Complicated Blue Alps vs Monterey SMK Alps?

[Dihedral]

I have read favorable reviews about both, such as CptBadAss's Comparing Alps to MX thread, but I would like some more input from users who have used both switch types on the feel of both, and which one they prefer and why. Any replies appreciated - thanks in advance

[jacobolus]

I like them both. They’re somewhat different, even though both are light clicky switches. To really make it a fair comparison, you have to take the SMK (“monterey”) switches out of the terrible cases they mostly come in, and replace the terrible thin ABS keycaps. You want to make sure you get a good condition set of Alps switches, as switches filled with dust/grit get much less pleasant.

Blue Alps feel a bit more refined/classy. SMK clicky switches are a bit more tactile. Alps switches have an earlier actuation/tactile point. Blue Alps in particular are very smooth and feel stable/solid all the way through the stoke. Blue Alps are a bit quieter but I prefer the sound to the SMK sound.

[hwood34]

The biggest problem with Montereys is that it's almost impossible to find them in a good board, and when you do you know it'll be expensive. Since they're not technically like real alps switches, you can't just take them out and put them in a different board either.

[CPTBadAss]

If I had to pick, I'd go for the Blues. They're a touch heavier, smoother, and I think sound better. The click is more refined like jacobulus suggested.

And I think the SMK switches in a Minitouch are underrated.

[Dihedral]

Thanks for the feedback. The problem is of course that both are pretty rare. I appreciate the replies

[jacobolus]

Keyboards that might have SMK clicky switches aren’t hard to find. At any given time there are 10–15 on ebay. The problem is that you never quite know if you’re going to get SMK switches, MX blue, white Alps, or bad MX clones.

[fohat.digs]

The problem is of course that both are pretty rare.

SMK "blue Monterey" are not that rare or expensive. As long as standard-size boards are OK, they turn up at least once a month on ebay and sell in the $30-$40 + shipping range.

If you want a first-generation SIIG MiniTouch, though, that will be harder to find.

[Touch_It]

I got super lucky and got a free chicony 5981 (has windows keys) with monteray blues.  Keyboard sucks but the switches feel pretty nice.  I can't compare them to blue alps but IMO they are a far superior version of mx blues.  Crisp light click.  Doesn't sound as plastic as blues (at least on razer boards).  Hoping to own/try blue alps at some point.

[Findecanor]

I rebuilt a winkeyless Cherry G80-3000 case to house the innards of my Chicony. Not the sturdiest case in the world but a definite improvement.

[jacobolus]

I spent about a month typing on a Chicony board with the case entirely removed, and the PCB/plate just sitting on top of a 3/4" thick wooden board. Much nicer than with the case.

[RoflCopter4]

Proper blue Alps are arguable superior to the SMK ones (in my opinion) but they are at least an order of magnitude (read: $100) more expensive than SMK keyboards are. Generally both come in ****ty keyboards with ****ty keycaps, and it can be a pain to find nicer ones to replace them.

[hwood34]

And because of how hard they are to find in good boards, when you do find a good board with Montereys in it, it'll b for some crazy price, like some guy on here not too long ago selling a Siig Minitouch for almost $300

[Daniel Beardsmore]

If you want a first-generation SIIG MiniTouch, though, that will be harder to find.

What makes you think that "first generation" MiniTouch keyboards use SMK switches?

I started a topic about the K110/MiniTouch here, which went nowhere:

http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/monterey-k110-siig-minitouch-variations-t9557.html

The MiniTouch seems to just be old stock Monterey K110 keyboards rounded up and rebadged for one year between 2002 and 2003, after K110 production ended¹, although I have also pondered on whether the SMK versions were the older versions of the K110. My attempt to gather proper evidence, however, failed miserably.


¹ SIIG MiniTouches were ordered by SIIG between 2002 and 2003, while Monterey cited K110 production as "1991- 199?." We have 2000 as a confirmed IC date for a MiniTouch, so that's just on the edge of the suggested production date range.

PS Monterey switches are not "Alps". Only switches made by Alps Electric of Japan, or a subsidiary, are "Alps" switches.

[hwood34]

PS Monterey switches are not "Alps". Only switches made by Alps Electric of Japan, or a subsidiary, are "Alps" switches.

Yeah, this being the reason you can't just stick Montereys into any Alps board

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Yeah, this being the reason you can't just stick Montereys into any Alps board

You can stick Alps clones into an Alps keyboard — plenty of switches are not made by Alps but share all the same critical dimensions. "Monterey" switches take Alps keycaps, but the switch dimensions are different.

[Dihedral]

So are the monterey complicated alps ones worth the premium?

[jacobolus]

Which premium? You should be able to find a Chicony or similar board for about $50 + shipping.

[Dihedral]

Which premium? You should be able to find a Chicony or similar board for about $50 + shipping.

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

[CPTBadAss]

Most of the complicated Alps boards I've bought are under $30. What premium are you speaking of?

[hwood34]

Which premium? You should be able to find a Chicony or similar board for about $50 + shipping.

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

you can find alps stuff super cheap

[Dihedral]

Which premium? You should be able to find a Chicony or similar board for about $50 + shipping.

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

you can find alps stuff super cheap

Original Complicated Blue Alps... not so much

[CPTBadAss]

Original Complicated Blue Alps... not so much

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

But that's not what you said in your previous post (I know that's the title of the OP.). There are a lot of complicated Alps and just because I love the complicated Blue Alps switch, doesn't mean you will. Maybe you fall in love with Orange Alps or Cream Alps and you'll be happy with a cheaper board.

Do I think it's worth it to get complicated Blue Alps? I bought them for my Kingsaver which is regularly in my rotation. Does that mean it's for you? I don't know.

[Dihedral]

Original Complicated Blue Alps... not so much

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

But that's not what you said in your previous post (I know that's the title of the OP.). There are a lot of complicated Alps and just because I love the complicated Blue Alps switch, doesn't mean you will. Maybe you fall in love with Orange Alps or Cream Alps and you'll be happy with a cheaper board.

Do I think it's worth it to get complicated Blue Alps? I bought them for my Kingsaver which is regularly in my rotation. Does that mean it's for you? I don't know.

Yeah, I know I didn't say it in the previous post. I thought it could be worked out from context. My decision to look for Blue alps is not purely based on your post. But of all switches I have tried, I know that I like:

• Switches that Click
• A lot of tactility
• Smooth Switches

Furthermore, I've listened to a lot of typing sound videos (Whoever made keychatter, c'est formidable!) and it's clear that the blue alps sound really, really good. And that is important to me. I would go for White alps but the weight is a dealbreaker. So blues it is.

[RoflCopter4]

It does depend a little on where you live. If you're American then you just might actually find things for under $40. If you're not American then the vry prospect of spending only $40 on a keyboard is patently absurd.

[hwood34]

Original Complicated Blue Alps... not so much

Sorry, I meant to ask if the Original Alps ones are worth the premium.

But that's not what you said in your previous post (I know that's the title of the OP.). There are a lot of complicated Alps and just because I love the complicated Blue Alps switch, doesn't mean you will. Maybe you fall in love with Orange Alps or Cream Alps and you'll be happy with a cheaper board.

Do I think it's worth it to get complicated Blue Alps? I bought them for my Kingsaver which is regularly in my rotation. Does that mean it's for you? I don't know.

Yeah, I know I didn't say it in the previous post. I thought it could be worked out from context. My decision to look for Blue alps is not purely based on your post. But of all switches I have tried, I know that I like:

• Switches that Click
• A lot of tactility
• Smooth Switches

Furthermore, I've listened to a lot of typing sound videos (Whoever made keychatter, c'est formidable!) and it's clear that the blue alps sound really, really good. And that is important to me. I would go for White alps but the weight is a dealbreaker. So blues it is.

well, while there's no way to definitively tell whether or not you'll like them, from your list of requirements I'd say that they would probably be the best fit for you.

[Dihedral]

It does depend a little on where you live. If you're American then you just might actually find things for under $40. If you're not American then the vry prospect of spending only $40 on a keyboard is patently absurd.

Haha, nope. British, so I get the wonderful thing that is cross-atlantic shipping costs.

[jacobolus]

My decision to look for Blue alps is not purely based on your post. But of all switches I have tried, I know that I like: (1) Switches that Click (2) A lot of tactility (3) Smooth Switches

Furthermore, I've listened to a lot of typing sound videos (Whoever made keychatter, c'est formidable!) and it's clear that the blue alps sound really, really good. And that is important to me. I would go for White alps but the weight is a dealbreaker. So blues it is.

well, while there's no way to definitively tell whether or not you'll like them, from your list of requirements I'd say that they would probably be the best fit for you.

“A lot of tactility” isn’t really what comes to mind when I think about blue Alps switches. If you want a lot of tactility, I’d recommend you try: Model F, SMK switches, white Alps, Matias clicky switches. (There are other switches to try, but they’re pretty rare or hard to build into a useful modern keyboard.)

[Dihedral]

My decision to look for Blue alps is not purely based on your post. But of all switches I have tried, I know that I like: (1) Switches that Click (2) A lot of tactility (3) Smooth Switches

Furthermore, I've listened to a lot of typing sound videos (Whoever made keychatter, c'est formidable!) and it's clear that the blue alps sound really, really good. And that is important to me. I would go for White alps but the weight is a dealbreaker. So blues it is.

well, while there's no way to definitively tell whether or not you'll like them, from your list of requirements I'd say that they would probably be the best fit for you.

“A lot of tactility” isn’t really what comes to mind when I think about blue Alps switches. If you want a lot of tactility, I’d recommend you try: Model F, SMK switches, white Alps, Matias clicky switches.

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

[jacobolus]

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

White Alps and Matias switches are not that heavy: definitely less work than MX black, clear, or green. I do think they’d be improved by being 5-10 grams–force lighter, but it doesn’t make them unusable by any means.

But if you want very tactile and pretty lightweight, then I think SMK switches might be a great choice. SMK switches are quite noticeably more tactile than blue Alps.

[Dihedral]

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

White Alps, Matias switches, and Model F switches are not that heavy: definitely less work than MX black, clear, or green.

But if you want very tactile and pretty lightweight, then I think SMK switches might be a great choice. SMK switches are noticeably more tactile than blue Alps.

So I've swung in the last few days from Blue alps to SMK to Blue alps and now to SMK. I guess SMK boards are cheap enough that I should be able to pick one up... you know... for science.

[hwood34]

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

White Alps and Matias switches are not that heavy: definitely less work than MX black, clear, or green.

Really? To me they felt pretty on par with greens.

[Dihedral]

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

White Alps and Matias switches are not that heavy: definitely less work than MX black, clear, or green.

Really? To me they felt pretty on par with greens.

When you say 'they' are you referring to the White Alps?

[hwood34]

Interesting. I think the white alps would be too heavy for me, but I'm definitely interested in trying those matias switches (working on developing a matias switch tester). Would also like to try BS at some point. As for SMK, I've never heard it said that SMK is more tactile than CB Alps, but I'll take that onboard.

White Alps and Matias switches are not that heavy: definitely less work than MX black, clear, or green.

Really? To me they felt pretty on par with greens.

When you say 'they' are you referring to the White Alps?

Yep

[vivalarevolución]

I like them both. They�re somewhat different, even though both are light clicky switches. To really make it a fair comparison, you have to take the SMK (�monterey�) switches out of the terrible cases they mostly come in, and replace the terrible thin ABS keycaps. You want to make sure you get a good condition set of Alps switches, as switches filled with dust/grit get much less pleasant.

Blue Alps feel a bit more refined/classy. SMK clicky switches are a bit more tactile. Alps switches have an earlier actuation/tactile point. Blue Alps in particular are very smooth and feel stable/solid all the way through the stoke. Blue Alps are a bit quieter but I prefer the sound to the SMK sound.

If I had to pick, I'd go for the Blues. They're a touch heavier, smoother, and I think sound better. The click is more refined like jacobulus suggested.

And I think the SMK switches in a Minitouch are underrated.

What these guys said.