[WTB] Reasonably Priced ALPS SKCM Blue Keyboard

EpikalPuppy · 27 May 2020, 02:59

I have been looking for a keyboard with ALPS SKCM Blue switches for a while now, but with people on eBay being generally unhelpful when I ask them to pop a keycap and a lot of conflicting information out there, I figured I'd come here. I'm interested in any decent keyboard with blue switches, PM me if you're interested in selling!

Polecat · 27 May 2020, 03:41

If you can't find a blue Alps board for what you want to pay may I suggest an early white Alps board instead? Early white SKCM switches from 1989-90 sound and feel the same as blue SKCM, at least to some of us. You won't have the vanity and bragging rights of blues, but you will have a very nice keyboard for a lot less money.

EpikalPuppy · 27 May 2020, 05:39

Polecat wrote: 27 May 2020, 03:41 If you can't find a blue Alps board for what you want to pay may I suggest an early white Alps board instead? Early white SKCM switches from 1989-90 sound and feel the same as blue SKCM, at least to some of us. You won't have the vanity and bragging rights of blues, but you will have a very nice keyboard for a lot less money.

That could certainly be an option! Any specific makes you'd suggest?

//gainsborough · 27 May 2020, 05:42

I recommend an omnikey 101 - or any model omnikey, really. The ANSI one is nice though!

edit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Omnikey-102-No ... Swkwtezbxm

This one is NIB!

Polecat · 27 May 2020, 06:12

I'll second the Northgate Omnikey recommendation, provided it's an early one from 1989-1990. The Northgates have incredible build quality, and tend to hold up well.

Monterey K102 and K104 are nice Alps boards also, again you'll want one from 1989-1990 to get the good switches. Look for a black cable and the "big" arrow key legends as those have double shot keycaps. Be sure it's an Alps version, as some Montereys had SMK "Monterey Blue" switches instead (although some folks prefer those over Alps).

Jesseg · 04 Jun 2020, 14:16

Hold up, who the **** spent $820 on an omnikey!?!?

fohat · 04 Jun 2020, 14:48

I was watching that spectacle with amazement, too.

ddrfraser1 · 04 Jun 2020, 14:52

I believe it was nos

kmnov2017 · 04 Jun 2020, 14:56

ddrfraser1 wrote: 04 Jun 2020, 14:52 I believe it was nos

still doesn't justify the price

funkmon · 04 Jun 2020, 17:28

Well okay, if you...uhh...yeah. That price is insane.

Myoth · 04 Jun 2020, 17:40

jessesevorg wrote: 04 Jun 2020, 14:16 Hold up, who the **** spent $820 on an omnikey!?!?

wait until you see the price for beamsprings

zrrion · 04 Jun 2020, 18:45

I spent less than that on my beamspring, thats way too high for an alps board

mode1ace · 10 Jun 2020, 20:14

Haha, I turned down an offer on ebay for $180 for a NIB northgate omnikey gold label with confirmed blue alps.

Kinda regret it.

it was this listing https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313103252308

Keep an eye out, occasionally they're badly listed and you can cut a deal with some negotiation, just don't get in a bidding war.

Wazrach · 10 Jun 2020, 20:58

EpikalPuppy wrote: 27 May 2020, 02:59 I have been looking for a keyboard with ALPS SKCM Blue switches for a while now, but with people on eBay being generally unhelpful when I ask them to pop a keycap and a lot of conflicting information out there, I figured I'd come here. I'm interested in any decent keyboard with blue switches, PM me if you're interested in selling!

"Northgate Bob" (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/) is selling a gold badge Northgate Omnikey 102 for $180 + shipping. It has White Alps. I'm no expert, but a gold badge Omnikey with White Alps should mean it's close to Blue Alps.

Polecat · 11 Jun 2020, 04:13

Wazrach wrote: 10 Jun 2020, 20:58
"Northgate Bob" (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/) is selling a gold badge Northgate Omnikey 102 for $180 + shipping. It has White Alps. I'm no expert, but a gold badge Omnikey with White Alps should mean it's close to Blue Alps.

I would agree, provided it has its original switches. But Northgate Bob has pretty much claimed that all Alps switches are the same, so if he has replaced some or all of them there's no way to know what you'd be getting.

Jesseg · 11 Jun 2020, 06:57

I recieved some keyboards from him and half of the switches were clones, with a heap of stuff missing/half desoldered.
I don’t blame the guy, he’s going on 83 years old but just be weary given the prices aren’t even that low.

Wazrach · 11 Jun 2020, 09:32

Polecat wrote: 11 Jun 2020, 04:13
Wazrach wrote: 10 Jun 2020, 20:58
"Northgate Bob" (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/) is selling a gold badge Northgate Omnikey 102 for $180 + shipping. It has White Alps. I'm no expert, but a gold badge Omnikey with White Alps should mean it's close to Blue Alps.
I would agree, provided it has its original switches. But Northgate Bob has pretty much claimed that all Alps switches are the same, so if he has replaced some or all of them there's no way to know what you'd be getting.

Ah. I haven't purchased anything from him yet, so I wouldn't know. That's interesting to hear though.