Differences

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

--- switch:alps_skcm_orange [28 Dec 2023 14:45] – created eris
+++ switch:alps_skcm_orange [04 Nov 2025 22:23] (current) – ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation 23.23.213.182
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ===== Alps SKCM Orange =====
+<WRAP wfix right>
+|  **Alps SKCM Orange**  ||
+| {{ :switch:skcmorange.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCM Orange switch}} ||
+| **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric |
+| **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] |
+| **Part Number** | Unknown |
+| **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:tactile_switch|Tactile]] |
+| **Travel** | 3.5mm |
+| **Sense method** | Metal contact |
+| **Mount** | Plate mount |
+| **Rated lifetime** | 20 million cycles |
+| **Quoted operating force** | unknown, likely 60gf |
+</WRAP>
+**Alps SKCM Orange** is a tactile switch in the first generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series.
+==== Characteristics ====
+The switch follows the general characteristics of the SKCM family, consisting of an upper and lower housing, [[:terminology:contact_module|contact module]], [[:terminology:stem|stem]], spring and a [[:terminology:leaf_spring|leaf spring]] for generating the tactile event.
+As a first generation switch, SKCM Orange will always have slits in the upper housing.
+The stem, which is a dark orange 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]])).
+The tactile feedback is generated with a leaf spring that is situated on the opposite side of the housing to the contact module.
+Alps SKCM Orange, like all SKCM/SKCL series switches, uses a contact module to register the keypress. This sits in the housing on the side with visible notches.
+==== Additional Information ====
+The switch was likely in production from 1986((Apple Desktop Bus keyboard introduced)) to around 1989((Salmon switchover)). The switch was replaced for the second generation by [[switch:alps_skcm_tan|SKCM Salmon]], which has an identical tactile leaf spring.
+<WRAP center round important 40%>
+The following information is a result of deductive reasoning. Take it with a grain of salt.
+</WRAP>
+It is possible that SKCM Orange was a product of Alps Electric (USA) Inc., and was possibly a non-catalog switch. The rationale for this is as follows:
+  * SKCM Orange (and its successor, SKCM Salmon) have appeared in no catalogs by Alps Japan.
+  * SKCM Orange has only been observed consistently in keyboards made by Alps in the US (i.e., Apple keyboards, Wang keyboards)
+  * No part number has ever been found for SKCM Orange
+  * Apple never offered single-keyswitch replacement parts for keyboards with SKCM Orange, despite offering this in the past.
+Confirmation for this can unfortunately only come from contact with Alps directly, but the preponderance of circumstantial evidence warrants this section.
+{{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-tactile switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}