Unidentified Alps clones

After the introduction of the Alps SKCL/SKCM series switch in 1983, many companies in the Far East set about producing switches based on the Alps design. These switches are referred to as Alps clones or "fake Alps".

There are a large number of subtle variations in the designs, detailed at kbtalking.cool3c.com/article/8366.

Many switches have a narrow copper "mantis" click leaf and four tabs that hold the switch against the mounting plate, which have been universally described as "XM" switches. Xiang Min's website indicates that their plastics factory opened in 1997, so in all likelihood, Xiang Min themselves copied an an existing clone switch.

Some switch designs such as Xiang Min KSB series and Tai-Hao APC series have been positively identified with a manufacturer, but the majority of switches are either tentatively identified or simply not identified at all.