Alps information for newbie

[The_Numbers]

Hello everyone, I am looking at getting my first custom keyboard. I've been a creeping the forums on and off for a few years, and I've finally decided to take the plunge. I decided that if I'm going to put in the work I wanted to try and put together an Alps keyboard but information that's usable at my knowledge level is so few and far between. I want to use an xd64 board from KPrepublic, which says it's compatible with Alps, but I can't tell if that means I could use skcm Alp switches or only Matias.

Also my search for keycaps or mx cherry stem adapters was mostly fruitless. It appears the stem adapters are nothing more than a mere idea, unstable, and much taller than regular keys. Keycap sets are never really made for Alps as no one uses them, etc. I don't really mind these issues it would just be nice to have good looking keys on the board beyond a set of regular old Tai Haos.

Additionally, I was wondering where I could just get more general information about Alps. All I have really heard is that they're absolutely amazing and just about the best keys, but no one seems to know anything about them or even have an Alps custom. So I was just hoping to find an Alps community to connect with, and people to learn from. Thank you guys in advance for any information you are able to provide a noob like me with!

[Rob27shred]

So you can use the XD64 with any 60% case & ALPS compatibility is synonymous with Matais compatibility since the both share the same footprint. Then you'll need to find the switches which usually requires buying a vintage KB containing the SKCM/L ALPS switches you are after to harvest them from. The next step would be deciding on layout & caps. The 3 easiest layouts to assemble with SKCM/L ALPS switches IME is a regular ANSI 60% layout using Tai-Hao ALPS caps (this setup will require the use of MX mount stabilizers), the Apple AEK layout which will require a plate cut for it (pretty easy to find) & the use of caps + stabilizers from an AEK or AEKII, or the AT101 ANSI layout which will require a plate cut for it (a little harder to find than an AEK plate, but you can always have them custom cut) & the use of the caps + satbilizers from a Dell AT101. Here is a good list of ALPS SKCM/L switches & their properties https://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCL/SKCM_series, then here is a good thread to read through about building custom 60% AEK layout ALPS boards, https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.1250. The two of those should get you pointed in the right direction.