Author Topic: Found new in box Unitek K258 boards for $20 (Read 20795 times)

grazed · « **on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:37:03 »

Hi guys, I stumbled across this community while trying to research the model in the title. I figured I'd return the favor by posting quite the deal and pictures of what I got in the mail!

I happened upon this ebay auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unitech-Classic-K258-PS2-Wired-Keyboard-brand-new-/251876823366?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa5075146

Figured for $20, it was worth a shot for original white ALPS new in box. Sure enough, it arrived brand new, still wrapped in original packaging! Even the box was in immaculate condition. I'm pretty sure the seller has no idea what they're actually worth (he somehow mislabed the board as rubber dome on the auction?).

Here's an album of images that I took: http://imgur.com/a/9TxZy
Here's what it sounds like (though my phone doesn't really do it justice, it's very clicky clacky): https://clyp.it/wsilvcri

jdcarpe · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:44:19 »

Thanks! I just ordered one.

grazed · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:50:19 »

Glad I could help!

OT: Is there anywhere that sells keycaps for these boards (original white ALPS)? Everything I find is seemingly conflicting.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:53:17 »

Quote from: grazed on Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:50:19

Glad I could help!

OT: Is there anywhere that sells keycaps for these boards (original white ALPS)? Everything I find is seemingly conflicting.

Heh, that's the problem. Alps is so disparate, that it's hard to find common ground.

There is an interest check for a set of Alps modifiers here, but the stabilized keys may not work with your keyboard. Can you pull a cap off one of the longer keys (Left Shift maybe?) to let me see what type of stabilizers it uses?

Huxley2500 · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:59:37 »

Is this Clickey?

grazed · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 17:08:36 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:53:17

Quote from: grazed on Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:50:19
Glad I could help!

OT: Is there anywhere that sells keycaps for these boards (original white ALPS)? Everything I find is seemingly conflicting.

Heh, that's the problem. Alps is so disparate, that it's hard to find common ground.

There is an interest check for a set of Alps modifiers here, but the stabilized keys may not work with your keyboard. Can you pull a cap off one of the longer keys (Left Shift maybe?) to let me see what type of stabilizers it uses?

I swapped the delete and numlock key earlier just by popping them off with my fingers, but the larger ones don't seem to be so easy. I'll have to see if I have forceps laying around later, I'm currently at work. I'll update the thread tonight.

Quote from: Huxley2500 on Fri, 27 March 2015, 16:59:37

Is this Clickey?

Extremely. It's louder than my previous CM Storm with blue switches by a good amount.

saturnotaku · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:22:27 »

Looks like they're sold out now. That was quick.

chyros · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:26:20 »

This is a great find, white Alps in good condition are fantastic switches, and the price is amazing! I would HIGHLY recommend getting one of these, if I didn't have several White Alps boards already, I'd definitely have gotten one!

Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back to your Cherry MX Blues

.

Also do NOT use forceps to pull caps. Alps mount caps are sometimes quite hard to remove and if they snap off, there is pretty much no salvation. Better to get a cap puller for $2.

grazed · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:39:21 »

Quote from: chyros on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:26:20

Also do NOT use forceps to pull caps. Alps mount caps are sometimes quite hard to remove and if they snap off, there is pretty much no salvation. Better to get a cap puller for $2.

Well I'm glad you posted this before I got home and attempted it, thank you! I'll order a puller ASAP.

Quote from: saturnotaku on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:22:27

Looks like they're sold out now. That was quick.

They're back in stock now. I have a feeling they might get hip to something being amiss though and eventually pull the auction at that price since so many were purchased in the last hour or so.

saturnotaku · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:58:41 »

Quote from: grazed on Fri, 27 March 2015, 18:39:21

They're back in stock now. I have a feeling they might get hip to something being amiss though and eventually pull the auction at that price since so many were purchased in the last hour or so.

That in mind, I would be afraid of them not honoring the sale because they know they can probably get more for them. If that's the case, everyone who that happens to should drop a big fat negative on them. With that seller having such low feedback, their eBay career would be over pretty fast.

Edit: And as I say that, I received a shipment notification email. Looks like they're going to follow through. I'm looking forward to getting this. I plan to use it when I work from home since the wife will be at work and the kid at daycare.

wazup · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 27 March 2015, 21:35:16 »

This looks great, I ordered one and will post pictures once it arrives. Thanks for posting about it!

ylkev · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 28 March 2015, 14:09:38 »

I actually just ordered one too hope it get here soon and I've never tried alps switches so I really wanted to try them out

grazed · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 28 March 2015, 21:05:43 »

Unfortunately, it looks like the seller got wise and bumped the price to $100.

It was fun while it lasted, looks like a lot of you guys took advantage of the deal though (30+ sold!), so there's that!

saturnotaku · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 11:44:02 »

Quote from: grazed on Sat, 28 March 2015, 21:05:43

Unfortunately, it looks like the seller got wise and bumped the price to $100.

The seller might have done this to stop orders because of a backlog because the price is back down to $26 shipped. It's strange because apparently there were on sale for $24 for a bit.

aref · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 12:18:56 »

I see the price was $19 and is up to $26--it's a good deal. I ordered one; my first Alps keyboard.

njbair · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 16:43:49 »

I just ordered one as well. I tried last night but saw the $100 price and left immediately. Thought I missed it!

aref · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 17:24:16 »

At $100 a KB, I'd not have ordered one either; but at $26, it's a deal. From 3/28 to 3/30 they increased the price from $19.99 to $23.99, then to $25.99. I don't deny them the few extra dollars. I ordered mine earlier today; and received a message that the keyboard has shipped via a FedEx service. I should have mine my by April 7, according to their e-mail. I've never used an Alps keyboard, this will be interesting for me.

wazup · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 17:41:00 »

Yes considering free shipping in the US, this is definitely a deal. The cheapest shipping I think I have seen for a keyboard was $12 for a noppoo choc mini. So I would say this keyboard is worth $8-$15

Tyrosh22 · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 17:56:13 »

Damn, shipping to Germany is 40$ ...

chyros · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 18:32:25 »

Lots of people's first Alps board I see, should be really nice for those that prefer heavier, highly clicky and tactile switches. Let us know what you think of them, guys!

Tyrosh22 · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:08:46 »

Quote from: chyros on Mon, 30 March 2015, 18:32:25

Lots of people's first Alps board I see, should be really nice for those that prefer heavier, highly clicky and tactile switches. Let us know what you think of them, guys!

I'd love to try those switches. Still fighting over it in my head whether to go for it or not.

njbair · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:27:26 »

Quote from: Tyrosh22 on Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:08:46

Quote from: chyros on Mon, 30 March 2015, 18:32:25
Lots of people's first Alps board I see, should be really nice for those that prefer heavier, highly clicky and tactile switches. Let us know what you think of them, guys!

I'd love to try those switches. Still fighting over it in my head whether to go for it or not.

The only question should be, one or two?

Tyrosh22 · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:46:21 »

Why would I buy two?

aref · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:58:10 »

The only question should be, one or two?
[/quote]

I laughed because I've been thinking the same thought! One or two?

njbair · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 21:23:18 »

Quote from: Tyrosh22 on Mon, 30 March 2015, 19:46:21

Why would I buy two?

For twice the reasons you would buy one, of course.

ander · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 30 March 2015, 22:42:16 »

Thanks, grazed, I just got one. I'm an ALPS virgin, so it's nice to start with one of their better variants—and what a price for NIB!

It's great when someone spots an opportunity like this, where there's (probably) enough for everyone.

thebloody9 · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 00:04:22 »

Just ordered one for 26.

morpheus · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 00:40:33 »

Just ordered one as well.

I've been looking for an ALPS board for ages.

Thanks for this link!

Willyc277 · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 02:30:21 »

Just snagged one for $26!! Says there are 2 left! Now I'll finally have mx, topre, and alps boards!

KatzenKinder · « **Reply #29 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 02:41:35 »

Also just nabbed one. Thanks for the heads up!

aref · « **Reply #30 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 13:21:24 »

Getting ready for the K258. I'll use a Ziotek, which is a sizable adapter, so I added a USB jumper, all are left-over from my Model M days. The adapter takes up too much space regardless of where I connect it, back of my PC or USB hub. I know this is not new to GH; but it's been a slow day, so I decided to take a photo and post this.

By the way, I checked ebay, the inexpensive K258 KBs have sold out. I'm sure the seller can credit the OP for this.

chyros · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 13:37:04 »

Quote from: aref on Tue, 31 March 2015, 13:21:24

By the way, I checked ebay, the inexpensive K258 KBs have sold out. I'm sure the seller can credit the OP for this.

Haha, for sure! Apparently there were 59, and they sold out in what, four days? At $20-26 a pop, that's a pretty nice haul

.

Again let us know what you think of the board, guys! Post a review or something when you get them

.

Willyc277 · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 13:38:16 »

Any reason for using USB vs PS2 if you've got the PS2 connection? My desktop has a PS2 port which is great, as it will free up a USB port.

aref · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 14:40:46 »

I don't have a PS2 input on my PC. it's either USB or nada.

I'll be sure to comment on the keyboard after giving it an initial run through. It'd be nice to have a feedback thread for this KB.

saturnotaku · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 14:43:08 »

If you have a PS2 port, go nuts. Those of us who use laptops need to be more creative.

Speaking of, I need to buy that adapter and extension cable.

Willyc277 · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 14:46:57 »

Quote from: aref on Tue, 31 March 2015, 14:40:46

I don't have a PS2 input on my PC. it's either USB or nada.

I'll be sure to comment on the keyboard after giving it an initial run through. It'd be nice to have a feedback thread for this KB.

Ok! That's kind of what I figured! Ordered after midnight last night and it's already shipped!

aref · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 14:53:30 »

Ok! That's kind of what I figured! Ordered after midnight last night and it's already shipped!
[/quote]

I have to credit the seller for super-fast shipping: mine went out about three hours after I placed my order. Yeah, a PS2 port would be nice to have.

Air tree · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 15:00:11 »

Picked one up as well. Going to be nice to have a nice alps board.

njbair · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 18:40:22 »

Is anyone here familiar with these switches? Like are they really Alps, or an Alps imitation? And are they good Alps or just OK ones?

nightdriver · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 20:02:24 »

i'm also curious about the keycaps as alps replacements are hard to find. guess i can find out for myself soon enough...

grazed · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 20:54:30 »

Quote from: nightdriver on Tue, 31 March 2015, 20:02:24

i'm also curious about the keycaps as alps replacements are hard to find. guess i can find out for myself soon enough...

I'm not sure whether these are good or bad ALPS switches (never used an ALPS board), but they're apparently original whites, so they're not of the fake variety.

The vendor paperwork that I've found referenced MS DOS and Windows 3.1 as current operating systems, so these things were made pre '95, which should further put them into original ALPS territory.

chyros · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 23:14:01 »

"Original" White Alps would be SKCM White, which is the best variety of White Alps switch. I've found these to be excellent when in good condition.

Asininity · « **Reply #42 on:** Tue, 31 March 2015, 23:37:20 »

Thanks for the heads up!

Currently there's no more boards. Hope more are added later so I can snag one.

njbair · « **Reply #43 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 08:32:25 »

I should've bought two.

saturnotaku · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 09:33:24 »

Quote from: njbair on Wed, 01 April 2015, 08:32:25

I should've bought two.

The seller should've probably charged more. Based on the reaction here and quick sale, they could probably easily have gotten $40-plus, especially since the boards are brand new. With FedEx shipping being at least $8-10 a pop, plus eBay and PayPal fees, they're not making more than a couple dollars on each unit sold. Hopefully they acquired their stock for free or close to it.

aref · « **Reply #45 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 10:08:16 »

I gather the seller wanted to get rid of the keyboards. From what I've read about the K258, Unitech has discontinued the keyboard. The majority of their KBs are targeted for point-of-sale with a slot for swiping credit-cards. I would think they are built for longevity. We shall see.

njbair · « **Reply #46 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 10:17:35 »

Quote from: aref on Wed, 01 April 2015, 10:08:16

I gather the seller wanted to get rid of the keyboards. From what I've read about the K258, Unitech has discontinued the keyboard. The majority of their KBs are targeted for point-of-sale with a slot for swiping credit-cards. I would think they are built for longevity. We shall see.

Worst case, it's a crap board and we all paid $26 for a full set of white Alps switches to use on some DIY project.

aref · « **Reply #47 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 11:10:44 »

Quote from: njbair on Wed, 01 April 2015, 10:17:35

Quote from: aref on Wed, 01 April 2015, 10:08:16
I gather the seller wanted to get rid of the keyboards. From what I've read about the K258, Unitech has discontinued the keyboard. The majority of their KBs are targeted for point-of-sale with a slot for swiping credit-cards. I would think they are built for longevity. We shall see.

Worst case, it's a crap board and we all paid $26 for a full set of white Alps switches to use on some DIY project.

Good point; and a worthy end-use. I'm really curious to see how the keyboard performs. Alps and Unitech are new to me.

grazed · « **Reply #48 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 17:06:51 »

He has 1 last board for sale, made a new auction for it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unitech-Classic-K258-PS2-Wired-Keyboard-brand-new-/251900959161?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa67799b9

aref · « **Reply #49 on:** Thu, 02 April 2015, 10:04:54 »

Grazed, now that you've had the keyboard for short while, what do you think of it?

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Author Topic: Found new in box Unitek K258 boards for $20 (Read 20795 times)