Apple 658-4081 (IIGS keyboard) + M3501 (AEK II) starting at $21 shipped

[jacobolus]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301110774164

Not in the best shape, but could be a good deal for someone.

The IIGS keyboard has dye-subbed PBT caps and orange Alps switches (“monterey” white), and the AEK II has thick dye-subbed PBT caps and dampened tactile cream/ivory Alps switches.

** Edited for correctness.

[dante]

You need to make sure when buying a A9M0330 that you see a picture of it on the back.  Some sellers lump that model # in the description for compatibility purposes - not because that's what it is.

The SMK White Alps in these boards are absolutely fantastic.  They are quiet and fall somewhere between browns and clears - leaning more towards clears.  Super smooth!

The locking mechanism in the capslock doesn't age very well from the samples I've examined.  But that may not matter to you.

Plus this board is lower profile which makes it more comfortable to type on.

[jacobolus]

The one pictured is clearly the Made in Taiwan version with dye-subbed PBT caps and SMK alps-mount switches. You can tell by the yellowing of case + spacebar but not other keycaps.

Edit: Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention there. You’re absolutely right. The one w/ dye-subbed PBT caps is the Made in Japan version with orange Alps switches.

Eep!

[remdell]

The one pictured is clearly the Made in Taiwan version with dye-subbed PBT caps and SMK alps-mount switches. You can tell by the yellowing of case + spacebar but not other keycaps.

Quite the opposite.  I own three Apple IIGS boards (one orange and two SMK ALPs).  The one pictured is made in Japan and has PBT dye subs with orange ALPs.  For the IIGS board to be SMK ALPs, it must discolor consistently (that includes spacebar), have double shots, have the A9M0330 serial number, and be made in Taiwan.


edit: doubleshot to dyesub

[jacobolus]

Ah, crap! I got it backwards, sorry!

You’re right. This keyboard is the 658-4081 Made in Japan version. Note, it’s dye-subbed PBT caps, and orange Alps switches.

The A9M0330 is the Made in Taiwan version, with double-shot ABS caps and white SMK switches.

The one pictured is made in Japan and has double shot key caps with orange ALPs.

You’re right, except for the double shot part. These are dye-subbed PBT.

[remdell]

Ah, crap! I got it backwards, sorry!

You’re right. This keyboard is the 658-4081 Made in Japan version. Note, it’s dye-subbed PBT caps, and orange Alps switches.

The A9M0330 is the Made in Taiwan version, with double-shot ABS caps and white SMK switches.

The one pictured is made in Japan and has double shot key caps with orange ALPs.

You’re right, except for the double shot part. These are dye-subbed PBT.

Woops, yeah that's right.  It's easy to mix up the qualities when responding fast.