Alps SKCM Amber
 | |
| Manufacturer | Alps Electric |
|---|---|
| Family | Alps SKCL/SKCM series |
| Switch type | Clicky |
| Sense method | Metal leaf |
| Keycap mount | Alps mount |
| Switch mount | Plate mount |
Alps SKCM Amber, or Amber Alps / Taxi Yellow Alps, is a clicky switch in the complicated Alps SKCL/SKCM series.
Description
Amber Alps switches appear to have only been used in a single keyboard, that of the memory expansion Apple IIc. Based on this, the switch appears to have been produced from 1986 to 1988.[1] The amber color earned them the moniker of "NYC Taxi Yellow" or simply "Taxi Yellow", though this same color has also been used for linear switches.[2] The slider color is very similar to that of Amber Omron B3G-S series switches, but not quite as saturated.
The switches are considerably higher weighted, coming in at somewhere between 80 and 100 gf.[3] Variation in characteristics due to age must be considered however, before this is taken as fact.
The bottom of the click leaf is not folded inwards as with other Alps switches. The slits are the shorter revised design. There is no logo on the upper shell.
Variants
Known variants include:
| Switchplate Color | Switchplate Length | Alps Logo | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Long | No Logo | Pine (with slits) |
| Grey | Long | No Logo | Pine (with slits) |
| White | Long | No Logo | Pine (with slits) |
Keyboards
Gallery
The following switches were sourced from eBlueJay seller Apple2OnlineStore and are believed to have been taken from an Apple IIc keyboard.
Amber Alps switches from an Apple IIc computer
Subtle variation in colour
Side view
Rear view
Colour comparison with typical Alps SKCL Yellow (left)
Colour comparison with SKCM Orange, SKCM White and SKCM Cream Damped
Colour comparison with Amber Omron B3G-S series
Slider colour comparison with Amber B3G-S and SKCM Orange
Internals viewed from below, and comparison with Alps SKCM White
Apparent lubricant on the slider
Top views of the switch components
Bottom views of the switch components
Spring comparison with SKCM White
Comparison of return springs between SKCM Amber (ca. 80–100 gf) and SKCM White (70 gf)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Deskthority — Convert Apple IIc to usb (post 12)
- ↑ ちゃたりたいね — PACKARD BELL KCLEA907L ALPS茶軸リニア
- ↑ Deskthority — Alps SKCM Amber
- ↑ Deskthority — Apple IIc ALPS Yellow Slider Click
