Focus FK-2001 review (Alps SKCM Blue/White, Alps clones, and everything else under the stars)

[@thexenian]

Chyrosan: " you can get them fairly cheap" EBay: *adds two zeroes to the price*

[@SockyNoob]

Reddit users be like: OMG SUPER RARE MUST BUY NOW

[@adamlanghans]

@zepled112 If it weren't people like him creating these videos, the market wouldn't exist for NEW mechanical keyboards beyond black RGB gamer keyboards with scratchy MX Browns. If anything, the market for keyboards like these used to be severely under-valued.

[@adamlanghans]

@zepled112 I get it, but remember: You're not stuck in traffic, you ARE traffic.

[@altlllOlOlOll]

@@adamlanghans thats the dumbest thing ever said. I dont think you are as smart as you think you are.

[@adamlanghans]

@@altlllOlOlOll Shows what you know, I've said way dumber

[@IIIJFRIII]

Those black ones are no joke some of the most perfect keyboards I have ever seen.

[@karellen00]

Truth be told a lot of vintage keyboards had an amazing design, they were just made boring by the beige color (that if I recall correctly was required by a german norm that required that color for office use). The black model M with trackpoint looks sexy too, or even the black dell bigfoot or the dolch pac series of keyboards!

[@Cebrilung]

This was one of, if not the best video I've seen on this channel. Great job Thomas! I'm a big fan of big-ass enters and IMHO the Focus' layout compliments it very nicely. I'm currently building a Melody96 with either Box Navies or 78g Zilents and already secured a few keysets with a BAE cap :]

[@Chyrosran22]

Thank you :) .

[@XalphYT]

Agreed. This is an awesome video. I especially appreciated the close up of the keycaps when comparing doubleshot to the other variations.

[@Rowsdow3r]

When I first found out that keyboards were out there that were not poorly made with bad domes I went on a hunt to find out what were the keyboards I used as a kid on the old DOS machines. I found a tactile rubber sleeve foam and foil board in my parent's attic that went with the PC we had in the early 90s. It is an awful keyboard that I wish that nobody would ever have to use. Then I thought of the keyboard I used at my Aunty Mary's house. I remember it made a sound, a loud sound. Then I remembered the cover the keyboard had. I remembered this kind of amber colored clear keyboard cover. It took me a while of searching and going through memories to find what keyboard it was. It was one of these. I wish I could remember what the computer was but the only person who would know died a few years ago.

[@Max-do1ch]

I feel the same about the Monterey and Focus layouts, they're amazing.

[@bankaiguy23]

You really had to make this a day before some auctions for these guys were finished lol EDIT: BRING IT ON BIDDERS

[@Kikker861]

Inb4 FK-2001 prices dramatically rise. (LOL)

[@anasevi9456]

lol, never going to see these on ebay again for under $150usd.

[@0toleranz]

Seb E I immediately checked on eBay and aside from some really dirty used examples from the us the were one for $300 us plus 40 shipping from greece to Germany and according to the video that was probably one NOT with alps switches as it was a late one with ps2 plug and the starnav block, and judging by the photos most likely dye sub keycaps although pretty light and not yellowed at all. But 300 plus shipping for an used not rare board! Na.

[@AnvilSP]

@@0toleranz Focus boards never came with dyesub

[@agrisimfarming]

Hey Chyros, I have one of these with Pine SKCM whites that I got on eBay cheap a few years ago (It was even converted to USB by the seller!) in excellent condition! (I suspect it barely had been used because the switches felt very nice and the ABS keycaps weren't yellowed or shiny at all!) I think it's a fantastic keyboard and I haven't had the build quality issues you mentioned. Other than the clip together design, mine barely flexes at all even when I use considerable force, and mine is quite heavy too, 1.2KG. (I am sure that isn't heavy compared to some of the boards you have, but compared to the boards I am used to its quite heavy.) Mine also sounds great, just like how yours sounded in the video. Overall it's a great board and I recommend it if you can live without windows keys, are ok with a 100% layout, and can find one for a good price in good condition. (That's the only 2 things I don't like about this, the lack of windows keys and that I wish it was a TKL since I almost never use the numpad, but I would rather have a 100% than a 60% so that's good at least.)

[@supertoasting1011]

A long time ago when I was browsing eBay I came across what I swear was a tenkeyless FK-2001. I haven't been able to find the posting but it was definitely a real Focus keyboard, it had the same ridges at the top, but was TKL.

[@Chyrosran22]

That'll be the FK-1001. Ultra rare; I know of only two in existence.

[@thethriftyfawn]

OBSESSED with the removal dust cover and page holder!!! Never seen that before on a keyboard! 😃

[@moto2185]

Why cant all keyboards have that dust cover

[@DJMouthwash]

Very informative! I found one of these guys at the thrift store and was interested to learn more. The one I picked up is probably among the later ones with the nastier KO switches, but a neat find none the less!

[@paulikxp]

Got one of those with my Vobis Highscreen 286-12 (in Germany) in 1990 or so. The keyboard survived many years (and PCs) also thanks to its dust cover of which one of the hinge noses broke off in the end. The board had also badly yellowed over the years.

[@azerXP]

Chyrosan: these are pretty cheap People watching: buys all the keyboards driving up the price

[@DVRC]

I've found a Focus FK-2001 with Alps SKCM Blue at school. Well, i've got very lucky, it's a fantastic board and the switches are a joy to type on, since they're very clean inside. Also it's italian layout (not the QZWERTY), misses the "\" near to the right shift and it's winkeyless, since it's from November 1988

[@ShoelessJP]

The black one is utterly gorgeous. Great review as always.

[@jb_lofi]

A kid I know just dug this out of his family storage and (with his parent's blessing) gave me one of these -- Alps White, first time I've used Alps and they're delicious. Will the standard Soarer's converter AT/XT to USB work for it? I'm super eager to restore it and get it working.

[@Chyrosran22]

Should do, yes.

[@thehylian6984]

I have a really weird and rare focus 2001 with a badge that says "Linux cool keyboards" instead of the normal one. Also, the WinKey cap has the Linux penguin instead

[@cryohellinc]

Two questions: - What is the Turbo button in the middle of start arrow cluster? - What is Enhanced PS2 mode? P.S. Love the vid as always!

[@Chyrosran22]

The Turbo button lets you set repeat rste in conjunction with the F keys. Enhanced PS/2 is an expanded scancode set, I think.

[@cryohellinc]

@@Chyrosran22 Interesting. Thank you for clarifying this.

[@toufusoup]

As I finished watching this, I looked up some 2001's on eBay and some dude has a Chrome/Silver one. Is that actually a thing or was that a paintjob?

[@Chyrosran22]

I've seen that one, but I'm not sure. I'm guessing a paint job.

[@LangleyNA]

That's a rather nice space bar sound in your end video typing demonstration.

[@oOweedwalkerOo]

greetings i found a escom Focus FK-2001 with alps SKCM blue...i love the keyboard but the keys sound a bit pingy alomst like buckling springs.... i watchd some of your blue alps videos (acer..chicony ..) and there is one vid on youtube he got the same board.. there i dont hear the pingy sound :S whats wrong plz help

[@lucidmoses]

I had one of the based 2001 (with dust cover and dip switches on top). Man I wish I knew they came in black. Pretty sharp.

[@Mimi127]

Your voice is so satisfying. Anyways, an informative video as always.

[@justinc8157]

I have two WKL models. One has white clones and another has bamboo SKCM whites.

[@ethanoux10]

StOp mAkINg tHE aLpS BoARdS eXpENsiVe!

[@jorritbekema386]

The black Focus definitely looks sexy, second only to the IBM Model M13

[@KayvonJavid]

I got one with white Alps with slits for $50 (without shipping from hawaii) $20 for shipping but oh well. It looked clean in the listing with no dust on the key caps or in between the keys but when I got it ALL of the switches feel terrible but it's not too hard to clean and add some lube

[@Apollo440]

Ever consider making a best old vs new video, with good old keyboards and their closest modern alternatives? Showing what people can buy new instead of looking for rare old keyboards would be really nice of you, since you have hooked many of us on those rare, hard to find items...

[@romannasuti25]

Now that Blackmagic released the Davinci Resolve Keyboard, I'd like to see somebody loan him one to test! No way he's buying one himself, they're $1000, but I'd still like to see if that keyboard drives him all kinds of batty.

[@justinc8157]

Just got one on ebay with the \ key in the windows key spot. I really hope it has SKCM white switches like the seller said it does.

[@SobKnight]

How do you feel about the Outemu Blue Switches, i'm new you mech keyboard and got a cheap keyboard with them in it. How do you think they compare to Cherry MX blues? do you like them more, or less? my specific switches has a semi-box around the cherry like stem.

[@Chyrosran22]

The noise is a lot louder and noticeably more high-pitched but apart from that I find them pretty similar.

[@ryanhalley1982]

Hi. I've just bought a UK 2001 on ebay, and notice some keys have the yellowed ABS - is it possible to return them to white? Cheers

[@TobiasWeg]

Thomas your typing style is actually more ergonomic than 'normal' 10 Finger typing on the standard keyboard, as you don't have to angle your wrist in the weird way. Just saying. Excellent Video. And the black ones are indeed beauteous.

[@Chyrosran22]

It's extremely hard to type in these videos. I'm located at a 45 degree angle from the keyboard (the camera is in the way) and my arms are stretched all the way out xD .

[@TobiasWeg]

@@Chyrosran22 But you are still fast. Respect for that.;) What I meant is that you don't angle your wrist while writing, which is good, and I guess still true, when there is no camera in the way.

[@gunjja13]

I never got why people complian about a 1U backspace. If you can hit the alphas (touch type or not) , then why is it that you can't find or hit the BS as a 1U key?

[@frankzappa3834]

I have a black FK2001, which has doubleshots and Alps Clones. Bit of a weird one!

[@edudot]

I HAVE 2001 KEY BOARD . I WANT TO DETACH THE COVER OF KEY BOARD . HOW CAN I DO SO ?

[@luthercampbell597]

You should review a ZX Spectrum 48k keyboard...

[@frankdanielhundrieser5683]

I want a black one 😭 just the case would be enough....

[@wkg19591]

I got one of these a while back...near mint condition, but windows keys and ps2, so I suppose it's clones. In any case I like it a lot :-) As always nice job Tom,, thanks for doing these videos, what fun :-)

[@Valk69]

I'm gonna build some keyboard covers like that out of Plexiglas. Maybe sell some on Ebay and Etsy. Been working on a prototype. If anyone has any design ideas plz post. In order to "hinge" they will need to attach to or be hinged to something like a base the board sits on. Can I call it the "Babbons Ballz Cover"?

[@jacobhotaling8959]

i bought the 3001 i think i may be getting blue alps but its so undocumented idk im 99% shoure it is white but on the bottom it has the stickers of the blue 2001 has the caps switch , i am playing the switch lottory but for 50$ i know i am getting genuine alps complicated switches

[@edudot]

HOW TO DETACH THE KEY BOARD COVER , PLEASE TELL.

[@supertoasting1011]

Have you encountered any with blue Alps clones?

[@severussnape6886]

Hey Chyrosran, I found on Aliexpress some Chinese magnetic-mechanical keyboard named "Dumang DK6". The switches are MX clones but with a magnet inserted. The price is quite expensive, around $175. Would you consider reviewing it? :))))

[@Chyrosran22]

Well I can't afford that xD .

[@severussnape6886]

@@Chyrosran22 But still cheaper than an HHKB board =)))))

[@samuelschwager]

Looking at my IBM M13 and black Dell AT101: Do I need another black one? Well... ;)

[@axelbostrom3606]

Because of this chanel I bought a retro board a while back. Cherry clear switches, black PCB, beige case and fairly good build. Took me a real long while before I got the caps though, but I have them now and I have to say: Cherry clears feel like utter garbage. Hopefully I can flip it for €50 or something

[@Chyrosran22]

Cherry doesn't do tactile very well. You may have to look in some other places for it.

[@axelbostrom3606]

@@Chyrosran22 bought it as clears were supposed to be möte tactile than browns, my browns feel like clicky switches compared to them. Really want to get some non Cherry board tbh

[@AfterDark33]

So basically; unless you know what you are buying, you have absolutely no idea what you are gonna get when you click the “buy it now” button.

[@XalphYT]

You are playing the lottery. Good luck!

[@julian23561]

The black Focus board makes me want to question my identity. I want to identify as a keyboard now so I could make sweet love to it. lol

[@Chyrosran22]

Once you go black... 8)

[@0livegarden745]

Typing noises time!

[@HalianTheProtogen]

Nice avatar :3

[@bobweiram6321]

The black Focus looks like the Franklin computer keyboard.

[@karellen00]

Can you imagine this keyboard made nowadays by razer, where the dustcover is completely covered in rgb stuff? (on both sides!)

[@Chyrosran22]

WHAT XD

[@hahaiseewhatyouredoing9086]

Ew, no. That'll make the cover less transparent.

[@SockyNoob]

I was looking at a FK-2001 on ebay last night coincidentally. It's not even labeled as one. Just "vintage keyboard". And it's 40 bucks. Don't need it tho.

[@MobCat_]

3:01 yeah until everyone sees your video, relies what they have and then mark up the hell out of it

[@joelmarcott3282]

I bought one of these in the mid 90s and didn't keep it. I now realize I didn't know what I had. Even thought it's not the best Alps I still kick myself.

[@juantroisi6276]

Chy(why did this keybord rose its price?)rosran

[@AndroidUserCFB]

Dude great informative video about the Focus KB's but I'm 93% sure the voice on it is a robot. (based on other yt videos of phone reviews) Either you sound just like an ebook/pdf reader or the pdf voice is extremely realistic, including inhaling noises. Either way it freaks me out haha. :/

[@aravind3626]

Does anyone know type of keys used during the intro video(when chryrosran22 thomas gets typed)?

[@Chyrosran22]

Alps SKCM Blue

[@aravind3626]

Chyrosran22 thanks !

[@Honeybearsphone]

Minute I saw that enter key I started singing to mysel 🎼I like big buttons and i cannot lie you other brothers can't deny, When a board walks in with an itty bitty shift and a big L enter you get sprung, Pull up tight notice that caps lock stuck 🎤

[@darkholyPL]

Too bad white alps don't sound very good in my opinion. They sound... broken. Like they got fucked, and now they rattle. It's hard for me to explain exacly but they sound off, especially if you compare them to blue alps.

[@RBLevin]

"... better than any clicky switches made today except, perhaps, bucking springs." Perhaps? Perhaps???!!!???

[@DerComputerist]

Mad Dog Yeah. Perhaps. Complicated White Alps are up there with buckling springs, dude.

[@FluffyDragonKitten]

I have an FK2002, sadly quite nasty (cigarette burns, dirt and AZERTY...).

[@DjSigfrid]

Apple Extended Keyboard review please

[@Chyrosran22]

I've reviewed it twice xD .

[@ChaoticEnigma92]

Can Someone please start making alps switches again?

[@TobiasWeg]

Matias makes a kind of improved simplified alps version. Thomas also made a video about some of their boards.

[@ChaoticEnigma92]

I've heard iffy things about Matias switches and I want to be able to customize it more than what they offer. Then again, I'm new to all this and might just not be looking in the right places for what I'm after.

[@TobiasWeg]

@@ChaoticEnigma92 So, the Matias switch seem to have a problem with key chatter, as far as I know this seems to be a problem mainly with second market products. What are you exactly looking for in a switch? I like the novelkeys box switches. They can be very tactile (BoxRoyal) and Tactile clicky (BoxJades) when u prefer a higher weighting (BoxNavy). Thomas has also several videos about these.;)

[@ChaoticEnigma92]

I'm looking for tactility. I have the box navys in a GMMK and they're too heavy for me. Also the sound isn't really nice to me. I don't like the thin snap of the click bar in the box switches and hate plastic-y noise out of MX types. I figure the Matias/Alps would better due to the substantial size and material of what causes the tactility.

[@randommkeyz5029]

Hello Vriend hoe gaat het

[@titanshub]

Boop beep boop da boop deep da boop dope.

[@questionmarkquestionmarkques]

damn, 3 minutes?

[@h0rk3d]

This (edit: ISO) layout is the only true layout. There is no other layout, only this. Every other layout and button design is an abomination.

[@yanguYT]

first

[@KeithThePooPoo]

What's the best modern switch in your opinion