Sandy ALPS English

 ALPS switch family

  Real 1.
 I simple 2-1
 2-2 II Simple
 Simple III 2-3
 IV 2-4 Simple
 Classification by 3 specification.
  Principle of generation 4. Click
  Classification by color 5-axis.
 6. ALPS in Taiwan & Korea


1 Introduction.


ALPS switches are chaotic or how far from where a copy of the real thing. There also seems to ALPS that could not meet demand that had been tolerating copy goods in manufacturing in Taiwan, One theory is that this might have been further complicated the situation. Situation becomes even more complicated since the mid-1990s the so-called simplified simplified because the contact structure appeared. We felt were there ALPS logo is simplified, there is no logo, and might not safely be referred to as ALPS switch all ALPS regardless of whether or not had certification From a reality when he was being manufactured I will also.
Joint venture with (FORWARD) is I have been resolved in 2000 electronic Fuhua you believe that was a manufacturing base ALPS switch and Taiwan ALPS Japan, ALPS logo switch is manufactured in Taiwan still nevertheless In the background are, it seems there is a problem or something on the contract. I would not say totally fake company / factory descended because their are making in the same way or the company that was making the switch originally ALPS.
Undeniable is the fact that costs are being compared with the "ALPS" switch of those good old days, though.
ALPS resemble a simplified switch and around the square shaft so-called Bigfoot ALPS system switch (with logo, without logo) We are going to verify. Spring plate switch on a circuit different from ellipse axis and is the predecessor of the square shaft ALPS is not covered here.

One. genuine (square shaft ALPS)

What is "real"?
The simplest definition is due to the structure of the contact point.
Contact portion of the "real" That is as in all cases the image below. Although the black color change with the times, ash, and milky white, the basic structure is the same.

 Contact unit which is covered with old plastic parts A Type


102 Northgate Omnikey
white shaft assembly contacts

Apple Extended Keyboard
assembly of the shaft contact Orange

Decomposition of the component parts of the image contact Mousefan site of here .
Structure Qwerters Clinic of commentary ALPS switch


What is called a simplified structure of the contact portion are simplified and time of manufacture it is significantly reduced and the manufacturing cost has become separator simplified + or only two metal parts also components other.

(So-called simplified) example of a contact that has been simplified


Fixed contact and the movable contact portion back in the foreground seems different metal materials.
And switch contact portion are simplified and traditional products has become a non-cutter consisting of similar in this way. Dimensions position as a switch, the bottom of the case is exactly the same read axis, is essentially the same shape even though there is also a difference in the detail axis simplified ALPS angle as is apparent to the eye but It was designed as a replacement is manufactured literal axis switch.
Forget this case, the fact that what was copied, ie submerged at all, or had obtained the approval of the company ALPS is here having a contact unit other than the A type described above is "simplified" regardless without a logo I decided to call.
This site, "the ALPS switch is not simplified in the trenches real "or square shaft ALPS will use the term ALPS switch, or simply "I, does not mean you're classified as a fake a simplified real thing "is" simple "just the extent that it is the meaning of "goods" reference for. Preface, but longer, a real start to the linear axis of green, yellow axis of color variations, orange, blue, pink, white, black and I'm rich. The upper switch housing are there two muscle slit axis to the short side but if old, but is characterized by a slit is omits some of the late


 From the top of

Inside the case (green axis)

Although it is not sure what the meaning of the slit, not only come up with "shock-absorbing structure and think" when hitting the upper surface of the case when the axis to return. "  Black, plastic material of the plate contact configuration is then the old one gray late next has changed to that of the milky white (or white). The keyboard comes with NEC PC-8801 MK-II made in Japan at the keyboard ASSY black to blue axis version is that is being used with ( Mousefan site from).


ALPS logo has been stamped on the upper housing in general, can be seen the logo of the old type, which is surrounded by an ellipse in the bottom of the case only in the lower part of the axis of the shaft and orange and blue.
There is no logo in the upper housing axis may green, yellow axis.


 Slender shaft of early Pink logo

 Logo of a thicker black shaft


ALPS as the most popular square shaft across the early to late switch white axis click there, far from being a famous Northgate Omnikey it has been adopted and the like. DELL logo from the old pink shaft will go through to avoid, such as price or they may be so ruinously.  Availability is good in the good of the early Apple Extended Keyboard (M0115) axis Tactile switch orange there, ADB school even if it is not Mac - it is available to be used to convert any Windows PC> USB. High reliability, as adopted from ALPS switch class A is also recommended for repairs There is also high availability switch that appeared in the mid-1980s. Simple outline ALPS switch, since the substrate is the same as with standard square shaft ALPS, they upgrade the keyboard that can be used for. I think the orange and blue axis NEC PC-8801 APPLE extension and may be reserved for repairs found.


Authority of the switch mousefan seems to have the appearance of orange to pink Okikawa~tsu around 1988 at about 1986, according to Mr. and Ms. Miya. Apple I M0116 axis orange is manufactured version is also pink with the advent of pink a lot, in the case of the Extended II is Mitsumi switch further with a rubber damper of cream and white mainstream Extended II in addition to Orange, Pink and Apple Extended M0115 early seems to have become a wide variation.

     (Proofreading and editing some San みや 2004.10.09 by) listed below from writing BBS

GS key top of the keyboard, it can be diverted.
Key top is made in Taiwan because it is chunky two-color molding, the looks well Speaking from personal taste ... but you do, the key touch is felt not so much with the port actually made in Japan. The key can have a pretty good sublimation print top of Apple, we do not feel that is the best match is actually pink and orange Alps. The retrofit two-color molding, seems to be in touch somehow harder side (this might have in common with the old logo of Dell). Pink and orange axis with respect to the axis of the Apple keyboard, and simply believes that due to the date of manufacture as was said of Mr. mousefan. So seems to have switched to pink from orange in about 1988-1989 years, Apple keyboard made across this period have all colors of both axes. Also, I think the number of individuals of each is proportional to the number of manufacturing of each period. While it comes to another thread, some Orange is sometimes rustling. I do not know why do we do so little originally, or embezzle or thing by the environment. Even those that can be used with PC / AT, I have seen the Alps orange like a way for the workstation.


Logo on the bottom of the case  and comparison with the simple axis see

Simplified

2-1 I Simple (will be referred to as I MouseFan simple classification according to site)
Has been used, such as a keyboard or Ortek manufactured by Taiwan STRONGMAN (supplied to the Filco), the spring has become only one side of the axis press contact is characterized.
This type of switch ALPS logo has been etched, lots of before and after 2000, might also possibly without logo.
Recent product is a sense of tactile feel stiffer. Tentacles Takutairubane is two similar square shaft ALPS, the contact is one force applied to the shaft is not uniform because it is, in has become a factor in the vertical movement of the shaft lacks smoothness compared with goods earlier I think not? Seems to be inferior to the quality of the coil spring is nothing recent addition.
Although it is "I" Easy on the classification, I think in fact as simple type whether it is not the most recent.

We reproduced a simple switch but I was published by the comparison with the real


Simplified type of contact minutes the top left two pieces of metal

Upper right inside of the case
        side contact between the shaft and the partition wall there.
        To accommodate the movable contact of the front part
       there is also a partition.

Left without slit,
        logo is Mokkori

; Cases keyboard (black axis) PIONEER MPC-KB2 ADB   (white axis) ORTEK MCK-89S

can be found on the keyboard of this type since 1995. Is considered to have been tolerating its existence on the ALPS Japan upstream from ALPS logo on the top case.
Many of the keyboard that is called "ALPS switch with" a lot of this is equipped with a switch of this type has been produced after the dissolution of the joint venture partnership 2000.

2-3 Simple II
The major difference is in the spring and I simplified contact side, the contact portion contacts the axis of operation is made to the two tentacles, "tentacles" These two are connected at the tip. Takutairubane is downsizing has been, there is a compartment at the top of the case in order to pay it.
Has been used quite Strongman, etc. Even this type Ortek seems (? There).  ; Cases ORETK MCK-84FX , Elsa Communication MAK-98 ,


I think it is in terms of smoothness of the vertical motion is whether it is not better than the simple I mean that down the shaft with equal force from the contact side. The contact itself has a simplified structure and integrally with the original spring complex structure that is surrounded by the resin, or it will consider that it is not simple as I simplified.
I suspect does not exist or is not what you have ALPS logo on the top case with this type of switch. Maybe it's because the perception is that ALPS had not received other words, in this sense may be the "evolved" independently by Taiwanese manufacturers. In fact I do not know I do not think before I went out into the world in terms of the simple switch ALPS family.


2008.12.22 added
Filco ZERO; built has become the "XM switch" according to the convention site, this switch is that it seems to have been used according to the images that have been published in certain forums.


II-SS Simple
I found a simple variant of the II. Was comparing the details to get the image of the switch that is mounted on the SMK-8951 from Mr. Chens of Taiwan, has been scraped part is around the slider switch contacts have been smaller than II simple.
Everything else is the same before and after contact, such as the Simple II Takutairubane small, without separator. (Dr. Chens "the Magic Hand" Courtesy, Taiwan, RO C. Below)


Side of the two tentacles spring slider. . At right image position shifted from the center tentacles but, only the position is shifted due to temporarily withdrawn.


Small Takutairubane


 Slit, the top case without ALPS logo .
I found to be a very complicated structure.


	Fairly standard slider


2-4 Simple III
Separator made of plastic is inserted between the two metal contacts have very similar to the simple II. I also slightly different from the simple cut of (shaft side) movable contact. I do think there is also a spring balance with Storr Rourke, this switch is a feel whether it is not more close to the real thing, even in a simplified clicking sound and light and also quite smooth. Equipped with up to slit the top case to stock on hand in spite of a simplified incidentally, switch Simple other (It is also possible to use as a replacement in substantially the same as the square shaft ALPS differs from the simple type of any other structure of the upper case The diversion of the upper case is not possible because an internal partition is provided). There is no logo ALPS.


Black separator can be seen

  Partition in the left side of the contact unit is
   not there.


ALPS without logo . With a slit

      Takutairubane left side
      looks pretty good contact surface finish of the shaft


Rectangular frame around the left of the contact plate
separator contacts (rear) fixed-side width is wider than I simple, almost as large as the previous side movable contact


FOCUS, Inc. This switch version with Win key FK2001 had entered the.
Simple III I think that thinking from the upper case is that it is exactly the same as the real thing, as a simple type whether it is not a type of old.

2-5 Simple IV
Very similar in structure II simple Takutairubane large ones like the square shaft or Simple III ALPS is used.
In mousefan site is a large senior has been quoted as simple II, it was tried separately for the time being and that the structure of the different Takutairubane, so close to the movable contact rather III. I think I can say it is not abbreviated and simplified separator III. There is no partition frame as seen in II is large because Takutairubane simple.
The case has a thin partition frame as well as a simple II to hold the position of the contact plate before and after the separator is omitted instead.   ; Cases Macally MK 96


 Are similar and the shape of the contact is simple III	 ALPS Takutairubane is standard in large
 and simple same I and III

've Seen a simplified four or more, and I think the order of appearance of the structure
 III simple; simplify the contact section only
 remove the separator from III (II simple about the same time),; IV Simple providing a frame is partitioned with integrally molded upper case.
 Further simplifies the contact structure; I simplified. Considered electronic manufacturing Fuhua from that there is ALPS logo on the top case.

Although I think it might become, and I'm not just the author's imagination only.
For II ~ IV simple I think I might be able to be said that imitation ALPS own company by company subcontractors related electronic Fuhua from the fact that most of them do not bear the ALPS logo on the top case. I do not know that only about a certain period of between 1990 and 1995 in which they appear.
I simplified with Fuhua is simplified, there was speculation that the electron Fuhua attempt to purify the market at the same time come up with imitation superiority of the product that bears the logo for imitation ALPS Amata is full of this It is up to you to guess whether on its own is not. I do not think that was condoned or even aware of this product is the fact that Japan ALPS has appeared in the middle of the joint venture.

                                                                           SW; switch, TC; Tactile

　	Switch	Upper case
SW tentacles spring	TC spring	Slit	SW partition	TC side partition	Logo
I Simple	One	Large	Without	Have	Without	Have
Simple II	Two	Small size	Without	Have	Have	Without
Simple III	Two	Large	Have	Without	Without	Without
Simple IV	Two	Large	Without	Have	Without	Without


You to easily determine if the switch unit and a simplified remoteッintrinsic ALPS has become jumbled it?
You know I push
open the case because I do not feel comfortable fingertip
see the back case. I, it is also the easiest and reliable. Simplified earns strength portion that becomes the pivot foot and may be supported by one leg member to a large portion of the contact shaft side with the spring being processed into ares like "figure to" not flat, ie you. Please check the picture below 1, 2, and 3 from the upper left (for example, of five simple lower middle) 4.5.6 from the lower left is the white axis. Dr. Chens "The Magic Courtesy (both Hand ")


This image is then and there to evidence that might have led shows at the same time interesting facts bottom of ALPS true axis white that subtly different each of five species. Simply middle lower and mashed the logo of the mold actually. . . . .

Because it is then ALPS logo ellipse Let see enlarged images side-by-side as well
I tried the same order as the above image


3 and 6 appear to be almost the same thing, the case itself is slightly different. Even more authentic orange bottom axis I differ slightly


Classification by 3 specification.

Intentionally left blank


4. principle of generation click

For specification mechanism Qwerters Clinic is I think that there is no more to the site containing commentary figure Please visit there because there is. There is also the fact that this page is not required if you read it all. I therefore omitted.

The logic does not seem to be fully elucidated axis switch axis Pink Orange Tactile during the initial software will emit a sound is called "tch!" Minor gulp. Tactile feeling becomes stronger and spread it, of course but I think that it is likely that an appropriate permanent set of the bending angle of the folded portion shaped Takutairubane V "between the initial ..." From the fact that the. I think those who do not blindly expand because there is otherwise You may be regained by sound to do so whether it is not good.
You do not seem to be able to solve all mean that there is now bent inward on each side of the 4 claws for holding the position Takutairubane, to allow tilting work before Takutairubane is another possibility. What happens when a combination of the above two please try at the risk of each individual.

Although becomes linear same type as the green axis shaft and yellow when removing Takutairubane, think it is and has been designed to give a spring force appropriate combination of Takutairubane a coil spring for the stroke of the main case of the ALPS switch behavior may be somewhat unreliable axis and so weaken the spring cracking pressure, and remove the Takutairubane from these switches. Where I ran into challenges that, either get the spring that might be good to replace the coil spring at the same time.


5. Classification by axis color


About an axis, but are used in everywhere axis color for the sake of convenience I myself switch as a result of component parts for each case that has been used at the same time "rather than itself shaft is different, depending on the color axis, coil spring, and Takutairubane gathered written I think the difference is whether or not they] come out to feel characteristics and overall. been said "blue and pink is superb" in that generally lubricated precision and finish of the inner wall of the switch housing and the shaft in view of the date of manufacture It's up to you where I think whether it is not due to be large.  I will try to verify the shaft axis and the green orange as interesting case. Some things and feel very smooth operation, the cans would Kasatsuki like sand in the green axis. There are a orange-axis as well. Compared with those of the same color and smooth these switches,  if the green axis that is different from the type of molding is observed (the shape of the base is different) If the axis is the difference between mold orange not seem I seem to. I have a clear difference between those things and not smooth / angular shape of the spring that is in contact with the tentacle axis either     not observed wallet.  There is a difference between the side facing the axis common to both.


If the axis is green with mold in the center of the umbrella base, but clearly different, if the axis type with orange umbrella is the same as good. Possible bringing a feeling of dryness are due to the surface treatment of the lower half-axis side, the axis of the surface with two umbrella has become both matte finishing. "The big difference is not in the" axis can not be said to have become one and try to do this 慨. Largely due to lubrication treatment accuracy and finish of the inner wall of the switch housing is large and the shaft and in view of the date of manufacture, there is little shoddy workmanship throat almost shaft early, being called "blue and pink is superb" in that in general the results would become so good that many of these initial switch shaft (yellow, green, orange, blue, pink) is used as. The type of the axis of the ALPS switches determine the relative merits identical basically the upper case and the surface treatment of the shaft Some are also different types of molding, as the shaft with the damper, or green axis a with umbrella Let is a process of the axis of the contact surface. It is intended as any to what happened in the pigment added at the time of type-forming axis color, originally a thing of convenience, stroke spring division linear, tactile, and click, or distinction for each particular lot of Manufacturers order I wonder was introduced not for, such as by changing the color to distinguish the difference between axis.

 Characteristic	Color	Feature	 Adoption cases
Linear	 Green	There frame for LED
without Takutairubane
Some of with umbrella	 Zenith ZKB-2
 IBM five thousand five hundred fifty-six
 Yellow	There are LED frame frame
 Zenith ZKB-2
 IBM five thousand five hundred fifty-six
 / Ash cream	There are LED frame frame	SPACEBAR Zenith ZKB-2

Click	 Azure	　	 Initial OMNIKEY
 NEC
 Blue	　	 NEC, Chicony, ACER other
 White	　	 OMNIKEY
 many other
Soft
Tactile	 Orange	There is a rustling in some	 APPLE extension
 APPLE KEYBOARD (M-0116)
 Pink	　	 DELL AT101 (old logo)
 II expansion / extension APPLE I /
 Cream	Pneumatic damper	 SGI, II expansion APPLE
 White	Pneumatic damper	 SGI, II expansion APPLE
 Black	　	 DELL AT101 (new logo)
 DELL SK-D100M

Note:
I know immediately if you observe side-by-side axis of the shaft if green is beyond the scope of this case on this point there is a part of the axis of the other type itself fundamentally different. This difference is due to being called to become the finest type Tactile click and type to the other switch and replace the green axis with no umbrella.


Slit of the upper case
there are those without the slit and that there is a slit as described above in the case on the SW, SW old and is slitted nearly According to the analysis of Mr. mousefan, they are of the slide part in the case It seems that the behavior of the shaft is a smooth finish that is different. Blue axis has become a slit there, of course.

Finishing, and then the state stored in the first rather than the storage conditions and the usage environment caught on axis motion is generated, according to the material, but there is also something you will want to Shimai throwing holy, this is due to the material I do not think that is the situation where, (fixing the presence or degree of processing of dry lubrication) by difference. You can recover the smoothness of the initial if treated with smooth Aid on wipe thoroughly with absolute alcohol in the case above, the unit axis slide almost is decomposed even as such (better still if you wash hot water) however. For keyboards that were used continuously remains that accumulate dust particulate may have made the state the contact surface of the upper case-axis like to make a file, Vim will return to its original state even with grease is very difficult. Will never be better than the original because it is the rustling axis if it was the same type of rustling green axis Unfortunately also. It is freely imagine whether it is not not much of the amount and distribution, and be thought a switch of this type does not exist or is not in the click type.

ALPS in Taiwan and Korea

Taiwanese manufacturers or other FOCUS ELECTRONIC. . .


Looking at the history of ALPS companies that have been featured on the site of ALPS Japan, has established a joint venture company named Fu Hua in Taiwan in 1970 e. ALPS Corporation and its Japan I had a cooperative relationship over the next three decades, the company ALPS Japan has been out of the business of electronic Fuhua ALPS Corporation to sell all the shares in 2000, Fuhua electrons.
E Fu Hua in English its name FORWARD ELECTRONIC Although it is, that you and FORWARD by fitting the English reading Chinese themselves "Fuhua" means that it is very natural in reading contemporary (the fuhoa => FOWARD ).
So was the sound of the "mosquito" old days, even in Chinese, also well => huca => FORCUS Fuhua becomes a twist if the sound of "Hana" on the other hand is "over" in the reading of Kanji in Japanese layer is Yes. FOCUS ELECTRONIC are brand products company as a subsidiary of the electron Fuhua sometimes is (sector factories and manufacturing ALPS keyboard OEM) manufacturing sector body keyboard = fuhoa = FORWARD electron Fuhua consisting mainly of production, etc. switch under the license of ALPS Temporary I thought was whether it is not a company that manufactures. Supply keyboard adoption ALPS switch to the company Northgate and (formerly Omnikey 101/102), FK-2001-filled ALPS logo, and even it too blue axis of II simple without logo from Taiwanese manufacturers of 1990s from the mid-1980s This is why I was wondering whether it is not the be explained.
However, as this was not correct guess, Inc. is FOCUS and electronically Fuzhou We are manufacturing OEM keyboard still have that name in Kanji, the reality is so different Fuhua electrons.
Quite a few keyboard manufacturers as it existed at the time Taiwan Ki becomes glamorous AT, it seems to have been also produced many companies do switch out of these companies. At the source of the switch-filled ALPS ALPS logo certification, there is enough possibility that has been made or manufactured by many companies to subcontract further mainly Fuhua electrons. I think that these subcontractors that have been made (changed a little logo) or without logo as well as a copy of the delivered product and that it could sufficiently regular.
The fact that there was a relationship business cooperation until 2000 electrons Fuhua Inc. and ALPS are supposed had recognized enough as a company ALPS these facts, not only I simplified with a logo should retort, and II / III Simple I think that is not something Sashitsukae call system and its development (rather than imitation) of all the switch without logo. For axis-II is a simple angle must be verified on the structural durability, and there is no means to verify things like that these days.
ATTESSA keyboard and brands are FILCO  Strong Man Enterprises or Ortek manufacturers such as supply has the switch. . . . . Strong Man whether or Forward? ? ? ? . . . . Each company has been manufacturing or licensee to pay or their own Fuhua. . . How about I guess.   Company name in decode FCC ID   KM9: Strong Man Enterprises Co Ltd   "Spring Show"             English name and Chinese name companies unrelated strange though.           OEM full of energy, such as adopted in Cherry SW ALPS SW as well as simple.   : GM8 Ortek "歐帝" Chinese name? . WEB Site is not like the English version only. . .   "克福" Electronic Focus: FSQ           (seems to have been merged into this company somewhere)   F4Z: "Fuhua" Forward. The above   GYU: Silitek Electronics (under the name seems to be rightly Silitech) "Rei Asahi"             currently belong to the LITE ON Group.   : E8H Chicony   "light group"             I mean what I say 5191 is interesting from 5160. . . .    E5X: BTC once had been adopted or capacitance type switch.   FBX: Data Comp recently Macalley keyboard for Mac is she is famous.            In addition, the shorter version PS / 2 seems sometimes that you shared and types Strongman.            (Such as model number 8851). Likely "Meitetsu" is its name.   FKD: Monterey International


  GS2: Costar   ALPS SW keyboard there was also the dawn of DOS / V, still
         seems to be working hard.

There are countless more keyboard manufacturer's name for the first time every time that you are a small part, to the other eye was engraved. I think the fact that these Taiwanese manufacturers played a very large role in the development of the PC and it is not limited to the current AT.


Keyboard Korea situation

Once the manufacturing base ALPS sequence are also present in Taiwan and South Korea, South Korean electronic Venus (GOLD STAR ALPS, LG electron current) was a joint venture with Japan ALPS. Popular decent keyboard adoption ALPS switches starting with the expansion APPLE among keyboard mania in Korea, and now see seems to supply the keyboard, Inc. ARON has adopted a switch that seems to III or II simplified kind ( I am writing only in imagination I have never had). Electronic products by Venus AT84 clone called BIOS EXPRESS owns, and a strong sense of tactile clicks compared to other goods blue axis While this is a blue shaft, the shaft is almost the same as white touch Omnikey. Brother machine Silent Partner Bios AT84 what I guess is that it is like a different axis seems blue blue axis? ?


I hope that the above points sufficient consideration because it is a personal impression of Pepper guess a lot of facts and little.


End of October 2004 creating original

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