Alps64 Mini

[snacksthecat]

I started this project a long time back but set it on the back burner while I was working on other stuff. Recently someone from reddit reached out asking for an update so I decided to revisit the project and open it up to the community.


The original goal was to modify hasu's Alps64 PCB design to accommodate a set of Macintosh Portable keycaps that I had gotten. The Macintosh Portable keyboard is slightly smaller than a traditional 60%, clocking in at 14.5 units (rather than 15). Since then, I expanded the scope to support a couple of the other 14.5 unit alps layouts including:

• Apple Macintosh Portable (confirmed on a prototype pcb)
• Apple M0116
  Spoiler:

  
• Apple M0118
  Spoiler:

  
• Apple M0330
  Spoiler:

  
• NeXT Non-adb
  Spoiler:

  
• Apple IIc (unsure)

Here's the github repo:
https://github.com/snacksthecat/alps64-mini

I have one working prototype which I plan on building once I can find someone to help build me a wooden case.

Spoiler:

Thinking about possibly doing a small group buy if anyone else is interested. Obviously there are no cases for 14.5 sized keyboards so that's the biggest challenge.

I'm interested to see what you guys think. Feel free to send over some suggestions. This is my first toe-dip into PCB design so I'll happily accept any constructive criticism.

[Menuhin]

I thought about that too, but stopped at (I believe) where most people stopped, "darn... these caps on the edge do not work".

By the way, I must be late, but recently discovered powder coating wood, so CNC wooden case, detailed and polished by hand can have a durable coat like those vintage powder coated keyboards too:
Powder-coating finish on Wood

Good luck for the project & GB.

[pdc]

I rather like the 14.5-unit ANSI-style layout: it avoids the 1.5-unit backslash key, which I view as something of a wart. Some awkwardness about where to squeeze in backtick/tilde, and there would be issues with using standard-sized keycaps, but with Alps caps this is less of an issue...

[Dolasvp]

This sounds excellent. It will save me having to do another handwire to use my iic caps, provided it has compatibility for them.

[4sStylZ]

Hi there,

I wasn't aware of this keyboard pcb. For your case there is another option, my own design of 14,5 unit case :

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4013453
Also there is the little brother ASK10 keypad : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4052241

You can probably make some little variation to screw you PCB in as I provide the Fusion 360 steps files. If you want me to help with that then just PM me.

[snacksthecat]

Hi there,

I wasn't aware of this keyboard pcb. For your case there is another option, my own design of 14,5 unit case :

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4013453
Also there is the little brother ASK10 keypad : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4052241

You can probably make some little variation to screw you PCB in as I provide the Fusion 360 steps files. If you want me to help with that then just PM me.

That's awesome, I really like the design! I'm going to see if I can find one of the PCBs I had printed. If I find one, I'd definitely order to have one of those cases printed. Maybe I'll be building this keyboard after all.

[toniwonkanobi]

Anyone know if the snacks guy is still active here?