Got an Omnikey Ultra (in original box) from the local computer recycling shop

[longface]

Hey guys,

I've just bought an Omnikey Ultra keyboard (made by Northgate, assembled in Taiwan) from the local computer recycling shop at a very low price.  See picture below.

I know very little about this keyboard, except that Northgate being a computer mail-order company which had gone under, and the Omnikey was the keyboard they made.  I see that the key switches seem to be of white ALPS (am I right?), and the keyboard is HEAVY.  The keys are clicky, and sound pretty nice.  The balance rod under the space bar got loose, but it was a very simple fix.

Could anyone tell me a bit more about this keyboard?  Is it rare?  How much is it worth?  I'm currently using a Filco, but sometimes I feel that the Omnikey sounds a bit better.

[SmallFry]

Nice get! Congratulations!

[fohat.digs]

You could probably get $80-100 for it, maybe more.

Use it for a week before you let it go, however, you might grow to like it.

[Reomero]

Great find!

[calavera]

Awesome find!

[metalliqaz]

That keyboard is so cool

[omgFiRE]

Well done!

[longface]

You could probably get $80-100 for it, maybe more.

Use it for a week before you let it go, however, you might grow to like it.

Thanks.

Yes, I will use it for some time.  This is why I got all the connectors and adapters for it.  But it is a little too big for my desk space.

[TranscendingLogic]

Very cool. It should be complicated white Alps (clicky). Could be blue Alps, but those are very rare. 

[calavera]

Complicated white alps. You can see them in the pics. Blues are only found only on the older and more rare omnikey keyboards.

[TranscendingLogic]

Sorry, I'm not seeing the pics.

[hoggy]

If you have to, get a bigger desk.   Congratulations on your find.

[babyhands]

Can you tell me how the ALPs feel compared to other switches?

[longface]

Can you tell me how the ALPs feel compared to other switches?

It is quite difficult to describe the difference.  I have Cherry MX Blue, IBM Model M buckling spring, Apple AEKII ALPS and this, and they are all different.  I even have an Everex which I like the most.