Author Topic: Post your ALPS keyboard  (Read 179015 times)

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Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #300 on: Sat, 04 March 2017, 14:27:54 »
Although technically Matias, not ALPS, I'm happy with how this came out.

KBParadise V60 in Matias Clicky flavour. High-profile aluminium case, Alpine Winter DCS caps:

Show Image

Sharp looking V60MTS-C! What brand of alu case did you use? What's lurking in the background with the split spacebar?

Thanks! I'm not sure what brand the case is to be honest, it may just be a Chinese one, but it feels good and the quality is great. Got it from MechBoards.co.uk:





Although it's not visible in the photo, the DIP switches are all accessible and the Mini USB port lines up perfectly. I was only able to use 3 of the cases mounting points due to the design of the plate/PCB, but it seems to sit securely, allbeit with a slight recess around the plate. I padded the case with wrapping foam too to dampen the sound, it's a noticeable improvement from before.

The board in the background is my MiniVan, which I got a couple of months ago, absolutely love it. It came built, with MOD-L switches. I rearranged some caps and programmed and flashed my own layout / layers, which was a good first experience.

KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline Mattr567

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #301 on: Wed, 08 March 2017, 22:38:49 »
Wang 725-3770 SKCM Brown, 1995
Zenith 163-73 - SKCM Blue, 1990
KBP V60 MTS - SKCM Amber w/ Canon HiPros
IBM P77, SKCC Green, 1984
IBM P70 - Alps Plate Spring, 1989
Compaq MX 11800, MX Black, 1997

Offline Mechboards

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #302 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 03:44:47 »
Thanks! I'm not sure what brand the case is to be honest, it may just be a Chinese one, but it feels good and the quality is great. Got it from MechBoards.co.uk:

Show Image


Show Image


Although it's not visible in the photo, the DIP switches are all accessible and the Mini USB port lines up perfectly. I was only able to use 3 of the cases mounting points due to the design of the plate/PCB, but it seems to sit securely, allbeit with a slight recess around the plate. I padded the case with wrapping foam too to dampen the sound, it's a noticeable improvement from before.

The board in the background is my MiniVan, which I got a couple of months ago, absolutely love it. It came built, with MOD-L switches. I rearranged some caps and programmed and flashed my own layout / layers, which was a good first experience.

Show Image


Looks good :)

Offline sundin

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #303 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 16:47:47 »
First alps board!

« Last Edit: Thu, 09 March 2017, 16:51:14 by sundin »

Offline OfTheWild

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #304 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 19:14:22 »
wow thats a beautiful looking vea! Love those browns. i need to get some.
-Dana

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #305 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 19:57:18 »
First alps board!

Show Image


I didn't know the VE.A PCB supported alps, I would've bought one had I known.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline E3E

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #306 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 20:03:28 »
First alps board!

Show Image


I didn't know the VE.A PCB supported alps, I would've bought one had I known.

Aww, that's a shame. It does! I didn't get one, but yep, it does indeed. I'm actually working on hot swap modding one for Alps switches for a customer of mine this week.

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #307 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 23:24:28 »
First alps board!

Show Image


I didn't know the VE.A PCB supported alps, I would've bought one had I known.

Aww, that's a shame. It does! I didn't get one, but yep, it does indeed. I'm actually working on hot swap modding one for Alps switches for a customer of mine this week.

In the end it's probably a good thing, I have 9 keyboards now and I'm working on a few more, the last thing I need is to buy a several hundred dollar custom. That being said, if they run again I'll probably buy one if I have the cash.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline h1ggs

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #308 on: Fri, 31 March 2017, 21:02:10 »
Bigfoot // Littlefoot

Offline svatech

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #309 on: Sun, 02 April 2017, 00:15:12 »
Today  installed new switches into a dell AT101w. i chose to install brown alps switches because i ran across an old at&t terminal keyboard that had brown alps switches. i thought that they felt better than the black ones that were in it originally.

 164608-0

Offline Hypersphere

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #310 on: Sun, 02 April 2017, 08:22:59 »
Today  installed new switches into a dell AT101w. i chose to install brown alps switches because i ran across an old at&t terminal keyboard that had brown alps switches. i thought that they felt better than the black ones that were in it originally.

(Attachment Link)
That's quite an understatement! Black Alps are arguably the worst-feeling switches in the Alps lineup, whereas brown Alps have a unique tautness and pronounced tactility. The only drawback to brown Alps is that some people find them too stiff for prolonged typing sessions. In any event, you've made an excellent swap. Enjoy your transformed Dell!

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #311 on: Mon, 03 April 2017, 16:05:34 »
Today  installed new switches into a dell AT101w. i chose to install brown alps switches because i ran across an old at&t terminal keyboard that had brown alps switches. i thought that they felt better than the black ones that were in it originally.

(Attachment Link)
That's quite an understatement! Black Alps are arguably the worst-feeling switches in the Alps lineup, whereas brown Alps have a unique tautness and pronounced tactility. The only drawback to brown Alps is that some people find them too stiff for prolonged typing sessions. In any event, you've made an excellent swap. Enjoy your transformed Dell!

IMO SKCM Browns are the best tactile alps switch, everything else has either been too light or not tactile enough for me.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline SJHL

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #312 on: Wed, 12 April 2017, 18:10:20 »

Offline digi

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #313 on: Wed, 12 April 2017, 20:12:12 »
 :D



Picture taken with my $9 million dollar Nikon (Galaxy S1)

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #314 on: Thu, 13 April 2017, 11:36:45 »
Show Image


When I finally build a board with my SKCM Browns I want it to look this good.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline SJHL

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #315 on: Thu, 13 April 2017, 12:24:30 »
Show Image


When I finally build a board with my SKCM Browns I want it to look this good.

You wont regret it!

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #316 on: Thu, 11 May 2017, 06:55:54 »
SKCM Blue V60 with a mix of caps from vintage boards, at some point I'll look for more compatible sets but this'll work for now. The caps are a bit stained and I need to clean them but I was too excited to do that before putting them on.



Afaik the only KBK that's been swapped over to Alps


People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline OfTheWild

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #317 on: Thu, 11 May 2017, 16:05:19 »
Show Image


When I finally build a board with my SKCM Browns I want it to look this good.

you got me hooked on those browns at the asheville meet... i've been searching since and haven't been able to find any  :'(  I've got a alps plate and pcb coming for my LZ CLS thats going to get browns (or greens) and most likely a clean set of SGI granite caps - eventually.  :thumb: I do have a set of Orange from an AEK that might suffice. I do love the Salmon minivan i have but its definitely got that irritating "off-center press sticky switch thing".
-Dana

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #318 on: Thu, 11 May 2017, 16:13:11 »
Show Image


When I finally build a board with my SKCM Browns I want it to look this good.

you got me hooked on those browns at the asheville meet... i've been searching since and haven't been able to find any  :'(  I've got a alps plate and pcb coming for my LZ CLS thats going to get browns (or greens) and most likely a clean set of SGI granite caps - eventually.  :thumb: I do have a set of Orange from an AEK that might suffice. I do love the Salmon minivan i have but its definitely got that irritating "off-center press sticky switch thing".
Oranges are fine but they're no replacement for SKCM Browns.

Blame CPT, he's the one that introduced me to Alps.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline OfTheWild

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #319 on: Thu, 11 May 2017, 21:46:43 »
Yeah true. I'm going to get them cleaned up and see how they go.
CPT, miss that dude's antics... I wonder what he's been up to this year.
-Dana

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #320 on: Sat, 13 May 2017, 01:48:06 »
Yeah true. I'm going to get them cleaned up and see how they go.
CPT, miss that dude's antics... I wonder what he's been up to this year.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70769.msg2378704#msg2378704

He's around, just not really active on GH anymore.
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline kekstee

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #321 on: Wed, 17 May 2017, 18:34:48 »
Well, first Alps board, ended up with Salmons.



Vortex alu case, Alps64 PCB and the AEK parts. Plate cut down and painted, switches ultrasoniced and dry-lubed.

Offline airs

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #322 on: Mon, 22 May 2017, 18:11:35 »


Octagon v2, LZ CLS

Offline alienman82

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #323 on: Mon, 22 May 2017, 18:32:46 »
removed.
« Last Edit: Thu, 01 March 2018, 12:55:37 by alienman82 »

Offline Joey Quinn

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #324 on: Mon, 22 May 2017, 21:08:35 »
I blame CPTBADASS for hyping SKCM blues.  Browns I think I just discovered them.  I tried ambers recently but they were really dirty, so I can't say.  IBM still made the best clicky switch
I still really like SKCM blues though, mine feel crisp and buttery smooth. Certainly better than any clicky MX style switch.

I don't think anyone is saying that SKCM blues > Model F BS
People in the 1980s, in general, were clearly just better than we are now in every measurable way.

The dumber the reason the more it must be done

Offline alienman82

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #325 on: Mon, 22 May 2017, 21:16:28 »
removed.
« Last Edit: Thu, 01 March 2018, 12:55:35 by alienman82 »

Offline zutroy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #326 on: Tue, 23 May 2017, 07:05:35 »
Can't believe I'm just now finding this thread. Lots of beautiful boards :thumb:

Here's my "Alps68," AEK layout/caps, damped cream switches, in a Varmilo VA68M grey case.



« Last Edit: Tue, 23 May 2017, 07:07:16 by zutroy »

Offline mrduul

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #327 on: Sun, 28 May 2017, 16:35:35 »
Got some Blue Alps recently.


Offline Khers

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #328 on: Tue, 06 June 2017, 15:24:25 »
.
« Last Edit: Tue, 03 July 2018, 09:11:06 by Khers »

Offline alienman82

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #329 on: Tue, 06 June 2017, 19:27:01 »
removed.
« Last Edit: Thu, 01 March 2018, 11:53:36 by alienman82 »

Offline Khers

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #330 on: Wed, 07 June 2017, 00:39:39 »
.
« Last Edit: Tue, 03 July 2018, 09:11:00 by Khers »

Offline kekstee

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #331 on: Wed, 14 June 2017, 05:54:17 »
That's so nice Khers. Although I'm surprised to see even a high profile case does such a bad job at covering the top row of keycaps. Don't feel so bad about my low profile one now.

Oh and regarding that, I finally found another AEK with SKCM Orange and German layout. In contrast to the salmon one I slaughtered before this one was in pretty good condition (apart from needing a deep clean) and is now waiting for a second life with some new switches. The orange ones and icon mods went into my Alps64.

170864-0

I mean, getting a plate made and going for that HHKB layout would be nice, but after I found a decent function to share escape and ~ on the base layer it's very usable.

170862-1 170866-2
« Last Edit: Wed, 14 June 2017, 06:11:26 by kekstee »

Offline plugable

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #332 on: Sat, 29 July 2017, 22:08:13 »
Long time lurker, first time poster. I am most active on r/mechanicalkeyboards as u/thebeephaha but found this thread and wanted to share.

Here's my Alps Brown build:








Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #333 on: Sun, 30 July 2017, 05:39:26 »
That's really cool
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline sundin

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #334 on: Sun, 30 July 2017, 07:34:34 »
Long time lurker, first time poster. I am most active on r/mechanicalkeyboards as u/thebeephaha but found this thread and wanted to share.

Here's my Alps Brown build:

Show Image


Show Image


Show Image

:thumb:

Offline ctm

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #335 on: Sun, 30 July 2017, 12:30:30 »
Long time lurker, first time poster. I am most active on r/mechanicalkeyboards as u/thebeephaha but found this thread and wanted to share.

Here's my Alps Brown build:

Show Image


Show Image


Show Image

I recognize that big ass stepped enter from meetup!
TMK Alps64 w/ Matias Quiet Switches in KBP V60 case.
Infinity60 with SKCM Orange Switches w/ TMK.
CM Storm QRF w/ Frosty Flake controller, Cherry MX Blue Switches and TMK firmware.


Coming:
Ellipse Model F F62.

Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #336 on: Mon, 14 August 2017, 11:49:19 »
Swapped the Alpine Winter mods for BadWrench mods on my V60. Also replace the MX-style stab inserts (left) with whatever the ones on the right are called, from a random spare keyset I got off ebay. Massively reduced wobble, which was letting the keyboard down, much better now.

The right shift still isn't perfect as it's using a DIY stab wire, but I do plan to make another one neater and better fitting.

I love this board, the V60 might not be the best board around and the switches are Alps clones, but I've put a fair amount into this and it's just a joy to use..







KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline the pokemon kid

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #337 on: Tue, 15 August 2017, 05:13:14 »
Snip

Nice keycap set! It was good to meet you at the meetup on Saturday!

Here is my board, 85cN Ambers!


Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #338 on: Tue, 15 August 2017, 08:27:10 »
Likewise dude, lovely boards btw!

On the hunt for the rest of my Alps switches now  ;D
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline the pokemon kid

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #339 on: Tue, 15 August 2017, 09:27:50 »
Likewise dude, lovely boards btw!

On the hunt for the rest of my Alps switches now  ;D

What switches did you need? You said you wanted some oranges?

Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #340 on: Tue, 15 August 2017, 12:12:49 »
Yeah probably Orange tactiles, I tried Rory's spring-swapped ones before I left and they were perfect
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline the pokemon kid

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #341 on: Tue, 15 August 2017, 14:47:59 »
Yeah probably Orange tactiles, I tried Rory's spring-swapped ones before I left and they were perfect

I have got 10 or 12 more of those. If you want, I can get some more and spring swap and lube those too. Unless you want to do that yourself?

Offline sundin

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #342 on: Fri, 18 August 2017, 08:08:07 »

Pray the buddha!

Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #343 on: Fri, 18 August 2017, 13:00:16 »
The elusive Alps artisan!
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline Felion

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #344 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 02:16:55 »
X-post from Keycap & Keyboard Photography, but I thought it might fit in here too?
***
My Latest build:
(Cream Damped ALPS, LFK78-pcb, VA69M-ish Alu-Chassi, lots of extra dampening material, DSA Granite ALPS (stem-modded))


More pictures in the Imgur Build-logg (and also some glamour photos).

It might be considered "boring" by some: but that's what I was going for (or rather "classic/stylish") :)
FC660c|RF88UB|HHKB pro2 type-s|GH60 Satans|Model M|Novatouch Alu-Chassi, "type -s"|Whitefox|RSII|V60|Plum84|RC930-87|Ducky3|Minivan|Planck|GH60revC|Pok3r|MF68|Ducky Mini|and more|Likör47 - GeekHack KotM March 2017

Offline smithyithy

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #345 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 09:13:28 »
Just saw that on rmk, fantastic build, very very nice
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline kmba

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #346 on: Thu, 21 September 2017, 07:44:35 »
Show Image

A little blue number


what's the right shift key from on this..
keyboards.

Offline SJHL

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #347 on: Thu, 21 September 2017, 09:06:59 »
Show Image

A little blue number


what's the right shift key from on this..

Most likely from M0116.

Offline kmba

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #348 on: Thu, 21 September 2017, 12:46:18 »
Yes, definitely. Thanks
keyboards.

Offline PerniciousPony

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Re: Post your ALPS keyboard
« Reply #349 on: Fri, 22 September 2017, 12:05:16 »
« Last Edit: Fri, 22 September 2017, 18:29:42 by PerniciousPony »