Buckling spring alternatives?

[jkercado]

I've been itching recently about getting a new black Unicomp Space Saver. I like buckling springs because I'm a bit of a heavy-handed typist, in part because I don't know proper touch typing technique--I'm more of a self-taught fast typist with my own weird technique.

Anyway, I wondered what other type of switch can be found that matches the level of resistance you get out of buckling springs. I want something a bit more modern to replace my Model M, so other than the Unicomp, what could be comparable?

Thanks!

[Internetlad]

Ditto. Never used cherry blues, but White ALPS seem to be less "stiff" and have a more "linear" press in my opinion. White ALPS I think I may actually prefer ALPS Whites (or the knockoffs, Have one legit and one knockoff) to the BS keyboard, but just barely. They both have their ups and downs and each is a joy to type on.

I find the Focus 2001 KBs to be a good starting point for somebody looking for a vintage KB with ALPS switches.  They're fairly common and fairly cheap.

Dude, two questions regarding this. Do most of the focus 2001s have fake ALPS or is it just mine?

Secondly, are there any decent brand new keyboards still manufacturing with an ALPS or fake ALPS type switch that you know of?

[jkercado]

ALPS.

Cherry Blues have an interesting tactile feedback mechanism that is quite different.  I'll have to write it up sometime and take pics.

And Beware The Valley Of Death, see:

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?22665-The-Dude-Answers-WHAT-****ING-KEYBOARD-SHOULD-I-GET!

Thanks. Nice graph. So black ALPS it would be. So according to the Wiki, Dell AT-101 is the one. Hmm... No modern alternatives?

[Internetlad]

Black alps are (EDIT:) tactile and non-clicky, so I guess that's about as far as you can get besides force-wise, but I was thinking you meant the same feel but an alternative.

(EDIT:) Originally saw black, disregarded the ALPS and started thinking MX cherry.

[fossala]

Black alps are non-tactile (linear press) and non-clicky, so I guess that's about as far as you can get besides force-wise, but I was thinking you meant the same feel but an alternative.

Black alps ARE tactile.

[jkercado]

Black alps are non-tactile (linear press) and non-clicky, so I guess that's about as far as you can get besides force-wise, but I was thinking you meant the same feel but an alternative.

I was looking for something tactile and with very similar resistance to buckling springs...Based on the Wiki graph, it seemed black ALPS were the ticket, but now I dunno.

[fossala]

As I said blacks are tactile, Internetlad must be mistaken. Doesn't stop them being crap though.

[Internetlad]

I AM mistaken, I meant black MX CHERRIES.

Apologies. That'll teach me to post on low sleep.

If you want tactical non clicky but stiff, look for Cherry MX Clears. Never used them personally, So i can't vouch for the feel etc. I just know the specs.

[fossala]

My favorite 2 switches are BS and Cherry clears. Clears don't feel like buckling spring though, nothing does.

[jkercado]

This has gotten a bit confusing. :becky: What I'm looking for is similar resistance as buckling springs, with tactile feedback...

[Magna224]

I find the Focus 2001 KBs to be a good starting point for somebody looking for a vintage KB with ALPS switches.  They're fairly common and fairly cheap.

Dude, two questions regarding this. Do most of the focus 2001s have fake ALPS or is it just mine?

Secondly, are there any decent brand new keyboards still manufacturing with an ALPS or fake ALPS type switch that you know of?

http://www.overclock.net/products/focus-fk-2001/reviews/4281 A little review of the Focus 2001. Type II ALPS seems very common in the Focus 2001. The old Focus 2001's actually have pretty decent build quality in my opinion.

The Filco Zero uses an ALPS switch but I know keyboardco hasn't stocked them. Ducky has some TYPE II ALPS in some of their new keyboards. I have never owned either of these so I can't comment on the quality but I assume its up to par.

White ALPS are no substitute for Buckling springs to me though, from my experience they feel very different.

[Internetlad]

White ALPS are no substitute for Buckling springs to me though, from my experience they feel very different.

Couldn't agree more. Not a substitute, but more of an alternative, and they can be found in most older (low cost used) keyboards on ebay.

I find that BS keyboards get very stiff as you approach actuation, And i don't get that as much with the alps, more of a linear tactile, I think.

[jkercado]

eBay is crazy. Most of those Focus keyboards are being sold for the price of a new keyboard.

[Internetlad]

eBay is crazy. Most of those Focus keyboards are being sold for the price of a new keyboard.

Are there any sites that sells old used keyboards that you know of besides?

Not being condescending. If there is I would love to know.

[Oqsy]

Northgate. You're welcome.

[Magna224]

Isn't the keyboard called the Avant Stellar now? I don't believe northgate actually makes them anymore. ( I thought of the Omnikey earlier but forgot the name of the in-production reproduction model. I took a drug test and came back now I remember the name. )

[Oqsy]

Used Northgate is better than most $120+ new mechanicals out there. Try one.  

[Magna224]

hmm I must have been mixing up my threads again. I could have sworn the OP stated he wanted to buy new keyboards only.

[jkercado]

Not necessarily new, although I balk at paying a lot of dough for an old product...
Sent from my Samsung Focus using Board Express

[Oqsy]

You should balk at the idea of paying a lot of dough for an inferior new product.

My Northgate has had an unknown (at least two) number of previous owners, but its built like a tank and it still functions like new. I can't say that for any of my used Cherry boards besides my mx11900. All of them required some TLC to get back to new condition. My G80-3000 had a switch fall off the PCB! Alt-Gr does not stand for "GReat GRip".

[Magna224]

I agree, I find older keyboards are generally better. Back then the quality standards were just higher. The keyboard companies had to compete with the old IBM models. Now quality products seem to be unheard of in general consumer goods. The keyboards that come with modern pre built computers are crappy and all the aftermarket keyboard companies have to do is one up them by making their product appear better.

[Findecanor]

I don't think that clicky ALPS (white or blue) feel much like buckling springs. Both are clicky and have a bit of resistance, but the tactile point is not in the same place.

[Oqsy]

And?  No one said they're equal...