Delta AK-68 (Alka's Delta AK-68 w/ATW clones)
Posted: 10 Jun 2015, 19:33
There is really nothing remarkable about this keyboard from the early to mid 90s. However, the brand attracted my attention since I've never heard of it. I thought it must be a brand/re-brand of some known OEM, but it turns out that Alka's Industrial Co Ltd from Hong Kong was manufacturing their own keyboards. FCC ID check:
(granted 10/13/1993)
Alka's Industrial Co Ltd
Flat A-C, 21/F, Gold King Ind Bldg 35-41 Tai Lin Pai Road
Kwai Chung, N.T.,
Hong Kong
AK-68 on the board:
It seems that getting the FCC approval was a big deal to Alka:
Holtek controller and DIN5 connector:
ATW Alps clones and keycaps:
In short, a very mediocre KB:
Strong points
- possibly very affordable at the time
Neutral:
- decent-looking keycaps
Weaknesses:
- poor craftsmanship and choice of materials -- both the torque/twist and press flex is very prominent; keys noticeably not aligned properly (just look at the F row)
- ATW Alps clone (http://deskthority.net/wiki/ATW_Alps_clone) really no match for the genuine Alps
NOTE: AT/XT switch is under the right leg (not shown)
NOTE 2: put it on wiki: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Delta_AK-68
(granted 10/13/1993)
Alka's Industrial Co Ltd
Flat A-C, 21/F, Gold King Ind Bldg 35-41 Tai Lin Pai Road
Kwai Chung, N.T.,
Hong Kong
AK-68 on the board:
It seems that getting the FCC approval was a big deal to Alka:
Holtek controller and DIN5 connector:
ATW Alps clones and keycaps:
In short, a very mediocre KB:
Strong points
- possibly very affordable at the time
Neutral:
- decent-looking keycaps
Weaknesses:
- poor craftsmanship and choice of materials -- both the torque/twist and press flex is very prominent; keys noticeably not aligned properly (just look at the F row)
- ATW Alps clone (http://deskthority.net/wiki/ATW_Alps_clone) really no match for the genuine Alps
NOTE: AT/XT switch is under the right leg (not shown)
NOTE 2: put it on wiki: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Delta_AK-68