Alps keyboard codes
Alps keyboard codes typically contain a segment of the part number of the switch, which provides clues to help identify the part numbers of the switches themselves.
Code structure
Alps keyboards are marked with either one or two defining codes. The PCB code is written into the PCB in un-etched copper and typically begins "12K" (older keyboards) or "56AAA" or "57AAA" (newer keyboards); membrane keyboards may have this code written on the membranes instead. The format of these codes is not understood, but it provides the third letter in the switch series. For example, 12KC538A denotes SKCC, SKCL or SKCM switches.
The completed assembly may also be affixed with an assembly label; this can be found on either the plate or the PCB. These labels have typically two codes, of which one is never understood. The other type of code begins "K" or "KF" and it provides letters three and four of the switch series. For example, KFFLEB004C indicates Alps SKFL series. In the case of KFFBA010, this is taken to be SKFF series on the assumption that there is no extraneous "F": KFFBA010.
The importance of these codes is clear: obtaining these codes provides the identity of Alps switch series in the absence of any catalogues or datasheets. Alps SKFL series was identified solely using the KFFLEB004C code, which was subsequently confirmed true by search engine results for a stock of surplus SKFL series switches sold by Technology Transplant. The KF codes—that identify the full series name—are comparatively rare; the best source of these is Canon typewriters, which were consistently provided with these labels and which used a wide variety of Alps switch types.
Known codes
A circle is assumed to be "0" (zero) not "O". Years given are for the reference keyboard cited.
| PCB code | Assy. no/model no. | Product | Switch | Year | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH34180A | Monroe 2805 calculator | Alps SKCC Grey Alps SKCC Black |
1979 | Imgur | |
| CH54141C | KCCAA902 |
Alps AKB-3420 (rev. A) | Alps SKCC Cream | 1979 | Imgur |
| 12KC018A | TRS-80 Model III | Alps SKCC Cream | 1980 | Deskthority | |
| 12KC177C | Model KFCCAB902A (KCCAB902) Assy. KF8CC00024 |
Alps AKB-3420 (rev. B) | Alps SKCC Cream | 1981 | |
| 12KC183B | KCCAC027 | Unknown | Alps SKCC Green Alps SKCC Cream Alps SKCC Cream LED |
1982 | Imgur |
| 12KC218A | IBM Multi Station 5550 4773313 I Type Keyboard | Alps SKCL Green | 1983 | rzwv | |
| KCCAA147 | Canon | Alps SKCC Green | 1984 | Coronthica | |
| 12KC284A | Toshiba Pasopia 700 | Alps SKCC Green | 1985 | MouseFan | |
| 12KC343C | IBM 6112884 | Alps SKCC Green | Deskthority | ||
| 12KC382C | Panasonic KX-D4910D | Alps SKCC Cream | Deskthority | ||
| 12KC424D | IBM 5140 Convertible | Alps SKCM Brown Alps SKCL Compact |
1986 | rzwv | |
| 12KC528H | KFCMAA018B | Canon typewriter keyboard (AP360) | Alps SKCL Green Alps SKCL Double Action Alps SKCM Cream Alps plate spring |
1987 | Imgur |
| 12KC557D | KFCMAC008A | Leading Edge DC-2014 | Alps SKCM Blue | 1987 | Klikky Klik |
| 12KC538A | Apple IIc | Alps SKCM Amber Alps SKCL Lock |
1986 | Apple IIc | |
| 12KC564B | Zenith Z-150 | Alps SKCL Green | 1986 | rzwv | |
| 12KC619BK | KCLEA907L | Packard Bell keyboard | Alps SKCL Brown Alps SKCL Yellow |
1987 | rzwv |
| 12KC619BK | KCME907L | BIOS Express keyboard | Alps SKCM Blue | Sandy | |
| 12KC626B | KFCMEA015A | Panasonic Business Partner 286 keyboard | Alps SKCM Blue Alps SKCL Green |
1986 | MouseFan |
| 12KC654D | IBM Multi Station 5550 4773313 II Type Keyboard | Alps SKCL Green | 1986 | rzwv | |
| 12KE010C | TRS-80 Model III | Alps integrated dome (black cross mount) | Google+ | ||
| 12KE080B | ICL One-Per-Desk keyboard | Alps semi-integrated dome | Deskthority | ||
| 12KE086A | Toshiba HX-10 | Alps integrated dome (Alps mount, central peg) Alps SKFL |
1984 | Nightfall Blog Nightfall Blog | |
| 12KE095A | Canon V20 | Alps integrated dome (Alps mount, central peg) Alps SKFL |
1985 | Eski Bilgisayarlarım | |
| 12KE124G | Sharp PC-7000 keyboard | Alps integrated dome (Alps mount, central peg) | geekhack | ||
| 12KE152A | KFEWBA003A | Canon S-17 | Alps SKEW White Alps SKCL Green |
Deskthority | |
| 12KF006C | KFFBA010 | Canon AP400 | Alps SKFF series | 1982 | Flickr |
| 12KF034D | Texas Instruments Silent 700 | Alps SKFL | Imgur | ||
| 12KF086A | NEC PC-8201A | Alps SKFL | 1983 | ||
| 12KF088B | Toshiba HX-10D | Alps SKFL | 1984 | MouseFan | |
| 12KN003A | Yamaha YIS-503ⅢR | Alps plate-mount membrane actuators; Alps SKCL Green LED | 1988 | xlat/eBay | |
| KFNLEA901 | Alps SM-101 | Alps buckling spring | Deskthority | ||
| 54AAA0006B | KFNFBF004A | Alps UE0200P12 | Alps moulded spring over membrane | rzwv | |
| 54AAA0158B | Sanwa Supply SKB-J109 | Alps membrane | rzwv | ||
| 56AAA0327C | Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard | Alps SKCM Salmon | 1990 | ||
| Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard | Alps SKCM Orange | 1986 | Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard | ||
| 56AAA0640B | KFFLEB004C | Toshiba T3200 | Alps SKFL | Deskthority | |
| 56AAA0550H | Zenith Supersport SX | Alps integrated dome | Wiki | ||
| 56AAA1371C | IBM PS/55 keyboard | Alps plate spring | 1990 | Sandy | |
| 56AAA1654C | NEC PC-9801-98-S02 | Alps SKCL Yellow Alps SKCL Heavy Grey |
rzwv | ||
| 57AAA0141D | IBM LPFK 6094-020 | Alps conductive dome, cross mount (not MX mount) | 1999 | rzwv |
