He’s always said that he would love to see SKCM/SKCL make a return. If Focus Electronic returned as well, along with Northgate, their products would fly off the shelves.
There's no reason a company couldn't make decent SKCM style switches (except cost). Matias makes switches that are "okay", but I'm not a huge fan. My favorite switch is my mod, where I use a curly steel click-leaf from a Tai-Hao 1st gen APC switch in a SKCM black bottom housing and a SKCM white slit-top housing. It's clicker than SKCM blue and a bit more tactile. Very little pre-travel.
I meant if this RUclips series were available in the 80s and 90s, haha. Like if all the designers actually knew this stuff back then it would have been fantastic.
@@economicist2011 I agree. It is so strange that back in the day, none of us really knew or cared very much about the type of switches that were in our boards, at least not until every manufacturer went rubber. I'm happy that the revolution began, though. My dream is to get my mod manufactured someday. There's a sound test at ruclips.net/video/lFD8FMLpOx0/видео.html if you're interested in hearing it.
@@NortelGeek No, they aren't "OK" they fail at an alarming rate for the price. I literally bought one brand new off the shelf 3 days ago, and it had the signature "matias" chatter issues within the first hour of use and had to be returned...
I never saw one in person, but during my IT training in the late 90's I was told that some of the old big data entry keyboards had a "Macro" key that worked as a modifier key in certain programs that were compatible to do shortcuts that launched macros like Control, Shift, and Alt do, except that using it would make sure that the macro does not conflict with existing keyboard shortcuts. Don't know if that is the issue here or even if my instructor wasn't mistaken about it.
Thomas, I am so sorry to inform you your camera has a dead pixel :( It's in the left edge near the lower middle, just a little white fleck. F for your camera
Beware of old and dirty SKCM switches though. I have a 2001 and it's not that dirty but it's still scratchy enough to detract from the otherwise awesome feel of the Alps Whites.
It is these videos that made me dig out an old FK-2002 I had stored with an Old PC I was keeping in case I ever needed to read any old floppy disks. I have a large number of crappy rubber dome keyboards but didn't realise I had this gem hidden away in the heap. I just need to find or make a converter for the plug :-(
Every time I see a battlecruiser, I'm reminded of how much I loved my Sun Type 7. Possibly one of the last of its kind ever made, and _so_ much nicer than the Type 6. Great video as always!
I love the idea of having a built in calculator in a keyboard. It could be seriously useful in a number of applications. I rarely use software calculators and prefer having a physical calculator even a cheapo! Modern keyboards should incorporate that feature instead of osentatious RGB or something.
Since you couldn't multi task in dos, calculators were really useful, although most people would have one on their desk. The macro key was also used by various TSR programs that were loaded into extended memory, they allowed you to add functionality to software and offered rudimentary multitasking. I remember an early one that would copy the snapshot of the memory to disk (or a ram drive ideally, if you were super rich) and load the snapshot that was stored already - offering you a very slow way to run multiple programs. Or, compare states of the same game so you could add lives or whatever. Also, I'm pretty sure when running SPSS on our uni Vax the macro key was used a lot. I cannot remember what the hell for though...
...but I don't mean they were commonly bought--only on display, because everyone was looking for a deal, and they were fairly expensive, if I remember.
hey Thomas, just wondering how you find these. I often find myself on page 30 or so on deskthority. do you just wait until one appears on the front page? thanks.
@@gregbrown98 Wasn't it moving from England? I imagine trying to talk to recycling center guys in Dutch isn't incredibly easy for him, although at least they use metric? haha
I'm pretty sure that if some would take the original Focus designs, make them in black, add some nice double shot abs keycaps on matias switches with some good looking rgb and have a model with something as simple as a calculator model and some macro keys, it would sell pretty well. I know rgb gets a lot of hate in the comment section and on certain forums but if done right and with a good looking case and keycaps it can make for a good looking board imo. I'd love to see a modern version of the FK-2002 and 5002.
@@Chyrosran22 I know but they are so rare that they don't really exist lol. I just think that it's not really worth it making a beige version of it nowadays, only few would buy it.
Congrats for the 100K silver badge. Btw, with your new fk5001 the challenge will be to keep it safe and sound. What would you suggest for the calc pad? Put the battery out while you don't use it?
Hey Thomas, are you planning on reviewing the Glorious Panda switches? I just lubed my two sets and threw them in my Glorious gmmk 60% and I would LOVE your opinion on these unusual switches.
Also, regarding the comment about the 1.75u Right Shift not being stabilized: I'm not sure if that was the standard back then (at least for Alps keyboards), but in mechanical keyboards today, any keycap length under 2u never uses a stabilizer, a 1.75u Split Right Shift has no need for one. The reason yours was binding when you pressed it on the right is probably just because that particular switch may have had some dirt or dust in it. 1.75u Right Shifts (as well as other keycaps that length) never seem to bind on MX-style switch boards.
Chyrosran22 i do have a question.. Can you do a review on the loudest keyboard? I know that sounds weird but lets just say I have a prank ;) but still tho
I recently acquired an apple m0110 and the thing is flawless except the z key only sometimes activates. Is there any way to open up the switches without desoldering like you can with skcm alps? If so how? Any help would be much appreciated thank you :)
I'd like to get my hands on a battlecruiser or battleship type keyboard, just to posess one if not to use it day-to-day. I find myself using 60% boards most of the time, even for work, which involves numbers. I just love the desk space the 60% frees up. I'm planning to build a retro PC at some point just for the fun of it and I visualise it having a big Model F, Model M or similar keyboard, such as one of these Focus units.
Unicomp makes ok buckling springs battleship keyboards. With USB support. I use one in my home office (they are too noisy to use out and amongst other folks).
@@JTThumpington well. Having used a latter Lexmark era IBM Model M spacesaver I'd say that the build quality of Unicomp is around that or a little worse. What I mean is that the quality is ok, but it is not what you'd expect from a 80s Model F for instance. I would rate it around the build quality of a Filco cherry blue keyboard. I don't know if that helps, but if there is some way I can show the build quality, please let me now. I think Thomas have a video on another unicomp keyboard...
@@needfortweed8734 Thank you. I've watched those Unicomp videos by Thomas but I'll give them another watch for sure. It's always nice to get another person's perspective as well. It's difficult to get a hands-on experience with stuff like the Unicomp without stumping up the cash and just straight-out getting one. I need to gather the components for my retro build yet, so a keyboard is a while off. I'm thinking of building a 486 machine, mostly for nostalgia purposes but I also have a great deal of nostalgia for the 286 era and the BBC MIcro, as I've owned all of them at one point or another.
@@JTThumpington yeah, that Unicomp keyboard is much better (both build quality and feel) than the bog standard HP membrane keyboards that we got at my job. It'll almost be sad getting back to work after this whole Covid situation is over, and I have to do my typing on one of those HP keyboards...
I have a fk-5001 sitting on my lap here that is built like your 9001 with 4 buttons above the calculator and built in lock lights with NO badge and my AT/XT switch is under the back lip of the board also my "macro button" is blank like your 9001
I have same one like you described, with futaba latching KB/CAL switch and blank "macro" key. I guess ours are late in the production, just before switching to FK9000. Mine was made in 1992. Maybe Thomas can tell us when this one was made.
Most of the older Alps based Apple keyboards would be a good choice. You will need an ADB converter for them, but you should be able to get both that and the model of your choice for less than $150.
Seconded with the older Alps adb boards. You can get one for under $100 on eBay and adapter tend to be around $30 - $50. Orange/Salmon Alps are absolutely wonderful switches. I daily drive a slightly modified orange albs adb keyboard with lighter springs due to hand issues and it is a joy to type on.
You can find a Focus keyboard for relatively cheap (not necessarily this one) but most of them are later Alps. Beware dirty Alps White, they can be scratchy and frustrating clickies. In good condition they're awesome. (Blues are even better. Salmon are tactile and exclusive to Apple keybs I think?) You might want to buy an active converter for DB9 connectors too. Many great vintage boards require one.
100K subs achieved bois Now to celebrate, we torture Thomas by making him type on some truly awful creation...maybe a Smith-Corona Leaf Spring keyboard with single-shot ABS keycaps...WITH A 1U BACKSPACE
10:31 'and from this day on, they were stricly know as conversion ribbons'
next video wheN?
oh, hello there glarses
I am already used to how Thomas converts centimeters to ice cube per bag of potatoes, but it made me burst out in laugh :D
@Disciplexeon The Operator I love Chyrosran
That actually helped me figure out how long it was lol
10:25 Thomas' Imperial measurements game still on point 😂
Can you imagine how outstanding keyboards would be today if this series were available to the contemporary audience?
He’s always said that he would love to see SKCM/SKCL make a return. If Focus Electronic returned as well, along with Northgate, their products would fly off the shelves.
There's no reason a company couldn't make decent SKCM style switches (except cost). Matias makes switches that are "okay", but I'm not a huge fan. My favorite switch is my mod, where I use a curly steel click-leaf from a Tai-Hao 1st gen APC switch in a SKCM black bottom housing and a SKCM white slit-top housing. It's clicker than SKCM blue and a bit more tactile. Very little pre-travel.
I meant if this RUclips series were available in the 80s and 90s, haha. Like if all the designers actually knew this stuff back then it would have been fantastic.
@@economicist2011 I agree. It is so strange that back in the day, none of us really knew or cared very much about the type of switches that were in our boards, at least not until every manufacturer went rubber. I'm happy that the revolution began, though. My dream is to get my mod manufactured someday. There's a sound test at ruclips.net/video/lFD8FMLpOx0/видео.html if you're interested in hearing it.
@@NortelGeek No, they aren't "OK" they fail at an alarming rate for the price. I literally bought one brand new off the shelf 3 days ago, and it had the signature "matias" chatter issues within the first hour of use and had to be returned...
I have no idea how you became my favorite content creator but god damn thomas
I never saw one in person, but during my IT training in the late 90's I was told that some of the old big data entry keyboards had a "Macro" key that worked as a modifier key in certain programs that were compatible to do shortcuts that launched macros like Control, Shift, and Alt do, except that using it would make sure that the macro does not conflict with existing keyboard shortcuts. Don't know if that is the issue here or even if my instructor wasn't mistaken about it.
They also often output the 102nd key's scancode too.
Yeah, I remember using it with SPSS on uni vaxen. Also lot of TSR utilities used it, as it wasn't likely to conflict with another key.
There are still a lot of scancode that the OS will interpret and process, but have no function unless the application is specifically looking for it.
once again the imperial conversion remark just makes everyones day, thanks for the content!
Thomas, I am so sorry to inform you your camera has a dead pixel :(
It's in the left edge near the lower middle, just a little white fleck.
F for your camera
f
f
f
F
f
I really need to get one of these Focus boards. They're so dang cool.
Beware of old and dirty SKCM switches though. I have a 2001 and it's not that dirty but it's still scratchy enough to detract from the otherwise awesome feel of the Alps Whites.
Yeah I want one too. Someday I’ll get one
It is these videos that made me dig out an old FK-2002 I had stored with an Old PC I was keeping in case I ever needed to read any old floppy disks. I have a large number of crappy rubber dome keyboards but didn't realise I had this gem hidden away in the heap. I just need to find or make a converter for the plug :-(
10:30 your pure contempt for Imperial users is truly admirable
Every time I see a battlecruiser, I'm reminded of how much I loved my Sun Type 7. Possibly one of the last of its kind ever made, and _so_ much nicer than the Type 6.
Great video as always!
I love the idea of having a built in calculator in a keyboard. It could be seriously useful in a number of applications. I rarely use software calculators and prefer having a physical calculator even a cheapo! Modern keyboards should incorporate that feature instead of osentatious RGB or something.
I would practically kill to have one of these on the mass spectrometer I use at work :D .
Varmilo has this keyboard en.varmilo.com/keyboardproscenium/subject_product_detailed?subjectid=238
Wow, thanks for the memories. This was my first keyboard, back in the day.
Hey I have this one. One of my favorite keyboards!
Since you couldn't multi task in dos, calculators were really useful, although most people would have one on their desk.
The macro key was also used by various TSR programs that were loaded into extended memory, they allowed you to add functionality to software and offered rudimentary multitasking. I remember an early one that would copy the snapshot of the memory to disk (or a ram drive ideally, if you were super rich) and load the snapshot that was stored already - offering you a very slow way to run multiple programs. Or, compare states of the same game so you could add lives or whatever.
Also, I'm pretty sure when running SPSS on our uni Vax the macro key was used a lot. I cannot remember what the hell for though...
Oh yay, a calendar. That certainly won't become obsolete after 1 year...
Kindly provide a list of all Audiobooks this fellow has recorded? This lad must have done voiceover for other productions as well? - link please. :)
Congrats on 100k 🎉
old subscriber here, big congrats on 100K subs my favorite boomer xD
Isn't he Gen X? Doesn't seem anywhere near old enough to be a Boomer
I'm a millennial xD .
Congratz on 100k subs and silver yt plate!
What mount are the keycaps in your outro?
These were pretty common at computer shows / swap meets... probably around the same time as Mag monitors were in vogue.
...but I don't mean they were commonly bought--only on display, because everyone was looking for a deal, and they were fairly expensive, if I remember.
3:26 WORDSTAAAAAR
hey Thomas, just wondering how you find these. I often find myself on page 30 or so on deskthority.
do you just wait until one appears on the front page? thanks.
Pretty sure he both gets donations and goes to an e-waste/recycling place that receives older keyboards. New-old stock in warehouse too maybe?
eBay, Local marketplaces, garage sales etc. and of course DT
@@mat.quantum2671 I think he said he can't go to any recycling centers anymore due to moving to England? Don't quote me on that.
@@gregbrown98 Wasn't it moving from England? I imagine trying to talk to recycling center guys in Dutch isn't incredibly easy for him, although at least they use metric? haha
I bought this one off ebay for $80.
I'm pretty sure that if some would take the original Focus designs, make them in black, add some nice double shot abs keycaps on matias switches with some good looking rgb and have a model with something as simple as a calculator model and some macro keys, it would sell pretty well. I know rgb gets a lot of hate in the comment section and on certain forums but if done right and with a good looking case and keycaps it can make for a good looking board imo. I'd love to see a modern version of the FK-2002 and 5002.
Black FK-2001s did exist! I showed some in a previous video :D .
@@Chyrosran22 I know but they are so rare that they don't really exist lol. I just think that it's not really worth it making a beige version of it nowadays, only few would buy it.
I love the conversion tape.
I know you don't really do them any more, but any chance of a TDXL of this one? I'm a sucker for that Alps sound.
It’s quite pleasant to hear someone swearing over keyboards
Sweet review I really didn't know I would want a calculator in my keyboard until now
Congrats for the 100K silver badge. Btw, with your new fk5001 the challenge will be to keep it safe and sound. What would you suggest for the calc pad? Put the battery out while you don't use it?
Yes, I keep the batteries out of all the keyboards I don't use. I've seen what happens when you don't xD .
One thing I wonder - have you ever typed on an AlphaGrip?
Hey Thomas, are you planning on reviewing the Glorious Panda switches? I just lubed my two sets and threw them in my Glorious gmmk 60% and I would LOVE your opinion on these unusual switches.
now i know the keyboard i need for my 1999 build Focus FK-5001 ;) can never have to many buttons
I can't wait to hear what you have to say about these new Cherry budget switches the put in this new Corsair board.
they remind me of cherry my. We might get a feast from thomas.
Although I have to admit my old stock first gen G81 is not that bad. I am still debating if I should zry to lube them.
excited for the GEAR keyboard
Also, regarding the comment about the 1.75u Right Shift not being stabilized:
I'm not sure if that was the standard back then (at least for Alps keyboards), but in mechanical keyboards today, any keycap length under 2u never uses a stabilizer, a 1.75u Split Right Shift has no need for one. The reason yours was binding when you pressed it on the right is probably just because that particular switch may have had some dirt or dust in it. 1.75u Right Shifts (as well as other keycaps that length) never seem to bind on MX-style switch boards.
Yes, I am aware of that rule. I also know exceptions to it, though 8D . Will be covering one soonish-ish!
Chyrosran22 i do have a question..
Can you do a review on the loudest keyboard? I know that sounds weird but lets just say I have a prank ;) but still tho
Hi. I have cherry g80-8113 keyboard, is there any software for macros? I don't know what the keys on row F1-F12 are for
I can only wonder how much one has to pay (in late 2020) for a new old stock FK-5001...
Good luck!
Ah, another Saturday morning. Sunshine, coffee, make a horrible math video and watch Tom. All is good :-)
where can i buy your voice
please review the Wyse WY60
Video length: 13:37
I see what you did there, Chyros.
I think I actually had one of those "back in the day." I wish I knew what happened to it...
I miss the big ass enter key :(
I recently acquired an apple m0110 and the thing is flawless except the z key only sometimes activates. Is there any way to open up the switches without desoldering like you can with skcm alps? If so how? Any help would be much appreciated thank you :)
No, unfortunately. SKCC are plate-held shut.
I'd like to get my hands on a battlecruiser or battleship type keyboard, just to posess one if not to use it day-to-day. I find myself using 60% boards most of the time, even for work, which involves numbers. I just love the desk space the 60% frees up. I'm planning to build a retro PC at some point just for the fun of it and I visualise it having a big Model F, Model M or similar keyboard, such as one of these Focus units.
Unicomp makes ok buckling springs battleship keyboards. With USB support. I use one in my home office (they are too noisy to use out and amongst other folks).
@@needfortweed8734 Oh yes, Unicomp could be an option, thanks. How do you find the build quality?
@@JTThumpington well. Having used a latter Lexmark era IBM Model M spacesaver I'd say that the build quality of Unicomp is around that or a little worse. What I mean is that the quality is ok, but it is not what you'd expect from a 80s Model F for instance. I would rate it around the build quality of a Filco cherry blue keyboard.
I don't know if that helps, but if there is some way I can show the build quality, please let me now. I think Thomas have a video on another unicomp keyboard...
@@needfortweed8734 Thank you. I've watched those Unicomp videos by Thomas but I'll give them another watch for sure.
It's always nice to get another person's perspective as well. It's difficult to get a hands-on experience with stuff like the Unicomp without stumping up the cash and just straight-out getting one.
I need to gather the components for my retro build yet, so a keyboard is a while off. I'm thinking of building a 486 machine, mostly for nostalgia purposes but I also have a great deal of nostalgia for the 286 era and the BBC MIcro, as I've owned all of them at one point or another.
@@JTThumpington yeah, that Unicomp keyboard is much better (both build quality and feel) than the bog standard HP membrane keyboards that we got at my job. It'll almost be sad getting back to work after this whole Covid situation is over, and I have to do my typing on one of those HP keyboards...
I have a fk-5001 sitting on my lap here that is built like your 9001 with 4 buttons above the calculator and built in lock lights with NO badge and my AT/XT switch is under the back lip of the board also my "macro button" is blank like your 9001
I have same one like you described, with futaba latching KB/CAL switch and blank "macro" key. I guess ours are late in the production, just before switching to FK9000. Mine was made in 1992. Maybe Thomas can tell us when this one was made.
When the video length is just right.
10:30 Well that was boring, wasn't it?
I’m staying up for a keyboard review...
1am gang
1 am in Virginia!
😂
Totally worth it.
@@whiffysole amen!
Top row F keys being grouped in 3s triggers me.
I’m looking to get a nice vintage keyboard with tactile switches for under 150$. Any suggestions?
Most of the older Alps based Apple keyboards would be a good choice. You will need an ADB converter for them, but you should be able to get both that and the model of your choice for less than $150.
Dell AT101 are called out to be great beginner tactile ALPS keyboards to get.
Seconded with the older Alps adb boards. You can get one for under $100 on eBay and adapter tend to be around $30 - $50. Orange/Salmon Alps are absolutely wonderful switches. I daily drive a slightly modified orange albs adb keyboard with lighter springs due to hand issues and it is a joy to type on.
You can find a Focus keyboard for relatively cheap (not necessarily this one) but most of them are later Alps. Beware dirty Alps White, they can be scratchy and frustrating clickies. In good condition they're awesome. (Blues are even better. Salmon are tactile and exclusive to Apple keybs I think?)
You might want to buy an active converter for DB9 connectors too. Many great vintage boards require one.
Chicony are very affordable.
yay
it works, the calculator works.
We get it M8, ya like white alps XD
9:40 noiiiice
Clock and calculator. What an unnecessary but cool feature!
Have you seen his Weytec keyboard review? There are even more "unnecessary but cool" features
Thomas has two reviews of that Swiss behemoth:
ruclips.net/video/e-5DDDd3Qzw/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/1FHkQpYBygE/видео.html
yes
100K subs achieved bois
Now to celebrate, we torture Thomas by making him type on some truly awful creation...maybe a Smith-Corona Leaf Spring keyboard with single-shot ABS keycaps...WITH A 1U BACKSPACE
You should see what's coming next week xD .
noice
lol wait, you hadnt already reviewed a 5001? :D
No! XD Definitely about time, right?
If this guy made keyboards noone would buy them from other brands anymore
"there you go" UAHUAHUAHAUU LMAO
100k 👏
Where the actual fuck do you find these keyboards?
The length of this video is quite leet.
his measurements of the keyboards are about as good as the build quality... Chinese.
I agree, Imperial units are crap!
boomer
Sounds like you are biased
First