Alps KED Series
Contents
Overview
KED is a series of elastic contact (“integrated dome”) keyboard switches from Alps. Each self-contained, plate-mount switch contains a conductive rubber dome that sits over a pair of stationary contacts.
The shell is heat staked together, making these switches difficult to repair.
It appears that these switches are interchangeable with those of the later KEH series.
Thus far, these switches are not known from any keyboards; they are only known from Roland music gear.
Models
KED model numbers are known only from Roland service manuals. As such, very little is known about the models. Robin Whittle confirms that KED10001 and KED10903 are identical, seemingly differing only in the choice of keycap. The service manual does not indicate whether keycaps were included, but it does indicate which button each switch is for, and they differ in keycap size.
| Model | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KED10001 | Momentary | Possibly supplied with 2-unit relegendable keycap (Start/Stop key in the TR-808) |
| KED10903 | Momentary | Possibly supplied with 1-unit relegendable keycap (Tap key in the TR-808) |
Replacement
No known replacement KED switches are left. System J Synthesizers in the UK have discovered that Futaba ML can be used as a replacement switch by way of a shim PCB. Their Roland TR-808 Start Stop Tap Switch replacement set can be used as a replacement to a failed KEH or KED switch.