alps.tw Type OA2

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Alps.tw Type OA2

Manufacturer	Unknown
Switch type	Clicky
Sense method	Metal leaf
Keycap mount	Alps mount
Switch mount	Plate mount

alps.tw Type OA2, formerly Simplified Alps Type IV, is the designation given to a type of four-tab clone switch. Study has indicated that there are in fact at least two subtle varieties of this switch, with one more closely resembling the Tai-Hao APC series switch on which it may have been based.

Nomenclature

The OA2's designation may come from an assumption that the switch was a derivative of Type OA1, when it is more likely that OA1 is a rare derivative of OA2 designed to resemble a real Alps switch.

OA2 was previously referred to as Simplified Alps Type IV, but as it is not an Alps switch, nor the fourth type of anything, it makes more sense to use the alps.tw designation.

Recognition

File:Alps clone internals--CP, front, square, reinforced.svg	Front contact plate: square, with one finger, and top and bottom reinforcement recesses
File:Switch recognition--Alps--Four tab clone.svg	Shell: Four-tab clone

Keyboards

• Lion Tech DS-2006 (1993)<ref name="KBT-DS-2006" />
• NTC KB-6153EN
• Some Focus FK-2001 keyboards (dated to 1993)
• Some Focus FK-8000 keyboards
• MacAlly MK96<ref name="Sandy-MK96" />

Gallery

Lion Tech DS-2006 CHN 101 (1993)

This DS-2006 keyboard appears to use a later version of the switch.

• 
  Various views of Type OA2 switches

NTC KB-6153EN

This NTC KB-6153EN keyboard has no visible manufacturing dates; the XT/AT switch suggests an older product, and this switch was removed in later revisions.

• 
  OA2 switches in a KB-6153EN
• 
  Front top view; note that, like other switches presumed to be from Himake, the mould numbering is placed "upside down"
• 
  Base removed, revealing switch internals and bottom view of the slider
• 
  The wide click leaf
• 
  Comparison between an Alps SKCM White click leaf (left) and OA2 click left (right)
• 
  Underside view of base; note that the retention clips of this switch are snapped off
• 
  Upper shell: note the two grooves at the rear, which hold the contact plates
• 
  Rear (stationary) contact partially located into its groove in the upper shell; note the APC-style recess reinforced leg
• 
  Both contact places partially located into their grooves
• 
  Rear contact plate placed into the base
• 
  Both contact plates placed into the base
• 
  Contact plate and spring arrangement
• 
  Disassembled switch, showing top and front views of each component
• 
  Disassembled switch, showing bottom and rear views of each component
• 
  Snapped retention clip from a damaged switch
• 
  Side views showing snapped and intact retention clips

References

<references> <ref name="KBT-DS-2006">KBtalKing — ★☆★普通老鍵盤Chicony DS-2006 CHN101★☆★ Dated 2009-03-22. Retrieved 2015-07-22.</ref> <ref name="Sandy-MK96">Sandy — simplified ALPS switches</ref> </references>