Editing Alps SKCL/SKCM series (section)

===Switchplate===
The [[switchplate]] is a six-part sandwich assembly containing the electrical switch contacts. It contains two terminals, with a flexible metal foil membrane placed against the first that is held apart from the second by a plastic separator. This assembly is held inside a plastic plate, above which a sprung actuator leaf is fitted. The slider bends the actuator leaf back against the plastic plate, where it presses a flap against the foil membrane, which is pressed against the rear terminal.

The plastic block initially extended down to the base of the shell; this is a known as a "long" switchplate. Later switches had this plastic block reduced in height, leaving a gap between it and the bottom of the shell; this is termed a "short" switchplate. There has been speculation that reducing the length of the switchplate degrades the smoothness of the switch, but this seems unlikely. Short switchplates are supported by two small posts adjacent to the holes for the legs.

The colour of the switchplate has also changed twice. Early switches used the black switchplates from [[Alps SKCC series]] switches. The colour was soon changed to grey, with no other apparent change. Around 1987, the colour was changed again, to translucent white, which would be the final colour. The height was changed from long to short soon afterwards, around 1988.

In most switches, the switchplate is at the rear of the switch with respect to the orientation of the numbering and branding. [[Alps SKCM White]] was an exception, with certain production runs having the branding orientated "upside down", seemingly randomly between the different moulds in the tooling. Alps clone switches frequently placed the contacts at the front of the switch instead, and simplified Alps switches appear to have reversed the orientation initially.

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File:Black Alps CM lower shell and switchplate.jpg | Opened black Alps switch showing the shorter switchplate
File:Switchplate -- Alps, short and long.jpg       | Short and long white switchplates
File:Alps SKC -- short switchplate, rear.jpg       | Rear view of short switchplate rear view
File:Alps SKC -- long switchplate parts, top.jpg   | Fully disassembled long white switchplate
</gallery>
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