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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: longface on Fri, 05 April 2013, 21:14:34

Title: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: longface on Fri, 05 April 2013, 21:14:34

Hey guys,

I've just bought an Omnikey Ultra keyboard (made by Northgate, assembled in Taiwan) from the local computer recycling shop at a very low price.  See picture below.

I know very little about this keyboard, except that Northgate being a computer mail-order company which had gone under, and the Omnikey was the keyboard they made.  I see that the key switches seem to be of white ALPS (am I right?), and the keyboard is HEAVY.  The keys are clicky, and sound pretty nice.  The balance rod under the space bar got loose, but it was a very simple fix.

Could anyone tell me a bit more about this keyboard?  Is it rare?  How much is it worth?  I'm currently using a Filco, but sometimes I feel that the Omnikey sounds a bit better.

(http://westca.org/photo/201304/130329_091__custom_.jpg)

(http://westca.org/photo/201303/130329_113__custom_.jpg)

(http://westca.org/photo/201304/130329_120__custom_.jpg)

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 05 April 2013, 21:29:43

Nice get! Congratulations!

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 05 April 2013, 21:44:11

You could probably get $80-100 for it, maybe more.

Use it for a week before you let it go, however, you might grow to like it.

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: Reomero on Sat, 06 April 2013, 00:22:34

Great find! ;D

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: calavera on Sat, 06 April 2013, 00:32:47

Awesome find!

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 06 April 2013, 00:39:44

That keyboard is so cool

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: omgFiRE on Sat, 06 April 2013, 00:45:41

Well done!

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: longface on Sat, 06 April 2013, 00:49:17

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 05 April 2013, 21:44:11

You could probably get $80-100 for it, maybe more.

Use it for a week before you let it go, however, you might grow to like it.

Thanks.

Yes, I will use it for some time.  This is why I got all the connectors and adapters for it.  But it is a little too big for my desk space.

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: TranscendingLogic on Sat, 06 April 2013, 02:31:15

Very cool. It should be complicated white Alps (clicky). Could be blue Alps, but those are very rare. 

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: calavera on Sat, 06 April 2013, 02:51:27

Complicated white alps. You can see them in the pics. Blues are only found only on the older and more rare omnikey keyboards.

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: TranscendingLogic on Sat, 06 April 2013, 03:46:43

Sorry, I'm not seeing the pics.

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 06 April 2013, 04:29:38

If you have to, get a bigger desk.   Congratulations on your find.

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: babyhands on Sat, 06 April 2013, 21:04:24

Can you tell me how the ALPs feel compared to other switches?

Title: Re: Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop
Post by: longface on Sun, 07 April 2013, 01:49:55

Quote from: babyhands on Sat, 06 April 2013, 21:04:24

Can you tell me how the ALPs feel compared to other switches?

It is quite difficult to describe the difference.  I have Cherry MX Blue, IBM Model M buckling spring, Apple AEKII ALPS and this, and they are all different.  I even have an Everex which I like the most.