Alps SKCL Lock
 | |
| Manufacturer | Alps Electric |
|---|---|
| Family | Alps SKCL series |
| Product code | SKCLJC (grey) |
| Switch type | Alternate action |
| Sense method | Metal leaf |
| Switch mount | Plate mount |
| Patents | US4514608 (1983) |
Alps SKCL Lock is an alternate action switch in the Alps SKCL series. When the key is depressed, it locks into place and remains down there until pressed a second time. The switch has a normal switchplate, but the shell and slider are modified to accommodate the latching mechanism.
The front of the slider contains a recessed track, and the shell supports a follower arm that moves within this track. A loop within the track holds the slider down until the key is depressed a second time. The follower arm rotates about its lower end, which pivots within recessed area of the open-fronted upper shell; a bar runs across to keep the arm in place. The latching mechanism is partially visible when the keycap is removed, and the slider shape is a giveaway in itself.
Variants
All three variants of the switch are assumed to be the same specification. They nonetheless likely differ in model number.
| Colour | Model | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Brown | First generation; this appears to be the Gold Star Alps version made in Korea | |
 |
Cream | First generation | |
|
Dark grey | SKCLJC | Second generation, with Alps logo and short white switchplate; listed as model SKCLJC in the Alps 1994 catalogue |
Keyboards
- Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (cream)
- Apple Standard Keyboard (cream and grey)
- Apple Extended Keyboard
- Apple Extended Keyboard II
- Chicony KB-5170 (cream)
- Magnavox Videowriter Keyboard (cream)
- Tandem branded terminal (brown)[1]
- Twinhead standalone numeric keypad (grey)[2]
Gallery
Brown
SKCL Brown Lock in Tandem terminal keyboard
Cream
Switch from a ca. 1987 Apple M0116 keyboard with orange Alps momentary switches.
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Grey
Switch from an Apple M0116 keyboard of unknown date, with salmon Alps momentary switches
Grey Alps lock switch in the Apple M0116 keyboard
Modified slider shape to accommodate the latch track
Switch components
Upper components of the switch
Switch in open position
Switch in closed position
Switch in open position, with keycap removed to reveal the mechanism
Switch in closed position with follower arm within the inner loop
References
- ↑ Deskthority — Alps SKCL Lock - New Color Found: BROWN
- ↑ Deskthority — I found something in the bin!
