geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Dirty Bint on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:02:57

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: Dirty Bint on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:02:57

Hi,

Are there any keyboards currently in production or very recently ceased production with white ALPS switches, preferable from a manufacturer that would have made a UK layout version?


Rgds
Dirty Bint

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:10:24

The only UK layout White Alps keyboard I've ever seen was an old Mac one... I'm sure there were more, but they would also be quite old.

You get get a Dell AT102W and mod it to white Alps yourself. Not really worth the effort though, they aren't that great.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: Dirty Bint on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:14:46

Thx ch_123,

I should have read the wiki before posting, I realise now they will be quite old. I don't suppose you know the mac model.

Actually, in hindsight, my question about white ALPS should be modified to tactile clicky ALPS as that is what I am after in UK layout.


Rgds
Dirty Bint

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:21:42

White Alps = Tactile Clicky Alps

Dell AT102Ws can be easy enough to find, but tracking down 105 white alps switches is not as easy. Probably better off getting a Unicomp.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:30:40

Or you can get an older IBM Model M. You can get one in great shape for $30-$40 on Ebay.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: Dirty Bint on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:33:33

I have several Model M's, I just fancied trying out the tactile clicky ALPS to see how they compared to Model M's and Blue MX Cherries.

Rgds
Dirty Bint

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:35:16

It's hard to find good white ALPS keyboards anymore. ALPS switches wear out much worse than the IBM's, so if you find a white ALPS keyboard, chances are it's been used for 15 years and the switches don't have the same tactility.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:40:15

Quote from: microsoft windows;195017

It's hard to find good white ALPS keyboards anymore. ALPS switches wear out much worse than the IBM's, so if you find a white ALPS keyboard, chances are it's been used for 15 years and the switches don't have the same tactility.

Obviously you've never used a worn out Model M...

Bint - you're not missing an awful lot. You're better off getting a Cherry keyboard.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: Dirty Bint on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:48:10

Quote from: ch_123;195018

Bint - you're not missing an awful lot. You're better off getting a Cherry keyboard.

Yeah, I guess I am skirting round purchasing a blue switch Filco in UK layout or a DAS Professional S.

I tried a cherry G80-3000 but it seemed a bit flimsy, perhaps after a Model M most keyboards seem flimsy?


Rgds
Dirty Bint

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:49:20

Filcos are much sturdier than the G80s by far.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: J888www on Sun, 20 June 2010, 15:53:51

The best ALPS keyboard I have tried is a Northgate, the one in my possession is an OmniKey Plus, but I think the OmniKey 1001 has a better format. When typing, it seems as though the keyboard is singing to me.

Title: Currently Produced Keyboards With White ALPS ?
Post by: aegrotatio on Mon, 21 June 2010, 10:15:05

Is the SIIG Mechanical Keyboard and its twin the DSI ASK-6600 clickly ALPS?  The web site seems to think so.  The mechanical is on sale for $50 now.  http://www.notestation.com