Please help me identify: Genuine ALPS or clones

[slady]

Hello, guys! I found white switches on these macro pads.

Please help me identify the switches. Are these Genuine White ALPS or ALPS clones?

They have no markings and they are not four tab clones, so I am genuinely lost.

[chyros]

If they have no markings they are probably not Alps, but it would be more helpful to see the inside of the switches in this case.

[c.a.t.]

Looks like clone...

[slady]

Thank you Chyrosran22 and Cat! I will try to open the switches. 

I honestly must say that although I used Alps Blue, Salmon, Black and dampened Creams I never attempted to open them out of respect. 

These being clones -- I have no regrets... 

I can send one macropead for review for free if it turns out to be interesting.   

[c.a.t.]

I have a focus with white alps clones, not as good as white als, but still very tactile and fun to type on!! 😊

[slady]

Thanks for your encouragement!  I'll try to open them with toothpicks and cocktail sticks and post here the pictures of what I will have find inside.

[Maledicted]

Thanks for your encouragement!  I'll try to open them with toothpicks and cocktail sticks and post here the pictures of what I will have find inside.

Just don't force anything when taking them apart or putting them back together. They're very forgiving (more than MX). If the guts are all in the right places, the housing will slide right back together without much difficulty.

There are Alps/Matias switch disassembly tools that work quite well.

[slady]

Thank you for your patience, guys!

There is no manufacturer logo on the top of the switch. I can see number 5 on the top left and a dot and an upper case letter A or L on the top right corner.

Please help me identify these switches.

This is the insides of the switches.

[chyros]

Looks very much like Alps SKBM.

[slady]

Oh, wow!  Seems like they are worth more than I originally expected! 

Thank you, Thomas!  I was thinking of sending you a direct message on Twitter, but then I changed my mind, because I did not want to bother you. But who else would answer me here! 

I can send you one, if you want. These can prove as useful macropads. It has a metal mounting plate and all metal case.

The only trouble is the weird plug on the back. It has no electronic circuits inside though, the matrix is connected directly to the plug, so it can be converted easily. Some of your friends can program a Teensy or Arduino Micro Pro for you.

[slady]

[GIVEAWAY]

Hi, guys! And now it is giveaway time! I am giving away these macropads.

Since this was my first post to geekhack and it turned out really great, I want to give each one of you a little gift.

Anybody who has writen to me in this thread can get one macropad!

23 pieces of Alps White switches, metal mounting plage, all metal case, grill at the top.

So do not hesitate and write me a message. This week only!

You all have been of great help to me! Thanks again guys! Hope you'll like it! 

[chyros]

Thanks for the offer mate, but I've already got a whole bunch of macropads xD . I'm sure someone else can put it to good use though .

[slady]

Hi Chyros, yeah, I know, I have seen your videos with Duckypad and the easy to program Focus and even your whole keyboard wall,  so I know you have no shortage of anything. 

Big fan, by the way!  I have watched all your keyboard videos. And you are the one that introduced me the the mechanical keyboards.  I had had them for decades prior, but clueless of the term "mechanical" and all of its meanings. Thank you for that! 

I got dozens of these macropads, and now that I found that they are original Alps, I am on cloud nine! I have hudnreds of switches to deck out several battleship sized keyboards!

I know they are not as nice as my complicated blue or salmon Alps, but still better than all Cherry MX types and their clones put together, right?  )

I hope others might like to get the keypad or at least want to get the switches from them. 

[c.a.t.]

I Slady!! Would be interest by one of these!!

Thanks!

[slady]

Hey JS - aka c.a.t.! Only one?

Happy to help! Write me your address and whether you want the switches only or the macropad as a whole... In that case, I'll try to find some new one unused.

[c.a.t.]

Sūre!! Would take the whole keyboard!! Will sent you the adress! Thanks!

[slady]

Bien sūr! My macropad is going to Canada!

The only trouble is have not converted it to USB yet. It shall be easy though.

Tha macropad has got no electronic brain inside, the matrix is connected directly to the socket at the back. It uses standard VGA D-Sub connector.

[c.a.t.]

Just want to say thanks again @slady! It's been a while, but here's the video i've made of the keypad you sent me! And yes these are SKBM white!

Thanks!