Differences

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

--- switch:alps_skcl_amber [28 Dec 2023 23:09] – created eris
+++ switch:alps_skcl_amber [29 Dec 2023 09:15] (current) – eris
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 ===== Alps SKCL Amber =====
+<WRAP wfix right>
+|  **Alps SKCL Amber**  ||
+| {{ :switch:skclamber.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCL Amber switch}} ||
+| **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric |
+| **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] |
+| **Part Number** | Unknown |
+| **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:linear_switch|Linear]] |
+| **Travel** | 3.5mm |
+| **Sense method** | Metal contact |
+| **Mount** | Plate mount |
+| **Rated lifetime** | 20 million cycles |
+| **Quoted operating force** | Likely 90gf, rarely 55gf |
+</WRAP>
+**Alps SKCL Amber** is a linear switch in the first generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series. It was manufactured in Korea as part of the Gold Star Alps partnership.
+==== Characteristics ====
+The switch follows the general characteristics of the SKCL family, consisting of an upper and lower housing, [[:terminology:contact_module|contact module]], [[:terminology:stem|stem]], and spring. The upper housing has a hole for an LED, but the bottom housing will only have holes for the LED legs to pass through in switches ordered with an LED.
+As a first generation switch, SKCL Amber will always have slits in the upper housing. SKCL Amber also has the symmetrical stem typical of a first-generation SKCL switch.
+The stem, which is a dull amber, is almost always lubricated and is likely made of a nylon blend((tested on SKCM Blue via [[https://wiki.keyboard.institute/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=switch:skcmblueburntest.mp4|burn test]])).
+Alps SKCL Amber, like all SKCM/SKCL series switches, uses a contact module to register the keypress. This sits in the housing on the side without the LED cutout.
+==== Additional Information ====
+Not much is known about the switch, an unfortunate trend across all Alps switches produced by the Gold Star Alps partnership. It appears to be mostly used as a spacebar switch in keyboards containing [[switch:alps_skcl_brown|Alps SKCL Brown]].
+There is an additional variant, often referred to as "Striped Amber" that appears to be a custom order (as denoted by 'lipstick marking' on the slider). This differs from the black marker used for heavy switches in the regular SKCM/SKCL line, but is not necessarily indicative of anything as the switches were not manufactured in the same plants. This switch has a significantly lighter spring (~55g)((https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=333591#p333591)), similar to [[switch:alps_skcm_blue|SKCM Blue]] - it appears different visually, but this is likely due to the smaller diameter of the spring post in the first generation SKCL stem.
+It has only been seen in a single keyboard, which lends credence to it either being a custom order or factory mystery.
+====Gallery====
+<gallery>
+:switch:skclambermarked.jpg
+</gallery>
+{{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-linear switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}