I want to get into Alps SKBM switches, what is a good way to do that?
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daemonspudguy
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Unicomp New Model M 103 Key
- Main mouse: Some RedDragon branded gaming mouse from China
- Favorite switch: IBM Buckling Spring
- Contact:
The title says it all. I've heard about Matias keyboards, but I don't use a Mac.
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ntv242ver2
- Location: London
- Main keyboard: Wy-60
- Favorite switch: Vint Black baby FIGHT ME!
matias keyboards works on window too, so I dont see why not
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daemonspudguy
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Unicomp New Model M 103 Key
- Main mouse: Some RedDragon branded gaming mouse from China
- Favorite switch: IBM Buckling Spring
- Contact:
They apparently work best on Mac. I also don't use Windows. I use Linux exclusively.
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CaesarAZealad
- Location: Boston, MA
- Main keyboard: NCR80
- Main mouse: Logitech G502 Hero
- Favorite switch: Zealios V2
I mean if you use linux then you should be used to trying to find ways to get compatibility workingdaemonspudguy wrote: 03 Apr 2022, 23:08They apparently work best on Mac. I also don't use Windows. I use Linux exclusively.
You can try buying some loose matais switches and throwing them into a cheap alps chasis
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LambdaCore
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: HHKB Professional Classic (currently in rotation)
- Main mouse: Logitech MX518
- Favorite switch: Capacitive Buckling Springs
Decided to put away my 2nd gen SMK board I've been using for my time off and pull out the matias board for this post!
I recommend seeking one out, even if you have to settle for one of the mac models, I'd recommend getting the quiet click if you already have decent clicky SKCM white alps since the quiet clicks are essentially tactiles similar to dampened cream switches, though some insist they're a bit better than the alps original. The 6KRO should be more than enough for anyone's needs, it's nice and quiet and I think feels pretty good for a modern switch, though they're no where near as good as any of my vintage boards (for obvious reason.) It's smooth-ish, though it feels pretty eh if you go straight from SKCM White Alps, no where near as smooth. I actually don't recommend the clicky switches, from my experience (albeit directly compared to SKCM White Alps as previously mentioned) felt extremely scratchy which I suspect is from the click leaf which when transplanted into the tactile switch ALSO felt pretty scratchy.
I can't speak for SKBM, but both tactile and clicky Matias switches are more tactile than even clicky SKCM White Alps, which for some might actually be a bonus although I actually disagree, I much prefer the buttery smoothness of my white alps. While perhaps not the most fair comparison in the world, if I compare it to the SMKs I was using before (actually writing THIS paragraph with the 2nd gen SMKs) they're far smoother as well and actually feel about as tactile, although mine isn't the best comparison as it isn't in the best condition (the W key is a tad scratchy which kills me, it's otherwise such a good board)
Lastly, (again switched to my SKCM white alps to type this to keep consistent c:) if you haven't used SKCM Alps yet and just want to get your foot in the door, I cannot recommend them enough, they're still my favorite switches though 2nd gen SMKs get close, I might prefer them if my board were in better condition but as it stands you could probably get a decent SKCM White Alps board for close to the price you'd get a Matias board on Ebay with enough patience, ironically BOTH my matias boards cost more than my pristine FK-2001, you just need patience.
Oh, I'm going to add, if you want a smaller profile board, I'd also recommend either the Matias boards or the Siig minitouch, both tend to go for the same amount.
I recommend seeking one out, even if you have to settle for one of the mac models, I'd recommend getting the quiet click if you already have decent clicky SKCM white alps since the quiet clicks are essentially tactiles similar to dampened cream switches, though some insist they're a bit better than the alps original. The 6KRO should be more than enough for anyone's needs, it's nice and quiet and I think feels pretty good for a modern switch, though they're no where near as good as any of my vintage boards (for obvious reason.) It's smooth-ish, though it feels pretty eh if you go straight from SKCM White Alps, no where near as smooth. I actually don't recommend the clicky switches, from my experience (albeit directly compared to SKCM White Alps as previously mentioned) felt extremely scratchy which I suspect is from the click leaf which when transplanted into the tactile switch ALSO felt pretty scratchy.
I can't speak for SKBM, but both tactile and clicky Matias switches are more tactile than even clicky SKCM White Alps, which for some might actually be a bonus although I actually disagree, I much prefer the buttery smoothness of my white alps. While perhaps not the most fair comparison in the world, if I compare it to the SMKs I was using before (actually writing THIS paragraph with the 2nd gen SMKs) they're far smoother as well and actually feel about as tactile, although mine isn't the best comparison as it isn't in the best condition (the W key is a tad scratchy which kills me, it's otherwise such a good board)
Lastly, (again switched to my SKCM white alps to type this to keep consistent c:) if you haven't used SKCM Alps yet and just want to get your foot in the door, I cannot recommend them enough, they're still my favorite switches though 2nd gen SMKs get close, I might prefer them if my board were in better condition but as it stands you could probably get a decent SKCM White Alps board for close to the price you'd get a Matias board on Ebay with enough patience, ironically BOTH my matias boards cost more than my pristine FK-2001, you just need patience.
Oh, I'm going to add, if you want a smaller profile board, I'd also recommend either the Matias boards or the Siig minitouch, both tend to go for the same amount.