Alps SKCM Amber
Manufacturer	Alps Electric
Family	Alps SKCM/SKCL series
Part Number	Unknown
Switch Type	Clicky
Travel	3.5mm
Sense method	Metal contact
Mount	Plate mount
Rated lifetime	20 million cycles1)
Operating force	~85gf2)

Alps SKCM Amber is a clicky switch in the first generation of the Alps SKCM/SKCL Series.

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 and click sound.

As a first generation SKCM/SKCL switch, the upper housing always has slits (colloquially referred to as the “pine” variant).

The stem, which is a dull shade of amber, was lubricated at the factory and is likely made of a nylon blend³⁾.

The audible 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 Amber, 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.

The switch was likely in production from 1986⁴⁾ to around 1988⁵⁾. The switch only ever appeared in Apple IIc keyboards and was likely a custom order part. 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 leaf spring that generates the tactile and audible events is similar to that of the first revision of SKCM Blue's leaf spring. The additional weight in the switch appears to be generated via the higher tactility of the leaf spring vis-à-vis SKCM Blue.

This switch is commonly overpriced and overhyped significantly by scalpers. Additionally, due to its only source being a specific vintage computer, one should exercise extra care when attempting to source this switch. Vet sources and be mindful of your impact on other hobbies.