Alps Appreciation
- Polecat
- Location: Downstream from Silicon Valley
- Main keyboard: Monterey K104 Industrial Gray
- Main mouse: Logitech Optical
- Favorite switch: Early Alps SKCM
- DT Pro Member: -
Try a trophy shop or a dash plaque supplier for car shows. Back in the '80s we had some dash plaques made up for car events by a local trophy shop. Any size you wanted, not expensive, and small quantities were not a problem.
- Polecat
- Location: Downstream from Silicon Valley
- Main keyboard: Monterey K104 Industrial Gray
- Main mouse: Logitech Optical
- Favorite switch: Early Alps SKCM
- DT Pro Member: -
If you're still running the original internal controller dipswitch 5 swaps the caps lock and control keys. Northgate originally supplied extra caps with the alternate legends to match the switch settings.ZedTheMan wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 04:38Thanks for the kind words, both of you. This thing is awesome now that it's finally put together. I agree, the blue LEDs really work well. I tried quite a few different resistors to find the right light level I wanted from them, I found them to be ideal with a 100kOhm resistor.//gainsborough wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 04:30Awwwwww yeah!!!!! That looks great, dude!!!! Agreed with snacks, the blue LEDs are pretty cool!
I've still got a few oddities with the firmware, such as any key with caps lock assigned to it outputting the signal for control, and the scroll lock light not turning on, but for now, I'm happy with it. Once I can get a gold badge or replicate one, I'll probably write up a review.
- ZedTheMan
- Location: Central US
- Main keyboard: IModel F77/IBM 3101/Omnikey 102/96Kee
- Main mouse: Logitech G430/Logitech M570/Kensington Expert
- Favorite switch: Beamsprings. Alps SKCM Blue, Capacitive Buckling S
- DT Pro Member: 0219
I'm running a Blackheart PCB, so I've got that lovely QMK programmability. It's really weird. No matter where I assign KC_CAPS on the matrix, pressing that key outputs control. The control keycodes work as expected. I have no idea why it does this. Maybe I should try a not-homemade-cable.Polecat wrote: ↑26 Apr 2019, 06:08If you're still running the original internal controller dipswitch 5 swaps the caps lock and control keys. Northgate originally supplied extra caps with the alternate legends to match the switch settings.ZedTheMan wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 04:38Thanks for the kind words, both of you. This thing is awesome now that it's finally put together. I agree, the blue LEDs really work well. I tried quite a few different resistors to find the right light level I wanted from them, I found them to be ideal with a 100kOhm resistor.//gainsborough wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 04:30Awwwwww yeah!!!!! That looks great, dude!!!! Agreed with snacks, the blue LEDs are pretty cool!
I've still got a few oddities with the firmware, such as any key with caps lock assigned to it outputting the signal for control, and the scroll lock light not turning on, but for now, I'm happy with it. Once I can get a gold badge or replicate one, I'll probably write up a review.
As for the suggestion on the replacement badge stuff, thanks for the lead, I'll have to look into it!
- ZedTheMan
- Location: Central US
- Main keyboard: IModel F77/IBM 3101/Omnikey 102/96Kee
- Main mouse: Logitech G430/Logitech M570/Kensington Expert
- Favorite switch: Beamsprings. Alps SKCM Blue, Capacitive Buckling S
- DT Pro Member: 0219
- ZedTheMan
- Location: Central US
- Main keyboard: IModel F77/IBM 3101/Omnikey 102/96Kee
- Main mouse: Logitech G430/Logitech M570/Kensington Expert
- Favorite switch: Beamsprings. Alps SKCM Blue, Capacitive Buckling S
- DT Pro Member: 0219
No such thing done by me.
This is a keyboard exclusive issue.
If anyone else has a Blackheart Omnikey, are you willing to try my firmware to see if something is up?
- abrahamstechnology
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Laser with SMK Cherry mount
- Main mouse: Mitsumi ECM-S3902
- Favorite switch: Alps and Alps clones
- DT Pro Member: 0212
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/NdCf4vB.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/YTYbvZK.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/R7ee0Gd.jpg)
-
- Location: US
- Main keyboard: Omnikey 102 Blackheart
- Main mouse: Kensington Expert Mouse
- Favorite switch: White Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0174
ZedTheMan wrote: ↑26 Apr 2019, 21:42
I'm running a Blackheart PCB, so I've got that lovely QMK programmability. It's really weird. No matter where I assign KC_CAPS on the matrix, pressing that key outputs control. The control keycodes work as expected. I have no idea why it does this. Maybe I should try a not-homemade-cable.
As for the suggestion on the replacement badge stuff, thanks for the lead, I'll have to look into it!
I use Soarer's firmware on my Blackheart. You could try that to contrast them.
-
- Location: Singapore
- Main keyboard: Realforce R2
- Main mouse: G502 Hero
- Favorite switch: 55g Topre
- DT Pro Member: No
Nice find! What do you plan on doing with those?
- abrahamstechnology
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Laser with SMK Cherry mount
- Main mouse: Mitsumi ECM-S3902
- Favorite switch: Alps and Alps clones
- DT Pro Member: 0212
- //gainsborough
- ALPSの日常
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: some kind of alps keyboard
- Favorite switch: clk: SKCM blue, lin: SKCL cream, tac: SKCM cream
- DT Pro Member: 0188
- Drclick
- Location: China
- Main keyboard: HHKB
- Main mouse: logi anywhere 2s
- Favorite switch: Brwon
- DT Pro Member: -
I used FR-4 plate so it's pingless and I'm working on adding a solenoid or buzzer.
Switches are NOS from TaoBao, alpha keys feel great but I still need to lube multi wide keys to make them better.
Last edited by Drclick on 27 Apr 2019, 13:36, edited 1 time in total.
- scottc
- ☃
- Location: Remote locations in Europe
- Main keyboard: GH60-HASRO 62g Nixies, HHKB Pro1 HS, Novatouch
- Main mouse: Steelseries Rival 300
- Favorite switch: Nixdorf 'Soft Touch' MX Black
- DT Pro Member: -
- scottc
- ☃
- Location: Remote locations in Europe
- Main keyboard: GH60-HASRO 62g Nixies, HHKB Pro1 HS, Novatouch
- Main mouse: Steelseries Rival 300
- Favorite switch: Nixdorf 'Soft Touch' MX Black
- DT Pro Member: -
- zrrion
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: F122
- Main mouse: Microsoft IntelliMouse
- Favorite switch: ALPS SKCC Cream
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
I really like the look of thew board! If you do end up doing a GB you can count me in for one. Support 1.5, 1, 1.5 on the right of the spacebar would be cool too.
-
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Main keyboard: HasuAlps 60% Build with SKCM Orange Alps
- Main mouse: Lenovo N50
- Favorite switch: Orange Alps, Zealios 67g
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
holy SHIT man! that thing is GORGEOUS! That's only the second SKCC green / pingmaster board I've seen so far, and its even more impressive than the first! I echo everyone elses response here. Definitely interested in a group buy for the plate and pcb. also, do you notice much of a difference between NOS from tao vs the NOS switches in the pingmaster?
-
- Location: Singapore
- Main keyboard: Realforce R2
- Main mouse: G502 Hero
- Favorite switch: 55g Topre
- DT Pro Member: No
Made some Alps wallpapers for your viewing pleasure.
https://imgur.com/gallery/4i2aSMd
Edit: Forgot to link the source images:
https://kbwiki.ai03.me/uploads/images/g ... 699886.png
https://kbwiki.ai03.me/uploads/images/g ... 740319.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... go.svg.png
Edit2:
Older Logo versions as per u/Spooknik's request on reddit: https://imgur.com/gallery/YyXFPdJ
https://imgur.com/gallery/4i2aSMd
Edit: Forgot to link the source images:
https://kbwiki.ai03.me/uploads/images/g ... 699886.png
https://kbwiki.ai03.me/uploads/images/g ... 740319.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... go.svg.png
Edit2:
Older Logo versions as per u/Spooknik's request on reddit: https://imgur.com/gallery/YyXFPdJ
- StrangerInTheAlps
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Realforce RGB
- Main mouse: Nixeus Revel
- Favorite switch: Topre
Hey everyone,
I got an AEKII (M3501) keyboard with white damped Alps a few months ago and just recently got around to getting a converter/S-video cable and finally testing it (one dead key, but otherwise working well, though the board and keycaps are a little dirty). My first experience with Alps, besides a very dirty pine black keyboard that I will clean later, and a loose orange switch that I really love the feel of and absentmindedly fidget with from time to time. I would have preferred to get an orange Alps board, but pricing and availability weren't in my favor during the time period I was checking.
The damped white Alps switches feel nice, though I wouldn't mind if they were slightly louder (undamped) and very slightly lighter. I'm considering desoldering, cleaning, and transplanting the switches into a new build and was wondering how new click leaves from a Matias would compare, or if I should just consider click modding. Also, where would SPRiT 40cN springs put the switches at in weighting/feel? Closer to blue or other SKCM? Thanks!
I got an AEKII (M3501) keyboard with white damped Alps a few months ago and just recently got around to getting a converter/S-video cable and finally testing it (one dead key, but otherwise working well, though the board and keycaps are a little dirty). My first experience with Alps, besides a very dirty pine black keyboard that I will clean later, and a loose orange switch that I really love the feel of and absentmindedly fidget with from time to time. I would have preferred to get an orange Alps board, but pricing and availability weren't in my favor during the time period I was checking.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
The damped white Alps switches feel nice, though I wouldn't mind if they were slightly louder (undamped) and very slightly lighter. I'm considering desoldering, cleaning, and transplanting the switches into a new build and was wondering how new click leaves from a Matias would compare, or if I should just consider click modding. Also, where would SPRiT 40cN springs put the switches at in weighting/feel? Closer to blue or other SKCM? Thanks!
- swampangel
- Location: Canada
- Main keyboard: Northgate Omnikey 101
- DT Pro Member: -
To me, click-modding (/replacing with a click leaf) makes the switches feel a bit lighter anyway, since the hooks on the leaf move out of the way with slightly less resistance. So you might start there and see how you feel.StrangerInTheAlps wrote: ↑05 May 2019, 07:05The damped white Alps switches feel nice, though I wouldn't mind if they were slightly louder (undamped) and very slightly lighter. I'm considering desoldering, cleaning, and transplanting the switches into a new build and was wondering how new click leaves from a Matias would compare, or if I should just consider click modding. Also, where would SPRiT 40cN springs put the switches at in weighting/feel? Closer to blue or other SKCM? Thanks!
- StrangerInTheAlps
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Realforce RGB
- Main mouse: Nixeus Revel
- Favorite switch: Topre
Thanks! I hadn't considered that.swampangel wrote: ↑05 May 2019, 15:52To me, click-modding (/replacing with a click leaf) makes the switches feel a bit lighter anyway, since the hooks on the leaf move out of the way with slightly less resistance. So you might start there and see how you feel.
- fohat
- Elder Messenger
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
- Main keyboard: Model F 122-key terminal
- Main mouse: Microsoft Optical Mouse
- Favorite switch: Model F Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: 0158
It has been at least a couple of years since I found an excellent keyboard for a cheap price in the wild, but today I got an absolutely pristine AEK2 in a salvage shop for $3.99
This one is utterly immaculate and not yellowed at all whatsoever, a later model with dampened whites instead of creams.
It is exquisite to type on, but I had forgotten how absolutely infuriating it is to have the stupid Apple/Windows/Command keys on either side of the space bar rather than the Alts. I have mapped many favorite short cuts to Cntrl+Alt+something and having Alt in the wrong place is making me crazy.
I know that I could jump through hoops and re-map the keys, but even then then the Alts ("option") are 1.25u while the Apples ("command") are 1.5u so they won't even swap! Aarrrgghh!
cross-posted to GH
This one is utterly immaculate and not yellowed at all whatsoever, a later model with dampened whites instead of creams.
It is exquisite to type on, but I had forgotten how absolutely infuriating it is to have the stupid Apple/Windows/Command keys on either side of the space bar rather than the Alts. I have mapped many favorite short cuts to Cntrl+Alt+something and having Alt in the wrong place is making me crazy.
I know that I could jump through hoops and re-map the keys, but even then then the Alts ("option") are 1.25u while the Apples ("command") are 1.5u so they won't even swap! Aarrrgghh!
cross-posted to GH
-
- Location: Netherlands
- Main keyboard: Dell Click Mod AT101W
- Main mouse: Logitech Marble FX 2
- Favorite switch: Chicony KB with Futuba
- DT Pro Member: -
Nice, 3.99 for a AEK2. And I thought I was lucky I found a broken and dirty M0118 for 17 euro.fohat wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 23:26It has been at least a couple of years since I found an excellent keyboard for a cheap price in the wild, but today I got an absolutely pristine AEK2 in a salvage shop for $3.99
This one is utterly immaculate and not yellowed at all whatsoever, a later model with dampened whites instead of creams.
It is exquisite to type on, but I had forgotten how absolutely infuriating it is to have the stupid Apple/Windows/Command keys on either side of the space bar rather than the Alts. I have mapped many favorite short cuts to Cntrl+Alt+something and having Alt in the wrong place is making me crazy.
I know that I could jump through hoops and re-map the keys, but even then then the Alts ("option") are 1.25u while the Apples ("command") are 1.5u so they won't even swap! Aarrrgghh!
cross-posted to GH
Matias has a Windows app that swaps the Alt and Command keys, works also on Apple keyboards.
https://matias.ca/tactilepro3/support/
You can also do some keymapping with the Hasu ADB-USB firmware. I remapped the complete numpad on my M0118 as a TKL keyboard.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/ZlN5gBk.jpg)
-
- Location: United Kingdom
- Main keyboard: Monterey K102 White Alps
- Main mouse: Corsair sabre RGB optical
- Favorite switch: SMK 2nd Gen
- DT Pro Member: -
Zenith Z-150 work in progress. First time typing on SKCL greens (first SKCL board) and I already know I'm gonna love it once it's been cleaned and lubed. When it is time to assemble, I'm not sure if I hand wire it rather than re-using the PCB. My only problem is my PC refuses to make a hex file without errors (problems with the compiler) so I might go with the PCB although it was being quite temperamental when I tested it.
- swampangel
- Location: Canada
- Main keyboard: Northgate Omnikey 101
- DT Pro Member: -
Would https://kbfirmware.com/ work for you (or do you need a different architecture, etc)?