i-Rocks Builds a LEGO-Compatible Alps-Like Keyboard

Alps keyboards are back, and now they take LEGO! Not only has Chinese companies i-Rocks has spent two years replicating the tactile feel of the iconic Alps SKCL/SKCM series of mechanical keyswitches, but it made the keyboard that houses those keys compatible with everyone’s favourite building block, because why the Hell not? The result is the i-Rocks K76m Fun Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard:

“We attempt to create a device that integrate daily joy and satisfyingly function,” i-Rocks wrote on the IndieGoGo page for its new keyboard. “This functional keyboard could heal your inner and mood. Meanwhile, we want to reproduce the typing feel of Alps keyswitches used in some of most legendary keyboards from the last century as well.”

“Our idea was inspired in a keyboard fans meeting,” i-Rocks explained. “After numerous tests and discussions, we brought our prototype to a select group of experts who dedicated in keyboard industry for more than 30 years. We shared different ideas and discussed feedbacks, which drive the necessary change to perfection. “

“It is fun to play LEGO because your imagination lies in your hands,” i-Rocks said. “LEGO is a lot more than a toy. It’s a creative expression. A lot of people, even adults, hugely engaged with it. With LEGO you can make the most amazing things — things you’d never imagine. Furthermore, these colorful bricks could be disassembled in the end of a day and you could start a new design next time. As long as you have a creative imagination (and childishness!), you will have infinite joy.”

“Mechanical keyboard fans rejoice. We spent a lot of time make a step closer to make a legend switch reborn of our keyboard. Alps is a Japanese company and brand that well known in the keyboard community primarily for the Alps SKCL/SKCM series (Originally made by Alps) of mechanical keyswitches. These switches have stopped production for a long time ago, but Alps clone switches are still manufactured by many other manufacturers. Here is the whole story of how we reach the disappeared legend switch.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkqDL0hC3Jc

Over on its IndieGoGo page, i-Rocks goes into great detail on the history of Alps and the lengths that the company went to in order to replicate the distinctive feel of those old keyboards. The i-Rocks K76m Fun Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard is available in four variations – Clicky (blue), Tactile (brown), Linear (red), and Geek (white), the latter of which is extra-sensitive, aimed at gamers – and is priced $139, available for pre-order from its IndieGoGo page.

Specifications:

• Interface: USB ( Full Speed )
• Key number: 104 Keys ( By Language )
• Switch type : i-Rocks Mechanical Switch
• Key stroke: 4.0 mm to the bottom 
• N-Key rollover 
• LED Backlighting function
• Multimedia shortcut keys
• Cable Length:200cm
• Dimensions: 459 (L)*158.5 (W)*39.5(H) mm
• Weight : About 1.45 Kg

System Requirements

• Microsoft  Windows® XP,  Windows Vista ®  , Windows® 7 ，Windows® 8 and Windows® 10 operating system.
• Available USB Port