idea of taking a modern interpretation on vintage parts. I plan to rebuild the LE DC2014 I got these blues from with a handwire, oranges with the click mod, original keycaps, and a solid retr0bright. That being said.. nothing is better than an all original board.

I'll have to post picture of this VAEK once I get the VA68 case in. I'm thinking the space grey case, thoughts?

[E3E]

Responding here as well in case anyone misses it:

Probably from skullydazed. He sold some Alpine Winter kits which included extra keys to make it compatible for the Clueboard.
I missed the boat on them due to lack of funds at the time so now I have to find the elusive Alpine Winter: Clueboard Edition keysets aftermarket. 

Here's the original link: https://clueboard.co/parts/alpine-winter-alps-dcs-for-60-or-66. But the page seems to have been cleared.

Thanks for the response, romevi! 

[menuhin]

@_rubik

You can't go wrong with either silver or space grey, I think whiter caps go with silver case.
I don't want to let you kill an SGI Granite board... but imagine the Granite caps pair with space grey case? I feel like drooling already.


God-sent: such a beautiful case at around $135 "only" (when I compare it to other GB and Korean customs...), and with QMK, and vintage Alps.
The designer's 78-key design doesn't look as promising, I will miss the F keys row forever then.

I think I may try to cut my own plate in SS with Lasergist, is the plate design for the VAEK68 open-source?

By the way, _rubik, how long does it take for you to finish a 3x3x3 rubik cube on average?

[_rubik]

@_rubik

You can't go wrong with either silver or space grey, I think whiter caps go with silver case.
I don't want to let you kill an SGI Granite board... but imagine the Granite caps pair with space grey case? I feel like drooling already.

Show Image

God-sent: such a beautiful case at around $135 "only" (when I compare it to other GB and Korean customs...), and with QMK, and vintage Alps.
The designer's 78-key design doesn't look as promising, I will miss the F keys row forever then.

I think I may try to cut my own plate in SS with Lasergist, is the plate design for the VAEK68 open-source?

By the way, _rubik, how long does it take for you to finish a 3x3x3 rubik cube on average? ;)

Well Leopold Varmilo will actually sell me the case cheap once they get their production issues out of the way, so that's nice.

Also, I'm real slow. Usually around 2 or 3 minutes. It's just a stress relief for me.

[menuhin]

@_rubik

You can't go wrong with either silver or space grey, I think whiter caps go with silver case.
I don't want to let you kill an SGI Granite board... but imagine the Granite caps pair with space grey case? I feel like drooling already.

Show Image

God-sent: such a beautiful case at around $135 "only" (when I compare it to other GB and Korean customs...), and with QMK, and vintage Alps.
The designer's 78-key design doesn't look as promising, I will miss the F keys row forever then.

I think I may try to cut my own plate in SS with Lasergist, is the plate design for the VAEK68 open-source?

By the way, _rubik, how long does it take for you to finish a 3x3x3 rubik cube on average? ;)

Well Leopold will actually sell me the case cheap once they get their production issues out of the way, so that's nice.

Also, I'm real slow. Usually around 2 or 3 minutes. It's just a stress relief for me.

Leopold? The Korean company or a user at GH/MK/DT?
How cheap? I mean I don't need to know if that is more of a personal trade, but just in case he/they are selling more of them in cheaper price.

p.s. I always think Rubik's cube should become a key cap set theme but it has not happened yet.

[_rubik]

I'm sorry I misspoke. Varmilo not Leopold.

[smithyithy]

Has anyone had any luck buying a VA68 case from AliExpress? I can only find listings for the full keyboard kit - I'm wondering if they'd sell just the case for a lower price..

[MandrewDavis]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.

Also, I emailed Cynthia (zhh19@zhihaihe.cn) and was quoted $70 USD for the case only + $22 for shipping from China.

[_rubik]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.

Also, I emailed Cynthia (zhh19@zhihaihe.cn) and was quoted $70 USD for the case only + $22 for shipping from China.

Yeah I was told when buying to lay down electrical tape on the bottom of the case so they don't short. That and I may need to trim some solder down. It's 100% a tight fit.

[Delirious]

Screw electrical tape! Be cheap like me, I stacked like 3 A4 printing papers and they worked rofl.

[menuhin]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.
...

Another "hotswappable" Alps PCB? Lovely! 

[E3E]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.

Also, I emailed Cynthia (zhh19@zhihaihe.cn) and was quoted $70 USD for the case only + $22 for shipping from China.

Like the Infinity PCB, right? That's good to know!

[_rubik]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.

Also, I emailed Cynthia (zhh19@zhihaihe.cn) and was quoted $70 USD for the case only + $22 for shipping from China.

Like the Infinity PCB, right? That's good to know!

I initially tried the 'no solder approach' and it didn't work what-so-ever. I really only can speak for the LFK78 RevD, but no it's not hotswappable.

[MandrewDavis]

I have one of those. Its not put together yet but PSA; the cutout tolerances are tight enough on the PCB, you don't have to solder alps switches.

Also, I emailed Cynthia (zhh19@zhihaihe.cn) and was quoted $70 USD for the case only + $22 for shipping from China.

Like the Infinity PCB, right? That's good to know!

I initially tried the 'no solder approach' and it didn't work what-so-ever. I really only can speak for the LFK78 RevD, but no it's not hotswappable.

I got in on the first batch, but have been too busy to put it together and mess with QMK.  It seemed to work when I tested with a multimeter but I suppose that could differ in real-world testing. Will update later.

[Delirious]

Had to swap out Undamp Creams on TX84 for SCKL Greens. There is such a thing as too much metal. The unyielding stainless steel on top of the 10-pounds aluminum case makes the downstrokes extremely harsh and bouncy. Although not so unpleasant by any mean, it was not the same experience I had while using the original NEXT case.

Linear switches feel right at home on the other hands. I had to put aside Undamp Creams for now, the next keyboard will definitely have carbon fiber/plastic plate.

[dante]

Do you guys know what keyboard model this is (it says IBM?)  And it's 101 even!

[invariance]

IBM 07G0905 (Marvel KB-A103S)

  - Manufacturer: Korea Marvel Co., Ltd.  (Made in Korea)
  - Year of manufacture: mid-1990s
  - Part no.  : 07G0905
  - EC No.  : C81374
  - FCC ID: N / A
  - Serial No.  : 83-44735

  - Keycaps printing: Silk printing
  - Array: 103 key layout
  - Panel: Flat panel
  - Connector: PS / 2 connector (6-pin mini DIN)
  - Alps white axis switch (Click Tactile)

From here.

[E3E]

Ahh, an IBM branded AT101, oh nope. This is different. Hmmm... Yeah, seems like a unique model but it has familiar stylings to other keyboards.

[Mattr567]

Ahh, an IBM branded AT101, oh nope. This is different. Hmmm... Yeah, seems like a unique model but it has familiar stylings to other keyboards.

It's an Alps LCM30.

Like this:

[E3E]

Ahh, an IBM branded AT101, oh nope. This is different. Hmmm... Yeah, seems like a unique model but it has familiar stylings to other keyboards.

It's an Alps LCM30.

Like this:

No, the case ans layout is a bit different. I don't think any of the Korean-made boards have straight equivalents to Alps' other makes.

This is the closest to it, and it's not Alps-made. It seems like the IBM is an Alps switch version though.

[loud_asian]

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

[iLLucionist]

Show Image

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

Can you try to put in words what you don't like about it?

[MandrewDavis]

Show Image

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

Can you try to put in words what you don't like about it?

To start, Dampened White Alps use bamboo tops, which will make almost any good switch feel like poo. After that, its all subjective.
Honestly though, I have tried quite a few different switches, but my SKCL green board is the daily driver I always come back to.

[loud_asian]

Show Image

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

Can you try to put in words what you don't like about it?

My favorite switch type is linear. Trying out skcm whites and taihao aruz, I can see now why they're my favorite. With linear switches, when you press down on a switch its just a smooth, uninterrupted press. With whites and aruz, the tactile bumps slow me down. If I try to type as fast as I do on linear switches, I end up missing the second press of a key (hello would come out as helo). This is most likely because I'm not used to having to wait for the bump to reset to press again.

When I type on these 2 kinds of switches, I have to adopt a different typing style where my fingers aren't on the keycaps but hovering about 1 cm over instead. This style allows me to press the switch fast enough to almost not feel the bump at all. Although I'm pressing the key faster, I still have to type slower and more deliberately to get a word out.

Although I don't like the feeling of these switches, I do have to say that the sound that comes out of both these switches is sublime. The sound is just a wonderful deep pitch. Now I don't know if its the switches themselves or a combination of the switches and the case acoustics that produce this sound, but whatever they're doing it sounds fantastic.

[alienman82]

removed.

[iLLucionist]

Show Image

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

Can you try to put in words what you don't like about it?

My favorite switch type is linear. Trying out skcm whites and taihao aruz, I can see now why they're my favorite. With linear switches, when you press down on a switch its just a smooth, uninterrupted press. With whites and aruz, the tactile bumps slow me down. If I try to type as fast as I do on linear switches, I end up missing the second press of a key (hello would come out as helo). This is most likely because I'm not used to having to wait for the bump to reset to press again.

When I type on these 2 kinds of switches, I have to adopt a different typing style where my fingers aren't on the keycaps but hovering about 1 cm over instead. This style allows me to press the switch fast enough to almost not feel the bump at all. Although I'm pressing the key faster, I still have to type slower and more deliberately to get a word out.

Although I don't like the feeling of these switches, I do have to say that the sound that comes out of both these switches is sublime. The sound is just a wonderful deep pitch. Now I don't know if its the switches themselves or a combination of the switches and the case acoustics that produce this sound, but whatever they're doing it sounds fantastic.

I can imagine. I also would like to try linears but I cannot decide whether I want reds or blacks to start with. I always liked the sound of ALPS but not being able to find replacement caps easily put me off a bit.

[klennkellon]

Show Image

just got another alps board in

After typing on it for a couple of minutes, I can definitively conclude that dampened whites aren't for me.

My switch preference from what I've tried so far is now SKCL Greens > SKCM White Damped > TaiHao Aruz

Try modding those dampened whites!

Matias Click leaves inside dampened cream/white feel outstanding.

[waldorf120]

Typing on MOD-Ms right now but really getting into Alps - started with dampened creams then pine whites, got my hands on some pine blacks and orange alps just arrived at my door.  Made a 60% with the blacks and they feel just amazing.  I lubed the sliders but it didn't help much, and reading more it seems a good clean might be better since these plastics are already pretty slippery.  Ordered an ultrasonic cleaner from Amazon and looking forward to giving my Alps a bath.

[Delirious]

Getting there, I like thick lips but the sides are too much.

[nevin]

I like thick lips but the sides are too much.

sorry, had to.

Right ...back on subject... Most recent board (that i'm using right now) is a apple m0110a (pre-platinum/early alps version,  Alps SKCC Tall Cream). Really digging the feel & sound. This is my first time trying any linear alps. I'm not a huge fan of stabilizers either and this board only has one, the spacebar. Bonus. The actuation point seems to be pretty high on these switches compared to later alps or mx switches.

Another recent addition was a IIgs keyboard (Apple 658-4081) which was horribly yellowed to the point it was verging on orange/brown. Orange tactile alps. Really like this as well as tactile switches seem to be my favorite so far. Also like the stabilizers in this way better than some of the other kinds i have. I'm just about finished cleaning this board up & can post pics later if anyone's interested.

Others i have...
Apple Adjustable - Love the form factor on this one. (SKFS White tactile) They are different, for sure. more tactile than orange or a MX brown and definitely take some getting used to the feel of them. These are probably one of the ones that fall into the love/hate category. Either you love them or you can't stand them.

Macally MK96 - Think this was the 2nd mechanical i bought. Was super cheap. Clicky simplified white alps clones i believe. While i liked the slightly condensed form factor i couldn't get past the feel & sound of the switches.

Anyway, that's my experience so far.

[waldorf120]

Picked up this board last week on Ebay.  It appears to have linear green Alps, yet is not listed in Deskthority's SKCL Green Alps page.  Are these clones?  Or did I discover a new board with SKCL Greens?  Also, after Chyros' videos I can't help but pronounce Zenith "ZEN-ith" and the "z" in "ZKB-5" as "Zed-Kay-Bee-Five".  Makes me chuckle every time.



The board came packaged with ZEN-ith's "Easy PC" computer in the late 80s.  Love that logo.  Connector appears to be of the 5 pin DIN variety.  Since this board was only designed to work with the Easy PC I have no idea if it has any standard like XT or AT.  Layout appears to be the same as the Zenith Z-150.



Certainly looks like SKCL Green Alps, has the tabs, slits, and everything.  The keycaps are nice thick double shot ABS.  The feel of the switches is exquisite, like pressing a keycap through butter, again borrowing from Chyros.



It comes with a solid metal backplate and a thick, textured top plate.  The build construction is very solid.  It also has two flip out feet which are activated by pressing tabs at the back of the keyboard.



The label sticker is rather cheap looking, and identifies the board as a "ZKB-5".



Another interesting thing is there are no homing bars, not even deep dishes.  Zenith apparently didn't anticipate touch typists using their computers.



The lock switches are also SKCL greens and have double shot housings for the window, with some other process to produce the black lettering.

[alienman82]

removed.

[chyros]

You need a converter with a reset pin, apart from that it's XT AFAIK. Someone might want the badge though.

[menuhin]

that is freakin sweet.  I found one with yellow alps recently for almost nothing in a warehouse, but it couldn't be converted after hours of trial and error, so I just desoldered it.

I am still looking for a set of caps for the same Z-150 layout!

And next time you may use notation, such as SKCM Brown >*1.1526e+4 TOPRE 
Do TOPRE boards all have NKRO by the way? I heard it is easy to implement that given the capacitive switch design, but they are not all NKRO.

SKCM Brown >>>>>>>>>>...
TOPRE

[alienman82]

removed.

[jnav]

My favorite is the AEK I, probably followed by the AEK II. I use them both on a regular basis and haven't found a keyboard that comes close.

[waldorf120]

Guys...  Today on Signature Plastic's website:

[smithyithy]

Nice!!

[SpectreiiI]

Guys...  Today on Signature Plastic's website:

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I just got into mkbs 3 months ago, and I quickly realized that I was an alps guy. Now, just a month later the keyset that I requested is in production for the first time ever. I feel like I'm walking to school downhill both ways .

I was seriously about to spend $280 on DSA light cycle too.

[directheatedtriode]

Newbie question I posted to chyrosan's channel I figured I might as well ask here (with bits specific to him removed)

I picked up an Apple M0116 with SKCM orange.

The tactility feels surprisingly light compared to my MX blues, I believe these two switches are both in the 50-60g range. These oranges feel like they are more like in the 30g range. Could this be due to wear, ie should I open up the switches give them a clean and try again? I have to say I also really like that the Cherry tactile point isn't right at the very top of the stroke, and you have to depress the keycap slightly before you feel it. The SKCM orange having it at the very top takes some getting used to, but I am liking them quite a bit 

Second question is I have noticed there is quite a loud spring pinging noise after the key press is released. Not noticeable if done slowly, but on normal typing you can hear it quite prominently, not quite as loud as a buckling spring. I think this sounds like the spring and not the metal backplate. Does this sound normal or is this is another indication that I should give the internals of the switches a once over?

And has anyone that has click modded SKCM orange care to weigh in on what they think?

The home keys being shifted are also driving me crazy so I am thinking about creating a custom board using these switches (and different keycaps with normal home key bumps), it looks like this will be around $200 at the bare minimum?

[E3E]

Cross-posting with some of my ridiculousness. My favorite keyboard and it likely will always be my favorite because it hits so many buttons. Muh real "endgame" (doesn't mean I'm stopping, haha).

[zombimuncha]

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Cross-posting with some of my ridiculousness. My favorite keyboard and it likely will always be my favorite because it hits so many buttons. Muh real "endgame" (doesn't mean I'm stopping, haha).

That's beautiful.
What's the backstory with those 8 (?) almost-matching keycaps? Especially the 2nd tab key!