Alps SKFR/SKFS Series
Contents
Overview
Alps SKFR/SKFS Series are miniature, low-profile keyboard switches, suited to portable computers.
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 | Customer | Characteristics | 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)
See also
- Alps SKFR/SKFS series on the Deskthority wiki