Differences

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

--- switch:alps_skcm_white [28 Dec 2023 09:07] – eris
+++ switch:alps_skcm_white [28 Dec 2023 12:29] (current) – eris
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 <WRAP wfix right>
-|  **Alps SKCM Blue**  ||
+|  **Alps SKCM White**  ||
-| {{ :switch:skcmwhite.png?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCM Blue switch}} ||
+| {{ :switch:skcmwhite.png?320&detail|A single desoldered Alps SKCM White switch}} ||
 | **Manufacturer** | Alps Electric |
 | **Family** | [[switch:alps_skcm_skcl_series|Alps SKCM/SKCL series]] |
-| **Part Number** | SKCMAG |
+| **Part Number** | SKCMAQ / SKCMCQ |
 | **Switch Type** | [[:terminology:clicky_switch|Clicky]] |
 | **Travel** | 3.5mm |
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 | **Quoted operating force** | 70gf |
 </WRAP>
+**Alps SKCM White** is a clicky switch in the second and third generations 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 and click sound.
-As a first generation SKCM/SKCL switch, the upper housing always has slits (colloquially referred to as the “pine” variant). Similar to other first generation switches, the only Alps branding on the switch is usually the older Alps logo on the bottom of the lower housing, however, on later switches the upper housing with the newer Alps logo is used.
+The switch was produced both in the second and third generations, with part numbers SKCMAQ and SKCMCQ respectively. As a result, it is only seen with the later, short contact module. SKCMAQ is pictured in the infobox, SKCMCQ in the gallery. The second generation version of the switch has slits in the upper housing ("pine" version), and the third generation has no slits ("bamboo" version).
-The stem, which is a dull shade of blue, was lubricated at the factory.
+The stem is colorless plastic, likely POM (although testing is required on transitional models which may be colorless nylon).
-The audible feedback is generated with a leaf spring that is situated on the opposite side of the housing to the contact plate. There were at least two variations of this leaf spring.
+The audible feedback is generated with a leaf spring that is situated on the opposite side of the housing to the contact module.
-Alps SKCM Blue, 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 White, 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 1985((https://patents.google.com/patent/US4642433)) to around 1989. It has been seen with every variation of contact module used in the mainline SKCL/SKCM series, from the original tall black contact module((NEC PC8801)) to the short white contact module more commonly associated with the second generation of SKCM/SKCL switches((https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86189.0)). However, tall grey contact modules are most common. Variations in stem dye lots were commonplace and should not be taken as evidence of some instance of the switch being better than another.
+The switch was likely in production from 1989((Approximate end date of Alps SKCM Blue production)) to around 1995.
-The leaf spring that generates the tactile and audible events had at least one revision. The original form of this leaf spring had smaller lateral tabs and no bend at the bottom, as well as appearing visually to be made from a different material. The later form of this leaf spring is indistinguishable from that found in the successor, [[switch:alps_skcm_white|Alps SKCM White]].
+In its earlier form, the switch as a whole is practically indistinguishable from [[:switch:alps_skcm_blue|Alps SKCM Blue]]. Indeed, there is significant overlap between the two switches with some early Alps SKCM White being factory lubed, which makes them completely identical to the latest Alps SKCM Blue.
-In its later form, the switch as a whole is practically indistinguishable from Alps SKCM White. Indeed, there is significant overlap between the two switches with some early Alps SKCM Colorless being factory lubed, which makes them completely identical to the latest Alps SKCM Blue.
+There have been claims((On the Deskthority wiki)) that this switch could come with a long contact module. This claim is unsubstantiated and also unlikely, seeing as Alps SKCM Blue //have// been seen with the shorter contact module.
-There is also a heavier version of this switch, only observed so far in NEC PC-8801 keyboards with an extremely high weighting, marked with black marker on the stem. Given it does not appear to have been seen anywhere else, this is likely a customized switch and not part of the series proper.
+This switch is not to be mistaken for [[:switch:alps_skcm_white_ivory|Alps SKCM White Ivory]], which is a damped switch with a stem that //is actually dyed white//.
 ==== Gallery ====
+<gallery>
+:switch:skcmcq.png
+</gallery>
 {{tag>switch:oem-alps switch:type-clicky switch:sense-contact switch:family-skcmskcl}}