Differences

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

--- switch:alps_skcl_lock [28 Dec 2023 17:50] – ↷ Page moved and renamed from switch_alps_skcl_lock to switch:alps_skcl_lock eris
+++ switch:alps_skcl_lock [30 Dec 2023 17:37] (current) – Added gallery photo of the locking mechanism. bitteneite
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-=====Alps SKCL Green=====
+=====Alps SKCL Lock=====
 <WRAP wfix right>
-|  **Alps SKCL Green**  ||
+|  **Alps SKCL Lock**  ||
-| {{ :switch:skclgreen.png?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCL Green switch}} ||
+| {{ :switch:skcllock.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCL Lock (SKCLJC) switch}} ||
 | **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric |
 | **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] |
-| **Part Number** | Unknown, poss. SKCLAC |
+| **Part Number** | SKCLJB((Alps switch sampler)), SKCLJC((Alps catalogs 1993 & 1994)) |
-| **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:linear_switch|Linear]] |
+| **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:alternate_action|Alternate action]] |
-| **Travel** | 3.5mm |
+| **Travel** | 3.8mm |
 | **Sense method** | Metal contact |
 | **Mount** | Plate mount |
-| **Rated lifetime** | 20 million cycles |
+| **Rated lifetime** | 300,000 cycles |
-| **Quoted operating force** | 60gf |
+| **Quoted operating force** | 150gf |
 </WRAP>
-**Alps SKCL Green** is a linear switch in the first generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series.
+**Alps SKCL Lock** is a alternate action switch in the first and second generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series.
 ==== 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.
+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. There is a follower arm that moves along a track in the stem to generate a locking action wherein the switch stays depressed until pressed again.
-As a first generation switch, SKCL Green will always have slits in the upper housing.
+There are three switches in the series, both largely identical aside from contact module and materials:
+  * SKCLJB - A cream-colored SKCL Lock switch in the first generation.
+  * No part number - A brown-colored SKCL Lock switch in the first generation manufactured as part of the Gold Star Alps partnership.
+  * SKCLJC - A gray-colored SKCL Lock switch in the second generation.
-The stem, which is a yellowish green color, 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]])). Unlike all other stems in the family, SKCL Green stems do not have a notch on one side and are symmetrical.
+Alps SKCL Lock, 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.
-Alps SKCL Green, 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 ====
-The switch was likely in production from 1983((http://mousefan.telcontar.net/alpsk.htm)) to around 1989((http://mousefan.telcontar.net/alpsk.htm)). The switch was replaced for the second generation by [[switch:alps_skcl_yellow|SKCL Yellow]], with both switches existing side-by-side for a short time.
+The switch was likely in production from 1983((http://www.google.com/patents/US4514608)) to at least 1994((Alps 1994 catalog)).
-Due to its long lifetime, SKCL Green can be found with all of the common long contact module variants (i.e. black, grey and white).
-There was an earlier variant with notches on both sides of the stem and a longer spring positioning pole in the bottom housing. Aside from these changes, it does not appear to be any different to regular SKCL Green in any qualitative way.
-It is possible that the part number for the switch is SKCLAC as this part number is directly adjacent to the part number for [[switch:alps_skcl_cream|SKCL Cream]] which is SKCLAD. "SKCLAC" is listed at several obsolete switch part sellers with no pictures to confirm.
+====Gallery====
+<gallery>
+:switch:skcllock_side.jpg
+:switch:brownskcllock.jpg
+:switch:skcljb.jpg
+</gallery>
-{{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-linear switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}
+{{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-alternate switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}