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switch:alps_skcm_tan [04 Nov 2025 22:19] – ↷ Page name changed from switch:alps_skcm_salmon to switch:alps_skcm_tan erisswitch:alps_skcm_tan [04 Nov 2025 22:22] (current) eris
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-=====Alps SKCM Salmon=====+=====Alps SKCM Tan=====
 <WRAP wfix right> <WRAP wfix right>
  
-|  **Alps SKCM Salmon**  || +|  **Alps SKCM Tan**  || 
-| {{ :switch:skcmsalmon.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCM Salmon switch}} ||+| {{ :switch:skcmsalmon.jpg?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCM Tan switch}} ||
 | **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric | | **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric |
 | **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] | | **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] |
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 | **Quoted operating force** | unknown, likely 70gf | | **Quoted operating force** | unknown, likely 70gf |
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
-**Alps SKCM Salmon** is a tactile switch in the second generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series.+**Alps SKCM Tan** is a tactile switch in the second generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series. This switch was previously referred to as "Alps SKCM Salmon" which was confirmed to be incorrect in an Apple Service Manual(([[https://quartdepomme.fr/quartdepomme/PDF___Apple_manuals_files/PN%20072-0228%20Volume%20IV%20-%20OCR.pdf|Apple Service Manual with plunger color]]))
  
 ==== Characteristics ==== ==== 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. 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.
  
-Most instances of the switch will have slits in the upper housing, and the switch is solidly in the second generation. However, at least one instance of SKCM Salmon with no slits has been seen (in a Wang 725-3770).+Most instances of the switch will have slits in the upper housing, and the switch is solidly in the second generation. However, at least one instance of SKCM Tan with no slits has been seen (in a Wang 725-3770).
  
-The stem, which is a salmon pink color, is almost always unlubricated and is made of POM((tested via [[https://wiki.keyboard.institute/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=switch:skcmsalmonburntest.mp4|burn test]])).+The stem, which is a tan color, is almost always unlubricated and is made of POM((tested via [[https://wiki.keyboard.institute/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=switch:skcmsalmonburntest.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. There were at least two variations of this leaf spring. The tactile feedback is generated with a leaf spring that is situated on the opposite side of the housing to the contact module. There were at least two variations of this leaf spring.
-Alps SKCM Salmon, 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.+Alps SKCM Tan, 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 ==== ==== Additional Information ====
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-It is possible that SKCM Salmon was a product of Alps Electric (USA) Inc., and was possibly a non-catalog switch. The rationale for this is as follows: +It is possible that SKCM Tan was a product of Alps Electric (USA) Inc., and was possibly a non-catalog switch. The rationale for this is as follows: 
-  * SKCM Salmon (and its predecessor, SKCM Orange) have appeared in no catalogs by Alps Japan, including the 1991 and 1993 catalogs, both of which are well inside the SKCM Salmon date range. +  * SKCM Tan (and its predecessor, SKCM Orange) have appeared in no catalogs by Alps Japan, including the 1991 and 1993 catalogs, both of which are well inside the SKCM Tan date range. 
-  * SKCM Salmon has only been observed consistently in keyboards made by Alps in the US or Ireland (i.e., Apple keyboards, Wang keyboards, Dell AT101 made in USA) +  * SKCM Tan has only been observed consistently in keyboards made by Alps in the US or Ireland (i.e., Apple keyboards, Wang keyboards, Dell AT101 made in USA) 
-  * US-made doubleshot Dell AT101s come with SKCM Salmon, whereas doubleshot AT101s made in Japan have SKCM Black. +  * US-made doubleshot Dell AT101s come with SKCM Tan, whereas doubleshot AT101s made in Japan have SKCM Black. 
-  * No part number has ever been found for SKCM Salmon+  * No part number has ever been found for SKCM Tan
  
 Confirmation for this can unfortunately only come from contact with Alps directly, but the preponderance of circumstantial evidence warrants this section. Confirmation for this can unfortunately only come from contact with Alps directly, but the preponderance of circumstantial evidence warrants this section.
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 ==== Gallery ==== ==== Gallery ====
 <gallery>  <gallery> 
-switch:leafcompblacksalmon.jpg +switch:leafcompblackTan.jpg 
-switch:skcmsalmonburntest.mp4+switch:skcmTanburntest.mp4
 </gallery> </gallery>
  
 {{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-tactile switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}} {{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-tactile switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}