Alps SKCM White
Manufacturer	Alps Electric
Family	Alps SKCM/SKCL series
Part Number	SKCMAQ / SKCMCQ
Switch Type	Clicky
Travel	3.5mm
Sense method	Metal contact
Mount	Plate mount
Rated lifetime	20 million cycles
Quoted operating force	70gf

Alps SKCM White is a clicky switch in the second and third generations 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.

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 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 module. 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.

The switch was likely in production from 1989¹⁾ to around 1995.

In its earlier form, the switch as a whole is practically indistinguishable from 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.

There have been claims²⁾ 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.

This switch is not to be mistaken for Alps SKCM White Ivory, which is a damped switch with a stem that is actually dyed white.