Author Topic: mx compatible keys closest to green alps  (Read 1849 times)

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Offline jshel2000

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mx compatible keys closest to green alps
« on: Thu, 16 January 2020, 13:40:24 »
I have a zenith keyboard that is giving me countless issues electronically, but the stiffness, travel distance and smoothness is absolutely perfect to me. I keep trying to fix it to no avail, and decided it just isn't worth it to me when there are probably alternatives that are 'close enough'. I figured out that I type much faster on these linear switches compared to the alps white keyboards that I have, but I keep having to go back to put in a letter that the keyboard didn't register or backspace the letters it decided to spam.

Based on the data that I found, box red switches seem to have similar stiffness, minus the tiny bump in alps green (which I barely notice anyway). Can anyone confirm my findings?

I'll miss the sound of this keyboard, but the fixes I'll have to make to the adapter will take too much time for me right now.

I've also thought about tealios, optical keyboards like the wooting, and the acepad hall effect keyboard, but have no idea how those would feel in relation to this keyboard
My keyboard 'collection': Terrible logitech MK520 wireless rubber dome board (first keyboard I used extensively, unfortunately), a pretty bad navy blue dell l100 with binding issues (I learned how to type on one of the black lubricated ones), an IBM model F I restored that is now my daily driver along with my laptop keyboard, and a very destroyed zenith z-150 with the black badge and alps green.

Offline biothermal

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Re: mx compatible keys closest to green alps
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 16 January 2020, 14:01:47 »
SKCM Whites are a pretty heavy switch (i.e. stiff, in your definition) comparatively speaking. Kailh BOX red switches would be easier to press, on average about 10g lighter, and they would certainly lack the tactile bump. Alps switches are different compared to mx switches in that alps will actuate near the top of the stroke, while mx switches usually actuate farther down, and it's hard to compare the two feelings.

Tealios could be obtained at a heavier weighting, much closer to those SKCMs you've been using, which might ease your transition a bit. The best advice I could give would be to grab a switch tester and see how everything feels for yourself. That or to find some local stores/enthusiasts that have mechanical boards and try those out before you buy.

Offline treeleaf64

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Re: mx compatible keys closest to green alps
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 16 January 2020, 16:45:07 »
SKCM Whites are a pretty heavy switch (i.e. stiff, in your definition) comparatively speaking. Kailh BOX red switches would be easier to press, on average about 10g lighter, and they would certainly lack the tactile bump. Alps switches are different compared to mx switches in that alps will actuate near the top of the stroke, while mx switches usually actuate farther down, and it's hard to compare the two feelings.

Tealios could be obtained at a heavier weighting, much closer to those SKCMs you've been using, which might ease your transition a bit. The best advice I could give would be to grab a switch tester and see how everything feels for yourself. That or to find some local stores/enthusiasts that have mechanical boards and try those out before you buy.

SKCM Green aren't heavy, though. I would suggest Novelkeys Cream, they have a similar level of smoothness. I don't like MX switches because you have to push them down really far for them to actuate, and the bottom out is quite harsh IMO. Not very interesting switches :(

I think you should look at contactless designs, they really are worth pursuing because they have unparalleled smoothness. MX compatible are not worth it and would be a poor substitution for Alps :)
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Offline mode

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Re: mx compatible keys closest to green alps
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 17 January 2020, 02:07:31 »
I honestly think if you want something that feels like alps you're just going to end up disappointed

Have you considered just picking up a dell AT101 or Matias and swapping the switches for your green alps? it'd be a labour of love, but you'll end up with something uncompromisingly good.

« Last Edit: Fri, 17 January 2020, 02:10:31 by mode »

Offline biothermal

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Re: mx compatible keys closest to green alps
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 17 January 2020, 08:26:57 »

SKCM Green aren't heavy, though. I would suggest Novelkeys Cream, they have a similar level of smoothness. I don't like MX switches because you have to push them down really far for them to actuate, and the bottom out is quite harsh IMO. Not very interesting switches :(

I think you should look at contactless designs, they really are worth pursuing because they have unparalleled smoothness. MX compatible are not worth it and would be a poor substitution for Alps :)

I was totally comparing SKCM white and BOX reds, not SKCM greens and BOX reds. I must have read the post incorrectly because I was totally off the mark  :))

However, +1 to all your points! If OP is used to alps switches, making the switch to mx (pun intended :cool: ) is going to confusing and probably not at all satisfying.