How to get/build a modern 66% version of a Focus FK-2001?

[KeepClackingAnd...]

Hi,

at the german meetup earlier this month I fell in love with a Focus FK-2002 with white Alps switches.



I would love to have a 66% version of this with ANSI layout (TKL would be fine too). Could this be achieved with clicky Matias switches? As much as I love the look of vintage keyboards, I want this one to be an every day driver, so it would need to have all modern modifier keys.

I'm not sure if a manufactured keyboard exists that will fit my needs or if I have to build one myself

Anyways as I don't have much experience with Alps/Matias switches, I am happy for any hints or resource.


Cheers!

[macboarder]

You can never go wrong with clicky Alps

Looks like Matias have something out, but being a new product it also carries a high price tag.

For less than that, you could:
- get an Apple Standard Keyboard
- make your own ADB-to-USB converter (and reprogram the layout to support whatever you need in the process)
- click-mod the switches

I'm going to do something like that myself in a few weeks. Since the bottom row is a bit batty, I'm going to put stuff like [Alt Gr] and [Fn] where the arrow keys are and use the numpad for nav commands instead.

[KeepClackingAnd...]

Thank you for these ideas! I did some research myself and realized that the clueboard pcb allows you to use Matias switches.

On one side this is pretty good, because it resembles the FC660m layout, which is already my favorite everyday keyboard layout. On the other side, I already know how hard it is to get MX keycaps for this special layout, finding Alps keycaps must be close to impossible

[macboarder]

Tai-Hao doubleshot Alps mount ABS caps show up regularly on Massrop lately, and they're ANSI layout. Matias sells their keycaps directly as well. IF I'm not mistaken, the Tai-Hao set's bottom row is 1.25 - 1.25 - 1.25 - 6.25 - 1.25 - 1.25 - 1.25 - 1.25.

[KeepClackingAnd...]

Ah, I didn't realize that Matias sells keycaps, thanks!

I think my personal favorite would be something like the GMK 9009 keyset but for Alps. But I guess the only way to come close to something like this is to harvest keycaps from original keyboards.

[Hypersphere]

KBP has V60 and V80 keyboards with Matias and Fukka switch options. I have a V60MTS-C that I really liked, but after trying genuine Alps switches, I like my V60 less than before. I am considering either "top modding" the switches by swapping out the exchangeable parts -- the slider, return spring, and click/tactile leaf, swapping out the entire switch, or doing a custom build.

[KeepClackingAnd...]

When you talk about doing a custom build, do you mean with Matias clicky switches or with original white Alps?

[Chyros]

The smallest Focus board ever made is the 1001, but good luck finding one of them, it's one of the rarest keyboards ever made, it would appear. It's also not all that small.

If you just want a 66% keyboard with white Alps switches, there might be custom plans out there, though I think there's probably much more in terms of 60% material than 66%.

[seebart]

ld love to have a 66% version of this with ANSI layout (TKL would be fine too). Could this be achieved with clicky Matias switches?

I my opinion not because Matias switches are inferior to Alps SKCM in more than one way. I would rather try and find a clean SIIG Minitouch or a NTC KB-6851EA but there are other 60%ish Alps keyboards out there, you will need patience though unless you get lucky and find one quickly.

[Hypersphere]

When you talk about doing a custom build, do you mean with Matias clicky switches or with original white Alps?

Given that I have a Matias-Click V60 already, if I were to do a custom build, I would want to use some flavor of vintage Alps switches. I am still sampling the variety of Alps. I like blue Alps, but they are somewhat difficult to find. I actually like white Alps if they are in excellent condition. One problem I have is that I seem to have succumbed to a reverence for classic Alps boards, so that when I get them up and running smoothly, I do not want to sacrifice them for their switches.

[Mattr567]

The smallest Focus board ever made is the 1001, but good luck finding one of them, it's one of the rarest keyboards ever made, it would appear. It's also not all that small.

If you just want a 66% keyboard with white Alps switches, there might be custom plans out there, though I think there's probably much more in terms of 60% material than 66%.

Would still kill for one

[Hypersphere]

Isn't it similar to the Unitek K-258?

800px-Unitek_K-258_NTC_front.jpeg (60.69 KiB) Viewed 3428 times

wiki/Unitek_K-258

[KeepClackingAnd...]

When you talk about doing a custom build, do you mean with Matias clicky switches or with original white Alps?

Given that I have a Matias-Click V60 already, if I were to do a custom build, I would want to use some flavor of vintage Alps switches. I am still sampling the variety of Alps. I like blue Alps, but they are somewhat difficult to find. I actually like white Alps if they are in excellent condition. One problem I have is that I seem to have succumbed to a reverence for classic Alps boards, so that when I get them up and running smoothly, I do not want to sacrifice them for their switches.

Yes, this is true. I never sacrificed a keyboard for another, not sure if I could do it

ld love to have a 66% version of this with ANSI layout (TKL would be fine too). Could this be achieved with clicky Matias switches?

I my opinion not because Matias switches are inferior to Alps SKCM in more than one way. I would rather try and find a clean SIIG Minitouch or a NTC KB-6851EA but there are other 60%ish Alps keyboards out there, you will need patience though unless you get lucky and find one quickly.

Hmm in which way are they inferior? The alternative keyboards you mentioned look awesome, but I am not sure if I would want to work with one of those on a daily basis (just not my personal preference).

[Wodan]

I actually found a FK-2002 at the recycler earlier this week:

It's not quite as nice as my other one but would hurt a lot less to cut this one down to make a 60%

And the keycaps need some retr0brighting...