NEW! Alps-based TKL Keyboard Project

[dante]

No dante and frankly, that would just throw another wrinkle into this project which has been in a sluggish state for months. I think that's a good project for another time, but not this project.

Plus are there Alps boards that will accept center stem placement?

I don't know.  I was thinking of something for the future.  ie:  Someone runs a group buy for a nice looking set of keycaps from SP.  They could also run an option for the same set with Alps.

[jdcarpe]

No dante and frankly, that would just throw another wrinkle into this project which has been in a sluggish state for months. I think that's a good project for another time, but not this project.

Plus are there Alps boards that will accept center stem placement?

I don't know.  I was thinking of something for the future.  ie:  Someone runs a group buy for a nice looking set of keycaps from SP.  They could also run an option for the same set with Alps.

Calavera was running with this. He has an IC going for the keycaps. For the first Alps GB, we should let one point of contact go forward with SP.

[CPTBadAss]

Yup, I completely agree with you jdcarpe.

[dante]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47946.msg1040528#msg1040528

[CPTBadAss]

What exactly are you pointing out? The fact that Matias is making keycaps?


Edit: Tapatalk linked me to the wrong post and I got confused. So Edgar is saying MX + Matias Alps stem isnt possible? Interesting.

[dante]

What exactly are you pointing out? The fact that Matias is making keycaps?


Edit: Tapatalk linked me to the wrong post and I got confused. So Edgar is saying MX + Matias Alps stem isnt possible? Interesting.

He is in the process of making keycaps.

[agodinhost]

Any news?

[CPTBadAss]

JD and I talked about this a few times. I think we're going to say it's on hiatus until we get keycaps. If Matias or calavera end up creating keycaps, I'll try and reinvigorate this project. The whole problem is having no keycaps so even if we design a PCB/case, there's no caps for the keyboard. JD has spoken to a few suppliers and has gotten little response.

In the mean time, Matias is due to release a 60% Alps GB soon; hopefully with keycaps as well.

[SpAmRaY]

Sprit is also going to have an ALPS group buy soon.

[AKIMbO]

JD and I talked about this a few times. I think we're going to say it's on hiatus until we get keycaps. If Matias or calavera end up creating keycaps, I'll try and reinvigorate this project. The whole problem is having no keycaps so even if we design a PCB/case, there's no caps for the keyboard. JD has spoken to a few suppliers and has gotten little response.

In the mean time, Matias is due to release a 60% Alps GB soon; hopefully with keycaps as well.

Hold up....back the eff up.... what?!

[CPTBadAss]

JD and I talked about this a few times. I think we're going to say it's on hiatus until we get keycaps. If Matias or calavera end up creating keycaps, I'll try and reinvigorate this project. The whole problem is having no keycaps so even if we design a PCB/case, there's no caps for the keyboard. JD has spoken to a few suppliers and has gotten little response.

In the mean time, Matias is due to release a 60% Alps GB soon; hopefully with keycaps as well.

Hold up....back the eff up.... what?!

Akimbro, get hyped

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52217.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50523.msg1120724#msg1120724

[AKIMbO]

JD and I talked about this a few times. I think we're going to say it's on hiatus until we get keycaps. If Matias or calavera end up creating keycaps, I'll try and reinvigorate this project. The whole problem is having no keycaps so even if we design a PCB/case, there's no caps for the keyboard. JD has spoken to a few suppliers and has gotten little response.

In the mean time, Matias is due to release a 60% Alps GB soon; hopefully with keycaps as well.

Hold up....back the eff up.... what?!

Akimbro, get hyped

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52217.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50523.msg1120724#msg1120724

WTF...I'm losing my **** here CPT! ALPs 60% omg! 

[CPTBadAss]

Sprit's due to release a 60%, 75%, and TKL Alps GB soon as well Akimbo. That's why I'm saying that 2014 is the year of the Alps!!

[MOZ]

I want to make an Alps Ergodox!

[agodinhost]

So, it means we are done here?
I haven't even started!

[jdcarpe]

I'm not officially declaring this dead until we get a TKL Alps keyboard. It's just on hiatus.

[Burz]

I want to make an Alps Ergodox!

That would be pretty awesome.... An ALPS ergodox, or ergodox derivative (thumbs, ya know), or catboard!

[skrsh3r]

so the only problem here is keycaps right?Why don't we go with already existing caps from dell,sgi and omnikey that way we just need to design pcb+plate and make so that it can fit qfr/filco case.I'm already working on a pcb for me that can support caps from those 3 boards i wanted to include AEK but i cant get around those 1.25 bottom row keys since they are interfering and making shorts, as for plates i only need ppl with omni,sgi and dell at101,101w to mesure stabs placement on their boards if possible.

[CPTBadAss]

so the only problem here is keycaps right?Why don't we go with already existing caps from dell,sgi and omnikey that way we just need to design pcb+plate and make so that it can fit qfr/filco case.

You have to get people to buy Dell AT101Ws or SGI Granites to harvest parts. That's fine; the kingsaver does it. The point of this project was that we wanted to have custom *everything*. Caps, PCB, plate, and cases.

Why don't we go with already existing caps from dell,sgi and omnikey that way we just need to design pcb+plate and make so that it can fit qfr/filco case.I'm already working on a pcb for me that can support caps from those 3 boards i wanted to include AEK but i cant get around those 1.25 bottom row keys since they are interfering and making shorts

But are you sure those caps and stabilizers are going to fit into a QFR/Filco case? My AT101 caps won't fit on my Ducky1087 XM case. Alps caps are weird. That's why the Kingsaver was specifically designed for the Wang 825 caps and stabilizers.

as for plates i only need ppl with omni,sgi and dell at101,101w to mesure stabs placement on their boards if possible.

Maybe you should start a new thread so you get more visibility instead of being under this title and project? That way people don't get confused.


And welcome to Geekhack!

[skrsh3r]

Thanks, if sp can do all the keys with combo stems eg 7x spacebar for winkeyless i'm willing to help with plate/pcb design even the case is not the problem, i just need stem placement of dcs stepped caps lock from what i see it's for 1.25 key but im not sure so i need help there, after that i can design pcb/plate and share it here.

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks, if sp can do all the keys with combo stems eg 7x spacebar for winkeyless i'm willing to help with plate/pcb

That's the problem. They dont have molds for the modifiers or spacebars if I remember correctly. I think we'll have the plate covered but we can talk about the PCB if you want.

Edit: That being said...apparently Tai Hao still make Alps keycaps, according to Daniel Beardsmore. Elton5354 just did a Tai Hao keycap run for MX. I wonder if we could do a run for Alps...Only issue being the MOQ is really high.

[skrsh3r]

Ok so i tested out caps lock placement and we have it like this, if we go with sp keycaps we can only use stepped caps lock or normal one but if we go with taihao keycaps we can use both and thats if im not wrong about taihao stepped caps lock stem placement i need someone to check that it should be same as tab keycap.

[CPTBadAss]

Ok so i tested out caps lock placement and we have it like this, if we go with sp keycaps we can only use stepped caps lock or normal one but if we go with taihao keycaps we can use both and thats if im not wrong about taihao stepped caps lock stem placement i need someone to check that it should be same as tab keycap.

Where are you looking at these SP and Tai Hao caps locks? And I thought that Signature Plastics didn't have shift, control, spacebars, and other modifier molds. So the caps lock might work but we still have missing caps and stabilizers.

[skrsh3r]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47831.60

tai hao stepped caps lock, anyway ill go about designing pcb and we will see about keycaps and plates.

that keycap should be the same on dell and sgi boards.

[CPTBadAss]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47831.60

tai hao stepped caps lock, anyway ill go about designing pcb and we will see about keycaps and plates.

I think Tai Hao might be promising but they have a super high MOQ. And that's assuming the MX caps locks have the same stem location as their Alps caps.

I think we could handle the plates.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the PCB though. Keep me posted .

[MOZ]

As part of my Blox project, I am incorporating support for Alps switches, all of the various modular parts will have support for both Alps and MX switches. I honestly think we will not get anywhere by PCB/KBD designers waiting for Alps keycaps in the market, and possible Alps GBs waiting for keyboards to put them on. It is a chicken and egg situation.

Someone/people have to step up and take initiative.

[CPTBadAss]

I honestly think we will not get anywhere by PCB/KBD designers waiting for Alps keycaps in the market, and possible Alps GBs waiting for keyboards to put them on.

Someone/people have to step up and take initiative.

And you're going to use what caps then? Taking initiative doesn't solve the cap issue. Going to type on the stems? Or harvest from old boards?

[SpAmRaY]

I honestly think we will not get anywhere by PCB/KBD designers waiting for Alps keycaps in the market, and possible Alps GBs waiting for keyboards to put them on.

Someone/people have to step up and take initiative.

And you're going to use what caps then? Taking initiative doesn't solve the cap issue. Going to type on the stems? Or harvest from old boards?

Perhaps someone should ask Matias on the AMA today about his progress on offering key caps.

[MOZ]

I honestly think we will not get anywhere by PCB/KBD designers waiting for Alps keycaps in the market, and possible Alps GBs waiting for keyboards to put them on.

Someone/people have to step up and take initiative.

And you're going to use what caps then? Taking initiative doesn't solve the cap issue. Going to type on the stems? Or harvest from old boards?

That is the exact problem, when someone says let's have an Alps keycap GB, the question is what are you going to use it on, there aren't enough boards. Adding Alps support on a PCB is not that hard, it will slightly increase cost of PCB due to slot hole, that's all. Having a number of of boards that do support Alps switches would mean more interest for Alps keycap GB, both of them go hand-in-hand. Having a PCB design available does not mean that we have to produce it right off and start using it, it allows us an option and gives an opportunity to produce new Alps keycaps. Besides, the point of MX+Alps board is to have the option available.

[CPTBadAss]

I honestly think we will not get anywhere by PCB/KBD designers waiting for Alps keycaps in the market, and possible Alps GBs waiting for keyboards to put them on.

Someone/people have to step up and take initiative.

And you're going to use what caps then? Taking initiative doesn't solve the cap issue. Going to type on the stems? Or harvest from old boards?

Perhaps someone should ask Matias on the AMA today about his progress on offering key caps.

I agree wholeheartedly. I suggested that question in my post here.

That is the exact problem, when someone says let's have an Alps keycap GB, the question is what are you going to use it on, there aren't enough boards. Adding Alps support on a PCB is not that hard, it will slightly increase cost of PCB due to slot hole, that's all. Having a number of of boards that do support Alps switches would mean more interest for Alps keycap GB, both of them go hand-in-hand. Having a PCB design available does not mean that we have to produce it right off and start using it, it allows us an option and gives an opportunity to produce new Alps keycaps. Besides, the point of MX+Alps board is to have the option available.

I think you're missing my point but it's fine. I agree with what you're saying.

[yasuo]

SP?

[MOZ]

I think you're missing my point but it's fine. I agree with what you're saying.

Thanks

But, I would like to know what you have in mind.

[skrsh3r]

I'm almost done with pcb that can support all old alps boards, now from what i understand in calver gb for sp cpas sp can't make caps with alps stabs but they can with cherry stab or i'm just retarded and can't read 
as for taihao someone needs to contact them and check if they can make all the caps with alps stabs if so we could have a board supporting taihao caps and caps from old boards, once again someone needs to contact both sp and taihao so we can have clear info on what can we do,
then there is also matias.

[CPTBadAss]

But, I would like to know what you have in mind.

I think the statements you made earlier are made from what we now know. Like what skrsh3r is stating:

what i understand in calver gb for sp cpas sp can't make caps with alps stabs but they can with cherry stab

as for taihao someone needs to contact them

then there is also matias.

This project stalled because at the time the only option looked like harvesting caps or SP. Even if the PCB was made, there wouldn't be options for keycaps. This obviously has changed so in hindsight, it looks like we were stalling for no reason.

[agodinhost]

I'm still here to help with the PCB build, just in case.

So, this project came back to live?

[CPTBadAss]

I'm not actually sure haha. I haven't personally worked on anything yet but I wouldn't mind it. I think it's a good time to reboot though because Matias will have replacement keycaps sometime soon.

[yasuo]

kurplop already made ergplop with alps matias

[skrsh3r]

Done 

[skrsh3r]

Front

Back

[MOZ]

I would recommend adding support for MX switches on the same PCB.

You forgot diodes!

[skrsh3r]

dunno what are you talking about diodes are there , as for mx if we go that way we can only have one layout be it winkey or winkeyles you cant have both of them if i add mx switches, and if so i would need to make more space between function row and number row for teensy to fit or i can move it somewhere around arrow keys.

[MOZ]

Ah yes, I see the diodes, must have been blind last time.

As for the MX, I don't see why you can't fit WK and WKL on the same PCB, these options are there on the Phantom and the GH60

[skrsh3r]

Well that's true if you have only mx board or alps board, as you can see i have both wk/wkl covered on this one but now if i wanted to add mx switches there's no way in hell doing that without making shorts all over the place.

[skrsh3r]

Ok a little update, after sitting down and checking every switch placement i'm happy to say that mx/alps pcb is doable with wk/wkl layout, now i just need to redo the whole pcb.....

[MOZ]

Ok a little update, after sitting down and checking every switch placement i'm happy to say that mx/alps pcb is doable with wk/wkl layout, now i just need to redo the whole pcb.....

Sorry and yeay

[skrsh3r]

this is how it looks for alt key i rotated mx switches by 180°

i also changed pad 1 position from Y - 5.08 to Y - 4.7625 and i don't think that's going to make any difference that way you get something like this

[CPTBadAss]

That was quick skrsh3r

[agodinhost]

That was quick skrsh3r

yup
really fast
awesome work man!

any chance to add both ground planes?

[skrsh3r]

Well i don't its needed but i can do that, i just have alot of work in next 1-2 weeks so when i'm done with that i can finish this.
As for the files i can upload them but be aware the way i do it teensy pins are still not connected to rows and cols in schematic, that way i can test best way to connect them and when i'm dome with testing i just edit my schematic to that load a new netlist and route teensy pins to their cols and row, thats the easiest way for me.

[agodinhost]

Well i don't its needed but i can do that, i just have alot of for in next 1-2 weeks so when i'm done with that i can finish this.

Could you provide the Kicad files?
I saw that the case holes are missing too.