alps.tw Type OA2

Alps.tw Type OA2
Manufacturer	Unknown
Switch type	Clicky
Sense method	Metal leaf
Keycap mount	Alps mount
Switch mount	Plate mount

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alps.tw Type OA2, formerly Simplified Alps Type IV, is the designation given to a type of four-tab clone switch. Study has indicated that there are in fact at least two subtle varieties of this switch, with one more closely resembling the Tai-Hao APC series switch on which it may have been based.

Nomenclature

The OA2's designation may come from an assumption that the switch was a derivative of Type OA1, when it is more likely that OA1 is a rare derivative of OA2 designed to resemble a real Alps switch.

OA2 was previously referred to as Simplified Alps Type IV, but as it is not an Alps switch, nor the fourth type of anything, it makes more sense to use the alps.tw designation.

Recognition

	Front contact plate: square, with one finger, and top and bottom reinforcement recesses
	Shell: Four-tab clone

Keyboards

Lion Tech DS-2006 (1993)^[1]
NTC KB-6153EN
Some Focus FK-2001 keyboards (dated to 1993)
Some Focus FK-8000 keyboards
MacAlly MK96^[2]

Gallery

Lion Tech DS-2006 CHN 101 (1993)

This DS-2006 CHN 101 keyboard appears to use a later version of the switch.

Various views of Type OA2 switches

NTC KB-6153EN

This NTC KB-6153EN keyboard has no visible manufacturing dates; the XT/AT switch suggests an older product, and this switch was removed in later revisions.

OA2 switches in a KB-6153EN
Front top view; note that, like other switches presumed to be from Himake, the mould numbering is placed "upside down"
Base removed, revealing switch internals and bottom view of the slider
The wide click leaf
Comparison between an Alps SKCM White click leaf (left) and OA2 click left (right)
Underside view of base; note that the retention clips of this switch are snapped off
Upper shell: note the two grooves at the rear, which hold the contact plates
Rear (stationary) contact partially located into its groove in the upper shell; note the APC-style recess reinforced leg
Both contact places partially located into their grooves
Rear contact plate placed into the base
Both contact plates placed into the base
Contact plate and spring arrangement
Disassembled switch, showing top and front views of each component
Disassembled switch, showing bottom and rear views of each component
Snapped retention clip from a damaged switch
Side views showing snapped and intact retention clips