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Alps AKS-1

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Overview

AKS-1 is an unidentified keyboard switch from Alps Electric. The 600 µs contact bounce time would suggest that this is a reed switch, but this is yet to be ascertained. The mechanical switches of the time were AKC, and the later AKS-5 was a reed switch.

Advertisements in JEE (Journal of Electronic Engineering) in 1975 listed the following features:

  1. The modern rational design assures a quality low cost switch for high-grade electronic equipment. Adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions is high.
  2. Combinations of the 1-, 4- and 6-key units allows easy design of 30-key or 60-key systems.
  3. A double-stroke prevention mechanism can be provided with the 11-key keyboard.
  4. Keys can be identified by either a cap label or by the 2-color mold method.
  5. AKS-1 switches allow equipment to be designed more compactly.

The meaning of “double-stroke prevention mechanism” is not clear, but it may be some kind of mechanical lockout to prevent two or more keys being pressed at once.

Specifications

The following specifications were included within the advertisements in JEE:

Operating force 100±20 g
Travel 3.5+0.5 mm
Contact resistance Less than 2 Ω
Contact bounce Less than 600 µs
Current capacity 0.1 A
Insulation resistance 500 MΩ
Service life 5 million operations
Operating temperature Not accessible

Documentation