Table of Contents
Alps SKCM Brown
| Alps SKCM Brown | |
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Alps Electric |
| Family | Alps SKCM/SKCL series |
| Part Number | Unknown |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Travel | 3.5mm |
| Sense method | Metal contact |
| Mount | Plate mount |
| Rated lifetime | 20 million cycles1) |
| Quoted operating force | unknown, likely 70gf |
Alps SKCM Brown is a parabolic 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, contact module, stem, spring and a leaf spring for generating the tactile event.
As a first generation switch, SKCM Brown will always have slits in the upper housing. A notable change is that SKCM Brown housings are symmetrical and notches appear on both sides. This is the only switch in the family where the upper housing will fit in any orientation.
The stem, which is a chocolate brown color, is almost always lubricated and is likely made of of a nylon blend2).
The tactile feedback is generated with a stiff leaf spring (similar to a contact module leaf spring) attached to a plastic plate that is situated on the opposite side of the housing to the contact module. Alps SKCM Brown, like all SKCM/SKCL series switches, uses a contact module to register the keypress. This sits in the housing on either side.
Additional Information
The switch was likely in production before 19853) to around 1990. The switch was replaced for the second generation by SKCM Green, which has a similar force curve.
There are also “fat SKCM Brown” which appear to be a prototype of the eventual SKCM Brown switch, sharing many features4). This lends credence to a very early introduction for SKCM Brown and concomitant development of the switch in conjuction with / for Texas Instruments.
This switch is commonly overpriced and overhyped significantly by scalpers in addition to genuine demand due to its unique tactility. Additionally, due to its sources being mostly vintage computers, one should exercise extra care when attempting to source this switch. Vet sources and be mindful of your impact on other hobbies.