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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Eszett on Tue, 15 March 2022, 20:19:21

Title: SKCM Alps compatible with Mathias stuff?
Post by: Eszett on Tue, 15 March 2022, 20:19:21

Hi fellows! I'm planning a custom keyboard for SKCM blue Alps switches. Since these switches are rather ancient I need to know ...
   - are Matias keycaps compatible?
   - are Matias stabilizers compatible?
Or do I better get hold of original Alps caps and stabs?

Title: Re: SKCM Alps compatible with Mathias stuff?
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 15 March 2022, 21:55:29

Key caps are compatible.

Stabilizers? Whatever is on the top needs to match whatever is on the bottom. The switch shouldn't have a role there.

Title: Re: SKCM Alps compatible with Mathias stuff?
Post by: Eszett on Tue, 15 March 2022, 22:42:55

.., stupid me, of course. And let's say I source original keycaps (from Apple keyboards for ex.) do they match with Matias stabs? And vice versa original stabs with Matias keycaps? Should be, I guess?

Title: Re: SKCM Alps compatible with Mathias stuff?
Post by: Maledicted on Thu, 17 March 2022, 10:37:33

Quote from: Eszett on Tue, 15 March 2022, 22:42:55

.., stupid me, of course. And let's say I source original keycaps (from Apple keyboards for ex.) do they match with Matias stabs? And vice versa original stabs with Matias keycaps? Should be, I guess?

Matias stabilizer inserts should fit original Alps caps, whether or not the slot for the stabilizer wire will work might depend on the combination of wire, plate and insert. Some people have filed the slots on the Matias inserts to work. (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7pdhck/modification_matias_hook_modification_for_aek/)

Costar stabilizers can be made made to work with Alps and Matias caps as well (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57458.0), with some modification.

If you buy any Tai-Hao Alps caps, you'll need Costar (for MX switches/caps) style inserts for them.