Noob says hello + what is an ACER 6312-T closest to in terms of Cherry MX switches?

[derek trousers]

Hello all

I am a lurker and this is my second post. Thought I would formally say hello and greetings from Yorkshire, England.

I think I am getting the mechanical keyboard bug, despite not being the world's fastest typist (but does that really matter?).

I developed a real interest a few years ago initially from, I think, Microsoft's Channel 9 videos. These are videos aimed at programmers (my job) and it seemed that on these videos they used what sounded like mechanical keyboards. I grew more and more curious as to what the hell these video presenters were typing on.

So the sound grabbed me first; then came the look. Here in the UK the Filcos look the NUTS. Beautiful, solid, black weapons of keyboards. Also, to me, backlit mechanical keyboards look great when done in a classy manner (I am not talking about the BlackWidow here).  

So the sound, then the look. With these things in mind and a growing hatred of my POS membrane board, I decided to look into getting one. I have tried to form an understanding of the differences in the switches and, as my main use would be typing, then gaming, I think Cherry blues or browns would do nice.

Thing is, it's a ***** to find any to try out to compare. Youtube videos can only go so far. I posted this to ask if I can for a request for help.

During a recent office move, I kept an eye out for any "old school" keyboards which were to be thrown away.

I found this in a bin:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 48913[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 48914[/ATTACH]

An ACER 6312-T from 1996.

As it contained enough skin to re-create a small child, I spent a full day restoring it:
- I learnt that 99% alcohol is banned in the UK
- I learnt what a stabiliser is and what a pig it can be to re-fit
- I learnt how I miss the Windows key

With the Windows key thing, I have decided to purchase a new keyboard.

With the time I spent on the restoration of the keyboard I wondered if it is worth putting it on classifieds to contribute towards a new board? Some keycaps are a different tint from the others so it might make this KB undesirable but if anyone thinks it would be worth putting up (and offers an idea as to how much I could expect to get for it), I'd be grateful.

Having this board also led me to this forum and to ask this question:

Here is a switch.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 48915[/ATTACH]

Anyone know what it is?

What, in terms of Cherry MX switches, does this most closely resemble? As it's tricky to find many places to test a board in the flesh, if I can get a feel for any mechanical keyboard by trying this out (and I haven't used it at all since restoring it), this might better inform me. Youtube can only inform so far.

I hope it's closest to a Cherry blue, but I would welcome thoughts and opinions.

Thanks, and hello again.

--DT--

[bazemk1979]

the Acer has white Alps switches, they are not Cherry switches

[REVENGE]

In terms of "characteristics", it's "tactile" and "clicky", so in that sense it is close to a Cherry MX Blue.

That said, it SOUNDS and FEELS NOTHING like MX Blue.

[1839cc]

Well blues are clicky, but probably somewhat lighter than your white ALPS. If you want clicky cherries your only other option would be greens which you would likely have to build yourself. That is not as dificult as it may sound.

I've never used blue cherries or original complicated white ALPS, but I have white XMs (simplified ALPS copies) and brown cherries. Of those two the XMs are a lot stiffer.

[poxeclipse]

The switches on your board are Acer, have a look at what is marked on the switch. They look like Alps but are different and feel different. Now, comparing with MX switches, the differences are more obvious, wrt construction, quality, indurance, sound, tactile feeling.

The value of that board is around $5 - $10, but circumstances can have impact on appraisal. I got one for $5 here in Toronto, almost new, but manufactured in 1993.

[derek trousers]

Being in the UK, sire Rip, I am fresh outta nickels. Will grab some 20ps and report back.

[derek trousers]

All (mainly Rip) - having done several paper rounds, I have saved enough UK 20p pieces to measure the mystery Acer switches.

Here's a close up of the switch. It reads ACER:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 50107[/ATTACH]

Having performed the 20p balancing trick, and repeating it several times for dithering, we have 12 20p pieces to actuate:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 50108[/ATTACH]