What are you looking for in Alps world? Vintage or modern? Does it have to be SKCM/SKCL or can it be Alps-mount like Matias. Because that will dramatically change things such as condition. And allay your fear of broken boards.Yeah, I'd assumed two different ALPS switches are two entirely different beasts. Honestly I'm looking for something that'll make a good first impression, they don't have to be SKCM/SKCL, they don't have to be vintage either. Those options are still there, I'm not looking to spend lots and lots of money on this either.
I think you should grab a V60 with Matias Quiet Clicks (my preference) or Matias Click. It's easy to find, not too expensive (I think like $100-120), and it's a great first imrpession. 60% layout too. And if anything goes wrong, you can RMA it or return it unlike a vintage board.Great, I found where I can buy one (mechanicalkeyboards.com) but I probably won't buy it for a few months, it's definitely on the list though. Any other suggestions? You seem to be the expert on these ALPS boards. I've never used a 60% before, I did consider getting one before I got my QFR, it'll be two new experiences for me!
I'd suggest a V60 or V80 first then if you like Alps, dive into the vintage stuff.
I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 :) .I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.
If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .
Go vintage, it's much cheaper.At $40 as chyros mentioned I definitely couldn't go wrong by purchasing a vintage ALPS keyboard, I've not much to lose. I'll probably eventually purchase that V60 CPTBadAss mentioned but the vintage will definitely be purchased first, as $40 is much easier to throw around than $120.
For the equivalent $ of entry models of modern alps you can get the best that vintage alps to offer.
Also you'll tend to lose less money or if at all when you resell it.
Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 :) .I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.
If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .
Alright will do... On a side note I checked out your YouTube channel (You have in your signature) and dude you've got a radio voice. Gold.Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 :) .I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.
If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .
There's lots of white Alps boards but many came with more than one switch including clones. If you need help identifying whether a switch is real white Alps or a clone let us/me know and we should be able to identify it. Most of all though; don't cave in to the temptation to buy one that's dirty! Make sure it's really clean or they will feel like crap.
Haha thanks mate, I'm actually looking to do some voice acting or narration xD .Alright will do... On a side note I checked out your YouTube channel (You have in your signature) and dude you've got a radio voice. Gold.Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 :) .I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.
If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .
There's lots of white Alps boards but many came with more than one switch including clones. If you need help identifying whether a switch is real white Alps or a clone let us/me know and we should be able to identify it. Most of all though; don't cave in to the temptation to buy one that's dirty! Make sure it's really clean or they will feel like crap.
Well the thing with vintage is, you might have to do a little more work to get it to type properly. Which is the only reason why I suggested a V60/80. Not everyone wants to clean a board up and whatever. I definitely agree vintage is much cheaper. That's the whole reason I got into Alps in the first place myself. I wanted to try out vintage boards but not pay Cherry collector prices.
Well I don't think everyone is as nice as you...I wouldn't shell out that much money just to support businesses that has no relation to me.Well the thing with vintage is, you might have to do a little more work to get it to type properly. Which is the only reason why I suggested a V60/80. Not everyone wants to clean a board up and whatever. I definitely agree vintage is much cheaper. That's the whole reason I got into Alps in the first place myself. I wanted to try out vintage boards but not pay Cherry collector prices.
Another reason to grab a V80/V60 is to support someone who is actually making new alps style switches. If no one buys this stuff, the ONLY way to get alps will be vintage, some day.
Then if you like it, continue down that rabbit hole and grab some vintage boards.
Apple Extended Keyboards are also great, but the layout is just a little funky and you need an ADP > USB adapter.Wrong, you need a ADB > USB adaptor.
Personally, I think that everyone who buys an ALPS KB needs to have one of those Alpine hats with the feather:dude, you're drunk, it's time to go back home.Show Image(http://www.villagehatshop.com/photos/product/giant/4511390S59773/-/size-xl.jpg)
...and a pair of lederhosen:Show Image(http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1jp1fJXXXXXcTXFXXq6xXFXXXH/Plus-Size-Oktoberfest-Costumes-font-b-Lederhosen-b-font-Men-Bavarian-Octoberfest-Festival-Party-Clothes-Halloween.jpg)
...and drink a lot of beer in big, sculptured mugs. Only then can you have the True Alps Experience.
(For the record, I'm not actually from Germany, but I have been collecting KBs long enough to know these basic principles.)
shhApple Extended Keyboards are also great, but the layout is just a little funky and you need an ADP > USB adapter.Wrong, you need a ADB > USB adaptor.