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switch:alps_akc [29 Dec 2023 13:33] erisswitch:alps_akc [29 Dec 2023 13:44] (current) eris
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 ===== Alps AKC ===== ===== Alps AKC =====
 +<WRAP wfix right>
 |  **Alps AKC**  || |  **Alps AKC**  ||
 | {{ :switch:akc.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps AKC switch}} || | {{ :switch:akc.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps AKC switch}} ||
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 | **Part Number** | AKC or AKM | | **Part Number** | AKC or AKM |
 | **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:linear_switch|Linear]] | | **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:linear_switch|Linear]] |
-| **Travel** | 3.0mm |+| **Travel** | 3 - 3.5mm((3mm measured on calculator switch, 3.5mm quoted in an AKC computer keyboard advertisement)) |
 | **Sense method** | Spring contact | | **Sense method** | Spring contact |
 | **Mount** | Plate mount |  | **Mount** | Plate mount | 
-| **Rated lifetime** | 5 million cycles | +| **Rated lifetime** | 5 million cycles(([[https://wiki.keyboard.institute/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=switch:alps_akb-3000_series_advertisement_electronics_november_22_1973.pdf|Alps AKB-3000 advertisement]])) 
 | **Quoted operating force** | Unknown | | **Quoted operating force** | Unknown |
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
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 ==== Characteristics ==== ==== Characteristics ====
  
 +The switch consists of a stem with a metal rod through for attaching a keycap, and a recess in which a fine, gold-plated spring rests slightly deformed. As the stem is pushed, the spring brushes against and bridges the contacts((hence "spring bridge")), which are tinned pads on a square chunk of PCB substrate. This PCB substrate passes through a slot on a key module's PCB and is bridged to it. Return force is provided externally, and care should be taken when removing keycaps (which have a strong grip) as flyaway springs are incredibly likely.
 +
 +Several variations exist - the metal-topped version, as seen in the infobox, appears to be first. There was a later all-plastic version((to be added, seen in Olympia CD series calculators)). There also appears to have been a keyboard variant, based on the AKB-3000 series keyboard advertisement. This has a larger quoted travel than any instance of the switch seen so far so could have a differently sized housing.
 +
 +The switch could also be ordered as a set module under part code "AKM". This can often be seen in calculators.
  
 ==== Additional Information ==== ==== Additional Information ====
  
-The switch was likely in production from as early as 1973((Alps AKB-3000 advertisement)) to 1979((Earliest calculator sightings of SKCC Gray)). It was replaced by [[switch:alps_skcc_gray|Alps SKCC Gray]]+The switch was likely in production from as early as 1973((Alps AKB-3000 advertisement)) to 1979((Earliest calculator sightings of SKCC Gray)). It was replaced by [[switch:alps_skcc_gray|Alps SKCC Gray]].
  
 The switch could sometimes be seen with a mount adapter allowing for cruciform mount keycaps to be fitted. The switch could sometimes be seen with a mount adapter allowing for cruciform mount keycaps to be fitted.
  
 +==== Gallery ==== 
 +<gallery> 
 +:switch:akcakmad.jpg 
 +</gallery>
 {{tag> switch:oem-alps switch:type-linear switch:sense-contact}} {{tag> switch:oem-alps switch:type-linear switch:sense-contact}}