Here's some what I found out about the Tai-Hao HIMAKE! Aruz switch
So as it turns out the switch was NOT manufactured by Tai-Hao, but rather by Himake, which makes sense seeing that at the time the Aruz boards popped (1992) up Himake wasn't owned by Hua-Ji.
Popping off the switch reveals the mass-produced PCB that was, unlike the plate, compatible with both, Aruz switches (outer pins) as well as Alps (inner pins).
The reason I only say mass-produced PCB is that the Aruz plate cutouts don't match the Alps cutout. In fact, the Alps cutout is wider but not as tall, the Aruz switches loosely fit into a Cherry MX plate (with a little bit of free space on the sides)
Coming to the back, you can clearly see how different the switches are in form and pin placement. Also note how the Himake branding is aligned sideways rather than upside down like on the Alps as well as the plastic not being nearly as shiny on the Aruz.
The internals are what really makes this switch different from Alps, you get an almost straight slider, thinner spring, wider click leaf (I tried putting it in the Alps housing, it wouldn't fit) and, most importantly, a housing with compartments which makes reassembling these way easier.
Personally, typing on my FAME TH-5539 right now I like the switch, the reduced travel is a thing you need to get used to but there's one flaw I've noticed: The keys activate before the tactile bump happens, so it can happen that you press a button you didn't mean to press by tapping it lightly.
Opinions? Questions? Send them my way
I may have to revive Wodan's Vulture GB for the switches since I doubt I'll be getting a custom plate and handwire these beauties anytime soon.
