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geekhack Marketplace => Classifieds => Topic started by: kiczek on Tue, 22 March 2011, 17:54:50

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: kiczek on Tue, 22 March 2011, 17:54:50

I've got a DELL AT101W and unfortunately the left CTRL key died on me. I've tried my best at unlocking it to no avail.  The right CTRL key still works but I would rather use a mushy keyboard then have a broken key.

Anyways I am looking for someone in the USA to drop a few extra black ALPS replacement switches into a bubble envelope and send em to me for 4-5$ I am quite handy with soldering and the feel of this keyboard is missed.

I can send you Paypal to cover the bubble envelope, shipping and the switches.

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: kiczek on Tue, 22 March 2011, 18:01:24

hrmm this is an interesting short term solution and will definitely solve the depressingly mushy keyboard issue.  Since I will eventually want the Scroll Lock button back I am still looking for someone to sell me some replacement switches.

Time to get soldering so I can drive the wife insane again with my clacking :-P

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 22 March 2011, 19:04:33

You should try something with an actual click in the switch then.

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: kiczek on Tue, 22 March 2011, 19:42:28

Quote from: ripster;316283

Swap from Scroll Lock to LCTRL.

done

(http://i51.tinypic.com/2s1q6gw.jpg)

protip ;-)

Quote from: False_Dmitry_II;316333

You should try something with an actual click in the switch then.

You have no idea how many times I nearly ordered a Unicomp Keyboard especially with this keyboard broken. I even told the wife I spent 80$ on a keyboard and she nearly killed me. I quickly told her that it was not ordered yet and now no more yelling.  BTW this Dell AT101W Keyboard was a dumpster find and did not cost me anything.

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: theferenc on Tue, 22 March 2011, 22:30:13

I can definitely recommend the Unicomp. I got a Dell as my first mechanical, as it was so cheap, then ordered a Unicomp not long after. Worth every penny, in terms of typing comfort.

But it really is only worth it if you do a lot of typing. I code a lot, so it works well for my purposes, but if you aren't a frequent typist, it really might not be worth it. You could also try to find an inexpensive used Model M. They are usually about half the price of a Unicomp, shipped.

Title: DELL AT101W Replacement Black ALPS Switches
Post by: kiczek on Mon, 04 April 2011, 12:06:58

Still Searching for some replacement switches if anyone has a broken Dell AT101W that would also do... let me know