Alps SKFR/SKFS Series

Overview
Subseries
- SKFR
- SKFS
Characteristics
Specifications
Models
Examples
See also

Overview

Alps SKFR/SKFS Series are miniature, low-profile keyboard switches, suited to portable computers.

SKFRAC

SKFRAD

SKFSAA

Subseries

SKFR

SKFR Series contains the linear models, with and without LEDs. Two approaches to LEDs were taken: SKFRAD has a short front-to-back depth and leaves room for an external LED, while SKFRFA to SKFRAC support an internal LED. A switch matching the description of any of the SKFRFA–C types has yet to be seen in the wild.

SKFS

SKFS Series contains the tactile models, of which only one is known, SKFSAA. The 1994 Alps catalogue describes the switch as having a ‘Sharp “click” feel with a positive feedback.’ The word “click” is used somewhat confusingly by Alps; here, the design is tactile, although it can be heard to emit a faint click.

Unlike the tactile types in KCL/KCM, where the tactile leaf is held in place, it is free to be pulled forwards in SKFS just like a normal click leaf design. SKFS avoids the click sound by having an empty space behind the leaf spring so that there is nothing for it to hit. Only the two sides are secured in place, with the middle section able to move freely. The end result is improved tactility without a click sound, giving a soft feel with distinct tactility. If Alps were to place a wall behind the tactile leaf, the result should be a click switch.

Take care during disassembly, as they are fiddly to reassemble and easy to damage.

Characteristics

Momentary operation, SPST-NO only
PCB mount only
Integrated jumper
Custom keycap mount; not compatible with other Alps switch types
Linear or tactile feel
Optional internal LED (linear models only)

Specifications

The following specifications are per the 1993 Alps catalogue:

Operating force	60 gf (linear) 70 gf (tactile)
Load	12 V DC at 10 mA
Rated load	5 V DC at 5 mA resistive (for rated lifetime)
Contact resistance	1 Ω max. initial 5 Ω max. end of life
Travel	3.5 mm
Pretravel	0.5–2.5 mm (linear) 1.5–2.5 mm (tactile)
Rated life	See models table
Bounce time	10 ms max.
Height	10.3 mm

Models

The product range comprised the following types in 1993 according to the 1993 Alps catalogue:

Part	Series	Colour	Type	Rated life	Description
SKFRAC	SKFR	Black	Linear	10 million
SKFRAD	SKFR	Yellow	Linear	3 million	Short depth
SKFRFA	SKFR	Black	Linear	10 million	Red LED
SKFRFB	SKFR	Black	Linear		Green LED
SKFRFC	SKFR	Black	Linear		Amber LED
SKFSAA	SKFS	White	Tactile	10 million

Switch models are in turn divided into specific parts with a suffix added to the model number. A small number of these are known:

Part	Batch date	Reference
SKFRAC0001		Tyro teQ
SKFRAC000A	1999-07-16	See below
SKFSAA000A	2004-03-10	See below

The following packaging photographs were provided by a seller on Taobao by way of UncleFan:

Examples

Apple Adjustable Keyboard (SKFSAA)