geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: poeee on Fri, 25 July 2014, 00:40:01

Title: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: poeee on Fri, 25 July 2014, 00:40:01
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mechanical-Switch-USB-Numeric-Number-Keypad-Keyboard-17-Keys-/260902522660?pt=AU_Input_Peripherals&hash=item3cbf008f24

Just found this.  Can anyone shed any light on it?  Complete ALPS n00b here.  Seems cheap?!
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: blackbox on Fri, 25 July 2014, 01:12:53
Seems like an alps skcm white clone switch with doubleshot abs keycaps.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: poeee on Fri, 25 July 2014, 01:17:03
Surely it's worth the AU$20 with free postage?  I have been after a num pad...
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 25 July 2014, 01:31:15
LOL I didn't even realise this was eBay Australia - so many links to eBay US :))

At least this is USB numpad - most of the mechanical ones are PS/2.  Or AT.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: poeee on Fri, 25 July 2014, 01:41:44
LOL I didn't even realise this was eBay Australia - so many links to eBay US :))

At least this is USB numpad - most of the mechanical ones are PS/2.  Or AT.

We can't let the majority have it easy all the time...
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 25 July 2014, 03:19:09
This was posted about a long time ago in greatfinds.

I believe when people received them, they were usually not doubleshot.

I've used those switches before, and I don't like them, but your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: poeee on Fri, 25 July 2014, 04:16:38
This was posted about a long time ago in greatfinds.

I believe when people received them, they were usually not doubleshot.

I've used those switches before, and I don't like them, but your mileage may vary.

Had a more thorough search than I did before.  I think you're refering to this thread.  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=16092.0
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 25 July 2014, 08:21:42
indeed it is!

brings back memories.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 25 July 2014, 08:27:07
For $18 shipped, this might make a great case with USB cable for a 4x5 GHPad.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: davkol on Fri, 25 July 2014, 10:27:42
I knew I've seen this before... Well, too bad the 20key ones aren't up for sale anymore. Two of them + some Matias switches = cheap 40% ergo keyboard.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: blackbox on Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:13:07
I knew I've seen this before... Well, too bad the 20key ones aren't up for sale anymore. Two of them + some Matias switches = cheap 40% ergo keyboard.

Hm, might need an controller..and a case, plate, and a everything else except switches.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: xavierblak on Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:14:51
I have this keypad or atleast something that looks like it hard to say when it's just a random ebay seller.

I'm no alps expert but it seemed to come with a alps clone with a clicky feel, similar in weight to an MX blue. My board came with lasered keycaps which look pretty cheap in person. They look the same as the ones pictured. The typing feel isn't too bad as the pad actually has a plate so it gives it a little weight.

Over all it's probably worth the 20 the price.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:15:18
I knew I've seen this before... Well, too bad the 20key ones aren't up for sale anymore. Two of them + some Matias switches = cheap 40% ergo keyboard.

Hm, might need an controller..and a case, plate, and a everything else except switches.

You'd definitely have to wire up the matrices to a new controller. You wouldn't be able to plug two numpads into your PC and have them act as separate halves of a keyboard.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: blackbox on Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:19:40
I knew I've seen this before... Well, too bad the 20key ones aren't up for sale anymore. Two of them + some Matias switches = cheap 40% ergo keyboard.

Hm, might need an controller..and a case, plate, and a everything else except switches.

You'd definitely have to wire up the matrices to a new controller. You wouldn't be able to plug two numpads into your PC and have them act as separate halves of a keyboard.

Thanks for thaking my unserious answer so seriously(kinda) :)
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: davkol on Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:31:31
I knew I've seen this before... Well, too bad the 20key ones aren't up for sale anymore. Two of them + some Matias switches = cheap 40% ergo keyboard.

Hm, might need an controller..and a case, plate, and a everything else except switches.

You'd definitely have to wire up the matrices to a new controller. You wouldn't be able to plug two numpads into your PC and have them act as separate halves of a keyboard.
Actually, not even that. There's only some udev magic needed. The only issue might be key blocking/rollover.
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 26 July 2014, 03:06:04
indeed it is!

brings back memories.

In that other thread it notes that the numpad is not compatible with Macs.

Is this really the case?
Title: Re: Info for this ALPS number pad?
Post by: Doyniish on Sat, 26 July 2014, 10:53:44
indeed it is!

brings back memories.

In that other thread it notes that the numpad is not compatible with Macs.

Is this really the case?

Interesting, I saw this as well. I would love to have one at work to compliment my Poker. If someone could try it out on a mac that would be great!