Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- guides:alps-skcml [15 Jan 2024 10:02] – eris
+++ guides:alps-skcml [16 Jan 2024 10:14] (current) – eris
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ===== Alps SKCM/SKCL Switch Guide  =====
-=== Keycap pulling ===
+==== Keycap pulling ====
 There is only one consistently safe way to pull Alps common mount keycaps. **You should not attempt anything else, as plastics involved can be quite brittle/old, or in the case of DCS keycaps the mold can sometimes lack supports.**
-Use a high-quality wire keycap puller only. The weirdly shaped ones that come with some cheaper Chinese keyboards aren’t a good shape for pulling Alps caps.
+Use a high-quality wire keycap puller only. The weirdly shaped ones that come with some cheaper Chinese keyboards aren’t a good shape for pulling Alps caps. Plastic ring-type pullers should not be used due to likelihood of breaking or scratching keycaps.
+{{:guides:pullers.jpg?200 |}}
 Get a good grip around the keycap with the wire puller and pull straight up. Do not wiggle, tease, rock side-to-side or impart any lateral movement at all. If the keycap has a death grip, continue pulling straight up and simply apply more force until the keycap releases.
 {{guides:alps_keycap_removal.mp4|Alps Keycap Removal}}
-=== Removing broken stems ===
+==== Removing broken stems ====
 The worst has happened and despite following the above guide, a keycap has died and the mount is now stuck inside the switch stem. How to get it out?
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 </gallery>
-=== Switch disassembly ===
+==== Switch disassembly ====
 Alps switches can be opened by releasing the two retaining tabs that are part of the bottom housing from the spots they latch into in the top housing. There are two main methods to achieve this.
 **Out-of-plate:** This is by far the easiest way to disassemble SKCM/SKCL switches in bulk, and requires no tools other than a soldering iron. Desolder all the switches from the board, and then pull each tab back with your fingernails. Put a little pressure on the contact pins with your thumb and the switch will pop apart.
 {{guides:alpsopenloose.mp4|Opening loose Alps}}
-**In-plate:** You can also release the tabs without desoldering, though reassembly is much more difficult this way. Using two long flat objects((screwdrivers work but will scratch the top housing in a place that can’t be seen, it’s up to you whether you care about this)), insert one into each of the tabs. You can then pull outwards and upwards to simultaneously release the tabs and pull up the top housing. Remove the parts with your hands.
-=== Switch reassembly ===
+**In-plate:** You can also release the tabs without desoldering, though reassembly is much more difficult this way. Using two long flat objects((screwdrivers work but will scratch the top housing in a place that can’t be seen, it’s up to you whether you care about this)), insert one into each of the tabs. You can then pull outwards and upwards to simultaneously release the tabs and pull up the top housing. Remove the parts with your hands.
+{{guides:alpsopenplate.mp4|Opening Alps in plate}}
+==== Switch reassembly ====
 **Out-of-plate:** Start with the top housing. Turn it upside down. Locate the flat, inside face of the top housing that isn’t smooth.
@@ Line 39: / Line 40: @@
 If your contact module is separated from your bottom housing, you can insert it into the top housing now, and then lower the bottom housing over the top. If it’s not, you can insert both pieces at the same time, taking care to make sure the contact module has engaged into the slot in the housing for it.
+{{guides:img_0462.mp4|Alps loose reassembly}}
 If your switch won’t go back together, don’t force it - you have probably mixed up the sides for the contact module and tactile/click leaf.
@@ Line 52: / Line 53: @@
 As you can see, trying to do this from the top down is significantly more difficult and should really only be attempted if you’re not having any luck with the other method.
-=== Stabilizer tuning ===
+==== Fixing stuck/chattering contacts ====
+The best way to fix an unhappy contact module will always be replacement with a better one - but there are some easy tricks to try if a switch has recently died or isn't working after a while in storage. As a first port of call, you should try pressing down very hard on the key and wiggling in a north-south direction. If the switch is chattering, do this until the switch is outputting one character on every north wiggle. If it wasn't registering, wiggle until it does.
+{{alpswiggle.mp4|The press-wiggle method}}
+==== Stabilizer tuning ====
 Alps stabilizers are pretty simple, and while rattly nowadays were originally factory lubricated and quite quiet. They’re also significantly easier to tune than MX-type stabilizers.
@@ Line 61: / Line 68: @@
 Hook the keycap onto the wire and then lower down. Stab tuned, easy and simple.
+<gallery>
+guides:lubespots1.jpg
+guides:lubespots2.jpg
+guides:mcaphooked.jpg
+</gallery>
+==== Cleaning / Restoring / Waxboiling ====
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFP58RCIaMQ|Waxboil: The Video]]
-=== Cleaning / Restoring / Waxboiling ===
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kZzBohKllE|Waxboil: The Video 2]]
 This has been tested on Alps SKCM, SKCL, SKCC and SKFL. It really works. Restoration is significant. If the switches are only a bit bad, you will get top tier results. If they're super bad, they will become very usable.
@@ Line 74: / Line 90: @@
   * Dry everything and put switches back together. (Do not rinse after waxing!)
-If you have any further questions, check out the [[guides:waxboil|Waxboil FAQ]].
+For further information, check out the [[guides:waxboil|Waxboil FAQ]].