ALPS keyboard clickdamp Mod

I modified my Dell AT-101W keyboard to really clicky ALPS switches with rubber dampers. Only the main area has been modified. The future goal is a keyboard that consists only of a main area. For now the existing AT-101W will do it.

I cannibalized two other keyboards:

Apple Extended Keyboard II

I found the AEKII at ebay and got it for 1 Euro. It has a german layout, so I could not use the keycaps for the ANSI-layouted target keyboard.

The AEKII has non-clicky ALPS switches with rubber dampers, which I like. They don't click, what I miss.

focus FK-2002

I got the focus FK-2002 as a gift from my brother-in-law Daniel. It lacks the body, but it is fully functional.

The focus FK-2002 has white clicky ALPS switches, which I like. They have no rubber dampers, so they give a cheap release sound.

The original Dell AT-101W has black non-clicky ALPS switches. They feel OK, but they sound poor.

Disassembly

I removed the keycaps and disassembled the keys of the 3 keyboards.

All parts were cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner

Keyswitch mix

I assembled the clickdamp keyswitch from:

• the leafs from the FK-2002 keyboard
• the springs from the AEKII keyboard
• the button from the AEKII
• the upper frame from the AEKII

Assembly details

Collction of spare parts

•  Impressum
•  Intern