Just Finished! Alps SKCM Brown Winkeyless TKL on a Budget!

m_raggie

09 Aug 2021, 04:43

So the quest for Alps Winkeyless TKL parts had proved too costly or too obscure than originally anticipated so I got creative with the parts I could find.

My plan to create a Winkeyless TKL with Brown Alps (for at least the Alphas and Modifiers) with SGI Granite keycaps began..

Parts used were:
SKCM Browns
SKCM Oranges (since I had a limited amount of Brown and also love Orange Alps)
XD87 PCB
XD87 Plastic Case
Keebmeup 60% WKL FR4 Alps Plate
XD87 TKL Plate (Filed to fit Alps Switches)


First I fitted the 60% Plate, soldered the SKCM Brown switches and made sure the stabilizers were working well
step 1.jpg
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Second I cut out the 60% portion of the XD87 TKL Plate and hand filed Cherry MX openings to be just the right size for Alps switches
test fit.png
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second plate.jpg
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I really wanted to make this Winkeyless so I decided to add some home made blockers to the XD87 case
winkey 1.jpg
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winkey 2.jpg
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after winkey.jpg
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When at the store deciding what to paint the case, I saw a can of 'Granite' spray paint. So in order to compliment the SGI Granite keycaps I chose this color. Here is the finished project.
final 1.png
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final 2.png
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Go-Kart

09 Aug 2021, 05:39

Looks great! Now, make me one? :mrgreen:

I'd love to hear a typing test.

m_raggie

09 Aug 2021, 05:47

Go-Kart wrote:
09 Aug 2021, 05:39
Looks great! Now, make me one? :mrgreen:

I'd love to hear a typing test.
When I get a chance I'll take one for you 8-)

jason

09 Aug 2021, 07:58

looks freaking amazing keycaps are solid choice

m_raggie

09 Aug 2021, 15:58

jason wrote:
09 Aug 2021, 07:58
looks freaking amazing keycaps are solid choice
thanks! The caps were what sparked the idea for this ;)

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Palatino

09 Aug 2021, 19:42

Mmm I bet it sounds as good as it looks. Great job!

inozenz

09 Aug 2021, 22:37

how much did you spend on all of these parts?

m_raggie

10 Aug 2021, 04:26

Palatino wrote:
09 Aug 2021, 19:42
Mmm I bet it sounds as good as it looks. Great job!
It does sound great, as I hoped. I believe the plastic case helps. The high dollar metal cases seems to ruin Alps sound potential.
inozenz wrote:
09 Aug 2021, 22:37
how much did you spend on all of these parts?
XD87 Case + PCB + Plate = $71
https://kprepublic.com/products/xd87-xd ... 6717488172

Alps 60% Plate = $15-20
https://keebmeup.com/index.php?id_categ ... r=category

Then supply the Alps switch of your choosing. Brown Alps are quite expensive at least $200+ for the 60% portion.

SGI Granite Keycaps were plucked from another keyboard I had. I would guess they are priced around $100? Dell AT101 caps would also have worked well and I believe they are more affordable.

inozenz

10 Aug 2021, 09:38

Thanks for the insight, except for the switches it really is a budged Alps board ♥️ love it!

User avatar
andreas

10 Aug 2021, 10:45

Great project, thank you for sharing this.

Enjoy :D

m_raggie

10 Aug 2021, 16:56

Go-Kart wrote:
09 Aug 2021, 05:39
Looks great! Now, make me one? :mrgreen:

I'd love to hear a typing test.
I made a half-assed sound test. You get the idea :lol:

User avatar
KeebMeUp

10 Aug 2021, 17:41

glad to hear you're enjoying the FR4 plate!! awesome build!!

m_raggie

10 Aug 2021, 18:41

KeebMeUp wrote:
10 Aug 2021, 17:41
glad to hear you're enjoying the FR4 plate!! awesome build!!
I would highly recommend the plate to anyone interested, thank you for producing it!

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ppCircle

12 Aug 2021, 23:07

My build in cartboard case :D

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Palatino

12 Aug 2021, 23:27

Mmm that sounds good even on my tinny little phone speaker.

m_raggie

13 Aug 2021, 03:50

ppCircle wrote:
12 Aug 2021, 23:07
My build in cartboard case :D

Your spacebar sounds better than mine, in my opinion. Any particular tweaking you did to it?

I opted to remove the spacebar's barrel on the PCB maybe I should try installing it again.

Dyto69

13 Aug 2021, 08:58

That's an awesome Project, i love the DIY WKL Blocker and the Granite Paint color for the Case. I love how it sounds too

Easy_Spinach

13 Aug 2021, 17:49

KeebMeUp wrote:
10 Aug 2021, 17:41
glad to hear you're enjoying the FR4 plate!! awesome build!!
hey dingus

User avatar
KeebMeUp

14 Aug 2021, 03:47

Easy_Spinach wrote:
13 Aug 2021, 17:49
hey dingus
are you done crying yet dingus

also... what is best keeb (asking for a friend)

User avatar
ppCircle

15 Aug 2021, 00:45

Your spacebar sounds better than mine, in my opinion. Any particular tweaking you did to it?
I simply peeled the foams from the plate, they were damaged.

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KeebMeUp

02 Sep 2021, 18:12

Easy_Spinach wrote:
02 Sep 2021, 09:58
i apologize for being a cock juggling thundercunt. please unban me from your discord server.
took long enough! :lol:

User avatar
Scarpia

03 Sep 2021, 19:48

Congrats on the build, you are a gentleman of great taste!

Easy_Spinach

04 Sep 2021, 17:52

KeebMeUp wrote:
02 Sep 2021, 18:12
Easy_Spinach wrote:
02 Sep 2021, 09:58
topi obviously, duh. Unban fricked and me already you cock juggling thundercunt. smh
Yeah took me long enough to do it! Sorry :lol:
yes

juggling_eggs

20 Sep 2021, 01:12

How did you make the blockers? Material, mold, etc. I would love to make some for a tkl as well.

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