alps.tw Type T5

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Alps.tw Type T5

Manufacturer	Unknown
Switch type	Clicky
Sense method	Metal leaf
Keycap mount	Alps mount
Switch mount	Plate mount

Description

alps.tw Type T5 is an Alps clone switch with appropriate characteristics for the currently unidentified Himake AK-C5 or D5:

• S:#A## mould numbering
• Reduced metal design
• Movable contact of a design similar to AK-CN2/DN2

The colours do not all match the specifications found to date, which states that these should be white and orange. Hua-Jie are not able to confirm whether the depicted switches are in fact AK-C5.

The other candidate is alps.tw Type T8; both designs have been found in 1993 Ortek keyboards. The long edge of the slider hole in the upper shell on the opposite side from the mould numbering contains a distinctive cut-out that is also present in type T8.

The switch base appears to retain the guides for the full-size movable contact plate, which are not used in the reduced-metal design employed by this variant.

Variants

Variant A

There are at least three variants of type T5. The official depiction shows a stationary contact with an applied strip of non-oxidising plating. This variant has wider side bars than the contact finger. This version is found in an Ortek MCK-101FX variant from 1993, but also in a Strong Man–made keyboard from 1995.^{[Citation needed]}

Variant B

Variant B has the all-over plated stationary contact, a process used in current-generation switches from Himake and Xiang Min. This variant has a contact finger that is wider than the side bars. This has also been found in a 1995 keyboard.

Variant C

This is similar to variant B, but with a double fold in the contact finger instead of the dimple found in the other variants. This is known from the Antec KF-91R from 1995 and 1997.

Keyboards

• Antec KF-91R (variant C; clicky; white; 1995, 1997)
• Ortek MCK-101FX (variant A; clicky; grey; 1993)
• RCS KB-6368 (variant B; clicky; yellow, and possibly also white; 1995)

Gallery

Variant A

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  Components

Variant B

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  T5 switches in an RCS KB-6368

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  Exterior views

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  Opened switch

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  Interior views

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  Components