Looking for ALPS Keycaps Retailer

Thorogrimm · 14 Mar 2021, 00:05

Does anybody know where I can get some alps keycaps in UK iso layout? I've had a look around myself and all I can seem to find is Matias keycaps with lock light windows (which is useless for me) and blank keycaps.

motoko · 14 Mar 2021, 23:56

Easiest solution is to harvest an old board. An Acer 6312 with Alps-mount Acer switches might be cheaper than boards with Alps switches, though you can't use its stabilized keys.

Go-Kart · 15 Mar 2021, 08:54

Thorogrimm wrote: 14 Mar 2021, 00:05 Does anybody know where I can get some alps keycaps in UK iso layout? I've had a look around myself and all I can seem to find is Matias keycaps with lock light windows (which is useless for me) and blank keycaps.

I asked the same question a few weeks ago and got a good few replies. Here's the thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25294

Thorogrimm · 22 Mar 2021, 01:54

Go-Kart wrote: 15 Mar 2021, 08:54
Thorogrimm wrote: 14 Mar 2021, 00:05 Does anybody know where I can get some alps keycaps in UK iso layout? I've had a look around myself and all I can seem to find is Matias keycaps with lock light windows (which is useless for me) and blank keycaps.
I asked the same question a few weeks ago and got a good few replies. Here's the thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25294

Cheers, I've looked everywhere but nowhere seems to sell decent alps mount keycaps in iso layout, besides Matias.

Go-Kart · 22 Mar 2021, 11:19

The additional caveat of being an ISO enthusiast does render finding an already illusive product, that little bit more challenging.

Bjerrk · 22 Mar 2021, 12:13

Go-Kart wrote: 22 Mar 2021, 11:19 The additional caveat of being an ISO enthusiast does render finding an already illusive product, that little bit more challenging.

I åbsølutely fææl your påin

Go-Kart · 22 Mar 2021, 12:18

I'm trying to let it go but, given the choice, I would still choose ISO.

...and suffer the consequences!

Bjerrk · 22 Mar 2021, 12:36

Go-Kart wrote: 22 Mar 2021, 12:18 I'm trying to let it go but, given the choice, I would still choose ISO.

...and suffer the consequences!

What do you do, if you have to use ANSI keyboards? At the moment I map the extra ISO key to the key above tab (to the left of 1), which I otherwise very rarely use.
(I've remapped it in my TMK-based converter, so it works across all my PS/2, USB and AT/DIN keyboards)

Go-Kart · 22 Mar 2021, 13:16

I use a variety of keyboards each week. They range from full size U.K. ISO, German "The Focus Layout", Asian layout, 60 % U.K. ISO, ANSI, M122, etc.. I try to ignore what the keys say and pretend they're all a standard U.K. ISO. It's only keyboard OS navigation that I have to engage the brain as I have had to implement different solutions depending on each keyboard. Depending on the keyboard, I use the hardware/firmware, Hotkeys or Soarer's.

I will eventually settle on a few keyboards based on specific key feel for a given task but until then I will be hopping about the place, changing my approach as I go! Although I must admit, Anykeys may not be top-tier when it comes to typing experience, but their functionality makes them hard to kick it off a desk!