geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Eclairz on Fri, 04 July 2008, 15:54:14
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iMav got me the Macally MK 96, it really has a nice key action with a different tone compared to the blue cherrys i'm used to. Much more bassy than the blue cherries.
I'm sure we'll play great music together. Arrow keys are different layout than normal but still in a reasonably rememberable configuration. It has a nice big enter key just how i like my keyboards. And the cable is separate from the keyboard. Feels much more better built than my standard blue cherry, so much more portable than your usual keyboard. The keyboard generally looks more sober with its semi brownish tan, makes it look entirely retro.
The negatives aren't that much in my opinion, unless you don't like number pad, and placement and layout of the directional keys. Haven't tested on my macbook yet, currently my mac doesn't like the ps/2 keyboards i've used on it so far, maybe due to usb adapter not working? But this should work as its native Apple based keyboard.
I'll take some photos later once I have a real good play with it. And once again thanks for the keyboard iMav.
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No problemo. Hope you enjoy it.
You'll need an ADB<>USB adapter, like the iMate (http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-iMate-Universal-ADB-adapter/dp/B000067V8L/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215207790&sr=8-4), to use it with any modern PC (including your macbook).
The little time I spent using one (MK96, that is) worked just fine with my macbook.
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Found out there are only two adapter for adb, that is the griffin imate and the belkind adb to usb adapter. But both cost about £30-35 ($70), I didn't know apple didn't use the same standard socket. Makes me wish I lived in America where shipping doesn't cost near as much. I was really excited about using it too, now I have to wait for my adapter to arrive, I can see why xsphat loves this keyboard switch, its not too loud and its not too quiet so you do notice when you have pressed down a key.
Another thing i've seen is that the pressure point on the mk96 is right at start of the key press, and so is as central as the cherry blues. Not sure whether this is a good thing or a bad thing but its probably just preference. I am leaning towards cherry blues in this case as I do like to make my fingers travel a tiny bit more before i hear the key press.
I haven't noticed the key wobble yet either. But the way the keyboard is built you would have to smash it against the wall for an hour before damage would be seen, it does feel that robust.
My only gripe is the longer left shift bar but that's only due to european layout preference on my part, and as these keyboards never made it across the river I can't blame them for sticking to this layout.
Now my list of to buy keyboards have dwindled and i have 7 keyboards now in my room. I might even begin framing a keyboard @_@ there just doesn't seem to be much space in my room anymore. I think I will now hold off the DAS 3 and start saving a lot of money for the topre space saver or the HHKB pro2. Programming just doesn't pay well enough for me at the moment and petrol is hellishly expensive
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I'm glad the people that are trying this keyboard out are happy with it since I rave about it. I bricked mine and I think it's about time I bought a new one. I just wish it didn't come with that second number pad -- what the hell am I going to do with that?
And the white Alps is truly like home to me. Right now, I'm thinning my keyboard stock, and the MK96 has been replaced by the HHKB Pro 2 as my daily driver (in the current Geekhack lingo) and it suits me just fine, I can fly on it and can type for hours, but that MK96 i9s surely missed. I might buy two of them ...
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Mine didn't come with the number pad. When I questioned them about it they said "we' re out of those". I was ok with that because I'm with you...what am I supposed to do with that thing? If you order from that lot of 500 from what they told me, you will not get the number pad extension.
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Mine didn't come with the number pad. When I questioned them about it they said "we' re out of those". I was ok with that because I'm with you...what am I supposed to do with that thing? If you order from that lot of 500 from what they told me, you will not get the number pad extension.
Wrong. The first two I ordered from that lot of 500 BOTH came with the separate numpad 'boards. If you want one, you can have both of mine.
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Just relating what "welovemacs" told me about there not being a numberpad in the keyboard I got.
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I'd give them better feedback if they left it off! I'd rather have an ******* on my elbow than another numberpad.
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Just relating what "welovemacs" told me about there not being a numberpad in the keyboard I got.
Exactly. THEY were wrong. That wasn't directed at you.
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My cherry g84-4700 numpads are much more useful since they can each be programmed to hold a 24 character macro. But i mainly use that with my g84-4100 keyboard. I'm starting to see why a left-handed numpad is more enjoyable as it reduces movement between keyboard and mouse.
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I bricked mine and I think it's about time I bought a new one.
How exactly did you brick yours? I think I remember you saying something about an attempted mod...but I can't remember any specifics.
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I'm stupid. I was doing something way over my head on a 'board I really liked. That's about all you're gonna get out of me.
But anyway I learned my lesson -- and soon I'll buy a replacement. The MK96 I had was warped anyway so I had use an extra pad to level it, so I was going to replace it eventually.
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But anyway I learned my lesson -- and soon I'll buy a replacement. The MK96 I had was warped anyway so I had use an extra pad to level it, so I was going to replace it eventually.
Better hurry up! They only have 489 left!! ;)
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So, im in the quest of having at least one type of different switch keyboard, im planning to buy the HHKpro2 from benippon, but im also searching for alps and a cherry brown keyboard.
I like clicky style, so i was wondering if this mackally is clicky?
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Better hurry up! They only have 489 left!! ;)
What is the ebay auction url?
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The Macally MK96 has clicky white Alps switches (that f'ing rock).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270180046347&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching
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What is the ebay auction url?
Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270180046347&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=017)...
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Damn they dont seem to send to Europe....
edit:well apparentely they do ship to Europe, lets seem how much it will cost to my place.
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Does this use the real white alps switches then? i think i will buy it, 9$ is very cheap....
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I want to add my sincere thanks to iMav, as I received my macally today. This keyboard feels very nice and reminds me of my beloved ibm model m (but with smaller, awkward form factor). Soon I'll post some pictures, and some more impressions... Thanks again iMav, I appreciate your efforts...
a.
p.s. CapsLock really can't be remapped, I wonder if I open the keyboard and disconnect the switch and connect it with some wires to the Control key pads, will it work as I'm expecting...
p.p.s. The switches don't have ALPS label on them (they have only some numbers). Does anyone here have both this new macally and some other white alps keyboard, so he can confirm that these are the same...
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Mine said Alps ...
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I just asked the price with shippment for Europe/Portugal:
"Hello,
For this 10lbs package, Fedex Economy is $190 and USPS is $55."
Is this a joke???
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I just asked the price with shippment for Europe/Portugal:
"Hello,
For this 10lbs package, Fedex Economy is $190 and USPS is $55."
I recently sent some 'boards to Europe and $55 is actually reasonable for shipping (USPS) and handling. (think I paid around $40 for USPS)
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Mine said Alps ...
Just pulled the H key. As great as these switches are, they do not say "ALPS" on them.
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I deleted the picture of the switch I took because, well, I don't own the damned thing anymore, but I do remember them having Alps on them. Does this situation remind anyone of the SMK85's end of life?
Well, who cares as long as they feel good, right? I will most likely still buy one, but I don't think it will be replacing my Northgate until it dies.
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I recently sent some 'boards to Europe and $55 is actually reasonable for shipping (USPS) and handling. (think I paid around $40 for USPS)
$190 is what costs a HHKp2 from benippon including shippment.
P.S.:By the way is there any new HHKP model coming soon? im about to purchase the pro 2 from benippon, but im wondering if fujitsu is about to launch a new one?
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P.S.:By the way is there any new HHKP model coming soon? im about to purchase the pro 2 from benippon, but im wondering if fujitsu is about to launch a new one?
I was wondering the same thing, does anyone know ?
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I haven't heard / seen / read anything.
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Well now's too late anyway, just payed the first of two payments for the HHKP2 black
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Well now's too late anyway, just payed the first of two payments for the HHKP2 black
You won't regret it.
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You won't regret it.
Imav check your pm box...:P
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Should've gotten an HHKBPHGJ. :p *ducks*
(Of course, instead of the first of two payments, that'd be like... the first of 30 payments. :eek:)