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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: m_raggie on Sun, 08 August 2021, 22:00:54

Title: Alps SKCM Brown Winkeyless TKL on a Budget!
Post by: m_raggie on Sun, 08 August 2021, 22:00:54

So the quest for Alps Winkeyless TKL parts had proved too costly or too obscure than originally anticipated so I got creative with the parts I could find.

My plan to create a Winkeyless TKL with Brown Alps (for at least the Alphas and Modifiers) with SGI Granite keycaps began..

Parts used were:
SKCM Browns
SKCM Oranges (since I had a limited amount of Brown and also love Orange Alps)
XD87 PCB
XD87 Plastic Case
Keebmeup 60% WKL FR4 Alps Plate
XD87 TKL Plate (Filed to fit Alps Switches)


First I fitted the 60% Plate, soldered the SKCM Brown switches and made sure the stabilizers were working well

[attachimg=7]



Second I cut out the 60% portion of the XD87 TKL  Plate and hand filed Cherry MX openings to be just the right size for Alps switches

[attachimg=8]
[attachimg=6]


I really wanted to make this Winkeyless so I decided to add some home made blockers to the XD87 case


[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]

When at the store deciding what to paint the case, I saw a can of 'Granite' spray paint. So in order to compliment the SGI Granite keycaps I chose this color. Here is the finished project.

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]

Title: Re: Alps SKCM Brown Winkeyless TKL on a Budget!
Post by: phinix on Mon, 09 August 2021, 06:14:15

Very nice:)
I like modding, this is a nice project showing that everything is possible! :D

Title: Re: Alps SKCM Brown Winkeyless TKL on a Budget!
Post by: m_raggie on Tue, 10 August 2021, 09:41:05

Quote from: phinix on Mon, 09 August 2021, 06:14:15

Very nice:)
I like modding, this is a nice project showing that everything is possible! :D

Thanks! I feel there should be more modding / DIY aspects to keyboard "building". Not that this is a masterpiece or anything but its more satisfying then just purchasing an expensive custom.