deskthority

Does anyone have any recommendations for a chassis to put some replacement ALPS switches in? I was planning on putting some amber alps into a easier to use chassis (Something I can convert and type on as compared to the 2c keyboard module they come from) all I'd really need is an ANSI layout, but I know those are hard to come by with older clicky alps boards. I was considering a dell at101, but I don't know if those are still inflated. Still new to alps, so I don't even know if they'd be compatible. Any help, as always, is appreciated. Thanks!

> Does anyone have any recommendations for a chassis to put some replacement ALPS switches in?
Yes. One of my keyboards so I can play with the amber Alps goodness.

> I was planning on putting some amber alps into a easier to use chassis.
Dell 101 isn't a bad choice.

> all I'd really need is an ANSI layout
Why? Just a preference? You can desolder Alps SKCL/SKCM switches from any keyboard and use them in any other Alps SKCL/SKCM keyboard.

> I was considering a dell at101, but I don't know if those are still inflated.
It's not recommended to inflate keyboards. However, I doubt anyone has the lung power, so it may be a moot point.

Yes, I'm kidding. But it might have made a good mental image.

You're probably asking if the Dells are overpriced for what they are. I don't really think so. They're also not that expensive. Minus the most expensive sold ad on ebay, which has been relisted, the second highest sale was $140 and the lowest was $45, both including shipping. Black case and keycaps have a slight premium over the beige/beige-ier models.

If you're looking into the Dell 101, make sure that you get the one that has black or salmon Alps. There are rubber dome versions. Also remember that your IIc has 75-ish switches. The 101 has ... 101 keys, so you need to do something about the 26 keys you're missing. I don't know anyone currently selling amber Alps switches. You might go with leaving the black Alps for the function key row and the middle column

I can suggest, but I won't recommend, that you buy a KB Paradise TKL. Even new, they're cheap ($75 - $120). You could try to get the kit that doesn't have switches and go from there. (I'm not recommending because I had a war with my KB Paradise and I lost.)

why not do what everyone else is doing and make a 60%. you may have to have a plate cut, but the rest of the parts are easily obtainable new.

Northgate Omnikey 101 Gen3. ANSI layout, possibly the best built Alps chassis, and if you're patient not much more expensive than a Dell.

I agree with the others that the Northgate chassis is the superior choice, hands down, by a wide margin.

The Omnikey 101 standard straight-ANSI configuration is the only model that I keep in my collection.

The Dell AT101 is an excellent unit, and if you are replacing the switches, then why not get a later AT101W with Windows keys and stick a PS/2-to-USB adapter inside (there is room, the overly large case is its biggest drawback) and have a mostly future-proof device?

The entire unit is very sturdy and well-built (with excellent sound and feel) and available in black (much harder to find but not usually much more expensive) which looks great with Dolch-style aftermarket caps.

note - the rubber dome model is the AT101R or AT102R.

I'd like to throw the AEK into the mix. Alps versions are regularly available in the $60-100 range, have very nice PBT caps, thick plastic case, rigid metal plate, is TMK convertible, etc.

hellothere wrote: 13 Apr 2022, 01:15 > Does anyone have any recommendations for a chassis to put some replacement ALPS switches in?
Yes. One of my keyboards so I can play with the amber Alps goodness.

No >:(

> all I'd really need is an ANSI layout
Why? Just a preference? You can desolder Alps SKCL/SKCM switches from any keyboard and use them in any other Alps SKCL/SKCM keyboard.

Yeah just preference. I know old Alps boards don't tend to have modern layouts, but I plan to use this pretty often so I would prefer to have a layout I can use like ANSI or BAE as opposed to ISO.

why not do what everyone else is doing and make a 60%. you may have to have a plate cut, but the rest of the parts are easily obtainable new.

Honestly I prefer alps in classic chassis, as I type this it's on my ASK which I love to pieces <3

I'd like to throw the AEK into the mix. Alps versions are regularly available in the $60-100 range, have very nice PBT caps, thick plastic case, rigid metal plate, is TMK convertible, etc.

An AEK would be a good option, I already have a ADB converter. Maybe I can pick one up that's already been stripped of it's delicious orange alps switches (RIP)

An AEK II would also suit you well. I'm not sure the guy that was selling them for $40 including shipping, but unrestored cream damped Alps models sell for considerably under $100. Note that there are Mitsumi Standard Mechanical switches and salmon Alps switches in some models. Hey, maybe de-solder some switches and sell 'em separate.

I'll have to check my box o' OmniKeys. I do have one that needs to have its plastic case painted because there's some sort of weird ick on it that can't be taken off by anything. Well, maybe a Dremel sanding wheel.