transplanting blue alps - what are my options?

[Special K]

I have two DC-2014s but am unsure how I want to use them.  Ideally I want a keyboard that has:

- standard 104-key layout with winkeys
- option for replaceable keycaps with thick PBT/ABS doubleshots

Is there any board out there that will accept blue alps switches that meets both of my criteria above?  What about a barebones keyboard case/PCB kit?

I have seen alps keycap sets on MD before, but I believe they were still fairly thin.

The only board I know of that might work as a recipient based on my criteria above is the ABS M1, but even then I'm stuck with the default keycaps, right?

Is there any chance in the future of a blue alps clone switch/board being made?

I like blue alps, but once I see the compromises that apparently have to be made (non-standard layout, no winkeys, thin keycaps) I'm not so sure I like them as much anymore.

[fohat.digs]

I have two DC-2014s but am unsure how I want to use them.  Ideally I want a keyboard that has:

- standard 104-key layout with winkeys
- option for replaceable keycaps with thick PBT/ABS doubleshots

Is there any board out there that will accept blue alps switches that meets both of my criteria above?  What about a barebones keyboard case/PCB kit?

I have seen alps keycap sets on MD before, but I believe they were still fairly thin.

The only board I know of that might work as a recipient based on my criteria above is the ABS M1, but even then I'm stuck with the default keycaps, right?

Is there any chance in the future of a blue alps clone switch/board being made?

I like blue alps, but once I see the compromises that apparently have to be made (non-standard layout, no winkeys, thin keycaps) I'm not so sure I like them as much anymore.

You are making people jealous and will be able to sell the keyboards in a heartbeat if you decide to.

The easiest answer to most of your questions is to transplant the Alps switches into a Dell AT101W case. They can be found in black, too, although they are less common. Early AT101s and SGIs had PBT caps, but you will have to use the stock bottom row, and they are not made in black.

Early Apple keyboards AEK and AEK2 have great thick PBT caps but you cannot fill out the entire set on an ANSI keyboard.

In general, good caps are much harder to come by in anything but Cherry (and sometimes Topre) configurations.

[sean]

Can confirm, I'm jealous that you have those keyboards!

[HoffmanMyster]

Can confirm, I'm jealous that you have those keyboards!

+1, would buy at reasonable price.  )

[CPTBadAss]

There are no aftermarket thick Alps keycaps right now. You can try hunting for boards such as the Wang 724 which have nice dyesub PBT caps.

I suggest looking for a Northgate Omnikey. It's not new though. I don't know of any Modern ANSI 104 Alps keyboards to recommend.

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

[HoffmanMyster]

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

Too true.  We can spoil ourselves with MX keycaps, but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.  Nothing terrible about the thin caps that are available. 

[fohat.digs]

but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.

I am so looking forward to those Dolch sets in a couple of months. I just hope that the mods and stabilizers are compatible (or mod-able) to fit my top-tier vintage Alps boards.

[Special K]

Is support for alps boards growing?  Should I just wait to see where things are in a few months?

[Joey Quinn]

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

Too true.  We can spoil ourselves with MX keycaps, but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.  Nothing terrible about the thin caps that are available. 

I feel like I only notice thin caps on heavier switches... If that makes any sense. 

Also Hoff, I thought you didn't like alps?

[HoffmanMyster]

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

Too true.  We can spoil ourselves with MX keycaps, but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.  Nothing terrible about the thin caps that are available. 

I feel like I only notice thin caps on heavier switches... If that makes any sense. 

Also Hoff, I thought you didn't like alps?

I'm not a fanboi like CPTBadAlps, but I can appreciate them.  My initial experience was less than stellar, with XM Green switches, which kind of turned me off to them.  I'm slowly coming around though.  My only Alps board right now is an AEKII though.

[njbair]

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

Too true.  We can spoil ourselves with MX keycaps, but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.  Nothing terrible about the thin caps that are available. 

I feel like I only notice thin caps on heavier switches... If that makes any sense. 

Also Hoff, I thought you didn't like alps?

I'm not a fanboi like CPTBadAlps, but I can appreciate them.  My initial experience was less than stellar, with XM Green switches, which kind of turned me off to them.  I'm slowly coming around though.  My only Alps board right now is an AEKII though.

CPTBadAlps lol

[Joey Quinn]

And I still think it's hilarious than just a couple years ago, SP DCS was perfectly fine as an aftermarket set. We're so spoiled now.

Too true.  We can spoil ourselves with MX keycaps, but we need to remember the limitations with Alps sets at the moment.  Nothing terrible about the thin caps that are available. 

I feel like I only notice thin caps on heavier switches... If that makes any sense. 

Also Hoff, I thought you didn't like alps?

I'm not a fanboi like CPTBadAlps, but I can appreciate them.  My initial experience was less than stellar, with XM Green switches, which kind of turned me off to them.  I'm slowly coming around though.  My only Alps board right now is an AEKII though.

CPTBadAlps lol

The true Alps master, his teachings will make you question ever using MX.

[fohat.digs]

The true Alps master, his teachings will make you question ever using MX.

No, your fingertips will make you question ever using MX. The high actuation point is a touch typist's dream.

Daniel Beardsmore was the final authority on Alps but I think he got burned out and dropped out of the scene a few months ago.