Author Topic: Alps Appreciation Thread (Read 2448887 times)

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6150 on:** Fri, 01 February 2019, 16:41:11 »

Quote from: NovemberDusk on Fri, 01 February 2019, 02:16:35

Quote from: abrahamstechnology on Thu, 31 January 2019, 17:20:53
Quote from: NovemberDusk on Wed, 30 January 2019, 21:16:58
Quote from: abrahamstechnology on Wed, 30 January 2019, 20:53:16
Quote from: NovemberDusk on Wed, 30 January 2019, 20:38:23

One small niggle though... one of the switches has their contact pins rusted to oblivion as seen in the picture above. And I was able to pull the entire switch out without resistance.

All the switchplates I have are the "newer" shorter ones.
I have a bunch of extra switchplates if you need any.

That would be sweet! Which do I need? The long or short switchplate?
It shouldn't matter, I think they are interchangeable.
Although since you live in Singapore it may be cheaper to buy some NOS SKCL Yellows from TaoBao and use the switchplates from them instead.

Likely interchangeable but I would like to get the most authentic feel and the difference in switchplates contribute to that

I wouldn't mind shipping switchplates from you though, it won't cost much.

nevin · « **Reply #6151 on:** Mon, 04 February 2019, 23:38:02 »

can someone help me identify the layout/language of these 60% AEKs? (cross post to an old thread)

Quote from: Yoe on Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:48:53

Example: I've used the same dye (02 Golden Glow) for the modifiers on the top and the middle keyboard in the picture below. About 45 minutes for the darker, almost orange, color and about 20 minutes (or 30… don't quite remember) for the mustard yellow. (In the top keyboard I also used the Tangerine dye for enter, backspace and tab keys. Just thought I'd mention that..)

LightningXI · « **Reply #6152 on:** Mon, 04 February 2019, 23:40:45 »

Quote from: nevin on Mon, 04 February 2019, 23:38:02

can someone help me identify the layout/language of these 60% AEKs? (cross post to an old thread)

Quote from: Yoe on Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:48:53
Example: I've used the same dye (02 Golden Glow) for the modifiers on the top and the middle keyboard in the picture below. About 45 minutes for the darker, almost orange, color and about 20 minutes (or 30… don't quite remember) for the mustard yellow. (In the top keyboard I also used the Tangerine dye for enter, backspace and tab keys. Just thought I'd mention that..)
(Attachment Link)

Swedish.

nevin · « **Reply #6153 on:** Mon, 04 February 2019, 23:51:17 »

LightningXI, thanks.

Firebolt1914 · « **Reply #6154 on:** Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:11:58 »

I'm currently working on an Alps 1800 build. Thinking about either orange alps or blue alps. Both seem like a good idea, so I'm having a hard time choosing.
Hopefully this project will be done relatively soon.

LightningXI · « **Reply #6155 on:** Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:13:26 »

Quote from: Firebolt1914 on Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:11:58

I'm currently working on an Alps 1800 build. Thinking about either orange alps or blue alps. Both seem like a good idea, so I'm having a hard time choosing.
Hopefully this project will be done relatively soon.

Personally I'd go for Orange. They're cheaper, easier to get, and actually quite pleasant in typefeel (arguably the best). Maybe you could get an SKCM blue escape key?

Firebolt1914 · « **Reply #6156 on:** Wed, 06 February 2019, 20:03:48 »

Quote from: LightningXI on Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:13:26

Quote from: Firebolt1914 on Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:11:58
I'm currently working on an Alps 1800 build. Thinking about either orange alps or blue alps. Both seem like a good idea, so I'm having a hard time choosing.
Hopefully this project will be done relatively soon.
Personally I'd go for Orange. They're cheaper, easier to get, and actually quite pleasant in typefeel (arguably the best). Maybe you could get an SKCM blue escape key?

I was leaning towards orange as well. I'm not a fan of multiple switches on a board, so I'll probably do all oranges. I do want to try ambers though.

sncbraxsc2 · « **Reply #6157 on:** Tue, 12 February 2019, 14:49:18 »

I know the 8801s.. Anyone know whats in the 9800 series? No wiki entries

nevin · « **Reply #6158 on:** Tue, 12 February 2019, 15:12:40 »

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=12828
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=12392
thanks to HaaTa

sncbraxsc2 · « **Reply #6159 on:** Tue, 12 February 2019, 15:18:21 »

Quote from: nevin on Tue, 12 February 2019, 15:12:40

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=12828
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=12392
thanks to HaaTa

Thanks! I should remember to check the forum as well as the wiki in the future

Rob27shred · « **Reply #6160 on:** Tue, 26 February 2019, 18:44:07 »

Quote from: nevin on Mon, 04 February 2019, 23:38:02

can someone help me identify the layout/language of these 60% AEKs? (cross post to an old thread)

Quote from: Yoe on Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:48:53
Example: I've used the same dye (02 Golden Glow) for the modifiers on the top and the middle keyboard in the picture below. About 45 minutes for the darker, almost orange, color and about 20 minutes (or 30… don't quite remember) for the mustard yellow. (In the top keyboard I also used the Tangerine dye for enter, backspace and tab keys. Just thought I'd mention that..)
(Attachment Link)

Never thought about dyeing AEK caps for a little flavor, I'm gonna have to try this on some of my extras!

nevin · « **Reply #6161 on:** Tue, 26 February 2019, 18:51:18 »

Do a search on here for dying caps, the standard Rit dye will work, but there are others that are more effective but don't remember what kind/brand they were. Watch your temperature & don't be afraid to leave them in a lot longer than you think it should take.

fohat.digs · « **Reply #6162 on:** Tue, 26 February 2019, 19:54:16 »

Look at reply #14 here:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35444.msg658453#msg658453

nevin · « **Reply #6163 on:** Tue, 26 February 2019, 21:24:15 »

Thanks for the link

ander · « **Reply #6164 on:** Wed, 27 February 2019, 06:01:45 »

Does anyone have one of the rare boards with the Alps buckling-spring switches?

I've never seen one, other in than photo at Deskthority... What do you suppose they were like?

chyros · « **Reply #6165 on:** Wed, 27 February 2019, 06:28:38 »

Quote from: ander on Wed, 27 February 2019, 06:01:45

Does anyone have one of the rare boards with the Alps buckling-spring switches?

Show Image

I've never seen one, other in than photo at Deskthority... What do you suppose they were like?

I reviewed an RM Nimbus-branded SM-101 with them in, ages ago. They are pretty interesting switches. IMO they don't feel quite as good as IBM's version, but they sound better.

Very unique sound, by the way. Reminiscent of small coins hitting the ground ^^ .

E3E · « **Reply #6166 on:** Fri, 01 March 2019, 06:58:07 »

Quote from: ander on Wed, 27 February 2019, 06:01:45

Does anyone have one of the rare boards with the Alps buckling-spring switches?

Show Image

I've never seen one, other in than photo at Deskthority... What do you suppose they were like?

I have a C.Itoh branded board with one, but it uses a terminal protocol. Snacksthecat has cracked it though and developed a way to convert it, from what I've seen, if I recall correctly.

I don't feel like they're all that great of a switch type, personally. I lost interest quickly, and the board felt far cheaper than most SKCM/SKCL boards I've handled, barring the Chicony and later Focus boards.

AtomicChameleon · « **Reply #6167 on:** Wed, 06 March 2019, 08:26:29 »

Quote from: loud_asian on Fri, 29 September 2017, 17:17:45

Show Image

Show Image

Lucky number 8

This is gorgeous.

What case is that and what keyboards have alps caps like that? Some Japanese AEK? So rad.

LightningXI · « **Reply #6168 on:** Wed, 06 March 2019, 08:27:35 »

Quote from: AtomicChameleon on Wed, 06 March 2019, 08:26:29

Quote from: loud_asian on Fri, 29 September 2017, 17:17:45
Show Image

Show Image

Lucky number 8

This is gorgeous. What case is that and what keyboards have alps caps like that? Some Japanese AEK? So rad.

Case is what it says there, AEK64. Csps are AEK II Japanese

AtomicChameleon · « **Reply #6169 on:** Wed, 06 March 2019, 08:40:18 »

Ok, thanks! I see now. I always thought AEK64 was just a 60%style. Would love to find one of these cases. Will have to keep my eyes open on mechmarket.

Sintpinty · « **Reply #6170 on:** Sat, 09 March 2019, 06:02:54 »

I haven't tried an alps keyboard, but would love to get one! People say that the clicks in the switches make Cherry MX blue feel like a joke. Problem is, at the thrift store i can only find membrane keyboards...

One question: how do i know it's alps?

nevin · « **Reply #6171 on:** Sat, 09 March 2019, 06:35:25 »

"One question: how do i know it's alps?"

- pull a cap
- google search for make/model, see if it's been reviewed here or on deskthority
- check the wiki's
• https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Alps_switches
• https://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=GeekHackWiki

places to get
- ebay
- thrift shop
- electronics recycling center
- yard sales (once weather gets better)

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6172 on:** Sat, 09 March 2019, 11:06:24 »

Quote from: Sintpinty on Sat, 09 March 2019, 06:02:54

I haven't tried an alps keyboard, but would love to get one! People say that the clicks in the switches make Cherry MX blue feel like a joke. Problem is, at the thrift store i can only find membrane keyboards...

One question: how do i know it's alps?

If it has a square slider you might as well just pick it up. If it turns out to be a clone that you aren't a fan of, then just flip it on Ebay for a few $$

mech0nly · « **Reply #6173 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 12:23:48 »

Hi

I was wondering, does the SKCM top housing (no LED hole) has effect on linear alps?
or is it better to use SKCL top housing (with LED hole) instead?

Thanks

Sintpinty · « **Reply #6174 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 13:50:56 »

Quote from: Techno Trousers on Fri, 05 July 2013, 22:56:58

Matias is the only Alps switch/board manufacturer in the world now.

The day will come when the alps patient expires.. and people make them again. That day will be good.
Still waiting for it, though. We love alps! ❤️

nevin · « **Reply #6175 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:03:23 »

Quote from: mech0nly on Sun, 17 March 2019, 12:23:48

Hi

I was wondering, does the SKCM top housing (no LED hole) has effect on linear alps?
or is it better to use SKCL top housing (with LED hole) instead?

Thanks

only SKCL had option for LED as that spot was used for the click/tactile leaf in SKCMs

don't know if the led hole would have any effect on sound.

you'd probably only notice a difference between bamboo or pine tops.
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCL/SKCM_series#Slits
Plus, over the years and making things cheaper, you can usually find one or both variants of the same switch.

Hak Foo · « **Reply #6176 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:12:52 »

As much as I like the feel of decent white Alps, I wish that a follow-on manufacturer would go for MX keycap compatibility. Unfortunately, the war has been lost on that front.

i-Rocks' attempt was laudable in concept but somehow missed the boat in execution. Maybe if it had been undamped it would have been better.

nevin · « **Reply #6177 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:19:19 »

nexus sliders?

Telstar · « **Reply #6178 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:36:56 »

Quote from: Hak Foo on Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:12:52

As much as I like the feel of decent white Alps, I wish that a follow-on manufacturer would go for MX keycap compatibility.

https://candykeys.com/product/topre-mx-adapter-stem-1-piece
Wouldn't be possible to make adapters for Alps as well?

nevin · « **Reply #6179 on:** Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:43:43 »

that's what the nexus sliders are.
https://thekey.company/products/nexus-alps-to-mx-conversion-kits

mech0nly · « **Reply #6180 on:** Tue, 19 March 2019, 06:29:00 »

Quote from: nevin on Sun, 17 March 2019, 14:03:23

Quote from: mech0nly on Sun, 17 March 2019, 12:23:48
Hi

I was wondering, does the SKCM top housing (no LED hole) has effect on linear alps?
or is it better to use SKCL top housing (with LED hole) instead?

Thanks

only SKCL had option for LED as that spot was used for the click/tactile leaf in SKCMs

don't know if the led hole would have any effect on sound.

you'd probably only notice a difference between bamboo or pine tops.
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCL/SKCM_series#Slits
Plus, over the years and making things cheaper, you can usually find one or both variants of the same switch.

I see. I think I need to try it out myself

On the other hand, I have a chance to make alps plate out of CF and PC, both 1.5mm thickness. Which one you guys recommend?

nguyenhimself · « **Reply #6181 on:** Thu, 21 March 2019, 10:48:25 »

Hi, so I'm working on my own plate for a hand-wire build, because I really want a compact 60% Alps board with arrow keys and split spacebars. Easy, right?

Can any of you guys with plate-cutting-and-designing experience come have a look at my plate file here? This is all very new to me.

I had to learn CAD for this dream Alps endgame build, and I'm not giving up now

pixelpusher · « **Reply #6182 on:** Thu, 21 March 2019, 17:38:29 »

Quote from: nguyenhimself on Thu, 21 March 2019, 10:48:25

Hi, so I'm working on my own plate for a hand-wire build, because I really want a compact 60% Alps board with arrow keys and split spacebars. Easy, right?

Can any of you guys with plate-cutting-and-designing experience come have a look at my plate file here? This is all very new to me.

I had to learn CAD for this dream Alps endgame build, and I'm not giving up now

Pretty cool, man. I have no advice but I’d love to see the end result

Wojciech · « **Reply #6183 on:** Wed, 17 April 2019, 16:13:42 »

I finished my first independent build today. Orange Alps from AEK, Tina-C case and bluetooth. Very nice feeling

tron · « **Reply #6184 on:** Wed, 17 April 2019, 18:43:09 »

Just got a super clean SKCL board. Can't wait to build an AEK64 with ADK64 case

nevin · « **Reply #6185 on:** Thu, 18 April 2019, 04:34:14 »

@Wojciech - Very nice, looks great!

@tron - Mmmm, green. What are those narrow switches at the top? (cluster of 6 on top left, cluster of 7 on too right). Don't think i've seen those before.

tron · « **Reply #6186 on:** Thu, 18 April 2019, 10:01:59 »

Quote from: nevin on Thu, 18 April 2019, 04:34:14

@Wojciech - Very nice, looks great!

@tron - Mmmm, green. What are those narrow switches at the top? (cluster of 6 on top left, cluster of 7 on too right). Don't think i've seen those before.

They are Alps SKCL compact green. I've seen them in a handful of old laptops and specialty keyboards like the Videowriter. Check out the DT Wiki- https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCL_Compact

nevin · « **Reply #6187 on:** Thu, 18 April 2019, 11:07:26 »

@tron - Thanks. Interesting. Obviously a linear-only form factor.

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6188 on:** Thu, 18 April 2019, 17:36:04 »

Linear Black Alps build, similar to my last one but with black case and acrylic plate.
I'll be using FR-4 plates from now on though because acrylic is too fragile (this plate already cracked in one spot).
Also I ran out of Black Alps so I'm going to use Alps Clones.

rowdy · « **Reply #6189 on:** Mon, 22 April 2019, 21:51:32 »

Quote from: abrahamstechnology on Thu, 18 April 2019, 17:36:04

Linear Black Alps build, similar to my last one but with black case and acrylic plate.
I'll be using FR-4 plates from now on though because acrylic is too fragile (this plate already cracked in one spot).
Also I ran out of Black Alps so I'm going to use Alps Clones.

Show Image

Show Image

Tai Hao keycaps?

I ahve a set myself, bu no Alps keyboard

) At least someone is still making Alps sets.

Wojciech · « **Reply #6190 on:** Tue, 23 April 2019, 16:25:08 »

This is my second build - Alps from AEK II M3501 in rosewood case

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6191 on:** Tue, 23 April 2019, 18:33:57 »

Tai-Hao knows I like Alps, so they gave me some free Alps blanks!

nevin · « **Reply #6192 on:** Tue, 23 April 2019, 18:34:44 »

@Wojciech - WOW, that's beautiful. table router/cnc?

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6193 on:** Fri, 26 April 2019, 20:48:49 »

the_ambyguous · « **Reply #6194 on:** Sat, 27 April 2019, 01:31:46 »

Quote from: Firebolt1914 on Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:11:58

I'm currently working on an Alps 1800 build. Thinking about either orange alps or blue alps. Both seem like a good idea, so I'm having a hard time choosing.
Hopefully this project will be done relatively soon.

for a 60% or smaller build, I would have suggested orange alps as they tend to sound and feel just as good in smaller form factors.

if youre going to go all out and do an 1800 build, I would say go for SKCM blues. they are usually used in smaller builds but the skcm blues sound better in larger cases imo, like in their home keyboards. an 1800 would be a perfect build for blues. where are you getting a 1800 pcb for alps?

Quote from: abrahamstechnology on Tue, 23 April 2019, 18:33:57

Tai-Hao knows I like Alps, so they gave me some free Alps blanks!
Show Image

oof, i've heard nothing but bad things. how do they feel?

Quote from: Sintpinty on Sat, 09 March 2019, 06:02:54

I haven't tried an alps keyboard, but would love to get one! People say that the clicks in the switches make Cherry MX blue feel like a joke. Problem is, at the thrift store i can only find membrane keyboards...

One question: how do i know it's alps?

type the keyboards name and put the word "deskthority" or "geekhack" behind it, if it has alps generally itll have a post somewhere between the two.

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6195 on:** Sat, 27 April 2019, 12:48:08 »

Quote from: the_ambyguous on Sat, 27 April 2019, 01:31:46

oof, i've heard nothing but bad things. how do they feel?

type the keyboards name and put the word "deskthority" or "geekhack" behind it, if it has alps generally itll have a post somewhere between the two.

APC blues actually don't feel that bad. Not very clicky, but lightweight and decently tactile.

abrahamstechnology · « **Reply #6196 on:** Sat, 27 April 2019, 12:49:54 »

Quote from: abrahamstechnology on Sat, 27 April 2019, 12:48:08

Quote from: the_ambyguous on Sat, 27 April 2019, 01:31:46

oof, i've heard nothing but bad things. how do they feel?

type the keyboards name and put the word "deskthority" or "geekhack" behind it, if it has alps generally itll have a post somewhere between the two.

APC blues actually don't feel that bad. Not very clicky, but lightweight and decently tactile.

If you want ultra tactile and clicky, AK-CN2 is a better modern clone for that.

Wojciech · « **Reply #6197 on:** Mon, 29 April 2019, 03:55:09 »

Quote from: nevin on Tue, 23 April 2019, 18:34:44

@Wojciech - WOW, that's beautiful. table router/cnc?

Thank you - This is case purchased in China via Aliexpress

networkdrift · « **Reply #6198 on:** Thu, 02 May 2019, 13:22:34 »

Currently typing this on a click-modded orange board. I love this board and I hate that it's borrowed and not mine... Might just have to buy it for good!

fohat.digs · « **Reply #6199 on:** Tue, 07 May 2019, 16:25:18 »

It has been at least a couple of years since I found an excellent keyboard for a cheap price in the wild, but today I got an absolutely pristine AEK2 in a salvage shop for $3.99

This one is utterly immaculate and not yellowed at all whatsoever, a later model with dampened whites instead of creams.

It is exquisite to type on, but I had forgotten how absolutely infuriating it is to have the stupid Apple/Windows/Command keys on either side of the space bar rather than the Alts. I have mapped many favorite short cuts to Cntrl+Alt+something and having Alt in the wrong place is making me crazy.

I know that I could jump through hoops and re-map the keys, but even then then the Alts ("option") are 1.25u while the Apples ("command") are 1.5u so they won't even swap! Aarrrgghh!

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Author Topic: Alps Appreciation Thread (Read 2448887 times)