Author Topic: Possible ALPS trackball 'boards (Read 8389 times)

PRISONER 24601 · « **on:** Sat, 26 December 2009, 03:12:39 »

Linky

Anyone know anything about this keybaord?

it's from these guys

who make this

which looks exactly the same, and appears to have comp. white alps copies

Anyway, it looks really cool doesn't it?

I'm just hoping it's not ADB. The guy says Ps/2 but they look pretty much the same. I'm buying one because it looks :plane:

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 26 December 2009, 15:14:41 »

nothing? must be a piece of crap, then.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 26 December 2009, 16:57:14 »

The (2001) website's given price for those datadesk boards is pretty across-the-board. Since there's no real drop in price, I'd guess that the kid's keyboards use the same switches as the others. Seems that their later models use cherry switches. Hopefully I got one of those! frankly, i'm surprised that more people on GH don't have this keyboard.

J888www · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 26 December 2009, 17:51:58 »

Due to the size of the Keyboard, 30% smaller, it is not suitable for everyday usage for an adult. The TK3000 from KBDmania seems to be made with full size key switches whereas the LF2000 is for children, so logically, the TK3000 would be produced with premium switches. Secondly, it also seems too good to be true, White ALPS for $8. Hope I'm proved wrong, that the LF2000 are also produced with premium switches.
I nearly purchased all 3 of the Alps Alps MC-101 at 14:26:01 GMT, then decided only just one kbd and the Wang 724 from the same seller. So I'll also wait for more info. Many times bitten, many times shy.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 26 December 2009, 18:24:19 »

For the greater good.

30% smaller would be tolerable, not much different than than your average 8-10" netbook. If it's got white alps, it could be really nice.

It's pretty small actually

but the layout seems alright

and it's adb/ps2 switchable, which is awesome.

the company also supposedly makes this..awesome... ergo board.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 05:53:30 »

I really hope it's not too small for my hamhocks, they need room to play. Maybe it will kick ass and i''ll get used to it like qwerty cell phones.

chimera15 · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 07:04:15 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;145527

I really hope it's not too small for my hamhocks, they need room to play. Maybe it will kick ass and i''ll get used to it like qwerty cell phones.

Did you buy one and are waiting for it? Looks really cool, especially if you can cut the trackball off. lol

ricercar · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 11:05:37 »

I pulled the trigger on one. Couldn't resist.

chimera15 · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 11:32:36 »

Quote from: kishy;145594

Aha, you see, I sent an email.

Doesn't ship to Canada as it's currently set up so I had to ask. While asking that I also asked "if there is a well-defined click when pressing a key". That should be enough to figure out if they're white Alps.

OH and whoever wants to cut the trackball off...you're a heretic. The trackball is what makes this appealing.

I doubt it'll be as good as my trackball explorer. lol I don't see the point of having a trackball on a keyboard, it's pretty dumb. They always suck. However, the keyboard by itself, without that board would be a nice hhk alternative.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 14:12:15 »

Please people don't go ordering this keyboard without confirmation that it's mechanical! I don't wanna be public enemy #1 when 20 people receive their itty bitty kid's rubber dome keyboard expecting ALPS in the mail! lol.

Looks like ricercar decided to go for it though! Don't be upset at me when you get domes in the mail please. Be upset at Datadesk for having a ****ty website with zero technical specs for this board.

With the size, I don't know if you could even fit mechanical switches in the thing. I'm staying optimistic for the time being, but I'm not getting my hopes too far up.

It should be noted that ALL of their boards list this on their technical specifications page:

*Full-travel, tactile, gold-plated mechanical switches
*Rated at 50 million cycles
*Operating force: momentary, 70- 25g
*Switch travel: 3.5 - 0.5mm

Except of course, for the LittleFingers (love the name) which has no technical specs whatsoever. They also run around $90, same as the others, and typical for a midrange mechanical keyboard. It would be blasphemous to sell a $90 rubber dome.

ricercar · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 14:53:09 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;145646

Looks like ricercar decided to go for it though! Don't be upset at me when you get domes in the mail please.

Nah, if it's not mechanical, it's going to my daughter's school.

This'll be the last board I buy for a while. I've been found out. Someone checked my recent transactions and it wasn't pretty.

Is that your space bar or are you happy to see me?

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 14:58:49 »

Quote from: ricercar;145668

Nah, if it's not mechanical, it's going to my daughter's school.

This'll be the last board I buy for a while. I've been found out. Someone checked my recent transactions and it wasn't pretty.

[IMG]http://www.everyjoe.com/files/130/2008/05/beauty_geek3.jpg[/MG]

Is that your space bar or are you happy to see me?

that's why you never let the woman see the finances. If it was up to her, all the money would be spent on shoes! And she can only wear one pair at once! Now that's a waste of money!

ch_123 · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 27 December 2009, 15:05:13 »

This is why I intend to finish my collection while Im still young and single...

And hopefully whoever has the misfortune of marrying me won't end up like my Selectric-disposing mother...

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 10:21:24 »

Quote from: kishy;145905

Well...I don't have good news. At first glance it looks like this ebay seller is [strike]equally as bad if not worse than Brian[/strike] a bit rusty with his response-crafting skills.

I'm going to try something new and attempt to get clarification before I lose it.

what did you ask him?

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 10:43:47 »

Quote from: kishy;145914

I had asked him a) if he'd ship to my postal code, b) what it would cost and then in its own special paragraph c) "if the keys made a well-defined click when pressed".

I only got 1/3 back - yes, ships to Canada, wanted to know quantity I wanted. I then explained in my next reply a summarized version of what an Alps switch (essentially: keyswitch that clicks) is and that I would be interested in one of the keyboards if it has them, but none if it doesn't. I had also mentioned that I'm not the only person wanting to hear what kind of switch it has so hopefully I'll have some useful info for you guys soon.

Wow, that's funny. I didn't ask him anything about the switches until just 5 minutes ago.

timw4mail · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 10:47:33 »

I had the old ADB Mac version of these at one point...I never had the curiosity to see which kind of switch it was, but it was probably an ALPS keyboard. I wish I had the foresight to hold on to it...

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 10:52:59 »

Quote from: timw4mail;145922

I had the old ADB Mac version of these at one point...I never had the curiosity to see which kind of switch it was, but it was probably an ALPS keyboard. I wish I had the foresight to hold on to it...

Older? I thought this was the first model here, the LF-2000. It should be Ps2/ADB switchable, unless you're talking about the same model, ADB only verison.

Once again, it's hard to find any info on this at all! Thanks for the bumping in favor of ALPS. I really don't want to get let down with another keyboard that I think is mechanical, like that two-face doublecrossin' peerless keyboard.

timw4mail · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 10:54:28 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;145925

Older? I thought this was the first model here, the LF-2000. It should be Ps2/ADB switchable, unless you're talking about the same model, ADB only verison.

Once again, it's hard to find any info on this at all! Thanks for the bumping in favor of ALPS. I really don't want to get let down with another keyboard that I think is mechanical, like that two-face doublecrossin' peerless keyboard.

The one I had was the ADB-only Lil' Big Board, which, with the exception of the trackball, is just like the one being sold.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 11:00:17 »

Quote from: timw4mail;145926

The one I had was the ADB-only Lil' Big Board, which, with the exception of the trackball, is just like the one being sold.

ahhhh thanks. Are they both 15" wide then? I initially thought the lil'bigboard was a trackball-less trackboard, and that the lilfingers was smaller (12.5") version of them both. I'm still reassured by the price thing.

timw4mail · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 11:10:22 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;145928

ahhhh thanks. Are they both 15" wide then? I initially thought the lil'bigboard was a trackball-less trackboard, and that the lilfingers was smaller (12.5") version of them both. I'm still reassured by the price thing.

I couldn't tell you, as I don't have the keyboard any more.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 12:03:06 »

Quote from: ripster;145608

At least the kids keyboard has the trackball in the right place. The M5-2 location is really out of the way. Always looked uncomfortable to me.

The tracking ball is more comfortable than you'd think. I operate the ball with my thumb and use the buttons on the back.

didjamatic · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 15:40:16 »

Quote from: kishy;145992

Hmm...Kishy is disappoint.

Shipping is 24.50 on a 4lb package.
6lb M13 can ship for 18 dollars...sense is not make.

PayPal will frequently only let you ship via more expensive methods, must be an agreement with couriers. If you do your own shipping labels or go wait in line at the post office you can ship out cheaper. Since I'm not willing to wait in line I usually ship the easy way which is more expensive. If they can ship first class it will be cheaper.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 15:49:22 »

Stop the presses!
It's a membrane

sorry ricercar

itlnstln · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 16:29:04 »

I would be suprised if this is a rubber dome. Datahand, from what I understand, only uses ALPS-compatible switches.

ricercar · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 20:59:12 »

well, if it is membrane, then my kid wins.

chimera15 · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 21:07:59 »

So which is it? pics?

ricercar · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 29 December 2009, 01:28:58 »

I don't even have a tracking number yet.

J888www · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 29 December 2009, 05:26:37 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;146001

Stop the presses!
It's a membrane

We all ask questions here because we're interested. Ppl should make due considerations before pressing the BUTTON, so they should not be upset, they have no one else to blame and you have no need to feel bad.
Mistakes and procreation are what Life is about, lessons to be learned. Contrary to popular belief, Life is not the number 42.

spolia optima · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 12:26:25 »

Got the thing in the mail yesterday. It's horrible.. the esc key is stuck because of poor packaging, and the keys are WAY too small for adult males to use.

spolia optima · « **Reply #29 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 13:05:08 »

lemee check

spolia optima · « **Reply #30 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 13:27:33 »

Oh, it's rubber dome alright. Fortunately, it's a sealed type w/slider. Pretty decent key feel for what it's worth. Oh, and the keycaps are clearly ALPS compatible... though I doubt that many of us are interested in little tykes keycaps.

At the very least, it's an interesting keyboard. It comes with both a detachable ADB cable, and a detachable PS/2 cable. I still haven't plugged it in or anything (why would i, the esc key is broken)

Now I'm just wondering if the ADB/PS2 adapter (controller?) is hackable... maybe I can use some of the internals to enable PS/2 on my ADB keyboards? it would be a cheap alternative to the iMate, but I doubt that it could be done. I don't know much about that stuff.

Still, it's a really well-built little keyboard. INCREDIBLY well-built. it's totally solid feeling and heavy (probably metal plate), and the plastics used seem to be of the highest quality. I just wish the keys were big enough for my grownup man-hands

spolia optima · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 13:39:42 »

Yeah, it's kinda disappointing. Good thing it was dirt cheap

I still like it for the kitsch factor. It's a silly little thing, aint it?

I can probably send you an ADB cable... but probably not THIS one, I need it for bartering a return

I have a whole crapload of old ADB cables somewhere around here.

spolia optima · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 14:05:39 »

Well, I didn;t ask if it was clicky, so I doubt that it would help my cause. I'm pretty ticked about the bused ESC keys though.

As for the ADB cable, I'll make sure and do that, kishy

I've got a yarn-ball of ADB cables in one of these boxes... I'll PM you when I find one.

ricercar · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 14:56:26 »

Quote from: spolia optima;148201

I've got a yarn-ball of ADB cables in one of these boxes... I'll PM you when I find one.

Ancient Apple Secret: ADB cables are SVideo cables. Same connector. Save postage, kishy, and visit a video store.

ricercar · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 18:22:13 »

Quote from: ripster;145987

I always let Ricercar go first.

You are wise, lego sensei

Quote from: spolia optima;148151

Got the thing in the mail yesterday. It's horrible.. the esc key is stuck because of poor packaging, and the keys are WAY too small for adult males to use.

QFT. My escape key appears to have no spring. If this is a dome, then it very well may be permanently depressed, on.

Feeding time at ricercar zoo. Unboxing day, Photos at 11.

ricercar · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 19:07:35 »

What have we here? Is this my ADB keyboard?

Looks bad folks.

Quote from: spoila optima

the esc key is stuck because of poor packaging

I'm in full agreement. Datadesk's styrofoam holders depress the ESC key from the day it's boxed until the day it's opened. I wonder how many years it takes to deform a rubber dome.

Surprise-surprise! Electrically, the key is NOT depressed. It's actually easier to use than the Z key on my Cherry MX SPOS.

Wowsa it's small. Here's a normal sized Cherry cap for comparison.

Time to contact the seller on eBay for a refund.

spoila optima, have you already made your complaint?

ricercar · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 05 January 2010, 19:20:55 »

Yes, I can pull up on the ESC key to bring it in line with the other keys' at-rest position. A small spring inside the keyswitch hollow might fix it for a duration. Currently there is marginal travel in the ESC key mechanism. It's almost fully depressed making it difficult to know when it makes contact, but there's definitely enough springiness to return the key every time to the no contact position.

Key cap appears to be ALPS compatible

Unfortunately the key is physically too small to work on my complicated white ALPS. While the keycap attachment nubby point mates properly with ALPS, the keycap collar doesn't clear the body of the switch. The following image shows the width of the key cap compared to the ALPS complicated white switch body on my Northgate Omnikey 102.

And here we see how appropriate the keyboard is for the younguns.

With a PS/2 to USB adapter, there was one key rollover. Yes, folks, one key held down suppresses the reading of another key. Also the trackball didn't work on the USB adapter. I'll have to reboot to try it on a PS/2 mouse port.

ricercar · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 00:43:45 »

Double post: Contacted seller and asked for a refund of the keyboard and I'll eat shipping. Gave seller the URL of this thread. I'm looking forward to the answer.

spoila optima, have you written the seller yet?

ricercar · « **Reply #38 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 02:06:06 »

The trackball works as a PS/2 pointing device (mouse).

The "PC keyboard out" port is a proprietary port to merge PS/2 mouse and keyboard on one connector. The custom cable is indeed a splitter, plugs into this port with the other end delivering separate PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard connectors.

I haven't tested this on an ADB Macintosh yet.

spolia optima · « **Reply #39 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 02:38:29 »

Got a refund just now. I'm surprised that those caps won't even fit over alps switches. such poetic irony. Maybe. I'm still impressed with the build quality, though. This thing is held together with about 500 tiny screws. It does indeed have a thin steel plate, and the rubber domes are very springy and "tactile". If this were a $25 rubber dome, I'd be VERY impressed. Oh, it could also be about 35% bigger.

ricercar · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 11:13:12 »

Pleased to report I got the refund I asked for, also, before I woke up this AM. I'm leaving positive feedback for this transaction. I think the seller was VERY fast to refund, no questions asked.

I do wish the keyboard had arrived fully-functional, though.

spolia optima · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 13:33:56 »

Quote from: ricercar;148477

Pleased to report I got the refund I asked for, also, before I woke up this AM. I'm leaving positive feedback for this transaction. I think the seller was VERY fast to refund, no questions asked.

I do wish the keyboard had arrived fully-functional, though.

I agree. It was fast. I kinda feel bad about it, like I'm robbing someone. I'm not used to ever getting a refund for any defective product without a fight.

spolia optima · « **Reply #42 on:** Wed, 06 January 2010, 14:39:18 »

Quote from: ripster;148536

That Ebay seller is a wimp.

I NEVER give Ebay refunds. It's a jungle out there.

If you want to ship an item back to me, you have to pay double shipping- plus a handling fee because your disgusting mitts touched my product. that, and you get no refund.

ricercar · « **Reply #43 on:** Fri, 26 March 2010, 19:45:49 »

Quote

the esc key is stuck because of poor packaging

Good news: My ESC key has assumed the proper at-rest position after 60 days. If you bought one of these, you may wish to leave it unpackaged for two months.

PS - PM Me if you have one of these and don't want to keep it. I'd pay postage to have matching keyboards on both Macintoshes donated to my Daughter's special ed class.

News:

Author Topic: Possible ALPS trackball 'boards (Read 8389 times)