First ALPS keyboard - What should I buy?

[Inception]

So keyboard collecting is something I really wanted to get into mid last year, and I'm just now coming back to it. I've used my CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Blues for about a year now, and I have to say I have been extremely pleased. I'm not looking to replace this keyboard, I'm just looking to try new things and to have them just to have them. Which ALPS keyboard should I buy, where can I get one, and what would the price point be? What are the odds of receiving a broken ALPS keyboard/An ALPS keyboard that is barely functional or doesn't function properly? What should I look for and what should I avoid? Any pointers that can be given are appreciated. 

[CPTBadAss]

What are you looking for in Alps world? Vintage or modern? Does it have to be SKCM/SKCL or can it be Alps-mount like Matias. Because that will dramatically change things such as condition. And allay your fear of broken boards.

[Inception]

What are you looking for in Alps world? Vintage or modern? Does it have to be SKCM/SKCL or can it be Alps-mount like Matias. Because that will dramatically change things such as condition. And allay your fear of broken boards.

Yeah, I'd assumed two different ALPS switches are two entirely different beasts. Honestly I'm looking for something that'll make a good first impression, they don't have to be SKCM/SKCL, they don't have to be vintage either. Those options are still there, I'm not looking to spend lots and lots of money on this either.

[CPTBadAss]

I think you should grab a V60 with Matias Quiet Clicks (my preference) or Matias Click. It's easy to find, not too expensive (I think like $100-120), and it's a great first imrpession. 60% layout too. And if anything goes wrong, you can RMA it or return it unlike a vintage board.

I'd suggest a V60 or V80 first then if you like Alps, dive into the vintage stuff.

[Inception]

I think you should grab a V60 with Matias Quiet Clicks (my preference) or Matias Click. It's easy to find, not too expensive (I think like $100-120), and it's a great first imrpession. 60% layout too. And if anything goes wrong, you can RMA it or return it unlike a vintage board.

I'd suggest a V60 or V80 first then if you like Alps, dive into the vintage stuff.

Great, I found where I can buy one (mechanicalkeyboards.com) but I probably won't buy it for a few months, it's definitely on the list though. Any other suggestions? You seem to be the expert on these ALPS boards. I've never used a 60% before, I did consider getting one before I got my QFR, it'll be two new experiences for me!

[chyros]

I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 .

If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .

[Inception]

I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 .

If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .

I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.

[need]

Go vintage, it's much cheaper.
For the equivalent $ of entry models of modern alps you can get the best that vintage alps to offer.

Also you'll tend to lose less money or if at all when you resell it.

[Inception]

Go vintage, it's much cheaper.
For the equivalent $ of entry models of modern alps you can get the best that vintage alps to offer.

Also you'll tend to lose less money or if at all when you resell it.

At $40 as chyros mentioned I definitely couldn't go wrong by purchasing a vintage ALPS keyboard, I've not much to lose. I'll probably eventually purchase that V60 CPTBadAss mentioned but the vintage will definitely be purchased first, as $40 is much easier to throw around than $120.

[CPTBadAss]

Well the thing with vintage is, you might have to do a little more work to get it to type properly. Which is the only reason why I suggested a V60/80. Not everyone wants to clean a board up and whatever. I definitely agree vintage is much cheaper. That's the whole reason I got into Alps in the first place myself. I wanted to try out vintage boards but not pay Cherry collector prices.

[chyros]

I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 .

If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .

I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.

Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.

There's lots of white Alps boards but many came with more than one switch including clones. If you need help identifying whether a switch is real white Alps or a clone let us/me know and we should be able to identify it. Most of all though; don't cave in to the temptation to buy one that's dirty! Make sure it's really clean or they will feel like crap.

[Inception]

I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 .

If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .

I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.

Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.

There's lots of white Alps boards but many came with more than one switch including clones. If you need help identifying whether a switch is real white Alps or a clone let us/me know and we should be able to identify it. Most of all though; don't cave in to the temptation to buy one that's dirty! Make sure it's really clean or they will feel like crap.

Alright will do... On a side note I checked out your YouTube channel (You have in your signature) and dude you've got a radio voice. Gold.

[chyros]

I'd suggest a board with white Alps if you don't mind digging into some vintage material. A Chicony 5161 or Focus 2001. Both boards could come with many different switches so make sure it's actually white Alps, and make sure they're not dirty because Alps don't like dirt. Both are common and can be found for around $40 .

If you've tried nice, clean white Alps in good condition, you might just wonder what you ever saw in MX blue xD .

I actually feel like eventually I will find something I like more than the Blues, because I do feel as if some things are lacking when I type on Blues. They're too light for me and I don't like the grainy tactile feeling... I feel as if that tactility should be there just more crisp and less "grainy". Let's not turn this into a discussion of Cherry switches, but I've not tried anything beyond Blue and Red. From what I've heard Greens are much heavier than Blues, but I don't want something too much heavier. This is probably a conversation for another topic and time though, since I don't plan on replacing the QFR soon/within the year.

Seriously you're going to LOVE white Alps. They're heavier than MX blue, and the click isn't grainy like on MX blues, it's nice and snappy. And the noise is infinitely better.

There's lots of white Alps boards but many came with more than one switch including clones. If you need help identifying whether a switch is real white Alps or a clone let us/me know and we should be able to identify it. Most of all though; don't cave in to the temptation to buy one that's dirty! Make sure it's really clean or they will feel like crap.

Alright will do... On a side note I checked out your YouTube channel (You have in your signature) and dude you've got a radio voice. Gold.

Haha thanks mate, I'm actually looking to do some voice acting or narration xD .

My channel has ****tons of Alps videos by the way, including three or something on white Alps boards. Have a gander if you're interested .

[quasistellar]

Well the thing with vintage is, you might have to do a little more work to get it to type properly. Which is the only reason why I suggested a V60/80. Not everyone wants to clean a board up and whatever. I definitely agree vintage is much cheaper. That's the whole reason I got into Alps in the first place myself. I wanted to try out vintage boards but not pay Cherry collector prices.

Another reason to grab a V80/V60 is to support someone who is actually making new alps style switches. If no one buys this stuff, the ONLY way to get alps will be vintage, some day.

Then if you like it, continue down that rabbit hole and grab some vintage boards.

[Hak Foo]

There's also the Matias Tactile Pro, which is straight from the source on the switches, and pretty nice build quality, but it's a little spendy and modestly quirky (no Menu key, unusual NumLock placement)

[klennkellon]

The Matias on V80's or V60's are nice, but the real kicker is that they are the only easily available 60% or 80% ALPS PCB so you can stick any ALPS switch on it.

[need]

Well the thing with vintage is, you might have to do a little more work to get it to type properly. Which is the only reason why I suggested a V60/80. Not everyone wants to clean a board up and whatever. I definitely agree vintage is much cheaper. That's the whole reason I got into Alps in the first place myself. I wanted to try out vintage boards but not pay Cherry collector prices.

Another reason to grab a V80/V60 is to support someone who is actually making new alps style switches. If no one buys this stuff, the ONLY way to get alps will be vintage, some day.

Then if you like it, continue down that rabbit hole and grab some vintage boards.

Well I don't think everyone is as nice as you...I wouldn't shell out that much money just to support businesses that has no relation to me.

In order for me pay $150, they need to convince me with their products. Unless I'm a philanthropist...

[klennkellon]

Apple Extended Keyboards are also great, but the layout is just a little funky and you need an ADP > USB adapter.

[need]

Apple Extended Keyboards are also great, but the layout is just a little funky and you need an ADP > USB adapter.

Wrong, you need a ADB > USB adaptor.

[ander]

Personally, I think that everyone who buys an ALPS KB needs to have one of those Alpine hats with the feather:





...and a pair of lederhosen:





...and drink a lot of beer in big, sculptured mugs. Only then can you have the True Alps Experience.

(For the record, I'm not actually from Germany, but I have been collecting KBs long enough to know these basic principles.)

[need]

Personally, I think that everyone who buys an ALPS KB needs to have one of those Alpine hats with the feather:

Show Image

...and a pair of lederhosen:

Show Image

...and drink a lot of beer in big, sculptured mugs. Only then can you have the True Alps Experience.

(For the record, I'm not actually from Germany, but I have been collecting KBs long enough to know these basic principles.)

dude, you're drunk, it's time to go back home.

[klennkellon]

Apple Extended Keyboards are also great, but the layout is just a little funky and you need an ADP > USB adapter.

Wrong, you need a ADB > USB adaptor.

shh

[Magna224]

If you don't mind going to a full size keyboard again the northgate omnikey (used vintage keyboard) would probably be the best introduction. They range in price from $40-150 usually. Just find a seller on ebay that does not seem shady which has a detailed description and good pictures.

[NewbieOneKenobi]

If you don't mind burning through a coupla bucks just to get a feel of probably the most basic version of the switch, just simply get a used Dell AT keyboard. However, don't buy anything that says 'Dell AT101W' or something, as you want to check with the lists of variants at Deksthority in order to make sure you aren't buying a rubber dome (FCC ID GYUR05SK, a.k.a. AT 101R, like 'R' for 'rubber') and in order to identify the odd chance you get to buy a salmon-switch Dell keyboard (FCC ID GYI3PVAT101 or FCC ID GYIAT101-102) as opposed to the usual black switch. Try to buy something that shows on the list as positively identified to have mech switches.

I bought 10 of them for $70 once, or something. They can be cheap. Obviously cheaper on office sales (like after leasing ends and/or they upgrade their stuff) than from collectors, who will want to charge a premium for the mech switch.

This said, if you come across something that has non-black alps, costs within $30 or even $40 but is in a really good condition, especially NIB or almost NIB, then you want to buy that.

Make sure you're buying the right layout unless you really really are 100% sure you don't mind. If you aren't nitpicky, you can live with minor differences in punctuation keys, so some layouts aren't as bad as some others. But you normally want the US or the UK layout unless you actually are French, German, Swedish etc. (Except for Poles, who don't use the 'Polish layout', ever, nor is it ever sold in Poland, ever).

[chyros]

The Dell AT101W is a great first mechanical keyboard, but not the best or the most representative example of an Alps board. I'd suggest trying a white, salmon or orange board first.

[FoxWolf1]

To save money without having to deal with a used keyboard, you could start with a D07-135 (I think there are a few left), then upgrade to something better if you like the feel.