Great/Interesting Finds

tigpha · 21 Feb 2018, 20:05

Do you think that clones of Alps SKCM Blue switch modules might be possible from hacked-up Mathias modules, or is that too fanciful? What is it that Mathias switch modules still lack, to compete with Blues?

nsmechkb · 21 Feb 2018, 20:08

Blaise170 wrote:
tigpha wrote: It's getting to the point that a keyboard production run, with new components made from new injection moulding tools, based on vintage designs, is viable commercial proposition. The spiralling price trend is not abating, yet.
I'd personally love a reproduction Alps SKCM Blue switch but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Yes, please. First choice of switch to be reproduced.

Blaise170 · 21 Feb 2018, 20:11

I'm not the best person to ask as I don't do in depth research on switches, I just collect them. But, Matias switches are based off the simplified Alps design and just don't have the same keyfeel that older Alps do. Based on what I remember, the stem design as well as the click leaf is just slightly different enough to make it feel very smooth with a soft click.

Tuntematon · 21 Feb 2018, 20:15

A proper Alps revival would be great, as long as we're not too nostalgic about it. We don't want to do a perfect reproduction of a switch that has poor wear resistance and longevity. Better plastics and tighter tolerances at the very least.

tigpha · 21 Feb 2018, 20:22

I like the Salmon Alps in the Apple M0116, very pleasant feel, but other Apple keyboards I've collected have suffered badly from contamination, and don't seem recoverable. My personal favourite is the IBM Model F key module: it has three components, beside the PCB. The reliability of even the worst contaminated Model F specimens is remarkable.

nsmechkb · 21 Feb 2018, 20:24

Tuntematon wrote: A proper Alps revival would be great, as long as we're not too nostalgic about it. We don't want to do a perfect reproduction of a switch that has poor wear resistance and longevity. Better plastics and tighter tolerances at the very least.

This came to mind here, too. How plausible is it to reproduce the sound and feel of blue Alps while giving the new switch improved protection against contamination? I have no idea, but it would be beautiful if it could be done.

Blaise170 · 21 Feb 2018, 20:29

I don't remember which company it was, but back in 2016 I believe, there was a company working on an MX keycap-compatible Alps switch. This seems that it would be the best of both worlds, giving the typing experience of the Alps with the keycap compatibility of Cherry. This also gives the added side-effect of sealing the switch against debris, as Cherry switches are pretty good about sealing out dust. Though I can't find any info now so I suppose it flopped.

//gainsborough · 21 Feb 2018, 20:34

Someone on the forums is doing it!

group-buys-f50/nexus-slider-alps-slider ... 18042.html

digital_matthew · 22 Feb 2018, 00:23

Decent cheap F XT:
https://m.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Clicky-Keybo ... SwMfhajeLL

FXT · 22 Feb 2018, 02:18

$1150, guess that guy on reddit won.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Display-Wr ... 0651.m4497

Gamuholic · 22 Feb 2018, 02:30

FXT wrote: $1150, guess that guy on reddit won.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Display-Wr ... 0651.m4497

Yep, that's me. I'm super excited to get such an amazing board, I just think $1,150 is a bit high. Oh well, at least this one has been restored to excellent condition. That board + terminal that was listed for $4,300 and went for $1,200 looked dirty and possibly broken.

Thank you for the amazing board ekeppel!

Tuntematon · 22 Feb 2018, 02:48

The Beamspring market is truly screwed now. It'll come down eventually, after sellers start flooding the market, but there should be a permanent increase. Somebody design a low profile Beamspring already

Gnohio · 22 Feb 2018, 02:55

Tuntematon wrote: Somebody design a low profile Beamspring already

That'll be the Model F m8

kokokoy · 22 Feb 2018, 04:38

Nice stickers

https://www.ebay.com/p/Vtg-IBM-PC-18014 ... 0005.m1851

FXT · 22 Feb 2018, 04:44

Posted that one earlier. It looks like it's in great shape, but yeah definitely not worth $250.

kokokoy · 22 Feb 2018, 04:48

FXT wrote: Posted that one earlier. It looks like it's in great shape, but yeah definitely not worth $250.

Oh didn't see that. Honestly I was confused for a while on how was the main legends is visible on top of those overlay. Thought it was part of the dye then I realized its a clear sticker.

FXT · 22 Feb 2018, 05:14

It's a shame for sure, XT profile APL caps would be amazing.

kbdfr · 22 Feb 2018, 08:40

FXT wrote: […] I missed out on an auction recently because somebody outbid me by a dollar with 4 seconds left in the auction.

No.
Somebody sniped with an undisclosed amount which was simply more than your bid.
The $1 dollar difference is just the bidding increment by which you have been outbid.

As eBay put it, at any time the current price is:

always equal to the second-highest bid plus the bid increment

So if for example your bid is $35 and someone bids $60, he takes the lead (and of course wins if not outbid) with $36.

Chyros · 22 Feb 2018, 12:47

Tuntematon wrote: A proper Alps revival would be great, as long as we're not too nostalgic about it. We don't want to do a perfect reproduction of a switch that has poor wear resistance and longevity. Better plastics and tighter tolerances at the very least.

I disagree. Remember we're talking about keyboards from the late 80s here. THe fact that most of these still work at all 30 years later says something itself. Most are only scratchy because they've either been used to fuck or left around rotting outside. Boards that have been sitting on shelves, even dusty ones, often recover marvellously.

I own an Ortek board that has served as someone's daily driver for 15 years. The switches aren't quite as smooth or consistent now, but it still works fine. If a board can withstand 15 years of heavy use without major issues, I'd say that's good enough, especially if you can just buy a new one.

There's some kind of magic to these switches that just makes them work really well, and if you start replacing parts that might well be lost. This is why those simplified designs just can't measure up. Personally, if I had to do it myself, I'd go for as close a recreation as I could get.

FXT · 23 Feb 2018, 04:18

Another bigfoot XT
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-F-Ra ... SwafZajlh6

Elrick · 23 Feb 2018, 05:58

Chyros wrote: There's some kind of magic to these switches that just makes them work really well, and if you start replacing parts that might well be lost. This is why those simplified designs just can't measure up. Personally, if I had to do it myself, I'd go for as close a recreation as I could get.

Have to agree hence the high prices for any decent older keyboard's being sold on Flebay these days.

Suspect it may only be done by the Chinese here. They are fantastic in recreating just about anything which hopefully might include the Complicated White Alps (who needs that other awful colour known as Blue).

If someone can make a full sized 104 or 108 Alps keyed heavy wonder keyboard, I would buy it immediately without question.

FXT · 23 Feb 2018, 06:26

The industrial XT that doesn't even use buckling springs sold for $305... Kinda surprised it went for that much.

Sangdrax · 23 Feb 2018, 08:28

Slom wrote:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Genrad-Ke ... 2900278293

Just a heads up that these are early 80's keytronic. The seller had "tested" on there so I was hoping the foam wasn't toast but it needs a full restore. He was really nice though and gave me a discount for the replacement materials.

Working on my Samsung model 10 right now, but I really like the Genrad. All metal case and they are very nice linears. ABS is very brittle though from age. I had a tiny chip come off the CTRL key top just pulling it out gently by hand. Haven't traced out the matrix yet either to know rows and columns. It's very artsy hand drawn traces that keep hopping to either side of the board and a total pain in the ass.

kokokoy · 23 Feb 2018, 14:55

1800 HAU for $30

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2831114832

Tuntematon · 23 Feb 2018, 21:46

Chyros wrote:
Tuntematon wrote: A proper Alps revival would be great, as long as we're not too nostalgic about it. We don't want to do a perfect reproduction of a switch that has poor wear resistance and longevity. Better plastics and tighter tolerances at the very least.
I disagree. Remember we're talking about keyboards from the late 80s here. THe fact that most of these still work at all 30 years later says something itself. Most are only scratchy because they've either been used to fuck or left around rotting outside. Boards that have been sitting on shelves, even dusty ones, often recover marvellously.

I own an Ortek board that has served as someone's daily driver for 15 years. The switches aren't quite as smooth or consistent now, but it still works fine. If a board can withstand 15 years of heavy use without major issues, I'd say that's good enough, especially if you can just buy a new one.

There's some kind of magic to these switches that just makes them work really well, and if you start replacing parts that might well be lost. This is why those simplified designs just can't measure up. Personally, if I had to do it myself, I'd go for as close a recreation as I could get.

Ahh come on! There must be some wiggle room on the plastics at least. Dupont has a POM containing 20% Teflon

If it's worth doing it's worth overdoing

kokokoy wrote: 1800 HAU for $30

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2831114832

Not no more. The seller got a bunch of lowball offers and was offended because the price was good to start with. Raised to $70

kokokoy · 24 Feb 2018, 03:24

Tuntematon wrote:
kokokoy wrote: 1800 HAU for $30

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2831114832
Not no more. The seller got a bunch of lowball offers and was offended because the price was good to start with. Raised to $70

LOL! Man, those guys are just cheap.

Would have bought it but I don't want another case to be worrying about to convert to an MX.

JP! · 24 Feb 2018, 03:34

IBM Industrial
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-In ... Sw3rpakMSq

Brett MacK · 24 Feb 2018, 03:36

JP! wrote: IBM Industrial
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-In ... Sw3rpakMSq

That one is mine. If anybody is interested in trading for it, I am up for that too.

j0d1 · 24 Feb 2018, 06:10

Looks like this guy is offloading some Industrial Model M tonight.

3 listed in an hour, 2 sold.

1 remaining ?

JP! · 25 Feb 2018, 03:32

New Ortek MAK-105TB ADB Keyboard & Trackball - $40 + shipping
These should have SKBM simplified white Alps and a Futaba lock switch on the FN key.

https://www.amazon.com/NEW-Keyboard-Tra ... 545&sr=8-2

: adb.jpg (32.98 KiB) Viewed 5718 times

Pictures from the one I bought from another seller recently:
resources/image/45349
resources/image/45350
resources/image/45351