===== 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_salmon|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}}