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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 17:07:21

Title: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 17:07:21
I was looking at Ripsters alps comparison picture and noticed they were all either tactile or clicky...

I also thought i read somewhere that black alps and the ducky green alps were oth linear.


Was hoping someone could clear this up for me and maybe recomend a specific keyboard with linear alps (if it exists)
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 22 April 2013, 17:08:05
I have a Ducky 1087XM with Linear Black Alps that I got from MK.com. I know Akimbo and Smallfry both really like Linear Green Alps.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: Rule16 on Mon, 22 April 2013, 17:26:12
I was looking at Ripsters alps comparison picture and noticed they were all either tactile or clicky...

I also thought i read somewhere that black alps and the ducky green alps were oth linear.


Was hoping someone could clear this up for me and maybe recomend a specific keyboard with linear alps (if it exists)
I think ducky's green alps are tactile I have a vintage green alps board with double shots and it feels great.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 17:58:41
I also have a 1087XM with linear blacks from MK. And they are indeed linear (but the activation point is so freaking high as to be practically unusable).
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 18:08:15
What about the original black Alps. Like the Dell AT-101. Are they linear?
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 22 April 2013, 18:09:47
The Dell AT101W I have is tactile
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 18:21:14
Thanks for all the replies. Looks like alps cant compete with cherry mx reds. I will probably end up buying a 70$ rosewill off newegg since there doesnt seem to be a cheaper option.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 19:21:34
You can easily remove the tactile leaf from Alps switches (clicky or non-clicky). At that point they feel almost exactly like reds.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: jabar on Mon, 22 April 2013, 19:24:43
Not sure how many ALPS boards have NKRO or anti-ghosting routing for WASD support.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 20:22:28
You can easily remove the tactile leaf from Alps switches (clicky or non-clicky). At that point they feel almost exactly like reds.

Do you have a link or how to for that? It seems like a fun project to try out
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 22 April 2013, 21:28:47
You can easily remove the tactile leaf from Alps switches (clicky or non-clicky). At that point they feel almost exactly like reds.

Do you have a link or how to for that? It seems like a fun project to try out

I'll try to make a tutorial over the weekend, I've recently modded my g/f's clicky ALPS to quiet ALPS.

While it's not hard but I'd say it's still a pain in the butt to modify 108 switches.  Though the end result was nice though  :P
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: BADBADNOTGOOD on Mon, 22 April 2013, 22:11:13

I'll try to make a tutorial over the weekend, I've recently modded my g/f's clicky ALPS to quiet ALPS.

While it's not hard but I'd say it's still a pain in the butt to modify 108 switches.  Though the end result was nice though  :P

Awsome! I will be looking forward to that
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: dante on Mon, 22 April 2013, 22:24:11
I suggested to Matias that he should have a linear Alps variant but he thinks linear switches are a fad.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: TotalChaos on Tue, 23 April 2013, 08:55:06
I suggested to Matias that he should have a linear Alps variant but he thinks linear switches are a fad.
A fad that has been running for 30 years?
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: hasu on Tue, 23 April 2013, 10:30:50
Green Alps worth pursuing. But it is difficult to get good shape one.
XM is not Alps. Don't be confused with wrong terminology.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: daerid on Tue, 23 April 2013, 11:57:35
Do you have a link or how to for that? It seems like a fun project to try out

I don't really have any alps switches accessible at the moment (my 1087xm is packed up in a box somewhere), but I ended up using two small flathead screwdrivers to release the clips holding the top part of the switch in place. Then a small set of needlenose pliers to gently pull up the switch casing. At that point, you should have the spring in the center, and the tactile/clicky leaf just below it. Just pull that out, and replace the top part of the switch (make sure to get the spring up inside the switch stem), and press it down. It'll click back into place.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 23 April 2013, 14:30:22
... I ended up using two small flathead screwdrivers to release the clips holding the top part of the switch in place. Then a small set of needlenose pliers to gently pull up the switch casing.
With the right type of tweezers you can do both in one operation. Insert, squeeze, lift.

When you put a switch back together, it is easiest to hold the keyboard upside down with one hand while you press the spring/slider/top combo with the other hand from underneath.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: R E D H O T on Tue, 23 April 2013, 14:53:42
What about brown alps? According to Deskthority Wiki, brown alps is linear and tactile, but that doesn't sound accurate.

I've tried simplified green alps(Ortek MCK-101FTN) and compare to reds they don't feel as "linear". Maybe I need to take time and lube them IDK.
Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: Tarzan on Tue, 23 April 2013, 15:07:57
There's an Apple M0116 keyboard on eBay right now, says it has Salmon/Pink Alps.  Are these linear?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Apple-keyboard-M0116-cord-Salmon-Pink-Alps-mechanical-switches-/221215485614?pt=US_Vintage_Computing_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3381786eae

Title: Re: Do linear Alps switches exist? Gaming keyboard on the cheap
Post by: AKIMbO on Tue, 23 April 2013, 16:10:42
There's an Apple M0116 keyboard on eBay right now, says it has Salmon/Pink Alps.  Are these linear?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Apple-keyboard-M0116-cord-Salmon-Pink-Alps-mechanical-switches-/221215485614?pt=US_Vintage_Computing_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3381786eae



Salmon alps are not linear....they are tactile and very much so.

If you guys are craving linear alps....then buy my linear green alps Zenith ZKB2-AT.  It's only been in the classifieds section for an entire freaking month! (It's in good shape too :P)