Deskthority ALPS keyboard Project

[SmallFry]

If this was going to be a Tenkeyless or Tenkey, I'd need to totally rewire the matrix, a GH60 in ALPS sounds interesting though... hmmm...

[fossala]

I would be down with something the size of the GH60. Don't feel like I need another keyboard that isn't portable.

[SmallFry]

If we make TKL and TK PCB's we can change it easy enough later, hence why the TKL and TK are interesting to me.

[phetto]

Ok, I will put it this way:
The whole idea of this project was to make it a filco tkl layout simply because there is many cheap and NON-cheap case solutions on the market already.

Cheap: filco original, qfr, mkc acrylic
Luxorious: litster acrylic case, vortex Alu case, mkc Alu case and maybe some Korean kustom cases.

This was the whole idea.
When it comes to 60%, there is only a few options, poker original case(sucks ballsack), pure, oneproducts Alu case, duck poker case.

In the end every 60% alps board will look the same.

But if that is what you guys really want, it's ok. Anyway give it a thought.

Will make a poll about the layout later then, spread this to your friends.

phetto

[HzFaq]

Can confirm Filco Zero case fits Phantom and Maj2 and vice versa for what it's worth.

[huttala]

I'm interested as well, would be awesome to have a custom alp board in my collection..

[pasph]

I think this can be considered also in the development of Phantom V2

[phetto]

As in right now, the interest seem to be really low, so I dont know what to do

[telepete]

I'm interested in an ALPS TKL to replace my piece of shit Ducky XM.

[Ascaii]

Perhaps you should post an IC in the market, a lot of people dont look into the workshop regularly.

[phetto]

I will do that some time today. I will gather some more information too, anyone that can help me with information and stuff can you please join #deskthority on IRC! =)

[tipo33]

Definetly interested.

[daerid]

Long time GH'er here, and I'd absolutely LOVE this project. My first mech board was a Dell AT101W, and it's always held a special place in my heart. A custom, programmable, 87-key black alps board would be my dream board.

[Aleksander]

I plan on testing a theory I have to make it possible to have the board connected to the usb as normal, and then become a wireless BT board when you disconnect the USB-cable, maybe we can include the footprint for the parts needed if I am fast enough?

[JaccoW]

I would be interested too.

[Paranoid]

also interested beats making my own tkl out of a dell :p so tkl or gh60, all good for me!

[002]

Where are we at with this? Has bpiphany responded to your PM? How many people need to be on board before it'd realistically proceed? I really want this to happen

[phetto]

I will go through all data collected tomorrow. Haven't talked to bpiphany yet.

[maxrunner]

Hows this project?

[phetto]

not enough interest

[maxmalkav]

I've just found this thread, my bad.

Also interested, I'm already waiting for some Matias ALPS from 7bit, so my intention was to mod an old but good looking ALPS keyboard (let's say a black Dell). Having the chance of doing something even fancier it's way far more interesting for me

[Trev]

If this ends up as a 60% with Matias switches, I'm in.

[maxmalkav]

I really don't mind 60% or TKL, both options are fine for me if they can also be ISO

[vivalarevolución]

I am interested in this project. Wouldn't mind TKL, but I would prefer a 60%, or better yet, something that has navigation keys so that I don't have to access on the function layer. If the project gets enough interest, I would probably be happy with anything smaller than a full-size. Can't be too picky.

I have considered purchasing the Matias Laptop Pro, but looking forward, I want to learn a new layout for all the typing that I do, and a programable, portable ALPS board would be wonderful. I find light, tactile Alps switches superior for typing over any Cherry switches.

[Okeg]

I'm in for a 60% preferably.

I can also help out with whatever I can, pm me if you need another volunteer.

[phetto]

If someone want to take over this project, go ahead, I'm not capable of doing something like this. Low on expertise, lack of motivation. Sorry

[Trev]

I am interested in this project. Wouldn't mind TKL, but I would prefer a 60%, or better yet, something that has navigation keys so that I don't have to access on the function layer. If the project gets enough interest, I would probably be happy with anything smaller than a full-size. Can't be too picky.

I have considered purchasing the Matias Laptop Pro, but looking forward, I want to learn a new layout for all the typing that I do, and a programable, portable ALPS board would be wonderful. I find light, tactile Alps switches superior for typing over any Cherry switches.

As mentioned, there's already a few 60% layout projects. Surely one of those PCB designs could just be tweaked to accomodate ALPS switches. I assume there's no further technical requirements beyond the mounting holes and solder points lining up.

I also expect we'll start seeing more options for ALPS keycaps once the Matias switches gain popularity. I think these make far more sense than harvesting crappy old ALPS (sorry, there's too many bad ones. It's pretty hit and miss in terms of quality).

Many of the keys on a tenkeyless are simply a waste of space (IMO). The right modifiers as locked cursor keys (like pure/poker) are perfect, since I mostly use left modifiers. I definitely believe in F-keys being a function layer instead of physical keys. I only mention my personal preferences here because it seems that I'm not alone. There's a surge in popularity with the 60%'ers (HHKB, GH60/phantom mini, hyper mini, pure, poker, etc.). Less is more!

I wonder if there's enough interest to keep this going?

[002]

I'm still keen. I'll have enough Matias switches for a Hyper and one of these

Less is more!

I wonder how long before we'll all be using the Mactini layout?

[Batmann]

I am really interested in this project,
I think if we want it to be popular enough to gather enough interest it all comes down to make cherry caps compatible with alps.
MrInterface already came up with some promising adaptators that will work with a small drawback, slightly increased keycap height.
There is also the option of designing a new alp stem with a cherry cross shaped top. Seems technically possible but I have no idea about potential cost (which could break the dream!)
I hope I can contribute to this project when I'll have gather enough informations and better knowlegde

[maxmalkav]

Apart from 7bit Hyper project, which are the other existing projects that could be use as starting point for developing such a 60% ALPS thing?

Regarding 7bit is the creator of the Hyper PCB and he is also selling Matias switches, he would be the first interested one in providing a ALPS-compatible PCB, just saying ...