Differences

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--- switch:alps_akc [29 Dec 2023 13:42] – eris
+++ switch:alps_akc [29 Dec 2023 13:44] (current) – eris
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 ==== 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 the contacts, 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.
+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.