NEW! Alps-based TKL Keyboard Project

[skrsh3r]

here you go.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/wvt62f5cza4c9qg/ALPSTKL.7z

[agodinhost]

here you go.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/wvt62f5cza4c9qg/ALPSTKL.7z

thank you man!

[skrsh3r]

here you go.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/wvt62f5cza4c9qg/ALPSTKL.7z

thank you man!

It's close to be finished only holes are needed as you said, btw i rotated caps lock switches to see how does that look and it comes out better then in those files i uploaded, just rotate cherries back to normal position and alps by 180 degrees after that all its left to route teensy and add ground planes and its basically done.

[skrsh3r]

And i forgot  you can remove switch 161 and 167 they are not needed.

[jacobolus]

just rotate cherries back to normal position and alps by 180 degrees

Do note that some Alps switches feel slightly different when rotated 180 degrees. It’s a pretty minor difference though, so it probably doesn’t matter too much.

[BlueBär]

Whoa so I checked this thread every once in a while and suddenly this! Awesome work, skrsh3r!

[megarat]

Sorry to zombie this, but I just found this thread after a period of GH inaction.  Is this project still ongoing?

[alfa147x]

I'm interested in this too. Would love to test it out

[CPTBadAss]

AFAIK, the project is still waiting on keycaps and stabilizers. Matias is supposed to release them Soon^TM

[hellojimbo]

Doubtful that this project has any steam left, but if it does, I'm very interested.

If not, I'm looking at building a TKL with Blue Alps and I'm trying to source a PCB. Can anyone advise on the PCB?

[StormyMonday]

In addition to handwiring, individual switch PCBs (A.K.A. The Enabler) may be an option for you:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55744.0

These folks have stocked the PCBs in the past, but they are currently sold out:
http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/the-enabler

Or, you can order a batch of PCBs from these folks (you'd probably need to organize a GB, for this option to make sense):
http://www.oshpark.com/shared_projects/eRLs2jhf

You could say that I've also been giving this some thought. 

[kj3906]

Any update？

[jdcarpe]

This has been on my back burner for far too long.

I am resurrecting this project!

I don't know how or when, but this is going to be a reality. I need a Kingsaver-like Alps custom in my life.

[FrostyToast]

I can't say that I would be down for this, but I will watch this project.
My only concern is that the plate seems to only support one layout; is there any possibility of supporting other layouts?
ANSI125 isn't exactly optimal for ALPS lovers since vintage sets cannot be used.

[jdcarpe]

I can't say that I would be down for this, but I will watch this project.
My only concern is that the plate seems to only support one layout; is there any possibility of supporting other layouts?
ANSI125 isn't exactly optimal for ALPS lovers since vintage sets cannot be used.

I'm certainly open to adding layout possibilities to the PCB, and having several plates to choose from. I just need to know which additional layouts people want. Most people probably have AEKII, AT101, AT101W. The good thing is that now we have keycaps from Tai Hao and even a full set from SP (Alpine Winter), so standard ANSI 125 is actually possible.

[FrostyToast]

I can't say that I would be down for this, but I will watch this project.
My only concern is that the plate seems to only support one layout; is there any possibility of supporting other layouts?
ANSI125 isn't exactly optimal for ALPS lovers since vintage sets cannot be used.

I'm certainly open to adding layout possibilities to the PCB, and having several plates to choose from. I just need to know which additional layouts people want. Most people probably have AEKII, AT101, AT101W. The good thing is that now we have keycaps from Tai Hao and even a full set from SP (Alpine Winter), so standard ANSI 125 is actually possible.

I think that either AEKII or ANSI150 are the next most popular; likely the latter.
Though, I must reiterate that I will likely not purchase this keyboard unless something else really intrigues me.

[jdcarpe]

I must reiterate that I will likely not purchase this keyboard unless something else really intrigues me.

Your suggestions are still valid, and welcomed.

The reason for this keyboard's (eventual) existence is that I want another nice custom, and I'm basically over MX. A few years ago, I thought up this project because Alps were starting to get some hype here and I knew they would eventually be popular (again). But now I just want it for myself. I want a nice, programmable TKL with Alps switches, in a solid aluminum housing. If I want one, others may want one, too.

[njbair]

So basically just a straight-up standard ANSI TKL in an aluminum case, with no gaudy lights or logo engravings? This seems like it's been missing from the custom scene for a long time...not just for Alps, but for MX as well. I think the choice for standard ANSI layout makes the most sense.

Would this case have an incline, or at least mounts for those TEX feet to raise up the back?

[jdcarpe]

So basically just a straight-up standard ANSI TKL in an aluminum case, with no gaudy lights or logo engravings? This seems like it's been missing from the custom scene for a long time...not just for Alps, but for MX as well. I think the choice for standard ANSI layout makes the most sense.

Would this case have an incline, or at least mounts for those TEX feet to raise up the back?

Yes, that's correct for the most part. It might have the CarpeKeyboards 'CK' logo engraved on it, but that would be about it. I hope to design the case with an incline, of about 7-8 degrees max, so that no feet will be required. I am still debating on whether to offer MX compatibility in the same PCB or not, and go strictly Alps.

[bocahgundul]

Is this still happening bro? Would love getting this instead of searching for kingsaver

[jdcarpe]

Is this still happening bro? Would love getting this instead of searching for kingsaver

That's the goal...to help people who are searching for Kingsavers find their new keyboard.

[bocahgundul]

Is this still happening bro? Would love getting this instead of searching for kingsaver

That's the goal...to help people who are searching for Kingsavers find their new keyboard.

Mate you helped me. 100% interested

[engicoder]

Let see...

• Alps
• Tenkeyless
• Solid case
• No stupid light show

I'm in!!

My only wishlist item is a winkeyless case/plate option

[jdcarpe]

Let see...

• Alps
• Tenkeyless
• Solid case
• No stupid light show

I'm in!!

My only wishlist item is a winkeyless case/plate option

Yes, I will have a winkeyless bottom row option for sure.

[njbair]

So basically just a straight-up standard ANSI TKL in an aluminum case, with no gaudy lights or logo engravings? This seems like it's been missing from the custom scene for a long time...not just for Alps, but for MX as well. I think the choice for standard ANSI layout makes the most sense.

Would this case have an incline, or at least mounts for those TEX feet to raise up the back?

Yes, that's correct for the most part. It might have the CarpeKeyboards 'CK' logo engraved on it, but that would be about it. I hope to design the case with an incline, of about 7-8 degrees max, so that no feet will be required. I am still debating on whether to offer MX compatibility in the same PCB or not, and go strictly Alps.

IMHO, logos and engravings on the bottom of a board are fine, but I would love to own a custom TKL with no branding on the top side. Even the the front edge is fine, like how Filco does it. But keep the top clean and simple. Also, a 7 or 8 degree incline sounds right on.

Finally, Alps-only, please. Leave MX out of it. Supporting both will just add to the cost. There are already plenty of MX custom TKLs out there, and plenty more to come. Besides, a sleek, US-built aluminum custom TKL might be exactly what Alps needs right now.

[jdcarpe]

I'm already imagining what this will look like with an Alpine Winter SA TKL set, or maybe 1976 Alps Remix...

[njbair]

I'm already imagining what this will look like with an Alpine Winter SA TKL set, or maybe 1976 Alps Remix...

We just have to convince Signature Plastics to give us SA with Alps mounts.

[jdcarpe]

I'm already imagining what this will look like with an Alpine Winter SA TKL set, or maybe 1976 Alps Remix...

We just have to convince Signature Plastics to give us SA with Alps mounts.

I have faith it can be done

[XMIT]

I'm hoping for Vortex PBT double shots in Alps mount, or really any PBT caps in Alps mount.

[jdcarpe]

I'm hoping for Vortex PBT double shots in Alps mount, or really any PBT caps in Alps mount.

Works for me, or even the Tai Hao double shots in ABS. I'm just happy we have a few options for Alps keycaps now, other than scavenging from vintage keyboards.

[njbair]

I'm hoping for Vortex PBT double shots in Alps mount, or really any PBT caps in Alps mount.

Works for me, or even the Tai Hao double shots in ABS. I'm just happy we have a few options for Alps keycaps now, other than scavenging from vintage keyboards.

If PBT I would prefer dyesubs to doubleshot...those Vortex doubleshots are super uneven.

[kinglukas38]

is there no possibility for lighting at all? kinda want a tkl alps with case lighting
 

[Weltschmerz]

I recall seeing some prototypes for an alps to mx adapter, making it so that you could use standard mx keysets. Would it be even remotely possible for this to be an option? The majority of alps keycaps (and selection) is pretty lackluster, even though there are more and more options all the time. I'm assuming since this would be using a costar style stab, it wouldn't?

[XMIT]

I'm hoping for Vortex PBT double shots in Alps mount, or really any PBT caps in Alps mount.

Works for me, or even the Tai Hao double shots in ABS. I'm just happy we have a few options for Alps keycaps now, other than scavenging from vintage keyboards.

If PBT I would prefer dyesubs to doubleshot...those Vortex doubleshots are super uneven.

Doubleshot is the way to go for white-on-black regardless. The Vortex doubleshots have the most contrast-y legends I've ever seen. They're great in low light conditions. Sure, the Vortex quality isn't perfect, but they do seem to get progressively better. Getting perfect PBT caps is a tough process problem to solve and takes time!

[Blaise170]

I'd be down if it were similar to the Kingsaver. Case lighting would also be cool but it's not something I would need.

[sean]

I hereby pledge my support

[njbair]

I recall seeing some prototypes for an alps to mx adapter, making it so that you could use standard mx keysets. Would it be even remotely possible for this to be an option? The majority of alps keycaps (and selection) is pretty lackluster, even though there are more and more options all the time. I'm assuming since this would be using a costar style stab, it wouldn't?

There are a few projects like that, but AFAIK none of them are ready for prime time yet. You also end up with some very tall keycaps because of the adapter's added height. Any such project will have to address the stabilizer issue as well.

At any rate, this TKL won't care what caps you use.

[zombimuncha]

Interested to see how this progresses, although I doubt I could get wifely approval for it.

[njbair]

Interested to see how this progresses, although I doubt I could get wifely approval for it.

Better start saving your pocket change now.

[Jokrik]

Will be looking forward for this, I'm turning to the alps side

[qwack]

Any news on this project?

[nubbinator]

JD, any chance this might work in a Kingsaver case?

I recall seeing some prototypes for an alps to mx adapter, making it so that you could use standard mx keysets. Would it be even remotely possible for this to be an option? The majority of alps keycaps (and selection) is pretty lackluster, even though there are more and more options all the time. I'm assuming since this would be using a costar style stab, it wouldn't?

There are a few projects like that, but AFAIK none of them are ready for prime time yet. You also end up with some very tall keycaps because of the adapter's added height. Any such project will have to address the stabilizer issue as well.

At any rate, this TKL won't care what caps you use.

The ones I made on Shapeways work fine.  I may try and get a mold milled so I can cast them, but it would be easier to get an injection mold run if the interest arises.  I'm also still trying to run down some molds used to make some used in an old TTL device.

[Eugene45]

Hello Jdcarpe any news of the follow of the project ? And by any chance a TKL Alps Iso board ?

[jdcarpe]

Hello Jdcarpe any news of the follow of the project ? And by any chance a TKL Alps Iso board ?

At this time, all my efforts are focused on getting the JD45 to market, as well as making the JD40 available again. The JD45 group buy should start very soon, and JD40s should show up in several places, as well.

I do plan to continue this project, but it may not be a traditional TKL. I have in mind a more interesting design with a similar form factor, and I might just take the project in that direction.

[Eugene45]

Hello Jdcarpe any news of the follow of the project ? And by any chance a TKL Alps Iso board ?

At this time, all my efforts are focused on getting the JD45 to market, as well as making the JD40 available again. The JD45 group buy should start very soon, and JD40s should show up in several places, as well.
I do plan to continue this project, but it may not be a traditional TKL. I have in mind a more interesting design with a similar form factor, and I might just take the project in that direction.

Hello, great to hear some news
So no TKL, but something like the Whitefox layout ?
Fingers crossed for the JD 40/45. Hope you have great success with it.
Have a nice day.

[Venatorious]

I really want this to happen. I sure as hell don't have the money for a kingsaver and I am not a huge fan of 60% boards.

Will there be spots for LED's? 

[Weltschmerz]

Hello Jdcarpe any news of the follow of the project ? And by any chance a TKL Alps Iso board ?

At this time, all my efforts are focused on getting the JD45 to market, as well as making the JD40 available again. The JD45 group buy should start very soon, and JD40s should show up in several places, as well.

I do plan to continue this project, but it may not be a traditional TKL. I have in mind a more interesting design with a similar form factor, and I might just take the project in that direction.

In what way would it not be a traditional TKL? Except the fact that is alps, of course 

[bocahgundul]

We can hope for this project after the jd45 group buy is done