Author Topic: macally mk96's, apparently, grow on trees (Read 11727 times)

iMav · « **on:** Thu, 12 June 2008, 23:51:40 »

an eBay seller currently has over 500 of these available for sale. All, supposedly, NIB...for a buy it now price of $9.95.

That is easily THE best keyboard deal going on eBay right now. If I loved these keyboards as much as xsphat does, I'd probably hoard a dozen of them (seriously).

Waves77 · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 12 June 2008, 23:57:50 »

Quote from: iMav;5435

an eBay seller currently has over 500 of these available for sale. All, supposedly, NIB...for a buy it now price of $9.95.

That is easily THE best keyboard deal going on eBay right now. If I loved these keyboards as much as xsphat does, I'd probably hoard a dozen of them (seriously).

I see you already made it 499

xsphat · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:13:52 »

Too late, I jsut bought all 499 of them! Hope they combine shipping.

Waves77 · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:16:24 »

Quote from: xsphat;5439

Too late, I jsut bought all 499 of them! Hope they combine shipping.

Care to comment on this board? Google doesn't reveal a whole lot of info...

xsphat · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:27:23 »

Sure. I bought it on a whim (same seller and price) and it has clicky white Alps sliders, a US International layout and I love it except for the ADB crap and the simple fact that it has no forward delete key (Thanks to ashort for the tip on DoubleCommand). It is just a really nice and comfortable clicky keyboard, good for writing and pretty loud.

It is made for Mac and the power key even works on my Intel MacBook. What else do you want to know?

Waves77 · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:42:53 »

Quote from: xsphat;5445

Sure. I bought it on a whim (same seller and price) and it has clicky white Alps sliders, a US International layout and I love it except for the ADB crap and the simple fact that it has no forward delete key (Thanks to ashort for the tip on DoubleCommand). It is just a really nice and comfortable clicky keyboard, good for writing and pretty loud.

It is made for Mac and the power key even works on my Intel MacBook. What else do you want to know?

Thanks for the info on the keyswitches, nobody ever includes that info (on a side note I recently contacted a large cherry vendor, and nor they know nor cherry provides them with any info on what goes into each model

).

I only use Linux PCs, but really enjoy my extended II from time to time.

I just ordered one - *hides from wife*

xsphat · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:49:58 »

Cool, let me know what you think when it arrives, you too ashort, I saw you ordered one as well.

Waves77 · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 01:03:37 »

Quote from: xsphat;5448

Cool, let me know what you think when it arrives, you too ashort, I saw you ordered one as well.

Will do!

davo · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 01:40:51 »

Quote from: xsphat;5445

I love it except for the ADB crap and the simple fact that it has no forward delete key [...]

It is made for Mac and the power key even works on my Intel MacBook. What else do you want to know?

Wow. I'd like to try one. But how do you connect it to your Mac? I was just looking at the support pages for the Griffin iMate. On http://www.griffintechnology.com/articles/168 they ask "Is the iMate OS X compatible?" They say:

Quote

The iMate is compatible with Mac OS 10.3.9 and earlier, however it will not work with Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger), even with our driver.

I read one other comment somewhere that said it worked, with the exception of a few characters like "^", "<", and ">". Not good news for math and programming.

So. . . have you found a way around this? Or are you still in OS X 10.3.9?

Thanks,

David

xsphat · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 01:46:40 »

I have used my iMate with:
OS 7.5
OS 9.2
OS 10.2
OS 10.3
OS 10.4
OS 10.5
Ubuntu 7.10
The Nasty (XP Pro)

All worked fine.

davo · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 02:39:15 »

Quote from: xsphat;5451

I have used my iMate with:
OS 7.5
OS 9.2
OS 10.2
OS 10.3
OS 10.4
OS 10.5
Ubuntu 7.10
The Nasty (XP Pro)

All worked fine.

Hmm. Why do you suppose Griffin says it doesn't work? Do you think it's a matter of driver support, and you (and I) have the old drivers floating around in the system because we started with machines running older versions of the os? So then an older machine upgraded to 10.5 would work, but the newer ones wouldn't?

xsphat · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 03:18:55 »

I zeroed my HDD when my initial install of 10.5 was buggy. I started completely fresh, as I often tend to, so that is not the case. I have a feeling they just don't care to support such an outdated product.

ashort · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 06:11:24 »

Quote from: Waves77;5436

I see you already made it 499

That's because _I_ bought one. =-D Eagerly awaiting a tracking number.

iMav · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 06:12:27 »

from what I've been told by other iMate users, the driver is not required.

ashort · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 06:14:11 »

I've been using an iMate with Leopard and I haven't had any issues. Nothing like the miskeys on my USB Tactile Pro 2. =-D And I've not loaded any driver for it either.

If the layout works for me, this could be the board for me. And what I was hoping the Matias would be.

Jaydoublem · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 08:34:55 »

I use an imate with Leopard and I have one minor issue. I never shut my computer down, I always let it go to sleep on its own, then I wake it up by pushing space bar. What happens then is that the computer receives an infinite amount of spacebar signals. I then need to push another key to cancel this signal. Thats my whole problem. Notice that I bought my imate used off ebay.

ashort · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 08:46:33 »

I bought mine from a 3rd party Amazon store. One issue I've noticed in that past is the grey "must reboot" screen (gray screen of death?) when I unplug a keyboard from the iMate. Never cared enough to drill it down any further.

xsphat · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 12:13:28 »

Does this keyboard have n-key rollover?

Would someone check for me? I can get 6 keys of any combo, so I have a feeling it does.

Eclairz · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 13 June 2008, 20:21:45 »

If it were in european layout(97 key?) I would jump on this as I probably wanna try an alps keyboard eventually + i need something more compact than my g80-3000 and more easy to type with than my g84-4100.
Either way new Alps keyboards in the UK are almost non-existant, so acquiring one will be expensive, + I don't like american layout of "\" key, might take me months to unlearn british keyboard and i need my £ sign.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #19 on:** Sat, 14 June 2008, 07:18:39 »

I'll note that on a Mac, on a US English keyboard, I can get the £ sign with Option-3.

davo · « **Reply #20 on:** Sat, 14 June 2008, 17:01:42 »

Regarding the iMate, I posted a question to their support folks. They got back to me with the following:

Quote

The iMate may work for some functions in OS 10.4 and 10.5 that do not require software, like some keyboards and mice. The reason the iMate is not compatible in these Operating Systems is that there are no drivers available for them, nor are there plans to make drivers for them. Basically, it is more of an issue with OS and drivers than model of Mac being used. If you think that the iMate may work for you and you plan to purchase it, I suggest purchasing it from a retailer with a good return policy or warranty so that it can be returned if it doesn't suit your needs.

This sounds promising. I did find someone who had problems using the iMate with later versions of OS X when using a non-USA / ASCII layout. But he solved the problems by changing the layout. I think I'm going to try this!

One question: do we know what kind of switches are in the Macally MK-96 keyboards offered by http://www.welovemacs.com? I'm assuming these are the ones you found on eBay, since their descriptions are so similar. Were these made with different kinds of Alps switches over the years?

davo · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 18 June 2008, 23:15:28 »

I went to the seller's page and asked them about the keyswitches on these Macally MK-96 keyboards on Saturday, but still haven't received a response. I did find something odd on the net, though:

http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/others.html

If you scroll down to the skeleton Macally MK-96 in their listing, you see it described as having "Simplified ALPS/white sliders/click." Simplified Alps? What's that? Is this different than the Alps switches in the old Mac keyboards?

I'm also confused because the eBay ad says "Quiet soft touch with tactile feedback Keyswitch control." Really? I thought white Alps switches were very clicky and very loud. Which is it?

iMav · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 04:51:58 »

I believe xsphat bought his mk-96 from this same ebay seller...

So, I'll let him chime in.

sashomasho · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 05:21:43 »

Quote from: iMav;5758

I believe xsphat bought his mk-96 from this same ebay seller...

So, I'll let him chime in.

Are you still waiting yours?

I don't see any new models of this keyboard on macally's site, so I hope it will have the good switches in it..

iMav · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 05:22:26 »

Quote from: sashomasho;5759

Are you still waiting yours?

Yes.

Waves77 · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 08:01:19 »

I got the tracking # yesterday, mine should arrive on monday.

iMav · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 08:18:44 »

Quote from: Waves77;5761

I got the tracking # yesterday, mine should arrive on monday.

Ditto. (of course, I'll be in North Dakota on monday)

Ulysses31 · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 09:05:13 »

Are we talking about this offer?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Macally-96-Keys-Standard-Keyboard-w-2-ADB-Port-KeyPad_W0QQitemZ270180046347QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4706QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Ships to the US only lol.

xsphat · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 13:58:52 »

I don't know what simplified Alps are, but the stems on the Northgate seem to be a little longer than the stems on the Macally, and the feel is a little better. I know I need to post pics, but I'm really busy at the moment. You guys know I'll post them when I can.

But the Macally switches say Alps on them, have white plungers and the feel is fantastic.

Eclairz · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 19:51:48 »

I wish the mk96 were sold in the UK, this ebay seller only sells to the USA at the moment. Well I guess its easier to get cherry boards in the UK, but i'd like to try a new alps based one at least once, and it would go with my macbook in my bag much more easily.

Waves77 · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 19 June 2008, 23:29:06 »

Quote from: Ulysses31;5764

Are we talking about this offer?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Macally-96-Keys-Standard-Keyboard-w-2-ADB-Port-KeyPad_W0QQitemZ270180046347QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4706QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Ships to the US only lol.

Yes, that's the one. Pretty good deal

xsphat · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 20 June 2008, 00:34:40 »

Quote from: Eclairz;5769

... and it would go with my macbook in my bag much more easily.

So what keyboard are you taking around in your bag now? The only one I ever carry is my HHKB Pro2.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 20 June 2008, 09:15:31 »

I would love a Model M2 SpaceSaver (M2s are flat, as opposed to the Model M and the Unicomp SpaceSaver chassis - also, they're all-plastic construction, which sounds bad, until you realize, it's lighter weight) as a laptop bag keyboard.

Any laptop bag that could hold your average 15.4" widescreen laptop could hold that keyboard easily.

Preferably with an integrated TrackPoint, and Windows keys.

(Hmm. There is always the BS Mighty Mouse, whenever it comes out.)

ashort · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 20 June 2008, 09:39:51 »

LOVE the Cherry G84-4100 as a laptop keyboard. Still going to have a LONG hard look at the new mighty mouse when it arrives. It'll probably weigh 5 pounds, though. =-D

iMav · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 20 June 2008, 12:03:19 »

Nothing beats the portability of a HHKB Pro.

Mine travels with one of these:

In one of these:

xsphat · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 20 June 2008, 12:50:56 »

That retractable cord is a great idea, huh? I got the idea from Flickr, bought one, and I've used it ever since.

jemkeys · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 21 June 2008, 02:12:23 »

Could you take a real picture of that HHKB carry-case? I've always wondered what they really looked like...

.

iMav · « **Reply #37 on:** Sat, 21 June 2008, 06:06:07 »

Quote from: jemkeys;5816

Could you take a real picture of that HHKB carry-case? I've always wondered what they really looked like... .

I've already taken several.

Check out this thread.

Lots of great HHKB info and posts in that thread...so if you are a HHKB fan, definitely take some time to look through the posts there.

Also, if you want to see what I did with my white and black HHKB Pro's, check out this thread.

Freyth · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 21 June 2008, 08:15:46 »

Quote from: Eclairz;5769

I wish the mk96 were sold in the UK, this ebay seller only sells to the USA at the moment. Well I guess its easier to get cherry boards in the UK, but i'd like to try a new alps based one at least once, and it would go with my macbook in my bag much more easily.

Actually, I contacted the eBay seller and was informed that all INTERNATIONAL orders under $100 is shipped by FedEx.

Eclairz · « **Reply #39 on:** Sat, 21 June 2008, 20:20:29 »

At the moment i use a Cherry G84-4100 in my bag, i'm not too comfortable with it, I just don't enjoy short travel keys i always end up bottoming them out i guess and the layout is not exactly british layout. my ideal keyboard would be a british G84-4400 but remove the trackball of course (space matters when your travelling). But these keyboards are hard to come by used, as they cost £100 brand new (200$ ?) and at that price i may as well get a hhkb pro2 or at least save up for one. ideally a really compact space saver with blue/brown cherry would be ideal. But this doesn't exist so closest is either an smk88 (again not available in uk) and the mk96.

I guess fedex would cost alot of money its not worth spending i guess.

davo · « **Reply #40 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 02:11:13 »

Have you guys gotten your MK-96 yet? Mine arrived yesterday, and the iMate adapter arrived today. It works! The only thing that doesn't yet work is that I can't remap CAPS LOCK to control.

The keys are wonderfully clicky! Very nice.

It would be nice to be able to swap Control and CAPS LOCK, since I use CTRL so often (lots of programming in Vim). I can't figure out why it won't remap. Any advice? Here's what I know. Even after a reboot, CAPS works normally on the keyboard. If I remap it to any of the other choices, the key does nothing. The Control key also works, but I *can* remap it to any of the other choices. So I can even have two CAPS LOCK keys. But I can't remap the CAPS key. The keyboard is recognized by my OS X Tiger system as ASCII/US.

xsphat · « **Reply #41 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 02:39:36 »

I can't remap caps lock either, but using Keyboard Viewer in Leopard, it looks as though the keyboard treats that key as an on off because it flickers when I hold it down. I didn't find a workaround and the new Macally keyboard I got has the same issue.

ashort · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 07:41:11 »

I am typing on my Mk-96 for the first time today. Took some unboxing pictures that I'll post as soon as I can find a usb cable (sigh).

Looks like I will have to get used to the arrow keys. I never could get the hang of the arrows on the Apple MO116. The Macally is an improvement but still wierd. I really like the key action of the white ALPS. Is this keyboard a steal at what we got it for? I may order two more. It's small like the MO116, but adds the function key row at the top. And it is clicky. iMav, the Return key on this board doesn't bother me at all.

Got an MO115 (AE1) used from Ebay too. I like it. The orange alps are slightly more tactile than the gray/dirty white ones in the M0116 but still non-clicky. It's a monster though. I think it's time to pick 3 boards and have a firesale on the rest.

Leaning heavily on the MacAlly, the smk-88, and maybe keeping the MO115 around for kicks and to have something to type on that still has an Apple logo on it. =-D

That puts the following boards out to pasture:

Tactile Pro 2 (all the keys, extremely clicky with gray SM switches, and loud, but doesn't always kick out the right keystroke).
Apple MO116 (I like it's style, but it doesn't make sense to have this and the 2 other small form factor boards)
2 * Apple Extended 2 with dirty white alps (good action, but no clicks).
Apple BT keyboard that came with the iMac (totally dead action, no feedback at all). The one with the clear plastic case.

iMav · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 09:55:12 »

Quote from: ashort

iMav, the Return key on this board doesn't bother me at all.

Of course it doesn't.

xsphat · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 11:18:38 »

ashort, what's up with the TP2? is it just all round ****ty?

ashort · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 11:23:28 »

It's just not as good as it could be. Plastic feels cheap (although I'm over that). It's BIG. And I am starting to prefer (thanks a lot, guys!) a spacesaver form factor of some kind. The kicker is that sometimes I have noticed it not registering the correct keystrokes. I don't know if i just don't have it setup right or not, but none of the other keyboards I've used have a problem with keystrokes (other than dead keys on old keyboards). I am not a skilled typist and I know i make a lot of typos, but this is beyond that. Another thing is that the strongman switches are very wobbly. This Macally's switches exhibit a little wobble, cherries exhibit almost no wobble, but the Strongmans are really bad. I guess if you like that feel it would work quite well, I don't.

xsphat · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 11:38:28 »

I got you. White Alps switch do rule, don't they?

ashort · « **Reply #47 on:** Sat, 28 June 2008, 18:35:47 »

I have to admit that so far I am liking them a lot.

iMav · « **Reply #48 on:** Mon, 30 June 2008, 11:23:53 »

I received two mk96's today (both destined for overseas geekhack members). I also received my "NIB" Datadesk MAC101E.

The white Alps switches on the Macally feel a bit crisper than the, supposed, same switches on the 101E. But that may simply be due to age and use. (I'm pretty skeptical that this 101E is actually NIB)

The crispness of the MK96 almost makes up for the whacky key layout...almost.

xsphat · « **Reply #49 on:** Mon, 30 June 2008, 12:31:12 »

I'm glad you like the white Alps iMav, I figured you would.

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Author Topic: macally mk96's, apparently, grow on trees (Read 11727 times)