[IC] Xiang Ming KSB Alps Clone Switches

[abrahamstechnology]

I am considering running a USA group buy for Xiang Ming KSB switches. This will be my first group buy ever so I may make some mistakes.

Anyway, the switches are clicky and linear (KSB-C and KSB-LE) "The clicky switches are noted for being significantly stiffer than Alps and Fuhua switches, with strong tactility."

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Xiang_Min_KSB_series

I am just putting this out there to see how many would be interested in such a group buy, reply if interested.

[clickityClackity]

So, similar to Amber Alps?

[dario]

Huh, for a second there I thought that somebody managed to make a perfect clone of SKCM ALPS switches. I almost had an orgasm. But now, when I read the actual content, I'm in kind of a midplace; still excited, but unable to climax.

[abrahamstechnology]

So, similar to Amber Alps?

I am not sure, but supposedly are good clickies (aside from some binding issues that can be fixed with lube)

[abrahamstechnology]

Huh, for a second there I thought that somebody managed to make a perfect clone of SKCM ALPS switches. I almost had an orgasm. But now, when I read the actual content, I'm in kind of a midplace; still excited, but unable to climax.

So would you be interested?

[dario]

So would you be interested?

I'd be interested in SKCM ALPS orange/blue/green high-quality clone

Of course, if anybody ever decides to do that, further improvements can be made in the same time (such as legs repositioning so that they fit in MX PCB-s).

[1023andy]

I thought alps switches were especially good tactile switches. Why don't you make tactile ones?

[clickityClackity]

So would you be interested?

I'd be interested in SKCM ALPS orange/blue/green high-quality clone

Of course, if anybody ever decides to do that, further improvements can be made in the same time (such as legs repositioning so that they fit in MX PCB-s).

They don't fit into standard MX Plates, and I believe that accounting for the difference in  spacing of MX vs Alps contact points would require major modifications. Going off memory, Alps contact plate doesn't have the room to allow for the spacing that's used in MX switches.

[BlindAssassin111]

They don't fit into standard MX Plates, and I believe that accounting for the difference in  spacing of MX vs Alps contact points would require major modifications. Going off memory, Alps contact plate doesn't have the room to allow for the spacing that's used in MX switches.

You are correct, it is impossible to just move the pins and have it work as the pin would interfere with the slider(part with stem).

[abrahamstechnology]

I thought alps switches were especially good tactile switches. Why don't you make tactile ones?

I'm not making them, I'm buying them in bulk...

[Rob27shred]

I'd be down for a batch of the clickies if not a batch of both depending on pricing!

[abrahamstechnology]

I'd be down for a batch of the clickies if not a batch of both depending on pricing!

Great! I'll see when if Xiang Ming gets back to me. Probably under $0.40 a switch

[rondg]

Interested. But as always, atleast for me, depends on the price and timing.

[Blammy]

I'm really glad that there is still an interest in keeping Alps alive        However, from what I've read, these switches weren't so great. They sound like good old machine gun hailstorm clicky Alps, but they use that annoying little skinny tactile leaf. Similar to Tai-Hao's blue APC switches, these XM switches aren't very consistent, and because of the narrow leaf, anytime you press a key that is slightly off center, the experience is apparently horrible. This is just from what I've read online, because those XM Duckys are kinda hard to find. They're not collectibles, just few and far between.

Have you tried contacting i-Rocks? They make a very interesting switch that hasn't gotten enough attention.  It's a hybrid that utilizes an Alps style wide click leaf with a Cherry mount slider (which might interest a lot more people), and an LED slot. There are 4 variants- it seems like stock tactile and linear are "silent." They're a small Taiwanese company, so there isn't a ton of info about them, at least not in English haha.

Deskthority:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/I-Rocks_switch

i-Rocks Alps Hybrid:
http://i-rocks.com/products/illuminated-mechanical-keyboard

Contact Info:
http://i-rocks.com/general-information

Edit: Pic...

[fireworm]

I'm really glad that there is still an interest in keeping Alps alive        However, from what I've read, these switches weren't so great. They sound like good old machine gun hailstorm clicky Alps, but they use that annoying little skinny tactile leaf. Similar to Tai-Hao's blue APC switches, these XM switches aren't very consistent, and because of the narrow leaf, anytime you press a key that is slightly off center, the experience is apparently horrible. This is just from what I've read online, because those XM Duckys are kinda hard to find. They're not collectibles, just few and far between.

Have you tried contacting i-Rocks? They make a very interesting switch that hasn't gotten enough attention.  It's a hybrid that utilizes an Alps style wide click leaf with a Cherry mount slider (which might interest a lot more people), and an LED slot. There are 4 variants- it seems like stock tactile and linear are "silent." They're a small Taiwanese company, so there isn't a ton of info about them, at least not in English haha.

Deskthority:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/I-Rocks_switch

i-Rocks Alps Hybrid:
http://i-rocks.com/products/illuminated-mechanical-keyboard

Contact Info:
http://i-rocks.com/general-information

Edit: Pic...

Show Image

Not OP, but I tried contacting them, got "The spam filter installed on this site is currently unavailable. Per site policy, we are unable to accept new submissions until that problem is resolved. Please try resubmitting the form in a couple of minutes."...  Weird...

[Puddsy]

XM ALPS are super underrated, and probably my favorite of the ALPS clones. They used to be very popular but have now kind of fallen off. I'd probably buy some if you ran a GB.

[Blammy]

I'm really glad that there is still an interest in keeping Alps alive        However, from what I've read, these switches weren't so great. They sound like good old machine gun hailstorm clicky Alps, but they use that annoying little skinny tactile leaf. Similar to Tai-Hao's blue APC switches, these XM switches aren't very consistent, and because of the narrow leaf, anytime you press a key that is slightly off center, the experience is apparently horrible. This is just from what I've read online, because those XM Duckys are kinda hard to find. They're not collectibles, just few and far between.

Have you tried contacting i-Rocks? They make a very interesting switch that hasn't gotten enough attention.  It's a hybrid that utilizes an Alps style wide click leaf with a Cherry mount slider (which might interest a lot more people), and an LED slot. There are 4 variants- it seems like stock tactile and linear are "silent." They're a small Taiwanese company, so there isn't a ton of info about them, at least not in English haha.

Deskthority:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/I-Rocks_switch

i-Rocks Alps Hybrid:
http://i-rocks.com/products/illuminated-mechanical-keyboard

Contact Info:
http://i-rocks.com/general-information

Edit: Pic...

Show Image

Not OP, but I tried contacting them, got "The spam filter installed on this site is currently unavailable. Per site policy, we are unable to accept new submissions until that problem is resolved. Please try resubmitting the form in a couple of minutes."...  Weird...

Huh that is really weird. I tried to look up their UK partner, because I thought it would be the easiest option for a contact based in an English speaking country. It doesn't seem to exist anymore  :-[