deskthority

I've been working on this series of videos for the last two years. It took a lot of time to find and desolder switches from non-working keyboards, and to clean each one meticulously. And it certainly wasn't cheap! Introducing the Ultimate Alps Series Sound Test videos! I'll be testing 17 different Alps-type switches in individual videos, with a final compilation for better comparison.

Here are the switches I'll be testing:

Alps SKCM Orange
Alps SKCM White
Alps SKCM Blue
Alps SKCM Brown
Alps SKCM Black
Alps SKCM Salmon
Alps SKCM Ivory
Alps SKCM Amber
Alps SKBM White
Alps SKCL Green
Alps SKCL Yellow
Alps Four-Tab Clone White
Matias Standard Clicky
Matias Quiet-Clicky
Matias Quiet-Linear
Outemu OTM Gaote White
Outemu OTM Gaote Red

In each video, I'll conduct detailed sound tests using the ADK64 keyboard, Zenith Z150 keyboard, and Tofu60 case, comparing them under controlled conditions to provide clear insights into their acoustic profiles on full mechanical keyboards. I'll also include close-up shots of every part of the disassembled switch for detailed comparison. All switches have been gently cleaned (each part brushed) without alterations, water, or lubrication. They are used and aged, so the sound may vary slightly, but all are in at least 7.5 out of 10 condition.

Here's the teaser video:

Here's the first video of the series! Alps SKCM Orange Ultimate Sound Tests:

Holy smokes, this is awesome! Thanks!

This is awesome!! :))

clickandthock wrote: 26 Jul 2024, 03:36 Here's the first video of the series! Alps SKCM Orange Ultimate Sound Tests:

the Zenith sounds jawdroping

Yeah!!

Alps SKCM White Ultimate Sound Tests:

Alps SKCL Green Ultimate Sound Test:

Scottex wrote: 13 Aug 2024, 13:13

clickandthock wrote: 26 Jul 2024, 03:36 Here's the first video of the series! Alps SKCM Orange Ultimate Sound Tests:

the Zenith sounds jawdroping

Yes, the steel baseplate makes all the difference. I found the other two plastic? keyboards far too high pitched in tone.

I have modded the Salmon switches in my custom Matias Ergo board with lighter (45 cN) springs and am absolutely loving it these days, feels and sounds amazing.

kshopper2084 wrote: 29 Sep 2024, 17:22

Scottex wrote: 13 Aug 2024, 13:13

clickandthock wrote: 26 Jul 2024, 03:36 Here's the first video of the series! Alps SKCM Orange Ultimate Sound Tests:

the Zenith sounds jawdroping

Yes, the steel baseplate makes all the difference. I found the other two plastic? keyboards far too high pitched in tone.

I have modded the Salmon switches in my custom Matias Ergo board with lighter (45 cN) springs and am absolutely loving it these days, feels and sounds amazing.

Oh nice!! Never though of modifying these, I should try!!

Alps SKCM Ivory Ultimate Sound Tests:

clickandthock wrote: 03 Oct 2024, 03:50

kshopper2084 wrote: 29 Sep 2024, 17:22

Scottex wrote: 13 Aug 2024, 13:13

the Zenith sounds jawdroping

Yes, the steel baseplate makes all the difference. I found the other two plastic? keyboards far too high pitched in tone.

I have modded the Salmon switches in my custom Matias Ergo board with lighter (45 cN) springs and am absolutely loving it these days, feels and sounds amazing.

Oh nice!! Never though of modifying these, I should try!!

FYI. I sourced the springs from here: https://rndkbd.com/

Alps.tw Type A02 (four-tab clone) Ultimate Sound Tests:

These have a distinct "two stage" click sound to them that I don't recall other ALPS clicky switches having.
ADK64 and Zenith boards sounds amazing. The last one, meh.

Last one sounds like tiny little lego bricks moving around I am not a fan. Zenith is by far the best.

Totally!

Alps SKCM Blue Sound Test:

Alps SKCM Black Sound Tests:

Noice! Sounds great on all 3 boards, but on that Zenith. Wow!

Alps SKCM Salmon Sound Tests!

What a perfect xmas present! Wonderful switches. They sound almost clicky on the ADK64 board, but as usual, the Zenith is pure heaven. I have these on my modded Matias Ergo Pro board, now with custom lighter springs as I found the high 69gf operating force a bit tiresome after a while. They are pure joy to type on.

Sounds like salmon are my alps.
Now, need to find a keyboard with those.

Salmon and orange are extremely close.

Glad you liked it!

Alps SKCM Amber Sound Tests