Editing Metal contact switch (section)

====Contact module====
{{main|Contact module}}
Some switch designs have the contacts mounted into removable module. Typically there is a plastic block that holds the contacts. This plastic mounting block can be moulded around the contacts (as with [[Alps SKFL]]), or the contacts can be secured onto the block using folded metal lugs, as is the case with [[Mitsumi standard mechanical]]. Where the switch has an actuator leaf, this is often included, and may simply clip on.

With Alps SKCC and SKCL/SKCM series switches, this contact assembly is termed a "switchplate", and this term is also extended to Omron B3G-S series switches. Both the Alps and Omron designs have a vertical actuator leaf that is pushed aside by the slider; this works a plastic tongue that in turn presses the contacts closed. Although not assumed to be part of the force curve, removing the actuator leaf from an amber B3G-S switch offered a sharp improvement in softness and smoothness of feel.

Having the contacts in a contained unit can ease switch maintenance. Alps SKCL/SKCM series switches can be opened without being de-soldered and removed from the keyboard, allowing for easily cleaning and part replacement. [[Alps SKBL/SKBM series]] switches and [[Alps clone]] switches share this advantage, but they also use the lid of the switch to hold the contacts apart, making switch reassembly taxing. SMK switches are much worse: both [[SMK vintage linear]] switches, and more so [[SMK second generation]] switches are extremely difficult to reassemble due to needing to reinsert loose metal parts into the top shell in a specific way.

<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:Alps SKC -- short switchplate, top.jpg     | Alps SKCL/SKCM short switchplate
File:Omron B3G-S series switchplate.jpg         | Omron B3G-S series switchplate
File:NEC oval switch part (3).jpg               | [[NEC oval]] contact module
File:Mitsumi std -- leaf comparison.jpg         | Mitsumi contact assemblies, with linear (left) and tactile (right) actuator leaf springs
</gallery>