4. Do you know any Alcatel keyboards... and if there are mechanical ones?
There are a few that use Acer switches.
Alcatel (Acer 6313-KW)Alcatel branded MFII boardThe Acer switches have ALPS-compatible key stems, are clicky. They feel somewhat like
White ALPS, but perhaps with more friction, especially if you press a key off-center. People have also reported that they would be somewhat inconsistent in feel. On some boards they activate before the click -- on others after the click, and sometimes depending on how hard you type.