Repairing White Alps?

[keycap]

I have two keyboards with White Complicated Alps, but they feel very bad compared to my Model M and all of my Cherry MX keyboards. They're not exactly scratchy or gritty like Cherry MX Blacks, but some of them are very hard to press down if you don't hit them in the exact center. Also, some of them make a *tick* noise when you release the key, some don't, some barely click at all, etc. Some are stiff, some are lighter, and most of them just feel awful if you don't hit them at the exact center of the key. It's like an inconsistent mess of a keyboard.

How could I fix this issue? They feel so bad that I can't even use them for more than a minute, but I don't want to just neglect them because they sound great.

[fohat]

XMIT dreamed up a great way to clean them in an alcohol bath, but you have to remove them from the board first.

Otherwise, I have generally avoided opening Alps switches if I can possibly help it, but some people do it all the time.

[Chyros]

I made a video tutorial a while ago on how to clean and maintain Alps switches. Hope it helps . Some switches that have seen particularly heavy use are simply at the end of their lifetime though.

[keycap]

I thought the problem was that the switches needed to be lubed, but nonetheless, after watching your video, I found out it was all the dust in the switches. I didn't think Alps were that sensitive to dust, but it's like night and day comparing a dusty one to a clean one. I also think a few of them had some bent click leafs. I'm checking every switch in them now and clearing them of dust. Thanks!

[Chyros]

No worries, glad it was of help to you .

[Muirium]

Excellent vid, Chyros. I had no idea Alps were serviceable without desoldering. There is hope for my AEK I yet!

I'm usually wary about watching videos — I read a lot faster than almost anyone can talk, and loathe the awkward pauses and errors videos so often include — but I was intrigued to see how you did it, and your video-making isn't bad either. I'd consider a tripod at some point though so you can work on things two handed. Fiddly wee Alps innards aren't to be toyed with, singlehanded!

Given that Alps can open and close quite easily in a plate, why do we bother modding MX again?

(Rhetorical question. Yes, I know, it's the caps, and the MX ecosystem at large. But understanding it doesn't mean I have to like it. Alps have gone up an important notch in my estimation.)

[Chyros]

Excellent vid, Chyros. I had no idea Alps were serviceable without desoldering.

They sure are, it's one of the key design advantages of Alps!

I'm usually wary about watching videos — I read a lot faster than almost anyone can talk, and loathe the awkward pauses and errors videos so often include — but I was intrigued to see how you did it, and your video-making isn't bad either. I'd consider a tripod at some point though so you can work on things two handed. Fiddly wee Alps innards aren't to be toyed with, singlehanded!

Heheh, yeah, I've thought about getting a tripod. I might get a cheap one from China actually, they're not as expensive as I thought they'd be. Will take forever to get here though.

This is actually by far my most improvised video to date as I didn't write a script or anything at all for this, I just did it on the go. My video reviews generally take much more time and effort to prepare.

Alps have gone up an important notch in my estimation.

Many switches (and keyboards) have advantages that aren't immediately apparent upon first glance, I've noticed. This is why, even with really crappy boards, I force myself to use them for at least two weeks before I review then (unless I can't actually run them, of course). You'd be surprised how many hidden advantages (and disadvantages!) suddenly pop up - and ideas for simple modifications pop up as well. The one I'm using right now is really shitty, for instance - it will be reviewed at some point in the future xD .

[Muirium]

There probably is something to be learned by suffering with a bad board for a while. I'm too much of a snob — I got into mechanicals specifically so I could find something better — and gravitate right to the best boards I've got. Kishsaver and Realforce today, for instance. When you're used to boards like that, you get spoiled, and do tend to dismiss lesser stuff as, well, altogether lesser stuff. But the truth is there is no perfect keyboard, and lessons are to be learned everywhere. So long as you go look for them.

Like a good California Buddhist, I talk the talk. Yet my idea of slumming it is pulling out the Model M2 for a while!

[gogusrl]

I've got some very scratchy green alps, gonna give this guide a shot. Love your videos Chyros.

[Chyros]

I've got some very scratchy green alps, gonna give this guide a shot. Love your videos Chyros.

Thanks mate, glad you like them . Hope you can fix them!