Cool stuff on Alibaba

[trillobite]

I don't know where you guys find your custom keyboard components, but I was browsing through Alibaba while my tea was brewing, and found some interesting stuff. Some of them would be great deals if there was some kind of group buy going on. 

MX - compatible blue switch (knockoff)
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/2015-keyboard-switch-for-pos-keyboard_60209712721.html

MX - compatible Greetech switch (knockoff)
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ZING-EAR-push-button-switch-key_60091415574.html

MX - compatible metal keycaps
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/metal-keycaps-for-mechanical-keyboards_60099995088.html

MX - compatible Zinc Alloy key set
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Metal-mechanical-silver-color-keycap-for_1993418156.html

ALPS - compatible key switch (knockoff)
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/PBS-101-keyboard-push-button-switch_577183093.html

Currently, I am price hunting components for my own keyboard build. My goal is to keep the cost down as much as possible, but the way things look, maybe I will have to buy components in bulk and sell the rest on ebay.

Where do you guys source your components?

I may update this post later if I find more, so feel free to check back later.

[hwood34]

Someone has an IC going for Greetech switches here if you're interested. I don't know if I'm crazy but that zinc cap set looks just a bit different from the ones I always see pop up (font looks a tiny bit off).

[Blaise170]

I'm interested in the Alps clones if anyone else is.

[trillobite]

I'm interested in the Alps clones if anyone else is.

I understand that I do not have the reputation yet in order to host a group-buy, so if anyone is interested in being a host, feel free.

Although... I am becoming more and more tempted to invest some of my savings in order to start a small ebay store, selling hard to find keyboard components. This would help me in my ability to produce my own custom equipment 

[Blaise170]

For 200 of the Alps clones it is $0.18/switch. I'd imagine that much larger orders will be significantly cheaper than that.

[primered6]

Am interested in the alps clones too though this is not strictly restricted to Alibaba, I found the same item on Aliexpress too.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/PBS-101-keyboard-push-button-switch-for-counter-computer-machine/615837921.html

and on Taobao:
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.205.Wr7KFe&id=42873195937&ns=1&abbucket=6#detail

I which case am wondering if anyone could act as a proxy.

Though I am kinda tempted to try these out. just wondering if anyone else would be interested in my findings if I did decide to get some.

[Blaise170]

So the cheapest I've seen on them is $0.09/switch for at least 6000. If people wanted to join, we'd need at least 55-60 people getting 100-110 switches. I'm sure we can start an interest check in the applicable subforum though. 

[GL1TCH3D]

So the cheapest I've seen on them is $0.09/switch for at least 6000. If people wanted to join, we'd need at least 55-60 people getting 100-110 switches. I'm sure we can start an interest check in the applicable subforum though. 

That's like $9 for 100 fake alps switches. Can't hurt ;P

I'd be in

[primered6]

So the cheapest I've seen on them is $0.09/switch for at least 6000. If people wanted to join, we'd need at least 55-60 people getting 100-110 switches. I'm sure we can start an interest check in the applicable subforum though. 

That's like $9 for 100 fake alps switches. Can't hurt ;P

I'd be in

Same

[nubbinator]

I think those are the fake Alps I had.  They're not really all that great.  Good if you just want something cheap to mess around with, but they're kind of cheap.

[Blaise170]

I think those are the fake Alps I had.  They're not really all that great.  Good if you just want something cheap to mess around with, but they're kind of cheap.

They'd be good for the electrical projects I do when I need a momentary switch. Do you know what type these are (tactile, linear, clicky)?

[nubbinator]

I believe clicky.

[trillobite]

I think those are the fake Alps I had.  They're not really all that great.  Good if you just want something cheap to mess around with, but they're kind of cheap.

Well, I guess cheap quality for a cheap price... Do they at least feel nice, especially to someone who is used to rubber-domes?