ALPS switches

[sashomasho]

Hi there, the last week I've spent most of my time reading this forum because I'm searching for a replacement of one of my 3 beloved model m. Now I'm waiting for one scorpius m10 (nothing else clicky at this moment that I can buy  as it seems ). I think I would like to try one with alps switches, so I'm considering some eBay offers, but I was wondering what are the differences between the alps colors, what about the pinks ones?! I'm looking for something that clicks and is a little bit softer (is that the term, my english is not very good) than the model m, I would like a spacesaver one but as I read somewhere here - there are not with original alps anywhere this moment. I'd appreciate any info you give me guys...

alex.

[iMav]

In our original wiki, we had the following information regarding Alps switches:

    *  Audible click feel (blue or white-colored sliders)
    * Tactile feel (cream, orange, black, or pink-colored sliders)
    * Linear feel (yellow, green, or gray-colored sliders)

However, there has been some discussion on this forum to suggest that this is not totally accurate.  Unfortunately, I have no experience with Alps, so I can not enlighten you.  But some of our other member should be along shortly.  

BTW, if you are a buckling spring fan as well as a spacesaver fan, you'll likely be interested in an upcoming offering from Unicomp.

[sashomasho]

yes, i read your post about this one, but I don't want to wait this long (this doesn't mean that I will not buy it, but until then - I'll look at least for a used mode M mini, it has so perfect design that I can't help myself for taking one, if I can find it..). So, are  there any blue or white alps that don't have audible click?

[Astra Diesel]

This ebayer is selling a couple alps keyboards. iMav posted a thread about this ebay seller.

Used stuff, but it might suit your needs.

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

If you don't mind split boards, then this board is clicky, clicky, clicky! (raising my white board in the air).

I got it from here. MIne has white Alps.

[iMav]

Hi there, the last week I've spent most of my time reading this forum because I'm searching for a replacement of one of my 3 beloved model m. Now I'm waiting for one scorpius m10 (nothing else clicky at this moment that I can buy  as it seems ).

Definitely don't discount Unicomp.  They sell new Model M's.  If you are looking for a replacement for your Model M, what better keyboard than a NEW Model M??

As far as the Model M spacesavers are concerned...best bet is to keep a close eye on Ebay.  Or, if you have the money, contact clickykeyboards and purchase one from them.  Even if their online store says they are sold out, give them a call or drop them an email.  They seem to always have more than what is detailed on their website.

[sashomasho]

If you don't mind split boards, then this board is clicky, clicky, clicky! (raising my white board in the air).

I got it from here. MIne has white Alps.

This looks like a really big keyboard, I'd prefer a smaller one Too much hand moving from the keyboard to the mice for me... I'll keep watching, soon or later there will be the right for me

[sashomasho]

Definitely don't discount Unicomp.  They sell new Model M's.  If you are looking for a replacement for your Model M, what better keyboard than a NEW Model M??

Yes I ordered one SpaceSaver unit from them, still waiting to ship it....

As far as the Model M spacesavers are concerned...best bet is to keep a close eye on Ebay.  Or, if you have the money, contact clickykeyboards and purchase one from them.  Even if their online store says they are sold out, give them a call or drop them an email.  They seem to always have more than what is detailed on their website.

$135 without the shipping seems too much for me, I live in Europe, this means at least $45 more for the shipping, this is quite expensive for a second hand keyboard.. I guess I'll stay with plan B - eBay  

[xsphat]

As for Alps switches, from my personal experience, the pink ones don't click, but the orange and the black ones do. They are both lighter touch as well. I hear the whites are clicky but a firmer feel.

[fkeidjn]

As for me, I hear two kinds of clicks - the plastic click from the side of the keyswitch mechanism that sounds similar to blue Cherries, and the kind when the keyswitch is floored (I don't know if that's the correct term though).  I took a look at this Japanese page, and learned from the pictures that there is a rubber piece in the keyswitch, when floored, to dampen the clacking sound, thus feeling firmer.  I think the Northgate Alps switches used the rubber damper to generate only the plastic clicky sound.

[xsphat]

That's neat, good find.