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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: journeymangeek on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:15:10

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: journeymangeek on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:15:10

Probably one of the best keyboards i've ever owned was what i thought was a generic keyboard that happened to feel just right that i'd gotten with my first DIY computer 15 years ago. It was silent, had a good feel,  fairly constant resistance, and looked very generic. Other than the 'alps' label. and how good it was it was a nondescript keyboard...

I'm semi sure it wasn't a mechanical since it was quiet - i'd dare say it was silent. It had more resistance than most cheapies i've had the misfortune of using. Anything else, i have no idea about, it got thrown out, and it was years ago.

So naturally, i'm curious, did Alps ever make their own keyboards, or did i come across some knockoff that i happened to like loads?

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: Ascaii on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:21:52

I own an ALPS board with their own logo...sadly, its a rubber dome^^

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: jpz on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:47:46

Quote from: Ascaii;350182

I own an ALPS board with their own logo...sadly, its a rubber dome^^

Thats very ironic.

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:52:08

Yes, Ripster had one.

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: journeymangeek on Mon, 23 May 2011, 06:53:32

Well, its possible the one i had had a rubber dome, and yes, its ironic, and what i suspected.

Granted, i haven't gotten my grubby mits on a proper keyboard yet, The 'best' i have right now is the one on my thinkpads, with a slightly tweaked unicomp 104 on its way

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 23 May 2011, 09:29:04

Yes. ALPS manufactured numerous keyboards and keypads for ADB Macintosh computers. Here's a keypad with integrated trackpad. I may post pics of a 105 key keyboard later. It's not within reach now.

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: Evil_Spork on Mon, 23 May 2011, 09:39:32

I've got an Alps branded full size keyboard with a touchpad. I think it has white complicated switches, though I just couldn't tell for sure.

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: journeymangeek on Mon, 23 May 2011, 09:44:52

ripster : hmm, logo looks identical. I don't remember a box... and those keys sure as hell weren't audible. Good to know i wasn't hallucinating tho ;)

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 23 May 2011, 09:55:06

Quote from: ripster;350222

In other news I am now the recognized #1 keyboard expert at OCN. See Source3 below.

Jesus ****ing christ now ripster's using OCN as a reputable backup to his claims. It _IS_ the end of the ****ing world!

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: nraymond on Mon, 23 May 2011, 11:10:07

Quote from: ripster;350237

Someday I'll sell it for $425 like the last IBM Mini sold for.

Show Image

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=7043&stc=1&d=1262809297)

Lifetime warranty - you don't see too many of those these days!

Title: Did alps make any keyboards under their own brand?
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 23 May 2011, 13:48:33

ALPS branded keyboard.