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[WTB] Focus FK-2001
Posted: 02 Mar 2021, 20:25
by Forstaag
Looking to buy a Focus FK-2001 with a Windows Key, taking any offers.
While Im here though, I want to ask about the Focus 5001. Is the macro key programmable to function as a windows key?
If I can program the macro key to work as a Windows key then Im open to Offers on a 5001 as well.
Are focus boards worth the price? Should I look at other mechanical boards?
Im new here, please be gentle.
Re: [WTB] Focus FK-2001
Posted: 02 Mar 2021, 22:23
by zrrion
Are they worth the price depends entirely on the price/condition you find them at and your personal preference honestly. Anything under 50 for a decent condition vintage keyboard you don't already own is generally a good buy, over that price and I feel like the amount of money you're spending starts to exceed the quality you are possibly getting. These are used keyboards after all and sometimes clean looking boards can feel terrible when you get them. Additionally, if it is a board you haven't tried you don't have any way of knowing if you'll even like the board to begin with, so shelling out a ton for a board you don't like (or worse actively dislike) is not ideal to say the least.
Once you've tried a board you should be way more informed on how much the board is worth to you and if you want to spend a lot on something you know you'll enjoy then more power to you.
The 5001 isn't programmable to my knowledge so unless it could be remapped with a converter you might be out of luck. Someone who has one would need to weigh in on if that works or not.
Re: [WTB] Focus FK-2001
Posted: 03 Mar 2021, 00:25
by Forstaag
zrrion wrote: 02 Mar 2021, 22:23
Are they worth the price depends entirely on the price/condition you find them at and your personal preference honestly. Anything under 50 for a decent condition vintage keyboard you don't already own is generally a good buy, over that price and I feel like the amount of money you're spending starts to exceed the quality you are possibly getting. These are used keyboards after all and sometimes clean looking boards can feel terrible when you get them. Additionally, if it is a board you haven't tried you don't have any way of knowing if you'll even like the board to begin with, so shelling out a ton for a board you don't like (or worse actively dislike) is not ideal to say the least.
Once you've tried a board you should be way more informed on how much the board is worth
to you and if you want to spend a lot on something you know you'll enjoy then more power to you.
The 5001 isn't programmable to my knowledge so unless it could be remapped with a converter you might be out of luck. Someone who has one would need to weigh in on if that works or not.
Sound advice, I have reached the end of life for a mechanical I had and wanted to use something I remembered and the only one I remember was this one from childhood. I like the unique look and feel of the 5001 and 2001.
Re: [WTB] Focus FK-2001
Posted: 03 Mar 2021, 03:32
by Polecat
Keep in mind the FK-2001s with Windows keys are the newer versions, from 1996 or later, and most or all of those had clone switches rather than genuine Alps.
The Macro key on my FK-2002 generates a backslash, but one with a different scan code than the normal backslash. The keyboard is not internally reprogrammable, but having a different scan code the Macro key can be reassigned with a programmable converter like a Soarers.